SNAP_2013_03 Mar - The Westville Camera Club

Magazine of the
Westville Camera Club
Best Nature
Rose Douglas
Lions Playing
Best Open
Ciska Venter
Oh Honey
MARCH
2013
Best SS
Ray Bartho
Butter Mould
CHAIRMAN’S REPORT
Hi WCC'ers
AGM all done and dusted and a big thank you to all who made the trek
out to Amanzimtoti to attend. Before I continue, congratulations once
again to all the winners. This club has once again inspired by the quality
of images on display.
COMPETITION
Dedicating this AGM to our heritage and the history of WCC showed
that the commitment and enthusiasm that we have in the club today is
not new and the founders and early adopters of WCC shared the same
passion and enthusiasm. It was great to see Noel Henderson, the
founder of WCC (who was our guest speaker) take a trip down memory
lane and share on how it all started. Conrad's AV presentation from
scanned documents and images tied up nicely with the tales and stories
from the past. This club has so much history and character and it is
our duty to uphold and live the dreams of the founders. That of
sharing and learning the art of photography though constructive
feedback.
 Look out for the little
hidden camera somewhere in the magazine.
When you find it please
email your name and the
code on the camera to
Colleen
([email protected]) by
the Tuesday before our
Wednesday meeting.
 All the names will be put
into a hat and drawn at
our Wednesday meeting.
 Please note that you
have to be present at
the meeting to be
eligible for the mystery
prize.
The digital age has created a problem in that the type of records and
photo albums that the club had put together has now been replaced by
hard disks full of data and images rarely looked at and not shared by
all. This we need to correct and create digital photo books to
summarise the activities of the club for all to share and view.
The message I want to bring across is that backups and the printing of
images of family and friends still might be the safest way to ensure
memories are kept vivid. It is not a case of if you have a hard disk
failure, it is how you recover from it when it happens and it will to all
of us at some time or another.
---oooOooo---
Bumper month ahead with loads of outings and do keep an eye on the website for regular updates.
Cheers for now and do take care.
Pieter Venter
CHAIRMAN
Nothing is impossible,
The word itself says “I’m possible”
Audrey Hepburn
Page 1
DIGITAL SUBMISSIONS:
NOTES:
Any image either print or digital
entered in a section may not at
any time be re-entered in that
or any other section or medium
for
promotional
purposes.
Previously entered work, either
wholly or partially, may not be
entered
without
substantial,
content
transforming
modifications.
Proof
of
originality will rest with the
author. All images contained
within the image, must be the
author’s own work. Exceptions:
computer manipulated filters,
distortions and textures. Images
may not be manufactured using
stock
material
which
has
previously
been
entered in
promotional competitions without
substantial modification.
Images taken in consecutive
frames representing the same
scene or activity will be viewed
as the same image and can only
be allowed for submission once
for judging.
-----------------------One extra submission for the
MCC/WCC Challenge can be
submitted each month until
further notice. The subject is
“JUXTAPOSITION”.
-----------------------Due to time constraints only 1
set subject photo from each
member will be shown and judged
by the members on the night of
submission.
When downloading
through Photovault the first SS
image you download will be the
quick judge image. If 2 photos
are submitted they will both be
judged the following month as
normal.
Digital images to be done electronically via Photovaultonline as the
preferred method or alternatively submitted on a CD and clearly
marked with author’s name and the month of submission. File size to be
a maximum of 1024 on the widest edge of a landscape image or 768
pixels on the longest edge of a portrait image. File size not to exceed
500kb. No names may be added to the digital images when submitted.
Note – thin outlines are allowed but larger frames are discouraged.
Images to be named “section – star rating – your name – title.jpg” (e.g.
Nature-3-John Smith-Nice picture.jpg)
Note: Only the
PhotoVaultOnline
image
name
is
required
when
uploading
via
PRINT SUBMISSIONS:
All digital prints shall be printed on “Photo Quality Paper”. Prints may be
mounted on board. Minimum size: 6in x 8in (15cm x 20cm) excluding
mount. Maximum size 16 in x 20in (40cm x 50cm) including mount. Any
intermediate size prints may also be used. No framed prints may be
entered. All prints shall have on the reverse side, the following
information: Author’s name, star rating and title of print. Position this
information on the bottom left hand corner of the reverse of the print,
when shown right side up. Place a coloured spot above this information.
