Colin Armitstead APAGB

Colin Armitstead was born in Teesville in 1932 and moved to Belmont in 1959. Barring two years in the REME, up to 1969 he was employed as an analytical chemist. Selling formed the next stage of his career, with his last ten years prior to retiring  as a professional photographer. During his selling career he found time to manage Sunderland Speedway team for four years

He is married to Valerie (in 1953) and they have two daughters, three grand children and one great grandson (“In all senses of the word” says Colin).

Colin is an Honary Life Vice President and has been General Secretary, responsible for the general running of the Society, for well over thirty years – an amazing achievement and a massive contribution to the success of the club.

In 2010 he was given the Vice President’s Award in recognition of his outstanding achievement in leading the popular and influential Assignments project.

MY PHOTOGRAPHY

I still favour the closer look at life, after doing my bit at landscapes in the early days. In my current photography it is mainly the shapes, colour and textures of the almost unnoticed world that finds itself in my images.

THE  BIGGEST INFLUENCE

Walter Baxter, who was equal “King” of the Society along with Harry Holder as far as prints were concerned - both in their different  ways.

MY FIRST CAMERA

In 1949 my unused train set was sold to purchase a second hand Ensign Carbine 3.5”x2.5”  roll film camera and the seeds were sown.

MY FAVOURITE CURRENT KIT

Nothing spectacular -  a Panasonic DMC- FZ7, the main attraction being a 36-452mm Leica  lens that covers all my needs without changing lenses and getting muck in the works.

FAVOURITE PHOTOGRAPHERS

The Westons and Ansel Adams set me on my way, many action and thinking snappers followed on.

ME AND THE DPS

I joined, the records say, in 1963 (28^th November to be exact) and Ted Mansell  kept good records.

The first time I won the Harvey Adams Cup for Print Progress competition .section A. This trophy has adorned my sideboard ten times in all over my forty six years in the society. I have had the honour of being your President, General Secretary, and print and slide selector over the years.

During all this time I have performed as lecturer and judge for the NCPF as well as an international selector.  Somehow I was awarded  APAGB along the way.

THE  THINGS I ENJOY MOST BEING A MEMBER OF THE DPS

Being among a set of folk that are totally classless, of all ages and all equally absorbed in our hobby.  Seeing new members stay with us and become brilliant picture makers (if they weren’t already!).  Listening to the happy buzz of voices at the tea break.

AN AMBITION                                  

To continue my unbroken entry record of never missing a Section A Progress print competition since I started competitions in 1964.

THE PEARL (Advice to budding photographers)

Listen to others who see your pictures, pick out the bits that you agree with (including needed changes) then continue in your own interpretation of your own brand of photography, always to the best of your ability.