Our aim is to encourage the development of photography as a means of expression and as a vehicle for the author to make a personal photographic statement.

Many types of photography can be creative. Classifications such as landscape, nature, portrait or derivative can all be areas of personal expression in which the photographer seeks to stimulate the imagination and arouse the emotions of the viewer. The medium can be print or projected image, monochrome or colour, for it is the personal input of the photographer which makes the description as creative appropriate.

The techniques which the photographer employs to add creativity can vary but will normally include

• choice of location
• choice of view
• choice of season
• choice of composition
• choice of lighting at the scene
• choice of timing to take the exposure
• choice of post-capture treatment

You certainly do not have to employ derivative or manipulative techniques to be creative.

Imagination: The key, we think, to creative photography. It is difficult these days to come up with original ideas in photography but - imagination? This, surely, is unique to each of us. No two people see the same way: it is often said that two photographers standing side by side will not see the same picture. The creative photographer will think that bit differently; see that bit differently and consequently end up with a more unusual, interesting or thought provoking interpretation.

The Group is committed to organising a wide range of activities, and informal meetings of members from a particular locality are encouraged to provide an opportunity for informal discussion and the sharing of expertise in all techniques. National meetings are held three times a year usually at Whittlesford in Cambridgeshire because it is centrally located to the majority of our members, who live in the East Anglia, South East, Central and Thames Valley regions. Thus, it is hoped, more members will feel able to attend.

The 'Creative Eye' is the magazine of the Group and is issued three times a year. Contributions are encouraged via both pictures and the written word. The Creative Group also provides this web site as a modern means of communication of its affairs and to publish members' images.

We also have an active Electronic Imaging Portfolio Group, members of which exchange images via email. Overseas Members can participate fully in both the magazine and the email group.

The Group is served by a committee under the Chairmanship of Barry Collin LRPS CPAGB. The committee consists of three officers: Chairman, Treasurer and General Secretary and other members who take on specific roles such as Newsletter Editor, Membership Secretary, Exhibition and Portfolio Secretaries and Webmaster. These are nominated to be elected annually at the Annual General Meeting. All are practising photographers.