Para Camera Club News

Stargazing

2012-02-15T10:11:00.001+10:30

PCC Stargazing Feb 11 2012

It’s the height of summer, perfect for stargazing – however keeping an eye on the sky all day it wasn’t looking hopeful as the skies were heavy with cloud. We were told to look out for a late cancellation call which to my surprise never came. So at 4pm I decided to head out to David’s property just North of Truro.

A few hours later we had all arrived, still under overcast skies with a few patches of blue sky. David assured us that it was going to be a clear night. Steph had done an excellent job of catering for our evening meal which included a delicious home made mud cake.

David provided the group a talk and slideshow of some of his astro photography to whet our appetite. By this time it was dark enough outside to tackle some star trails, long exposure shots & light painting. But was the sky clear? Of course it was – why did we doubt David’s local knowledge?

Stephen brought his pano head which was interesting to see how he captures his 360 pano’s & sphere pano’s. Darryl looks like he too is a keen stargazer as well as a photographer, Darryl set up his telescope along with two friends of David’s so we could scan the stars and planets of the southern night sky.

During the night we took turns in using David’s telescope which enabled us the photograph a Nebula and the moon.

After an overnight kip in the car at David’s property, I headed out on a Sunday drive to Burra Creek Gorge, lunch in Burra and to Redbanks Conservation Park.

Neil Gray

2011 - End of Year Results

2011-12-16T18:01:00.007+10:30

PARA CAMERA CLUB

END OF YEAR COMPETITION RESULTS

JUDGED BY MATT MAKINSON, DAVID SMITH & DES BERWICK

7^TH DECEMBER 2011

DIGITAL SECTION (8) - (note: point scores in brackets are from original judge during year)

NEIL GRAY – MERIT – “WILLUNGA SILHOUETTE” (8)

ALLAN GRIFFIN – MERIT – “OASIS RIPPLES” (8)

ANDY SMYLIE – MERIT – “SMOKING” (10)

– MERIT – “ON THE BACK OF THE BOAT” (10)

ALBERTO GIURELLI – MERIT – “IBIS VOYAGE” (8)

– MERIT – “VENICE” (10)

– MERIT – “GIRL WITH BALLOONS” (9)

GREG LINKE – MERIT – “IGUANA” (9)

– MERIT – “ANGELIC DECENT” (10)

– MERIT – “WEATHERING THE ELEMENTS” (8)

– MERIT – “VALLEY LAKE CRATER” (10)

NADEGE WAUCHOPE – MERIT – “WHITE VELVET” (9)

– MERIT – “PURPLE PROSE” (9)

– MERIT – “LANCE” (8)

– MERIT – “WHITE ON BLUE” (10)

NEIL GRAY – TOP OPEN DIGITAL – “SOLITUDE” (10)

ALBERTO GIURELLI – TOP PEOPLE DIGITAL – “BRONX” (10)

ANDY SMYLIE – TOP FLORA FAUNA DIGITAL – “INNER GLOW” (9)

GREG LINKE – TOP LANDSCAPE SEASCAPE DIGITAL – “DREAMSCAPE” (10)

– TOP DIGITAL & TOP CREATIVE DIGITAL – “SHOW JUMPER” (9)

MONO PRINT SECTION (8) - (note: point scores in brackets are from original judge during year)

ANDY SMYLIE – MERIT – “UNSHAVEN” (9)

YVONNE HILL – MERIT – “DAFF” (9)

ALBERTO GIURELLI – MERIT – “VINEYARD” (10)

– MERIT – “THAT’S IT” (8)

NEIL GRAY – TOP OPEN MONO PRINT – “GROYNE” (10)

TONY CAVE – TOP CREATIVE MONO PRINT – “BLACK OR WHITE” (9)

YVONNE HILL – TOP LANDSCAPE SEASCAPE MONO PRINT – “ARKAROOLA WATERHOLE 2” (9)

ALBERTO GIURELLI – TOP PEOPLE MONO PRINT – “OLD MAN” (9)

– TOP MONO PRINT & TOP FLORA FAUNA MONO PRINT

– “MY TREE” (10)

COLOUR PRINT SECTION (8) - (note: point scores in brackets are from original judge during year)

RAOUL MADDEN – MERIT – “FELLUCAS ON THE NILE” (8)

ALBERTO GIURELLI – MERIT – “TUSCANY” (8)

– MERIT – “REMARKABLE ROCKS 1” (9)

– MERIT – “CONFLICT” (9)

ANDY SMYLIE – MERIT – “FULL BLOOM” (8)

– MERIT – “JUST ENOUGH” (10)

– MERIT – “LIKE A RAINBOW” (8)

TONY CAVE – MERIT – “CATTLE EGRET” (8)

– MERIT – “FEATHER DETAIL” (9)

– MERIT – “MAJESTIC” (9)

GREG LINKE – MERIT – “REACHING FOR THE LIGHT” (9)

– MERIT – “LAMINAR FLOW” (8)

– MERIT – “SHIP SHAPE” (9)

– MERIT – “DAWN ON AN ADVENTURE” (9)

YVONNE HILL – TOP OPEN COLOUR PRINT – “CELEDON” (10)

NADEGE WAUCHOPE – TOP CREATIVE COLOUR PRINT – “DAFFODILS” (8)

GREG LINKE – TOP LANDSCAPE SEASCAPE COLOUR PRINT – “FORCE OF NATURE” (9)

– TOP FLORA FAUNA COLOUR PRINT – “DANCE OF THE SWALLOW” (8)

ALBERTO GIURELLI – TOP COLOUR PRINT & TOP PEOPLE COLOUR PRINT – “COLOURS” (8)

DIGITAL AGGREGATE POINT SCORE – FIRST PLACE

GREG LINKE – 296 POINTS

MONO PRINT AGGREGATE POINT SCORE – FIRST PLACE

ALBERTO GIURELLI – 242 POINTS

COLOUR PRINT AGGREGATE POINT SCORE – FIRST PLACE

TONY CAVE – 320 POINTS

OTHER SCORES

DIGITAL MONO COLOUR

TONY CAVE – 295 YVONNE HILL – 169 ALBERTO GIURELLI – 271

ALBERTO GIURELLI – 286 TONY CAVE – 140 DENNIS WETHERLEY – 257

NADEGE WAUCHOPE – 279 ANDY SMYLIE – 126 BRIAN GUEST – 230

YVONNE HILL – 277 GREG LINKE – 99 NADEGE WAUCHOPE – 204

DENNIS WETHERLEY – 250 BRIAN GUEST – 70 YVONNE HILL – 187

GIOIA WHITTINGHAM – 238 DENNIS WETHERLEY – 62 RAOUL MADDEN – 180

GREG EYRE – 233 NEIL GRAY – 53 GREG LINKE – 180

ANDY SMYLIE – 210 PETER BRUNOTTE - 43 ANDY SMYLIE - 170

LEW BROWN – 203 NADEGE WAUCHOPE – 36 KATH MATTHEWS – 88

NEIL GRAY – 203 WARREN WILSON – 33 PAM BROCK – 64

KATH MATTHEWS – 182 MARK HAMILTON – 24 PETER BRUNOTTE – 61

LYN WELLS – 168 GRAEME STOKES – 20 GRAEME STOKES – 57

STEPHANIE FOSTER – 164 LEW BROWN – 20 WARREN WILSON – 54

RAOUL MADDEN – 161 KATH MATTHEWS – 19 NEIL GRAY – 52

JULIE NICKS – 159 PETER TOMKINS – 16 STEPHANIE FOSTER – 44

PAT TAPPING – 134 STEPHANIE FOSTER – 8 JULIE NICKS – 42

PETER BRUNOTTE - 122 JOHN COATES – 8 BILL PARKER – 36

PAM BROCK – 113 LUCINDA GREGORY – 7 LEW BROWN – 28

MARK HAMILTON – 110 KEVIN FISCHER - 4 PAT TAPPING – 28

MARTINA GIURELLI – 83 DAVE LAMPLOUGH – 26

ALLAN GRIFFIN – 58 DARYL WOLFENDALE – 24

JOHN COATES – 56 MARK HAMILTON – 23

RON HEPTINSTALL – 45 PETER TOMKINS – 22

ROSS BESSELL – 44 MICHAEL TAPPING – 18

EDDIE HAMILTON – 37 KEVIN FISCHER - 17

DARYL WOLFENDALE – 36 ALLAN GRIFFIN – 12

SHERIE TRESIZE – 31 STEPHEN ROBERTSON – 9

HEATHER McDOUGALL – 29 JOHN COATES – 8

CHELSIE BUNDOCK – 29 MOIRA COLQUHOUN – 8

BILL PARKER – 28 TRUDY GAYLER – 8

BRIAN GUEST – 26 LUCINDA GREGORY – 7

MICHAEL TAPPING – 25

MOIRA COLQUHOUN – 20

GARY CAMPBELL – 18

STEPHEN ROBERTSON – 14

Regards

Neil Gray

Competition Secretary.

WE WON!!

2011-10-04T21:10:00.002+10:30

Hi All,

We WON!

Prints were up first and we got “Whipped” up to the halfway mark. The strong Para representation started to loose faith pretty quickly, but we clawed back a few points with the second part of the set. Still a disappointing result at the end of the first round.

