In the absence of the chairman, the vice-chairman Paul Richards welcomed everyone to the last club competition of the year, the subject being landscapes/seascapes.

Paul introduced the judge for the evening, Mr. Robert Mitchell, who is a member of the Swansea Camera Club, but also runs his own photographic business and is the photographer for Swansea Metropolition College.

During his introduction, he pointed out that landscape is one of the most enduring forms of photography and is also one of the most popular, and landscapes do not always work out the way we want them. Sometimes nature lets us down with bland sky, a cloudy day, or a subject that simply refuses to allow us to get into the position for the perfect framing.

Robert went on to say that the quality of entries presented were of the highest quality and judging was both difficult and of great pleasure.

Before showing the members the points and digital images, Robert gave a short background to how he started photography, a Kodak 126 given to him by his mother until earning his first wages when he bought a Zenith 'E' camera; and now his business, teaching and judging he is giving back what he has had from photography.

He also gave tips to the photographer, explaining various types of landscapes that we are an images rich society, that we must tune into the surroundings before shooting, invite the viewer to enter the photograph.

The print entries varied in titling and composition from Llanberis Railway, Amroth Beach, the Hubbard Glacier to Paradise Island.

Robert gave an interesting and positive critique on each of the prints entered, finally giving joint third to the 'Green Bridge' - Dylan Harries and 'Soft Caress' - Paul Richards, second place 'Amroth Grime' - Paul Dowson and first place 'Broad Haven Dawn' - Paul Richards.

The digital images were then displayed with once again a wide range of subject matter, Brass Rock, Freshwater West, Cloud Shadows on Sea, Cardigan Bridge, Corfe Castle and the eventual winner 'A Place of Refuge' - Susan McKehon. Paul was then asked to select an overall winner which was Susan McKehon's image 'A Place of Refuge'.

Finally, Jill Baxter, the external competitions secretary, told club members of the success at the Welsh Salon held in Swansea. Best Creative print - Jill Baxter, Highly commended - Mike Cullis, Paul Richards, Royston Packer, Selectors Choice - Paul Richards, with the club winning the print and digital panel trophies and the Walter Morgan Panel Trophy.

The meeting on April 19 is Photoshop tutorial by David Rowley.