Club Chatter – Edition #61
Hi to all fellow RPS members,
I trust that all the RPS members, their families and friends have had joyous and safe Christmas and New Year. This is my first blog as the President of the club and I am very excited with the fact that I am in that role. I will take this opportunity to express to all of the members how humbled I feel to be given this role in this club, which is filled to the brim with fantastic photographers and more importantly people whom I admire and feel privileged to call friends.
One of the great parts of the role as president is that I have this blog, which is a wonderful communication tool in which I get to express my opinion on things that are of interest to the club and gives me a chance to keep members up dated on what is happening in the club. At the bottom of this, and every blog is a comments box. This is there so you can express your opinion on the content of the blog it would be great to get your feedback, good, bad or ugly.
We have a very exciting year ahead of us, with some wonderful field trips planned, lots of amazing guest speakers, educational tutorials and lastly but certainly not least a full complement of competitions.
So without further ado, here we go!!
Final Night
Firstly I would like to thank the team who were responsible for the organisation of a wonderful final night Michele Webb (had to put her first), Richard Loader, Sandra Fleet, Raewyn & Colin Crowther and Katrina Mulder. Also, a special thank you to all the other members that chipped in with the usual RPS enthusiasm, without whom the night just wouldn’t be the fantastic event it was.
The theme for this year has been set, but I will hold back that juicy bit of information for another blog.
Grand RPS Club Kick Off BBQ 2012
This is the grand kick off the New Year BBQ which has been organised by John Miller. John has arranged a Poker Run, I have to admit I was not 100% exactly what a poker run was having never been on a one before, but after speaking to John and ‘googling’ it, I really like the sound of the event. The first field trip for the year is always special and a great chance to catch up with club friends and spend a little time swapping those holiday stories. For more information on the day follow this link http://rangioraphotosoc.org.nz/rpsblog/?p=1374 Registrations are now being called for – and can be emailed to John Miller at housepix@xtra.co.nz
Tony Bridge Post Production Workshop
As many of you will be aware, Tony Bridge is running a post-production workshop for RPS members this workshop will be held over 2 days on the 4th and 6th of February. The workshop is limited to 15 people and I believe that there is only one spot left. The course is pitched at an intermediate level and will cover a range of important topics. You can view the range of topics covered at http://rangioraphotosoc.org.nz/rpsblog/?p=1361 Tony has a world of knowledge to share on these subjects, and getting a good understanding of these topics will really help to raise the bar on your photography. His friendly teaching style, will make this a workshop not to miss. So if you have been thinking about expanding your photography skills, get in quick and grab that last spot!
Club Night 7th February
This is something I have really been missing over the break, our club night are always fun and so much better than anything on the telly!!
We are starting the year off with nibbles and wine (two of my favourite things). We will then have some formal bits which will include the introduction of the new committee, and small bit of housekeeping.
This will be followed by the judging of the Informal Print Competition. The theme for this is “Summer Holidays”. I noted that there was a little bit of confusion about exactly what constitutes a “Summer Holiday” photo. Here’s my interpretation of that for you- Anything that was taken over the summer holidays, preferably with a holiday feel to it or whatever means summer to you!
The prints can be presented however you would like in this competition, matted, un-matted etc. We are more interested in seeing your shots than getting tied up with how they are presented for this competition. We want this to be a casual/fun evening, the prints will be judged by you the members.
This is always a great night and I’m looking forward to seeing those holiday shots.
Online Competition
The subject for the first online competition has been set, it is “VINTAGE”. This is a great subject and leaves the field wide open. I personally really like the online competition and love watching the new entries arrive online. I really hope you all have a go at this competition this year.
Well that’s all folks, looking forward to seeing you at the meeting.
Steven
RPS GRAND KICK OFF POKER RUN & BBQ – Review
RPS GRAND KICK OFF POKER RUN & BBQ
Ready: Thirty-something of us met at the Clubrooms to take part in the Poker Run.
Steady: John issued the instructions and the first card of the poker hand
Go: The competitive raced off with a hiss and a roar, followed by the philosophical, laid back types
According to our motivation and navigating skills we made our various ways along the run, picking up cards and answering clues.
Everyone had a toilet stop along the way
and eventually we arrived at the Glentui Meadows Conference & Leisure Centre where the roaring log fire in the conference room was cheerful and welcoming, especially as the weather was drizzling and misty. Looking from the expansive decks we were treated to various misty views of the bush on the mountains and steep valleys.
