What we’re about
Welcome to The Surrey and Hampshire Photography Meetup Group. (formerly Hampshire Photography Friends)
The group was established in 2012 and since then has been the platform for numerous photographic meetup events, and is popular with both established and new members. We are always looking to welcome new members so please join if you like what you see and would like to join in with our activities.
The aim of the group is simple - to meet with like minded photographers to share skills and experience, and to improve our skills in a friendly and social environment. Whether you are highly experienced or a newbie to photography you will be made very welcome. It doesn't matter what type of camera you have as anyone with any camera can take a good photograph.
Before you join please read the small print - by joining you are accepting these 5 statements.......These statements are purely to protect the group, its members, and to ensure that attendees of meetups take personal responsibility for themselves and actions.
- If I RSVP 'yes' to an event then I have a responsibility to attend unless I change my RSVP to 'No'. I accept that if I do not show on more than 1 occasion my membership of the group may be terminated.
- I will be polite and courteous to other members and will be respectful of their values and beliefs. I will not discriminate on the basis of people's ability, age, colour, race, sex, religion, sexuality or sexual identity.
- I accept responsibility for my own safety and security on all meetups with this group and accept that organisers of any meetups, or the group are not responsible for any accident, or loss incurred by me on a meetup.
- I accept that I am personally responsible for any damage or loss caused by myself to other people, property, or structures and any loss incurred by those people whilst I am attending a meetup and the organiser or group will not be held responsible for such actions or losses incurred.
- The organiser will cancel the membership of any member who is no longer active in the group, meaning any member who has not visited the website for a period of 6 months or more. This is purely to make the numbers more easily manageable. Those ex-members are welcome to re-join at any time.
Upcoming events (1)
See all- Portsmouth - A Boat Trip and Walk around the Old City and Sea WallsThe Hard Interchange, Portsmouth£5.00
The Plan: Meet at 10.15 at the Hard Interchange - see map. We'll then proceed to the Gunwharf Quays and join our boat for a 45 minute tour of the harbour. After this : a walk around Old Portsmouth, taking in Portsmouth Cathedral, the Royal Garrison Church, the Hot Walls, the Square and Round Towers, and finishing at the Spinnaker Tower.
We will start at the Hard Interchange (mainly because it's a convenient place to meet, although there are views of the historic ships, such as HMS Warrior, nearby).
From here we walk to Portsmouth Cathedral and go inside for a while, and then to the Royal Garrison Church which was partly damaged during the War and presents a contrast between the roofless nave and the roofed and furnished chancel.
Next we go up onto the walls to the Square Tower, part way along the top of the walls with views of the shipping coming into and out of the harbour, down to street level (by the ice cream van for anyone who can't wait until lunch!) and past the Hot Walls (originally part of the defences of Portsmouth Harbour and now home to artists studios) to the Round Tower, another part of the old fortifications dating back to the 1420s.
From there we go onto the Portsmouth Point (or the "Spice Island", nothing to do with real spices but so-called because it spiced up the visiting sailors lives with drink and other entertainments!) and then past (or maybe into) several pubs - a convenient stopping point for lunch.
From here we go along a path with views over an inlet from the harbour and a multi-storey boat park (yes, really!). Oh, and not to forget the "Portsmouth City Council Shellfish Notification Board" - glad to see that the council take their responsibilities seriously but I have no idea why the shellfish need notifying of anything!
Finally past the modern shopping centre of Gunwharf Quays (with a couple of old ships figureheads on display) to the Spinnaker Tower. Those with a head for heights can go up the tower for excellent views across Portsmouth city and harbour and a chance to stand on the glass floor and see the long drop beneath your feet.
From here it is a short walk back to Gunwharf Quays car park or Portsmouth Harbour station.This should be a great day in a historic part of this maritime city - even the pubs have history!
Meetup cost is £5 per photographer and for each guest - paid in cash to me on the day please.
The Boat Trip is £13 - please book your ticket in advance here: HERE Tickets may be available on the day but time will be short as the ticket office is at the entrance to the Royal Dockyards and not at the quay. If you do NOT want to go on the boat we can meet at 12 at the quay before we start the walk.
Entry to the Spinnaker Tower is £18.95 (£17.65 concessions) and allows multiple visits on the same day. If visibility is poor (you cannot see all 3 Solent forts) then you can ask for a free visit in the following 3 months.
Comfortable shoes are recommended as it will be quite a lot of walking (about 2.5 miles) on hard pavements, and dress for the weather as we'll be outside quite a lot.
Bring whatever camera you have - a phone or compact camera can take great pictures. And don't forget to share your pictures on the site afterwards.
