Focus on Kirkie

FOCUS ON KIRKIEKIRKINTILLOCH CAMERA CLUB NEWSLETTER

February 2016

Editorial/President’s Update

NEWSLETTER | February 2016

Judge Tom Doherty brought the season’s league race to its conclusion. Congratulations to the respective champions.

This is the 5th edition of the newsletter with more images than any previous edition. My thanks to everyone who has contributed and in particular I’d like to acknowledge the willingness of many members to give additional information on how an image was achieved which I feel enhances what would otherwise be a straightforward reproduction of pictures. Each edition takes a considerable effort to compile so my apologies if I have forgotten to include an image along the way.

Let me take this opportunity to update Members on the Committee Membership. You will recall that John stands down as External Competition Secretary this year. I am delighted that both Chris Latham and John Wilkes have volunteered to put their names forward to the next AGM as a joint team to take over John’s role. Flexible working in the form of job sharing comes to KCC!! Or is it just that John was so good it takes two to replace him! Notwithstanding decisions at the AGM, Chris will join John on the Committee as a general member.

One matter remains outstanding however, and that is the management arrangements for the Club’s annual exhibition at Bishopbriggs and Kirkintilloch libraries. This is a good opportunity to showcase members’ work and to market the club to potential new members. John has already booked the space for 1st to 22nd August but the club needs just a few volunteers to help prepare and hang he images (creating labels, adding Velcro to mounts etc). A lead volunteer to coordinate the exercise and liaise with the libraries would be helpful. This is an important event for the club and I would hope that some among the members would be able to put their name forward. Please talk to either John or myself.

Finally, you will read in Jim’s committee notes of a very generous donation to the club by long standing member Jackie Connolly. The money will be put to good use in contributing to repairs and improvements to our club facility. I’d like to record my appreciation and admiration for Jackie’s kind gesture.

SECTION WINNER RUNNER UP

A League Print Alan Jones Ian Tully

B League Print Alistair MacMillan Eric Mair

Monochrome Print Gordon Baird Alan Cameron

Digital Images Alan Cameron, Eric Mair Brian Cathie

League Champions Decided....

A strong second half of the season, with the top image in both the 3rd and 4th monthly, saw Alan Jones edge the A league title with a winning total of 141 points just 1 point ahead of

Ian Tully. Both were very consistent scoring an average of 17.5pts per print. Here is a reminder of all Alan’s entries.

A League

Emily Zombie Doll Naz

In The Saddle Red Kite

Google In Flight SEO

For the nature lovers amongst us (are you reading Reuben?) bird photography features heavily in Alan’s submissions. Alan explains that images are taken with a Cannon 1ds MK3 camera. Flash is used where required for the posed shots such as “Emily”, the model with captive European Eagle Owl, with off camera flash metered on focus point and exposure on background, ISO 200 and fill flash at manual about 1/8 to fill shadows.

Alan has helpfully supplied the further notes to explain the background to his winning images. Remember that the images “Google”, “Naz” and “Zombie Doll” were featured in earlier issues of the newsletter.

“In the saddle”. Argent is a Friesian stallion and loves crashing through the waves and being on the beach. Part of a Photo session, this was after all the excitement and he wanted



to relax. No flash, (with hindsight it would have been a better shot with flash) had to expose for sky and keep some detail on the black horse.

“Red Kite”. Usually I’m at Argaty for red kites but this time we were away at Bellymack Farm in Dumfries and Galloway. Kites are fed much closer than at Argaty and so difficult to get separation on an individual bird. Poor light, misty and usual high ISO of 400 and shutter speed of 1/640 with a 400mm lens.

“In Flight”. Bec is a captive female kestrel. On a good day she will hover if there is a bit of wind to give her lift. I liked the symmetry of this shot. High shutter speed to freeze the movement.

