The Norton Radstock Photographic Society had the privilege of welcoming retired solicitor and an acclaimed local photographer who shared his journey through the world of photography with members of the club.

Members were privileged to welcome retired solicitor and acclaimed local photographer, Gregg Lovett, to the hall.

Since retirement, photography has taken up most of Gregg’s time, and he generously shared with us his developmental journey from the RPS Licentiate to the Associate award, by way of fun-filled indecision and experimentation.

Gregg usefully described the requirements for the initial LRPS portfolio, showing us his original ideas for the panel of ten images, and described how he had managed to meet the published criteria, as well as giving us sight of his final panel.

Selecting a genre for his associate award was more problematic, but no less entertaining. Limited by the Covid epidemic, Gregg at first experimented with self-portraiture- which when coupled with a range of costume poses, and processed in Rembrandt style, raised his images to artistic heights far above a selfie.

Post Covid he was able to take his camera wider afield, and he persevered daily to improve as a photographer, believing that “if you play with the camera it will reward you.”

Gregg explored landscape photography, both urban and rural, believing strongly that success depends upon the ability to find the right location, to see what is there and to make the most of it. He did this with great success, but explained in depth how landscape was not to be the genre of choice for the ARPS panel.

Gregg is neither an early riser, nor a fan of overly popular picturesque destinations that give him little opportunity to produce unique images. However, in adverse weather conditions, usually during unsociable hours, he became acutely aware that photographically “light is everything”.

Finally, realising he had an interest in natural history, he made the subject of his ARPS the birdlife of the Avalon Marshes. His images are stunning ,and whilst he puts his success down in part to “being lucky”, there is no doubt that the more he practises the luckier he gets. This was certainly one of the best presentations of the current season, and Gregg was warmly thanked by all

Jenny Short

To find out more about the Norton Radstock Photographic Society visit: https://www.nrps.org.uk/