The Club’s outing season got off to a colourful start on Sunday 9th May when a group of six members met at Dysart harbour, planning to visit both the harbour and photograph the bluebells at Ravenscraig Park. On our arrival at Dysart, the weather was not too promising, but before long the rain had cleared and we enjoyed sunshine for the remainder of the day. We set off as a group and climbed the steps to Ravenscraig, then went our separate ways to capture our different perspectives of nature’s beautiful display of bluebells. Some of us spent more time taking photos than others, however – did you ever find that lens cap Jean? After a couple of hours, it was back to the Harbourmaster’s House cafe for coffee and bacon rolls. One of the most beneficial parts of the outings often comes during the discussions over coffee about different ideas and techniques used during the visit, and Sunday was no exception, with everyone joining in with their ideas.
Now, we’re all looking forward to our next trip to the Isle of May on June 13th. It would be great if as many members as possible could attend as it promises to be a great day out. If you want to join in the fun – and maybe learn more about photography in the process -
Outing to Isle of May By Phil Cooke June 2010
Seven members of the KPS put on their best sea legs and came along to the outing
to Isle of May on Sunday. Contrary to weather reports, the rain stayed away, and
we had very good conditions for photography. The waters around Anstruther harbour
were perfectly serene when we were preparing to leave. As usual, appearances can
be deceptive, and the boat’s skipper informed us that we may not be able to disembark
at Isle of May because of the swell. We were up for the adventure, however, so we
joined over 100 other tourists -
Conditions were certainly different as we approached the island, but good seamanship fro the skipper meant we managed to land safely. When we were on dry land, we all felt much better, and went on to collect some very unique images. The photo opportunities were in abundance! There were a wide range of species of birds, and other wildlife, who were willing to pose for us. No doubt we’ll be seeing bird images in competitions over the coming months! The puffins especially (Isle of May has Britain’s largest colony of puffins with over 30,000 birds) gave us some wonderful and colourful displays.
When we left, the boat sailed around the island, enabling us to have an alternative view of the thousands of nesting birds on the cliffs. This also gave us an opportunity to get photos of the grey seals who had come along to see who was visiting their island. Thankfully, the trip back to Anstruther was much calmer. When we arrived back on terra firma, we were all more than ready for our fish supper at The Wee Chippie!
All in all, it was a great day out. Now we are all looking forward to the outing to Linlithgow Palace next month for their spectacular jousting event – and remember, everyone is welcome to attend.
Linlithgow Palace By Phil Cooke July 2010
Pageantry and parades were the order of the day when members of the Kirkcaldy Photographic Society travelled to Linlithgow Palace on Sunday for the annual Spectacular Jousting Extravaganza. Although the outing had had to be rearranged because of heavy rain the previous week, it was well worth the wait. On arrival at the Palace, members of the group had the opportunity to mingle with the hundreds of other visitors and capture images of jesters, jugglers and japery! It was obviously a brilliant opportunity for photographers as the amount and variety of cameras being used throughout the crowd was enormous – ranging from amateurs to professionals and press photographers.
The Club members all came together again for the arrival of the King and his Queen and to meet the Royal Household. The catering arrangements are very much a part of the Club’s outings, and this time around – instead of the usual coffee and bacon rolls – it was haggis burgers galore, and very tasty they were too. Throughout the rest of the afternoon, some very colourful images of knights on horseback were captured, as well as visits to various workshops – including the murder and mayhem in the School for Assassins! Apart from the entertainment provided, the natural beauty of Linlithgow Palace presented some wonderful photo opportunities, including the surrounding landscape and the boats, windsurfers and swans on the loch.
Each locality presents its own challenges, and this week it was very strong winds which gave the photographers the chance to pit their wits against nature to capture great images. At the end of the day, everyone present agreed it had been well worth the trip, and are now looking forward to the trip to Elie on Sunday 25th July.
KPS Outing to Elie By Phil Cooke July 2010
The KPS Open Day trip to Elie saw a group of eight Club members joined by three prospective members on Sunday. At Elie, the weather was overcast initially, giving some very good opportunities for atmospheric shots of the Lady’s Tower sitting atop its rocky outcrop.
Although the Club members were interested in the surrounding scenery, they were also
the focus of interest for the porpoises in the Forth estuary, when they appeared
amongst the waves to see what was going on. Lunch this week was in the Clubhouse
at Elie golf club, and gave the members the chance to get to know the visitors who
had come along. In the afternoon, the weather was much improved, and everyone walked
along the beach, capturing images of the flotsam and jetsam of beach life. There
were many wonderful photo opportunities along the Elie coastline including the colourful
beach-
At the end of a very enjoyable day, everyone made their way home to have a better look at the images they had managed to acquire. They all agreed it was great to be joined by fellow photography enthusiasts who – hopefully – will join in and contribute to Club life over the coming year. Now, we are all looking forward to next week’s outing – the Treasure Hunt in Edinburgh.