ASHLEY HAS 5 TALKS AVAILABLE FOR CAMERA CLUBS AND 3 FOR OTHER GROUPS

TALKS FOR CAMERA CLUBS

Please note that all these talks - with the exception of Professionally Speaking - are available as Zoom talks.  For live talks, my charge is £75 plus PAGB Travel Expenses. For Zoom talks, it's £75 only.

 

'You are a truly fabulous speaker, full of energy and enthusiasm as well as being funny. I was captivated in a way no other speaker has since joining my camera club. I could listen to you for hours.' - Vikki, Cirencester Camera Club

 

FROM PURSUIT TO PASSION TO PROFESSION  

How did Ashley the amateur snapper become Ashley Franklin Photography offering a wide spectrum of professional  services?  In Part 1, see how the pursuit quickly became a passion as Ashley made his way through the camera club world and, in Part 2, how he ventured into the commercial sphere.  Ashley would not have become a pro without the stimulation and inspiration he picked up as a member of Derby City Photographic, so this presentation is a celebration of the camera club ideal as well as a journey into the world of a professional practitioner with all its perils, pitfalls, triumphs and rewards. 

'Ashley charts the highs and lows of his career with brutal honesty.  It's an emotional rollercoaster both thought-provoking and inspirational. Not only was I thoroughly entertained by Ashley's anecdotes and presentation style but as a photographer I came away with a mind that was buzzing with new ideas. I was completely blown away.' - Daniel Cadden, Stafford PS

'The most entertaining talk I have experienced in all my years at this club' - Brian Dicks, Stafford PS

'A great mixture of story and images with a huge helping of enthusiasm... without doubt the best start to any season I can remember... it should spur us on to better things.' - A. Burroughs, Secretary, Yardley Photographic Society

'Every one of our members was buzzing after your talk' - Pat Reed, Programme Secretary, York Photographic Society

'Wonderfully instructive evening... amazing talk... created a buzz which I have rarely witnessed... great images, great presentation, a brilliant evening... the best speaker we have had this season.' - members of Aldridge Photographic Society  '

'You are not only a great photographer but also a great storyteller... You conveyed your passion with great warmth' - Cambridge Camera Club

'Interesting, inspiring, absorbing and humorous with superb images' - Jaguar Photo Club, Coventry

'As well as his excellent photographs, particularly of the Derwent Valley where he lives and clearly loves, he had much to say on the importance of marketing, contacts, diversity, hard work and, (he was honest enough to admit), not a little good luck on the way. He talked of the influences on his work and it was interesting to see how it evolved from personal and club photography, to the wide ranging broad appeal of his contributions to magazines, books, calendars, interior design, portraits, the occasional wedding, and the landscapes of his beloved Derwent Valley and in Tuscany, where he frequently runs workshops' - Barrie Barker, Rollwright Visual Arts Group 

 

THE DERWENT VALLEY: THE STORY OF A PHOTO BOOK 

Ashley tells the story of how he assembled the first ever photo book to celebrate the Derwent Valley Mills World Heritage Site, published in November 2023. This 228-page hardback publication marks the culmination of a nine-year aspiration for Ashley, rooted in his deep ties to the valley.

Initially commissioned in 2014 by the Arkwright Society during his tenure as their official photographer, Ashley's project took flight in 2019 when he joined forces with fellow pro photographer Ian Daisley and invited additional photographers to participate. Garnering an overwhelming response of 1,000 submissions, the book features nearly 500 captivating images, with Ashley's extensive collection spanning two decades as the centrepiece.

Ashley's talk will take you through the book's three thematic sections—Industrial Heritage, People & Places, and Wildlife— and show how the book encapsulates the valley's historical significance, its communities and its rich biodiversity. 

'A wonderful evening... a fascinating story... and such wonderful images' - members of Beauvale Photography Group

UNDER A TUSCAN SKY

Come with Ashley to one of the most glorious landscapes on Earth: Val D'Orcia, a Mecca for photographers in the heart of Tuscany, where Ashley has run spring workshops since 2018.  Ashley's presentation is based on 12 visits, nine in mid-May, a time of dawn mists swirling around the lush rolling hills where poppies bloom and cypress trees stand sentinel.  Ashley also shows the historic, scenic hill-top towns of the region in a talk bursting with inspirational images.  

