More Reviews
Camversation -Live online photography talks, workshops and critique. November 2021
‘I am admirer if Ruth's photography style, tonights presentation was well executed with a wonderful display of images, what worked in them and a whistle stop demo of her post processing treatment of images, the finale was lovely.’
‘Brilliant! I thoroughly enjoyed Ruth’s presentation. The images were superb & to see her processing was very instructive, I will be using some of her tips in my photography now.’
‘Excellent talk and photography. Please can we have further talks from Ruth.’
‘New here and really enjoyed this. Just the information I needed as a 'teach yourself' photographer - both context and specifics, both in meaning making and technicals. Many thanks’
‘A fascinating and very instructive talk, Ruth has a very perceptive eye which shows so well in her images.’
Whitstable Camera Club November 2021
Ruth Grindrod entertained our Group with an extremely informative talk on Colours, Textures and Tones. Ruth did not bombard us with too much technical information but what she did do was to give us a better understanding of the part colours, textures and tones play in landscape photography, showing some lovely examples of her amazing work to illustrate her points. Her talk was inspiring and a must see for all landscape photographers, whatever their ability
Ards camera Club Northern Ireland September 2021
Our speaker on Friday, 24th September, Ruth Grindrod called her talk “Landscapes, the Photographic Journey” which gave only a hint about the sights ahead of us. I think we all agreed that she took us on a fascinating and eye opening journey and she well and truly blew away any dusty cobwebs on old ideas some might have about landscapes. Not only did she share some stunning images with us of slow shutter serene seashores, mist covered mountains, flawless reflections and glorious twinkling autumn forests but she gave us many tips to improve our own photography. Ruth’s experienced and well-educated opinions came thick and fast and I expect a run on graduated filters and Fuji cameras to follow. From Lofoten to the Butt of Lewis and a hut in Derwentwater back to Seiliebost in Harris we were truly entertained and impressed with her technique and creativity. No wonder Ruth is a Scottish Nature Photography Award winner. In her words “It’s about communicating with others and engaging the viewer through a single image.” And to give her the last word “It’s not simply recording scenery anyone with a phone can do that; I’m creating a picture
Afan Nedd Camera Club September 2021
Ruth’s new presentation on “ Colour, Tones and Textures” was highly insightful and entertaining.. This presentation covered an important and complex area of photography very well.
Ruth provided us with a clear, structured analysis of each element. Her analysis was reinforced by practical tips and techniques and beautifully illustrated with a selection of her well chosen, superbly crafted, landscape images from around the British Isles.
She showed us, with a practical demonstration, how post-processing, considering these elements, could improve our images.
The final element of this presentation, a medley of her landscape images, set to music, was inspirational.
It was a great way to start our new club year.
I highly recommend this presentation to other clubs.
Cambridge Camera Club September 2021
On behalf of Cambridge Camera Club, I thank you for such a splendid talk last evening accompanied by such wonderful images. Your love of the landscape in all its forms comes through so well.
Mark said, 'It was a clear, nicely structured talk, articulate and well-paced with images well-chosen to illustrate the main points. Your photographs of inland scenes, cityscapes and details of human habitation increased the appeal of the presentation. You demonstrate great attention to detail in processing, but everything is done with a light, natural and sensitive touch which allows the natural beauty of scenes to shine through.
'Beautifully atmospheric slideshow to end, with lovely musical accompaniment.'
Allan, in his vote of thanks, said,
'You spoke initially about a quote by Ansel Adams about the creative eye. You demonstrated tonight the creative side of your photography and you were able to show, as well as being creative, you were meticulous in the detail of the taking and of the processing to produce the final print. The quality of your images stood out. I also appreciated the use of the square format in landscape; I feel that it is underused by a lot of photographers who go for the grand vistas and panoramas.
'You took me to one of my favourite places in Scotland - Seilebost Beach on Harris. I could spend weeks photographing there.
'Finally, you gave us a masterclass in landscape photography tonight. I feel that landscape has been ignored in recent years in favour of nature and I would like to thank you again for a wonderful evening.'
Ruth, I don't think I can add anything to that. It was a great pleasure to have you with us.
Sheffield Camera Club September 2021
The presentation had been put together with Zoom in mind which meant it went at a good pace and there were plenty of images. As well as seeing many wonderful images described so well we were given hints and tips and plenty of encouragement. One thing that I personally will take away from the talk is the importance of the still image.
