Dec 16 2007
Aims to support and encourage everyone involved in digital imaging and photography whether practiced as a creative, leisure or professional activity…
The IWDIG meets every Wednesday 7:30 - 9:30 pm at Dimbola Lodge, Terrace Lane, Freshwater Bay, Isle of Wight, PO40 9QE. For further information please contact us through this website..
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Aug 03 2008
No TOP HAT but plenty of TALES…
was the order of the day or should we say evenings as over the last few weeks IWDIG photographers have been shooting publicity images for the Arabian Wights Belly Dancers with Ballroom dancing partners Anna-Louise and Richard.
A very interesting if not intuitive time was had by all photographers who took the opportunity to take part in these recent photo shoots many having not experienced this style of photography previously.
The brief was simple images of the performers for their websites and promotional material. This was the first time the IWDIG has been commissioned for a photo shoot of this nature and as such the locations 
choosen for each shoot had to be empathic with Belly Dancing and Ballroom.
Down on the beach at Freshwater Bay proved a great location for the Arabian Wights Belly Dancers and luckily the weather held out. This shoot attracted a lot of spectactors, enjoying the summer evening in the bay, tested the photographer’s skills in posing large groups and dealing with the very bright sunset that evening. Many of the photographers overcame the problem by the clever use of the steps, others aware of the difficulties in photographing the many changing faces decided to compose shots without revealing any identity but artistically developed images which portrayed the subject very well.
Was it the photographers or the scantily clad females that attracted the onlookers that evening, who knows?
Changing the location, but not the brief, the IWDIG photographers next turned their attention toward Anna-Louise and Richard. Landguard Manor was chosen for these two shoots as it provided a stylish setting, both inside and out, that perfectly matched and enhanced the costumes and style of Ballroom. The IWDIG would like to give a special thanks to Landguard Manor for their hospitality.
Once again most of the photographers were new to this type of challenge capturing the movement and feel of the dancers. This task was made much easier by the professionalism of Anna-Louise and Richard. A variety of stunning dresses in fabulous colours contasting with the dark suit and white bowtie, the ballroom poses and movements and the location made for two very enjoyable photoshoots.
The photographers also were asked to look for a ‘different angle’: shooting high and low; using strobe flash; big close-ups and soft focus with limited DOF on some of these images, something out of the ordinary and we believe that they have achieved it, still judge for yourself when you take a look.
Thanks to the photographers who took part, all of the dancers and a special message from the ‘Lady in Red’:
Thanks for Tuesday, it was brilliant again!
Love the pics. The red ones especially.
Please send our thanks on to everyone.
Kind Regards Anna
You may view the photographs from these shoots in the IWDIG PORTFOLIOS. We hope you enjoy them.
© IWDIG 2008
Jul 31 2008
The IWDIG is very pleased to have recently received the following email from one of our female members and felt that we should share it with our photographers and prospective new photographers:
What do you think is the best way to learn about digital photography? from a book, DVD? from a class? or trial and error? I found it was to surround myself with people who know more about the subject than I do. The IWDIG for me is the perfect place to gain more knowledge about digital photography or even photography in general. It’s just so relaxing taking myself off to Dimbola Lodge in Freshwater on a Wednesday evening especially now the summer is here.
A friend kept telling me about the group he belonged to and I finally attended a meeting. I only wish now I had been quicker on the invitation. What I found was a great group of people, all willing to share their knowledge whether it be on photography or not. They are an eclectic bunch, nature, landscape, portrait, macro and newbies looking to glean as much information as they can. All in all there are lots of people to teach me new things and a few photographers, that even I a mere female, could help as well.
Although some Photography Groups/Clubs on the Island operate differently, the unique benefits I’ve discovered about the IWDIG has been its ethos and since its inception in 2004 the Monthly Tasks. These photography tasks are ingenius, digitally projected and much better than monthly knockout competitions. Thus saving the environment in not having to roll out prints, creating new photographs and not relying on your images from days gone by. These tasks have an overall theme, or subject, that challenges you to photograph things that you perhaps never would. Through the critiques you’ll be inspired by others to hone your skills and improve your photography.
Don’t be afraid that you won’t fit in, you will. Talk with like minded photographers from newbie to pro and all with varying shooting styles. You’ll be able to learn new techniques and methods from people in the know. Whether by the group tutor or by group members, you can learn about the latest software, how to use your camera, studio lighting and much much more. The cost, well none initially the first visit is free! To become a member it’s £5 per annum and £2.50 per attendance. Which I consider very reasonable considering the venue is Dimbola Lodge (former home of Julia Margaret Cameron) and intermission refreshments are provided. Thanks guys I look forward to the next meeting.
Thank you so much for your comments, we look forward to seeing you again too!
© IWDIG 2008
May 02 2008
Thanks again to Eric for the Pinhole introduction and for supplying us all with the proofs of our efforts. You may read the full story below…
Apr 27 2008
Pinhole expert Eric Mitchell celebrated Worldwide Pinhole Photography Day by running a special introductory course at Dimbola Lodge today 27th April 2008. Several of the IWDIG photographers put down their DSLRs for the day and joined the others for this very interesting and informative look back in time to the origins of photography.
Eric got creative with Pinhole Photography and was more than able to help anyone that shared his interest to experiment with cake tins, baked bean cans and his own preferred medium beer cans. He also allowed the group to try out the latest in pinhole cameras specially imported from Japan and although a simple medium these cameras are quite sophisticated and create stunning images.
Eric had a lot of interest this year’s course and some of the images will be scanned and placed on the Worldwide Pinhole Photography Day Website. www.pinholeday.org
The cost of joining Eric today was a mere £1 to cover materials, not as expensive as one might think for a once a year event and well recommended by everyone who attended. Eric is really pleased that there has been a renewed interest in the subject, but slightly disappointed that there seems to be so few enthusiasts willing to contribute to Worldwide Pinhole Day from the Isle of Wight.
To find out more about this fascinating area of photography check out the links below.
www.photo.net/learn/pinhole/pinhole
Thank you Eric a great time was had by all.