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FJKF 0-9
Digital Image of the Month - Open – “The Pencil Family” By Stephen Kiely
Print of the Month - Set Subject - “Happy Clown” – Richard Trousdale
JULY 2009 Issue 42
PRESIDENT’S REPORT Hello Everyone,!
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Print of the Month – Open - “Lower Somerby
Falls” – Graham Arnott - Charlie Mifsud
Digital Image of the Month – Set Subject “Sarah & Friend” by Geoff Higgins
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New Members CHRSL Photography club welcomes the following
new members to the club. Marija Machado Allan Coleman Nick Ladanay Bruce Meyer Bill Robinson http://www.photographynsw.org.au/news_pdf/fcc_0906.pdf We look forward to seeing you and your images. New members to the club are encouraged to read The Federation of Camera Clubs newsletters - f/stop, just click on the link here. It has lots of info on external competitions and news and events from other clubs.
In this Issue Page 3-5 Guest Speaker Pages 17 Featherdale Wildlife Park Page 6/7 Sports Photography Page 18 Eastern Creek Outing Page 8-11 External Successes! Page 19 Workshop Plans Pages 12-15 Judges & Competitions Page 20 Member Profile Pages 16 Sunrise Shoot Page 21 Lightroom Book Sale Pages 22-24 Office Bearers
Garden Photographer of the Year Comp. www.igpoty.com
ENROL NOW AND GET $200 OFF YOUR COURSE FEES! Receive this offer when you enrol via the following link:
https://www.thephotographyinstitute.com.au/secure/enrolment/enrol.cfm?valuecode=exclusive
Please note that this special is not advertised on our website and is only available to Castle Hill RSL Photography Club members
• Online Diploma Course • 7 Day Money Back Guarantee
• New Cutting Edge Course • 24/7 Student Support
• Professional Tutors Online • Flexible Payment Options Contact Us:
[email protected] • Caters for All Levels • Find out More on our Website
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FROM WILLIAM STEWART : I note that a firmware update has been released for the Canon 5D Mark II. It was released 2 days ago.
Refer to: http://web.canon.jp/imaging/eosd-e.html
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GUEST SPEAKERS – 7TH JULY
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General Information about the Sydney Stereo Camera Club and about Stereo Photography Groups in Australia
For those living in the Sydney area and for those visiting Sydney, the Sydney Stereo Camera Club meets at 8.00pm on the third Tuesday of each month (except December). Details of our club meetings and our meeting place are included on the inside front cover of ‘3D Window’. Meetings usually have a guest presenter and a club stereo slide competitions in both open and set subject categories. Some meetings also have a stereo card competition. Meetings conclude at about 10.15pm with tea and coffee. The Club has about 80 members, including country, interstate and overseas members. Additionally ‘3D Window’ (the Club Bulletin which is published six times a year) is exchanged with the Victorian (Melbourne) and several overseas stereo groups. A biennial convention is held with the Melbourne based Victorian 3D Society and with the Australian Stereoscopic Society which attracts about 70 to 80 participants from around Australia and usually some international visitors. The 2009 Australian National Stereo Convention was held in Wagga Wagga, NSW on the April Anzac weekend. Many of our members belong to the International Stereoscopic Union (ISU), which publishes Stereoscopy, a high quality quarterly journal on stereo photography, which includes technical articles and coloured 3D images from stereo photographers around the world. The ISU holds an International Congress every two years. The year 2001 Congress was held in Sydney (hosted by the Sydney Stereo Camera Club). The 2007 Congress was a combined NSA/ISU event at Boise, Idaho USA. The ISU website is: http://www.isu3d.org/ In addition to belonging to the ISU, some of our members also belong to one or more of the following associations: • Photographic Society of America (Stereo Division) who publish the PSA Journal each month plus Dimension Three, an e-mailed quarterly journal on stereo photography; • National Stereoscopic Association (NSA) who publish Stereo World, a bi-monthly journal on all things stereo including movies, collecting and photography; and • Australian Stereoscopic Society who arrange Postal Folio Slide Circuits throughout Australia and overseas. The Sydney club hosts an international competition each year, known as the Southern Cross International Exhibition of Stereo Photography. The accepted slides from this exhibition are projected at our April meeting. Some back issues of 3D Window (our bulletin) are available in electronic format as Adobe Acrobat ‘PDF’ files. Electronic back issues are free to members. Back issues can be downloaded from the ‘Files’ section of the members only SSCC Yahoo groups mail list at http://groups.yahoo.com/group/sscclub SSCC Internet Web Site (and Southern Cross Site): http://www.oz3d.info SSCClub email group (members only): http://tech.groups.yahoo.com/group/sscclub/ For information about the International Stereoscopic Union (ISU) and about ‘Stereoscopy’, the ISU’s bulletin, please contact our Australian Country representative, Ray Moxom, at: Phone: 02 9874 5447 Email: [email protected] Email Ray for a free ‘flyer’ about “Stereoscopy”, the high quality 3D colour bulletin of the ISU June 2009
this information sheet by Ray Moxom Email: [email protected]
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FJKF Get Ready for the Sports Photography Competition: by William Stewart
In August this year, our set subject competition is “Sports Photography”. So the question is: are you getting ready to enter the set subject that night. The Definition set by the club is that the photograph “Must show action or motion in any sport.” How will our judge interpret that definition? That’s anybody’s guess. As mentioned in the article on Nature, in the previous issue of Viewpoint, the judge may also have the National and International definition for “Photojournalism” in mind.