Steve had the BBQ ready on the deck and while it heated up we racked our brains over the NZ Geographical Quiz – the prize for this being the wild card for the poker hand. Well it was a very lucky day for me because I won the quiz and the wildcard gave me the winning hand in the poker! Errol Hitt won the prize for the worst poker hand. Thank you for the wine folks, I’m enjoying a glass even as I write this.
Another great day out and whilst the weather was not great, it certainly didn’t dampen our spirits. Thank you John and Kate, it was great fun and a super start to the year.
Catherine Boyd
Herrow world
We are testing facebook integration with the blog. All going well you should receive this test.
Onawe Field Trip – 19th February 2012
Greetings and salutations -
Our first day trip for the year is scheduled for the 19th of February and is
being organised by Janey Thomas.
Some years ago we visited the historic and volcanic site of Onawe which is
between Little River and Akaroa on the Banks Peninsula. This is the site of a
stand off between Ngai Tahu and Te Rauparaha and his men who attacked from the
North. Ngai Tahu did not fare so well on that occasion.
However, there is also some amazing volcanic rock formations there – brilliant
orange colours, with lots of mosaics and swirley patterns. It really is well
worth the visit.
Janey has organised the following:
Onawe:
Low tide is 8.36am, high tide is 2.42pm.
Bryan Tichborne reckons you can get across to Onawe up to 1 hour either side of
high tide. So that means we need to be off the peninsula before 1.42pm or wait
till around 4pm on the peninsula before we can leave it. We may need to take our
shoes off. If it’s a high tide which they have been recently it could be up to
knee height.
Perhaps we could do breakfast at the Little River Cafe. They open at 7.30am and
only do breakfasts on the weekend. They need numbers for a group so please let Janey know if you want breakfast when you register.
Proposed times:
Leave Rangiora 7.00 – 7.30am
Little River breakfast 8.30am onwards
Then on to Onawe, photos and early picnic and be off the Peninsula by about 1pm
or stay on till after 4pm.
After this there are several options:
1. Drive out to the wild and beautiful Akaroa Head Scenic Reserve via a windy
but graded shingle road (suited to 4WD’s). Includes Flea Bay.
http://www.doc.govt.nz/conservation/historic/by-region/canterbury/christchurch-and-banks-peninsula/akaroa-head-scenic-reserve/
Photos: landscape, historic, geology, seascape, birdlife.
(Limited to 4WD’s)
2. Visit the beautiful Hinewai Reserve on the East side of the Peninsula via the
Cabstand. I can contact Hugh Wilson, the manager who would be sure to give us a
talk. Photos: vegetation, macro, insects, birdlife.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hinewai_Reserve
Fee: donation
3. Visit Nancy Tichborne’s garden.
Photos: flowers, vegetation, birdlife, stream
Fee: $10 per person
(Could just suit garden lovers).
4. Continue on to Akaroa
5. Go to Birdlings Flats/Little River etc.
At this stage we are simply after an indication of who will be attending. Could
you please register that you will be attending by emailing Janey at
graphik@xtra.co.nz
The Onawe leg of the trip really is well worth the visit and I would encourage
you to visit it – you will not be disappointed from an historic, beauty and
photographic perspective.
Kind regards
Richard Loader
Programme Director
Post Production Workshop – Tony Bridge
The Post Production workshop will be held over 2 days – hopefully at the clubrooms – on the 4th and 5th of February – limited to 15 people – 1st in 1st served basis. It is pitched at an intermediate level and will include the following:
1. Capture
a. Getting the best possible file
i. Handholding vs. the tripod
ii. The Valley of Death
b. Why you NEVER shoot above f11 ( on a full frame)
c. Raw and jpeg ( including some dirty secrets)
2. Computer optimisation and backing up
a. How I learned to hate my antivirus
b. Techniques for backing up
c. Not all hard drives are created equal
d. Software to dig you out of a hole ( or at least stop your computer falling into one)
3. Sharpening
a. What happens anyway
b. Philosophy of sharpening
c. Simple sharpening
d. Lab
e. High Pass
f. Unsharp mask techniques ( including a sneaky trick with layers
g. Microcontrast sharpening
h. The Mac Holbert way
i. Sharpening with grain for print
j. Sharpening as a compositional and artistic tool
4. Why I learned to love layers and masks (and how to use them)
a. What are layers anyway and why would I bother
b. Combining them
c. Blending modes and how you can use them for effect
d. Masks and how to use them
e. Adjustment layers for non-destructive editing
f. Why I fell in love with my Wacom and wanted to marry it
g. Cunning use of brushes
5. Creative post-production and digital art
6. Turning black and white ( from the simple to the expensive but extraordinary)
7. Plugins from the astonishingly simple to plugins for the geek (and for the overpaid)
On the basis that we do get 15 people to attend this workshop the cost will be $153.33 per person. The cost will increase if there are less people involved. Participants will need to bring a laptop along and have lightroom, elements or photoshop loaded – or all three of those applications.
