By Andrea Sparks - 14th October, 2014 filed in Shoot Reports
Approximately 13 members experienced the wonders of St Paul’s beach.
We arrived at 2:00 pm and tide was up, but as the afternoon progressed, the tide receded and light changed. Being a beach nestled on the south side, we didn’t really have the wind that was lashing the Bay. So the afternoon was spent finding things to photograph, some members even brought their own props! We scoped around for sunset sites and decided that it would be fizzer due to the cloud cover, but as always mother nature keeps you guessing and we were rewarded with a beautiful one.
A few members tried their hand with the ND filters and other filters on hand.
Another great get together, with one member showing that she is in the running for baking queen of the club. If you’ve ever thought about coming on an outing, please consider it, members are chatty and helpful, and who knows you may meet a new friend.
Another night of great entries and great imagination. Many balloons were hurt in the making of this competition. Our thanks to judge David Burren for his comments and critiques and also for calibrating our projector.
By David Male - 10th August, 2014 filed in Shoot Reports
Well may we call this outing an opportunity to take ‘good’ pics, but
trying to capture images of a keeping standard proved to be quite a
challenge! Taking shots indoors under artificial (and relatively low
level) light, through a scratched plastic screen, onto a white
reflective surface, of fast moving ice hockey players moving in erratic,
unpredictable directions from up to 60m away was something new to me.
This was compounded by a total ignorance of any rules regarding the
sport which, in turn, removed the ability to anticipate any upcoming
strategies or moves by the players.
Well, after a bit of trial and error, I sorted out the technical bits on
the camera that enabled me to potentially capture the players (ISO
2000, F2.8, 1/1250th sec, 70-200mm lens, AI servo mode, high speed
continuous mode). However framing good shots was still a problem.
So I decided to ‘think dirty’ - I tried to figure out which was the the
weaker goalie and then position myself at their end on the assumption
that sooner or later the opposition would give them a hard time. And,
within reason, it worked and the poor goalies got a pounding! I don’t
know how there are not more injuries, despite all the padding the
players wear. Those goalies must have double jointed knees! And I’m not
too sure about having equal opportunity for both sexes as the girls
sure gave the guys a hard time in the hoppo bumpbo stakes!
My personal track record was an unenviable 770 shots taken over a 3+
hour session, mostly taken in continuous shooting mode, for a return of
nominally 1% of keepers! Probably one of my worst returns ever!!! I
think I will have to go back again and use my new found knowledge to
advantage and try to improve.
Thanks to Cathy and the committee for organising the day out, lots of
fun, good company (a nominal attendance of 15-20 members) and some more
photography lessons learned.
By Phil Taylor - 30th June, 2014 filed in Shoot Reports
On the back of a talk by member Tania Chalmers at our last meeting Phil joined Tania this weekend to shoot some of the action at Melbourne Icehouse. His notes, which build on Tania's advice, and photos appear in this article. I'm sure you'll agree with me when I say Phil has done and awesome job, especially given it was his first time out.
By James Troi - 19th June, 2014 filed in Cool Stuff
Given the number of questions we have received about the Paper Bag Challenge for "Balloon" I'm guessing some of you aren't too sure what to do do with the balloon you've been given.
The only rule is it has to be a balloon you can blow up with you mouth. So yes, this rules out hot air balloons.
With only about 3 weeks to go before it's due, it's time to get cracking on taking your shot. Some of the samples below I'd probably consider way over processed, but each to their own. They are presented as inspiration, not direction.
I look forward to seeing what you do with your balloons.
If you're looking to print your photos, I recommend Photo Enlargements. Many of us use this service and their service is great and the delivery is pretty fast. Usually a few working days. Other services can be found on our Links page.
By James Troi - 15th June, 2014 filed in Shoot Reports
Today was all about making a time lapse for the "Witness King Tides" for the Hobsons Bay Council. The aim of the project, which is going worldwide, is about bearing witness and creating a visual record of the rising seas.
In using the king tide photos as an allegory for these rising seas there is a hope to bring home the message of global warming and the loss of habitat that will come with it. For Altona's Polynesian community it is also an acknowledgement of the land that will be lost through climate change in the Polynesian region, where it is feared entire islands will be lost in the coming years.
As is becoming quite the regular thing, we made it hard for the judge this week with all our grand images. Lin, our judge, was open with his commentary and very complimentary of the quality of our work as a club. Keep up the good work guys.
I love seeing your images improve with every competition.
By James Troi - 27th May, 2014 filed in Meeting Notes
Robert Groom and Digital Asset Management, Port Campbell Accommodation, King Tides Project, Camberwell Entries and details of the Paper Bag Challenge to be found in this meeting notes update.
By James Troi - 15th May, 2014 filed in Meeting Notes
On Tuesday night we had a great of lighting and laughter. Thanks to all the members who came along. And big thanks to the members who shared their knowledge and their gear to show us all how to do what we do.
I look forward to seeing some great portraits in the future from our members.