“SEO (Short Eared Owl)”. I have spent the last 2 months watching these guys in wonder and amazement. One of the few owls that hunt during the day, I have managed to get closer and closer without spooking them. Initially I had several images in mind for the competition but this one nailed it for sharpness and attitude. Good light on the day meant my ISO was down to 200 and using a 400mm non IS lens hand held was made easier with owls coming closer. Not much to do in editing other than a crop, straighten the horizontal and fix the white balance.

The B league saw a complete change around between Alistair and Eric, with Alastair timing his run to the finish line perfectly with a winning total of 144. Given the quality of their respective work, both this year and last (Eric joint winner of

this year’s Monochrome competition and Alistair last year’s Panel) there is a strong argument for both to be invited to join the A league next season. Here is Alastair’s wining sequence of entries.

B League

I’ve Got My Eye On You Autumn Stroll Watching For Prey

Puffin In Flight This Is Not Fun

Twilight at St Mary’s Light Lone Tree Buttermere Tumbling Water

Using a Sony SLT A77v camera, Alistair has provided some technical notes to explain how the images were created.

“This is not fun”. At 35mm, shutter speed 1/80sec at f16, ISO 200. Cloned out busy back ground, boosted saturation and added vignette to the image.

“Tumbling water”. Lens 18-135mm at 18mm f22 ISO 50 shutter speed 0.4sec. Cloned out some stray branches, did some burning to highlights and a little dodging in the shadows.

“Autumn Stroll”. Focal length 35mm shutter speed 1/10th sec at f13 ISO200. Boosted colour saturation to bring out the

autumn colours, some sharpening on the walls and path to bring out texture.

“Twilight at St Marys”. Shutter speed 6sec on manual f16, focal length 28mm with ISO 200. Boosted contrast and saturation in Photoshop.

“Watching for prey”. Lens 75-300mm f4-5.6 shutter speed 1/2000 sec shutter priority f5.6 ISO 200 focal length 300mm.Some dodging and sharpening around the face, also the log and cloned out the leg tether in Photoshop.

The Monochrome league finished with a late run by Alan Cameron who caught favourite Eric Mair to share the spoils,

both finishing on a very strong total of 71 points for their 4 images. Alan’s entries were:

Monochrome

Fanad Lighthouse Waterfall Sky Winter Wonder

Kirkjufell

Eric’s winning combination;

Big Josh City Bike Finn’s Try Jolly Farmer



Digital Images

Mist and Reflections Industrial Dawn

Frozen Whale Wrecks

Argo at Dawn The Red House

Nesting Extreme FMX

Gordon Baird led from start to finish. His 8 entries scored an average of 17 points. Here is a reminder of what they were.


As for the 4th monthly itself ...Top results on the night’s entries went to David Halliburton, coming first in both the Print and DPI sections and to Alastair Macmillan winner in both the “B” and Monochrome sections.

Cuillins from Elgol, David Halliburton 19pts

Red Squirrel, David Halliburton 18pts

Early Light Bamburgh, Alistair Macmillan, Top mono 20pt.

Other images from the night:

I’m Outta Here, Ian Tully

Morning Mist, Chris Latham

Devil’s Pulpit, Lynne Watson

Harris Hawk, Fiona Brims

Soft Morning on the Forth, Ian Tully

Safe Anchorage, Jim Watson

Reynisdranger Sea Stacks, Brian Cathie


Snow Covered Mountain, Andy Alexander

Trust me I’m a Doctor, Eric Mair

Into the Storm, John Logan

PHOTOGRAPHERS’ NOTES;

I’m Outta Here, by Ian Tully. Taken from a hide near a feeding tank and perch set up to lure in the Kingfisher. So easy then? Not real nature photography! Have you seen how fast these blighters move! Captured at f6.7, 1/3000th Sec, ISO 1250 and still not all of the bird is in focus!

