Adderbury, Deddington and District Photographic Society
August Meeting Report – Rachel Wallace: Altered Images. On a warm August evening, we were delighted to welcome the highly respected photographer Rachel Wallace from Henley-on-Thames, who presented an inspiring talk entitled “Altered Images.” Like many photographers, Rachel’s passion for photography began at a young age. She later went on to achieve her City and Guilds qualification and Licentiateship of the Royal Photographic Society (LRPS). Working from her home darkroom, complete with a fridge stocked with her favourite wine, Rachel creates and transforms her distinctive photographic images.
Although she remains passionate about film photography, Rachel explained that her first digital camera, a Nikon D70, opened up new creative possibilities. She prefers to carry out much of her image manipulation in-camera rather than through extensive post-processing, creating unique and often unpredictable results.
Rachel has a particular affinity for textures, forms, colours and fine details found in everyday objects. She carefully combines these elements to create compelling images where all the components work harmoniously together. Her work is heavily influenced by photographers and artists who encourage a different way of seeing. Among these are Alan Henderson, who believes photography is all about “looking”, Stephen Gill, particularly his Hackney Flowers series, and Roland Barthes’ Camera Lucida, with its emphasis on layered imagery and personal interpretation. She also enjoys experimenting with Intentional Camera Movement (ICM) and cited Hungarian photographer Mari Mahr and British conceptual artist John Stezaker as significant influences. Stezaker is renowned for his innovative collages, which combine found postcards, film stills, publicity photographs and other imagery to create surreal and psychologically charged works.
Rachel concluded by discussing more sustainable darkroom practices and alternative photographic processes. Her experiments include lumen prints, chlorophyll prints made using plants and moss, cyanotypes, and Cliché Verre. She also demonstrated how glass and mirrors can be used creatively to produce striking reflective images.
Rachel’s presentation was both fascinating and thought-provoking, showcasing her creativity, technical skill and willingness to experiment. It provided members with plenty of inspiration and new ideas to explore in their own photographic journeys.
Coming Up Next Month:
Jason Parry-Wilson, who will be talking about ‘ Hints and Tips on Wildlife photography’.
Make it your 2026 resolution to join us!
Come along and enjoy inspiring talks from our wonderful guest speakers.
All welcome. We meet on the first Wednesday of the month. Meetings start at 7:30pm at the Adderbury Institute.
Website: addphoto.co.uk or find us on facebook.com/add.photosoc for further information!
Courtney Killpack
Address: The Institute, Adderbury