That definition says: Story–telling pictures or sequences such as are seen in the news media, and periodicals, which may include documentary, contemporary life, illustrative, sport news or human interest. In the interest of credibility, contrived situations or photographic manipulations which alter the truth are not acceptable. The story telling value of the photograph shall be weighed more than the pictorial quality. Personally I believe that the section that says: “In the interest of credibility, contrived situations or photographic manipulations which alter the truth
are not acceptable” is the core of the definition, and that it applies to “Sports Photography”. I also find that some judges seem to forget the last part which says “The story telling value of the photograph shall be weighed more than the pictorial quality.” Our photos in the set subject that night should be photos of actual sporting events and not “contrived situations”. So, what do we need to do? Firstly: Remember that the definition of the set subject for the night, says: “Must show action or motion in any sport.”
Therefore our photos should be such that it is obvious that action is taking place. This can be shown in many different ways.
• Blurring the background by panning. See cycling photo above. • The action of the water. See the white water photo above. • Dirt being thrown up by the athlete. See the motor bike photo. • Obvious action, shown by the position of the athlete, or the horse.
Secondly: There are many opportunities for any photographer to shoot sporting events. Just look around you any weekend and there will be football (four different codes), motor racing, cycling, tennis, basketball, netball, wheelchair sports and horse sports of various kinds etc. There will always be something to photograph, even on the wettest weekends. You also find the location and timing of some of the major events by searching the web. Look for sites such as: http://www.nwblaus.com/ http://www.emmasshowhorses.com/ http://www.theaihl.com.au/leagues/homeAIHL.cfm?clientid=3856&leagueid=11464 Thirdly: When photographing any sport try to include any sporting equipment that may be involved. EG. Puck, ball, racket in action, etc. Including the equipment, help to put the photo into context and also add to the action. Fourthly: Try to isolate the action from the rest of the photos, so use a low aperture setting to give that shallow Depth of Field.
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FJKF Fifthly: Keep you eye out for unexpected events or action as seen in the two photos below.
Next: When shooting indoor sports, which will more than likely involve low light, use an aperture of 2.8 if possible. You will need a low aperture and an increased ISO in order to catch the action. The ISO may have to go to the maximum you have, depending on you camera. At the Ice Hockey, depending on lighting conditions I have used between 800 and 2000 to be able to get the shot. Next: Make sure that you know your camera and its functions. On the Canon DRSL there is a choice between: One Shot AI Focus AI Servo Other brands may have similar settings, just name them differently. Do you know how each one works and how they work with the different focus points available? Have a look at: http://www.shutterfreaks.com/Tips/CanonAIServo.html http://photonotes.org/other/ai-servo.html Finally: There are several sites on the web, where you will find topics such as: “How to take Sports Action Shots” Have an exciting time shooting sports. William Stewart.
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Congratulations to Alia Naughton !
The Digital Photography + Design Magazine run a photographic competition called Digital Doctor, in the June/July competition Alia Naughton won first prize for her photo titled “Wheat Field”. Her fabulous prize is an Olympus E-420 Komachi Kit valued at $999.00 !!
“The photo was taken in England in 2005. It was not far from Stonehenge. The
farmer who owned the land let the public walk through his wheat field and
asked for a donation to go towards the keeping of some historic stones that
are nearby. I had never been in a wheat field before. I walked up to the top
of the hill that you see in the image and it was a beautiful vista looking
back to the country cottages and green fields.”
News just to hand…. Alia has also received an Acceptance in the Warragul National in Victoria for this “Wheat Field” image !!