Soft Morning on the Forth by Ian Tully. A sunrise shot of the breakwater at St Monans known locally as “The Blocks” Although not quite at its highest, the tide and sunrise came together at the right time but did required getting up a 5am for a 2 hour drive. Time for one shot only after which the sun was too strong. Nikon D800, with Nikon 16-35mm lens at 18mm, F10 for 107 secs. Neutral Density Grad and Big Stopper filters.

Reynisdranger Sea Stacks by Brian Cathie. Taken in Iceland near the town of Vik, this image is pleasing simply because the weather conditions were very tough for taking photographs, for most of the trip the light was poor with

frequent snow storms. On the particular day this was taken we stood at a fairly high vantage point at the edge of the cliff with an 80mph winds battering us. The challenge was to keep the camera upright and to stay on our feet! Canon 5d mk2 Aperture f18, Exposure 25sec, Focal length 35mm ISO 100.

Devil’s Pulpit by Lynne Watson. Devils Pulpit or Finnich Glen is situated just outside Killearn and is well known with photographers. It’s not for the faint hearted with a treacherous clamber down a very steep and slippery staircase that takes you in the Pulpit but this shot was taken on 27th December and is from the far end of the river and not the usual spot that is well known for photographers, another paddle required to get this shot. Camera setting Sony A37 100 ISO, 30mm, F20, 15 secs.

Red Squirrel by David Halliburton. 400mm 1/100th sec @5.6 The Cuillins from Elgol, by David Halliburton. 35mm 2secs @ f11

AND FINALLY… a couple of images by Brian that were just too late for the last newsletter.

‘The Stare’ The 2nd top image in the 3rd monthly mono. I was asked to shoot a group of boxers who were boxing for charity at an event in Glasgow. Shot on location at Morrisons Gym I shot in an upstairs area using the roof of the gym as a backdrop. For this particular shot I thought monochrome would create a dark and gritty feel to the image. A two light set up with a softbox front left and a flashgun back right. Focal length 85mm, ISO 100, 1/100sec, f8.

‘Moody Elgol’ 17pts in the 3rd monthly

Quis custodiet ipsos custodes? (Who will guard the guards themselves?)

by Malcolm Allan

In previous issues of the Newsletter, the ways in which judges are appointed and operate have been outlined. However, while we are fortunate that we often gain from the comments of those who are invited to comment and adjudicate on submissions, such is human nature, some are considered to be more effective than others.

So, WHO JUDGES THE JUDGES?

As might be imagined this is a topic that has exercised the minds of members of the committee of the Glasgow and District Photographic Union, the GDPU, in the past. Should there be a mechanism in place to ask for the resignation of any photographic judge whose performance is perceived to have fallen below the expected standard? If so, who should weigh the evidence and decide the fate of the individual?

After considerable deliberation, it was concluded that this is best left to members of individual clubs on the simple basis that the most effective judges are invited back to clubs, while others sit beside their phones.

Let’s return to the recruiting process for potential judges. During these sessions, guidelines are outlined for how the successful candidates should conduct themselves when they are invited to judge club competitions. Let me share some with you. We shall get the practicalities out of the way to begin with:

Arrive on time, equipped with the following:At least one torch to read entries and notes. It’s sensible to carry a spare.Carry, and use a pointer, both for prints and for projected images (more later).A clip board for entries/notes.Be presentable. Yes, dress has become more casual, but do differentiate between casual and sloppy, out of respect to the audience.Establish if there is to be a tea beak at some point and if there is a time by which the meeting has to close.

We now move to the way in which the individual should perform.1) Express thanks for the invitation to view and judge the entries.2) Thank, by name (if not known in advance, ask the Chair) the competition secretary for delivering the entries in good time.3) If a CV has not been requested in advance and made available to the Chairperson to introduce the judge, give a very brief indication as to one’s background in photography.

