Category: meeting

Greetings & invitation to BPG Members and your Friends as our Guests

Meeting date:  Tuesday, June 6th, from 9:30 a.m. to 11:45 a.m.

Location:          King Edward Park Community Centre, 75 Elizabeth St., Brighton  
                                          Parking at the back of the building

The June meeting will be the last one until we continue after the summer break with an even better agenda, thanks to many members’ suggestions.

Returning for another much-anticipated presentation will be

Cindy Taylor to explain how to use

“NATURAL LIGHT”

Our friends and relatives wishing to take up photography as a hobby will find much helpful information in the 51 page dPS Ultimate Guide to Photography for Beginners

[ https://s3.amazonaws.com/dps-ebooks/The+dPS+Ultimate+Guide+to+Photography+for+Beginners.pdf ]

Even ‘experts’ will benefit by referring to this abundantly illustrated “everything-guide”.

“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 7^th 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

1. Our first spring meeting had 42 members and three guests in attendance. The
meeting began with Tim going through the announcements that included:

a. A reminder that the attendance fee for guests is $5.00 per meeting;

b. A reminder that members are permitted only one picture for critique, whether
it is for the theme or other;

c. Doug Banks will be at the May meeting for sensor or lens cleaning. The cost
is $20.00 per camera, $10.0 per lens. If you didn’t pre-register you can still
get your name on the list by visiting the web page and sending an email;

d . On Saturday and Sunday, April 15 and 16, Picton Rotary will again sponsor
waterfall tours at two locations. Further details may be found at
https://portal.clubrunner.ca/1145/Event/waterfalls-tour

2. Tony Crocker spoke briefly about the Spark Photo Festival and the photographs
displayed at various businesses in Campbellford. Some of our members have their
work on display. More details may be found on our club website
http://brightonphotogroup.org/spark-photo-festival

3. Our guest speaker today was Leslie Abram, who gave a very informative
presentation on photographing owls. Complemented with numerous pictures, she
spoke about best times to view owls, their behaviour, and signs to watch for
that suggest owls are in the vicinity (crows, jays, and chickadees making lots
of noise). She also suggested numerous local areas where owls are prevalent from
mid November to April. Among them: Jobe’s Woods and the circuit drive at
Presquile, beaches and Gull Island for the Snowy owls, Amherst Island, Wolf
Island, and the banding station in the County. If you’re always looking high in
the trees, set your sights down lower to straw bales, fence posts. Owls tend to
sit about 8 -10 feet up.
To read more on her amazing photography go to Leslie’s web site
http://leslieabram.com

4. A total of 26 photos were on display: 14 for the theme “What Is It?” , Three
for general critique, four from field trips, and five miscellaneous. Leslie did
the honours for the theme and Bill carried on with the remainder. The theme
photos showed an abundance of imagination with photography talents.

5. Sam McKinnel won the 50/50 draw and went home $25.00 richer.

The theme for
next month is “Wild and Free” 

Meeting date:  Tuesday, April 4th, from 9:30 a.m. to 11:45 a.m.

Location: King Edward Park Community Centre, 75 Elizabeth St., Brighton
Parking at the back of the building

Guest Speaker

Leslie Abram will again be with us, sharing her extensive photographic knowledge.

Her presentation will be:

Searching for Owls

Agenda

After the break and the 50/50 draw

The display theme will be Guess What?

Camera Cleaning

On Tuesday, we will collect money for camera and lens maintenance.
This will be done again in May by Douglas Banks.
Only $20 per camera, $10 per lens.

Don’t wait till May — We must have a certain amount of work prepaid for Douglas Banks to come from north of Napanee.
Henry’s no longer provides this service. Vistek in Mississauga charges

1 Hour –while you wait- Sensor and lens cleaning	$79.99
Mail in Sensor cleaning	$55
Lens cleaning	$20
Average Camera repair	$180 plus parts

Let Douglas catch developing flaws before they become expensive repairs.

Announcements:

Lewis Parker welcomed everyone and explained the restructured
meeting, because the February meeting had to be cancelled.
Twenty- eight members and one guest attended last Tuesday’s meeting.  

