The American Rifle Association says, “Guns do not kill people. People kill people.” “I think a gun helps” says Eddie Izzard.

We re-started our new season in September. We had hoped these would be physical meetings if all went well, but unfortunately, not yet. Our website; www.fordingbridgecameraclub.org.uk will have our new programme. We meet at Avonway Community Centre at 7.30pm most Wednesdays of the season. It is a mixture of talks by visiting top photographers coupled with opportunities to show your work on top class facilities and have it commented on by experienced photographic judges. Visitors are always welcome for a small fee. It is tempting to put away your camera at the end of the summer, when the sky becomes overcast and it begins to rain. But there is no need to. Seemingly adverse weather conditions can sometimes be turned to your advantage; a rain swept landscape can be more dramatic than the same view taken on a fine day. Light levels tend to change quite rapidly so exposure readings need to be checked regularly. Modern automatic cameras may take care of this. Using a lens hood will be useful while you are shooting, but you may still have dab the lens dry between shots. In fog or heavy mist your lens can quickly become covered with a layer of moisture without you realising it, so check the surface from time to time. Of all the conditions which would appear less conducive to photography, rain probably offers the potential for unusual images. It needs to be raining fairly hard, though before you can record it falling. Try to photograph against the light, so the light catches the rain. A lone figure huddled under a raincoat or umbrella illustrates the conditions. Or stand on a bridge over a motorway during a heavy downpour and see how the spray and lights of the cars add substance to the depressing atmosphere.

Thought for the day - Looking at my reflection in the mirror I am aware that time may be a great healer, but it’s a lousy beautician!