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If
you can't beat them, join them. So this year (1988) I did
just that. I belong to one of the larger branches of the BSAC.
It boasts its own club house with bar and a swimming pool
as well as two new inflatables. The only problem Is a membership
of over 150. So how was I going to be able to do some serious
underwater photography? Simple! I started my own photographic
group. The aim was to provide photographic help at any level
to the members, At the first meeting about half a dozen members
attended with cameras ranging from Sea and Sea Motormarines
to a variety of Nikonos cameras and a Pentax in a housing.
Each meeting started with a talk on a basic subject similar
to those given at BSoUP monthly meetings. Then we would discuss
specific problems and review each others work. There have
been six meetings over the year with various club members
attending to find out about underwater photography and how
to use their cameras. We are now recognised as a group! Even
the Club Committee have endorsed our activities.
The
main aim of the group, however, was not to talk about photography
but to go diving to take underwater photographs. This we have
managed to do, our first trip away being at Easter based in
a caravan at Beesands, 100 metres from the sea. The only problem
with this was the easterly wind which ruled out launching
from the beach. One of the great joys we soon found out about
diving together was that there were no arguments about where
to dive, since the water conditions dictated the type of photographic
dive we could do. Being self catering enabled us to process
on site, which improved our results as we quickly learnt from
our own and each others mistakes.
Since
Easter the members of the group have been able to dive with
fellow photographers on most occasions. With day and weekend
trips to the south coast and a longer trip to the Farne Islands
and St. Abbs, this year has certainly been one of 'Club diving'
but with a great difference.
If
anyone is interested in starting their own branch group or
would like to know more about the St. Albans group, they can
contact me at home on Tel. 0727 32895. |
