Regional Meeting – Region I
Marlow, England September 25, 2010
By Madeline Morrow
Changing the Flow, a Photographic Workshop on Water! was the theme of the Region I Funday, held in the lovely old town of Marlow, England, conveniently situated by the river Thames. This one day regional get-together and workshop packed in 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.
Twenty-two FAWCO members, friends, presenters and events leaders gathered at St Peter’s Church New Hall for morning coffee and refreshments. Region I Director Sunny Eades warmly welcomed everyone and opened the proceedings. FAWCO President Kathleen Simon followed with an overview/introduction of FAWCO before Anne van Oorschot took everyone through the Target Water Presentation and the three Bull’s Eye project nominees. This was followed by the exciting announcement by Eileen Doyle, AWC Dublin, Ireland of a Region I Photographic Competition fundraiser for the Target Water Project.
For the next two hours, Photographic Workshop leader and FAWCO 1st VP, My-Linh Kunst held everyone’s 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 both to beginners and more advanced snappers!
Then the Two Brewers Pub, a short stroll away, beckoned for lunch before the afternoon session began with presentations by FAWCO Foundation President Melissa Mash and FAWCO 2nd VP Janelle Mason. My-Linh wrapped up the workshop with some specifics of photographing water before everyone ambled down to the Thames. On board Salter’s Steamers, a very contented group drifted along the river in the golden, late afternoon sunshine, past fields of sheep, people ambling along the riverside, swans gliding and ducks paddling, A perfect photo opportunity and finale to a wonderful regional workshop funday.