fjkf hill s camera clubcongratulations to the print and slide winners for 2006. and the winners were...
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President’s Report
Hi Everyone, What a FANTASTIC time we had at the Print and Slide Presentation night! The feedback I’ve had from everyone has been great. Feedback from the RSL Club Directors has also been terrific. They, and their wives, enjoyed the night and were impressed with our club and the way we do things. Thanks must go to Alia Naughton and the members of the hard working Social Committee for the work they put into this function. The decorations and the set up was an absolute credit to them. Big plans already being discussed for next year. No details to be released yet, but here we go again …….. Thanks to Jim Crew , for conducting the judging of the entries. Jim remarked how difficult it was to decide on the winners. There were some excellent images on display. Congratulations to the Print and Slide winners for 2006. And the winners were ….
Slides William Stewart
Mini Prints Val Fenbow
Mono Prints Steve Wiessner
Colour Prints Steve Wiessner
Certificates were also presented to the Point Score winners in A and B Grade for the various categories. Simon Finch has details of the winners in his report later in this newsletter. The overall Point Score Winner for 2006 (ie the person who amassed the most points regardless of grade) was Tony Spence . A well deserved winner too! This year the Brian Coleman Award was presented to Keith Gillard for his outstanding support of the club and his constant willingness to help others. Congratulations Keith. On a totally different subject, as you probably know, we have very recently been approached by Baulkham Hills Shire Council to take photos of the Australia Day celebrations in the Shire. Mary Spence (our Secretary) has been working hard on the initial arrangements with Council and it’s coming along nicely. Val Fenbow has agreed to take charge of the project from here and will be the central contact for the event. Thanks Val for volunteering to do this for us. As we end the year I want to thank all who contribute to the success of our club. In particular, the members of the Management Committee and Sub-Committees and all of you that helps in so many ways. The club cannot function without you. Well done!" Enough from me, may Santa bring you lots of (photographic) goodies and may you have the time to get out and take some photos over the break. Remember those family photos are precious. Take lots and store them wisely. Have a Happy New Year and see you on 30th January for our first meeting in 2007. We will have a presentation by the Sydney Stereo (ie 3D) Camera Club to knock your (new) socks off! Remember, next year we will be meeting on the 1 st, 2nd and 4 th Tuesday’s of the month starting at 7:45 pm. Regards, Bob Cook President
December, 2006
Issue 14
HILLS CAMERA CLUB at CASTLE HILL RSL
Special Interest Articles:
Awards Night Member Profile Point Scores
Individual Highlights:
P/Report 1
Club News 2
Competitions 3
Ads 4
CCD Cleaning 6
David Oliver 7
Awards Night 8
Simons Report 11
Member Profile 12
Williams Page 13
Contact Us 14
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New Members - Welcome
HCC welcomes the
following new members to the club and
we look forward to seeing your images.
Ian Moore Mary Elias
Arry Sumarwata Geoffrey Basden Sam Bihancov
Rosemarie Karamanos Lyndel Walsh Carol Abbott
CLUB NEWSCLUB NEWSCLUB NEWSCLUB NEWS Meetings for 2007 Meetings are now on the 1st, 2nd & 4th Tuesdays of the Month. 30th January: A display of Stereo (3D) photography by the Sydney Stereo Camera Club. Followed by a Q&A session and Registration night. 6th February: Lecture – Landscape Photography 13th February: Photographic Workshop - Landscapes 27th February: ‘WHOOSH’ Set and Open Competition – Use your imagination & creativity. Must contain movement. Note: Competition Entry Night commences 7.45pm shar p.
Congratulations to
Maria Ericksen For having (4) photos
published in the GA Pilot magazine
Well done!!!
Message from the Message from the Message from the Message from the
EditorEditorEditorEditor A big thank you to all those that have contributed articles this year. Plus all the members that participated in the Member Profile. I’m looking forward to next year. Wishing you all a Happy and Safe Christmas.