Ian English also received awards at Warragul National - four Acceptances and two Merits.
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FJKF Congratulations to Rosalie Dale !
I received a Highly Commended for my Grieg Piano Concerto image at The Grenfell Henry Lawson Festival of Arts Photographic Competition over the June Long Weekend. Contestants from all over Australia ... 3 judges ... very competitive!
More Congratulations !!! Kanwar Plaha
I use Linux and open-source applications for my photo management needs. Now, it so happens that
one of these projects has chosen my photo (taken by me, not my mug shot) for their application
splash screen. The application, btw, is called digikam.
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FJKF Hills Interclub Photographic Competition
The selection of the thirty images for the Interclub competition was held on Thursday 11th
June.
The judges/selectors were Keith McGaughran, Rob Brear, Tony Spence and Bob Cook.
Each Judge had to mark a score out of 5 individually on paper without any interference or
discussion from anyone else. The highest top 10 in each category were selected.
It proved to be a difficult task with many excellent photos, but using the FCC scoring
system the final ten in each category were chosen. Our team will be hard challenged as we
have held the Trophy for the last two years. The other two clubs will be put up their best.
The selected authors and their images are as follows:-
DIGITAL
Rob Brear - Town Beach & Owl
Tony Spence - Bernie. & Charlotte.
Jason Pang - A Day in Frankfurt. & ANZAC Marshall
Monica Mulder - Not Impressed.
Julia Van Zyl - Wedding Cushion.
Charlie Mifsud - Golden Tamerind & Still Life Painting
MONO
Monica Mulder - Deep in thought at Watsons Bay & Eva
Mary Spence - Michaela & Pleasure in the Rain
Elizabeth Goff - Window lit Chair & Old Window.
Graham Arnott - Jessica.
Ian English - Misty McDonald River & Party Man
Hari Oetomo - Time Table Check
COLOUR
Charlie Mifsud - Ebb Tide & The Rocks
Mary Spence - Such Happiness.
Elizabeth Goff - Hayley and Monica & Hayley
Dianne English - Mick & Double Delight.
Val Fenbow - Red Hill Tree.
Monica Mulder - Inspired by Nature
Graham Arnott - Close Up (3)
There will be an Exhibition in the Foyer of the Castle
Hill RSL.
We need lots of good images, A4 size in black
mounts, to be handed in by the 28th July.
The Exhibition starts on 3rd August with a change
over of 50% of the images on the 9th August.
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TOPSHOT WINNERS FROM CHRSLPC
Monochrome Prints Author Title Award Ian English On the Edge 1st Place Tony Spence Ian Baker Merit Colour Prints Tony Spence Charlotte Merit Tony Spence Sons of Angus Merit Nature Prints Mary Spence Minor Bird Merit Small Prints Nil Digital Landscape Jason Pang Tessellated Reflections 1st Place Dianne English Hawkesbury River Merit Digital Open Sam Bihancov Seaside Serenity Merit Digital Creative Tony Spence Riley 1st Place Sam Bihancov Monet Morning 2nd Place Mary Spence Fish with Helmet Merit Richard Trousdale Barrels Bottles Glasses Merit Digital Nature Tony Spence Palm Spider Merit Topshot WINNER Jan Glover Collaroy Beach NOT FROM OUR CLUB
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FJKF Janie News has kindly shared with us an article she wrote recently for the next FCC
”FStop” on Camera Clubs Competitions and Judging. First read a little about Janie and then take in her interesting and informative article. For 11 years Janie designed soft toys and owned a small puppet factory name Jozzies. When the business was sold Photoshop became her new creative tool and she was fortunate to find work as a graphic designer. However, it wasn’t until she joined the Central Coast Leagues Club Camera club in 2004 that she discovered photography. Her graphic work has translated into an ability to turn images into something original through montage and blended images. Janie is currently president of Central Coast and she is also a member of Castle Hill RSL Photography Club. Janie holds private Photoshop classes and writes occasional articles for photography magazines. An article on “What is a Creative Photograph?” is being published in the Photographic Society of America’s Journal in September this year, another on “Thoughts on Camera Clubs and Judging” will appear in the next FCC “FStop”. After completing the FCC Judges Course, Janie has judged camera clubs as well as the 2008 Australian Digital Photography Awards and, more recently, the FCC Topshot Digital Section. She was awarded her AAPS in 2007 and has won 7 national and 25 international medals, including Judge’s Choice in Tropical USA and Best of Show in Georgia last year.