Firm registrations can be sent to me at richardsloader@vodafone.co.nz More information will follow about this course.
RPS Exhibition “Embracing the Light”
EXTRA EXTRA EXTRA
Yes extra time to submit your images for selection.
We know its been a busy time with Christmas and all the partying so we are giving you a little more time to get those images in to Sandy.
Currently we have over 60 images which is well short of the 100 required and there are many of you who have previously expressed an interest but we haven’t received your images yet.
So look out your best images and email them to Sandra Fleet sandra.doghouse@actrix.co.nz by 9th January at the latest.
Images for the selection process should be 1024 on the longest side but the original must be capable of being printed to A3 size.
Now, if you are getting Graham to print the image for you then, once you have
received notification that your submission/s have been accepted, you can send
the full size high resolution image to Graham by using the
compsec@rangioraphotosoc.org.nz email address. Each image should be named
exhibyour membership number and name of image – e.g. exhib0343stunning image
If you are arranging the printing of your own work then please arrange to
deliver the print to Graham as soon as possible if you wish to take advantage of the special framing offer.
PLANNING PROGRESS - just a snapshot - to keep you in the picture.
Now we are really getting our teeth into it as we put the “Silly Season” behind us.
Advertising and marketing commence this week and the campaign will continue throughout the lead up time.
Site visit to the Brick Mill the following week to sus out what’s needed.
Invitations to Opening Night will be issued mid January.
Program planning including entertainment and refreshments.
Catalogues and labelling are in progress.
– these are just some of the things your Exhibition Committee is busy with.
Naturally all offers of help will be welcomed and gratefully received.
BUT MOST OF ALL,
RIGHT NOW,
WE NEED YOUR IMAGES.
Many thanks and warmest wishes for 2012.
Catherine Boyd
Exhibition Committee
For more details refer to the previous Blog post of 17th November “Call for Entries” http://rangioraphotosoc.org.nz/rpsblog/?cat=12
Call for Entries – 17th November 2011
Greetings and salutations
As mentioned in my last blog, the deadline for submissions for our ‘Embracing
The Light’ exhibition to be held late February of next year at the Brick Mill
Gallery is the 31st of December 2011.
At this stage we are looking for low resolution images at 1024 on the long side,
that are capable of being printed to at least A3 size, to be emailed to Sandra
Fleet for the purpose of selection.
Sandra’s email address is sandra.doghouse@actrix.co.nz .
You may submit up to 3 submissions at this stage. All work that is accepted will
need to be matted and framed – more about that shortly.
The exhibition will be of an open category.
My best advice is to consider work of all genres – Landscape, portraiture,
nature, arty – anything really – that presents your work in the best light -
and perhaps best reflects you as a photographer – and which you feel might have
saleable appeal to it.
Look for images that have that ‘wow’ factor. A good idea when considering work
to submit is seek the help of an ‘independent eye’ to assist with selection.
To streamline the process the submissions will be selected on the fly. That
means as soon as they are submitted they will be reviewed by a small selection
committee. You will then be notified by return email which images have been
selected – which could well be all three.
This rapid selection process will enable you to start the printing and framing
process – which brings me to the next point.
Graham Barr is starting a small framing business and has offered to do the
matting and framing for the club members for this exhibition at a very special
price. You may have seen recent examples of Graham’s framing skills at the club
- it is fair to say that perfection is a very good description.
Graham’s pricing for matting, framing and standard glass is $80.00 each. He can
offer the option for non reflective glass for only $10.00 more – $90.00 each.
The matting and framing will use standard materials.
These are special prices specifically for the exhibition to enable as many
people as possible to have work exhibited. This is your exhibiiton!
These prices are based on framing of an A3 size image. Larger prints will also
be acceptable if you so wish but this would obviously alter the framing and
matting price.
Graham can also print your images and his pricing is 10.00 ea for an A3+ on semi
glossy 255gsm paper. This is a very good quality heavy grade professional paper.
This is a very good rate considering the paper quality.
Your payment would be crfedited to Grahams account which is 03-0830-0243474-01
with the reference RPS Print your name eg: RPS Print Barr.