Norwich and District Photographic Society June 2021
This presentation, a brand new format and content, from Ruth Grindrod one of the most enthusiastic and self-effacing photographers we have had the pleasure to host, was outstanding…!
Ruth explained at the opening of her piece that we were the first photographic club to be given this highly illustrated photo-talk and it was clear as the evening drew to a close that the online audience of nearly 60 members of the Society and guests had enjoyed themselves immensely. The content was more technical than usual, but this proved to be one of the most alluring parts of Ruth’s presentation and many of us listening intently to the second part extended our knowledge of colour, tones and textures and found this a most enjoyable experience.
Ruth began with an outline of her kit, three cameras and sturdy tripods. Her Nikon 850 was the toughest camera of them all, a real heavyweight, which she always used in wet and windy weather but found the other two a Fuji xt3 and Fuji xt30 were excellent pieces of lighter weight kit.
Throughout her talk Ruth stressed the importance of taking photos we enjoy, not photos that are fashionable. Be your own person, don’t copy others.
The whole presentation was divided into four parts; How colour tone & texture all influence and interrelate in any landscape photo; How to use colour tone & texture out in the field; How to process a RAW photo considering colour, tone & texture; Responding to CTT and considering if this is an emotional response.
We considered the questions; What is colour?; What is Texture? and What is Tone? All these backed-up with colour wheels and explanatory diagrams – all easily understood. This led to a discussion on the emotion of colour based on a quote from Ansel Adams ‘A great photograph is one that fully expresses what one feels, in the deepest sense, about what is being photographed’. Understanding how colour, texture and tone all work together, are interrelated and influenced by the light we are working with.
A short piece on postproduction brought this presentation to a conclusion. An excellent evening covering a large area of photography but enthusiastically delivered with a deep understanding of the subject.
Thank you Ruth for such another outstanding talk and we look forward to seeing you soon either on another visit to Norwich or out somewhere in the Norfolk landscape.
Market Harborough Photographic Society June 2021
Yesterday evening, Market Harborough PS hosted Ruth Grindrod with her talk on ‘A Photographic Journey’.
We were treated to some stunning images, but for us the key was her description of how, and why, she had produced them.
She gave many hints and tips on how we can improve our own landscape work. When someone as good a photographer as she undoubtedly is, gives a small club like ours the time and effort in a presentation like that it gives us all the impetus to learn and improve.
Thank you Ruth for a very good night and I hope that soon we will be able to welcome you to our society!
Ipswich District and Photographic Society April 2021
I would like to add to my thanks at closing last night. It was a really superb evening with some truly inspirational photographs. Thank you so much.I have had several responses to my appeal for endorsements from other attendees, and have copied those here:
Sarah: The talk was a very good mixture of pictures and advice. There was plenty of tips on how to take the pictures, process them and how to travel to get them.
Stephen: Nice inspiring set of images, well presented with some good pointers.
Andy: Ruth’s talk reveals her passion and enthusiasm for landscape photography. This comes across in her voice as well as in her images and in a way which is entertaining, enjoyable and infectious.
David R 1: ‘Ruth gave an excellent presentation with some truely stunning images. I can recommend her talk to anyone interested in Landscapes’.
Dennis: I really enjoyed being transported to the Lofoten Islands in February. It is a magical place, so different to East Anglia and Ruth captured the atmosphere using her own very distinctive style. She was very free with her knowledge of gear and techniques, shown clearly in her video of processing.
Lorraine: Yes it was a very good evening and some of the photos were breathtaking. I listened intently, hopefully I will have taken some of her experience in.
Matt: A really entertaining evening with lots of excellent photos taken by a master of her craft, all accompanied by lots of useful techniques and hints.
David K: An other enjoyable evening Matt-Beside the taking of the photos I thought it was useful to hear what filters and strength she was using , useful for the less practiced members without spoiling it for the more practiced members.
David R 2: A very entertaining and enjoyable evening with superb emotive landscapes and lots of good advice on Landscape Photography
Christine: “A night full of breathtaking images, which showed just how much can be achieved under all weather conditions. The pictures demonstrated the subtle and skill full processing which gently enhances Ruth’s in camera work in stunning locations. A great evening, thanks Ruth. “
Sally and David: We really enjoyed Ruth’s talk last night despite me managing to get shingles and Dave having had biopsies taken from his head and ear. We’re a manky old couple at the moment so it was a good distraction! We were very impressed with her excellent images in particular her attention to fine detail in the huge landscapes and in challenging weather conditions. We very much appreciated her explanation of the creative process to achieve these images too.
