** 2025 - An Overdue Update **

The last few years have seen major changes for me - I no longer own a Studio, no longer run studio workshops, and have gone from 34 years of being self-employed to being an employed lawyer in the N.I civil service. This has required a period of personal adjustment, and my photography took a bit of a back seat in the last 18 months as I have adjusted to my new circumstances.



I always hoped my club could avoid the type of personality clash or fallouts that unfortunately occur in many clubs, but alas it was not to be - and during and since covid, the club lost more than a handful of members who for one reason or another made the decision to leave after some personal fall-outs. My attempts, as Club President, to resolve any disagreements fell on deaf ears, but I am glad to say that despite significant changes in membership, 'plus ça change, plus c'est la même chose!'



Catchlight CC has maintained its position as the top Club in Ireland, North and South, and has now won the PAGB Print Championships for 4 years in a row. Remarkably, the Club also won the FIAP World Cup for Camera Clubs for a second time in 2024! I suspect our time at the top is now coming to an end, but I am a huge believer in karma - and I believe karma has played a significant role in our recent successes - much to the chagrin of any who believed their absence would result in a downturn in fortune. If you know, you know!



Catchlight CC has also won the Top Club in NIPA for the last 3 years in a row, and something like 10 years out of the last 14!



My relationship with NIPA, the NI Photography Federation for camera clubs has thankfully improved greatly - I think many people have gradually come to realise that the bulk of problems were (largely) caused by three individuals who have been, and remain, very jealous of my personal and club success for reasons best known to their own tiny minds. Unfortunately when provoked, I tend to react badly, but thankfully there has been no provocation for a couple of years. I do not find it easy to suffer fools. Again, I thank karma for being a bitch with regard to the individuals concerned! Anyone who has ever sought help or guidance from me with their photography, knows that I have always been open to sharing my knowledge, and trying to raise standards in ALL clubs.



Several members of Catchlight CC were in China for 10 days recently, to be presented with the FIAP World Cup for Clubs Trophy, in Changsha, Hunan Province:








However, I do believe it would be healthy for Irish Club Photography in particular, if a different Club was to win the Club Championships in 2026 - but they will certainly have to earn it!



I have not entered many Exhibitions in the last few years, but was delighted to win the FIAP Blue Badge in both Edinburgh International and in Bristol in 2024. When I started doing FIAP Distinctions, EFIAP/p was the Holy grail - but there are now several higher Distinctions available. I may now attempt to achieve some of those higher Distinctions - EFAIP/diamond-1 being the next I can apply for.



My main interests now lie in Landscape and Nature photography, although I may continue to do occasional portraiture. As I work towards retirement in a handful of years, my photography has become more 'for me' than for competition - but I hope that the current and future members of Catchlight CC can keep the club running and successful - albeit perhaps not to the same level as previously!

Ross McKelvey
September 2025