Malcolm Thurman

Malcolm Thurman has been a member since 1972, and is a Past President.

He was born in1939 in Beeston, Nottingham. He left school at 15 and started an electrical apprenticeship with the M.O.D at Chilwell, Nottingham in 1955. He left the trade in 1965 to start a clerical career with National Savings at Lytham St Annes. In 1969 he transferred to Durham and continued his career with National Savings. He ended his career as a manager in the Management Statistics Branch where he became involved with computers, and retired in 1999.

Malcolm says, “After my wife Gwen died in 2006, I was lucky enough to meet Joan whom I married in June 2010. My family has now grown to 3 step daughters and 7 step grandchildren. They say kids keep you young; they do bring something very special into your life as well as being good subjects for my camera. Joan and I love to travel and do so at every opportunity.

MY PHOTOGRAPHY

I enjoy most subjects but do not usually plan ahead. I photograph what appeals to me at the time - it could be architecture, textures, landscape, wild life, street photography, travel or candid portraits. Formal portraiture is not for me, though. I prefer to work in good, punchy or moody lighting but otherwise I take what comes, as long as the subject is interesting. Photography is not just about exhibitions and competitions, it is important to record family, friends and events in one's life also. My family photography has certainly increased of late. 

MY BIGGEST INFLUENCES

When I first joined DPS (1972) the work of the members and visiting speakers was miles ahead of me which had a great impact on my work. Visiting exhibitions and inter club battles, NCPF and PAGB competitions also pointed the way to being more observant and seeing things differently. Seeing other people's work, whether new to photography or old hands, can give you ideas you have not tried. I do admire the work of Cartier - Bresson, though.

How can you not be influenced by the images you see around you, e.g. TV, advertising, films and events?  The images you see may trigger something in your mind and give you new ideas.

MY FIRST CAMERA

I bought a modest but well-respected Voigtlander Vito B in 1958 for £34.3.4d. That served me well until 1971 when I bought a "proper" SLR camera, a Practica Super TL. This was followed by a Pentax Spotmatic II until auto-focus tempted me to switch to a Canon EOS100. But my slide film days were numbered and I finally succumbed to the pull of  digital photography with a Canon 20D plus 28 - 80mm and 75 - 300mm lenses.

MY CURRENT FAVOURITE KIT

I now use a Canon 40D with a 50mm, 17 to 85mm and a 55 to 250mm lens. I also have a Canon G12 which is a cracking camera, easy to carry on all occasions and an ideal back-up.

MY FAVOURITE PHOTOGRAPHERS

Cartier-Bresson, for his mastery of candid photography, Joe Cornish for his landscapes and Andy Rouse for his natural history photography, plus many more 

ME AND DPS

I joined DPS in 1972 after Colin Armitstead placed me first at my office camera club competition. He invited me to join the DPS.  I was amazed at the photographs being produced by the members and was hooked immediately. I even managed to get my name on some of the trophies.

I've had 2 stints as Programme Secretary then Vice President, President, a brief spell as Slide Secretary, then Committee member and finally Treasurer. Thanks, Colin, it was you who started the ball rolling for me. The highlight has to be my 2 years as President.  To be the president of such a well-respected society as Durham is an honour. Over the years I have made so many friends not just in Durham PS but throughout the NCPF.

THE 3 THINGS I MOST ENJOY ABOUT BEING A MEMBER OF DPS

Being a part of an enthusiastic group of friendly and helpful people with a common interest.

The many good friends that I have made, and the cheerful banter at the meetings and after.

Taking photographs has taught me to be more observant of life.

THE PEARL

Enjoy your hobby but do your own thing.  If others like your photographs, that's a bonus. Take advice if it helps you develop your photography, as long as it is what you want.  Never change your style to please others, especially judges.