Wendy: What a superb landscape photographer Ruth is. So impressed with her knowledge from camera skills to post processing which she freely shared with us. Am sure we all learned something new. Extremely enjoyable evening.
Again, thank you, and I hope to see you again, and soon.
Leicester Forest Photographic Society April 2021
Ruth provided a fantastic evening of entertainment at Leicester Forest PS last night. Her landscape photographs are quite stunning; artistic, dramatic, sensitive and atmospheric. Supporting her images was her commentary about the subjects she enjoys photographing and the how she uses her extensive knowledge and insight in capturing the RAW file regardless of the weather and lighting conditions she encounters then manipulating and controlling the information to create such beautiful, memorable images. It is her love of landscape photography, clarity of purpose and celebration of composition, colour, texture and tone that enable the viewer to fully appreciate the wonder of the world as seen through Ruth’s eyes.
Melbourne Camera Club April 2021
‘Thank you so much for this evening’s talk. I really enjoyed it as did everyone else. I knew you’d be great and you were! ‘
‘Ruth presented her talk, “My Photographic Journey” to my Camera Club last night. So many members have subsequently approached me to tell me this was one of the best Camera Club talks we have ever had. Ruth’s images are breath-taking with each telling a real story of’ being there’. She has a real skill for taking images which give a real sense of what it must have been like to have been there on the day with her. As commentary to go along with the photos, Ruth was so generous with not only her technical tips but also her stylistic and creative tips. Her talk was both entertaining and educational. If your camera club hasn’t invited Ruth to give you a talk, then you should.’
North Norfolk Photographic Society
‘Thank you for tonight’s talk at North Norfolk PS. It was great to catch up with your work – great images. We particularly enjoyed seeing your take on our visit to Lofoten and of places we’ve been to in Donegal.’
‘North Norfolk Photographic Society continues to prosper despite lockdown, thanks to the Internet and Zoom. At their Meeting on 7th April Norfolk’s Ruth Grindrod was welcomed to present some of her photographs of Norway and Donegal to more than 25 members. She titled her talk “Space to Breathe”.Ruth is a very successful Landscape photographer; she was the overall winner of the Scottish Nature Photography Awards in 2019 and was runner up in the Scottish Botanical category of the Scottish Nature Photography Awards 2020, among many others.Members were first shown photographs taken in Lofoten and Senja in Norway which demonstrated Ruth’s passion for seascape images. As well as showing many of her beautiful photographs, Ruth also included a 15 minute video showing her way of adjusting the RAW data images in software – a real Master Class.After the break, images from Donegal in Northern Ireland were shown. Many were of beaches in this very picturesque region. Chairman Robert Palethorp thanked Ruth Grindrod for her magnificent presentation.’
Field End Photographic Society March 2021
Thank you for a great evening, you have inspired several members including myself to visit Scotland, your images are often magical and your comments informative and inspirational.
Buxton Photography Club February 2021
This evening we were treated to an excellent talk on “Landscape Photography” by Ruth Grindrod, accompanied with wonderful images from various locations in Britain.
Not only does she understand, the location she shoots at, the importance of light and the structure of the image but also the technical side, the cameras limitations, the use of filters to extract every detail and the use of post processing software to complete a pleasing and award winning image. All of which was explained both in detail and visual images. All of which made for a wonderful talk on landscape photography.
Ockbrook Photographic Club January 2021
Ruth is a most accomplished landscape photographer, and via Zoom she presented a superb collection of images from around the lochs, mountains, islands and coasts of Scotland. Her journey led us in a huge arc from the Isle of Harris and Lewis through Northern Scotland to the Moray Firth. A perfect way to be taken out of our lockdown homes. Ruth has no hesitation in sharing her locations, tips and broad knowledge and we recommend her to other photographic clubs for an inspiring evening. Following Ruth’s talk, several members have talked of revisiting their archives to look with fresh eyes on their landscape images and update their interpretation.
Muswell Hill Photographic Society January 2021
Last night Ruth gave the MHPS a brilliant illustrated talk – My Photographic Journey. Her images are just beautiful – very creative landscapes. Gave some invaluable advice about landscape photography including reasons why we should do our own post-processing and printing.
