With this year’s Winchester Photographic Society (WPS) annual show up and running at The Arc, Winchester, we would like to introduce a person usually found behind a camera, who is also behind the organisation of the exhibition this year: WPS exhibition coordinator, Trevor Morecraft. In this article, Trevor tells us about himself, the club and the show this year.
What led you to first pick up a camera?
I followed my father into photography when he bought me my first camera when I was about 14 years old. This was in the film days, of course. As a teenager, I used to process my own colour slide film and my own prints in a darkroom (a cupboard under the stairs). I continued to take pictures throughout my life, with my first digital camera coming along in 1995. I never really stopped taking pictures. Although, I did have a brief foray into video when the children were small. I still own many of my historic cameras.
A selection of different photographs taken by Trevor
How long have you been a member of Winchester Photographic Society?
I first joined in 2015, almost ten years ago. WPS was the first camera club I had ever joined. I had never entered any competitions or even made large prints from my pictures. I thoroughly enjoyed WPS from day one, after nervously realising I did know a little. I entered the internal competitions and soon progressed to an advanced member. I was on the organisational committee for a few years before becoming President in 2020. WPS is great and I thoroughly recommend joining to any keen photographer.
What are the highlights of the show this year?
The highlight for me is the sheer quality of the work our members produce. There is a real variety of images and there are some spectacular prints on display. For me, though, my favourite section is always the Monochrome. There is something very haunting about a good mono print.
I won’t say my favourite print overall; that might influence the public vote.
Why should people look to join Winchester Photographic Society in its centenary year?
WPS is one of the largest and most vibrant camera clubs in the country. We have approaching 160 members and are welcoming to all ages and abilities. We have a Beginners Group and an Advanced Group and run practical workshops and training. During our centenary year, we have had many superb speakers sharing their photography stories, including wildlife with Doug Allen, event photography with Scarlet Page and Times sports photographer Mark Aspland. The quality of our speakers will continue through this and next season.
WPS really does have something for everyone.
The 2024 Winchester Photographic Society exhibition runs until the 9th of June at City Space in The Arc. Prints are available for purchase.
Find out more here.
