FOCALPOINTThe Official MIPP Newsletter October 2014

www.mipp-malta.comIssue No. 44

Editor:Th erese Debono

Assistant Editor:Kerstin Arnemann

Design:Th erese Debono

Article Vetting:Vince DeBono

Articles:Various contributors

Editorial Advice:Kevin Casha

Contact:newsletter@mipp-malta.com

Newsletter Team

And here we are, October, Autumn, and 6 weeks away from the Annual International Convention in collaboration with Th e Societies.

But before that there is also the Gozo Weekend packed with photography workshops too, so really you are spoilt for choice when it comes to activities these upcoming two months!

Kerstin has also compiled a schedule of interesting art events happening on the island this year. So if you are aft er exhibitions I suggest you attend one or two, however I strongly urge you to attend the one of ‘Muza International Design Competition’, which is the future Fine Arts Museum!

Apart from that our secret photographer has sent us some

EDITORIAL If you want your photos featured on the newsletter’s front page just send the images to newsletter@mipp-malta.com. Your contributions are always welcome!

seriously awesome photos from the recent annual airshow which took place this past weekend! Blue skies or not, he still managed to capture great shots of these acrobatic airplanes!

Meanwhile enjoy the fresh air and be inspired!

Th erese & Kerstin!

i lAssistant EditorKerstin Arnemann

Find us on:

CONTENTS

pg 2 President’s viewpoint Culture, Photography & Armchair Critics...pg 4 Featured MIPP member Guido Bonettpg 12 Upcoming Event MIPP Gozo Weekend Seminar 2014pg 14 Travel Feature British Columbia by Sandra Hotrumpg 18 Out & About October Eventspg 25 Upcoming Event MIPP International Convention Pricespg 27 Meet the Speakers Stephanie S Sciclunapg 29 Th e Secret Photographer Airshow Pictures!pg 30 Calendar of Events Mark your Diaries!pg 31 Members’ Gallery International Online Competition Standings

OCTOBER 2014

cover artist Anonymous

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“Event photography is part and parcel of every Maltese with a Phone or other imaging device. Festas, sport, charity dos, concerts and other mass gatherings or even intimate family gatherings tend to acquire a sameness that makes us think ‘Oh - not another (boring) set of photos. Th e Airshow can bring the same reaction to the mind of many, but it is surprising how many guys and gals are passionate about the fl ying machines that entertain us every year.”

Culture, Photography & Armchair Critics...

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Kevin Casha

It is either the insularity of our little island, or the centuries of conditioning that the Maltese race has been previously subjected to by other occupying countries, but we just seem to be a race that are only capable of perennially complaining and winging but doing little about it.

I will just bring up an example: How many times have we been to a restaurant and got bad food and, more probably, terrible service and we have complained? Yes, for sure the Maltese will complain, but not to the restaurant manager or to the service staff - they will complain to all and sundry but leave the restaurant as cowed sheep and not uttering a word. Not only that, when the staff ask whether everything was ok, (usually mechanically and without looking at you!), most of the Maltese would usually nod their heads and indicate a yes!

First of all, complaining at source is only fair as you give the other party an opportunity to defend oneself. Furthermore, constructive feedback and debate is essential if we are to improve our services and products. So, let’s get to photography. When running an Institute like the MIPP, it

is really essential to get feedback and constructive criticism from members. So we have always encouraged this, but unfortunately, very few of this is forthcoming. Yet how many times do I hear complaints or suggestions from third parties and through the grapevine, or even through some site in Facebook? Th e MIPP has its facebook pages and one can easily post and comment on these, naturally as long as the tone remains civil. One should not be afraid to voice one’s opinion and a group like ours thrives on hearing the pulse of its members. We do not want to go through the years living in a form of utopia thinking everything is fi ne and perfect. Nothing is perfect and beyond improvement.

Also another factor, which can be linked to this viewpoint, is the great host of armchair critics that we have around us. I have had so many long (futile) discussions with people who seem to know it all. Yes, some of their views are worth implementing but then one must keep in mind the limitation that a non-profi t making NGO like ours has. All those helping out with the MIPP mainly do so of their own free will and without remuneration - so certain things are just not doable

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viewpoint

due to lack of funds. Furthermore, when such armchair critics are asked to put their ‘money where their mouth is’ and volunteer to help out to implement their strategies, these are nearly always rapidly retreating. Such people usually do not even have time to answer an email!