Now, if you are getting Graham to print the image for you then, once you have
received notification that your submission/s have been accepted, you can send
the full size high resolution image to Graham by using the
compsec@rangioraphotosoc.org.nz email address. Each image should be named
exhibyour membership number and name of image – e.g. exhib0343stunning image
If you are arranging the printing of your own work then please arrange to
deliver the print to Graham as soon as possible to enable framing.
The exhibiiton will present a new and very exciting opportunity for us all. To
make it work we need everyone to submit work. Lets make this a really stunning
exhbition that excites, challenges, inspires and delights people. No one should
be thinking that their work is not good enough – we really do want examples of
everyones work.
Kindest regards
Richard Loader
el Presidente….at the moment….
Club Chatter – Edition #60
Greetings and salutations
This is my final blog, before saying over and out.
I have a few notices to announce but before I do so I would like to spend a few minutes extolling the virtues of the Rangiora Photographic Society and all those who sail within her. I also want to tell you how much I have enjoyed my time as el Presidente.
I truly believe that our club is different to other photographic clubs and societies around the country. And in a way that is obviously so because every club does have its own personality that is reflective of many ingredients.
But RPS seems to have a clear definition of what it is trying to achieve even if that definition exists in the minds of many rather than overtly stated in writing. Perhaps the general headings of fun fellowship and photography sum it up well but of course each of those headings is comprised of many elements that are the unique collective composition of a grand recipe for a grand design.
There are so many people who have contributed to that recipe and many others who have been willing to try it out – to experiment , mould and adapt. My role has been very minor in the big scheme of things but I can tell you that I have been enormously proud to be the President, to be part of the club and to have been part of the many decisions, changes, initiatives and challenges that the club has faced over the last 3 years.
Our club is well thought of and well spoken about in outside circles and that is something that we can all be proud of.
Next year we will face new challenges with our first significant solo exhibition and can I say that, like Robert the Bruce and the Spider, if at first we do not succeed, try, try and try again. Because success will come.
On Final Night last Saturday, Steven Webb said a number of very kind things about my Presidency. It was very humbling and I have to say at the end of it I was not so much stuck for words – but choked with emotion. The pleasure really has been all mine – both the great many highs and the occasional low – but I think that it is really important to replenish the vitality of the club with new and emerging talent. Steve is going to be a fantastic President. He will take the club to greater heights and not just that – but he is a talented photographer in his own right.
Steve and Michele also presented me, on behalf of you all with a beautiful set of handmade Kronis whiskey glasses suitably engraved along with a bottle of Talisker whiskey. I thank you all for that gift which will be treasured forever – well the glasses for ever and the whiskey for a few days anyway…
So in closing for this part of the blog, thank you all so very much for your friendship, your fellowship and your support.
Wellbeing Exhibition
The exhibition in the offices of Wellbeing North Canterbury continues to attract very positive feedback from the many visitors to the office. Representatives from the Ministry of Education recently went through and made the comment that the images ‘Settled the Spirits’. Another comment was that they added to the ‘respectful ‘ ambiance of the offices.
Many RPS members have enquired as to whether they could see the images and so I have arranged with Deirdre, the Manager of Wellbeing North Canterbury, to enable a viewing on Monday the 5th of December at 5.30pm. The offices are not huge and so if there is a very large group of members we can perhaps break into two sessions. But if you would like to see the exhibition please be outside 29 High Street (next to JJ’s Bar) at 5.30pm next Monday. You will be very welcome indeed and I will meet you there.
Final Night 2011
What a fabulous turn out and fabulous night. Over 110 people attended the evening and everyone wore a mask of some description or another. Some masks and some costumes were in fact very elaborate indeed. I thank you all for getting into the spirit of it and of course I thank the small organising committee who planned and executed the event along with those who helped to set up during the day and those that helped to pack out on the Sunday.
The awards were the order of the day and while the full set of awards and recipients will be placed on the website in due course I would like to make special mention of one or two of the awards. Firstly, the overall best Image of the Year Award – The David Barbour Cup – went to Michele Webb for her image ’Oops’. This was a well deserved win and the judge, Tony Bridge, was very clear as to why the image had so much to offer both from a technical and artistic point of view.
The second significant award was the new ‘Rangiora Photographic Society/David Wethey Mentoring Programme’ which was awarded to Sandra Fleet. There are many reasons why the RPS Committee and David felt that Sandra was the most worthy recipient on this occasion. She has, for example, consistently exhibited determination not just to succeed but to grow and develop in her photography and has actively sought out initiatives for the use of her photography. This award will enable Sandra, and others who follow her in successive years, to continue that growth path towards the goals that they wish to achieve.
I would like to congratulate all the winners of awards. You are all very deserving recipients and contribute to the success of the club.
