Macarthur Photographic Society, INC June 2017 Issue 284 From the Presidents Desk Editor s Notes Ansel Adams

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1 Cable Release Macarthur Photographic Society, INC June 2017 Issue 284 From the Presidents Desk President Brett Atkins Hello all. Well we are half way through the year and May was a huge month with a great competition night judged by Gary Riley. Our workshop night was a great success, where all members were treated to a fantastic presentation and hands on professional studio lighting experience by MPS member Ian Clark. We will definitely continue with more of these workshops later in the year. We also had 3 of our MPS members wet our appetites for world travel by presenting their travel photography in a slide show with intriguing stories. Thank you Evi, Eddie and Bruce. Coming up over the next few months, we have more portrait workshops with Kylie Lyons at her studio. We also have a club trip away to Kiama for a weekend in early August and hopefully some winter photo walks conducted by members. Keep posted to our club website calendar, Facebook page and for more information. Another exciting event that we need to prepare for now is our club photography exhibition which will be held on the 4th August and run for a week. We will have a prominent position to display our work in the new Narellan Town Centre which will officially open the same day. The title of the exhibition is called "Close to home" We need three to four images from each MPS member to display in the exhibition. So please start thinking and put together a little collection of your work to display, more details to come. Fast approaching is our club annual general meeting. I encourage members to consider joining the club committee. It is a rewarding role to assist and have your say in how our club is run and with lots of exciting things planned for the future it is a good time to take part. Please see the attached descriptions of roles on offer and ask any of the current committee questions if you have any. Also for the upcoming year there have been some changes in membership and competition fees to help fund the increasing costs of running the club, please see attached information to this edition. Lastly, just letting everyone know that I will be absent for the next couple of meetings due to work commitments and travel, and will catch up with you all in July. Anyway start putting together some images for the upcoming club exhibition and keep shooting. Regards, Brett Atkins Editor s Notes There are always two people in every picture: the photographer and the viewer. Ansel Adams This months newsletter has Eddie Lim as our Member Profile. See page 5 Themed subject this month, June, is Lens Flare. Next month is Shadows. Workshop for Wednesday 19th July is Kylie Lyons, Studio lighting at her Narellan Studio. Page 8 has important information regarding the AGM and the new fee structure. Page 7 has tips, reviews and news. So remember, if you want something published in the newsletter, and you think it would be of interest to our members. Please send it to me at the address below. Bruce Wallace bruwal52@hotmail.com YouTube channel Page 1 June 2017

2 May Photo Competition May 2017 Monthly Competition Judge Gary Riley 27 members entered a total of 96 images, 23 Distinctions & 32 Credits were awarded as follows: Colour Prints 35 images 7 Distinctions 12 Credits Monochrome Prints 23 images 5 Distinctions 8 Credits Projected Images 26 images 8 Distinctions 8 Credits Anger (Projected) 12 images 3 Distinctions 4 Credits Image Of The Month Cyril Kirkland s Colour Print Majestic Bloom Robert Rosee Cyril says. The image title was "Majestic Bloom" which was shot in my home studio using limited artificial lighting. I often buy flowers for special occasions & to display in the home, & "borrow likely suspects" to photograph. A few shots were taken at different apertures, shutter speeds & focal lengths which were then worked on in Lightroom for different effects, exploring the limits of the various Develop options in Lightroom. This version was my preference for this competition. Some more images from the night. Page 2 June 2017

