News 2026
(click on images to enlarge)
Gallery Update ...Tony Mellor has updated his Gallery page with new images, to see Tony's new images go to Member's Galleries then click on Tony Mellor or follow this link to view.
January
Dear All,
It is with deep sadness that we mark the passing of Iris Hirst, a cherished and longstanding past member of Nelson Camera Club. Iris, together with her husband Edmund, formed a quiet but steady pillar of our community. Their commitment to the club spanned many years, and Iris’s dedication was felt in every corner of our shared work.
Beyond her roles as a club member, Iris will be remembered for her warmth, her gentle presence, and her unwavering support of the photographic community she loved. She and Edmund were familiar faces at meetings and events, always ready with a kind word, a thoughtful comment, or a quiet smile. Their shared enthusiasm for photography enriched the club and strengthened the friendships within it.
Her passing leaves a space that cannot be filled, but her legacy—of service, kindness, and community—remains with us.
Iris’s son, Andrew, has kindly let us know that club members are welcome to attend the funeral and the gathering afterwards at the Tempest Arms. Full details are below:
Funeral Arrangements
Thursday 22nd January 2026
9:00am–9:15am – Helliwells Funerals, Barnoldswick
9:30am – Briercliffe Lodge
10:00am – Skipton Crematorium
11:15am onwards – Wake at the Tempest Arms, Elslack (all members welcome)
If you plan to attend the wake, please let Andrew know for catering purposes at: andrewhirst05@talktalk.net
Results of our Annual Print & Digital Competition
Nelson Camera Club recently announced the results of their 2026 Annual Print and Digital Competition.
The top honors were awarded to:
J W Franklands Trophy & Print Photographer of the Year: Tony Mellor CPAGB
Henry Smith Cup & Digital Photographer of the Year: Roger Johnstone CPAGB
In the Digital Images Open category, the first-place winner, who also received the Projected Image Trophy, was Mark Robinson.
The Digital Images Nature category saw Roger Johnstone CPAGB securing first place and being awarded the John Moore Trophy.
For the Prints Open category, Tony Mellor CPAGB took first place and was honored with the Geoff Proctor Trophy.
In the Prints Nature category, Tony Mellor CPAGB achieved first place, earning the Maisie Alice Harrison Trophy.
Additionally, the 5 Minute AV Competition was won by Sean Davis for his presentation titled "Iceland"
For a complete list of winners and to view the awarded images, please follow this link.
The images below show most of our award winners...well done everyone who entered.
February
March
Results of the First Round, Inter-Club Battle with Padiham
Last Night, March 31st, saw Nelson Camera Club host the first round of the annual battle with local camera club rivals, Padiham, judged by Mr Harry Emmett CPAGB.
First the Digital Images were judged and Nelson took an early lead, awarded a total of 169 points against Padiham's 162.
The Print Images were then assessed and in this round, Padiham were awarded 178 points as opposed to Nelson's 167
The final points after the first round Nelson 336 , Padiham 340.
Congratulations to all photographers who's pictures were entered and to Padiham Camera Club for securing an early lead and we look forward to the return battle on the 22nd April.
April
April Competition
We would like to express our heartfelt gratitude to Nick Hilton EFIAP/b, DPAGB & BPE5* of Leyland for serving as judge in our recent photography competition. With 70 entries across both prints and digital images, Nick dedicated considerable time and expertise to carefully reviewing each submission. His thoughtful commentary and constructive feedback provided not only a fair and balanced assessment of the work presented, but also valuable insights that will help our members continue to grow and refine their photographic practice.
Nick's distinguished credentials and long-standing involvement in the photographic community brought a depth of knowledge and authority to the judging process. His ability to balance technical precision with an appreciation for creative vision ensured that every entrant received recognition for their efforts. The encouragement he offered, along with his perceptive observations, made the evening both educational and inspiring for all who attended.
On behalf of the club, we sincerely thank Nick for his generosity in sharing his expertise and for supporting our members in their artistic journeys. His contribution helped make this competition a memorable and rewarding event, and we look forward to welcoming him again in the future.
Congratulations to everone who entered the competition. "Results 2026"
Results of the Second Round, Inter-Club Battle with Padiham
Last Night, April 22nd, saw Padiham Camera Club host the second round of the annual derby between ourselves and Padiham, judged by Mr Steve Proctor.
Print Images were judged first and Padiham took a small early lead, Nelson awarded a total of 171 points chasing Padiham's 172.
The Digital Images were then assessed and in this round, Padiham were awarded 168 points against Nelson's 172.
The final Points in this the second Round were Padiham 340 and Nelson 343.
These totals added to the First Round of Padiham 340 and Nelson 336 give overall totals of:-
Padiham 680 and Nelson 679, the Bragging Rights going to Padiham.
Our sincere thanks to Padiham for hosting this second round and congratulations for the hard fought victory.
Congratulations to all photographers who's pictures were entered.
May
Folie a' Deux by Adrian & Jane Lines of Chorley
We would like to offer our sincere thanks to Jane and Adrian Lines for taking an evening to give us an insight into the process and work that goes into producing their spectacular images. Showing and explaining the steps from original image to completed composites, using their skill and expertise in Post Processing, to transform good photographs into competition winning prints, from examining the main subject and importance of choosing a complimentary background to adding textures and selecting the correct print media. We look forward to welcoming them both back as judges in the future and we should all now have a better understanding of how to present our images to grab their attention.
Despite all the work and effort they put into their images, Jane and Adrian did remind us; This is a hobby and should be fun.
May Competition
Our heartfelt gratitude to Mark Williams, from Padiham Camera Club, for judging our May Print and Digital Image competition. Mark dedicated considerable time and expertise to critique each submission, giving valuable insights into the judging process. His commentary was both thoughtful and thought provoking and the constructive feedback provided a fair and balanced assessment of the work presented. His encouragement should inspire our members to continue to grow and refine their photographic art.
Mark's long-standing involvement in the photographic community brought a depth of knowledge and authority to the judging process.
His contribution helped make this competition a memorable and rewarding event, and hopefully we will be better placed to beat Padiham in our annual battle next year. We really do look forward to welcoming him to our club as both judge and competitor.
Congratulations to everyone who entered the competition, the standard of the entries was outstanding "Results 2026"