It is a requirement that a copy of the print still be submitted in electric
format for us on the website and inclusion in interclub activities and
competitions.
WCC MONTHLY MEETING STRUCTURE
ON TUESDAY 12 MARCH WE WILL BE DOING A WORKSHOP ON
JUXTAPOSITION (WCC/PMB CHALLENGE) AS WELL AS HAVING THE
LIVE JUDGING TO CHOOSE THE PHOTO’S FOR THE INTERCONTINENTAL COMPETITION BETWEEN 3 CLUBS FROM AUSTRALIA,
UK AND WCC FROM SOUTH AFRICA.
OUR WEDNESDAY MEETING (20 MARCH) WILL BE OUR NORMAL
JUDGING MEETING. OUR SET SUBJECT FOR JANUARY IS “PET
PORTRAITS”
CAN ALL MEMBERS PLEASE UPLOAD YOUR SUBMISSION IMAGES
THROUGH PHOTOVAULT AS THIS SAVES A LOT OF TIME ON OUR
JUDGING EVENINGS AS WELL AS MAKING IT EASIER TO GET THE
IMAGES TO OUR JUDGES.
JUDGING RESULTS
PLEASE SEE THE
FOR RESULTS.
WEBSITE
www.westvillecameraclub.co
.za
Page 2
ALL MEETINGS TO START
PROMPTLY
AT 19h00
PHOTO SUBMISSIONS TO
BE DONE BETWEEN 18h30
AND 19h00
ANNUAL PRIZE GIVING AND AGM
Once again our Annual Prize Giving and AGM was well attended by
members and their spouses.
It was held Moringa Conference
Centre, Amanzimtoti. Below is a list of awards handed out for 2012.
It was fantastic to have Mr Noel Henderson as our guest speaker.
He was one of the founder members of WCC. Noel showed us a
slide show on photos from yesteryear at WCC. What a great
foundation they set for the success that WCC has today.
TOP IMGAGE CONTEMPORARY / ALTERED REALITY:
1-2 STAR
3-4 STAR
-
5-HON
-
Caroline Thomasset – Colouring Book
Charles Venter – Model plus Swirls plus Fingers equals
Angelic
Dianne Abate – Giraffe and Moon
TOP IMAGE NATURE:
1-2 STAR
3-4 STAR
5-HON
-
Allan Bower – Splish Splash I Was Taking A Bath
Gary Jones – Down the Hatch
Pieter Venter – Push Up Fly
TOP IMAGE OPEN:
1-2 STAR
3-4 STAR
5-HON
-
Kelly Elliott – Desteny
Colleen Venter – Umgeni Sunrise
Ben Myburgh – Angela
TOP IMAGE PHOTO-JOURNALISM:
1-2 STAR
3-4 STAR
5-HON
-
Elizabeth Cartwright – Airborne
Andrew Climpson – 49 Falls
Conrad Kelsey – Duzi Hazards
TOP IMAGE SET SUBJECT:
1-2 STAR
3-4 STAR
5-HON
-
Tanya Venter – Purple Breeze
Steve Archer – Carpenter Bee Robber Fly
Ben Myburgh – Lena
OVERALL TOP IMAGES BY STAR RATING:
1-2 STAR:
1)
Kelly Elliott
2)
Caroline Thomasset
3)
Martha Jansen van Rensburg
– Desteny
– Colouring Book
– Fairytales
3-4 STAR:
1)
Gary Jones
2)
Colleen Venter
3)
Pieter Venter
– Down the Hatch
– Umgeni Sunrise
– Calling for Love
5 - HON:
1) Ben Myburgh
2) Ciska Venter
3) Dianne Abate
– Angela
– Daddys Princess
– Giraffe and Moon
Page 3
Mr Noel Henderson
Founder member of WCC
MOST IMPROVED PHOTOGRAPHER:
Shirley Gillitt
BEST OVERALL PICTURE:
Gary Jones
– Down the Hatch
TOP OF THE LOG:
POSITION
NAME
POINTS
1
CISKA VENTER
34.87
2
3
4
5
PIETER VENTER
BEN MYBURGH
MIKE SAND
ANDREW CLIMPSON
34.04
29.5
29.33
28.25
Congratulations to all the winners. I am sure next year
we will see a lot of our new members getting awards. It
is so great to be a member of a club with such passion.