3 Workshop Night-May For our May Workshop on Wednesday 17th, we had one of our members, Ian Clark give a flash and studio lighting workshop. What a fantastic presentation and hands on workshop this was. Ian showed off his very professional studio lights and equipment and shared his great experience with us all. We had a great night with our model, Brittany Atkins, one of our members and our President s daughter. Brittany went over and above in her participation and role as a model, putting up with the large flashes from the huge studio flash light and demands of our eager members. Ian started the night with a presentation on the basics of studio lighting with flash. He then moved onto a hands on demonstration of photography in a studio using large off camera flash lights. Some fine images should come out of this workshop, and maybe some of them will be shown in our upcoming competition nights. A big thank you to Ian from us all for imparting your great knowledge and experience in this fantastic workshop setting. May Presentation Night The May presentation night was a members presentation. Evi Messer, Eddie Lim and Bruce Wallace showed off their travel images from the previous months. The presentations were in slide presentation format with Evi having some video in her presentation. Evi showed us her travels with photographer Ken Duncan. Her photographic trip took in South Africa, Zimbabwe, Rwanda and Kenya. Shooting (with a camera) the big game from the National Parks and game reserves and the gorillas in Rawanda. She had some magnificent big game shots and a very dramatic close up video of elephants around a water hole where she was hiding in a hide that she was photographing from. Eddie showed us his images from Antarctica and South America on his trip there in early There were some hauntingly beautiful images of icebergs and rugged icy landscapes. Bruce showed us in a ProShow Gold slide presentation his 2015 India trip and 2016 Britain and Scandinavia trip. There were some very moody Scottish landscapes with dramatic cloud formations, and some beautiful images of Scandinavia, and in particular Norway. I say this to all of our members. Think of what sort of a presentation, or workshop that you may be able to give to the club. Maybe it is a particular genre in photography that you do, or a particular skill that you have. Look what a great workshop we had in May from one of our members, Ian Clark. Page 3 June 2017

4 June Competition Night The June competition night will be held on Wednesday 14th June. Our guest judge for the night will be Russell Field. Russell s Photographic Background, from Russell. While I do not hold any photographic honours I have been involved in photography most of my adult life. I studied Art as part of my Higher School Certificate during the 1970 s and submitted a photographic portfolio as my major work. During my final 2 years of high school and 4 years at university I worked as a wedding and studio photographer. Setting up photo shoots and in the dark room processing the film and prints. In the 1980 s, life and family got in the way and other than family happy snaps I dropped out of photography. In 2002 I was planning a holiday to the USA and decided to invested in my first Digital SLR I also joined my first camera club - Macarthur Photographic Society to lean the new world of digital photography. In 2009 I moved to the Illawarra and joined Dapto Camera Club (current treasurer) and attended a number of FCC workshops and judging courses. In 2010 I was approached to join the FCC Executive Committee, working with the then competition secretary managing the Topshot and Interclub competitions. In 2012 I was elected FCC Treasurer and took over the management of the FCC competitions. I am an active member of the Historical Aircraft Restoration Society as well as Dapto Camera club. I enjoy a wide range of photographic interests but seem to shot lots of aircraft images for some reason. Competition Entry Rules *Only current members can submit images. There are 4 categories - Monochrome Prints, Colour Prints, Digitally Projected Images and Theme images. Members can submit a maximum of 2 images in each of the categories and no more than 5 over the four categories. *For themed images, we will ask you to provide your interpretation of a specific theme. *There is a fee of $1 per print to be provided to the Competition Secretary (Robert) on the night. Entries in the monochrome and colour categories: *Rectangular images must not exceed 41cm x 51cm (16 x 20 ) including any mount or border *Square images must not exceed 46cm x 46cm (18 x 18 ) including any mount or border. Digitally projected images shall have: *Maximum dimensions of 1900 pixels (wide) x 1080 pixels (high) with a suggested resolution of 72dpi, and the image (and file name) saved as a greyscale JPEG or RGB JPEG file with a maximum file size of 2.0 MB *The cut-off time to bring your images is 7:35pm on the night. If you are unable to get your images submitted by 7:35pm, you will need to enter them in the next competition instead. There will be no exceptions to this rule. *The title and author s name should be recorded on its reverse side. *Printed entries need to be mounted and/or over-matted. If mounted, it must be on cardboard or foam core only. Framed prints will not be accepted. *For digitally projected images, you must submit them to the Competition Secretary on the Sunday night before. They should be submitted by (preferred), or on a USB or compact disc. If submitted by USB or disc, it should be submitted to Robert at the meeting on the 4th Wednesday of the month. They can be submitted via or on a USB or compact disc. The Competition Secretary s address is competitionsecretarymps@gmail.com. Page 4 June 2017

