BRAND NEW: You Should Have Been Here Five Mins Ago! with Roger Hance

I'm excited to welcome back Roger, who has been involved with Camversation for years! He's an incredibly well regarded speaker in the UK and beyond, with a wonderfully supportive and relaxed presentation style - backed up with great images!

You Should Have Been Here Five Minutes Ago Mate!

This is a new talk and shows material covering a wide spectrum of genres – Natural History, Landscape, Portraits, Live Music, Photojournalism, and photography in a nightclub in London.

 It is crucial to engage in thorough planning and extensive research for whichever genre of photography you choose to pursue. This step is not just a mere suggestion; it is an essential part of the creative process that can significantly influence the outcome of your work. Whether you are venturing into landscape, portrait, wildlife, or street photography, understanding the nuances of your chosen genre will allow you to make informed decisions. You need to ensure you have the right equipment tailored to your specific needs. For instance, landscape photographers might require wide-angle lenses and sturdy tripods, while portrait photographers may prioritise fast lenses and lighting gear. Additionally, being in the right location is paramount; scouting locations ahead of time can lead to discovering hidden gems that may not be immediately apparent.

Even with meticulous planning and the best equipment at your disposal there remains an element of unpredictability in photography, often referred to as luck. How often have we arrived at a picturesque location only to hear from fellow photographers, “Mate, you should have been here 5 minutes ago; the light was fantastic!” These moments highlight the serendipitous nature of capturing the perfect shot. It serves as a reminder that, despite all our preparations, the universe has its own plans, and sometimes, we must embrace the unexpected. It brings to mind a quote from a renowned golfer who once remarked, “It’s strange, but the more I seem to practice, the luckier I seem to get.” This statement highlights the idea that dedication and perseverance can lead to fortunate outcomes! By continuously honing your skills, experimenting with different techniques, and familiarising yourself with various settings, you increase your chances of capturing stunning images, even when luck seems to play a role.

In the second half of the talk, I will delve into some of the recent projects that I have been working on, showcasing the evolution of my photographic journey. Each project reflects not only my growth as a photographer but also the lessons learned along the way. I will discuss the challenges faced during these projects, the creative choices made, and the outcomes that emerged from both successful and less favourable experiences. This segment will provide insights into my thought process and the artistic vision behind my work, offering a comprehensive view of how I approach photography.

To conclude the talk, I will share how incorporating video has fundamentally altered my perspective on photography. The transition from still images to moving visuals has opened up new avenues for storytelling and expression. I will discuss the technical aspects of shooting video, such as framing, composition, and the importance of sound, and how these elements can enhance the narrative of a project. This shift has not only broadened my skill set but has also enriched my understanding of visual art as a whole. By blending photography and videography, I have discovered a dynamic way to capture moments and convey emotions, ultimately transforming my approach to both mediums.

About Roger Hance FRPS

Roger Hance is a highly acclaimed and award-winning photographer based in Colchester, Essex, with over 30 years of experience in the field. He holds the rare and prestigious distinction of having been awarded four Fellowships by the Royal Photographic Society (FRPS). Remarkably, three of these (in Portrait, Applied, and Pictorial categories) were achieved in the same year (1990), with a fourth Fellowship in Natural History added in 1998 for his work on British Fungi.

While Roger's primary passion lies in Natural History photography, his expertise spans a wide array of genres, including landscape, portraiture, sport, and photojournalism. His exceptional work has garnered numerous accolades in both national and international exhibitions, earning him AFIAP (Artiste de la Fédération Internationale de l'Art Photographique), DPAGB (Distinction of the Photographic Alliance of Great Britain), and BPE5* (British Photographic Exhibitions) awards. A significant early achievement was winning the 'Amateur Photographer of the Year' award in AP magazine in 1990, an event judged by the late Lord Patrick Litchfield.

Roger has significantly contributed to the photographic community by serving on various Royal Photographic Society Assessment panels for many years. He is a seasoned lecturer, having delivered inspiring talks to photographic clubs, wildlife trusts, RSPB groups, U3A groups, and horticultural clubs for over 25 years.

A proponent of the Olympus (now OM System) micro four-thirds camera system, Roger is an Ambassador for OM System Cameras and an Envoy for Permajet Ink Jet Papers, emphasizing the importance of the final print. He has also embraced online education, starting a YouTube channel in 2021 where he shares instructional videos, primarily focused on natural history photography.

This talk will be recorded and made available for four weeks after the event.