A breathtaking photograph of a mango hummingbird captured in mid-flight has helped the Grimsby Photographic Society claim first place in the 2025 Lincolnshire Photographic Association Inter-Club Final. The stunning image, shot at an impressive 1/4000 second shutter speed, was taken with the OM System OM-1, the world's first IP53 weather-sealed camera, paired with an Olympus M.Zuiko 40-150mm f/2.8 lens.
Founded in 1894, the Grimsby Photographic Society stands as Lincolnshire's oldest camera club and one of the world's most enduring photographic organizations. For more than 130 years, this distinguished club has been nurturing photographers of all skill levels, fostering creativity, technical excellence, and camaraderie among its members. The recent victory at the 2025 LPA Inter-Club Final reaffirms the society's reputation as one of the region's most accomplished photographic communities.
The winning mango hummingbird photograph was captured by Gerwyn Davies using cutting-edge camera technology that perfectly demonstrates the marriage of traditional photographic skill with modern innovation. Shot with technical settings of 1/4000 second, f/2.8 aperture, ISO 800 at 150mm focal length (equivalent to 300mm in full-frame terms), the image showcases the extraordinary precision possible with today's advanced camera systems. The OM System OM-1, despite its name harking back to a classic film camera era, represents the pinnacle of digital photography technology as the world's first IP53 weather-sealed mirrorless camera.
The OM System OM-1 combines heritage design with revolutionary features including Cross Quad Pixel autofocus technology, industry-leading image stabilization, and ISO performance that rivals many full-frame sensors. This flagship mirrorless camera represents a significant technological achievement, offering photographers unprecedented reliability in challenging weather conditions while maintaining the compact form factor that made the original OM system famous among professionals and enthusiasts alike.
According to Jo Humberstone, secretary of the Grimsby Photographic Society, the organization is thrilled with this year's competition results. "We're delighted with this year's result," Humberstone stated. "It reflects our members' dedication, teamwork and shared passion for photography. Our society thrives on enthusiasm and encouragement – values that have kept us strong since 1894."
The competition victory was supported by several other outstanding images from society members, demonstrating the collective strength and diverse talents within the organization. Additional winning photographs included "Kumari Devi (Living Goddess)" by David Huggett, "Roe Deer In Wheatfield" by Colin Smale, "Drop Shot" by Gary Briggs, and "Slip Sliding Away" by John Thorndike. Each image showcased different photographic techniques and subjects, from cultural portraiture to wildlife and action photography.
The Grimsby Photographic Society continues to welcome visitors and new members, meeting most Thursday evenings at the United Reformed Church in Grimsby, UK. The organization's success in major competitions, combined with its rich history spanning over a century, makes it an attractive destination for photographers seeking to develop their skills and connect with like-minded enthusiasts. The society's commitment to fostering both technical excellence and creative expression has clearly contributed to its enduring success and recent competitive achievements.