I would really suggest that, fi rst of all, we stand up for our rights, secondly that we try to give our input keeping interest in the general welfare of everyone, (and not only our own), and thirdly, to come forward and off er our physical, constructive help in order to materialize what we believe in. Th is is not only for the MIPP and photography, but a philosophy of life which would undoubtedly improve our society and general well being.

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TWO PASSIONS COMBINED:NATURE & PHOTOGRAPHYGuido Bonett

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featured member

I have had a keen interest in nature and its conservation from a fairly young age and, over the years combined this interest to my other passion, photography. As a consequence, I have also travelled widely in my quest to observe and photograph wild-life.

I was actively involved in the local conservation movement, serving for many years in various societies, ultimately holding the positions of public relations offi cer and council member of the then Malta Ornithological Society. Nature protection in the seventies and eighties were challenging times for conserva-tionists and my commitment to the cause saw me participate in various European regional conferences and fora.

In recent years, I participated in a number of European Union-funded research projects which the University of Malta was in-volved in, as visual technologies specialist and nature photogra-pher. Study sites included remote locations in Morocco’s Atlas Mountains, in Tunisia’s desert region as well as coastal areas within the Maremma in Italy.

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In addition, I have also travelled privately, for the explicit purpose of wildlife photography; destinations included various countries within Europe such as Bulgaria and Greece, and also participated in expeditions to the Amazonian rainforests of French Guiana in South America, Costa Rica in Central America, Namaqualand in South Africa, the Namib and Kalahari deserts of Namibia, the Oka-vango Delta in Botswana and Victoria Falls in Zambia, the latter destinations during a photographic safari across southern Africa covering 6,000 kilometers. Other destinations in Africa have been Kenya, including Lake Nakuru, the Masai Mara and Amboseli, Tan-zania’s Ngoro Ngoro Crater and Tarangire National Park and also the Island of Zanzibar. I have also been a regular visitor to the Straits of Messina, as a par-ticipant of the annual raptor migration camp in the Monti Pelorita-ni in Sicily, an important western Palearctic and European Birding Hotspot.

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As a result of my travels many of my nature photographs have been published in books and other publications, locally and abroad. I also donate many of my photos to local and European NGO’s involved in the conservation of nature.

In 2005, I co-authored two volumes entitled Th e Maltese Countryside, a pictorial guide to the fl ora and fauna of the Maltese Islands. 2011 saw the publication of my latest work entitled ‘Th e Natural History of the Maltese Islands, as seen through a Photographer’s Lens’.

I am a member of the MIPP and the MPS. In 2005, I was awarded the status of Associate of the Royal Photographic Society of Great Britain (ARPS) following the presentation of a photographic panel based on local nature. In 2008, I was awarded an Associateship of the Malta Photographic Society (AMPS).

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I am now aspiring to achieve an Associateship of the MIPP, and am presently work-ing (under the tutorship of Kevin Casha) on a panel based on the local fauna. My main aim over the years has been to use my photographs as a tool for conservation, to show the man in the street the beauty that surrounds us, even on this over devel-oped and over populated island that we call home.

I have to admit that my biggest satisfaction has always been seeing my work pub-lished in some form or other. I have always tried to keep my photography simple in scope and form, trying to convey the message that nature is a celebration of col-ours, science and art combined, but at the same time vulnerable to the whims and egoistic nature of man.

Images & Article by Guido Bonett

Above: Guido Bonett middle with friends from his travels

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EOS 5D Mark llljoins the rental family!... now available for rent.

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for full details and conditions visitwww.avantech.com.mt or call on 2148 88 00

Avantech BuildingSt Julian’s RoadSan Gwann SGN 2805

Once again the time has come for the Malta Institute of Professional Photography, MIPP to visit our sister island Gozo.

Th is year the MIPP has prepared an eventful weekend featuring talks, workshops and challenges to suit all photographers alike. Th is event is characterized by the informal and friendly atmosphere and the great opportunity to socialize and net-work together.