Here are some responses from our members –
‘Inspiring lecture with some wonderful images’
‘Out of this world’
‘Presentation was informative, varied and very professional’
King’s Lynn & District Camera Club Jan 2021
We were treated to an outstanding presentation of her ‘Award Winning Landscape Images’ – and small wonder that they were ‘Award Winning’.
The word ’stunning’ just doesn’t do justice to her photographs, and her backstories to many of there images coupled with references and advice regarding the kit she favours, enhanced her presentation.
Thank you Ruth for a wonderful evening.
Bolsover Camera Club January 2021
I can speak for many of members when I say we all thoroughly enjoyed your talk entitled The Scottish Tour.
It was informative and the quality of the photography was amazing.
Your passion for your craft was really visible all the way through the talk.
Here is just one of our keen landscapers view of the talk.
‘I thoroughly enjoyed Ruth’s ‘Tour of Scotland’ – places I have been to a few times – it made me yearn to get up to Scotland; it was lovely to see some familiar scenes but also new locations, particularly on the East coast that I’ve never visited. I was very impressed by Ruth’s images; evoking memories and emotions whilst also creating ideas for a wish list. I especially liked how she didn’t dwell too long on one location but definitely took us on a tour. I hope we’ll ask Ruth to take us on another tour before too long.’
Dunfermline Camera Club December 2020
Dunfermline Camera Club just had the pleasure of a zoom presentation from Ruth. A great learning experience whilst joining her on her photographic tour in the north of Scotland. Her passion for photography shines through as she takes you along her travels with interesting ideas , encouraging you to look at things from different perspectives. A thoroughly enjoyable evening and I would not hesitate in recommending Ruth to any prospective audience.
Nottingham & Notts Photographic Society October 2020
‘Interesting to see and hear a good speaker.’
‘I really enjoyed tonight and got a lot out of it, more then from some other speakers. Ruths style suited my learning type and also it seems where I am in my photographic journey’
‘Thank you. Beautiful Landscapes!’
Derby City Photographic Club October 2020
What a journey… This was a wonderful presentation. We have had some major landscape names at our club and I don’t think any one of them spoke as comprehensively and with as much authority about the art of landscape photography than Ruth.
The beauty of Ruth’s presentation was that having addressed vital aspects of landscape photography such as the necessity of using filters or abiding by the mantra ‘less is more’, she then showed us images which spoke volumes about those aspects.
It was also refreshing to have Ruth de-mystify the myth that you can only shoot good landscapes at dawn and sunset and/or when the weather is fine. Once again, she proceeded to show by example. In fact, one of the most memorable landscapes in the presentation was that of a lake with the rain lashing down!
Ruth further showed us the power and glory of black & white. In fact, Ruth was one of the few lecturers we’ve had who emphasised the crucial question: when should I convert from colour to mono? Once more, Ruth clarified this issue with superb images.
What further enhanced Ruth’s talk was the fact we were treated to such a wide variety of stunning landscapes… from dramatic mountains at dawn to striking hoar frost fields and atmospheric mist-strewn forests through to serene coastal sunsets. We even had a few urban landscape images and night-time captures.
Overall, an evening that will linger long in the memory.
Epsom Camera Club September 2020
Ruth gave an enthralling Zoom based presentation entitled “Scotland – the tour” to Epsom Camera Club. Her images were fantastic, she gave great commentary and included information about kit and settings used. Several members later commented that they throughly enjoyed hearing her speak. Her passion, enthusiasm and skill clearly shine and I have no hesitation in highly recommending Ruth to any other club. David Zinzan – Chair
Norfolk and District Photographic Society May 2020
“The members of Norwich & District Photographic Society were treated to an outstanding evening of photography last night when they hosted a ‘virtual presentation’ by local Norfolk photographer Ruth Grindrod who took us all on a ‘Photographic Journey to Scotland’
Starting in the Western Isles of Lewis and Harris, Ruth shared with us her image ‘Three Rocks’ taken at the Butt of Lewis which was recently the overall winner of the Scottish Nature Photography Awards as well as winner of the Sea and Coast category. What followed was a selection of superb images that were taken in the wide variety of constantly changing weather conditions that this part of the world is renowned for…!
Ruth we are all grateful to you for treating us to such a great evening and for sharing with us your knowledge and passion for landscape photography – we wish you continued success In the future.
