Alison McKay gave us a great, comprehensive tour de force around still life photography. At the centre of her approach was fine art.  This influenced her, inspired her creativity, shaped her approach to composition, and guided the effects she sought through use of light, colour, and various techniques such as use of textured and tinted layers. Although she drew on some other photographers’ work, the influence of paintings was more significant in her practice. She brought with her an impressive array of props, backdrops and the like to demonstrate how she worked, and also to give our members an opportunity for some hands-on engagement. Her readiness to experiment, find practical ways to meet her aims and enthusiasm were very evident and inspiring.