Workshops will be conducted by Kevin Casha, Ramon Sammut and Ramon Cur-mi. Prices have been kept at cost as the main aim of this event is to encourage as many as possible to participate. Various ticket options are available and friends and family are most welcome. PROGRAMME

Saturday 11th October 07.30 – 08.15 - Meet at Cirkewwa08.15 – 08.40 – Gozo Ferry Boat trip 09.00 – 09.45 – Settling down at Tal-Fanal Apartments 09.45 – 10.30 – Coff ee Break10.30 – 12.30 - Gozo location workshop organized by Ramon Curmi12.30 – 14.00 – Light Lunch and networking time – at apartments (inc in ticket)14.00 – 16.00 - LED and natural light Model workshop by Kevin Casha16:00 – 17:30 - Black & White Th eory and Photoshop by Ramon Sammut.20.00 – Late – BBQ Dinner – at apartments (included in ticket)

Sunday 12th October06:00 – 09:00 - Workshop (optional) – Sunrise photo shoot 10.00 – 12.00 - Workshop – Street Photography by Martin Agius12:30 – 14:00 – Lunch at apartments – Gozitan Pizza (included in ticket)14:00 – 16:00 - Post Production work and assessment from previous workshops by Ramon Sammut, Kevin Casha16.30 onwards – Departure back to Malta.

MIPP Gozo Weekend Workshop 2014

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In search of grizzlies at Tsyl-os Provinical Park, British Colombia

They say that quite oft en the most beautiful places are hard to reach. To get here, I had to fl y to Vancouver then take another connecting fl ight to Williams Lake and a 3.5 hours’ drive to Chilko Lake where Bear Camp is located. To say the least, Bear-Camp is a wonderful wilderness escape, away from ringing cell phones, backed up traffi c and hectic daily schedules. Th e serenity and majestic British Colombia landscape is a guarantee to melt your tension away. I had never heard of Chilko Lake until a few months’ ago, when I at-tended a travel presentation at the Toronto Camera Club. Th e images of the grizzlies at Chilko Lake left a huge impression on me that a few days’ later I was booked on an adventure trip to see the grizzlies and enjoy some outdoor activities. Bear Camp is made up of six riverside luxury tents perched high above the waters of the clear blue glacial lake. Th e lake is so pale and blue that looks like miniature tropical sea. Stick a toe in, of course, and the tem-perature will quickly remind you that you’re in Canada, not the Carib-bean. With a tripod and a lens 100-400mm which I rented, I thought I was well prepared for the images I had dreamt of capturing. In hindsight, I should have realized that this was not a photography trip but a multi-sport adventure with sightings of grizzlies. Grizzlies tend to come down to the shoreline to feed on salmon either at dusk or dawn. We only got to see them from our kayaks and as you can imagine, the tripod and my big lens had to stay behind.

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Sandra Hotrum

Opposite Page: Mother bear with cubs gorging on sockeye salmon

travel feature

When we were not looking for grizzlies, we were hiking. Th e hikes were all uphill and challenging but we were rewarded with great vistas of the lake, mountains and pine forests. Since we were in bear country, before we started hiking, we were given a pep talk about bears. Black bears are considered the most dangerous to humans and we were told to treat any bear we encounter as if it was a black bear. Mother black bears are notoriously protective of their cubs, who stay with their mothers for about two years. If a bear approached us, we had to stay calm and running was a big no no. We also had to let the bear know we are humans, to talk in a soothing voice and lift our arms overhead to look bigger. Slowly we had to back away and avoid direct eye contact with the bear. Luckily no bears came our way.

Sleeping in a tent was nerve wrecking. Every creak, snap, every rustle of wind on my tent sent my heart in palpitations. Despite the fact that I did not come home with close up images of grizzlies, it turned out to be a wonderful experience and it made me realize that my favorite trips are when I am immersed in nature.

Article & Images by Sandra Hotrum

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Below: Kayaking and keeping our distance from the bear

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Above: View of Chilko Lake whilst hiking

Below: Bear quenching its thirst

October EventsOUT AND ABOUTSince art is not only about photography, Kerstin came up with the bril-liant idea of selecting a few monthly events and pointing them out to our members so that you visit these interesting exhibitions/installations/book launches and be inspired! Enjoy!

