Focal Plane October 2014 A few words from the APS President I would like to thank our enthusiastic committee for making this year a fantastic one for APS. Personally the highlights have been Darren Leal’s workshop, the Rhythm of Light Exhibition and an interesting line up of speakers. The standard of work by our members is exceptional with the continued success of entries from both the club and individuals in National and International competitions. The work of our top photographers is inspirational as is the progress made by some of our newest members. We have a big year planned for next year with another one day workshop (Audio Visual), an exhibition as part of the Auckland Festival of Photography and the defence of our Auckland Club Shoot Out title. I trust you will find the competition topics for next year interesting and challenging. Something to think about over the Christmas break, perhaps? Happy Shooting Roger Question of the Quarter The QotQ for October: “Oh no! End of year entries! What to enter???? Do I enter only those images that received Honours during the year in the hope of gaining EOY Honours too? Or do I enter some images that I feel were ‘under judged’ in the monthly competitions?” My opinion? If you have faith in an image that was not as appreciated by the judge on the night as you felt it should have been, this is absolutely the forum to put it in front of another judge(s). No set subjects apply; each image is simply viewed on its standalone merit. A personal experience: several years ago a portrait I entered during the year was awarded an Acceptance at club level. It went on to be awarded Honours in the EOY. I felt very vindicated for the faith I had in that image. It is still a favourite of mine. What do you think? Replies welcome…..
Transcript
Focal Plane October 2014
A few words from the APS President
I would like to thank our enthusiastic committee for
making this year a fantastic one for APS. Personally
the highlights have been Darren Leal’s workshop, the
Rhythm of Light Exhibition and an interesting line up
of speakers. The standard of work by our members is
exceptional with the continued success of entries
from both the club and individuals in National and
International competitions. The work of our top
photographers is inspirational as is the progress made by some of our newest
members.
We have a big year planned for next year with another one day workshop (Audio
Visual), an exhibition as part of the Auckland Festival of Photography and the
defence of our Auckland Club Shoot Out title.
I trust you will find the competition topics for next year interesting and
challenging. Something to think about over the Christmas break, perhaps?
Happy Shooting
Roger
Question of the Quarter
The QotQ for October:
“Oh no! End of year entries! What to enter???? Do I enter only those images that
received Honours during the year in the hope of gaining EOY Honours too? Or do I
enter some images that I feel were ‘under judged’ in the monthly competitions?”
My opinion? If you have faith in an image that was not as appreciated by the
judge on the night as you felt it should have been, this is absolutely the forum to
put it in front of another judge(s). No set subjects apply; each image is simply
viewed on its standalone merit.
A personal experience: several years ago a portrait I entered during the year was
awarded an Acceptance at club level. It went on to be awarded Honours in the
EOY. I felt very vindicated for the faith I had in that image. It is still a favourite of
mine.
What do you think?
Replies welcome…..
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Lynn Clayton – speechless for once! Moira Blincoe LPSNZ
Recently 12 PSNZ members travelled to Turkey to participate in the FIAP Congress
hosted by the Turkish Photography Federation.
One of the highlights of the Congress was the very entertaining and enjoyable gala
dinner and closing ceremony, where there was not only a lot of ‘patting on the
back’ for those involved in the organising, but a serious side when various awards
were announced.
Thank goodness I had my listening ears turned on, as I heard Lynn Clayton being
called out. With a quick nudge in Lynn’s ribs, she was on her feet and up to the
stage – not really knowing why!
Imagine her delight when she was awarded an ESFIAP – Excellence FIAP for
Services Rendered. To say Lynn was speechless is an understatement, and after a
hearty round of applause and gasps from fellow New Zealanders, she returned to
her seat – shaking, but smiling.
The award recognises Lynn's success over the past two years as the FIAP Resident
Correspondent and Editor for Australia and New Zealand for the FIAP's
comprehensive on-line magazine. Lynn has also been, for years, an enthusiastic
mentor and supporter of FIAP salons and activities, including being very much
involved as one of the selectors of the PSNZ entries in FIAP Biennial competitions.
We now have five living PSNZ members who have been awarded an ESFIAP. They
are: Jean Bygate Hon PSNZ ESFIAP; Terry Maguire Hon PSNZ ESFIAP; John Reece
Hon PSNZ APSA ESFIAP; Brian Cudby FPSNZ EFIAP ESFIAP; and Lynn Clayton APSNZ
EFIAP ESFIAP. Congratulations Lynn on a well-deserved award.
Lynn Clayton: Lynn with her ESFIAP award/certificate, presented in Turkey.
And Lynn writes of the Conference:
32nd FIAP Congress in Turkey
TURKEY… such an amazing country and one I thoroughly recommend visiting. In
August, 13 New Zealand photographers descended on Ankara and Cappadocia to
attend the 32nd FIAP Congress (Federation International Artiste Photographique).