Cheers,
Irena Hayes
Australia Day 2007 Celebrations - Friday 26 th January, 2007 Members have now been given special authorization passes to photograph this event by the Baulkham Hills Shire Council. Val Fenbow will be looking after this and providing more details. Outings Our Website has been updated with all outings for the year. They are found under the ‘News’ topic in the Calendar. Several are already planned for 2007. The first being a Sunrise Shoot at Waverley Cemetery on the 25th February. More detail to come. Workshops Keith’s Studio – 3rd February. Bob’s Studio – 17th February.
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COMPETITIONS
Three Call for Entries Call for Entries, The Center for Fine Art Photography has three Calls for Entry open to all photographers, internationally: The Art of Digital Imagery, deadline January 16, 2007. Each exhibition is juried by internationally recognized figures in photography. Awards include: monetary, feature article in CameraArts magazine, HP Prosmart B9180 fine art printer, and others. All juror-selected works are exhibited in the Center's gallery and receive additional international exposure through the Center's online gallery and in its Artists’ ShowCase publication. Exhibitions are intensely marketed to promote sales and exposure for the artists. Additional details and online submissions at: www.c4fap.org. Maitland International Salon of Photography Closing Date 8/1/07 Exhibition opened 25th January, 2007. Five sections: Mono Prints, Colour Prints, Nature Prints, Pictorial Slides and Nature Slides. Entry Forms are available on www.maitlandsalon.com FCC TOPSHOT 2007 Entries Close 23/3/2007 More details available FCC website.
Announcement: The 27th Newcastle National Exhibition of Photography to be held in January 2007 – HAS BEEN CANCELLED – this is because of renovations that are taking place, or to take place at the Newcastle Show grounds. William Stewart
OTHER
“Celebrate your birthday with us”
Taronga Zoo 90th Birthday 90 cents Offer
Terms and Conditions
The 90 cents Birthday Promotion allows patrons to enter Taronga Zoo on the day of their birthday for 90cents.
The offer is open to Australian and International residents.
The Offer commences on 01/07/2006 and closes on 30/06/2007.
EXHIBITIONS
ANZANG Nature and Landscape Photographer of the Year 2006 exhibition Visit www.anzangnature.com for more info and entry for next years competition. Exhibition is on display at the Penrith Library until 4th January, 2007.
"I'LL PUT A SPELL ON YOU" BY ALETHEIA CASEY Opening Wednesday 29th from 6 - 8 until January 3rd For more information regarding the artist check out: www.aletheiacasey.com Blanco Negro 72B Fitzroy St. corner of Bourke St, Surry Hills Tel 02 9360 7743
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Hi to all Camera Club Members
Ron and Lou Smith experienced photographers with over 20 years experience in photography and visual arts, are
offering camera club members 5% discount on Holiday Photo Tours. The discount applies to the Dartmoor Rover
and London Explorer Tours and the Weekender Digital Conversion course.
When making a reservation quote discount code CC1402X. Discount code is valid until 31st March 2007.
Non photographic partners receive 10% discount for Dartmoor Rover and London Explorer Tours. The camera club
discount does not apply to non photographic partner bookings.
London Photo Tours specialises in friendly, small groups.
Please pass this newsletter on to your club members.
Kind Regards - Ron and Lou Smith
For more info: www.londonphototours.co.uk
For those that use the free photo viewer program IrfanView, there is a new version, Version 3.99 just released with an "Updated CRW/CR2 PlugIn", that can read Canon 30D CR2 files. You will have to install the new version plugins and the files in 'canon_crw.zip' but all the info is there at plugins section of the site. See http://www.irfanview.net/
Hey Members!!!! "Did you know that, if you show your RSL Membership card, at ‘The Good Guys’ you get a discount there?"
