Presentations & AV
Shows
In addition to providing a photo stock
library of images for reproduction, we can also provide daytime or evening presentations
on the Hebrides. Whilst these are primarily aimed at camera clubs and
photographic societies, they may also be of interest to other clubs and
organisations such as U3A. We prefer to provide shows within the Home Counties
to minimise travelling, but would be prepared to consider venues further
afield.
We can also accept short notice bookings e.g. 6 hours’ notice, if I
am available.
These shows are personally presented by Ruari
Cumming, ARPS who holds a distinction from the Royal Photographic Society
(RPS). He is also an accredited judge with the Southern Counties Photographic
Federation, part of the Photographic Alliance of Great Britain (PAGB), who
awarded him the Federation's “Roll of Honour” for his contribution
to club photography over many years. He has taken all the pictures used &
creates these 2 hour shows with great care and dedication. As a professional
photographer, a reasonable charge is made for personally presenting the shows,
based on a fixed fee plus mileage related travel expenses in-line with PAGB
rates.
We supply all the equipment needed (laptop, digital projector, speakers and
even a screen, if needed).
The shows available at present are:-
“An Eye
on the Hebrides” - A photographic tour through the
Hebrides. An evening of wonderful images, some history and a few humorous
stories, all accompanied with AV sequences and captivating music.
For further information see “An Eye on the Hebrides”
Review notices from just some of the clubs
who have seen this show are:-
“...the best AV show we have ever seen” - Bracknell Camera Club
“...presentation was absolutely stunning, we were all inspired by
your pictures” - Princes Risborough Photographic Society
“...mesmerised by the sheer beauty of the Hebrides & the truly
exceptional standard of Ruari's work” - Whitchurch Hill Camera Club
“...a fantastic presentation matching quality images with
superb music” - Oxford Photographic Society
“...the show was superb and the standard of the talk and
quality of the pictures were truly excellent” - Burghfield Camera Club
“...the quality of your images, knowledge of your subject and
beautiful music captivated everyone's interest. Comments received
were:-“Absolutely stunning” - “Brilliant photography” -
“Why didn't I think of taking that shot from that angle”. It was a
pleasure to meet you, an inspiration to us all” - Chertsey Camera
Club
“The Island Dream” - An exploration of the islands on the edge, their isolation & fragility, their charm & allure.
We meet some islanders who have chosen to live “the island dream”, as well as joining visitors whilst they explore a Hebridean island.
For further information see “The Island Dream”
Review notices from just some of the clubs who have seen this show are:-
“...Your skilled artistic photographic eye
brought us sequences, perfectly balanced, of countryside, nature and social
documentary. The scenes we felt we were there on the island with you, just
brilliant” - Bracknell Camera Club
“...All the images were absolute perfection, a joy to see, and it was
a pleasure to listen to your commentary” - Alton Camera Club
“...It is always a pleasure to hear someone talk about their passion
and with Ruari you get completely immersed in the experience. His professional
AV delivery was great, the sequences were well compiled and the angle he chose
to approach the subject was engaging” - Marlow Camera Club
“...Ruari very cleverly chose music to fit in perfectly with each
sequence, interspersed by his lively & poetic narration to make this a
highly professional presentation & a most memorable evening for all. His
photography must rank amongst the best” - Whitchurch Hill Camera Club
“...it really was an outstanding presentation, and I was so impressed by
the way you combine expert professionalism with easy informality” - Princes
Risborough Camera Club
“Hebridean
Hopscotch” - The concluding part of this highly acclaimed
Hebridean trilogy. Footloose we sail on a voyage criss-crossing the Sea of the
Hebrides, to visit islands not seen before, explore past times and revel in the
hidden beauty these islands display, as well as a challenge or two.
For further information see “Hebridean Hopscotch”
Review notices from just some of the clubs who have seen this show are:-
“...perfect blend of history, nature, stunning
landscape sequences and personal involvement with the islands, presented in a
highly professional manner along with changes of pace and ambience” - Bracknell
Camera Club
“...this final chapter of the story was, by far, the best. A highly
personal and emotional evening with some of the finest photographs seen for a
long time” - Whitchurch Hill Camera Club
“...Ruari charted his close relationship with the islands, the people who
live there and the life they lead. He always adds something new and gave an
interesting and beautifully illustrated talk, including personal times past and
a couple of triumphs” - Marlow Camera Club
“...a very interesting and professional presentation that was clearly
a very personal and emotional story, starting with you as a boy and taking us
through your travels in the Hebrides, onto your final planned journey into the
sands. Many wonderful stories along
the way from the land, the sea and the sky and not forgetting the sand
patterns, the Three Peaks and the story of Donald MacKay, the tweed
weaver. A very entertaining and
informative evening” - Newbury
Camera Club
“...A skilfully produced and enlightening audio-visual show, with
carefully chosen musical accompaniment, coupled with a lively commentary from
Ruari, the presentation was thoroughly enjoyed by all present” - South
Reading Camera Club
“Another World, Another View”
- Ever wondered where the Archbishop parks his motor bike, or where Columbus
sailed from, or even where you catch a flight to Monte? Leaving the Hebrides
behind, looking further afield, beyond the surface of other places. We spot the
interesting & the amusing, the visually stunning & the absurd. We
explore the way of life, both past and present, giving us a different view of
familiar places in this ever changing world we live in.