Presentation

Brighton Digital Archives presented their vision for documenting
images of local barns along with a history of the structures. The call was made
for 10- 12 photographers to volunteer their talents to assist with the project.
A sign up sheet was available, but anyone who missed the meeting can view the
concept at www.vitacollections.ca/brightonarchives.  Telephone contacts for
assisting are Catherine at 613-475-1323 or Fletch at 613-475-4427

Website

Mike Gaudaur gave a detailed overview of the club’s website. Emails on new posts
and notices will be sent automatically to those who sign up through the stay
informed button. Although member’s galleries are not functional yet, images can
be loaded to the theme gallery with the club password (lighthouse —– please
do not share the password with non-members). Images should be 800 pixels wide,
no larger than 2Mb, and should have a title. At this time, images can only be
uploaded one at a time.

Depth of Field

Tim Whitehouse gave a short presentation on the mysterious depth of field
complemented with numerous examples. The two must remember points of his talk
were that depth of field is really a “block of sharpness” and that it primarily
controlled by aperture setting. (The larger the number, the greater the block of
sharpness)

Interactive Critique

Lewis Parker led an interactive critique of all photos on display. Eleven photos
were shown with the theme “ Food for Thought.” Four general critique photos,
four from field trips, and ten others completed member’s submissions. Next month
the theme will be “What Is It”

Finally, the 50-50 draw was won by Sam McKinnel who went home $19.50 richer.

Harry Kranenburg is a great help doing the wrap-ups lately. Thank you!

Hello Everyone:

Our next meeting date:  Tuesday, March 7th, from 9:30 a.m. to 11:45 a.m.

Location:          King Edward Park Community Centre, 75 Elizabeth St., Brighton   
                                          Parking at the back of the building

Our February meeting was cancelled because of imminent freezing rain; therefore, our March meeting will be an assortment of items, as Lewis Parker will outline at the introduction.

The Brighton Digital Archives

will discuss the participation of the Brighton Photo Group in the former’s efforts to assemble a record of area barns. A number of barns have been destroyed lately by fire or decay, and the Archives wish to create a permanent record of the historical aspect of Brighton Township.

 Depth of Field Presentation – Tim Whitehouse

The BPG Website Explained – Mike Gaudaur

A Questions & Answer Period by Ron Visockis & Tim Whitehouse had been planned for March. Due to last month’s cancellation this was not relayed to the membership — if anyone has a question regarding photography, equipment, papers, printing, etc., please present them in writing to Ron or Tim. (Depending on time to be expanded in the future)

Monitor/screen calibration will be examined by Bill Murtha and Harry Kranenburg

Field trip slide shows. Please bring 3–5 pictures on a memory stick- attach your name- and David Lawler will assemble for future showing.

Tips & Tricks – by Ron Visockis is always an interesting subject — time permitting.

DIY Equipment – Clint Guy & Harry Kranenburg — time permitting.

We hope to be ‘on track’ (sorry, Ron) very soon again, as more members participate.

After the break, pictures to the theme ‘Food for Thought’ should be an interesting subject.

The theme for April will be Guess What?

Camera and lens maintenance will be done again in May by Douglas Banks. 
We will start taking names and $$. Only $20 per camera, $10 per lens.

The first meeting of 2017 started with a smaller, but enthusiastic group of 26
members. Tim welcomed all present and led the announcements/discussion on
various activities:

• The Royal Ontario Museum is featuring a wildlife photography exhibition until
March 19, 2017.
• In February, there will be a field trip to Amherst Island. The majority
elected to take a guided tour with a naturalist (hopefully guaranteeing owl
sightings). Marie will co-ordinate the details. Watch the website for details.
• Mike spoke briefly on the website. The member galleries are not running
properly yet, but everything is functioning well. Members were reminded that the
password “lighthouse” is required to upload photos to the monthly theme
galleries.
• There is a mixed media display, including photography, at Victoria Hall in
Cobourg until January 16.

The meeting format was changed to do the theme critiques first while technical
difficulties were sorted out.  This month’s theme was “Black and White.” Members
displayed 15 theme photos, 8 general for critique, 6 from field trips, and 12 in
the “others” category.  The variety of photos displayed was quite extensive,
demonstrating the talent of the members. Mike conducted the critique and
discussed photos in a “teaching” style by emphasizing principles such as shape,
texture, tone, dynamic range, exposure compensation, cropping, and centre of
interest. The exchange of information suggested this was a very worthwhile
critique session.