'Fantastic, dramatic and atmospheric pictures of the D'Orcia Valley... they made me yearn to be there' - Sileby PS member  

'A magnificent trip.  Your unbridled passion and enthusiasm, rich descriptions and polished delivery elevated the presentation to much, much more than looking at fabulous pictures.  Never have we ever received so many positive comments and thank you's' - Western Region of the Royal Photographic Society '

'So many breathtaking images, both uplifting and truly inspiring.  I have not uttered the word "wow" so much in one night. Tonight reminded me why I love photography' - Barrie Smith, St Austell Camera Club

'The images and audio-visuals were really top flight and, from a photographic perspective, you promoted the area superbly... A memorable presentation which will stay with us for a long time' - Wolverhampton PS 

'This talk was a tour de force.  We saw rolling Tuscan countryside with vibrant poppy fields, sublime misty sunrises and magnificent architecture.  The audio-visual sequences were beautifully put together and complemented by perfect music. This is a superbly-researched presentation with a well-structured narrative and plenty of humour, too, from a supreme storyteller and a photographer who is clearly passionate about this wondrous part of Italy.' - Frank Reeder, Derby City Photographic Club

'We were treated to a fantastic collection of images from this stunning part of Italy, surely one of the most photogenic regions on Earth. Ashley delivers his talk with the passion and enthusiasm of someone who truly loves Tuscany, a view reinforced by his selection of images. We not only see the fabulous rolling landscapes but also the villages, the people and the architecture, all captured and processed by Ashley with great attention to detail. Couple this with three moving audio-visual sections and it makes for a really enjoyable lecture. Recommended without hesitation' - David Keep, Rolls-Royce (Derby) PS  

'With current Lockdown rules turning many of us into coiled springs of frustrated travel ambition, Ashley's images of Tuscany's achingly beautiful landscapes provided some much-needed virtual sunshine' - Hailsham Photographic Society 
 

THE WIDER WORLD OF PHOTOGRAPHY PART 1: THE STORY OF PORTRAIT, FASHION, INDUSTRIAL, WAR & SOCIAL DOCUMENTARY PHOTOGRAPHY

Discover a fascinating world of photography beyond the camera club as we explore the history, style and impact of portrait, fashion, industrial, war, press and social documentary photography.  See the work of photo greats like Avedon, Bailey, Beaton, Bloomfield, Capa, Contreras, McCullin, McCurry, Karsh, Leibowitz, McCullin, Salgado and Winston Link.  An evening of informative, inspiring, powerful and world-changing imagery.

'I have been in camera clubs for 45 years and that was the best talk I've ever seen... we saw many seminal images by the world's best photographers stirring every emotion from admiration and wonder through to sadness and despair, and even humour. This, together with Ashley's extensive research, made this a night to remember. Every photographer should see this presentation.' - Phil Newman, Bolsover Camera Club

'The most inspiring show we have ever had at this club' - Eastwood Photographic Society member.

'Educational, entertaining... a wonderful show' - Trevor Burton, Chairman, Nottingham & Notts PS

'One of the most memorable lectures we've ever had.  A wonderful journey of discovery' - Sue Churchill, Deepings Camera Club

'Brilliant... One of the best lectures I've been to... Enthralled from start to finish... Can't wait for Part 2!' - members of James Maude Camera Club

'All of our members were blown away with your history of photography. It was so well researched, and presented in such an informative and interesting manner.  A very thought-provoking evening' - Gill Batson, Dearne Valley CC

'Brilliant... with a lot of new members attending, this is just what we needed, especially as you addressed the pure and simple essence of photography.  It more than raised interest: it lifted the spirits... a beautifully presented evening... we so look forward to Part 2.' - Stuart Dobson, Worksop PS  

'We went through the whole gamut of emotions - pleasure, despair, sympathy, happiness, sadness, pride, laughter, nostalgia, surprise... and many more.  It was also a presentation that provoked considerable comment and discussion.  Impeccably researched, too.  Can't wait for Part 2' - Charmian Roberts MBE and Vice Chair of Axholme Camera Club

' A model of structure, clarity and entertainment... and the best commentary we've ever had.  Superb!' - Phil Moorhouse, Shirley PS

'Thank you very much for your lively presentation which generated so many positive comments from members afterwards.  You covered so much ground – at pace and with a commentary that managed to be enjoyable, highly informative and carefully phrased to suit the particular subject matter involved, be that joyous, amusing, thought-provoking, or desperately sad.  You must have delivered the talk many times but, like a skilled actor, you manged to make it seem fresh-off-the-press and utterly absorbing to listen to.' - Gavin Wallace, St Helens CC

'An outstanding & fascinating lecture, the best I have seen... Such extensive research... Your passion and knowledge of the history of photography really shone through.' - Anna, Stafford PS 