I don’t think anyone could of forecast such a strong return in the digital section, but had we done enough? I wasn’t all that confident, so when I got called up to “Face the Music”, I couldn’t hold

back my joy when Lou Marafioti read out the final scores: we got up by just 4 points! One would of done it..... How sweet it was to take the trophy back to Para, where it will stay for the next 12 months.

Now, lets start working on our next set for the following year, because I not giving it back without a fight.

Well done to all those involved and thanks to all the Members that came out and shared the experience. Lou Marafioti and the Adelaide Camera Club were gracious in defeat and it was great to spend some time with them and appreciate their photographic efforts too. (cup cakes

were to die for...)

See you all next month,

Your Proud President!!!

Alberto

BLUESKY THINKING

2011-09-06T18:45:00.000+09:30

PCC BLUESKY THINKING

Thanks to all members who attended that club meeting on 31 August, 2011.

A special thanks to Neil Gray for being the scribe on the night. Neil has forwarded the outline of the evenings proceeding to members via email.

Snap-A-Thon 18^th Sept usual 8 categories in & around Gawler more details to follow.
Interclub 27^th Sept please note the date this is a Tues night as ACC are our hosts. Last day for prints is Wed Sept 7
Please also support the clubs exhibition at Photographic Wholesalers, Tony will gladly accept your prints by Wed Sept 14 refer to previous emails for details
EOY reminder of sections/categories/quantities more details later.
Modifications to 8, 9, 10 score comp photos to improve from judges suggestions also allowing entrant to resubmit. Currently members are able to improve 7 and lower scores to improve and re-submit. Discuss and vote in for 2012.
Discussion on Pano sizes to allow 2 x A4 width to cater for A4 printer in the club. Could see merit for club comps only but with no matting, again only for 2012 due to EOY comp rules. However the committee will table discussion to see if we can make an exception for the Pano set subject comp. Pano area discussed but not ideal.
KI for June long weekend raised some issues with cost and time, Alberto’s recent group visit to KI cost $180. Only half dozen indicated interest (many members not there – could increase), optional June location to allow members a choice (not ideal). Other suggested locations Naracorte, Meningie, Mungo NP, Carrickalinga and Broken Hill.
Set subject suggestions for 2012 Pano’s, Backlit, In the style of “Photographer” / “Artist”, Black in Black, White in White, High key / Low key, Transport, Pastimes, Monochrome in colour, Splash, Abstract, urban Pollution, Industrial, Environmental Portraiture, Social commentary, Capture the moment, Still life, Table top, Letter of alphabet i.e. F word
Number of entries on comp night, heavily weighted in digital. Currently workable if we keep the judging process flowing, committee have discussed other options
Member profile on web in clubs blog, optional not looking for personal details, committee will draft a template with info like camera equipment, subjects / styles of interest, locations, tips / advice, general information about photography to establish a database / profile for members to call on for support
Archived photos from previous comps do they need deleting? No plenty of space, original files are only accessed by the authorized members running comps / blog. The thumb nail images on blog are all low res
Montage / OOTH activity needs updating, suggestion of AV activity
Dave Lamplogh has a contact with video experience (ex PCC member photography background) would be interested in giving the club a presentation on video
Gawler Community Gallery is available as a venue for exhibitions room hire is $60 for 6 weeks
Question box for each meeting, brief question and answer from members expertise. Best left for casual or activity night
Issue of members getting up from position while judging is in progress. We understand some people need a stretch but please remain seated while judging photos. Club will trial a 10 – 15 minute break between digital & prints but please respect the time allowed.
If any members come up with ideas, suggestions, activities, locations, guest speakers or anything of photographic interest that you would like to share with the clubs membership please contact a committee person, we would appreciate your input.

Renmark Long Week End

2011-07-03T18:02:00.015+09:30

Yet another successful long weekend, with the close to record turn-out flooding the Renmark area. The brave arriving on Thursday, but most arrived on Friday. Matter of fact Friday night we had a pleasant get-together in the camp kitchen at the Big 4 caravan park

Next meeting point was at the Renmark oval where most members gathered at 6:00 Am SHARP. Joining in with the balloon pilots, tourists and curious alike, just to learn that the wind forecast was not going to allow for any launch. At that stage the group broke up and a large contingent went shooting along the river.

Alberto dropped his lens cap in the river

Others remained for a while, but all enjoyed the pleasant morning. Several had lunch at the caravan park making for another social moment.

It was so much fun to see Andy and Neil crammmed into a double kayak and paddle off, under Alberto’s close supervision. We will never know the truth, but Alberto and Neil swear that Andy yelled out “My ankles are broken!” several times, probably alluding to his discomfort in the tight kayak. Even more fun was Andy’s face when trying to get out of it, with his body, numbed from the waist down. To their advantage, they spotted a rare, sacred Kingfisher. No decent photos came back though.

The Balloon Called Goldilocks (image left)

The evening approached quickly and it was almost time for the main event. When dark approached we all turned up at the oval where about 8 hot-air balloons displayed their glowing magic under light and then in total darkness. Before that we were allowed to walk in-side a semi-inflated balloon, but nothing compares to what was described earlier.

By 7:00 pm we made our way to Renmark hotel, where the meals and service was ‘hit and miss’, but it did not dampen everybody’s spirits.

Sunday turned out to be similar to Saturday, although some lucky members got to experience a handful of balloons lifting off in the early morning light. Others wandered freely on land or water.

It was great to see everyone enjoying themselves. Tony Cave’s Pentax finally resurrected from it’s sleep. We were rewarded with glorious light at the Paringa gorge, but it didn’t last long. After dinner we ended the night with a meeting and a few slide-shows. Everyone enjoyed the long weekend and we can’t wait to do it again.

Photo’s and words by Martina Giurelli
(With some help from Alberto Giurelli.)

The light at Paringa George was amazing

Old Tailem Town outing Sunday 15th May

2011-05-17T19:21:00.039+09:30

A group of eight members gathered in the club car park about 8:30am to set off for the monthly outing to the old Tailem Town, we condensed the vehicles down to three cars. The trip to the old town was an easy relaxing drive that took about an hour and a half .

On arriving at Old Tailem Town more club members arrived behind us so we all prepared our cameras for the day ahead. As we entered the premises a lady in period dress accepted our entry fee and from then on we were in a time warp of about 100- 150 years ago.

Before exploring, some of us had our morning tea all the while itching to take photos. Then off we all went on our own way and what a surprise for most of us who had never been there before. It was bigger and better than we had ever expected, some of the old things brought back memories of when we were a lot younger, for me it was the old tradesman’s delivery push bike that I used to deliver the local customers meat to, around the East end of London.

Peter the owner and builder of old Tailem Town had done such a fantastic job to create the town, there was every thing from stores to hospitals, from dentist to blacksmiths and the police station. One of the big attractions was when he brought out Rose from the stable, a beautiful draft horse, then walked her around the streets, Peter looked the part in his bowler hat and waist coat.

It was about 12 o’clock and I was feeling a bit peckish then realized I had left Jan with my bag of gear since morning tea, I was so engrossed with all the photo opportunities. We managed to find each other and by then most of the other members had the same idea so we all sat under the lovely big pepper tree and had lunch. By this time I had not even seen half of what there was to see. So after lunch we all set off again in the quest for the perfect shot.

Through out the morning there was a continuous flow of club members and their families arriving, so by afternoon there were a lot of members at the old town. By about 3:30, 4:00 most of us were all photographed out so while waiting for the others to finished we were talking to the owner Peter who is in his seventies. He told us many stories of the old days that was very interesting, then he invited us in for tea and coffee which we enjoyed with a nice piece of fruit cake, a pleasant ending to the day before a long trip home.

It was very nice to see so many members and their families turn up for the day.

John Coates.

Visit to Old Tailem Town

2011-05-10T12:15:00.004+09:30

Hello All

Para Camera Club all day visit to Old Tailem Town http://www.oldtailemtown.com/

Sunday May 15 10am to 4pm. I know Tailem Bend is a fair way, but I understand Old Tailem Town is well worth the visit. I have heard excellent reports from a number of other camera clubs have visited OTT. I have negotiated a group booking price - Adults $10 & children $5. There is basic supplies in the cafe but you are welcome to provide own picnic lunch etc and bring it in to Old Tailem Town.

Some members will have full cars, but can I suggest if any members wish or are willing to car pool please meet at the clubrooms at 8.30am. I'm sure passengers will offer the driver some assistance. Would you please reply to this email if you are going and/or car pooling.

"Old Tailem Town was first established in 1982 and is now Australia's largest pioneer village, visited by tourists all over the world!

Come for an hour or a day and see what life was like for the settlers of South Australia from 1860 - 1960. There are over a hundred and ten buildings for you to visit, all furnished within their periods in their most natural locations."

Neil

Watford International Salon of Photography

2011-05-05T23:40:00.008+09:30

Thank You, Thank You, Thank You!

Well done to all - we won the Watford International Salon of Photography.

As reported on the Watford Camera Club home page:

NEWS THIS WEEK - Editorial
1st May 2011
---------------------------------------------------------------------
WISP International taken by Aussies!

Last week’s Watford International Salon of Photography (WISP) was won by Para Camera Club from Elizabeth, South Australia. The standard of photography was all of phenominal, interesting, different - as is now legendary for WISP. Our judge was Amanda Wright, from neighbouring club Ealing and Hampshire House. There were 100 entries from 10 clubs worldwide including first-timers Cheltenham CC from Pennsylvania USA and Para CC. Full results will be available soon.