5 June Member profile The June member profile is our esteemed Treasurer Eddie Lim. Eddie has only been photographing seriously since So his images will show how well he has progressed in only 5 years. Eddie s profile. "A photographer went to a socialite party in New York. As he entered the front door, the host said I love your pictures - they re wonderful; you must have a fantastic camera. He said nothing until dinner was finished, then: That was a wonderful dinner; you must have a terrific stove." -Sam Haskins Until 5 years ago, I was a point and shoot kind of photographer and whilst I might have captured a few good images, most of them were of no distinctive value to anyone, least of all, to me. As I approached the end of a busy surgical career, I felt I needed something more substantial than TV viewing to while away my time. Like most people. I gave very little thought to what would fill the void left after a life time of an all consuming profession. Golf was out of the question, my sporting prowess being nothing short of mediocre. It was Wendy, my wife, who first suggested that I should turn my mind to something more appealing. Perhaps photography, she mused. My curiosity kindled, I bought a DSLR Canon 500D and discovered, to my astonishment, that there were buttons on the camera that I did not comprehend. Whilst, I had a working knowledge of aperture, shutter speed and ISO, terms like exposure compensation, white balance, Histogram, HDR, etc. were entirely foreign to me. That was when I realised that I needed to move beyond P on the dial. I enrolled in a basic photographic course at the Macarthur Community College in 2012 and, under the tutorage of Debra Pearson, learned what a DSLR was capable of and what all the buttons did. The course completed, we were invited by Debra to submit photographs toward an exhibition called MCC Photography Group. This took quite some time in the planning as we were compelled to produce a series of images monthly, which were vetted and from which, final selections were made. In the process, I met many fine photographers, some of whom such as Brian Bird, Peter Sherlock, Marie McLaughlin, Thea Tullich, etc. are known to members of this club. Among my contributions to that early exhibition was that of a Maine Coon cat with eyes that mesmerised the viewer. I was involved in the exhibition for 2012 and 2013, slowly climbing a steep learning curve. I joined the Macarthur Photographer Society in 2012 and am pleased that, after five years, I am no longer a newbie. My first entry to the Society s competition night was Blue Angel, which I photographed in the gloom of the Melbourne Aquarium by pressing my lens against the glass and waiting for a fish to swim by. Winning a merit award emboldened me to think that I might have been on to something more than just a passing fad. Since then, Photography has become a passion and almost an obsession, and I never go a week without producing at least one worthwhile image. It encourages me to get out of bed in the morning, to go outdoor, and to be forced to exercise my limbs in the process. It also inspires me to travel to faraway places, at least, whilst I am financially solvent, and sound in body and mind! The society has been a great source of encouragement for me. Mixing with a group of like-minded people and learning from presentations and workshops have helped me make considerable progress in my camera skill. To avoid boredom, I do not stick to any particular genre and am happy to try my hand at anything that is within the scope of my camera. Page 5 June 2017

6 June Member Profile If pressed, however, I would concede that I prefer street photography because it allows me the opportunity to capture people in their natural behaviour, and I have garnered a collection of images that are unique to me and no one else. My photos tell stories and entice the viewer to interpret the emotions and activities captured. Street photography does come with many challenges, including the risks of being intimidated and physically abused. From a Canon 500D, which I sold, I graduated to a Canon 5D, Mk II with a macro (100mm), a wide angle (24-70mm) and a telephoto (70-200mm) lens. More recently, I tired of suffering a sore shoulder and neck from carrying the weighty Canon, especially on long trips, and have moved on to a mirrorless (MFT) Olympus EM1 Mk II, a more practical acquisition.. I always shoot in RAW format and do minimal post-production tweaks (crop, highlight, contrast and saturation). I use Lightroom and have a general aversion for Photoshop, until someone can convince me otherwise. All photographers seek recognition and, to date, I have always been the bridesmaid and not the bride, having come second in a meye World Photography in Sydney (Homecoming) and a Highly commended at the Camden Art Show (Wet Hound). Regardless, I enjoy what I do and will continue to learn as I go. I am also a member of a group of 10 local photographers who meet on a monthly basis to show our works and learn from each other. We exhibited locally this year at Camden Library and hope to do so on an ongoing basis in the future: A compelling photograph distils some aspect of the world so perfectly it is understood at once by all who observe it. It sets a scene, poses a question, evokes an emotion, prompts deep thought, and reaches a conclusion. -Catherine Marshall Page 6 June 2017

