Almost 120 years on, Scottish Photographic Circle ethos remains the same

Morning Race, taken by James Hamilton, is one of the fantastic images from the Scottish Photographic Circle archives.

When they first met in 1907, the newly-formed Scottish Photographic Circle could barely have imagined the technological advances that would come.

From the bulky equipment and laborious developing processes of the early 20th century would emerge today’s digital world, where instantly shareable images are taken on cameras that easily slip into our pockets and go with us everywhere.

While the technology has changed, though, the ethos has remained the same for the Circle, which is still going strong to this day.

Grace L Allison used light and a prop to bring her picture to life. Here is her work Sir Compton In Profile.

Sharing the joys of photography is central to a new exhibition of the group’s work, which opened this weekend at the Auld Kirk Museum in Kirkintilloch.

“I’m a big believer that everybody’s entitled to take photographs,” said the group’s president Paul Millar.

“Get out there in the world, take as many as you can and make memories, whether it’s just for yourself or whether you try to achieve something.

“The Circle’s ethos is that: to share photography, to come together as artists and try and get the message out there.”

JW Combein named this picture Man With Violin.

Scottish Photographic Circle in focus

The Scottish Photographic Circle focuses heavily on quality images spanning genres from landscapes to sport that are eye-catching and inspiring when displayed in print form.

“A lot of that side of things is definitely lost because everything runs in the digital world nowadays,” Paul said. “A lot of kids are so fast at taking images, getting them online, getting them exposed through social media.

“Things like the Circle are still very important because we are massive believers in letting your photographs breathe.

“Our premise today is still the same as what it was almost 120 years ago. To produce photographs to high standards, have them printed and share them with the world.”

Paul, who specialises in landscape photography, is keen to keep the group’s rich history going.

The criteria set out over one hundred years ago was to limit its numbers to forty
members, who had sufficiently high quality work.

Over the years, its members have reached the very top level in national and international competitions, and have produced a range of stunning images.

“In the early days they considered themselves at the forefront of the photography scene in the world,” Paul said.

“From the archival photographs we can see quite a strong presence back then of high end photography.

“The older generation in the club have come through the film side of things and are still shooting it now.

“Looking back to working in the dark room back in 1907, we’ve progressed through to digital technology where people are using programmes like Lightroom and Photoshop.

“But similar techniques are involved, maybe enhancing images slightly, taking them to the next level, so it’s still got a link back.”

Dan Dunlop captured this shot of Eilean Donan Castle.

The next generation

Paul hopes to encourage the next generation of members to join camera clubs and aim to be part of the Circle.

“The membership has people from all walks of life,” he said.

“We’re trying to encourage younger people to come in as well and get into the Club world because I’d hate to see it fade away.

“It’s rich in history and I’m so enthusiastic about encouraging people to enjoy their photography.

“A lot of people get caught up nowadays in the money side, needing to buy the biggest and best camera they can.

“I run workshops and I explain to people not to go rushing out and buying big fancy cameras. Everybody carries their phone, that’s where you need to start out. Start learning and enjoy playing in the photography world and find what you like about it.”

J Stephens Orr took his art to a whole new level by taking a portrait of painter J Cunningham.

Paul, who has been president of the Circle for two years, calls photography an ‘amazing obsession’.

“My wife thinks I’m absolutely bonkers,” he laughed. “I used to come in on a Friday night after work, chuck my camera gear in the boot of the car and disappear up to Glencoe for the weekend, sleep in the back of the car, just to grab as many images as I could.

“My journey kept evolving over the years, but it’s a great pastime and I’ve met so many amazing people from all over the world.”

The Scottish Photographic Circle Exhibition is at the Auld Kirk Museum, Kirkintilloch, until February 15, open Tues-Sat. Visit scottishphotographiccircle.co.uk