C/Net Here is a link to a free on-line course for beginners. The course is "Fix your digital photos" http://directory.help.com/classes/providers/cnet/digitalcamera/
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From the DPReview site: Nikon firmware for D200, D2X and D2Hs Tue, 3 Oct
Nikon has today issued firmware version 2.0 for three of its digital SLRs. The D200 gets support for the WT-3 wireless transmitter and image authentication via the menu (the use of which requires optional software). Updates to the D2X and D2Hs are far more extensive (probably the largest list of updates we've ever...
http://www.dpreview.com/news/0610/06100301nikonfirmware.asp
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Adobe Camera RAW 3.6 Beta Fri, 6 Oct
We were fortunate enough to get an early copy for use in our Nikon D80 review, now Adobe has decided to release Camera RAW 3.6 Beta for public download. This new release of the much praised RAW conversion plug-in adds support for the Canon EOS 400D / Rebel XTi, Nikon D80, Pentax K100D, Panasonic DMC-LX2, Leica...
http://www.dpreview.com/news/0610/06100601acr36beta.asp
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Just posted! Canon EOS 400D / Rebel XTi review Sat, 14 Oct
Just posted! Our in-depth review of Canon's latest in the EOS xx0D / Digital Rebel series, the new EOS 400D / Digital Rebel XTi. With a ten megapixel Canon CMOS sensor, a three part dust reduction system, nine point Auto Focus, a new larger LCD and user interface the EOS 400D offers a range of improvements over the...
http://www.dpreview.com/news/0610/06101401canoneos400dreview.asp
Regards,
Bob CookBob CookBob CookBob Cook
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CCD Cleaning “Dust” on the CCD is a real common problem and MAJOR concern for some digital shooters. The dust on your CCD is not the dust you find on your bookshelf or that floating in the air as many propose. The silly notion that never changing your lens prevents a dust problem is ludicrous! (This means you don’t have to hide in a sterile tent to change lenses in the field.) The “dust” (which isn’t air born particles in this case) that causes the problem is actually created by the mechanism you use to attach and remove a lens. (This problem is at its worse when a camera body is brand new.) The cause of your dust problem is the lens mounting ring which gets “shaved” when you attach a lens.
Minute brass particles are created each and every time you attach a lens that lie on the bottom of the mirror box. If you don’t clean those minute brass particles out prior to cleaning your CCD, you will end up blowing them right onto the CCD when you attempt to clean it. This just makes your problem that much worse. Using a small flashlight, shine the light on the bottom of the mirror box (mirror is not raised, CCD is not exposed to do this) You will see what appear small flecs of gold. You’ve not struck it rich, those are brass shavings you need to clean out. To do that, use a dry Q-Tip and simply wipe out the bottom of your mirror box by twisting the Q-Tip, right by the curved shelves. Even if you can’t see the shinny little brass shaving, DO IT! This is the cause for 99% of the dust problems digital shooters report!
The Nikon instruction book is pretty firm on how the CCD should be cleaned when it comes to stuck on particles. Send it in to Nikon. Well, a long time ago, a little snow flake hit my CCD (long story) and there was no FedEx drop off in the corner of the Yukon where I was shooting. I had to take care of it then and there. This is what I did.
First, I clean out any small particles on the bottom of the mirror box. I then set the camera to M exposure mode (refer to your IB for your body). I then set the shutter speed to Bulb. Once this is done, I depress the shutter release, which pops the mirror up out of the way. I look at the CCD with my very small but powerful flashlight. Finally, I use the Sensor Brush to clean the CCD. I charge the Sensor Brush (I prefer the full size Sensor Brush over their Arctic Butterfly though it works pretty down good in a pinch) with a blower bulb before use. With two wipes, the CCD is clean and I’m back in business.
What if the particle is “stuck” on the CCD and it won’t come clean? I use Visibile Dust’s Sensor Clean which is a killer product. The best thing about it, unlike other brands, you can safely travel by air with Sensor Clean, it’s non-flammable. Mr TSA won’t confiscate it and leave you a nasty note.
CCD dust is not a big issue, don’t make it one! You’ve got better things to do with your mental powers then worry about something that can be taken care of in seconds!
Sensor Brush Sensor Cleaning is a big time part of being a digital photographer. It causes a lot of photographers great heart ache and digital darkroom time. The specialized sensor brushes from Visible Dust are a great solution!
