WINNING IMAGE ILLUMINATES THE TYNE
October 2017
A striking image of the River Tyne created using a photography technique known as painting with light has won its place on the front cover of the River Tyne’s very own charity calendar.
The picture taken by amateur photographer, Norma McKellar captures the NewcastleGateshead quayside in all its glory and is now the cover story for Tyne Rivers Trust 2018 charity calendar.
The A4 glossy calendar is made up of 12 striking shots of the river from the Fish Quay at North Shields to Lambley Viaduct near Haltwhistle.
Norma, who works as a PA but goes by the name of ‘Sheerlight’ for her photography says: “I’ve always enjoyed art and creative crafts but for many years my work left scarce time for play so photography at first became a quick way of making art. I especially love exploring light in my images.
“I became part of a bunch of photographers I kept bumping into down on the rocks at dawn, a group called “A Ramble with Amble” and together we shared our knowledge so I’m pretty much self-taught.”
The image uses a photography technique known as painting with light where you illuminate parts of the scene with a torch or other light during a long exsposure to create art by light patterns. Norma says “For any passers-by this was a hoot, all they saw were my friends Ian and Allan running up and down with a wand of lights – they don’t see the final light effect!”
The calendar is now on sale from the Tyne Rivers Trust website (www.tyneriverstrust.org/shop) or shops across the catchment including Hexham Abbey Gift shop and Forum books in Corbridge.
Susan Mackirdy, Director of Tyne Rivers Trust says: “The calendar was such a success last year that we wanted to continue it for 2018. Not only does it raise vital funds for the Trust it is also a great way to celebrate the river. Copies were sent as far away as New Zealand and Australia – people from all over the world love the Tyne. The money raised will improve the Tyne for residents and visitors.”
The calendar’s production costs have kindly been covered by EGGER, the chipboard factory which sits alongside the River Tyne at Hexham. Tobias Zimmermann, Plant Director Technical/Production at EGGER says: “We are delighted to continue to support the good work that Tyne Rivers Trust undertakes. Their commitment to improving the Tyne for people is a good match to our sustainable and environmental commitment at EGGER.”
Norma has been rewarded with a photography lesson from professional photographer, David Taylor of David Taylor photography who also gave up his time to judge the competition. The other winners who each receive a copy of the calendar are: Angus Reid, Harry Mclaren, David Ord, Martin Farrer, Peter Mentell, Barbara Austin, Graham Holyoak, John Austin, Bob Turner, Ronald Bowe and Norma McKellar.
Image caption: Norma McKellar stands in the spot where her winning photograph was taken