I’m the bearer of good news – it has been just announced that the Para Camera Club won the Watford International Salon of Photography.

Our club set of 10 photographs scored 181 points to be ranked first amongst camera clubs from around the world.

I would like to congratulate all members of our club, not just the members whose photos we used as it is a team effort.

Thank you to the following members who were involved in this competition:

Valley Lake Crater - Greg Linke – 19

Solemn - Andy Smylie – 19

The River - Alberto Giurelli -19

Fragment Of History - Yvonne Hill – 19

Hebe Flower - Dennis Wetherley – 19

Feather Detail - Tony Cave – 18

Emerging - Nadege Wauchope – 18

Cool Dude - Neil Gray – 18

Willy Wag Tail - Kath Matthews – 16

Celadon - Yvonne Hill – 16

Para 181 points 1st

Zagreb 179 points 2nd

Delaware 177 points 3rd

Adelaide 172 points =4th

Bradford 172 points =4th

Dijon 170 points =6th

Watford 170 points =6th

Buenos Aires 168 points =8th

Pesaro 168 points =8th

Cheltenham 164 points 10th

Thanks once again for allowing the Para Camera Club to share your interest in photography. I encourage all members to consider entering photography competitions whether it be at club level, state, international, individual or group competitions.

Kind Regards

Neil
Competition Secretary

ROCKY PADDOCK – MT CRAWFORD FOREST

2011-05-05T23:09:00.003+09:30

Saturday the 9^th of April the Para Camera Club merged it’s way in to the Mount Crawford forest near Williamstown, after first downing a country made pie and coffee, the convoy set out.

Weather wise it was a little drizzly but the big trees stopped most of it from landing on us.

I have never been to any part of Mt Crawford so it was a unique experience for me, the trees were old and mighty, the ground soft with needle pines, the birds were singing and the sun appeared for a brief second or two & of course it’s not called rocky paddock for no reason there were plenty of interesting rocks jutting from the ground.

However Fungi & mushrooms were the most popular item on the agenda to photograph – for me I have seen the lovely orange/red with white spots type of mushy in photographs so I was delighted to actually see one in real life (I know simple things) I don’t think I was the only one :-)

Next stop was across the dirt road into the mysterious almost monochromatic forest of really tall trees with no rocks a few Fungi and teaming with little birds – Robin & Wren size - some with bright red chests, some with yellow markings but all determined not to be photographed by any of us. The stealth like abilities of the club leave a little bit to be desired when following birds around a forest :)

After a few hours it was time to leave before we got locked in and as we were all driving down the last of the dirt roads the sun came out – perfect timing NOT !

Steph

Glennie Nature Competition - Results

2011-04-07T11:54:00.024+09:30

Red Fungi by Neil Gray

The results are in and the PCC scored a respectable 201 points from our 10 images. Conngratulations to Neil Gray who was awarded a Merit in the Botany - Other Plants section of this years Glennie Memorial Narture Competion.

The results are as follows:

Foreset Fungus - Greg Eyre - 17
Horseshow Falls, Tasmania - Raoul Madden - 16
Kunzea Baxerti - Tony Cave - 18
Lunch at the Top - Andy Smylie - 23
Morning Red Gums - Pam Brock -18
Musk Lorikeet - Greg Linke - 24
Osprey - Alberto Giurelli - 21
Red Fungi - Neil Gray - 22 - Merit Award - Other Botany
Superb Fairy Wren - Andy Smylie - 21
Western Australian Bee Eater - Alberto Giurelli - 21

Congratulations to all the entrants this year. A copy of the full results etc will be on our down loads page shortly

Twilight Cemetery outing March 13th 2011

2011-03-20T11:31:00.006+10:30

PCC Twilight Cemetery outing March 13^th 2011

Bright Cross by Pam Brock

Twelve Para Camera Club members turned up on a fresh autumn night at the One Tree Hill Cemetery, Black Top Road, One Tree Hill.

After some time socializing in the car park under grey threatening skies the first photographer entered the cemetery laid-end with camera gear. We were blessed with a break in the clouds for some golden light we photographers dream of.

At Rest by Neil Gray

As usual the more experienced Para Camera Club members were all too willing to pass on photographic tips on taking fill flash photos while recording the available light of the sunset. It was good to see one of our members using coloured gels on the flash for some creative lighting effects.

Weathered Headstone by Pam Brock

Following on from the Port Adelaide night shoot, most of us tried our hand at painting with light on to the church stone façade. To add to the effect a new moon would appear through breaks in the clouds. Sometimes, the occasional unsuspecting members would walk by the sensor lights triggering the flood lights which brought moans from the photographers who had to wait another 5 minutes to start all over again.

By 9pm, I decided to leave, but I left 6 members still firing the shutters & flash guns.

Neil

Glennie Nature Salon - 2011

2011-03-18T19:41:00.008+10:30

Hello All

I’ve just sent 10 of our best nature images off to America for the Glennie salon, run by the Merrimack Valley Camera Club:

http://mvcameraclub.org/comp-interclub/comp-interclub-01-glennie.htm

I would like to thank all the members who offered photos for consideration. It was a tough call to select just 10. Congratulations & thank you goes to the following who made the final cut. Welcome & well done to the first time entrants to this comp.

Greg Eyre “Forest Fungus’

Raoul Madden “Horseshoe Falls Tasmania”

Tony Cave “Kunzea Baxteri”

Andy Smylie “Lunch at the Top”

Pam Brock “Morning Red Gums”

Greg Linke “Musk Lorikeets”

Alberto Giurelli “Osprey”

Neil Gray “Red Fungi”

Andy Smylie “Superb Fairy Wren”

Alberto Giurelli “Western Australian Bee Eater”

Entries close on March 17, judging is on March 26, results April 2. I will keep you posted.

Neil Gray

Competition Secretary

Adelaide AVFest

2011-02-18T07:46:00.004+10:30

Hello PCC Members

I’m advertising the Adelaide AVFest again.

Please take note of the dates for the Adelaide AVFest 2011. I encourage you to attend one, some or all the activities scheduled in the programme of photography. Audio Visuals is an interesting extension to our still photography hobby, I’m sure you will be interested, intrigued & entertained by the International standard of work entered in our festival.

We start the programme with a presentation titled “Photography for the AV worker” by our International judge Ron Willems. Wed. 23 March 7pm @ “Heywood” 44 Sunnyside Dr. Mt Osmond.

All entries will be shown & judged over 5 sessions, Fri 25 March 9.30am, 2pm & 7pm. Then Sat 26 March @ 9.30am & 2pm again at the same address above. (session times are subject to the number of entries)

Gala Day, the prize winning entries will be displayed and trophies awarded on Sun 27 March at 2pm, this time the venue is the Masonic Hall on Fisher St opposite the Burnside Council.

A small attendance fee applies to all sessions, light refreshments will be provided. This festival is the only International standard of photography held in Adelaide & only comes around every second year. I can strongly recommend you to spare some time on these dates to see photography in a new light.

With Thanks
Neil
Secretary
Adelaide AVFest 2011

Night Shoot - Port Adelaide

2011-02-18T06:53:00.010+10:30

Activity – Night Photo Shoot Port Adelaide 16/2/2011

A motley group of about 20+ Para Camera members and partners met Wednesday night at the Red Lighthouse at the Wharf at Port Adelaide for a night photo shoot.

After a greet and meet and much discussion re .jpeg v Raw settings to use for the night etc., the group dispersed at 7.30pm to find the hidden treasures a walk around the wharf area and adjoining the streets could reveal

It will be interesting to see what images or subjects have caught the imagination of our intrepid band of photographers in the coming months in our competitions.

Can you pick the "Raw" images??

The meet finished around 10.00pm

Cheers

Michael Tapping

Club Outings

2010-12-05T16:55:00.001+10:30

Hi All

Saturday the 11th of December we will gather for a picnic/lunch at the Harry Bowey Reserve, Salisbury, as we did last year. Some BBQ are provided, but usually it’s fairly crowded.
It’s just off Main North Rd. Find you own way, but you turn off Main North Rd (western side) at the pedestrian bridge, cross from the Old Spot Hotel. Go all the way down Riverdale Road and you should find us there. Bring food and camera and again, your family and friends. Last year we got lucky with a small scrub fire and a tawny frogmouth on a tree, just above us. All “kids” loved playing with Moira’s children’s toys and I hope this year will be the same.

Now, the long weekend in June 2011, is closer than what we think, so I have been in touch with the Big 4 Renmark caravan park and they have some availability left for the period in question.

Most will be arriving on Friday the 10th of June and departing on Monday the 13th. Saturday night we have a conference room booked, so we can gather and play with our laptops, check out some photos and more. We will be bringing the projector and screen and meeting time should be after 7.00 pm. Sunday night we can all go for a social meal at one of the local pubs, but I would like to know who is planning to come along, so I can make a booking. this is not too urgent at this stage.... What is urgent is that you book your accommodation and mention Para Camera Club when you do. I have booked myself and I have spoke with a lady called Tanya. There are plenty of options from camping, to caravan sites as well as self contained cabins and more. The other option is the Paringa caravan park, which is not too far from the Big 4 and is marginally cheaper, although it would be better to be closer.

