The outstanding award-winning success of our county’s photographers at the North and East Midlands Photographic Federation Digital and Print Exhibition

Great British Life: For Those in Peril by Tony Ng, Rolls-Royce (Derby) PS Best Digital Colour. There is a Sunday morning club at Alvaston Park where enthusiasts show off their models on the lake. The craft in my picture is a replica of one of those boats. The rest of the composite is made up of various images picked up on my travel: a choppy sea shot on a dull and windy day at Torquay; the lighthouse from a visit to the Farne Islands; and clouds taken from a Derbyshire sky. There were umpteen Photoshop layers and masks with lots of minor tweaks. It took a number of hours and re-visits to get to this result.For Those in Peril by Tony Ng, Rolls-Royce (Derby) PS Best Digital Colour. There is a Sunday morning club at Alvaston Park where enthusiasts show off their models on the lake. The craft in my picture is a replica of one of those boats. The rest of the composite is made up of various images picked up on my travel: a choppy sea shot on a dull and windy day at Torquay; the lighthouse from a visit to the Farne Islands; and clouds taken from a Derbyshire sky. There were umpteen Photoshop layers and masks with lots of minor tweaks. It took a number of hours and re-visits to get to this result. (Image: various photographers)

The 2015 N&EMPF (North & East Midlands Photographic Federation) Digital and Print Exhibition, which showcases the very best of the regional camera club world, has yet again been a triumph for Derbyshire-based clubs, notably Rolls-Royce (Derby) Photographic Society and Derby City Photographic Club.

Furthermore, Derby City has recently achieved international success in a competition involving camera clubs from around the world.

Although there are only 17 Derbyshire clubs affiliated to N&EMPF, they won 25 of the 76 awards. Eighteen of those awards were won by Rolls-Royce (Derby), a remarkable achievement for a club of just over 40 members. The club also won eight of the major awards including, notably, the main individual award – the Henson Shield – which went to Jamie MacArthur as the photographer with the best aggregate score in the digital exhibition. Jamie also won four other awards including Best Nature Print and two Selector’s Choices.

Jamie, who works as a civil engineer for Derby City Council, has had a life-long interest in photography. Ten years ago he re-mortgaged his house and decided to invest in digital equipment, since when he has won numerous national and regional awards, especially in the field of nature. In the last five years, he has photographed 900 species.

‘You need so many attributes to take award-winning nature images,’ says Jamie. ‘You must know your equipment as well as your “field craft” – involving the use of hides, camouflage, long lenses and shutter release cables – and equally you need to know your subject and how it reacts to your presence in the environment. You also need dedication, perseverance and patience plus a bit of madness and a slice of luck.’ ‘My aim,’ continues Jamie, ‘is to help bring the beauty of our natural world to the attention of future generations.’

Three award-winning images from Derby City Photographic Club members were also part of the club’s entry in the FIAP (Fédération Internationale de l’Art Photographique) World Cup. Out of 167 camera clubs from all over the globe, Derby came third, equalling Rolls-Royce’s success in last year’s World Cup.

‘This is a magnificent and well-deserved success for our club,’ declares Derby City’s Chairman David White. ‘It is the first time we have entered this competition and the result demonstrates the depth of our photographic talent.’

Although Rolls-Royce and Derby City dominated the awards for Derbyshire clubs, there were two significant other main prizes for county-based clubs: the Best Digital Mono award went to Reg Bramley of Ilkeston Photo 2000 Club; and David Cudworth of Clay Cross Photographic Society received a Selector’s Choice award.

Great British Life: The Old Station Master by Jamie MacArthur, Rolls-Royce (Derby) PS Selectors Choice Digital Black & White. I saw this Chap at Butterley Station. I thought he had a fantastic face and instantly wanted to photograph him. I took his details and said Id be in touch. I bought a Lantern from eBay and met up with him two weeks later. The shot was taken only using the light from the lantern in a tool shed.The Old Station Master by Jamie MacArthur, Rolls-Royce (Derby) PS Selectors Choice Digital Black & White. I saw this Chap at Butterley Station. I thought he had a fantastic face and instantly wanted to photograph him. I took his details and said Id be in touch. I bought a Lantern from eBay and met up with him two weeks later. The shot was taken only using the light from the lantern in a tool shed. (Image: various photographers)

Great British Life: Common Kingfisher by Jamie MacArthur, Rolls-Royce (Derby) PS Selectors Choice Nature Print. I spent 5 days in a little hide to get this shot. Many hours of pre-planning, patience and calculations went into it - as well as a bit of luck.Common Kingfisher by Jamie MacArthur, Rolls-Royce (Derby) PS Selectors Choice Nature Print. I spent 5 days in a little hide to get this shot. Many hours of pre-planning, patience and calculations went into it - as well as a bit of luck. (Image: various photographers)