7 Photography Tips, Reviews and News Bruce Wallace Newsletter Editor This month I will be looking at a camera accessory called the Pluto Trigger. This you often see advertised, particularly on Facebook, and I have wondered how good it actually is. So I decided to go onto their website and find out some information. The Pluto Trigger according to their website Pluto Trigger is a high-speed smart camera trigger that's controlled by a free iphone/android app over Bluetooth LE(Low Energy) that can be used for remote shooting, time lapse, High Dynamic Range (HDR) photography, video recording and lightning photography. It enables your DSLR to do high-speed photography triggered by sound, by light, or by something breaking a laser beam aimed at the Pluto Trigger (the laser is included). With the built-in PIR sensor, Pluto Trigger can detect animals body heat and take photos.it can also wait until a person is smiling to shoot a photo, or take pictures triggered by motion or vibration. It claims to have 24 modes all told, controlled from your smartphone via an app. It comes with a Pluto Trigger, Laser Pointer, USB Charger, USB Cable, Flash PC sync cable, Hot Shoe Adapter. The price is $ AU with the cable of your choice depending on your camera make and model. If you have another camera that takes a different cable it costs an extra $6.72 AU for the second cable. It has a non replaceable battery, so when it stops working, you have to buy a new trigger. The battery is charged via USB. It is definitely a very versatile instrument, and if it lives up to all of its expectations would be a great addition to your camera gear. I have not bought one of these to test it out, I am worried about the life of the battery. Since I have started this review I have more information about a replacement battery for this camera trigger. This is from Pluto Trigger. REPLACEMENT BATTERY $10.00 US The battery replacement kit includes the battery, the housing and screws. We may add a mini screwdriver later. Because there will be some damage to the plastic housing when you unscrew the screws, a new housing is included in the kit. Looking at independent reviews on the internet it seems to live up to its expectations. No particular negative reviews were found. Here is a link to a great independent YouTube review on the trigger. I may buy this when I feel that I definitely need it, not before. Page 7 June 2017

8 AGM Information CLUB OBJECTIVES To promote all levels of photography. To maintain and encourage an active interest in photography amongst all the members within the association. To promote a social relationship amongst the members of the association. SUMMARY OF DUTIES Committee Members & Support Team Role Descriptions EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE PRESIDENT Responsible for the overall workings of the club; coordinating the workings of the committee; managing the club s overall agenda; chairing committee and club meetings; hosts club regular meetings; club s FCC delegate; generally promotes the interests of the club. SECRETARY / PUBLIC OFFICER The Secretary is also the club s Public Officer. The Secretary s responsibilities include: management and overseeing the club s minutes of meetings; send and receive correspondence; maintain the members register and attendance records; ensure compliance with statutory requirements (eg. submission of the club s annual return to the Dept of Fair Trading); and publishing the annual programme. TREASURER Responsible for managing the club s accounts, this includes: paying and receiving monies on behalf of the club (issuing and writing receipts and cheques); banking; custody of the club s cheque book; maintaining a petty cash float and petty cash book. OFFICE BEARERS VICE PRESIDENT Carries out the chairing and hosting roles of the President in the event the President is unavailable. COMPETITION SECRETARY This role includes: responsibility for the running and administration of the club s photography competitions (including the regular monthly competitions and the annual competitions); organize and contact judges and presenters to confirm their attendance at club meetings; maintain competition records; liaise with and supervise the Points Secretary; arrange the prompt presentation of the various awards that are made; arrange the purchase and inscription of trophies and other awards; arrange the delivery of image entries to judges in pre-judged competitions; coordinate and manage images in inter-club competitions. POINTS SECRETARY Working in conjunction with Competition Secretary, responsibilities include recording and maintaining monthly competition results and records; and informing the Competition Secretary of members who achieved awards. MEMBER LIAISON OFFICER Primarily responsible for liaising with prospective members, welcoming and introducing visitors to club meetings, ensuring new members are (personally) introduced to other members and made to feel welcome. SOCIAL SECRETARY Responsible for organizing and coordinating social events hosted by the club, including the Annual Dinner and club outings. CABLE RELEASE EDITOR This role involves the development of the club s newsletter, The Cable Release, each month. The Editor is responsible for producing content for The Cable Release, in accordance with existing written guidelines approved by the committee. The position requires and internet access. (Familiarity with, or ability to use Microsoft Office Publisher would be advantageous) PUBLICITY OFFICER Media liaison and promotion of the club within the community (eg. local papers etc). ASSISTANT SECRETARY This is a major support role for the Secretary. Primary responsibilities include: recording of club business at committee and general meetings for preparation and typing of the draft minutes of such meetings; liaising and finalising the minutes with the Secretary. Page 8 June 2017