We are also hoping to get together with the Riverland camera club, but details are still sketchy. A highlight of this trip away will be the Hot Air balloon festival, which runs on this weekend and is free and in Renmark. You can also arrange canoe/kayak trips and I have a single and double kayak too, which you can borrow, when I’m not using it to take “front page of the advertiser shots!”

Book now on 85866315. Let me know when you have, so I can keep a log of participants.

Thanks and see you soon.
Alberto Giurelli

Light on the Land - Workshops

2010-12-05T16:49:00.003+10:30

Hi All

You are receiving this email because you have expressed interest in attending one of the Light on the land Photography workshops to Clare in May 2011 or to the Flinders Ranges in September 2011 or have previously registered for one of our one day workshops.

We have finalised details for the extended “Light on the Land” workshops to be offered in 2011.

1 Clare Extended Weekend – 19-22 May 2011 – maximum 8 participants
Arriving Thursday evening at Bungaree Station (19 May 2011) the workshop will entail three days of photography, instruction and image evaluation/ feedback.
Based at historic Bungaree Station just north of Clare, the workshop will involve landscape photography around the Clare Valley, Skilly Hills, Mintaro, Spring Gully Conservation Park, Burra and other mid-north locations – as well as photographing the historic buildings and property at Bungaree. The program will blend structured location shoots each day with image evaluation/feedback and free shooting times. If time and light permit, we may also arrange a photographic visit to a family-owned and award winning winery.
The registration fee includes tuition, three nights single room accommodation with breakfast included and one evening BBQ at Bungaree. Participants can expect to pay for lunches and one dinner, depending on where the light and weather takes us.

2 A Week in the Flinders Ranges workshop - 5-11 September 2011 – maximum 8 participants
Arriving Monday lunchtime at Merna Mora (5 September 2011) the workshop will entail six days of photography, instruction and image evaluation/ feedback.
Based at historic Merna Mora Station just west of Wilpena Pound, the workshop will involve landscape photography around the Flinders Ranges area near Hawker, including Moralana Scenic Drive, Wilpena Pound, Hawker, Arkaba Station and other locations off the beaten track– as well as photographing the historic buildings and property at Merna Mora. The program will blend structured location shoots each day with image evaluation/feedback and free shooting times.
The registration fee includes tuition, six nights single room accommodation, all breakfasts and lunches/dinners at Merna Mora. Participants can expect to pay for two lunches and two dinners, depending on where the light and weather takes us.

Download Expression of Interest

Download Registration Forms – deposits by 31 January please

The workshops are aimed at amateur photographers, from the beginner to the experienced. Workshop content will be tailored to the experience levels of the workshop participants, from beginners to experienced users of DSLR cameras. The workshop programs will be dependent upon the weather and light – the one thing we cannot control or guarantee.

What you need to bring:
Firstly, a sense of fun, an ability to listen and ask questions
Camera (including manual)
Your usual range of lenses
Tripod
Filters
Download device or Computer (optional) – will help with providing images for image review sessions on a laptop.

As always, I am available if you have any questions on 0418 838504 or by return email.

On behalf of Lou and myself we thank you for your interest and acknowledge the support of the SAPF in partnering with us in this workshop series.

Regards

Keith Seidel

2010 End of Year Competition Results

2010-12-05T14:02:00.020+10:30

Para Camera Club - End of Year Competition Results
Judged by Keith Seidlel, AAPS - 1 December 2010

Digital Images

Top Digital Image: Roadside Memorial by Neil Gray

Digital Image Runner Up: Red Fungi by Neil Gray

Top Digital Landscape/Seascape: Hallet Cove by Yvonne Hill
Top Digital Creative: Macro Sphere by Gary Campbell
Top Digital People: My First Train by Neil Gray
Top Digital Nature: Red Fungi by Neil Gray

Merits - Digital Images:

In For Landing by Alberto Giurelli
Yabbying by Kath Mathews
Kunzea Baxteri by Tony Cave
On the Forest Floor by Dave Lamplough
The Baseball Cap by Andy Smylie
Grandmother by Andy Smylie
Charming by Gary Campbell
Sunflower Fractal by Neil Gray
Arid Desert Flower by Neil Gray

Prints:

Top Mono Print: Gum Blossom Ballet by Yvonne Hill

Mono Print Runner Up: In Profile by Andy Smylie

Top Colour Print: Pristine by Neil Gray

Colour Print Runner Up: Forrest of Dreams by Neil Gray

Top People Print: In Profile by Andy Smylie
Top Creative Print: Forrest of Dreams by Neil Gray
Top Nature Print: Little Brown Spider by Warren Wilson
Top Landscape/Seascape Print: Pristine by Neil Gray

Merits - Monochrome Prints:

Airport Lounge by Neil Gray
Smoke Cone by Tony Cave
The Jetty by Brian Guest
Andy By Brian Guest
Werewolf by Greg Linke
A Moment for Appreciation by Greg Linke
Cottage Interior by Andy Smylie
The Smithy by Andy Smylie
Solemn by Andy Smylie
Instrument by Yvonne Hill

Merits - Colour Prints:

Hold On by Tony Cave
St Joseph's Oratory by Roul Madden
Cornerstones by Dave Lamplough
In the Farmer's Shed by Neil Gray
Taking No Notice by Neil Gray
The Blue Coat by Neil Gray
Mother & Son by Brian Guest
Proud by Andy Smylie
Moonlight Dance by Andy Smylie
Vigsnes Leaving The Wharf by Greg Linke
Into The Dead of Night by Greg Linke
Landing by Alberto Gurelli
Fame the Musical by Alberto Gurelli
Rawnsley Pano by Yvonne Hill
Rainbow Lorikeet by Yvonne Hill
Outside The Square by Yvonne Hill

Aggregate Scores:

Top Aggregate Score Digital: Yvonne Hill - 313 points
Runner Up Aggregate Score Digital: Tony Cave - 284 points

Top Aggregate Score Mono Prints: Yvonne Hill - 294 points
Runner Up Aggregate Score Mono Prints: Andy Smylie - 200 points

Top Aggregate Score Colour Prints: Tony Cave - 307 points
Runner Up Aggregate Score Colour Prints: Yvonne Hill - 304 points

Other Aggregate Scores

*Digital*	*Mono Prints*	*Colour Prints*
Andy Smylie – 256	Tony Cave – 174	Brian Guest – 300
Alberto Giurelli – 254	Alberto Giurelli – 143	Alberto Giurelli – 249
Lew Brown – 240	Brian Guest – 133	Nigel Clark – 207
Pat Tapping – 218	Dennis Wetherley – 85	Andy Smylie - 201
Dennis Wetherley – 216	Greg Linke – 83	Pam Brock – 195
Neil Gray – 205	Neil Gray – 80	Greg Linke – 192
Greg Linke – 188	Nigel Clark – 77	Lew Brown – 165
Stephanie Foster – 177	Sherie Trezise – 39	Dennis Wetherley – 158
Lyn Wells – 176	Nadege Wauchope – 38	Neil Gray – 152
Greg Eyre – 150	Marie Tresidder – 31	Warren Wilson – 136
Kath Matthews – 138	Trudi Gayler – 30	Dave Lamplough – 135
Michael Tapping – 123	Kath Matthews – 28	Nadege Wauchope – 126
Nadege Wauchope – 116	Jane Jones – 24	Julie Nicks – 125
Ross Bessell – 114	Lew Brown – 22	Greg Eyre – 104
Gioia Whittingham – 102	Pam Brock – 21	Stephen Robertson – 92
Barbara Helps – 93	Dave Lamplough – 15	Raoul Madden – 79
John Coates – 88	Peter Tomkins – 14	Stephanie Foster – 74
Dave Lamplough – 76	Julie Nicks – 12	Sherie Trezise – 72
Frank Copley – 69	Warren Wilson – 8	Jane Jones – 66
Gary Campbell – 61	Jacquie Fowler – 6	Barbara Helps – 65
Raoul Madden – 60		Kath Matthews – 58
Heather Horsnell – 51		Bill Parker – 42
Ron Heptinstall – 48		Frank Copley – 34
Marie Tresidder – 47		Marie Tresidder – 32
Moira Colquhoun – 46		Kevin Fischer - 29
Nigel Clark – 45		Peter Tomkins – 29
Greg Whittingham – 36		Michael Tapping – 16
Janet Harbottle - 24		Malcolm Siddle – 15
Pam Brock – 21		Peter Cutts – 14
Stephen Robertson – 6		Trudi Gayler – 8

Thanks for all those who helped make our annual comp a great success.

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year and happy shooting over the break.

Neil Gray
Competition Secretary

Fort Glanville

2010-12-04T11:48:00.009+10:30

Para Camera Club - Fort Glanville

Sunday 21 November, 2010

It was definitely a battle between Canon & Nikon (with support from the Pentax brigade) at fort Glanville, Semafore.

By 1pm we had 17 members, family, friends & visitors arrive for the days outing. During the afternoon we had a steady flow of others arrive to swell the numbers to about 25.

This was my first time to fort Glanville & wasn’t sure what to expect, but i was impressed. The fort has been delicately restored, static displays of Militaria are just sitting there waiting to be photographed.

During the afternoon, volunteer historians dressed in 1860’s period military uniforms demonstrate marching, carbine (rifle’s of its day) & cannon firing. Speaking from experience any canon owners going to the fort in the future, don’t brag about the size of your canon lenses. You will be ordered by the corporal to report to the drill Sargent for your marching orders. To save complete embarrassment, I was joined by Trudi Gayler & Flo Wetherley.

