September 2010: Region 1 Regional Meeting/Funday
by Madeline Morrow
Changing the Flow: A Photographic Workshop on Water!
Region I held a one day Funday, on Saturday September25th with the goal of combining a meeting and a photographic workshop all highlighting the FAWCO Target Water project. Gathering in the lovely old town of Marlow, England, conveniently situated by the river Thames, participants were treated to an ambitious schedule combining FAWCO and FAWCO Foundation reports, a presentation of the FAWCO Target Water Project and a FAWCO Photographic Workshop, along with a pub lunch and a late afternoon Thames photo cruise.
While a number of participants and presenters arrived the prior afternoon and had the opportunity to socialize informally, the Funday began when twenty-two FAWCO members, friends, presenters and events leaders arrived for morning coffee and refreshments at St Peter’s Church Old Hall. Region I Director Sunny Eades, NAC, England warmly welcomed everyone and opened the proceedings.
FAWCO President Kathleen Simon, AWC Bern, Switzerland gave an overview/introduction of FAWCO, the areas of opportunity for clubs and club members to participate as world women and, club benefits. Anne van Oorschot’s, AWC The Hague and Target Water Program Chair presented the Target Water Program and the three FAWCO Target Water Project nominees followed before the exciting announcement by Eileen Doyle, AWC Dublin, Ireland of a Region I Photographic Competition fundraiser for the FAWCO Target Water Project.
For the next two hours, Photographic Workshop leader and FAWCO 1st VP, My-Linh Kunst, AWC Berlin, Germany held everyone’s rapt attention as she guided the group through ‘What makes a good picture – Composition’ and ‘Technical Control.’ Using lots of visuals illustrating both good and bad photographs the group absorbed information useful to both beginners and more advanced snappers!
Lunch break, a short stroll away at the Two Brewers Pub gave everyone the opportunity to make new friends or renew good friendships over some hearty fare before the afternoon session beckoned. Back at St Peter’s Hall FAWCO Foundation President Melissa Mash, AW Surrey, England began with an overview of the Foundation activities followed by FAWCO 2VP Janelle Mason, AWC Basel, Switzerland’s enthusiastic outreach to clubs.
My-Linh wrapped up the workshop with some specifics of photographing water before wrapping up to embark on a steamer cruise. On board Salter’s Steamers, a very contented group chatted, snapped photos and drifted along the river Thames in that special golden, late afternoon sunshine, past fields of sheep, people ambling along riverside paths and swans and ducks paddling happily. It was a perfect photo opportunity and finale to a wonderful regional workshop fun day.
For those participants staying overnight in Marlow, a dinner was organized at the spectacular nearby restaurant, The Complete Angler.