Photography is probably bigger now than it has ever been, with people able to instantly reach for their phones and snap away. What’s more, we’re never at a loss for visual inspiration in and around Barnet. Perhaps this is why the Barnet and Finchley Photographic Society is still going strong since forming in 1935.

Current Chairman Bob Blyth explained how a large proportion of their 40 members now use digital cameras and how they’re lucky to have always had their own club room, unlike many photographic societies. At their base in a Nissan hut in Chipping Barnet they meet every Thursday and organise a range of activities such as workshops, discussions, informal competitions and regularly welcome guest speakers. They’re always keen to expand the membership.

On a more personal level, it was interesting hearing how Bob’s passion for photography evolved from when he travelled the world on cruise ships with the Merchant Navy. Like many people back then (me included) he started with an Instamatic and has moved with the times and the technology. Bob was recently the winner of an international photographic competition organised by Le Raincy, twinned with Barnet, with submissions from their other twin towns. He received this award from Mayor Brian Salinger at the Town Hall earlier this month. To see more of his work, Bob will have a stall in the High Street during the Barnet Christmas Fayre on Sunday 3rd December. The striking picture of the High Street is one of his images and you can see more of his work here.

Each year the society holds an exhibition at Chipping Barnet Library which is open to the public and displays photographs taken by members during the preceding year. Meetings are every Thursday from 8pm in Salisbury Road at the rear of number 37, reached via the passage down the right side of the house.

All newcomers are welcome to attend the Photographic Society. Prospective members of all standards can attend up to three meetings as guests without obligation.