Great British Life: Nail Man by Reg Bramley, Ilkeston Photo 2000 Best Digital Mono. I had already sketched on paper a chilling image of a hand holding up a skull and then, while at the Whitby Goth Festival, I saw this guy who had made himself up as Pinhead, a nightmare figure from the horror film Hellraiser. So, I used his head instead. The swirling water comes from throwing a brick into the water and my wife will not forgive me when I tell you that the arm is hers!Nail Man by Reg Bramley, Ilkeston Photo 2000 Best Digital Mono. I had already sketched on paper a chilling image of a hand holding up a skull and then, while at the Whitby Goth Festival, I saw this guy who had made himself up as Pinhead, a nightmare figure from the horror film Hellraiser. So, I used his head instead. The swirling water comes from throwing a brick into the water and my wife will not forgive me when I tell you that the arm is hers! (Image: various photographers)

Great British Life: Andromeda by Gary Langley, Rolls-Royce (Derby) PS Selectors Choice Digital Nature. I took this at a punk festival and added white layers and texture layers to soften the image, though I left her beautiful eyes as they were.Andromeda by Gary Langley, Rolls-Royce (Derby) PS Selectors Choice Digital Nature. I took this at a punk festival and added white layers and texture layers to soften the image, though I left her beautiful eyes as they were. (Image: various photographers)

Great British Life: Araneus Diadematus (Garden Spider) by Dave Barraclough, Rolls-Royce (Derby) Selectors Choice Digital Nature. This spider had been on the outside of my conservatory window for a few days and one afternoon the sun came out and lit her up. To get the sharpest picture possible, I tried a technique known as focus stacking which involved shooting five images at different focussing points and blending all five images in Photoshop.Araneus Diadematus (Garden Spider) by Dave Barraclough, Rolls-Royce (Derby) Selectors Choice Digital Nature. This spider had been on the outside of my conservatory window for a few days and one afternoon the sun came out and lit her up. To get the sharpest picture possible, I tried a technique known as focus stacking which involved shooting five images at different focussing points and blending all five images in Photoshop. (Image: various photographers)

Great British Life: Spotted Flycatcher by Jamie MacArthur, Rolls-Royce (Derby) PS Best Nature Print. I was on the Greek island of Lesvos when a large flock of these birds were flying through. By a wonderful stroke of luck, this one landed on the dead foliage and I had my camera ready.Spotted Flycatcher by Jamie MacArthur, Rolls-Royce (Derby) PS Best Nature Print. I was on the Greek island of Lesvos when a large flock of these birds were flying through. By a wonderful stroke of luck, this one landed on the dead foliage and I had my camera ready. (Image: various photographers)

Great British Life: Golden Girl Jessica by David White, Derby City PC Highly Commended, Digital Colour. This image was also part of Derby Citys World Cup entry. Jessica Ennis was competing at Loughborough University and although I was about 50 yards away in a crowded public area, I used my 300mm lens and managed a clean shot through the mayhem.Golden Girl Jessica by David White, Derby City PC Highly Commended, Digital Colour. This image was also part of Derby Citys World Cup entry. Jessica Ennis was competing at Loughborough University and although I was about 50 yards away in a crowded public area, I used my 300mm lens and managed a clean shot through the mayhem. (Image: various photographers)

Great British Life: (1 of 4) On The Footplate by Brian Stephenson, Rolls-Royce (Derby) Best Individual Print Panel. All four photos were taken at the Great Central Railway. Its always good to have a panel in mind and then go and shoot the pictures. I already had lots of photos of the drivers but its quite another thing making up a panel of complementary images. As it was, I found I had three that worked so it was just a matter of returning to the railway to get that fourth and balance the panel perfectly.(1 of 4) On The Footplate by Brian Stephenson, Rolls-Royce (Derby) Best Individual Print Panel. All four photos were taken at the Great Central Railway. Its always good to have a panel in mind and then go and shoot the pictures. I already had lots of photos of the drivers but its quite another thing making up a panel of complementary images. As it was, I found I had three that worked so it was just a matter of returning to the railway to get that fourth and balance the panel perfectly. (Image: various photographers)

Great British Life: (2 of 4) On The Footplate by Brian Stephenson, Rolls-Royce (Derby) Best Individual Print Panel. All four photos were taken at the Great Central Railway. Its always good to have a panel in mind and then go and shoot the pictures. I already had lots of photos of the drivers but its quite another thing making up a panel of complementary images. As it was, I found I had three that worked so it was just a matter of returning to the railway to get that fourth and balance the panel perfectly.(2 of 4) On The Footplate by Brian Stephenson, Rolls-Royce (Derby) Best Individual Print Panel. All four photos were taken at the Great Central Railway. Its always good to have a panel in mind and then go and shoot the pictures. I already had lots of photos of the drivers but its quite another thing making up a panel of complementary images. As it was, I found I had three that worked so it was just a matter of returning to the railway to get that fourth and balance the panel perfectly. (Image: various photographers)