9 AGM Information Contd. NON-COMMITTEE SUPPORT TEAM (not required to attend committee meetings) PROVISIONS OFFICER Responsible for the organisation and preparation of supper provisions for club meetings, and working cooperatively with the Social Secretary to coordinate provisions for club social events. WEB MASTER Operation and maintenance of the club website, including; uploading of Cable Release issues, updating the online club calendar, contact information, images and other relevant information that needs posting. (Access to MAC OS would be advantageous) DIGITAL PROJECTIONIST Set-up and operation of projection equipment for digital images during competition meetings and/or presentations. CLUB PHOTOGRAPHER Photo documentary of club meetings, and timely presentation of images for use in club promotion (eg. Facebook, Cable Release newsletter, public media, etc). SOUND TECHNICIAN Set-up and operation of sound equipment for club meetings. LIBRARIAN Set-up and pack away our library and record all books or magazines lent out. Change in Subscription Fees and Structure Membership fee to increase to $70. There has been no fee increase for many years. Costs are increasing, such as rental on the hall. Under 16 and or student card membership fee at $50 Family Membership $100 per two family members (spouse or child) then $20 per additional child. These fees will be for the new year, now coming up. Change in Competition entry fee Increase digital/projected competition entry to $2 per image Print entry fee stays at $1 per print. These fee increases start after the AGM. Page 9 June 2017

10 Club Calendar Date Wednesday 8th February Wednesday 22nd February Wednesday 8th March Wednesday 22nd March Wednesday 12th April Wednesday 26th April Wednesday 10th May Wednesday 24th May Wednesday 14th June Wednesday 28th June Wednesday 12th July Wednesday 26th July Wednesday 9th August Wednesday 23rd August Wednesday 13th September Wednesday 27th September Wednesday 11th October Wednesday 25th October Wednesday 8th November Wednesday 22nd November Wednesday December Activity Competition Judge, Ray Atkinson Presentation Brian Bird, Basics of HDR Photography Competition Judge, Alan Hitchens Presentation Lufti Hady, Setting up a Photography Business Competition Bob Cook Presentation Macarthur Camera House Competition Gary Riley Presentation Evi, Eddie, Bruce, Overseas Adventures Competition Russell Field Presentation TBA Annual General Meeting Competition Luciano Vranich Competition Dennis Cale Presentation Macarthur Camera House Presentation Len Brown, Sydney International Competition Top Shot Themed subjects for 2017 MPS program. June 14th Lens Flare July 12th Shadows August 9th Patterns September 13th Street October 11th Abstract Page 10 June 2017

11 Committee President Brett Atkins Vice President Peter Sherlock Secretary Heather Marstaeller Treasurer Eddie Lim Office Bearers-Committee Positions Competition Points Secretary Robert Rosee Assistant Points Secretary David Williams Member Liason Vacant Publicity Officer Vacant Assistant Secretary Diane Mulley Social Secretary Jennifer Delaporte Newsletter Editor Bruce Wallace Page 11 June 2017

12 Web Links MPS Website MPS Flicker Page MPS Facebook Page NIK Collection 500px South Skye Camera Club The Complete Pixel Page 12 June 2017