Page 4
KRANZKLOOF NATURE RESERVE OUTING
On Saturday the 23 rd March WCC had our club
outing to Kranzkloof Nature Reserve. People
started arriving at 06h00, some more awake
than others. Some even armed with coffee.
We started on the trail and did some bundu
bashing to get the first falls just below the
“dam” wall. It was not long before the shoes
came off and people ventured into the water,
balancing cameras and tripods and feeling with
our feet for the slippery rocks below. Luckily no
mishaps occurred but I could just imagine if it
did the only thing you would see above the water
level was someone’s camera sticking out of the
water like the sword Excalibur from the movie
of the same name.
There were many photo opportunities to be had
at this point but others spread out to go and
find their own spot for their unique angle. We
then moved back to the main parking area and
went across the road to find another waterfall
further upstream. The path leading to this point
was cool and shady most of the way. We saw
some deer but we were far too slow to capture
them on our sensors. We heard a lot of birds, as
well as the babble of the little streams.
Well, then we got to what I refer to as the
MOUNTAIN. It started gentle enough but by
the time we got to the top I was wishing that I
had a carbon fibre tripod and that I did not
have my whole camera bag on my back. I’m glad
to say I was not the only one that felt that
way….
When we got to the plateau the climb was worth
it. Beautiful pink flowers abound and a view to
the sea. Everyone was either on their knees or
had cameras on tripods and studying plants and
bugs from all angles.
We then reached the top of the falls which made
the climb even more worth it. We then went down
the other side of the gorge to get to the base of
the falls. It was spectacular, although damp and
misty from the spray coming off the falls. We
were even given a bonus in the form of a rainbow
at the base of the falls. People were frantically
taking photos while trying to keep the spray from
their cameras and lenses.
Walking back to the car park we went through a
“magical” forest following the stream. You could
not even see the sky along most of the path
meandering along the bank of the stream. We
stopped at one of the small bridges and we had a
group photo taken.
It was then that we realised with shock that we
lost one of our group. While we went to the upper
falls Ian Damerall thought that w e had gone down
to the bottom of the main falls. When he got
there he realised we were not there, but decided
that he would continue taking photos there. It
just goes to show that we need to be vigilant and
look out for each other to ensure our safety.
When we got back to the car park we arranged to
meet at Bellevue Café in Kloof for coffee and
breakfast. Everyone agreed that it was amazing
outing. When you see what there is on offer it
makes you realize that there is beauty right on
our doorstep and we must just make the time and
effort to go and find it.
Page 5
JUST FOR LAUGHS
AMAZING GRACE
As a bagpiper, I play many gigs. Recently I was asked by a funeral director to play at a graveside
service for a homeless man. He had no family or friends, so the service was to be at a pauper's
cemetery in the Corryong back country.
As I was not familiar with the backwoods, I got lost and, being a typical man, I didn't stop for
directions. I finally arrived over an hour late and saw that the funeral bloke had evi dently gone and
the hearse was nowhere in sight. There were only the diggers and crew left and they were eating
lunch. I felt badly and apologized to the men for being late.
I went to the side of the grave and looked down and the vault lid was already i n place and earth
covered most of it. I didn't know what else to do, so I started to play. The workers put down their
lunches and began to gather around.
I played out my heart and soul for this man with no family and friends. I played like I've never
played before for this poor, homeless man. And as I played Amazing Grace, the workers began to
weep. They wept, I wept, we all wept together.
When I finished I packed up my bagpipes and started for my car. Though my head hung low, my
heart was full.
As I opened the door to my car, I heard one of the workers say, "I ain't never seen nothin' like
that before and I've been putting in septic tanks for twenty years."
TOP TEN RESONS TO DATE A PHOTOGRAPHER
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
They work well in the dark
They are used to funny smells
They make things develop
They work well on many settings
They know how to foucs
They can make big things look small and small things
look big
They work well from many different angles
They zoom in and out. And in and out and in and
out……..
They shoot in many different locations
They can find the beauty in anything.
