BY NUALA MCALOON

The think tank behind what was to later become known as the Enniskillen Photographic Society (EPS) was the late Shay Nethercott, described this week by one of the club's founding members as, a professional photographer by day but an amateur photographer at heart.

Indeed, it was Shay's vision and perhaps more importantly, his passion that inspired the establishment of the now 25-year-old Society, using the objects of 'instruction, amusement and education in photographic work' as the basis for its foundation.

A quarter of a century on, and as the Society prepares to mark the dawning of its anniversary year with an opening evening tomorrow (Thursday) night, it is with a sense of nostalgia and celebration that Anne Cassidy, one of the Club's founding members can chart its history and progression to the present day.

Together with Pat Lunny, Anne makes up the elite pair who have consistently remained members of the Society for the 25-year period. She has also been chair of the society for five years on different occasions.

She recalls how the first seeds were sown.

"The Society was set up as a result of Shay Nethercott's passion for photography. While he was a professional photographer, he was an amateur photographer by heart, i.e. he was passionate. He set the Society up, and our first chairman was George Balfour. We met weekly in the old Ardhowen building and built up a membership very quickly. We have had 30 to 35 members consistently over the years which has expanded to over 70 members today."

Anne explains that from the outset, it was her mentor's aim to educate.

"Shay's idea was to teach photography so, initially he gave a lot of classes in black and white photography and, while we met in the Ardhowen, really 'his headquarters' were in his shop in Paget Square which became like a drop-in-centre where all the members met.

"He was also very keen to get guest speakers from around Ireland to broaden our photographic horizons. We started monthly competitions which have stayed with us to this day, and we also have an annual exhibition which is a competition as well."

Throughout the years, Anne has noted a number of changes, not least in the transition from traditional to digital photography.

"In the beginning", she explained, " there was a great emphasis on black and white photography and printing and learning the traditional skills. But, as we progressed, things changed with the introduction of digital. We still had a darkroom but it was used only by a small number.

"The transition changed the membership of photographic societies. Digital brought in new members and, a lot more members, because it opened up photography to a greater number of people.

"On the downside, some clubs lost members as people felt they didn't need to go to a club to learn. However, Enniskillen Photographic Society (EPS) saw a rise in its members. This was due to a number of reasons. Digital meant embracing photography in a new way.

"EPS is also forward and outward looking and a very sociable club. If someone enters as a stranger, they always walk out a friend. The current chairman, Terry McCartney and his committee are also doing incredible hard work and have been exceptional with the changes."

The society currently meets every second Thursday at 8pm in the Ardhowen Theatre where there is a mixed programme that varies from club and inter-competitions, lectures, workshops and exhibitions. The exhibitions and programme of events attract prominent judges, lecturers and fellow photographers with a breadth of knowledge and experience from which all members can benefit.

Indeed, from what started out as a hobby for Anne, evolved into something so much more as the years progressed.

"I started going to Shay's shop where he taught me and other members about studio lighting and black and white printing. We learned the basics. We worked and learned and read and took every opportunity we got to pursue our photographic interests."

And it paid off. For Anne proceeded to become a Fellow of the Royal Photographic Society, for which she is now a judge and can now encourage and offer guidance to other photographers, many of whom have been successful in Northern Ireland competition.

She is a Fellow of the Irish Photographic Federation and is an Artist of the International Federation of Photographic Art for which in order to achieve, she had to have her work exhibited in 15 salons throughout the world and present a panel of photographs.

Anne continues to do a lot of project work, including documentary and fine art and has exhibited in Ireland, the UK and further afield.

Looking back, Anne can recall many highlights over the years, with the exchange with the Photographic Society of Ireland being one to remember.

"It involved exchange weekends to Dublin and Fermanagh. The Society was also a guest of the Lord Mayor's in Dublin. Another highlight was when the club won the Northern Ireland Photographic Association Black and White Novice Cup in the late 80s."

There have also been a number of challenging projects to keep the Society thriving.

"In the eighties, we photographed different towns and villages as they were, including Enniskillen, Derrygonnelly, Irvinestown and Tempo and covered a year in the life of each. We kept this as a permanent exhibition which will be of great interest for future generations.

"At the Millennium, we covered the vast variety of craft work being carried out in Fermanagh. This was an exhibition I feel will be of greater importance in 40 or 50 years time."

Now as the Society looks forward to celebrating its 25th anniversary, Anne believes the club will not only survive in years to come but will continue to grow and flourish.

"Enniskillen Photographic Society has given people great joy and a hobby that will be with members for a life time. I am delighted that it has lasted 25 years and hope that it can continue for another 25 or more.

"This is not just about photography, it is also about the friendships that have been forged. People come from all walks of life. They range from the mix of 80-year-olds right down to 14-year-olds. Photography is for all levels, and there is no age barrier. All barriers are broken down when you have a passion and get involved."