Thoughts on Camera Club Competitions & Judging Janie News, June 2009 Part 1: Competitions in Camera Clubs At a recent workshop, it was questioned whether competitions were still desirable in camera clubs and whether set subjects were of value. Set out below are some reasons why many clubs continue to have competitions, set subjects, grades and categories. Q. Why have competitions?
It is difficult for photographs to be compared, scored and awarded objectively because photography is a personal creative expression. One Sydney club invites judges to comment but avoids scores or awards. Many advanced photographers would prefer a peer discussion on their work rather than enter competitions. However, the majority of clubs find it rewarding to have monthly competitions. The purpose of camera club competitions is to: • Stimulate effort and improvement • Give a benchmark to record growth in skill and technique • Hear the judge’s opinion as to why one photograph is considered better or worse than another • Reward excellence • Provide a sense of achievement
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FJKF Q. Why have set subjects in competitions?
Some clubs choose to have no set subjects, while others allow their skilled members with a specialty to show their best work by combining open and set subjects in the one competition every month. Another choice is to have a minimal number of set subjects during the year, but with the majority of competitions being open. The purpose of set subjects is to: • Broaden members’ photography to encompass new areas not previously considered • Provide a focus for newer members to get out there and take a photograph with a purpose • Stimulate interest and imagination • Experiment with new skills • Add a fun element to club competitions
Q. Why have grades?
Clubs may decide to have no grade, while some have two grades: A and B, and others prefer 3 grades: Beginner, Intermediate and Advanced. Grades provide a framework for a judge to: • Give more detailed critiques to beginners and less to advanced workers to keep within time
constraints • Tailor comments appropriately to different levels of experience • Give the opportunity for photographers of every level of ability to receive awards • Provide a stepping stone to mark improvement when promoted to a higher grade • Allow assessment with groups of photographers of similar level • Reward and acknowledge excellence by invitation to a higher grade
Q. Why have categories?
Again, there is a range of choice in this area from having no categories to having categories such as Colour and Monochrome in prints and General and Creative in digital work. National and International salons also have such sections for entries. The reason for a category is: • As an aid to judging in order to separately evaluate and assess vastly different techniques and
approaches • To encourage the development of work in different areas such as monochrome or creative
photography • To allow a club member to discover and focus on a specialised area of skill
• To give a range photographers with different skills the chance to shine
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FJKF • Part 2: Judging Camera Club Competitions
Q. What type of judging works in club competitions? Camera club judges are volunteers who provide invaluable insights to photographers in club competitions. They give up their time freely and willingly and do a difficult job for very little return other than the satisfaction that they have helped the camera club movement. A good judge is: • Tactful and sensitive • Passionate about photography • Knowledgeable about camera clubs and how they are run • A competent photographer in their own right • Experienced in entering competitions, preferably with some success • Educated in photography history and current trends • Able to take a broad view of content and style • Aware of the requirements of the club being judged, i.e. what grades they have, what categories
and whether there is a set subject, what the awards are and possibly a guideline as to how many are anticipated
• Succinct and clear in making comments without waffling – personal anecdotes should be kept to the minimum as time is often limited
• Willing to give helpful suggestions for improvement • Able to offer a fair assessment and critique without criticism or negativity • Encouraging without being gushing • Someone who looks at entries with enthusiasm and joy • Approachable and able to create rapport with the audience • Able to provide an experience that is enjoyable as well as educational • Modest enough to give opinions not pronouncements – making it clear that the comments are a
personal view and that disagreement is allowed • Aware that it is important that the audience can see the images during their critique • Audible to everyone in the room • Able to evaluate with minimum personal bias • Able to judge the entries on their own merit without comparison to other competitions or their
own work Q. What type of judging damages club competitors? Unfortunately, there are many pitfalls. A judge has the responsibility to be very careful about their wording and approach. Inappropriate judges can damage the photography movement instead of promoting it. The following are 10 instances of poor judging technique:
1. Assessing from a point of view of fault-finding. Speaking publicly to a group of people, often who know each other well, a judge has a responsibility not to offend and discourage. It takes effort and courage to put images up before an audience to be assessed. Many entries may not have the “wow” factor but a judge should be able to seek out the reason the author went to the trouble of presenting an image for judging.
2. Commenting too harshly and bluntly. While it is good to be honest, to deliver opinions without finesse can be damaging. Some may decide not to enter their work in future competitions for fear of being judged severely, others may be discouraged and lose interest. This approach can lose club members.
3. Focusing on a personal bias. To give a preamble that announces a preference, such as for all images to have a clear and understandable story, then to dismiss a clever abstract geometric image or one taken purely in appreciation of something beautiful as “having no point” borders on ignorance.