For further information see “Another
World, Another View”
Review notices from just some of the clubs who have
seen this show are:-
“...a wonderfully crafted presentation that demonstrates Ruari’s
superb skills with a camera together with inspired music that brings the
sequences alive. A show that is definitely more than the sum of the
individual parts and leaves you wanting more and wondering what will come
next” - Bracknell Camera Club
“...It goes without saying that the images were of a high quality and the transitions mind-blowing at times, but for me it was your choice of music that added tremendously to the enjoyment of the evening” - Ludshott Photo Club
“...The audio-visual techniques that Ruari used to present his images were very advanced and produced stunning results, and even included short video sequences to enhanced subjects like steam trains and a chairlift ride!
At the end of the evening, most members were feeling that they would like to jump on a plane and visit or re-visit some of the places we saw, such was the atmosphere the show created. We hope to see another of Ruari's presentations in the not too distant future.” - Reading Camera Club
“...Walk on a pyroclastic flow, explore a
Cornish tin mine, lose yourself in the streets and canals of Venice and much
more. This is Ruari at his best with thought provoking images and a stunning
audio visual presentation.” - Haslemere
Camera Club
“A Window on the World” - Ever
wondered where the Norse landed on our shores, or what a beach hut costs, or
even where those lemons on the fruiterer’s stall come from? With the Hebrides way
behind us our journey continues to new lands and peoples. From medieval castles
to sun kissed olive groves of the Mediterranean, places rich in history and
culture with a drop of human madness thrown in.
For further information see “A
Window on the World”
Review notices from just some of the clubs who have seen this show are:-
“...This is not a travelogue but a show demonstrating how one can use photography to explore an area with a view to highlighting so much of what goes on around us. Photography is a powerful medium for telling stories and Ruari combines his camera skills with his attention to detail to bring us a highly enjoyable evening.” - Bracknell Camera Club
“...A wonderfully varied selection of images from around the world, combined with a great selection of music and a light dusting of Ruari humour proved to be a hit with the members last night. We learnt where lemons originated, how much a beach hut costs and saw himself in shorts; what more could you want from an evening's entertainment? It was a master class in the art of putting together an interesting and varied AV show and should act as an inspiration to anyone to have a go themselves.” - Yateley Camera Club
For further information see “Beyond Capricorn”
Review notices from just some of the clubs who have seen this show are:-
“...It was, as usual, an excellent and entertaining evening full of stunning vistas and all photographed to a very high standard, using music most apt to each sequence. Notable sequences included the Whitsunday Islands, Kings Canyon, Lake Matheson and the road to Aoraki (Mount Cook). Overall, a highly engaging talk coupled with professional photography and well-crafted AV sequences.” - Bracknell Camera Club
“...We thoroughly enjoyed your presentation and were once again impressed by your artistry and manipulation of the pin sharp images plus your personal narrative. Since our original chance meeting in 2010 we have felt privileged and delighted to have followed so many of your travel presentations. We do hope that your planned river cruise through Central Europe and later South Africa may yet produce something magical for the 'eyes of the world' to enjoy.” - Philip and Doreen Smith
“...A joyous journey visiting faraway lands without the effort of leaving the UK. Ruari gave us a taster of places that are truly spectacular coupled with his trademark professional AV sequences.” - President BCC
“...Another top class AV presentation from Ruari Cumming ARPS featuring Singapore, Australia and New Zealand. Many of us will never get the opportunity to visit the antipodes and this programme will help fill that gap. For those who have been down under it will surely bring back memories. From the tower blocks of Singapore and Sydney to the islands of the Whitsundays and North and South Islands of New Zealand, Ruari shows it all, backed all the way by carefully chosen titles and music. Highly recommended! To sum up in a word, as ever, “Spectacular”
- Haslemere Camera Club
“...Now that was a good travelogue and what a distance we travelled that evening! We started off in the humid heat with images of Singapore with its soaring glass towers, its bustling waterfront and its orchid collection before flying across to Australia. Here we travelled up the east coast, starting from Sydney with its iconic bridge and Opera House. Then across to the centre - the Red Centre as he calls it. Then off again, this time to New Zealand where Ruari drove us down to the south and the fjords. Phew!!
Not only did we enjoy his still images, but Ruari interspersed this with video sequences which brought the whole trip alive. It was great to travel along the lakes and fjords to view the dramatic scenery. Ruari has a good eye for the oddities seen along the way too. And of course, there were wonderful views of Mount Cook.
What a great evening with superb images, videos and commentary! Thank you Ruari for sharing your experiences Down Under with us which we thoroughly enjoyed!” - Whitchurch Hill Camera Club