Notte Biancahttp://www.nottebianca.org.mt/4th October 2014; 6pm till midnight

Notte Bianca is once again set to light up the cityscape of Valletta, with a spectacu-lar nocturnal celebration of people, culture and arts. Th e streets and cultural ven-ues in the Maltese capital will play host to a motley assortment of entertainment.State palaces and museums will open their doors to delight patrons with visual art exhibitions and theatre performances, while the open-air streets and piazzas will showcase some of the fi nest local and international musicians and dancers. Cafes and restaurants will be open until late with further food stalls and tables occupying the streets.All of Valletta, from City Gate to Fort St. Elmo, will come alive on Notte Bianca, guaranteeing a memorable night that truly holds something for everyone.

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Talens Cobra colours products seminar and workshopOval Brands Ltd & Royal Talens of Netherlands

Friday 3rd October 2014, 18:00hrs. at the Babylon Suite, Cavalieri Art Hotel, St. Julian’s.

All attending will be given samples from these products together with catalogues from Royal Talens.

An end of Summer Season optional BBQ will be organized at a charge of €19.00 per person and you are kindly requested to confi rm your reservation.

Th ose wishing to attending are kindly to confi rm their participation by not later than the 30th September 2014 by contacting Gabriella Mallia on Tel No. 23180851 or email marketing@cavalierihotel.com

RSVP: 23180851

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MSA Annual Art Exhibitionhttp://artsmalta.org/participants-announced-in-msas-2014-mem-bers-annual-art-exhibition

Opening hours are:26 – 30 September: Monday to Fri-day between 08:00 and 12:00hrs1 – 3 October: between 08:00 and 15:00hrs4 October (Notte Bianca): 19:00 and 24:00hrs6 – 31 October: Monday to Fri-day 08:00 and 19:00hrs, Saturday 09:00 hrs to Noon.

No fewer than 46 artists have submitted original works for this year’s Malta Society of Arts Members’ Annual Art Exhibition.

Th e majority of the entries are executed in oils with the subjects varying from por-traits and still lifes, to landscapes and abstracts. Among the other media used are acrylics, watercolours, pastels, photography, limestone, ceramic and mixed media.Th e exhibition, sponsored by Vee Gee Bee Art and Delicata Winemakers, is be-ing held from 26 September to 31 October, 2014, at Palazzo de La Salle, Republic Street, Valletta.

Th e Sound Catalogues Livehttp://sjcav.org/page.asp?n=Eventdetails&i=5414&z=4

We will be launching the fi rst volume of ‘Th e Sound Catalogues’ series at the St. James Cavalier on Friday 10th and Saturday 11th October 2014.

Th e Sound Catalogues’ is an exciting artistic concept which leads to the making of various ‘catalogues’ which record inspiring events, fi gures, eras, inventions, and more, using musical composition and performance as a means of artistic expres-sion. Th is fi rst volume takes into account a series of historic events. By creating a set of contemporary compositions, the emotions related to each event are explored and allowed to resurface, having each event catalogued as an album track.

Th ese works have been recorded at Studio Sextan in Paris, France. Th e group line-up consists of:

Carlo Muscat (saxophone)Sandro Zerafa (guitar)Daniele Raimondi (trumpet)Joe Debono (piano)Mátyás Szandai (doublebass)Lionel Boccara (drums)

‘Th e Sound Catalogues’ is supported by Th e Malta Arts Fund.

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MUZA International Design Competition Exhibition 4th - 21st October Venue: Auberge d’Italie

Th e eighteen submissions for the MUZA project presented by Maltese, foreign and multinational consortia, including the winning project, shall be on display at Au-berge d’Italie, Valletta.