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FJKF 4. Having seen it all and done it all.
There is a danger in long-term judges becoming jaded and bored with seeing similar images over and over again. Few may have had such extensive experience and they should be judged on the quality of their work, not just its novelty element as the judge perceives it.
5. Viewing an entry as though in an exam with set rules. It is good to learn the rules but sad to slavishly abide by them. Photography is so much, much more than that. Judging an image merely on whether it is sharp or not exhibits very little understanding of the art form; some images are presented with intentionally selective focus and are not meant to be sharp throughout.
6. Failing to enjoy the work displayed. Judging should be a performance that enthuses and entertains as well as being informative; without this the whole event can become very negative. Giving tepid comments such as “quite nice” or “a good effort” is patronising and unhelpful.
7. Being inconsistent. Inconsistency muddies the entire basis for judging. Pointing out many inadequacies in an image then awarding it only creates confusion. If you like it, award it. If you don’t, leave it.
8. Ignoring club rules and guidelines. For a judge to award an entry that does not comply with a set topic or club regulations can be upsetting to those who make the effort to comply with the rules.
9. Belittling with a brief dismissive comment or shaming. To merely remark that “this works” or “this doesn’t work” gets through the judging quickly but doesn’t fulfill the purpose of critique. Even worse, to look at the audience and just say “So?” then move on to the next entry is just rude.
To say an image is “not worthy of an A-grader” is to embarrass the person in front of an audience. It should be a given that advanced workers have adequate skills and experience and that not every entry can be exciting and worthy of award. Treat them kindly and allow that there cannot be continual perfection.
10. Suggesting a completely different composition than the one presented. Respect that the author has seen something of interest and photographed it. Some alternative aspects may be suggested but it is not the judge’s creativity that is being viewed, it is the photographer’s.
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SUNRISE@NARRABEEN BEACH by Mary Elias
This outing was graciously organised and run by Morris McLennan on Monday, June 8th 2009. Our time to meet, as requested by Morris, was 5.30 am at Narrabeen. Having left home at 4.15 am, I am sure our smartest member was Erik (I am sure he won’t mind getting a mention). Eric slept in his car on site, so DID NOT have to get up at 3.45 am! I believe he also managed to get some night shots of the local Temple. It was, however, an absolutely wonderful morning. Conditions were as good as we could have hoped for. Clear weather, no smog or fog or wind, and a little low lying cloud for colour. The Narrabeen swimming pool and surrounding rock pools were perfectly glass like. The tide was low exposing some nice rocks, and it was almost a full moon, so there were shots of a full moonset up to an hour after sunrise. Approximately 25 eager people showed up for the day. There were people on the boardwalk, on the rocks, on the edge of the pools, and even climbing the side of the cliffs for a different perspective. Morris scooted around to all, giving advice, tips and techniques and even notes to take home and practice at a later stage. One of the attendees had a wave drown his whole kit. An example of why you should always know where your gear is and be especially diligent around a changing environment like the ocean and waves. The well known photographers’ saying “If you are shooting something special, always look behind you as well, for the view may be equally as interesting” certainly applied. There were swimmers in the rock pool - very brave considering the temperature. There were people horse- riding on the beach. Last but not least – the fishermen on the rocks, with the enormous waves breaking over them. No wonder one hears stories about them being taken out to sea. At the end of the shoot, most of the members adjourned to the car park and cafe to have coffee and chat over the morning and other photographic topics. The morning extended to almost noon, with farewells in the car park. I certainly felt I learnt a great deal from the morning and had the most wonderful time as I am sure everyone else did. I can’t wait to see all the photos.