'A succinct, eloquent and articulate presentation offering insight, history, astute and acute observation, all the result of impeccable research... We saw such powerful images, some giving us a reason to cry with laughter or sadness. We saw ugliness, cruelty and evil but also goodness and, oftentimes, we were treated to humorous comments that were telling and thought provoking. And what a professional presentation. We have witnessed the power of photography... It has been a memorable experience.' - David White, Wimborne Camera Club

 

THE WIDER WORLD OF PHOTOGRAPHY PART 2: THE STORY OF AERIAL, ADVERTISING, LANDSCAPE, SPORT, AND SCIENCE & NATURE PHOTOGRAPHY - AND A SPECIAL FOCUS ON PHOTO ART

More fascinating imagery beyond the pictorial camera club world, exploring the history, style and impact of aerial, advertising, landscape, sport, and science and nature photography, plus an insight into the controversial world of photo art.  Includes the work of Ansel Adams, Eamon McCabe, Marc Aspland, Yann Arthus Bertrand, John Blakemore, Elliott Erwitt, Stephen Dalton, Michael Kenna, Michael Levin, Frans Lanting, Lennart Nilsson and Andreas Gursky.  An evening of iconic, inspiring and thought-provoking photography.

'A thoroughly researched and well prepared talk which really opened our eyes.  An enjoyable evening full of insight and not a little controversy when looking at the world of photo art.  A talk that will stay with us for a very long time.  - Janet Davies, Deepings Camera Club

'A superb evening... such a well-researched talk with wonderful, inspirational images... the talk was informative, interesting and amusing... we loved the stories that accompanied some of the images... this really opened our eyes to the world outside of the normal photo club world.' - Lichfield Camera club

'A different view of photography so full of interest... so well researched... informative, entertaining and thought-provoking' - members of Stafford PS

'A superb lecture that was not only fascinating and entertaining but also made us think about photography in its wider context' - Dronfield Camera Club

'One of the most enjoyable, entertaining, humorous, informative and inspiring talks I can remember. Our members agreed - you are always a most welcome and popular visitor at Shirley.' - Phil Moorhouse, Shirley Photographic Society 

'A most enlightening insight... the images you showed were stunning, breathtaking, amusing, disturbing but, above all, thought provoking' - Tyndale Photographic Club

 

 

TALKS FOR OTHER GROUPS - WI, ROTARY, PROBUS etc

 

MY DERBYSHIRE LIFE

Ashley illustrates his work as a writer and photographer for Derbyshire Life magazine, looking back over 15 years of his popular monthly articles about towns and villages in mid-to-south Derbyshire. This is a highly entertaining presentation packed with historical tit-bits, fascinating facts, funny stories and stunning photos - a wonderful celebration of our county.

'Such an informative and interesting talk with superb photographs'... 'A very enjoyable evening delivered with great humour'... 'Of all the talks I have organised for our group, this was at the top.' - Derby Wine Circle

'An inspirational talk... one of the best we've ever had.'  - Nottingham Centre of the National Trust

'A fascinating talk and photographic tour which shows our wonderful county at its finest' - Brailsford W.I.

'A truly wonderful journey through Derbyshire... one of the best talks we've ever had' - West Hallam W.I.

'Superb photos... inspiring talk... delivered with passion and humour... the finest talk we've ever had' - members of Ashbourne Heritage Society

'One of the best talks we have ever had... fascinating and inspiring with wonderful photographs' - Matlock Hard of Hearing Association

'A wonderful journey with superb photographs, fascinating information and lovely humour' - Risley W.I.  

'Thank you so much for your splendid talk this morning. We all thoroughly enjoyed your celebration of the beauty, culture, heritage and characters of our lovely part of the world.  Your photographs are simply stunning' - Ashbourne & District Conservative Coffee Club  



MY DERBYSHIRE JOURNEY

Sir John Betjeman once said that 'Derbyshire has every kind of scenery except the sea.'  In this revealing presentation, Ashley will take you on a visual journey across our rich, diverse and beautiful county, showing the many photos he has taken of towns and villages over 15 years of writing for Derbyshire Life magazine, with a special focus on his documenting of the Derwent Valley Mills World Heritage Site which will result in a major photo book to celebrate the 20th anniversary of the only World Heritage Site in the East Midlands.

THE DERWENT VALLEY - THE MAKING OF A BOOK

This is a shortened version of the talk described above.

 

CHARGES

For all talks, there is a charge of £75 + PAGB (Photographic Alliance of Great Britain) Travel Expenses. 

Please note also that both My Derbyshire Life and My Derbyshire Journey talks last for about an hour.