Minutes, meeting of May 11th, 2016

[Gwen McDonald]

SSI Photography Club Minutes

May 11, 2016

 

Wendy called the meeting to order with the announcement that membership is now 116.

New members,  Jay Raine Unger, Isabelle De Launiere,  Brenda Bower,  Maurice Oates were introduced.  There were also several guests interested in Isabelle Groc’s talk – they were welcomed but not introduced.

 

Photo Club member shows:

            “Four by Four” at County Grocer, Jana and Avril

            Fernwood Cafe starting June 1^st: Curt Firestone and Tom Gilligan

 

Club Secretary: Due to illness in the family, Margaret Benmore will be stepping down as secretary.  Gwen McDonald and Colleen Barnes Horel  will share this position for the duration of the year.

 

Member news: Ernie Westlund, hospitalized in Victoria, is being transferred back to Lady Minto Hospital to complete his recovery. Sylvia Beech will send a card from the Club.  

 

Eclectic Visions: Jana updated the group on plans for the show.

            Entry forms due by May 23^rd.

            Please sign up for times for sitting the show.

            Fifi  needs volunteers to help with the reception on June 10th

            Photo drop off will be on June 7^th from 3 to 5 PM and on June 8^th from 10 to                                        noon at Gallery Eight.

            Razali will be hanging the show on June 9^th. A few volunteers are needed to help

            Bio’s should include information re both the photographer and the photograph.

            Advertising has been ably organized by Maggie Argiro  

Ads will appear in the Driftwood, the Island Tides, the TC, and the Fishbowl. Sandwich boards will be put up closer to the date. Razali will be sending out mailings. 

 

Guest speaker: Isobelle Groc presented an outstanding slide show featuring her work as a photojournalist, wildlife photographer, film maker and environmentalist focusing on Endangered Species... including many in remote parts of the world.  Isabelle’s stories and photographs appear in National Geographic, Scientific American, Canadian Wildlife, Sierra Club and numerous other publications. The photos were exquisite!  The stories impassioned! Some of the wildlife photography tips she shared  include:

            Patience: Nature photography, especially when the subject is endangered and thus few in number, is a challenge. One can organize a trip and never see the animal in question, despite enduring days of vigilance in remote and often uncomfortable conditions

            Team work: nature photographers function as part of the scientific team when on             projects... they are expected to do team chores along with everyone else, in addition to keeping a low profile in the face of the goals of the project while capturing brilliant photographs that tell the story.  

            Opportunity: Must at all times be “in the moment”, prepared for that one perfect elusive shot, without falling overboard, losing one’s equipment or otherwise screwing up.

            Challenge yourself:  Endangered species work means being willing to travel to     remote areas of the world, typically on a minimal budget, sharing primitive living quarters with a team of scientists and environmentalists.

            Tell the story: Photographs must include different aspects of the animals   behaviour and of the situations that make them endangered. For example include documentation of the impacts of plastic on sea birds, or an image of just the immense splash of a whale.

            Pick your battles, pick your species:  One cannot photograph everything...           important to select projects that you are passionate about.

            Get the message out: Work to get your images and stories published, give talks to school kids, environmental groups and the interested public.

            Equipment: needs to be high end, with at least two camera bodies and a variety   of lenses if going to remote locations.  One must be familiar enough with one’s   equipment to change lenses and to make settings adjustments quickly, almost    instinctively. Shutter speeds often need to be fast (e.g. 1/1600). Isabelle carries a  large, heavy 200 to 400 lens with a strong tripod,  a 70 – 200 lens, a teleconverter, a 24 to 85 lens, a 14 – 24 wide angle lens, a fish eye and a macro lens and rents a 500 mm lens as needed. Take extra fully charged batteries and extra memory cards. Have a headlamp for night time shooting.

            Repitition: Take lots of shots so you will actually get your few great shots.

            Protect your gear: To avoid problems with condensation, avoid drastic changes   of temperature when shooting in remote areas (e.g. being in cold arctic temperatures, then coming into a warm tent or hut.  Use rain covers. Be disciplined with equipment cleaning. 

 

Members slide show: Featured mastheads (panorama shaped images). Members submitted many outstanding images, some of which will be selected to be our website’s new banner. Members are asked to vote for their three favorites. Wendy will make the final cuts.

 

Next month’s photographic theme: Wildlife! In keeping with this evening’s talk!

 

Respectfully submitted,

Gwen McDonald

   

           

 

[anna mccolm]

Thanks Gwen. Sorry I didn't make it but your minutes give me a lot of useful information. Nicely organised too!

[Avril Kirby]

Yes, well documented, Gwen. Thanks.

[Curt Firestone]

Well done.  Gwen is a great minute taker, if I do say with prejudice.

Correction: Tom & my show opening reception is June 12.