Th e Gran SoccorsoModern artists to the rescue

Date: October 15, 2014 @ 9:30 am – 3:15 pm Venue: Casino Maltese, Republic Street, Valletta

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Maltese ConfabulationsMaltese Confabulations is a multidisciplinary exhibition by Bettina Hutschek. Th is show highlights the artist’s oeuvre by bringing together works from recent years. It arranges them around several recurrent motifs and topoi, such as mythology, storytelling, history and archeology. Th ere is also a strong presence of Maltese her-itage or ancient civilisations, including the theory that Malta was Atlantis. Frag-ments of Maltese reality are interwoven in the various narrations, forming the basis for artistic storytelling and presenting a body of work that is to be understood simultaneously, not chronologically.

Venue: Blitz 68, St Lucy Street, Valletta VLT1182Opening Hours – 11.10.14 – 07.11.14Tues – Th urs 10am to 3pmFri / Sat 3pm to 7pm

Programme of Events11.10.14 – 4pm – Guided tour with Bettina Hutschek24.10.14 – 8pm – Film screening31.10.14 – time tbc – Performance Lecture01.11.14 – time tbc – Performance Lecture

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MIPP INTERNATIONAL CONVENTIONIn Collaboration with Th e Societies

1. 3 day Convention – EARLY BIRD booking inclusive of the MIPP’s Annual Award Dinner at €125.00 (for MIPP and/or MPS members only & booking before 30th Octorber).

2. 3 day Convention - FULL SUBSIDIZED TICKET inclusive of MIPP Annual Award Dinner €150.00 (for MIPP and/or MPS members only).

3. 3 day Convention only at €125.00 Full Price Subsidized ticket (for MIPP and/or MPS mem-bers only).

4. 3 day conference only - EARLY BIRD bookings at € 95.00 (for MIPP and/or MPS members only).

5. 3 day Convention only for Non MIPP/MPS members at €160.00

6. One day Convention ticket at €60.00

• Extra Award Dinner (for partners, guests) at €30.00 per person• Bookings at bookings@mipp-malta.com

Awards dinner is the MIPP Annual’s Dinner. Th is will be a part plated buff et in-cluding wine and water. Th is is open to partners and friends as it is a great way to socialize with fellow photographers.

Th is year’s MIPP International Photography Convention is fast approaching. Below you will fi nd the fi nal prices so reserve your seat at this informative convention. Th e early bird prices are a steal, so take advantage of them now! See you all at the Convention!

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MEET THE SPEAKERS

Stemming from a long line of artists and photographers, Stephanie S. Scicluna’s venture into the photographic world started from an early age. Shooting commis-sions whilst failing in academics at age 16, she soon realised her opportunities here were very limited. Soon thereaft er she moved to England to seek out the education she desired. Already having years of experience and technical knowledge under her belt, she quickly dove into the photographic scene. She achieved a national di-ploma and a fi rst class bachelors degree with honours in Photography from UCA, Farnham. Whilst still in education herself, she tutored at the Kiln photography studio and ran bookbinding workshops in the Bookroom.

Stephanie has also spend a year in India where she studied fi lm at MIT in Pune and spent 5 months exploring and photographing the country. Her young career has already spanned a multitude of diff erent experiences, including shooting com-mercials in Mumbai, working on fi lm sets in Kathmandu and spending a few weeks living in an Ethiopian orphanage. Stephanie has lived, worked and made photo-graphic projects worldwide. Her work is largely project based, dealing with socio-political issues and concerns. Th rough photographs and fi lm, her work combines fi ne art and documentary photography, backed by a strong narrative. Her work has been shown in exhibitions through Surrey and London.

Th e Annual Convention is coming next month, 14, 15 & 16th November to be exact. We have a programme packed with activities and lectures. Meet Stephanie S Scicluna, one of the lecturers!

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THE SECRET PHOTOGRAPHER

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Aft er the annual Airshow, our secret photographer came up with these great captures and colours! We couldn’t be grateful enough!

CALENDAR

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7th OctoberPTYA Judging Session19:30hrs, Le Meridien

11-12th OctoberMIPP Gozo Weekend

TBC

14, 15, 16th NovemberMIPP International ConventionLe Meridien

7th DecemberXmas Party

Le Meridien

9th DecemberExploiting portable Flash photography 19:30hrs, Le Meridien

MEMBERS’ GALLERY

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Gold Award for David Sammut

Gold Award for Robert Mifsud