Thank you also to Tony Bridge for his insightful, thoughtful and inspiring words of wisdom throughout his judging of the Print and Projected UImage of the Year Competition. We are all the richer for Tony’s contribution on the night and indeed now that he is a fully fledged RPS member will be all the richer throughtout the year….arise Sir Tony – knight of the A Grade table.
I would also like to thank the following sponsors who provided prizes for the raffle table:
Business:
Norman Ross
Grant McSherry
AMI Insurance
Craig Potton Publishing
Parkside Media
Lacklands
Arts in Oxford
Graeme Smith, Unichem
Greg Knight, Rangiora Pharmacy
The Good Street Deli
Rangiora Fresh Meats
Hamills Fishing & Hunting
David Wethey
Rangiora Digital Photo Lab
The Lingerie Shoppe
The Mill
Hi Gorgeous
Hellers Meats
Without the support and generosity of the sponsors we simply could not have the exciting raffle table that we have which enables the event to be largely self funding. Please do support these businesses whenever you can.
I would also like to thank the following RPS members for the valuable and kind donations for the raffles and other aspects of the evening.
Club Members:
Brenda Dunlop
Graham & Robyn Young
Elaine Armstrong
Maxine Cooper
Katrina Mulder
Colin & Raewyn Crowther
Catherine Boyd
Programme 2012
The programme for 2012 is shaping up to be very exciting indeed. The new club calendar has been produced and if you did not get one at Final Night you will be able to early in the New Year. The website is also being constantly updated with programme developments.
The first event for next year will be the Grand Kick Off Car Rally and BBQ which is scheduled for the 5th of February 2012. More information will be sent out to you in January about this.
Please also note that there is an informal print only competition scheduled for the first club meeting at the start of the year scheduled for the 7th of February. There is a theme for the competition which is ‘Summer Holidays’. So get snappin…
Finally, I would like to wish you all a very happy Christmas and New Year. If you are on the roads this year, please travel safely.
Kindest regards and best wishes to you all
Over and out…..
Richard Loader
el Presidente
Final night update
Well it is only a matter of hours to go till our big night and I for one still have work to do to finalise my masked outfit. I can hardly wait to see everyone’s outfits and I’m really looking forward to trying to guess who is who behind the masks.
The reason for this short blog is that I have some good news about the event tonight. We have managed to secure the service of a mini bus for the club members. This service will be available to all party goers and is free of charge in the Rangiora area.
If you need to go further than that, you can discuss a small fee with the driver. This service will be available from outside the Chevier Centre from 10pm till 2am.
So please feel free to take advantage of the mini bus and leave the car at home.
Looking forward to seeing you all tonight.
Have a great day.
Steven Webb
Treasure Hunt with New Brighton Photographic Club
RPS TREASURE HUNT & BBQ – HOSTING NEW BRIGHTON PHOTOGRAPHIC CLUB 20th November 2011
We gathered at the Kaiapoi Wildlife Lakes bright eyed and bushy tailed – all ready to embark on the RPS Treasure Hunt with fellow hunters from the New Brighton Photographic Club. We received our instructions from John, our wily organiser and Whoa – the first task was to photograph a scaup – for those who think a duck is a duck no matter what size or colour, this was a somewhat daunting task. Wendy had the right idea though – just take photos of all the ducks and one of them must be right!
It's a Scaup
Then there was the tricky roundabout question which had everyone running around in circles for a while. (John now knows there is more than one roundabout in Rangiora!)
A cooling stop by the Ashley River to take silky photos of the river – the water was cool and clear – lovely to see.
Blue Shimmers in the Ashley
Then we whizzed round to the Daiken plant which is usually belching smoke and steam but today was only releasing gentle puffs.
On to the Anglers Arms at Sefton where Richard plied his trade for a free beer and a prize for the Final Night raffles. The Anglers Arms have very kindly donated a meal for two.
A quick stop at St Lukes Presbyterian Church which was built in 1905 but is closed due to earthquake damage. The congregation dates back to 1866.
For those who were quick off the mark there was gold coinage of the chocolatey kind to be found in the phone box just outside Amberley and more was apparently washed up on Amberley Beach.
Amberley Beach
Time now to seek the leafy garden of Shona and Graham Robertson for a few wines and a delicious barbeque tea. We really enjoyed the beautiful garden and wonderful art studio – thank you so much, Shona and Graham, for making us so welcome.
Thanks to the New Brighton Club for joining us today, we do hope you enjoyed it and got some good photos along the way.
And last but not least our special thanks to John Miller for organising a great day out for us all.
Happy Hunters
El Presidente
