Buxton photographer creates new-look Fringe programme cover!
A Buxton photographer has helped the Fringe create a very different programme cover for 2023.
Caroline Claye, a retired customer care officer who is a member of High Peak Photography Club (formerly Chapel Camera Club), came up with the distinctive image following a collaboration between Buxton Fringe and the club in July.
She explains: “The club was asked to take photographs during the Fringe. Living in Buxton I knew all about the Fringe. Our club’s popular Buxton Photo Challenge event has been part of the festival. The brief was to cover the event and get creative! This was just up my street. I really enjoy creative photography. I have been taking photos for about 10 years now and although it is just a hobby, it is something I am passionate about. With guidance and encouragement from my club I have recently gained some photographic accreditations including the British Photographic Exhibitions 2 Crown Award and the CPAGB (Credit award of the Photographic Alliance of Great Britain).”
Caroline submitted several pictures but the one that caught the Fringe’s eye for the 2023 programme cover had a floral inspiration. She says: "I wanted to create an image which illustrated what the Fringe is all about - art, beauty and happiness. I was impressed with the Fringe’s flower Hot Spots which could be found in key locations and really brightened up the town. So I used one of these and combined an orange flower with a balloon to create a joyful image. I loved the way the little character from the Fringe logo seems to be embracing the flower.”
The photograph was selected by members of the Fringe committee from a number of excellent images provided by the club. Fringe Marketing Officer Stephanie Billen says: “We were really delighted with the quality of photographs produced by the High Peak Photography Club for us. They are on display on our website galleries and will be used in our publicity generally. Caroline's striking photograph really caught our imagination for the Fringe programme cover. The more you look at it, the more it seems to offer - I see references to our Fringe floral hotspots, our care for the environment and our celebration of art and beauty. Others on our committee saw movement and even dance in this memorable, enigmatic image."
Caroline will receive £100 from the Fringe and the club is being offered free entry to next year’s Fringe as a thank you. People can find out more about the club via its website: https://photographyclubhighpeak.wordpress.com/ and Caroline’s work can be seen on Instagram: @cazpink.
Buxton Fringe takes place from July 5-23 and is now open to entries. Full details of how to enter are on www.buxtonfringe.org.uk.