I can recommend a visit in the future if you have a spare Sunday afternoon, remember the spare memory cards – i filled mine. To top off the day most drifted down to semaphore road to the now famous ice creamery, who were doing a roaring trade.

Photos from Pam Brock & Neil Gray

Neil

Guy Gowan Workshop - Thank You

2010-11-20T16:02:00.005+10:30

THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU.

Well done to the South Australian Photographic society (SAPF) for initiating Guy Gowan ( www.guygowan.com) to come to Adelaide for a seminar. (Thursday 18^th Nov. 2010)

This must have been one of the best seminars that iI have ever been to. Guy admitted he was not a photographer (somewhat modest i think), but he certainly knows Photoshop.

I joined about 40 other camera club members, 3 from the Para Camera Club for Guy’s talk on Photoshop workflow. Just in case Guy is reading this I’m not going to give too much away, but I’m sure every single person there will be trying out at least one of the topics from guy’s presentation.

I encourage the SAPF to come up with more of these activities. I’m staggered why more people don’t attend these information evenings, but i don’t mind.

Guy, thank you for passing on so many hidden treasures from adobe Photoshop

Neil gray

Guy Gowan Workshop

2010-11-13T08:55:00.002+10:30

Guy Gowan will be presenting a seminar on his digital workflow using Photoshop. I can now let you know that the date and time for this seminar is Thursday 18th November at 7.00 pm, and it will be held at the Spicer Uniting Church, 44A Fourth Avenue, St Peters. This will be in the back room which is used by the Eastern Suburbs Camera Club. Maximum numbers is 50, so it’s first in best dressed.

Guy Gowan’s website is: http://www.guygowan.com/ where you can find out more about him. He will also be conducting 2 seminars at the German Club during the day on Thursday 18th and Friday 19th November. They are offering a discount to camera club members for the daytime seminars – you can register for the same price as AIPP/AMP membership, which is $170 per day. If you can’t make it on the Thursday night to our free seminar, he will be giving the same seminar at Atkins Technicolour on the Friday from 6.30 pm.

Creative Asia - Photo Comp

2010-11-13T07:46:00.007+10:30

Call for Entries - wedding & portrait photographers worldwide Creative Asia Photography Awards 2011

A revolutionary new photographic competition launched in conjunction with the Creative Asia photography conference Jan 17 – 21, Kuala Lumpur

Enter online at http://awards.creativeasia.tv ONLINE ENTRIES NOW OPEN (Creative Asia workshop & conference http://www.creativeasia.tv)

The Creative Asia photography workshop and conference is being held in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia from Jan 17 – 21, 2011. The Creative Asia Photography Awards for wedding and portrait photography is being run in conjunction with this event, and online entries are now open to all photographers worldwide.

The Canon Creative Asia Awards is revolutionary in its vision to evolve, include and educate its entrants.

Entries are accepted online as digital images. The entries will be judged online in a pre- elimination round to determine the top 25 images in each of the 7 categories. There are 4 wedding categories and 3 portrait categories in the competition, and all images judged online will receive feedback from the judges.

The top 175 finalist images will be printed and mounted expertly by Epson. These prints will be hung on display in the "Epson Creative Asia Gallery" during the Creative Asia Conference. These 175 finalist images will be judged live by our panel of experts on January 19th 2011, from 8:30am – 4:00pm.

WHAT MAKES THE CANON CREATIVE ASIA AWARDS DIFFERENT FROM EVERY OTHER COMPETITION? The whole judging event will be broadcast live online with video and audio of the judging panel, judges scores, image previews and interactive audience chat. Entrants can experience from their own location, the insight and education that comes from watching a live judging event.

In the final judging round there will be 4 judges and the original online category score will act as the 5th judge with the 5 scores will be averaged to produce the final score for each image. The 4 judges will not know or be able to see the original online score.

The 4 winning Wedding images and the 3 winning Portrait images will be re-judged in their respective field to determine the Wedding Photographer of the Year and the Portrait Photographer of the Year.

PRIZES & AWARDS

Each of the 7 category winners of the 2010-2011 Canon Creative Asia Awards will receive a Canon EOS 7D. The 1st, 2nd & 3rd place winners per category will receive a Canon Creative Asia Awards trophy. Gold, silver and bronze awards will also be awarded based on overall final scores.

The Wedding & Portrait Photographers of the Year will receive a Canon EOS 5D MK II!
The Creative Asia Photography Awards is proudly supported by Canon, Nikon, Epson, Lastolite, WPPI, Asukabook, Digital SLR Photography, Triple Scoop Music, AIPP, Clubsnap and Fotografer.net.

Entries close 10th December, 2010. Earlybird special entry fees are currently on offer, including one free entry with every 5 entries, and 3 free entries with every 10 entries. Earlybird specials end on 15th November, 2010.

Club Info Uddate

2010-11-10T20:22:00.004+10:30

A busy time at the Para Camera Club, lots of information for you regarding upcoming activities at the club.

* End of Year comp (EOY). The club may still be holding some of your prints used for the Playford Exhibition or Interclub competition. Please check with committee on Wed Nov 10 or Wed Nov 17.

* Wed Nov 10 casual night, bring along any Q & A's, projects, cameras, laptops or anything photography. (We will accept EOY entries on this night)

* PCC Nov outing - Sun Nov 21 to Fort Glanville, 1 - 5pm, 359 Military Rd Semaphore Park. Entry fee applies approx $5. Great opportunity to explore this facility, formal re-enactment display + photos of models in period costume. Meet in carpark/front gate. http://www.communitywebs.org/FortGlanville/Fort_Glanville.htm

* High priority goes to the End of Year Competition. The final day for lodging entries is Wed 17 of Nov, the AGM night at the club.

Just to clarify & simplify the minor changes to the comp, you may enter up to a maximum of 15 photos in each of the 3 sections, Colour Print, Mono Print & EDI. All photos will be judged together as an "open" category in each section.

We have introduced smaller side competitions - Portrait, Nature, Contemporary & Landscape/Seascape, it is your choice to nominate your photos into these extra categories.

Cheers
Neil Gray
Competition Secretary

The Eyes

2010-11-10T19:36:00.010+10:30

The eyes are such a powerful communicative tool that if they aren't sharp in an image those files are only good for one thing, the trash (or the file designates arty nonsense). If the eyes in a portrait shot are share there is a quick and easy method to make them pop that little bit more and add a little more oomph to your image. The trick that follows isn't good for every image and results vary depending on eye colour and lighting but used judiciously can really add something.

The first thing we need to do after we have opened the image in Photoshop (I do most of my B+W conversions in Lightroom now) is create a new empty layer (Ctrl + Shift + Alt + N or Ctrl + Shift + Opt + N) or if you cannot mash that many keys at one time select new layer from the layers panel.

With this new layer active zoom (Z) into the image so both eyes take up most of the screen and select the gradient tool (G). (This is where a huge monitor comes in handy.)

Now we need to select the radial gradient from the Options bar. If you cannot see the Options bar check Options in the Window menu.

And Foreground to transparent in the Gradient picker.

We need a white foreground colour and the easiest way to do this is press D to return to the default colours, Black foreground and White Background. Now press X to swap foreground and background colours.

Now carefully drag a line from the centre of the iris to the edge on each eye.

Clean up each circle using the eraser tool (E) so that the gradient is on the eye ball only, ie erase any white on the eyelid or lashes. You need a medium hard edge brush. A great way to change brush size is to hold down Alt (Opt on a Mac) and right click. A red circle appears and dragging left and right changes size while up and down alters the hardness of the brush.

Once this is done change the blend mode of this layer to Overlay and BOOM! your eyes will pop.

If the effect is too strong you can always turn down the opacity of this layer to get the result you require. Very light blue eyes look a little freakish in my experience and dark eyes have little effect but it does depend on the original lighting in the image.

Cheers
Craig

Craig Ingram Nature Photography
313 Windermere Road
Windermere
Tasmania
Australia7252

429 335 368
craig@craigingramphoto.com.au

| website | blog |

More Congratulations!

2010-08-22T19:29:00.003+09:30

Thanks to our ever vigilant Competition Secretary and President of Vice (Vice President), I found out today that Alberto won the Adelaide Now competition with his front page photo of "The River". See original article here.

I understand he won a compact camera. (That should come in handy when his Nikon gives up the ghost.)

Neil also pointed out that one of our newer members, Peter Cutts has an image printed in August 2010 Australian Photography in the "Image Doctor" critique section , page70.

Peter explains about his image:

This is a photo of the "eureka tower" in Melbourne that I took a couple of years ago. It was taken from near the base of the building close to the main entrance with the camera pointed almost straight up.

It was taken with an Olympus E-300, f/13, 1/30th second (handheld), focal length 22mm. The lens used was the kitn lens that came with the camera (17.5 - 45mm zoom).

Always nice to know that are club members are out and about and doing very well with their photography.

Guests of Her Majesty

2010-08-22T12:52:00.024+09:30

Adelaide Gaol - Photo Shoot

Sunday 8 August, 2010.

Eleven members plus one guest braved the cold to attend our August Sunday morning activity at H. M. Gaol - Adelaide.

