As Workshop Coordinator for the RPS Digital Imaging Group and editor of the regularly published DI Online, Melanie Chalk has played a pivotal role in supporting and connecting members over recent years.
Joining the Society in 2016, Melanie began her Distinction journey with the Licentiate before progressing to her Associate in Audio Visual. In 2018, she began volunteering for the Digital Imaging South East Centre, helping to organise local events and coordinate speaker programmes. At the start of the pandemic, Melanie’s leadership proved vital as activities moved online; she helped facilitate workshops on Zoom for members initially the South East Region creating a lifeline for many during lockdown and enabling photographers to share and develop new skills throughout this challenging period. . In 2022 Melanie organised 60 workshops, 103 sessions with 1900 registrations and they have continued to grow. She has grappled with the technology challenges and expanded the network of professional tutors working with Group. This takes significant time and dedication and it is all run from her little study in her Kent home.
These workshops have since become an integral and major part of the Digital Imaging group’s programme, now delivered online for RPS members across the UK and internationally. Melanie continues to lead, plan and deliver an extensive range of events and projects, helping to foster learning and community within the organisation.
As well as serving on the DI Committee Melanie is an active member of the RPS South East Region committee too, where she edits the Region’s webpages.
Despite the commitments of her volunteering, Melanie remains passionate about her own creative work. Her first love is flower photography, and she enjoys making digital art on mobile devices. In 2024 she was honoured with an RHS Gold Medal in the RHS Photography Portfolio Competition, exhibited at the Saatchi Gallery.
In the words of her nominator: “Melanie contributes her energy, passion and enthusiasm for the benefit of DI group members. She is a highly valued member of the DI Committee and can always be relied upon to think positively. She delights us all with her beautiful ready smile. As a solid team player Melanie is a joy to work with.”