Meanwhile, David Lawler came to the rescue and went home to pick up his Windows
laptop, which sorted out the technical issues. (Take heed all of us Mac users….
Not for the platform but for the connectivity in the room). After refreshments
served by Marilyn Pickel, Gilles Bisson gave an informative presentation on
Black and White photography along with the conversion process from colour: shoot
in colour in Raw and convert in post processing, using filtration to achieve
desired effects. It was regrettable that the tech difficulties prevented a more
in depth presentation of the actual conversion process in Lightroom. He
complemented his presentation with two short slide shows.  For more examples of
his work, visit his web site: www.gbissonphotography.com

The December 50/50 winner of $18.00 was Sam McKinnel.  The winner of $14.00
today was Tim Whitehouse.

The theme for February is Shadows.    Happy Shooting!!

Despite our colorful world and color-photography, we all have seen the stunning effect a good black & white picture has. One of our many talented members will inspire us to give B&W a try (again).

Gilles Bisson presents

Black & White Photography

On his website,  Gilles says, ”I am a retired Chartered Accountant and moved to Belleville from Kapuskasing in the summer of 2010. I had dabbled in photography for a few years but never really got into it until retirement. With a little more time on my hands, I decided to take a few photography courses and finally started to learn how to use my camera equipment. Learning photography combined with my love of nature and kayaking is all I needed to develop a great hobby.

I enjoy nature photography, and the surrounding conservation areas/provincial parks provide me with an incredible area to explore.

I use a canon T3i and a 6D with canons EF 100-400mm f4.5-5.6 L and EF 24-105mm f4L lenses. Carting all this stuff around in a kayak can sometimes be a bit of a challenge but so far I have managed to remain right side up and dry.

Now that I have discovered the amazing variety of birds that reside in and migrate through the area, I am eager to learn more about birding. It’s proving to be a great supplement to my photography and kayaking.

In line with Gilles’ presentation, the January photo display theme is:   Black & White

The theme in February is: Shadows

Tim Whitehouse welcomed thirty-six members and one guest to today’s meeting. He announced the new policy that a meeting fee of $5.00 for guest members would be in effect for future meetings.

Mike Gaudaur gave an update on the website:

• If you subscribe to the website, you’ll receive an email notification when new material is posted.
• You can upload your theme pictures and when prompted for the password, use “lighthouse”: all lower case and without the quotes. This is for member use only, so please don’t share.
• You may request an individual gallery to be created. Use the comments section to request this. Please, this is a club related site/gallery, so any personal business references should not be posted here.
• Images for uploading should be sized to a width of 800 pixels.

Tony Crocker introduced our guest lecturer, Terry Carpenter, who gave a very informative presentation on “Creating a Basic Slide Show. “He should have added with pizazz. Terry included pearls of wisdom on telling a story, organizing the slides to tell that story, visual timing of the slides, setting them to appropriate music, and creating executable files. It looks like the old days of “lets all sit behind the Kodak, and watch hundreds of carousal pictures are over.” Terry’s software of choice is Pro-Show Gold, which is feature packed, intuitive, and easy to use. It is available for $69.95 but you can download a free trial before making a purchase decision. Terry concluded his presentation with a ten-minute slide show called “Travels Through Algonquin”, which incorporated all the points he presented.

Note: The Pro-Show Gold is a Windows based program. Another package available is “Pictures to EXE” Google that and you’ll be taken to the website. This is also a Windows platform. For Mac users, try “Fotomagico 5” from Boinx Software. It’s less feature packed than ProShow, but it will do the trick for the Mac family.

Twenty-nine photos were on display, of which 15 were for the “Outside the Box” theme, 3 for critique, 4 from the Alpaca farm field trip, and 7 general shots. Terry led the critique of some amazing photographs which clearly took members outside the box of traditional photography: a hood ornament digitally twisted turned and blended into an abstract, a simple drill bit transformed into a work of art through light experimentation, a computer generated multi coloured graphic box (no camera involved), and Tim’s stacked chairs taken with a digital pin hole camera (no lens, just a camera body cap with a hole drilled through it. 

Sorry… I forgot to record the 50/50 winner and will include it in the next wrap-up. 

The theme for January is “Black and White.”