From APS, Brian Cudby, Faye Hayman, Moira and Chris Blincoe and myself
travelled various routes to arrive at the Congress.
Organising a programme to suit almost 230 people, from 50 different countries is
no mean feat, and while the majority of the programme was interesting, the
organization was at time, sporadic and a little haphazard! However the warmth of
the Turkish people and the overall hospitality made sure we all had a good time
experiencing everything from fun food to language difficulties, hard beds to time
constraints and lots more in between.
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We travelled in a convoy of six large, fully air conditioned coaches, escorted by
two Police cars and an ambulance – the latter required only once when one
photographer lost his footing descending a rocky slope. His camera survived, but
he ended up with a nasty gash to his forehead and eye.
A FIAP Congress is not a ‘learning’ convention in the sense of learning new
photographic skills or techniques like attending a PSNZ Convention. Instead, you
do gain as much from the networking and meeting so many other international
photographers, as well as learning about new cultures.
This FIAP Congress was highly regarded by the Turkish Minister of Culture and
Tourism, who officiated and addressed delegates at the formal opening cocktail
evening, as well as the FIAP President, and PAFT President.
In conjunction with the Congress, FIAP host a Biennial Exhibition, which included
prints from the winning nation – in this instance Bahrain took the title with an
entry of black and white images, under the theme of ‘Reading’. Their impressive
set depicted people associated with reading. It was truly magnificent.
New Zealand did submit an entry under the theme of ‘old farm buildings’ and we
were placed 17th. Four years ago we were placed in the top 10, so let’s try for a
higher placement in two years’ time
FIAP is an international federation that affiliates - as operational members - the
national associations of photography; many PSNZ affiliated photographers
frequently enter FIAP International salons.
The 33rd FIAP Congress will be held in South Korea in 2016 – so let’s try to have an
even bigger contingent represent New Zealand at it. The cost will be around E650-
E850 per person, which includes your accommodation – usually at five star
properties; all meals, airport transfers, transport during the Congress programme,
entry to sight-seeing/cultural events – and the fabulous experience of networking
and cultural exchange.
By Lynn Clayton with help from Moira Blincoe.
Some photographic highlights of the experience ……. a view I took from the plane.
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The light show in Ankara, absolutely spectacular.
The Kiwi Contingent standing on a salt lake between Ankara and Cappadocia.
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People enjoying chatting at Congress - above Keiko Sato, Anne Burgess, and Faye
Hayman. Below Keiko Sato, Finn, Aliah Jan and Hanan from Bahrain.
Our hotel pool in Cappadocia.
The other highlight was hot air ballooning. Almost 100 balloons up at once and we
completed a ‘balloon kiss’ mid-air! The champagne celebration was well deserved.
Moira and Chris Blincoe aloft.
New Members Welcome to the following new members of Auckland Photographic Society
[apologies to anyone whose name has been missed]:
Nick Tan Jo McNeill Christine Mansford Patrick Bulfin Susan Blick
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Competition Results: Individual
45th Dunedin Festival of Photography
Congratulations to Liz Hardley who won Champion Open Print with
“Armageddon”…..
“Armageddon”: Champion Open Print
…. and Champion Portrait Print with “Close Cut” in this well established Salon.
Liz also received Honours for “Leaving” and “The Final Throw” and a further six
acceptances.
“Close Cut”: Champion Portrait Print [Sigma 300mm; ISO 250; 1/500 at f2.8]
Sarah Caldwell was awarded three acceptances in this Salon, two in Natural
History Projected for Bellbird and Territorial Squabble (Tui), and one in Open
Projected for a Lindis Pass landscape.
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“Bellbird”: Sarah Caldwell [Nikon D7100 with a Nikon 2x tele converter. Nikkor 70-200mm f/2.8 @
400mm ISO 200 f/5.6 1/100, Tripod.]
Sarah says: “This was made on the PSNZ trip to Tiritiri Matangi and up by the
cafeteria; as we sheltered from a light shower, a bellbird landed on the post. The
sun glimpsed through catching the fine droplets on the birds back and luckily I had
my camera on a tripod at the ready sheltering under the verandah roof.”
Note that this image was also awarded an Honours in the Rangiora Photographic
Society 2014 Salon Natural History projected section.
Karin Charteris was awarded two Acceptances for “An Emerging Teenager” in
Portraiture; and “I am the Man” in the Open category.
“An Emerging Teenager”: Karin Charteris
Karin says: These are interesting choices as a couple of others entered have done
well in almost every competition that they have been entered. These 2 are
completely new ones – maybe that is the point….
23rd Annual Photojournalism Competition
The annual Photojournalism Salon is an annual competition organised by the New
Brighton Photographic Club. This year Jo McCarthy won the Walker Trophy for
overall champion image and gained first place in the digital section for her image
“Grassroots Determination.” Jo was also awarded an Honours for “Classic Ana”
and achieved 3rd place in the print section with “We’re going to be on TV”.