Steve, not wishing to breach his parole conditions, arrived one and a half hours early. He was however, to his surprise, detained anyway for trying to get in early without paying the price and offering a reasonable explanation to the co-ordinator.

Alberto failed to appear at all on the day and got the wrath of the co-ordinator. He was given a suspended sentence of 5 years as President and a good behaviour bond.

Michael was sentenced to death by hanging for daring to escape his wife. This was later commuted to life with the wife.

On to a more serious note; a little bit of history of the Adelaide Gaol.

Opened in 1841, William Baker Ashton became the first Governor, a position he held until his death in 1854. From that time the police no longer staffed the gaol as Ashton now had his own budget and he was now fully answerable to the Sheriff instead of the Commissioner of Police. Gaol staff consisted of two "turnkeys" and two guards. During this time the gaol was commonly referred to by the public as "Ashton's Hotel".

From 1867 to 1869 Sister Mary MacKillop regularly visited the gaol and along with members of her order tended both male and female prisoners. Sister Mary's order initially provided assistance for female prisoners after their release until November 1867 when the order extended its services to all women.

At times the prison was guarded by a number of troops on loan from Tasmania. In 1846 Francis Dutton, who went on to become the seventh Primer of South Australia in 1863, complained that the gaol was both an eyesore and a waste of money as since being opened it had housed an average of only two prisoners per month.

The first attempt to escape occurred in August 1854 when two prisoners were caught in the act with each receiving 36 lashes. The first "successful" escape was in 1897 when three prisoners made it as far as Blanchetown before being recaptured. (Editor's Note: No, they were no relation to a certain Sharon who has an affinity with Blanchetown.)

The Gaol was decommissioned in 1988.

More information on the Olde Gaol is available from Wikipedia: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Adelaide Gaol

All thanks and commiseration's to Pat and Michael Tapping

Congratulations!

2010-08-16T12:44:00.008+09:30

Congratulations to club members Alberto, Yvonne and Andy for having their images appear in recent publications.

Alberto Gurelli is leading the way with his image "The River" being printed on the front page of the Advertiser accompanying the lead story of the PM and the plight of the River Murray.

Yvonne Hill's image "The 36ers Prevail" was published as part of Your Best Shot , page 10, in the latest edition of Autralian Photography.

A familiar face and image around the traps at Para Camera Club, "David", Andy Smylie's image, was printed in the catalogue for the Trierenburg Super Circuit after wining an acceptace in that competition.

I made to the TOP!!

2010-06-20T14:12:00.021+09:30

I am sure there are a lot of stories out there from the club weekend to the Flinders Ranges. If you have a story or just a comment and would like to share it with the rest of the members send your words and a couple of images to paraccnews@gmail.com

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I made to the top.

Great Weekend

Steve Robertson

Rolly, Steve Robertson, was a little more energetic than most, making the climb to the peak at Rawnley's Bluff. No mean feat, believe me. Good On Ya Steve!!

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We had a great time on the flinders trip, the scenery was spectacular – especially that first sunrise on Saturday morning; complete with fog on the elder ranges it was great.

The Saturday evening meal was wonderful and full credit goes to all who participated in the arranging, cooking & cleaning up afterwards - it was great.

I think the lasagna and fruitcake recipes should be posted on the blog.

We also took the opportunity to experience flying around Wilpena pound, at 8am Sunday morning we boarded the four seated Cessna, it was cozy and the flight at 4,500 feet was relatively smooth – this 30 minute experience was challenging photographically, with a limited time span and no second chances i forgot at times all the technical stuff - Wilpena pound, the razor back, elder and chase ranges were spectacular from the air.

We loved the trainspotting on the way home, certainly bought out my inner child – thanks to Warren and his friend Chris for that experience.

Steph and Duncan

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I took a day off from work on the Friday of the long weekend so I could take my time driving up to Rawnsley Park to meet the other members for our stay in the Flinders. I started around 6.30am and arrived around 4pm, (no I did not go via Blanchetown – running joke from previous trip). I stopped at Pt. Germein (not worth it), then Pt. Augusta where I visited the top of Spencer Gulf, Arid Desert Park (great for macro flora shots – go in spring for Sturt’s Desert Pea) & shops for extra supplies.

Then after lunch, I continued through Quorn & Hawker, stopping many times along the way to photograph the landscape & ruins. On Arrival at Rawnsley, I settled in for a highly anticipated enjoyable weekend.

Saturday was a do your own thing day, but the Flinders was just like peak hour traffic in Adelaide. On my travels I kept on bumping in on Steph, Duncan, Kath, Stephen, Ron, Jane, Trudie, Pam, Alberto (& clan) etc. After a day out photographing the Flinders, what would be better than coming “home” to a three course meal prepared by Katie Giurelli & Kath Matthews son Ben (+ helpers). Well done & thank you.

My highlight’(s) was the two organized visits of Holowiliena Station & Pichi Richi Railway. My personal thanks go to Yvonne & Warren for arranging these outings.

I took 471 photos over the weekend, (a record for me I think) – can any of the others top this number?

Neil Gray

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“While the rest of the club members were letting off steam at Pitchi Ritchi, I had my head in the clouds in a powered glider over Rawnsley Park and Wilpena Pound taking photos galore and having a ball. We got talking to a group of Adelaide Uni gliding club members at the Rawnsley Airfield who were there for the weekend and notice holes in the windows of one powered glider just the right size for a camera lens. Managed to score nearly an hour’s flight with one of the senior members of the club – what a buzz!!!”

Yvonne

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Borders and Strokes

2010-06-20T10:35:00.013+09:30

In an effort to answer recent requests by club members about "How to put Borders and Strokes on images?", the following are two methods.

Apply a "Stroke" to an image.

The easiest way for me to put a "Line" around an image is to use the "Stroke" command in Photoshop.

On a PC do the following: (if using a Mac substitute Command for Ctrl)

Open your image in Photoshop.
Make sure your background layer is unlocked (double click on the background layer and "OK")
"CRTL" + "A" (select all - puts marching ants around the image)
From the top Menu choose "Edit"
Then "Stroke" from the drop down menu.
Choose the "Stroke" Width - 2 to 3 pixels is wide enough for a 1024 x 768 pixel image - you may want to go wider for higher resolution images.
Choose the Colour - Use the colour picker to select a colour from within the image. Remember we show our images against a black background and the border should not overpower the image.
Location: Choose "Inside"
Blending: "Normal" and "100%" opacity
Select "OK"

Done once the settings should stay the same for the next time you use this method. Choosing the Width and Colour is all you have to change.

Creating borders around your image in Photoshop.

Open your image in Photoshop
Go to the "Image" drop down menu at the top of your screen
Select "Canvas size". Click it and a window opens, showing current size and below, new size.
Place a tick in the "Relative" Box.
Choose mm as your unit of measure (you can choose cm, pixels, inches etc.)
Add 3, 4 or 5 mm to width and height in "New size pane".
The "Anchor Point" should be in the centre with all arrows facing out.
Then pick the colour. You can choose from Black, white, gray or other. With other you can sample a colour from the image and use that (recommended). Click other and run the mouse over the photo and pick what you like, then "OK".

That should do it.

If you want more than one colour in your border just repeat the process above.

Remember these are only two ways of applying a simple border to your image. There are many other methods and styles for you to play with in Photoshop or your image editor.

Have Fun!!

ps: the blog puts a border around all images displayed. To see the effect only of the Stroke or applied Border click on the image and view the larger version on a new window. Press the back button on your PC to return to this page.

Dragon Boats

2010-05-11T22:54:00.005+09:30

Dragon boats outing.

On April the 17^th we congregated on the white sandy shore of West Lakes, to test our skills with some action shots. The Dragon boat State titles had been running from the previous day and had lots more action planned in front of us. It was also the arrival point for the “Special Games” torches relay, which made for more photographic opportunities.

A large group of Members were present and small groups formed early and chased the action.

Shooting conditions were unfavorable, since the action was into the sun and most of the morning was overcast, leaving us with a very grey light to contend with. The boats and the competitors made up for colour and entertainment, making the overall experience very enjoyable.

One of our Members, who shall remain nameless (check out the picture below) had a special vantage point, but we won’t go into any detail.....

Overall it was a good outing and I personally got to know some of the new members a little better and tried to share some camera knowledge. Haven’t seen them since... just kidding!

Thanks to all involved and hope to see you out there again in similar numbers.

Alberto Giurelli

2010 Glennie Nature Salon

2010-04-25T20:55:00.007+09:30

PARA CAMERA CLUB INC.

2010 GEORGE W. GLENNIE NATURE SALON

The Results are out!

Well done to the Para Camera Club for a more than credible effort in this exhibition. We placed = 33 on 221 points (top club 246 points).

The Merrimack Camera Club said it was a challenging competition this year with 1100 images from 110 camera clubs from around the world. You can see how strong this competition is by going to this link: http://www.mvcameraclub.org/Glennie/2010/ResultsSlideShow/Awards/results.htm

Congratulations go to Lyn Wells for achieving our clubs top score with her “Blossom Bird” photo. Lyn will receive a merit award in the Perching Birds category.

Andy Smylie also will receive a merit award for “Take Off” in the Birds: Raptors/Eagles/Osprey/Owl category.

Make sure you go to these links when viewing the results slideshow. I’ve been through all the categories, highly recommended viewing.