Great British Life: (3 of 4) On The Footplate by Brian Stephenson, Rolls-Royce (Derby) Best Individual Print Panel. All four photos were taken at the Great Central Railway. Its always good to have a panel in mind and then go and shoot the pictures. I already had lots of photos of the drivers but its quite another thing making up a panel of complementary images. As it was, I found I had three that worked so it was just a matter of returning to the railway to get that fourth and balance the panel perfectly.(3 of 4) On The Footplate by Brian Stephenson, Rolls-Royce (Derby) Best Individual Print Panel. All four photos were taken at the Great Central Railway. Its always good to have a panel in mind and then go and shoot the pictures. I already had lots of photos of the drivers but its quite another thing making up a panel of complementary images. As it was, I found I had three that worked so it was just a matter of returning to the railway to get that fourth and balance the panel perfectly. (Image: various photographers)

Great British Life: (4 of 4) On The Footplate by Brian Stephenson, Rolls-Royce (Derby) Best Individual Print Panel. All four photos were taken at the Great Central Railway. Its always good to have a panel in mind and then go and shoot the pictures. I already had lots of photos of the drivers but its quite another thing making up a panel of complementary images. As it was, I found I had three that worked so it was just a matter of returning to the railway to get that fourth and balance the panel perfectly.(4 of 4) On The Footplate by Brian Stephenson, Rolls-Royce (Derby) Best Individual Print Panel. All four photos were taken at the Great Central Railway. Its always good to have a panel in mind and then go and shoot the pictures. I already had lots of photos of the drivers but its quite another thing making up a panel of complementary images. As it was, I found I had three that worked so it was just a matter of returning to the railway to get that fourth and balance the panel perfectly. (Image: various photographers)

Great British Life: Peak Winter by Neil Humphries, Rolls-Royce (Derby) PS Selectors Choice Mono Print. This picture was taken when there was just enough snow to transform the landscape but not enough to get my car stuck! It was ok as a colour image but I decided to try a conversion to high key monochrome and fade it out to white towards the edges. I tweaked a few other elements to improve the overall look. For instance, I removed an old rooks nest from one of the main trees as it looked a bit untidy. No rooks were made homeless thanks to Photoshop!Peak Winter by Neil Humphries, Rolls-Royce (Derby) PS Selectors Choice Mono Print. This picture was taken when there was just enough snow to transform the landscape but not enough to get my car stuck! It was ok as a colour image but I decided to try a conversion to high key monochrome and fade it out to white towards the edges. I tweaked a few other elements to improve the overall look. For instance, I removed an old rooks nest from one of the main trees as it looked a bit untidy. No rooks were made homeless thanks to Photoshop! (Image: various photographers)

Great British Life: Puss Moth Caterpillar by Martin Vaughan, Derby City PC Selectors Choice Nature Print. One early, dewy morning, I noticed this weirdest of caterpillars and found that as I went closer to it, it reared up the front of its body and protruded the bright pink antennae from its rear. It had obviously just eaten the part of the leaf below it, so the photo tells a story - the caterpillar and its food.Puss Moth Caterpillar by Martin Vaughan, Derby City PC Selectors Choice Nature Print. One early, dewy morning, I noticed this weirdest of caterpillars and found that as I went closer to it, it reared up the front of its body and protruded the bright pink antennae from its rear. It had obviously just eaten the part of the leaf below it, so the photo tells a story - the caterpillar and its food. (Image: various photographers)

Great British Life: Wayward by Ian Mountford, Derby City PC Certificate of Merit Mono Print. This image was also part of Derby Citys World Cup entry and was also Commended in the Take A View Landscape Photographer of the Year 2014 competition. I timed my journey to arrive for high tide at St Monans. This is not a safe place to photograph as you have to climb steep steps onto the harbour wall and set up your tripod with quite a drop below you. Also, strong winds and spray always make it hard work but I was rewarded with a brief patch of glorious sunlight shimmering off the breakwater.Wayward by Ian Mountford, Derby City PC Certificate of Merit Mono Print. This image was also part of Derby Citys World Cup entry and was also Commended in the Take A View Landscape Photographer of the Year 2014 competition. I timed my journey to arrive for high tide at St Monans. This is not a safe place to photograph as you have to climb steep steps onto the harbour wall and set up your tripod with quite a drop below you. Also, strong winds and spray always make it hard work but I was rewarded with a brief patch of glorious sunlight shimmering off the breakwater. (Image: various photographers)

Great British Life: Gull Attack by Jeffrey Hoffman, Derby City PC Selectors Choice Digital Nature. This image was also part of Derby Citys World Cup entry. This is a spot on the Farne Islands that I always go to because its where you can see gulls coming in to try and steal sand eels caught by the puffins. What I love about this particular image is that you have one puffin running away but another standing its ground. I nearly called this image Brave Little Puffin!Gull Attack by Jeffrey Hoffman, Derby City PC Selectors Choice Digital Nature. This image was also part of Derby Citys World Cup entry. This is a spot on the Farne Islands that I always go to because its where you can see gulls coming in to try and steal sand eels caught by the puffins. What I love about this particular image is that you have one puffin running away but another standing its ground. I nearly called this image Brave Little Puffin! (Image: various photographers)