SETTLE Photographic Group has announced that photographer and artist Shy Burhan will open its 2024 annual exhibition at the event’s private view on the evening of Friday, August 23, writes Jill Franklin. The group's very popular event, free to visitors, will be open to the public and will run over the August Bank Holiday weekend, at Clapham Village Hall.

 

SHY Burhan is a Shipley-based photographer who has lived most of her life in Yorkshire. After turning to photography as a mature student, Shy managed her own portrait studio for two years. She then took on a new role as enterprise officer, supporting local women with self-employment.

This interest led to a more socially-engaged practice. Her first solo exhibition in Saltaire in 2016 was followed by a range of projects including a year-long Arts Council England funded 'Forty' project, exploring what turning 40 means, and then ‘Body Talk’, promoting a body positive dialogue for women through photography.

Her recent Arts Council project ‘Women in Uniform,’ celebrating UK women of colour who work in industries where they are traditionally under-represented, was exhibited at Haworth Art Gallery, Accrington, in 2023 and Cartwright Hall in 2024.

Shy Burhan says: “I’m thrilled to be invited to open the annual photography showcase for my friends at Settle Photographic Group. It’s a pleasure to see how varied and diverse their work is and how creative they can be. I am very much looking forward to viewing their exhibition and celebrating yet another year’s achievements.”

This year’s annual exhibition welcomes the work of new members to the group. Yvonne Fairclough, joint co-ordinator of the exhibition, says: “The group has welcomed a host of new members this year and we hope to encourage them to show their images in this year’s exhibition alongside those of our more established members. Our members come from right across Craven - from Settle and Airton to Bentham and Skipton - and we are proud of our reputation of being a friendly and supportive Group of amateur photographers. It’s going to be fascinating to see everyone’s work shown together in this, Settle Photographic Group’s yearly showcase event.”

The annual exhibition not only shines a spotlight on many aspects of Craven’s stunning flora, fauna and landscapes, but also members’ personal interests too. A wide range of techniques and styles combines with varied subject matters to create the show. The majority of the exhibited photographs will be available for sale alongside a selection of additional work by members and the group's very successful range of greetings cards. All the refreshments on sale will raise money for St James’s Church, Clapham.

Elaine Newington-Ward, Chair of Settle Photographic Group, adds: “We particularly want to thank Shy for opening our exhibition this year - she truly is an inspiration for female photographers of all backgrounds across Yorkshire.

"We would also like to thank Yorkshire Dales Millennium Trust (YDMT) for supporting it. Their financial support will enable us to keep the exhibition entrance free to all, to encourage as many people as possible to come and see the work of our talented Members.

"We’d particularly like to welcome our new members who are submitting work to the exhibition for the first time and hope it inspires others to join our group. We’d love as many people as possible to come and celebrate the photographic talent on display - as well as have a cake and a cuppa."

The annual exhibition is preceded by SPG’s Town Trail, running from July 31 to August, 19, which sees a selection of exhibition photos on display in shop windows around Settle.

Sue Haddrill, joint co-ordinator of the exhibition, comments: “Our town trail is designed to give people a fantastic taster of the exhibition. With over 70 images on display in Settle shops and businesses, it’s a chance to see a sample of the range and style of work which will be on show in Clapham.

"We hope that seeing SPG’s work throughout Settle inspires people - both those who love photography and those who are interested to find out more - to visit the exhibition.”

From its formation in 2008, the group has grown to a membership of nearly 50. SPG is proud to offer a warm welcome to anyone interested in photography, irrespective of their experience, age, skill level or specific interest. Its aim is to help every member develop their photographic skills through a varied programme of talks, demonstrations, discussions, challenges, online galleries, as well as outings, exhibitions and coffee mornings.

Members share their knowledge about a range of cameras, photographic accessories and software. Details of forthcoming meetings and further information about the Settle Photographic Group can be found at www.settlephotos.org. Visitors are welcome to come along to any meeting.

The exhibition in Clapham Village Hall will run from Saturday, August 24 to Monday, August 26, and will be open every day from 10am to 5pm.