You are always welcome at NDPS and we look forward to your planned visit next season when hopefully things have returned to normal. “
Click the image below to read the full review on the NDPS website
March Camera Club March 2020
“Thank you for your wonderful talk you gave March camera Club on Thursday You showed us fantastic images and prints and gave us a very informative talk on how you took the photographs which I am sure we all can learn from and can help to improve our landscape photography “
Framlingham Camera Club November 2019
“Ruth Grindrod gave a highly illuminating lecture (in every sense) about her landscape photography on 21st November. Ruth talks with great authority and enthusiasm about the subject. We all learned much about how to approach landscape photography, and Ruth showed us how to think beyond the conventional in seeing landscapes. In particular: good landscape photographs are not all taken near sunrise or sunset, and not all in good weather!”
Aldeburgh camera club September 2019
“Thanks for coming! It was one of the best talks we have had – well structured, illustrated with wonderful images and very informative. Can I book you again for next year?”
Colchester Photographic Society September 2019
“The audience enjoyed the images immensely and a lot was learnt from the way you explained them. I am sure many will have taken inspiration from your presentation. On a personal note as an intermediate photographer you helped me appreciate the processes that should precede actually taking shot!
Thank you once again, and we look forward to inviting you back in the future.”
North Norfolk Photographic Society March 2019
“Many within our club were eagerly looking forward to Ruths presentation on Landscape Photography and it is pleasing to report that the entire audience were completely enthralled by both the quality of the images and the informative presentation. Ruth’s passion and enthusiasm for photography shone throughout the entire evening. An inspired booking and one I am certain our club will seek to repeat in the not too distant future.“
Phoenix Camera Club November 2018
“It was a delight to welcome Ruth to the Phoenix Group for Photography this evening. Ruth delivered a very informative talk involving her aspects of photography that captivated the audience. The prints of Ruth’s photographic work were also not to be missed. The whole evening provided each of us with some new and welcome ideas. I am more than happy to recommend Ruth to other clubs or societies.”
Aldeburgh camera Club September 2018
“Thank you so much for coming to talk to us (Aldeburgh Photography Group) last night, we all thought your images were beautiful. Your talk was fantastic, so informative, inspirational and your enthusiasm/passion very contagious. We would love you to come back and to talk to us again.”
Chet valley Loddon Camera club May 2018
“We all had a most enjoyable evening and I certainly learnt a lot from you last night and I know several other people did as well. What brilliant photos you have taken, but what a superb place Scotland is for taking photos.
I am sure I shall be in touch with you again for another one of your evenings.”
Norwich Photographic Society March 2018
” Thank you for your presentation ” Space to Breathe ” at Norwich & District Photographic Society on Tuesday. Yet again we were treated to superb landscape images , this time of Norway and Donegal along with plenty of tips and suggestions about landscape photography.
You are a confident and articulate speaker and always popular at my Society.”
Beccles camera club February 2018
“I just wanted to thank you for your talk to Beccles Camera Club last night. I found it thoroughly enjoyable and inspiring. I think that you struck a good compromise between the technical aspects of landscape photography and the enjoyment of your lovely images. On the way home I pondered your thoughts on techniques such as “photostacking” for ultimate front to back sharpness, and realized that your view accorded with the philosophy of P H Emmerson and his Naturistic Photography. Thank you again for a fascinating evening.”
Wayland and district Camera club December 17
“You gave us a really informative evening with superb images from “My Photographic Journey”
I am sure you could tell how much we enjoyed your amusing narrative with each stunning image.
Your enthusiasm for Landscape/Seascape photography clearly showed.
I have passed on the links and also included your email address to our members for their information, should they like to contact you for ‘In the Field Workshops’
No doubt we will be asking you to return in the future, to demonstrate some of your techniques in Photoshop.”
Norwich Photographic society January 2017
“Ruth recently visited our Society to give her presentation ” A Photographic Journey “. Many fine landscapes and plenty of tips on landscape photography.
One of the best evenings this season , and many requests from members to invite Ruth back. Has already been booked for next season’s programme !”
Brancaster camera club March 2017
“Several of your photographs will remain in my mind for some time to come. How your photograph which was only the runner up in the Scottish competition amazes me, what was the winner like? I thought yours was stunning , as were many of the others, thank you. I would like you return with your Norway photographs next year”