A big THANK YOU to Morris McLennan
Photography by Mary Elias and Morris McLennan
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FJKF
Featherdale Wildlife Park Outing – Sunday 7th June
By Ian Moore
It was a small but dedicated group that gathered at Featherdale Wildlife Park on the Sunday morning of the long weekend. Grant, Ruth, Alan, Ree and I seemed to have timed our arrival perfectly – between the tourist coaches squeezing in a fleeting visit on the way to the Blue Mountains and the multitude of family groups arriving for the afternoon. For me it was my first visit to Featherdale and I must admit I was quite surprised by the size of the complex and the number and variety of birds and animals. There is plenty of room around most of the animal enclosures allowing different angles for photographs, however the majority of the bird cages are enclosed with wire mesh (for obvious reasons) and are well shaded, providing quite a challenge to get a worthwhile photo. Have a close look at the photo below of the parrot. I think I would have a tough time convincing a judge that it was taken in a natural setting and the shadows of the wire were in fact natural markings on the bird. Maybe I could claim I have discovered a new species. I found I was spending more time just watching the birds than trying to photograph them, enjoying their antics and chatter. I spent a bit of time watching the crocodile as well. Lying motionless on the sand only a couple of metres away with its mouth wide open. Have you ever had the urge to touch something, poke it with a stick just to see if it was real? I had such an urge with this crocodile. It looked like it was made of plastic – too clean to be real. I watched a little more closely and noticed very slight movement of its nostrils and immediately lost that urge to get any closer. Even if you don’t take your camera, I can recommend a visit to Featherdale. We have such a diverse range of native birds, animals and reptiles in this country and here is an opportunity to see so much of it at close range. It is not perfect for photography but you can get some good shots. A word of warning if you do go. Before you walk under some of the trees in the complex look up. There are likely to lots of ibis roosting up there. They are pretty big birds and, you know the story, the bigger the bird – the bigger the #@&*. Ian Moore
Photography by Ian Moore
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FJKF Sports Photography Shoot – Eastern Creek – Saturday 13th June
By Ian Moore
The Australian Superbikes organisation kindly agreed to allow a group of us to attend the Formula Xtreme Trophy Series meeting at Eastern Creek Raceway last Saturday, giving us full media access to those parts of the track spectators never get to. The first task of the day was to get fitted out with our purple safety vests and when they ran out, to buddy up with someone who had one. Before we could be let loose around the track the clerk of the course gave us a briefing of all the safety issues and procedures which we were to adhere to. Unfortunately we got these wrong a few times which prompted further briefings and access to some areas restricted. For most of the day we were spread out all around the track and through the pits. Most of the riders were very approachable and keen to be photographed – with and without their leathers on. There should be a few interesting photos of some of these characters. The weather was kind to us all day. Good light and no rain, and for those who were there until the end, quite a spectacular sunset. The action on the track was constant, with practice sessions throughout the morning and racing in the afternoon. There were a few crashes but as
luck would have it, I was always facing the other way when they were close to me so missed the action. We have been asked to submit our best photos to the Formula Xtreme website, the editor saying he would set up a page for our images, so go to www.formula-xtreme.com.au and hopefully they
will be there. William Stewart has already had one of his photos used in a feature article on the site…. http://www.formula-xtreme.com.au/xtremema.nsf/ae002b388f9db369ca2574ed00200523/27F50AECF7E2F27ECA2575D800124269!OpenDocument
Thanks to all who supported the day by attending – I think a good day was had by all, and a special thanks must go to the organisers for allowing us to be there.
Photography Ian Moore, Ian English, Allan Ward, Janie News and Dianne English.
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FJKF
Hi Everyone, Thanks to Ian Pinder for organising the June Workshop Night and conducting a workshop on off camera flash for portraits. I took a short holiday to Tassie. Thanks also to Morris McLennan for his work on Lightroom presets and Keith McGaughran & Elizabeth Goff for their work on photographing still life. From all accounts, the night went well and was well received by members. Recently, we held a very successful Photoshop Master Class. One of the things we did on the day was to include lunch and tea/coffee as part of the overall organisation for the day. Part of the success of the day was the opportunity to meet other members and chat during the lunch break without having to battle our way through the crowd in the restaurant downstairs. At the May Management Committee Meeting it was decided that this format would be adopted for all future training days, ie “Getting to Know Your Camera”, and the “Introduction to Editing Images” days. Starting with the “Getting to Know Your Camera” day on Sunday 5 July, there will be a $20 per head charge to cover the cost of providing tea/coffee and lunch. Lunch will usually consist of sandwiches, a fruit platter, tea/coffee/soft drinks. Members of the club specifically requested to help in the training will have their lunch etc. provided. At the Workshop Night on 14 July, our main presentation will come from well established and award winning artist Angelika Erbsland. Angelika will discuss composition from an artist’s perspective. This is Angelika’s second visit to our club and we welcome her return. Angelika has taught painting, drawing and ceramics at TAFE and is well known for her portraits, figure and landscape work. . She has won over 50 prizes in various art shows since 1983, 21 of these were 1st prizes, including the Packer’s award at the Archibald in 1993. See http://www.angelikaerbsland.com Think outside the square.
After Angelika’s presentation we will break into three groups. One group will be the “Swap Meet” where you can buy/sell/exchange photography equipment. Bring that lens you no longer use etc.
