The meeting last week of Tenby and District Camera Club, at St. Florence Village Hall, was a mini competition on still life, followed by a talk by one of the club's members, Mike Cullis.

The meeting began with the chairman, Roy Packer, congratulating several members, who have achieved various awards in international competitions.

Gill Mackay and Andrew Baxter had both been awarded gold medals, in the Portrait 2012 International Saloon, and Andrew had also been awarded a bronze medal. Sue McKehon has also been awarded two certificates, in the Southampton (HMs) with 'Destination Unknown' and 'Dust Bowl', both cricket shots - Susan's first award!

The mini competition on the subject of still life attracted a good number of entries. Members viewed and voted on the entries, and then the winners were announced: 1. Wax Crayons by Mike Rowe; 2. Perfect Pair by Sue McKehon; 3. Still Life 2 by Doug Williams; 4. Grandma's Knitting by Roy Peters; 5. Skulls by Roy Peters.

This was followed by Mike Cullis, who talked about his 'First steps in nature photography'. Mike is a member of the club, who is passionate about his photography, but until recently, he had photographed general subjects. However, he has recently retired and decided to try his hand at nature photography.

He showed his enthralled audience a series of presentations he had prepared, beginning with his visits to the barn owl centre in Gloucester and to the Bass Rock to photograph gannets.

He then moved on to show his stunning images of his Kenyan safari and the birds of Kenya. His pictures showed not only the beautiful side of the Masai Mara, but the reality of nature, with vultures feeding on a dead hippopotamus. He had some wonderful images of all the rich variety of the birds of Kenya, the magnificent flamingos, and the ugly Maribou Stork, one of their predators, with a face that even a mother would find difficult to love.

He also showed his fascinating image of the crowned cranes mating dance which has already done well in competition in the club.

Everyone enjoyed his presentation and Roy Packer thanked him for all the time and effort put into the preparation.

The next meeting will be the annual general meeting.