For a full listing of awards & merit recipients go to: http://www.mvcameraclub.org/pdf/2010-Glennie-Awards.pdf

For the complete list of club placing and scores:

http://www.mvcameraclub.org/pdf/2010-Glennie-Club-Scores.pdf

A big thank you to the other members for allowing us to use your photos. I hope this has inspired all the members of the Para Camera Club to enter exhibitions, why not start by entering the upcoming SAPF Annual. For the entry form go to: http://www.sapf.org.au/Docs/2010%20SAPF%20Entry%20Form.doc

See all our club images in this post: Glennie Nature Salon 2010

Kind Regards

Neil Gray

Club Entry Forms

2010-04-25T20:33:00.003+09:30

Thanks to those who have been patient in the past as we tried to find a new host for our Word. PFD and other files for downloading.

Thanks to the generosity of Eric Gray, Neil's father, we now have a place on the web to put our files and more importantly the ability to access them and download them from time to time.

Club Entry Forms can now be found here:

Digital Entry Forms:

This form is used to identify you, your digital files and the date of the comp. The rules and file sizes are also available as part of this form. Please read carefully and follow instructions as per the sheet.

Print Entry Forms:

This form is used in conjunction with your printed images in the monthly comp. Use one form for Monochrome Prints and an other for Colour Prints.

Glennie Nature Salon 2010

2010-03-20T05:35:00.006+10:30

2010 GEORGE W. GLENNIE NATURE SALON

I would say that not many of you are aware that our club entered an International exhibition last year. Well the time has come around once again to enter the 2010 edition.

Firstly let me go back to last year, I’m not sure how, but we were invited to enter the 2009 Glennie Nature Exhibition by the Merrimack Camera Club, North Andover, Massachusetts, USA. http://www.mvcameraclub.org The committee decided to enter the required 10 photos to represent our club.

Thanks to Lyn Wells, Heather Horsnell, Neil Gray, Frank Copley, Pat Tapping, Andy Smylie & Yvonne Hill for their outstanding offerings, we finished a credible 46^th out of a total of 92 clubs.

This link shows the club standing:
http://www.mvcameraclub.org/pdf/2009_Glennie_Club_Listing.pdf

Let me roll off some more stats.

Top club scored 231 points, Para Camera Club scored 204 points & the lowest club 178
14 International clubs entered the salon
11 Australian clubs took up the offer
The Para Camera Club placed 6^th best from the Australian clubs

I can highly recommend you to go to this link to see some outstanding nature photographs from the 2009 salon. http://www.mvcameraclub.org/Glennie/glennie-results.htm

Andy Smylie & Neil Gray were lucky enough to receive merit awards for their submissions, go to this link to view their work & compare with others in that category.

http://www.mvcameraclub.org/Glennie/2009/scww.pdf

To this years event, I, last night uploaded 10 nature photos as our 2010 contribution. Thanks again to Kath Mathews, Pat Tapping, Neil Gray, Frank Copley, Lyn Wells, Gary Campbell, Yvonne Hill, Alberto Giurelli & Andy Smylie for their outstanding photographs. I’ve added our clubset for you to see, we will be up against some outstanding photography, but I’m sure you will agree our entry will do us proud. Good luck.

Australian White Ibis by Kath Mathews

Baby Noisy Miner by Pat Tapping

Binalong Bay Panorama by Neil Gray

Coral Fungus & Moss by Frank Copley

Blossom Bird by Lyn Wells

Litoria Gracilenta (Cape York Peninsula) by Frank Copley

Mt Sonter Dawn by Yvonne Hill

Rain Forest (Victoria, Australia) by Alberto Giurelli

Take Off by Andy Smylie

Trapdoor Spider by Gary Campbell

The closing date for entries is March 22 for a March 27 competition date, so I’ll keep you posted with hopefully favorable results soon. I hope you have been inspired to get out there to capture that award winning nature photo so we can include your efforts in 2011.

Kind Regards
Neil Gray

Port Adelaide - March 7 2010

2010-03-18T19:06:00.003+10:30

Sunday 7 March 2010 - Outing to Port Adelaide.

An intrepid group of a dozen members and their families attended the outing to Port Adelaide where the theme was to be Architecture.

The weather was a bit on the dull side with overcast skies and slight drizzle. The group of 20 or so were soon straggling all over the heritage area of the port checking out the Market and the few boats moored nearby.

Most of us found rustic doors, doorways and buildings but there was a distinct lack of door knockers and knobs.

The bonus was that the Corvette club had taken over the whole street a block away from where we met. There was a sea of highly polished cars that were taking part in a show and shine type of event with live band, sausage sizzle and ice cream van thrown in.

A good time was had by all.

Cheers
Lew Brown

Club Outing to Hallet Cove

2010-02-21T10:31:00.007+10:30

Hallett Cove Conservation Park

On the coastal cliffs south of Adelaide is an area that is extremely important to the 'story' of landforms. The Para Camera Club took a visit to this amazing geologically famous part of SA on Sat 13^th Feb 2010.

It was an intimate turnout and the weather was pretty close to perfect a little breezy I have to say but the sun was out and there were scant clouds in the sky. After making our way the short distance from our cars through the very dry scrub land of the conservation park we reached the coastal cliff tops of Hallett Cove. To reach the very rocky beach below we made our way slowly down approximately 126 reasonably steep steps (not that anyone was counting).

The rock formations were outstanding and we were pretty much the only people on the beach, we littered the beach with camera bags, tripods and bodies as we searched for that illusive magical shot of these incredible land formations. A close up inspection reveals that the cliff face is as hard as the proverbial despite giving the appearance of something much lighter and softer like cork.

There were many large rocks that looked just like the honeycomb in a bee hive, sharing the beach with smaller more rounder and smoother rocks and pebbles.

Perhaps the best known feature of Hallett Cove Conservation Park is the Sugarloaf.

It is a residual landform, exposed as surrounding material has been weathered and removed. It sits within a depression called the Amphitheatre – what an awesome thing - is it a volcano I heard a little girl say, it looks like an ant hill she also said – and it does, it’s very unusual. It was also blowing a howling gale at the lookout (blew my sunnies right off my head) so a nice sharp image of the sugarloaf was a little difficult to obtain.

Can you imagine that 270 million years ago this area of SA was part of a massive glacial formation, incredible to think how the earth has developed over time and left us little (well ok sometimes humungous) reminders of what life was like eons ago, things like erratic rocks, striations and other geological formations that seem to defy gravity.

Anyway it was great to be a tourist in my own backyard, I didn’t stay for the sunset that Neil booked in, but I hope that those that did weren’t disappointed.

Geological information courtesy Queensland education website – link below: http://www.vnc.qld.edu.au/enviro/flinders/f-p-shc.htm

Thanks
Steph

Photoshop Tutorials at Kelby TV

2010-02-08T19:47:00.004+10:30

Thanks to Ron Heptinstall for the links to some great tutorials at Kelby TV -

Press the image and follow the links

Thanks Ron

Remember the Moments

2010-01-16T12:06:00.006+10:30

I am going through some blogs and web sites looking for inspiration for shooting an up and coming wedding of my young niece. The following put a smile on my face:

“We do not remember days, we remember moments.” Italian novelist and poet Cesare Pavese

If you have a favourite quote (one liners) that relates to photography I would be glad to publish it here. Please forward your quote with appropriate acknowledgment of the author to: paraccnews@gmail.com

Cheers
Andy Smylie :)

This one is one I can relate to…..

“The secret is not in seeking new landscapes, but in having new eyes.”

French author Marcel Proust 1871-1922

This is particularly relevant to me having just had successful cataract surgery!

Regards
Yvonne Hill

2010 Calendar

2010-01-08T18:16:00.005+10:30

Happy New Year to all club members. Here's hoping 2010 is a fantastic photographic year for all.

The 2010 programme is now on the blog along with definitions for our "set subjects' and dates for club outings.

Venues and times for club outings are still to be finalised - so if you have a favourite photographic place and would like to host an outing let one of the committee members know.

Monthly Club Outing dates for 2010 are as follows:

February 13 - Monthly Outing - Saturday

March 7 - Monthly Outing - Sunday

April 17 - Monthly Outing - Saturday

May 8 - Monthly Outing - Saturday

June 11-13 - Club Photographic Weekend Trip - Rawnsley Park

July 17 - Monthly Outing - Saturday

August 8 - Monthly Outing - Sunday

September 11 - Monthly Outing - Saturday

October 10 - Monthly Outing - Sunday

November 13 - Monthly Outing - Saturday

Cheers and Happy Snapping

Christmas Outing - 2009

2009-12-26T10:51:00.004+10:30

Hello fellow photo tragics.

Well! After a successful year at the club, we capped off the year with a gathereing of the "Clan" at the Harry Bowey Reserve for a BBQ picnic.

Club members welcomed Alberto's inlaws from Italy and by all accounts, dispite the language barrier, they enjoyed the day.

After we had consumed a sutable amount of food, the conversation soon got around to "my lens is bigger than your lens" type of talk when a Tawney Frongmouth was spotted in a tree directly above Alberto's head. Before you could blink an eye lid the poor bird had been shot at least 20,00 times

Whilst this was happening, a fire was started by some kids nearby on the other side of the creek. Well! This event was like a magnet to all the cameras present.