A photographer took a self
portrait in the park.
Due to
lighting conditions he used the
built in flash on the camera. He
quickly got arrested for flashing
and exposing himself in the park.
THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN A NIKON AND CANON PHOTOGRAPHER
Two photographers are in the men’s room at the urinal. One guy is a Canonian and the other a
Nikonian. The Nikon guy finishes his business first, He simply zips his fly and heads for the door.
As he was leaving, the Canon guy turns his head towards him and says “Excuse me, Canon
photographers wash our hands when we are finished urinating”.
The Nikon guy says “I understand, but us Nikon guys don’t pee on our hands.
Page 6
PMB/WCC ANNUAL INTERCLUB COMPETITION
SUBJECT: JUXTAPOSITION
Description:
Juxtaposition; When two objects are positioned next to or near each other with the intention of comparing
or contrasting the objects.
Editing and Limitations:
Juxtaposition is considered to be an Open category and digital manipulation is therefore allowed. The only
limitation is that all the content in the image must be the respective Author?s own work and imagery. The
objective is still to get most of the work done in camera and that this does not merely become a Photoshop
skills showcase.
It is going to be an interesting competition. Check out the website for a full description and some sample
photographs.
HAPPY BIRTHDAY
Happy Birthday to the following members who celebrate their birthdays during March 2013
1/3
2/3
23/3
24/3
24/3
29/3
Andrew Climpson
Thelma Ramalhao
Candy Dennis
Pieter Venter
M003
Justin Wright
Tammy Seaman
PLEASE CAN THE MEMBERS WHOSE BIRTHDAYS ARE IN
MARCH SUPPLY EATS FOR OUR MEETING ON
WEDNESDAY, 20 MARCH 2013
Page 7
OUTINGS - MARCH
17 March – Barn Swallows
21 March – Hare Krishna Temple
Check the website and your email for times
and directions.
We will also keep you updated by email on
other interesting things happening so keep
checking your inboxes.
Please can all members give some ideas of
interesting places that we can add to our
outings list.
WESTVILLE CAMERA CLUB WEB
SITE
Please check it out. If any members have anything
interesting for the web site please contact any of the
committee. To access the site go to:
www.westvillecameraclub.co.za
No images can be downloaded through the web site
anymore.
You will need to download your photos
through Photo Vault Online. If any members need
help please feel free to contact any of the committee
members.
OUTING SAFETY TIPS / RULES
Westville Camera Club believes in “safety in numbers” and are really happy that to date none of our
members have had any “incidents” while on club outings, and we would like to keep it that way! In this light,
the Committee would like to encourage all those who participate in the outings to please observe some basic
house rules:






We suggest that everyone meet in a pre-determined place and at a pre-determined time - you will be
advised when the outing notification goes out where the meet-point will be
We encourage members not to wander off on their own – you carry expensive equipment and can be
watched without even knowing it!
If you do leave the group, try to do so with some other people from the group
If you do leave the group, even with someone else, please tell someone else which direction you are
heading in, so we know where to start looking if we need to
We would then like for everyone to meet again at the predetermined place and time after the shoot –
just to ensure that everyone is OK
If you do decide to leave before the final meet, please tell someone who is staying - again, just so that
we know you are safe and have chosen to leave
Thanks and look forward to seeing you all on the next outing.
MEMBERSHIP 2013
CLUB MEETINGS
Membership fees for 2013 will be:
R250.00 Full member
R125.00 Student, Scholar or Pensioner
R100.00 Joining fee for new members
TUESDAY 12 MARCH
WORKSHOP ON JUXTAPOSITION
JUDGING FOR INTER-CONTINENTAL
COMPETITION
Banking Details:
WESTVILLE CAMERA CLUB
STANDARD BANK : WESTVILLE
ACCOUNT NO.: 054950651
WEDNESDAY, 20 MARCH
THIS WILL BE OUR NORMAL
JUDGING MEETING.
SET SUBJECT IS:
“PET PORTRAITS”
REF:
Page 8
Please use your name as a reference.
