Mr. George Bisat read a paper on “Landscape Photography”, of which the following is an abstract.

After commenting on the desirability of the tyro beginning work by attempting to take a landscape, Mr. Bisat outlined the principles which should guide the operator in selecting suitable subjects for such work, advising a preliminary ramble in order to note the best points of view and the time of day yielding the most pleasing lighting.

The necessary apparatus was described, and the value of a note book in which to enter particulars of date, time of day, exposure, lens and stop used, variety of plate, quality of light, etc., etc., was emphasised; deductions from data thus recorded serving as an excellent guide for future work.

The use of the camera in the field was then touched upon, and the principles influencing the selection of stops and the employment of the rising front and swing back were explained. In treating of that all important question “Exposure” the lecturer referred to the great assistance he had derived from the use of “Wormald’s Practical Index of Photographic Exposure”.

Especial attention was drawn to the importance of giving approximately correct exposures, for, though errors in this respect may to some extent be compensated for in development, still really first class work was invariably the outcome of care and attention in exposure. The application of “Wormald’s Tables” was explained and their value enlarged, especially to the inexperienced.

Turning to the artistic side of the subject, Mr. Bisat dwelt upon the usually accepted principles which should govern the composition of a picture, and at some length urged on by members, the necessity of paying due regard to these if they wished to produce photographs which should also claim to be pictures.

He then proceeded to treat of development, describing the developers in ordinary use, and laying especial stress upon the advantages to be gained by a slow or sensitive method of working. Personally, he preferred pyro in a 10 per cent solution preserved with meta-bisulphite of potash, with ammonia added from a dropping bottle as the accelerator.

The value of cycling as an adjunct to photography was extolled, and the great advantages accruing from the use of a tricycle for the purpose of conveying the photographer and his kit were forcibly pointed out, especially if the outfit be of a half-plate or larger size. The lecturer gave a detailed description of the plan he had adopted for carrying his apparatus on his tricycle on a short tour during last summer, and spoke very brightly of the enjoyment and pleasure to be derived from a holiday taken in this way. He cordially recommended his hearers to follow his example.