It's real simple, the charge on the brushes is opposite the charge on the sensor so the brush "suck" up the particles. Normally, you charge your brush with canned air. If you travel, you know you can't take canned air with you on planes. Not a problem. You can charge the Sensor Brushes with a normal blower bulb. Just blow the brush multiple times prior to use and you're good to go. All you need to learn about the Sensor Brush is on the Visible Dust Website. I got the Ecno Kit which works great for my needs. I HIGHLY recommend you get yourself a kit!
http://www.moosepeterson.com/techtips/cleanccd.html Supplied by Bob Cook
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Awards 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 Slides Fred Morris Brian Coleman Jonno Ferns Jonno Ferns William Stewart Colour Malcolm Kleu Margaret Fagg Keith Gillard Steve Wiessner Steve Wiessner Mono Karlee Rowland Margaret Fagg Jo Ann Windsor Steve Wiessner Steve Wiessner Mini Nicola Bryant Judith Woodward Margaret Fagg Bob Cook Val Fenbow Brian Coleman Award N/A N/A Bob Palmer Robert Hoehne
Keith Gillard
Overall Point Scorer N/A N/A N/A N/A
Tony Spence
Note: Steve Wiessner, two years in a row, well done.
Print and Slide of the Year Competition and Awards Night 2006
All images supplied by Tony Spence
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FJKF Certificate Awards for 1st, 2nd & 3rd Placing
A Grade Winners B Grade Winners
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A Grade Winners 1st, 2nd & 3rd in that order. Slide Jonno Ferns Robert Hoehne Alia Naughton Mono Tony Spence Steve Wiessner Alia Naughton Colour Steve Wiessner Tony Spence Keith Gillard Mini Bob Cook Tony Spence Alia Naughton
B Grade Winne rs 1st, 2nd & 3rd in that order. Slide Bob Flegg Allan de Saxe William Stewart Mono Irena Hayes Elizabeth Goff Val Fenbow Colour Elizabeth Goff Andrew Treloar Philip Brown Mini Andrew Treloar Robert Brear Elizabeth Goff
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COMPETITION CO-ORDINTOR’S REPORT A big thank you and well done to everyone who entered the competitions for this year and made them a success. A wrap up of the final points will be posted on the web site. This year there were 1364 images entered, 578 entries in Colour, 350 in Mini, 283 in Mono and 153 in slides. Thanks to everyone who entered, also to Chris Cook for entering them in the database, and producing all the certificates. After a large number of entries, a special congratulations to the members awarded certificates for the yearly point score competitions. Congratulations also to those members re-graded up to “A” Grade, I’m sure you will help make the A Grade a competitive and vibrant place. Being put into A Grade can feel frightening, but I hope it also challenges you to keep improving, and pushing the existing A graders. Remember that we will be issuing a draft set of rules for the 2007 competition in January, soon after the FCC finalizes their new rules. There will be a vote held on a special resolution to adopt these rules at the meeting on 6 February 2007. The new set of rules has been designed to improve the competitions by catering to the changing needs of club members, and changes in technology, while recognising the need for competition nights to provide feedback from judges, yet finishing at a reasonable time. The major changes include the addition of a new category, “Digital Images” for images that are digitally projected rather than printed. In addition points will only be awarded for receiving awards rather than entering images. A draft set of 2007 Competition Rules will be sent out in January will all the details. The new Digital Image category is being designed to make it easy for everyone to enter, from point n shoots to the top line gear, you won’t even need a printer. Thanks to all those including the competition committee, who have been putting in the long hours behind the scenes to rewrite the rules, set the definitions for the set subjects, and do all the other things required to help make next years competition run as smoothly as possible. Looking forward to an exciting year ahead, Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year to everyone. See you in 2007. Simon Finch Competition Co-ordinator
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Member Profile –
Maria Ericksen
How and why did you start in photography?
My dad gave me a 35mm compact film camera for my 6th birthday, & I have been hooked since then!
Do you remember your first camera?
A small 35mm Kodak compact film camera .
Do you use film/digital or both?
Now only digital. What type of photography do you find the hardest to take?
People – you can’t control the situation nor the people.
What photos do you like to take the best?
Landscapes/Aerial & action.
Whose photos in the Camera Club do you admire the most?
Keith & Tony’s – as you can always feel something from them, I see it as they have depth. What are your thoughts on today’s Judges?