SET SUBJECTS 2013
March 2013 – Pet Portraits
April 2013 – Juxtaposition
Formal portraiture of your pet, i.e. sitting,
standing. Lying down, etc. Not a pic of your pet
romping across the lawn. How about your prize
dairy cow with a blue ribbon or your race horse
or your Japanese Fighting Fis or a family photo
of your ants in their ant farm. Landscape or
portrait orientation.
No limitations on
processing. Be creative.
Juxtaposition; When two objects are positioned
next to or near each other with the intention of
comparing or contrasting the objects.
Editing and Limitations:
Juxtaposition is considered to be an Open
category and digital manipulation is therefore
allowed. The only limitation is that all the
content in the image must be the respective
Author’s own work and imagery. The objective is
still to get most of the work done in camera and
that this does not merely become a Photoshop
skills showcase.
May 2013 – Something Ugly
Ugly being the operative word here. The sky is
the limit, as we see ugly stuff every day. Do not
be nasty with the ugly things you find funny as
you may be accountable for the images you
submit. No limitations on image orientation or
processing.
July 2013 – Moonlight Magic
This is not just about images taken at night,
these are long exposures to the point that you
could illuminate the night scene to that of
daytime. Feel free to use supplementary light
sources to fill in and highlight aspects of the
composed image. Try to keep stars and the moon
in the image. If the moon is being used as a
primary
light
source
from
behind
the
photographer then it will not be in the shot. No
limitation on image orientation or processing.
Refer below for exposure limitations. You can
add other light sources or elements of light into
your image – be creative.
Limitations:
Long exposure images required, that is more
than 1 second in exposure length – try to get 30
seconds or use bulb mode and a remote/shutter
cable release.
June 2013 – Power
Portray power in any way it may be perceived.
The power of a executive, of the sun or the wind
or perhaps even the power of the body builder’s
perseverance to attain a particular look. Look
for power in other places. There are many forms
of power. No limitations on image orientation or
processing.
Moonlight Magic (Cont)
Page 9
August 2013 - Bridges
September 2013 – Save the Rhino
Portray the beauty, form and function of
bridges. Do not make this a record shot of a
bridge in the distance.
Try do something
different with your approach in this regard. Go
for low angles to emphasis the angular
perspective of the bridge.
Perhaps you can
abstract the structure of the bridge with close
up shots of the supporting forms. Try using High
Dynamic Range (HDR) to alter the atmosphere fo
the bridge and the sky. No limitations on image
orientation or processing.
22 September is World Rhino Day.
Raise
awareness of the Rhino’s plight in this worldwide
war on Rhino poaching. This topic is wide and
emotions run deep. Capture the good work being
done by passionate people and organisations as
they try their best to stem the further loss of
our Rhino’s. Perhaps capture images of these
majestic animals as we would like to see them,
and as we would like our grandchildren to see
them.
Be respectful and careful with the
sensitive nature of this topic and refrain from
submitting gory images. No limitations on image
orientation or processing.
October 2013 - Maritime
Anything and everything relating ot the sea. We
live in the largest harbour port on the African
continent.
Capture the boats, yachts, ships,
liners, tugs and all the activity surrounding them.
No limitation on image orientation or processing.
January 2014 – Churches, Places of Worship
Building
structure,
religious
leaders,
congregations, followers, practices or any other
aspect related to the place of worship. Look out
for the exciting outings planned for this year
and start collecting your submissions for this set
subject from March 2013.
No limitation on
image orientation.
November 2013 – Old Age
This does not necessarily pertain to images of
old people, man things get old and also exhibit
their age by virtue of their antiquity or sad
process of decay.
It could be a building,
locomotive or a tree.
Limitations:
Keep this image subdued and low in saturation.
Perhaps try for pure black and white, sepia,
halftone or duotone. The more adventurous can
use dodge and burn tools to highlight and/or
darken areas of the image. No limitation on
image orientation.
February 2014 - Perspective
You can emphasis the scale, volume or size of an
object in your image, or you may show the image
from a different point of view as a play on
perspective as we generally see it. No limitation
on image orientation.
We have previously had Lines and Curves and
other
set subjects
pertaining to linear
perspective. This set subject is about seeing
things from a different perspective.
WCC NOTE: Example images selected from Google images and remain the property of their respective own ers. These
thumbnails merely serve as visual inspiration.
