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Travelling Railway Photographic Portfolios Editor Martyn Fordham gives us his experiences. I am a member of three travelling railway photographic portfolios, the MRPC, Phoenix and the RCTS. “What are these?” you ask. Well firstly to say that they probably account for the majority of photographic inspiration that I have and they certainly have helped me to improve my photography of railways. Basically a “Box” or folio of pictures is circulated among the membership with each member adding a piece of their work to be commented upon and at the same time commenting on all of the other entries in that round! Simple. MRPC The Modern Railway Photographic Circle was originally formed by a group of railway photographers from the Eastern part of the UK; the aims as in Phoenix (Below) are for a more artistic approach to railway photography. There are several travelling folios within the circle all of which are for prints only. MRPC Secretary Ian Cowley tells us more. Phoenix RPC The Phoenix Railway Photographic Circle was founded in 1970’ by Wynn Hobson from the cream of active railway photographers to encourage and explore progressive and experimental approaches to the photography of diesel and electric rail traction. Many of the original members are still involved with 31 members currently spread between the two sections. (Print and Transparency) With Phoenix the aims are not to produce the simple record shot but looking, in fact for the vivid pictorial representation of trains in their total environment. (Some of the above text was taken from the Phoenix book “Trains of Thought”) RCTS Photographic Folios The Railway Correspondence & Travel Society has a section consisting of several travelling folios comprising both prints and transparencies. The folios are open to all active railway photographers (That is if there are vacancies) who join or are already members of the RCTS. If you take all three of these you probably have a good percentage of the best railway photographers in the UK. There is absolutely no doubt that my photography has improved considerably since joining these, one is able to view some of the best railway photography possible and have constructive criticism on ones own work from some very highly regarded names.
If you are further interested in any of the above then please contact me and I will put you in touch with the relevant parties. Martyn Fordham
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