Most clubs, when dealing with both prints and projected images on the same evening begin with prints and continue with the latter. Let’s do likewise here. 1) When handling prints do so with respect. Mounts are not inexpensive and may be used in further competitions. Do not lift by one corner but use both hands to place on any easel or viewing area.2) Speak up and address the audience not the print. Use the pointer which has been brought with you. Do not use one’s

hand even if avoiding touching the print. By using the pointer this enables the speaker to stand aside from the print while maintaining contact with the audience.3) Maintain eye contact with the audience, moving from the back to the front, without dwelling too long on any one person.4) Be positive, encouraging and enthusiastic*. If some aspect of the entry appears not to merit a high mark, explain why, and suggest, how, in your opinion, it could be improved. 5) Be concise and avoid repetition. Avoid reading one’s notes.6) Leave any personal prejudices behind.7) Enlarge one’s vocabulary. In particular, avoid the over-use of the word “NICE”8) Marks should be consistent with one’s comments—confusion can arise if an entry is highly praised and then finishes up with a low mark. 9) Use a reasonable range of marks e.g. 11-20, establishing a benchmark which might be 14 i.e. an acceptable standard for a club entry.10) Recognise that, particularly in the case of prints, members have given time and effort to submit an entry, so avoid flippancy.11) Encourage innovation, a fresh approach, though not at the expense of technical merit.12) Accept that it is not possible to please everyone but, if one has clearly explained the reasoning behind the decision to arrive at one’s conclusion, this is generally accepted as being a ‘fair’ critique.

*I return to the subject of enthusiasm.While it may be flattering to be invited to judge a number of club competitions, it is advisable to avoid accepting more than can be accommodated within a reasonable time frame. It is less than fair to those who have submitted entries if a judge has left insufficient time to study each image, to return to it on several occasions, and to decide how best to talk about the features of each. Taking on too many can sap one’s enthusiasm and this is easily transmitted to an audience. Sometimes it is necessary to decline an invitation, though an offer to suggest an alternative judge can sometimes be appreciated.

Judges are faced with many challenges. Within any competition they are faced with a very wide range of subjects and media. They require to judge what is presented on that one occasion and try to put behind them the innumerable times when they may have viewed the same time-worn images.

So there you have it, fellow members. The choice of judges for future competitions lies in your hands. Do give feed-back to committee members on how much you gained from the comments from judges. It is possible that the above article may provide some assistance in deciding how many boxes successive judges might tick.

Malcolm Allan


Kirkintilloch v’s Airdrie and Coatbridge


Members who attended on the night will recall our recent friendly match against Airdrie and Coatbridge Photographic Club, judged by Colin McLatchie ARPS. Kirky did particularly well in the print section scoring an average of 17.6 points, helped by the top 3 scores from prints that had all been

successful in recent monthly competition. A total of 13 members’ images were used in our entry, a reflection of the wide range of talent in the club. The final score was 413 to 390 in Kirkintilloch’s favour.

Events

GLASGOW AND DISTRICT PRINT EXHIBITION

The GDPU website indicates that this year’s exhibition will be staged at the People’s Palace from 15th March to 17th April. The GDPU combine the exhibition submission with competitions. The Club competition consists of a panel of 4 prints and, as in previous years, the club will submit an entry which will be judged against other participating clubs and thereafter placed in the exhibition. Our entry is drawn from images from last season and comprises Puffin at Take-Off, Snowy Egret, Sapphires and Lace and Evening at Yellowcraigs. Last year our entry came a very creditable 4th.

Running in parallel is the Individual Print Competition (and Exhibition) and the Beginner’s Print Competition (and Exhibition) and this is open to all members of affiliated clubs. This is an opportunity to submit a selection of your images directly to the GDPU and have them judged by a panel of three judges in the salon style of scoring (i.e. each judge

scores the image between 2 and 5). There are awards for the top images. This process provides further material for the Exhibition based presumably on all images above a minimum threshold score.

A number of clubs were well represented at last year’s exhibition at Scotland Street Museum with images from many of their members displayed.

