AIREBOROUGH Camera Club has released stunning photographs along with a report for its 2020-2021 season.

A spokesman said: “It has been a funny old season, hopefully not to be repeated. The club has survived on Zoom meetings, reduced competitions, a reduction in club activities and the enthusiasm of our members. Although we have not been able to meet face-to-face we have continued not only retaining members but also adding some new ones."

As well as the usual Wednesday club nights, an informal 'snapchat' hour has also been introduced on Mondays for members to show images, ask questions or seek advice.

The spokesman said:“The usual competitions have been run but only projected digital images were acceptable, prints could not be sent to judges because of the prevailing conditions. All judging has been online and the Yorkshire Photographic Union judges have been as responsible as ever.They have been very generous with their time, compliments and advice on how to get the best from our images."

He added:“We have continued to enjoy contributions from external speakers, albeit online, giving presentations on a variety of subjects: Andrea Hargreaves on making atmospheric composites, Chris Heslop, a professional photographer and collector, Stephen Dean on monochrome photography, Thomas Peek on portraiture, Sally Sallett on her photographic career and Brian McCarthy on creating photographic scenes and his work towards Royal Photographic Society awards.

“One of the outstanding highlights of the year was our annual photographic ‘battle’ with Cookridge Camera Club, which we won, the first time in a number of years. This speaks very highly of the outstanding quality of the images our members are producing.

“Unfortunately there was no annual photographic trip this season but the lack of physical presence in new surroundings has been more than made up for by the wonderful contributions from our members, which have been very varied and equally exciting. We have visited Chile, Turkey, Australia, Switzerland and mountains in Canada and Europe. We have explored undersea life and had a fascinating introduction to bird photography.

“Our annual Open Photographic Competition in 2020 had to be cancelled as a result of the first Covid 19 lockdown. This was a great disappointment to many of our faithful entrants. However, after careful consideration and in light of the ever-changing situation it did run again this year, with slight but relevant modifications. The subject was ‘Lockdown Yorkshire’, images that marked any effect that lockdown has had on any aspect of life in Yorkshire. All entries were online, as is the judging, there is only one class but three prizes will be awarded - £100, £50 and £25. Again we are very thankful to our faithful sponsors: Rotary of Aireborough, Brewin Dolphin and C. R. Robson & Son. The winning photographers will be notified at the end of July and invited to our open evening for the new season in September to collect their awards."

The season ended with presentations at an online event. The new season starts on Wednesday, September 8 at 7.30pm and the club is hoping to be back in Guiseley Theatre. All are welcome and entry is free. Anyone interested in joining should visit www.aireboroughcameraclub.co.uk. Experience and skills are not essential.

Competition Winners 2020-2021, All projected digital images.

Three photos on a theme, John Kennedy. Monochrome, Tony Jennings. Nature, Mike Woodcock. Pictorial, Mike Woodcock. Photojournalism, Chris Owens. Portrait, Peter Evans. Record, Jean Middleton. Lee’s Cup (Action image), Chris Owens. Lady Hill Plaque (Best Digital Image), Chris Owens. Audio Visual Presentation, Sue Mitchell. Ilkley Trophy (Annual Challenge), Pete Evans. Presidents Shield (Beginners), Alicia Campo. Presidents Challenge, Maureen Pollard. Anthony Hunter Memorial Trophy. Liakat Parapia.