About Us
Orpington Photographic Society (OPS) focuses on the enjoyment of photography and improving members knowledge via lectures, demonstrations and competitions, as it has done since it began in 1948. We embrace new developments in photographic styles and technology, while respecting those who appreciate traditional techniques. You would find the Society a friendly place where new members can develop their photographic interests through a variety of weekly activities described in our Programme. We encourage new members to participate in all aspects of the club's activities, including competitions and events throughout the year.
Weekly Meetings
Meetings are held on Tuesday evenings at 7.30pm for an 8pm start, finishing by 10.00pm between September and April. The Tuesday meetings cover internal competitions, set subjects of interest, tuition on photographic matters and member social evenings.
Internal Competitions
The club has competitions in four categories: colour prints, mono (black and white) prints, Projected Digital Images (PDI) and set subject challenges. Images are commented upon by judges from other photographic organisations and trophies and certificates are awarded at the end of each season for the winners of the competitions. All categories are open competitions where images are judged on their merits and not purely on experience of the photographer.
Friendly inter-club competitions
Throughout the season we run a couple of friendly inter-club competitions. Whilst there are no trophies of certificates, they are a great opportunity to meet other photographers and to see their work. We alternate between home and away events. On away nights, there are normally a number of members who travel so you may be able to get a lift if you ask.
Members Evenings
These are more social evenings and provide the opportunity for members to get together, have a cup of tea or coffee and discuss various topics.
Previous events have included:
- Basic photo editing techniques
- Discussion of ongoing photographic projects where we talk and discuss in a friendly manner your project(s).
- Summer challenge photos
- Camera workshops where we shoot photos in our regular meeting place.
Tuition
Guest speakers from other clubs or photographic associations are invited periodically to make presentations on specialist topics and areas of interest to the members. Members that have their own specialisms, such as in photographic processing software, may also make presentations at the weekly meetings.
Exhibitions
Currently a selection of our print exhibition images are on permanent display at the Orpington Village Hall which we would encourage you all to go and see.
Outings and Social Events
The Society arranges social events and outings throughout the year to places of photographic interest. There is also an Annual Dinner at which the club competition trophies are awarded.
External Competitions
The Society is a member of the Federation of South London Photographic Societies (SLF) and the Kent County Photographic Association (KCPA) and enters competitions against other photographic clubs in the South London and Kent areas.
History
During the 1940's a small group of highly skilled scientific officers and photographers employed at Fort Halstead formed the Raven Photographic Society in Petts Wood. However, by 1948 their membership had dropped and it was decided to invite local photographers to join. The Society was renamed the Orpington Photographic Society and simple rules were prepared. Meetings were held in the old Orpington Library in Orpington High Street until 1961 when the Society moved to the Priory. In 2007 the Society left the Priory and moved to its current meeting place, The Small Hall, Christ Church in Charterhouse Road.
How to Join Us
Please come along to one of our Tuesday meetings when visitors are always welcome. We hope that you will find a friendly atmosphere in which to meet others who are keen to enjoy and improve their photography.
You can join OPS at any Tuesday meeting or by contacting our membership secretary - email us on [email protected]. Alternatively please fill in the contact sheet on the contact page.
Subscription Rates 2024-2025
Adult £70
Couple (at the same address) £120
Junior £20
Contacts
Committee email:
Officials
Chairman - Ian Stedman
Vice-Chairman - Vacant
Treasurer - Chris Sawyer
Hon Secretary - Steve Hammett
Committee Members
Programme Mike Dennett
Print Secretary Chris Nash
The first point of contact for the following roles:
Email the Club committee for general enquiriesEmail Mike Dennett for queries on the programme & judged events.
For External competitions Chris Sawyer
For internal print competitions Chris Nash
For Website & forum Issues contact Ian Stedman.
Please be aware some email addresses are sent to more than one committee member.