Another group will be conducted by Ian Pinder. Ian will discuss using Adobe Bridge and Camera Raw; importing images to our computer; using the functions of Bridge and editing images using Camera Raw.
I will demonstrate how to clean those “digital boogies” off your camera sensor.
See you there, Bob Cook
Training Coordinator
Workshop Plans
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FJKF MEMBER PROFILE:
Keith McGaughran
How and why did you start in photography?
Just started taking family snaps of the kids. But I stumbled onto dpchallenge.com while I was researching a replacement for my first camera and started entering their weekly challenges and that got me hooked into taking more than just snapshots
Do you remember your first camera? I remember using my mum’s Box Brownie when I was eleven (and still have the photos) But I never had a camera of my own till I got myself a basic Kodak digital point & shoot about 7 years ago. I replaced it with a more advanced Kodak when the first one was stolen. After getting frustrated with its limitations I bought a Nikon D200 when they first came out…. That’s it just 3 cameras… but I do lust after more :) What are your photographic goals? Find my own style, it doesn’t have to be one that others will like, but it has to be mine What type of photography do you find the hardest to take? People photos, but I plan to work on this more this year. What photos do you like to take the best? Great ones… I’ll work on making this happen this year (maybe). Whose photos in the Photography Club do you admire the most? No one person in particular, it’s more about the individual photo that grabs me, not a style or photographer. What are your thoughts on todays Judges?
I like last years judges better than this years, either that or this years judges don’t seem to like my entries as much.
What advice would you give to a beginner in photography? Go and join up at dpchallenge.com and enter the weekly challenges and don’t forget to vote. You will learn a lot from the comments you get by reading the comments on other entries. They also have a very active forum that is a mine of information. Do you follow any sport or team or have a hobby ? I follow motorcycle road racing and the Sydney Swans. Name one thing we don’t know about you ? I used to race motorcycles in my late teens/early twenties in New Zealand and came 4
th in the
National Championships in the 125cc Class in 1981. When I stopped racing I managed a small team and we won a Championship in 1983. (I may have the years wrong; there was a lot of partying going on then).
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FJKF
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Our Club – The Castle Hill RSL Photography Club The Castle Hill RSL Photography Club is thriving. The program for 2009 is exciting and everyone is enjoying the opportunities for learning, expanding their knowledge and understanding of photography, and experiencing the thrill of producing that great photograph. The camaraderie in this club is great. Experienced and not-so experienced photographers work side by side learning from each other and sharing their knowledge and often their equipment. Many friendships have formed and people often contact each other between meetings. Photographic outings are enjoyed by many, some of these are organised by the club but others also happen spontaneously through friendships already formed. Many people have been known to join together in rising well before dawn to chase the early morning light. Competitions show up the best and worst in our photographs and sometimes also in the judges. We love them and we hate them but we couldn’t do without them. We have all learnt something from the judges and we enjoy showing our images. None of this happens without a team of people behind the scenes planning, implementing and holding it all together. It requires some work from each of those in the positions but is worth it for the results we see. In August of each year we have the Annual General Meeting where all positions are declared vacant and nominations are received for the new committee for the next 12 months. Of course those in a position may be nominated again if they are willing, however sharing the load amongst the members seems fairer on all. It also brings in new ideas and a freshness which helps to keep the club vital and dynamic.
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FJKF Listed below are the positions currently forming the committee. It is time for everyone to start considering whether or not they are willing, have the ability and time, and can be relied on to nominate for a position. All we are asking at this point in time is that everyone thinks about the possibilities and talks to a current committee member if interested. Although these may change with a different president the current positions on the Management Committee and their responsibilities are – President: Currently Simon Finch The President is the principal leader of the club and has the overall responsibility for the club’s administration. The President sets the overall annual Management Committee agenda (consistent with the views of members), helps the Management Committee prioritise its goals and then keeps the Management Committee on track by working within that overall framework. The President may delegate the performance, but not the responsibility, of any function to any member of the Club.
Vice-President: Currently Alia Naughton The Vice President shall be responsible for the performance of all functions of the President in the absence of the President or as delegated by the President.
Secretary: Currently Mary Spence The Secretary provides the coordinating link between members, the Management Committee and outside agencies.
Treasurer: Currently Mal Hobson The Treasurer is the chief financial management officer for the Castle Hill RSL Photography Club.
