ARTS: Mayo Photographic Club shows its wares

Mayo Photographic Club shows its wares


Going Out
Ciara Moynihan

An EXHIBITION of photographs taken by the members of Mayo Photographic Club was launched at Castlebar Library on Wednesday last. On hand to offically open the exhibition was Westport-based award-winning wildlife presenter and cinematographer Colin Stafford-Johnson of RTÉ’s Living the Wildlife. A good crowd gathered for the event, drinking in the photographic club’s creations (and just a little wine!).
Twenty members of the club are showing a selection of their works, with 60 photographs on display. A rich tapestry of images are on show, and viewers will encounter a diverse range of styles, including creative, documentary, portraiture, wildlife, still life and landscapes. All will be amazed at the quality, atmospheric, detailed images that the club members have produced.
Mayo Photographic Club has a long history in the county. It was first established over 30 years ago in 1977. During the 1980s, the club changed its name to Castlebar Camera Club. However, with the demise of small camera clubs around the county (such as Louisburgh Camera Club) it has since reverted back to the original name to reflect its membership, which now hails from all over Mayo.
The club’s chairperson is Westport photographer Michael Gannon, whose distinctive flower photographs have been featured in ‘Garden Heaven’ magazine. He has also mounted solo landscape exhibitions ‘Incident of Light’ and ‘Toying with the Past’.   
Speaking with The Mayo News, Gannon explained that the aims of the club are to promote, foster and encourage the art of photography by aiding, informing and instructing those interested in the medium. The club understands that the true art of photography goes far beyond the equipment used – after all the great masters, like Ansel Adams and Dorothea Lange, didn’t have top-of-the-range digital cameras. A great photograph expresses what the photographer feels about the subject and freezes it in an instant of time. As the philosopher Henry Thoreau said: “The question is not what you look at, but what you see.”
Gannon also explained that the club’s membership is as diverse as their photographs – some are ‘career’ photographers, others are interested in the minutiae of the technological aspects, others who have no interest in technology but who enjoy ‘point and click’ photography and snapping friends and family. “It’s for people who love taking photographs – regardless of their skill,” he explained, adding that the club excursions are always great craic. 
This year has seen a revival of exhibiting in the club, which had not shown its work in many, many years, Gannon said. Earlier in the year, an exhibition was mounted in Westport Library. The possibility of exhibiting in Ballina later in the year is now being discussed.   
The club, which meets on Thursday nights, organises a lively programme of lectures and workshops throughout the year, as well as competitions and outings to interesting events and beauty spots around the country – all in a close, informal and friendly atmosphere. For more information, visit www.mayophotographicclub.ie. The Mayo Photographic Club exhibition runs until June 19, and admission is free – whether you’re interested in viewing the works on show or are an aspiring photographer thinking about joining the club, the trip will be well worth your while.