The Fire Brigade and the Police came and the fireies did their thing and put the fire out. The Police took a statement from Lynn who saw it start; we heard later that the Police had caught the culprits neaerby.

Let it be known that Pat Tapping was a little disappointed that the Firemane would not take their shirts off.

Having experienced such excitement we continued to enjoy the Club picnic till about three that afternoon at which point Carole & I wished everybody a very good Xmas season and headed for home.

A very Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to all the club members.

David Lamplough

End of Year Competition - 2009

2009-12-06T13:50:00.030+10:30

PARA CAMERA CLUB

END OF YEAR COMPETITION RESULTS

2 DECEMBER 2009

Judge: Lou Marafioti LAPS

Thanks to Lou Marafioti FAPS for all his time and effort to do the End of Year judging this year and for taking the time to comment on the award winners as presented.

Lou's slide show of his own award winning images was both enlightening and inspirational. Thanks again, Lou.

A hearty congratulations to all the award winners this year: continuing a fine tradition with fantastic work. The images to go with the award winners will be posted separately in the PCC Image Gallery 2009 very soon.

DIGITAL IMAGES

FIRST PLACE: MICHAEL TAPPING - “HILL ST. SHAFTSBURY”

RUNNER UP: ANDY SMYLIE - “OFFERINGS”

MERITS:

ALBERTO GIURELLI - “MONKEY BUSINESS”
PAT TAPPING - “BABY NOISY MINER”
LEW BROWN - “DRAGONFLY”
JOHN COATES - “JUST MARRIED”
KATH MATTHEWS - “GARDEN SPIDER”
FRANK COPLEY - “DROUGHT”
YVONNE HILL - “TRIUMPH”
GARY CAMPBELL - “MAIN COURSE”
DAVE LAMPLOUGH - “LAVENDER HEAD”
RON HEPTINSTALL - “PIED HERON”
MARIE TRESIDDER - “BELL TOWER”
MARIE TRESIDDER - "TIME TO RELAX”
HEATHER HORSNELL - “ROBBER FLY”
HEATHER HORSNELL - “GALAH DAY”
NEIL GRAY - “DOVE LAKE BOATHOUSE”
NEIL GRAY - “LOBETHAL COTTAGE”
NEIL GRAY - “NATURE’S BEACH SCULPTURE”
NEIL GRAY - “EDGE OF THE WORLD”
ANDY SMYLIE - “THE MAN IN THE RED VEST”
ANDY SMYLIE - “AT THE MARKET”

MONOCHROME PRINTS

FIRST PLACE: ANDY SMYLIE - “HOT SUMMER’S NIGHT”

RUNNER UP: ANDY SMYLIE - “AFTER THE PERFORMANCE”

MERITS:

YVONNE HILL - “ETERNITY”
DENNIS WETHERLEY - “HARLEY HEAVEN”
ANDY SMYLIE - “FEMALE FAIRY WREN”
ANDY SMYLIE - “PENSIVE”

COLOUR PRINTS

FIRST PLACE: NEIL GRAY - “FUNKY TULIP"

RUNNER UP: HEATHER HORSNELL - “PIRATE BAY SUNRISE”

MERITS:

PAM BROCK - “MORNING RED GUMS”
FRANK COPLEY - “CRYSTAL DRAGONFLY”
ANDY SMYLIE - “I’LL GO NO MORE A ROVING”
ANDY SMYLIE - 'THE UNIVERSAL LANGUAGE”
YVONNE HILL - “THEODOLITE”
YVONNE HILL - “CLAIRE”
YVONNE HILL - “HAHNDORF CHURCH”
ALBERTO GIURELLI - “LOST IN PARADISE”
ALBERTO GIURELLI - “GREEN EYES”
ALBERTO GIURELLI - “LAST PARADISE”
BRIAN GUEST - “WATER BIRD”
BRIAN GUEST - “FLINDERS VISTA” (9)
BRIAN GUEST - “MEERKAT AGAIN”
NEIL GRAY - “CENTRAL ROCK – BINALONG BAY”

AGGREGATE SCORES :

E.D.I. AGGREGATE POINT SCORE

FIRST PLACE - YVONNE HILL – 304 POINTS

RUNNER UP - ANDY SMYLIE – 298 POINTS

MONO PRINT AGGREGATE POINT SCORE

FIRST PLACE - YVONNE HILL – 161 POINTS

RUNNER UP - ANDY SMYLIE – 151 POINTS

COLOUR PRINT AGGREGATE POINT SCORE

FIRST PLACE - ALBERTO GIURELLI – 256 POINTS

RUNNER UP - YVONNE HILL – 244 POINTS

OTHER AGGREGATE SCORES:

E.D.I.	MONO	COLOUR
PAT TAPPING – 277	MARIE TRESIDDER – 101	BRIAN GUEST – 234
HEATHER HORSNELL – 231	DENNIS WETHERLEY – 98	ANDY SMYLIE - 199
GREG EYRE – 228	ALBERTO GIURELLI – 52	RAOUL MADDEN – 156
ALBERTO GIURELLI – 214	TONY CAVE – 49	KATH MATTHEWS – 153
LYN WELLS – 205	NEIL GRAY – 42	STEPHEN ROBERTSON – 130
NEIL GRAY – 201	KELLY TURNBULL – 16	TONY CAVE – 121
MICHAEL TAPPING – 192	BRIAN GUEST – 16	DENNIS WETHERLEY – 120
LEW BROWN – 185	LEW BROWN – 14	LEW BROWN – 103
KATH MATTHEWS – 168	PAT TAPPING – 9	MARIE TRESIDDER – 101
DENNIS WETHERLEY – 151	BILL O’NEILL – 8	NEIL GRAY – 98
RON HEPTINSTALL – 140	STEPHANIE FOSTER – 7	GREG EYRE – 90
GARY CAMPBELL – 130	KATH MATTHEWS – 7	WARREN WILSON – 76
MARIE TRESIDDER – 103	BOB PHILLIPS – 7	PAM BROCK - 71
STEPHANIE FOSTER – 98		STEPHANIE FOSTER – 68
JOHN COATES – 94		FRANK COPLEY – 68
FRANK COPLEY – 70		GARY CAMPBELL – 61
MOIRA COLQUHOUN – 54		BILL O’NEILL –48
BRIAN GUEST – 49		BOB PHILLIPS –39
BARBARA HELPS – 45		PAT TAPPING – 34
ROSS BESSELL – 44		BARBARA HELPS – 33
BILL O’NEILL – 31		HEATHER HORSNELL – 32
DAVE LAMPLOUGH – 26		KELLY TURNBuLL – 30
SHARON MILLER – 24		EDDIE VERHOEF – 26
KELLY TURNBULL – 22		ALLEN SMITH – 24
JANET HARBOTTLE – 15		DAVE LAMPLOUGH – 23
DALLAS SMITH – 14		MALCOLM SIDDLE – 21
STEVE HARBOTTLE – 11		ROSS BESSELL – 14
		DALLAS SMITH – 14
		JACQUIE FOWLER - 8
		MOIRA COLQUHOUN – 5
		NATALIE ROWLAND – 4

See you soon at the Christmas picnic and wishing you all the best for 2010.

Regards
Neil Gray
Competition Secretary

Centennial Park Print Exhibition

2009-11-29T19:51:00.006+10:30

CENTENNIAL PARK CEMETERY AUTHORITY

PRINT EXHIBITION 2010

IN ASSOCIATION WITH THE SOUTH AUSTRALIAN PHOTOGRAPHIC FEDERATION INC

HELD IN THE HEYSEN CHAPEL FOYER

30th JANUARY 2010 TO 13th MARCH 2010

EXHIBITION TO BE JUDGED BY STAFF OF CENTENNIAL PARK AUTHORITY AND MEMBERS OF THE FUNERAL INDUSTRY

AWARDS WILL BE MADE PRIOR TO THE EXHIBITION CLOSING

CONDITIONS

1. Entries will only be accepted from members of the SAPF, affiliated clubs and other affiliations.
2. Maximum of four entries per author.
3. Greatest care will be taken of all entries but no liability will be accepted for any loss or damage.
4. All work must be that of the author.
5. The title, author’s name, address and telephone number to be shown on the lower left back of prints.
6. Size of prints:

A maximum of four (4) prints may be entered as follows:-

A maximum size of 16” x 20” (40cm x 50 cm) including mount and no smaller than A4 (21cm x 29.7cm) with a mount no larger than

25cm x 35cm.

Prints can be either colour or monochrome.

All prints must be mounted or have a firm backing .

Mounts on wood, glass, or metal and framed photographs will not be accepted.

7. There is no entry fee.
8. Subject matter is open with due consideration to the venue where the exhibition is being held.

The Centennial Park Cemetery Authority will provide the following awards.

Top Colour print $500 cheque plus trophy

Top Monochrome Print $500 cheque plus trophy

ENTRY FORM

Please print clearly

Family Name..............................Given Name..................

Address..............................................................................

..............................................................Postcode...............

Telephone No.....................Club.......................................

No Title Colour or Mono

1 ____________________________

2 ____________________________

3 ____________________________

4 ____________________________

Entries can be left at any office of

Alfred James & Sons Pty Ltd Funeral Directors

or by arrangement with the Director

Trevor Baldock Telephone 0419 805 109 or

Email treval38@mail.com

Closing Date for entries 20th January 2010

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Please copy and paste the above entry form into a word document and print at your own convenience.