Training Coordinator: Currently Bob Cook The training coordinator is responsible for organising the work-shop nights, the Getting to Know Your Camera Days, the Light-room and Photoshop tuition days and other training opportunities
Competition Coordinator: Currently Val Fenbow The Competition Coordinator is responsible for coordinating all photographic competitions, internal and external, and exhibitions and events for members. The Competition Coordinator has the assistance of the Internal Competition Officer, External Competition Officer, and Exhibitions and
Events Officer.
Internal Competitions Officer: Currently Val Fenbow The Internal Competition Officer is responsible for organising internal club competitions, and has the assistance of the Internal Competition Sub-committee.
Programme and Meetings Co-ordinator: Andy Yeoh Responsible for generating the program for the year and ensuring the smooth running of all general meetings and lectures held. The Program and Meetings Coordinator books the lecturers and the judges.
Social Committee Coordinator: Currently Maria Erickson The Social Committee Coordinator is responsible for organising the outings, weekends away, any social events during the year and the end of the year presentation and dinner.
Publicity Coordinator: Currently Hazel Hogarth The Publicity Officer is responsible for the club newsletter and for providing publicity information to external agencies, including the RSL club.
Member Benefits Coordinator: Currently Rod Murphy
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FJKF The Member Benefits Coordinator is responsible for establishing, maintaining, and coordinating the benefits available to members of the Castle Hill RSL Photography Club.
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As well as the Management Committee positions there are other opportunities for members to assist. Some of these for this year are listed below. These may change when the new committee takes over in August.
Lecturer and Judge Introducer: Allan Ward The Lecturer and Judge Introducer is responsible for preparing an introduction about the lecturer and judge each month, and presenting this at meeting. Also responsible for preparing a profile on the lecturer with a photo attached for the newsletter and reminder notices.
Librarian: Charlie Mifsud Collect all donated magazines and DVD’s from members. Label them with the CHRSLPC’s stickers
and manage the lending of these items to members. The Web Administrator: Currently Nettie Fairleigh The Web Administrator is responsible for the day to day maintenance of the club web site.
The Web Designer: Currently Richard Hewitt The Web Designer is responsible for design and improvement of the club web site.
Newsletter Editor: Currently Dianne English The Newsletter Editor is responsible for the design and publication of the club Newsletter.
External Competition Coordinator: Currently Val Fenbow The External Competition Officer is responsible for organising club participation in external competitions entered as a club, promoting external competitions to members, and acting as a reference point for members regarding external competitions.
Exhibitions and Events Officer: Currently Sharon Lachmund The Exhibitions and Events Officer is responsible for organising club participation in exhibitions and events.
The Members’ Representative: Currently Nina Matthews The Members’ Representative is responsible for acting as an advocate for members representing their views to the Management Committee, and maintaining the clubs friendly atmosphere, especially
for new members.
Room Set-up and Pack Up: Currently all people who are available and able. Meet and Greet: A small group of people who organise name tags on club nights, meet people at the door, answer questions and look after new people.
Competition Night Helpers: A small group of people who organize the prints, manage the process of displaying these for the judging, announcing the award winners transferring them for the recording of awards.
Entry and Award Record Keeping: A small group who take entries, check them and record which prints have received the awards.
Each of the positions listed, and those others I have inadvertently not put in this news item are very important to the running of this club. Please consider the possibilities for you very carefully.
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FJKF
Newsletter Contributions
If you have any articles that may be of interest to our members, please feel free to email me at
They can be technical, Photoshop, arty, recent holiday shots, awards or anything that you would like to share.
Articles are preferred in Microsoft word or plain text
format. Photos need to be of a high resolution.
As a deadline is critical for the success of the Newsletter please ensure your articles reach
me by 19th
of each month Dianne English
CONTACT US
President
Simon Finch [email protected]
Vice President Alia Naughton
Treasurer Malcolm Hobson
Secretary Mary Spence
Program & Meetings Coordinator Andy Yeoh
Competition Coordinator Val Fenbow
Social Coordinator Maria Ericksen
Web Designer Richard Hewitt
Web Administrator Nettie Fairleigh
Benefits Coordinator
Rod Murphy
Publicity Officer Hazel Hogarth
Training Coordinator
Bob Cook [email protected]
CASTLE HILL RSL PHOTOGRAPHY CLUB ATRIUM CASTLE HILL RSL, LEVEL 6 77 CASTLE STREET CASTLE HILL P.O. BOX 25, CASTLE HILL, NSW 1765 WEB: www.chrslphotographyclub.org E-MAIL: [email protected]
FOR SALE!
Spyder2 Suite, colour calibration system for CRT,LCD and Laptop displays.!In box, un-opened $100!Please ring Ray Brown 9876 4602