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“Classic Ana”: Jo McCarthy
Jo says:
“Ana Ivanovic on her way to winning this year's ASB Classic.
Back I can't remember when, at one of the APS workshops some Salon members
led mini-workshops - and this is probably the APS workshop that has had the most
influence on my photography. I was in the group that Allan Fleischmann led, and
the discussion passed by sports photography. He challenged us to attempt in a
single shot to capture THAT moment when the ball hit the racket, sent the stumps
flying or whatever the case may be. It's not only a case of getting to know the
nuances of a sport, but also becoming familiar with your and your gear's reaction
times. I've since spent a lot of time practising that piece of advice, but it pays off
when you're trying to freeze a tennis shot!”
“Grassroots Determination”: Jo McCarthy
“While in Japan during August-September last year I had arranged to cover some
Top League rugby games (Japan's equivalent to Super 15). Not having been to any
of the venues previously, I arrived extra early - and on this occasion it definitely
paid off as some local junior rugby clubs were holding a mini tournament. Couldn't
pass up that opportunity!”
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"We're going to be on TV!!": Jo McCarthy
“This was taken during the America's Cup. I had been invited to watch racing one
day at the Royal NZ Yacht Squadron (thanks Lynn Clayton!). It was a tough location
to shoot as pretty much the only light came from the big TV screens. One of the TV
crews had lined up these three kids to do a pre-racing interview, and when I saw
them I thought I'd race over to make use of their lighting. Turned out to be a lucky
spot as this was my favourite Americas Cup image.”
Liz Hardley won the print section with “David Ferrer” and also achieved 2nd place
with “The Chase Pack” and Honours for “Backhand Control” and “One afternoon in
Queen Street” with another Honours in the digital section for “Race to the Line”.
“David Ferrer”: Liz Hardley [Nikon 70-200 f2.8 VR ED IF lens @ 200mm; ISO 200; 1/1250 at f3.5]
Comments from the judges indicated that there had been “a decline in standard of
competition entries” which was “disappointing”. While the “top entries clearly
managed to demonstrate a high degree of competency in this difficult field they
suggested that “at PSNZ and club level there needs to be a positive drive to teach
photographers how to make PJ images”. Food for thought.
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Nelson National Triptych Salon 2014
Congratulations to Sarah Caldwell for her Champion print “Silo Park Triptych”
(below).
Sarah explains: “This was one of many made around mid-morning while on an Apix
workshop. We were exploring shape and light, texture and colour.
I was using my 70-200mm f/2.8 to get some close ups and therefore some slightly
abstracted view of things. Initially drawn to these tanks by their curves and seams,
the stainless steel was also showing soft hints of reflected colour from the
surroundings which I chose to enhance in Lightroom afterwards. I had several to
choose from but found these three worked best together with the lines and
colours complementing each other.”
Other print awards went to Liz Hardley who achieved Honours for “Changing of
the Guard” and Highly Commended for “Trapeze”. Sandrina Huish achieved an
Acceptance for “Years 1, 2 & 3”.
“Changing of the Guard”: Liz Hardley
Acceptances in the Digital section were achieved by Sarah Caldwell (“Reflections in
the Fog”), Roy Cernohorsky (“Maori Design”) and Karen Lawton (“Tonka”).
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The APS Set Subject competition this year for Triptychs proved a fertile ground for
producing award winning images for the National competition and it is hoped that
this will be replicated in 2015.
Black and White Spider Awards The Black and White Spider Awards are the monochrome version of the
International Color Awards featured in the July Focal Plane.
Results were announced in mid-October; 8,508 entries were received from 73
countries. “The Jury represented the industry's biggest names and tastemakers
including The Royal Photographic Society, FoMu Fotomuseum, Fratelli Alinari,
Stockholm City Museum to Torch Gallery in Amsterdam and more who reviewed
the entries online before making their nominations and honoring 298 title awards
and 957 nominees in 14 categories. The Awards could not have wished for a better
group of professionals to work with.”
Several APS members received Nominee and higher status in the amateur section:
and Lynn Clayton in the professional section. Apologies to any APS members I may
have missed in this list.
A selection of their work is featured below.
“‘Waiting in the Rain”: Liz Hardley Honourable Mention: Sport
Liz says: Taken at cross country meeting, two of the young competitors waiting on
the start line for their race to start, and it starts pouring with rain. Taken on old
camera - Nikon D70s with prime lens 180mm (270mm on D70s). 1/800s f2.8 at
ISO400…….
(and the moral of the story is…. you don't require latest model camera to do well)
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“Parnell Pools”: Lynn Clayton Nominee: Fine Art
Lynn says: This is a favourite image of mine, taken in winter from the walkway above the Parnell Pools it emphasises the shapes. The pool was empty at the time…
I would imagine it will be looking great at the moment so I hope to get back out there. You can spend a lot of time in this location as the area is huge and diverse. A highly recommended destination …….