If they help me to better my photography, I am happy no matter what I do or don’t get awarded on the night. I do get frustrated with comments like, “Lovely photo of water, but I don’t like the water so I have to pass on that one.”
What advice would you give to a new beginner in photography?
Don’t be afraid to ask anyone in the club questions & the only way you are going to learn is by picking up your camera and going for it!
Do you follow any sport or team or have a hobby?
I love anything fast – cars, motor bikes, planes - it doesn’t matter as long as it is fast. I fly and compete in Aerobatics as a sport & my hobbies seem to be surrounded by much of the same. Zoom Zoom Zoom…
What has been your favourite holiday and travels?
I have seen a lot of the world but I would have to say my favorite holiday would have had to have been the time that we flew ourselves around Central Australia in a light twin plane for a month, seeing the real Australia. The outback is an amazing place to see! Name one thing we don’t know about you?
I’m really a shy person, so shy you don’t know it.
Where do you see the Camera Club heading?
Only getting bigger.
Image taken by Tony Spence
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Encouragement:
Where do I get my encouragement to improve my photography? While it is true, that we do photography for ourselves in many ways. We photograph what we want to photograph and enjoy photographing. Also the best photographs are the ones we are happy with ourselves. We can improve our photography and we can find encouragement to do so in different ways. My encouragement comes from various sources.
1. Family and friends. 2. Members of the Hills Camera Club. 3. Entry into competitions.
As we enter competitions and compare our results with those of our fellow competitors, we can be encouraged to improve our photography. And there are many different ways we can enter competitions. We can
1. Submit entries in the HCC In-House Competitions. 2. Enter entries for selection by the Club to be used in Inter-Club Competitions. 3. Enter Competitions held by local show Societies and our local area and further a field. (These usually open
to anyone) 4. Enter National and International Competitions (These usually open to anyone) 5. Join the Australian Photographic Society and take part in their In-House Folios and Competitions. (You need
to be a member of the society.) 6. Enter entries for selection by the Australian Photographic Society to be used in International Competitions.
(You need to be a member of the society.)
I hesitated, for several years, to enter any competitions outside the Club level. Then I took the bull by the horns and entered some entries in the Western Districts 2005 National Photographic Exhibition. When I entered I thought to myself – if I bomb out that’s it for a while – no more National Competitions for me. To my surprises I had some successes. No more excuses. Of course I have bombed out since in other National competitions. But still, I will go on now and enter more. Partly, because I find that competing in competitions encourages me to improve my photography and also to try different types and styles of photography. William Stewart
Australian Photographic Society
Print Division Quarterly Competition. # 03 for 2006
B Grade Open
I received the following comments: Judge and Adjudicator: Margrit Wendt AAPS, AFIAP B Grade - Open Subject: First Place: Lithgow Knight by William Stewart All 4 of William's entries are great images and it was hard for me to decide which to give 1st place. What I like about the Lithgow Knight is the glimpse in his eyes as well as his overall facial expression. The image is perfectly exposed and the blurred background draws the viewers' eye onto the person itself. Congratulations.
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CONTACT USCONTACT USCONTACT USCONTACT US
President Bob Cook
Vice President Phil Brown
Treasurer Malcolm Hobson
Secretary Mary Spence
Program & Meetings Coordinator
Ron Quester [email protected]
Competition Coordinator Simon Finch
Social Coordinator Alia Naughton
Web Master Robert Hoehne
Technical Officer Neil Chandler
Newsletter & Publicity Officer
Irena Hayes [email protected]
HILLS CAMERA CLUB ATRIUM CASTLE HILL RSL, LEVEL 6 77 CASTLE STREET CASTLE HILL P.O. BOX 25, CASTLE HILL, NSW 1765 WEB: www.hillscameraclub.org.au E-MAIL: [email protected]
Battery Specials Most of our cameras need them and if you shoot digital you may need a spare in your pack for the days shooting. As a special deal for Hills Camera Club members I am able to get batteries for practically any camera at extremely good prices. DSLR batteries, laptop batteries, standard cells, UPS, camcorder, you name it. Please contact me at [email protected] for a quote.