If you want to see some of your work seen and the profile of Kirkintilloch Camera Cub raised then why not consider entering. Note that there is a fee of £1.50 per entry. You can enter directly or it may be simpler to bring your entry to the club and I will gather then all into one submission to accompany the club entry. The deadline is 24th February so you will need to get prints ready by Monday 22nd at the very latest.

See the GDPU website for further details.

SCOTTISH PHOTOGRAPHIC FEDERATION PRINT CHAMPIONSHIPS

The SPF Print Championships take place at the Stirling Management Centre on Sunday 21st February (see SPF

website for details if you fancy going along). As usual Kirkintilloch have submitted an entry, this year totalling 55 prints from 19 different members drawn from last year’s work.

CLUB PHOTO ADVISORY NIGHT

An inaugural event was held last Autumn and subject to demand it is proposed to hold another on either Thursday 25th Feb or Thurs 3rd March. This is an opportunity to bring along some images, printed or digital, and get some friendly

peer feedback and constructive critique from the clubs own judges. At last two from Andy, Gordon, Neil and myself will be in attendance. The night works best with around 8-10 members give or take, so please let me know at the earliest if you are interested.

Email [email protected] with your news, stories and information for the next newsletter.

SUBMIT CONTENT FORTHE NEXT ISSUE MARCH 2016

kirkintillochcamera club

Founded 1951


Committee Matters

The Committee met on 21st January 2016 and the following matters were discussed: -

• John Logan has for many years taken on the onerous task of organising and staging the annual print exhibition. The print exhibition is very important to the Club because it raises our profile in the local community and helps to attract new members. While John is resigning as Competition Secretary he has said that he would be happy to continue helping out at the annual print exhibition. Given the circumstances, Committee feels that that the work of staging the print exhibition should now be assigned to a lead person and small group of helpers, and we are looking for volunteers to get involved. We are looking for ordinary members rather than committee members, so why not take up the challenge to become more involved in the running of your Club.

• As a follow up to our recent enjoyable visit to Central Station, Lynne Watson is trying to organise a Club night which would include a talk by the station guide who showed us round on the day, followed by an AV of a selection of images taken by the members on the night. That should be an interesting experience given some of the images I’ve seen to date.

• Ian Tully, Lynne Watson and myself had another meeting with the local car dealer (Deals4Wheels) about the advertising hoarding site. They said that they still wish to pursue the project following positive discussions with East Dunbartonshire Planning Department and their sign erector. We also discussed other outstanding issues which have to be resolved by the owners prior to any agreement being signed and Lynne undertook to forward a copy of a draft agreement

to the owners, so they can consult with their solicitor regarding the terms of the agreement. Given the positive signs (no pun intended!) to date we are hopeful that we can sign an agreement in the next couple of months.

• Ian Tully, John Logan and I visited Jackie Connolly at the nursing home in Canal Street. Jackie had phoned me earlier in the month asking for us to call round to see him. We had a good visit and spent most of the time chatting about the early days of the Club and the substantial work involved in transforming the building from 6 flats to our current facilities. Jackie was deeply involved in that work and continued to look after the premises, in an unofficial capacity, right up until his recent health problems. Towards the end of the visit Jackie handed over a cheque for a significant sum of money which he wished to donate to the Club. We all thanked Jackie for his generosity, which was another example of his long standing commitment to the Club, despite the fact that he no longer is able to attend our meetings.

• Our current financial position has improved significantly following the recent £500 grant from the Clydesdale Bank, the recent gift from Jackie Connolly and also because of lower than expected running costs. In line with the earlier decision by committee, the £500 grant and the gift from Jackie has been placed in the Fabric Fund, which was set up to take care of unplanned building maintenance works.

• The number of entries for the 4th Monthly Competitions has exceeded all expectations. A total of 93 images were entered, which is the largest entry this year, and 30% higher than in the same competition last year.

by Jim Watson

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