Page 10
10 TIPS TO CAPTURING EXPRESSIVE PET PORTRAITS
1. Know your subject.
This may be one of the most important steps to capturing expressive images that
showcase the personality of the animal being photographed. It’s extremely important to
know general dog (or cat) behaviour so that you can gauge the comfort level of the
subject throughout the session. The natural history of the breed that you are working
with is also critical, as a herding dog will act very different then a sight hound.
2. Get on the pets level.
This simple technique can take an average snapshot to captivating portrait very quickly!
By photographing the pet on their level you are inviting the viewer into their world. The
perspective of the world looks wildly different at 18 inches then it does at 6 feet!
3. It’s all about speed.
These animals are on the move and will need a fast shutter speed of 1/1000 of a second or more. Keeping your shutter
speed fast will freeze any movement and keep your images nice and sharp.
4. Pick the right glass.
Its’ important to have a variety of lenses in your bag for a variety of situations. A good fast lens that shoots wide open
at 2.8 or larger is essential for photographing cats or dogs indoors in low light situations. A high-quality medium range
zoom lens is my most used lens, the 24-70 2.8. A good quality long zoom lens, such as the 70-200 2.8, is also essential to
carry in your bag as occasionally a dog is terrified of the camera. Those sessions will require that you sit off to t he side
and capture the action photojournalism style.
5. Burst it.
Shooting in burst mode allows you to capture funny expressions, especially when the animal is yawning or chewing. This
is also great for when the dog is running towards the camera.
6. Variety is the spice of life.
Capture variety in your sessions. Don’t be afraid to convince the humans that you are working with to jump in a few
frames. If they are especially shy, zoom in and focus on their hands petting the dog or the dog standing near their legs.
7. Let the dog lead.
While it’s definitely great to set the dog up in the perfect light or in front of a really interesting background, don’t
forget to spend some time just following the animal around and capturing them doing their thing.
8. Flash, just say no.
Animals have big beautiful eyes that quickly turn into red demon eyes if the flash is pointed directly towards them. If
you are in a situation that you must use flash, bounce it off of a window to give it the look of soft natural light.
9. Pavlov’s Dogs.
Do you remember that classical conditioning thing from your college psychology class?
Having a base knowledge of animal training is definitely beneficial for coaxing the
animals to do what you want them to do. Animals don’t work for free, make sure you
have lots of reinforcement to work with. These can be yummy and stinky treats,
favourite toys, or even belly rubs.
10. Patience.
It’s important to have a plan for every session, but then be able to improvise at each
session as they never go as planned. If you are stressed or anxious the animals will
sense it.
Courtesy of http://www.photo-collective.com/2011/08/11/10-tips-for-capturing-expressive-pet-portraits/
Page 11
COMMITTEE OF 2013 / 14
Chairman :
Pieter Venter
083 458 8373
pieter.venter@westvilleca meraclub.co.za
Vice Chairman :
Conrad Kelsey
083 570 0217
[email protected]
Secretary :
Colleen Venter
082 460 7632
[email protected]
Treasurer :
Karen Fischer
084 707 9090
karen.fischer@westvilleca meraclub.co.za
Entries Steward :
Des Porter
082 576 1551
[email protected]
SNAP Editor :
Colleen Venter
082 460 7632
[email protected]
Web Master :
Charles Venter
074 266 0432
charles.venter@westvilleca meraclub.co.za
Outings Stewards :
Kierran Allen
Andrew Climpson
Agustin Ritacco
082 228 5410
082 827 0112
083 651 9608
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
Membership :
Jeffrey Govender
Di Abate
Ben Myburgh
081 406 7157
083 454 7574
082 454 2679
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
New email addresses also created for
[email protected]
vicechairman@westvilleca meraclub.co.za
[email protected]
NOTICE FROM THE EDITOR
Articles and letters addressed to the editor are always appreciated. Anonymous submissions
however, will not be published under any circumstances. If you do not wish your name to appear
in SNAP, a nom-de-plume may be used. No exceptions will be made.
Articles sourced from publications or the Internet must bear a credit line to that publication or
webpage, otherwise authorship will be assumed as the submitters.
The contents of SNAP do not necessarily express the views of the Westville Camera Club, it's
committee, members or editor.
Page 12