“Believe me, there is nothing — absolutely nothing — half so much worth doing as simply messing about in boats,” said the Water Rat in Wind in the Willows by Kenneth Grahame.
Thirty-four members and five guests enjoyed an exceptional insight into the world of wind-powered boating, when Geoff Webster had a huge number of boating shots sail across the projector screen in his excellent “Gone Sailing” presentation. With an easy flowing description, Geoff tried to give us the feeling of being close to the action. He explained the hectic anticipation of a crowded start across an invisible line between a boat and a buoy, trying to stay out of the way of all the other boats – looking for ‘clean air’ among as many as 150+ small craft. ‘Hiking out’ to counter-balance the force of the wind, being doused by the bow wave plashing over the boat, and in some cases the wind over-powering the boat and the crew, capsizing or even pitch poling as part of the fun (when younger!!). A shutter speed of 1/500 sec. minimum is required to catch the action and get good shots.
You may have noticed one photo of a small boat seemingly flying above the water, – a Moth, an experimental-class boat; they actually lift clear off the water and sail or fly on foils, as do the America’s Cup multihulls.
Like many other hobbies, sailing involves life-long learning in many aspects. Relating to photography, we learned how to care of ourselves to be safe on a boat and to take care of our equipment when on the water. Any member wishing to try boating photography from a dry vantage point will have a chance to do that at Quinte SailAbility at the CFB Trenton Yacht Club during July and August. Contact Fletch Fletcher of Brighton Digital Archives (the Barn Project) or yours truly (volunteer at QS) for more information.
After refreshments, we had a more specialised critique than usually. Geoff complimented the overall quality of our photography, but “zoomed in” on how individual pictures could “tell a better story”. “Avoid a white rim, as the eye is drawn to any white area.” (Some printers will not allow borderless printing.) To avoid color distortion, Geoff suggested using a spyder for display calibration, so the printed picture looks as we see it on the screen. Lucky for our members, Harry Kranenburg donated one of his units – contact yours truly if interested in using the spyder.
Geoff Webster further suggested to use ISO 400 and f:16 to experiment and work with the light. Lucky again: Our June presentation by Cindy Taylor will be “Natural Light”.
OTHER:
Frances Linton-Schell drew attention to the Hospice Walk “Move for what matters”, which will take place at 11:00 am on Sunday, May 7th at the Brighton Memorial Park, across from the two banks on Main Street.
Marie Mitchell distributed slips for everyone to make a suggestion for next season’s themes and presentations.
Lewis Parker had the winning ticket for the 50/50 draw, and received $26. Congrats, Lewis, well deserved for all the work you do for the BPG.
Information about the potential field trip to Conan Garden Center will follow.
Theme for June is Buds
