Photography – Leyland u3a

Coordinators

Ian Smith – email by clicking the name

Dave Hambley – email by clicking the name

Venue

The photographic group meets on the 3^rd Monday of each month, 9.30am – 11.30am. In addition, there will be photographic field trips. All abilities are welcome.

We meet at: The Community Room, Morrisons Supermarket, Olympian Way, Leyland, PR25 3UR

Background

Members are keen to develop their skills and techniques through sharing experience and knowledge. The object of the group is personal development and providing confidence with their camera equipment. The group has no desire to be competitive, it is more about the organic development of the individual.

So far the group has demonstrated a very enthusiastic approach to the activities. This included shooting images on small projects. A major part of personal development is understanding what you have created, and how you have done it, so review and group critiques form part of the learning process. Within the group there is a diverse and experienced range of knowledge of the photographic world so we can all learn off each other. So far this is proving just so.

Subjects that are on the horizon include macro photography, studio work, portraiture etc. Remember that photography is not just about the camera.

Photographic Group Activities: January 2026 – Ian Smith

Group Growth and New Beginnings

2026 commenced with our inaugural meeting of the year, held on 19th January. During this session, we reflected on the remarkable progress made since the group’s inception three years ago. From humble beginnings with just three founding members, the group has flourished and now boasts a full team of thirteen photographers. Our monthly gatherings take place at Morrisons in Leyland, providing a consistent venue for collaboration and growth.

Monthly Challenges and Skill Development

To encourage the development and practice of photographic skills, I set a monthly challenge for the group. These tasks are designed to help members explore the various features of their cameras and expand their creative abilities. This month’s challenge focused on capturing images in alternative lighting conditions, pushing everyone to experiment beyond their comfort zones. The results of this exercise will be featured in the next Leyland u3a gazette write-up.

Leadership and Opportunities

As group leader, I strive to create opportunities, experiences, and educational activities that may not be readily available to individuals. Through organised events such as portrait sessions, exhibition creation and setup, and architectural photography research, members are able to practise and refine their skills in diverse environments.

January’s Main Event: Chorley Football Club Photoshoot

Our primary photographic project for January was an afternoon photoshoot at Chorley Football Club, Victory Park, Chorley, held on Saturday, 31st January. The match featured Peterborough Sports, who secured a 1-0 victory. Attending members included Joan Gauld, Peter Madeley, Dave Hambley, David Holmes, Jen Rickards, and myself.

Community Collaboration

We would like to extend our gratitude to Chorley FC Community Foundation, with special thanks to Paul Clarkson for facilitating our access to the venue.

About Chorley FC

Chorley FC attracts average crowds of 1,200 spectators at home games and competes in the National League North.

Photographic Brief and Results

The objective for the day was to take a photo-story entitled ‘A Day at the Game’. Below is a selection of images captured around the ground, highlighting the experience and atmosphere of the event.

Photographer: Peter Madeley
Photographer: David Holmes
Photographer: Peter Madeley
Photographer: Ian Smith
Photographer: Peter Madeley
Photographer: Ian Smith
Photographer: Jen Rickards
Photographer Ian Smith
3Photographer: Joan Gauld
Photographer: Ian Smith
Photographer: Peter Madeley

Mayor’s visit to Perspective on the Past exhibition

Ian Smith reported that Monday 9th December 2024, our Exhibition was visited by the Mayor & Mayoress of South Ribble. Andrew McLean, group member, captured the event. Both visitors were impressed by the quality of the work on show. The group members had long conversations with the visitors to explain how the work was created. Some very positive remarks were entered into the visitors book before they left. We were very fortunate that they could spare longer than expected and enjoyed light refreshments. The Mayoress chose her favourite photograph the Arch, (folly) in Worden Park. She has good taste.

Mayor & Consort dicussing our exhibition Photographer: Andrew McLean
The Mayor enjoying a break with Ian Smith Photographer: Andrew McLean
Mayor absorbing items on display Photographer: Andrew McLean
The Mayor’s Consort in discussion with Ann Smith Photographer: Andrew McLean

Perspective on the Past

A fascinating photographic exhibition highlighting Leyland’s rich cultural heritage was on show in November and December 2024 at The Atrium, Worden Hall. “Perspectives on the Past” staged by the Leyland u3A Photography Group displayed images of buildings and landmarks across the town with a brief comment on their history. Members have been selecting a subject, researching its history and honing their photography skills in order to capture the images now on display. The results of their efforts are truly spectacular with beautiful images inviting viewers to discover the stories of Leyland’s protected landmarks.These are those images.