I hope that everyone who has joined the club this year are getting my e mails – we aim to get better use of the web site and those members who have ‘signed up’ to the web site also get an e mail  notification of the ‘chairman’s report’ which is a duplicate of the e mail I send out.

So our plan, over the next few weeks,  is to enter all members names on the web site so as to cut out this duplication. A further benefit will be to receive additional posts and notices automatically sent to your ‘in box’. If any member does not want for this to be done then let me know and we will take you off, lets give it a try and the benefits will be apparent.

Last week Mark Davy spoke about ‘flash photography’, instead of spending out £6 grand, I use a useful piece of kit which is a soft box by Lastolite ‘Ezybox, which cost £50 on Amazon. This fits onto a flash gun and is excellent for ‘fill in light’ and a softer light for general use, also no red eye. There was not time last night to show you this, so I will bring it along to a future meeting.

We had 34 members enter the Digital Image Competition which will be screened and judged next Thursday.  the next one is the ‘Colour Print Competition’ – I would like to see a higher entry so will everyone have a go. Last week I sent an e mail giving details, but if anyone has any queries  or requires help, please ask.

I shall be away for the next two weeks, so Joe will ‘front’ next week and on Thursday 11th October David Howie ‘will be in charge’.  On the 11th there is a change in the programme, the Portrait Photography will be replace by something very different,  Mike Clark will give us an illustrated talk, with sound, on ‘underwater photography’. So now you can add a wet suite to your Christmas list!

Last night Rod Wheelans, supported by his wife Ann  enlightened us on the PAGB awards and what to look for and how we could further develop our skills. He described how the judging takes place and what they look for in respect of the quality of the photo and the presentation. There are three grades of qualification, ‘Credit’, which based on the example that Rod showed us I am sure that many of our members could achieve. With a little more development and help many more of our members could also have a go for it.

The second award is ‘Distinction’ which has much higher expectations and the top one is Master, not only Rod and Ann have achieved this, when living in Southampton Del Stonehill achieved this and obtained the highest marks ever awarded.

Full details of the PAGB can be seen on the web site:-   www. pagb-photography-uk.co.uk

Be reassured that you do not have to aim to get such qualifications, just enjoy your hobby and you only need to get involved if you want to, the club will support you and your development based on what you want not what we want.

Next week we will see the 68 Digital Images and get the reaction of the Judge, take on board what he says, if you do not agree with any comment or mark (you will be in good company);  what matters is if you like it  ‘it is OK’.

Two garments were left last night, they are in the Fisherrow Office.

Clive

We had the benefit of Mark Davey from Calumet last night to introduce us into the skills of using ‘Flash Photography’. One of his main points was to, in the main, disregard the ‘speed’ and to select the appropriate ‘aperture’ and focusing depending on the depth of field that we  want.

The easy way is by utilizing TTL (through the lens metering) so that the camera can determine the amount of light required based on the setting you have put in. This should give a balance overall lighting effect, especially for ‘fill in flash’. which can make a selection of an image stand out even in daylight.

However to get it ‘really right’ you need to work on manual and use a separate light meter to take a reading of the area that really matters and set the camera accordingly.

He also showed us some real professional equipment which if you can come up with £6-8 grand and have a strong arm you can have a powerful mobile studio lighting – beyond most of us, but worth knowing about.

Pop into Calumet (address on their web site) this Saturday and save 20% on their own brand equipment.

Next week we have a talk by Rod Wheelans on the PAGB awards – certainly worth coming along to.

When David Howie gets the pre booked tickets for the Charlie Waite talk he will swop them with those who put their names down for the £10 fee.

I have now received 31 entries for the Digital Image Comp. – if anyone else wants to enter, please e mail me two Jpeg images by this Sunday AM at the latest, as I will be sending the final CD to the judge on Monday.

Remember to go along to record some of the ‘Battle of Prestonpans’ this Saturday & Sunday – full details on their web site.

Hope to see you all next week – the tea and biscuits are free, so stay behind after the main meeting and have a chat – just ‘barge in and join a conversation – this is what I do!

Clive

I was pleased to welcome everyone and especially to a good number of  prospective members who have come along tonight.

We have an interesting and challenging syllabus this season taking us through each Thursday evening until the middle of April.

All clubs and organizations whether it is sport, cultural, craft or horticulture etc, do have some area of competition where  members have something to work towards  and have their effort judged.

Whether it is an umpire, ref or judge – although there are rules they all have their own interpretation of their subject and it is very easy to criticize their judgement.

We have five  competitions this year – the purpose of having these is to have something to work towards and to develop one’s skills and have comments made on our efforts, even if you do not agree with them they usually have some elements that if taken on board can add to our photographic development.

There are  always certain people who have that extra talent and will come out on top, so winning is not the purpose of this club’s competitions.

So as they say ‘it is the journey and the experience’ that really matters and brings its own rewards.

Building on one’s skills, enjoying  this splendid  hobby and creating that image which  is above the average is what matters.

We all work together as a team – and if you need any advise there is always someone in the club that will help you – just ask.

We rent this room from 7pm so there is an opportunity to have some training in the half hour prior to the meeting, so if you need help or want someone to look at some of you pictures. then let me know and I will arranged for one of our more experienced members to spend some time with you.

Our meeting on the 22nd Nov. will be held at Beeslack CC at Penicuik, where Charlie Waite the Landscape photographer will give a lecture. This is a ticketed event ( £10) and we have asked for 20 tickets, which we have  to pay for in advance. Therefore I have put up a notice on the notice board, so if you would like to go please put your name down or send me an e mail and David will collect the money from you over next couple of weeks.

Del is still not yet mobile and we again send him our best wishes for a speedy recovery as we need him back at the club – so we ask Anita to send our best wishes to him and hope he is back soon.

Last night we had an introduction to Photoshop Elements, a demonstration of mounting prints and advice on printing and the types of photo paper to use. Again if anyone wishes for more help or information’ please let me know and I will arrange for someone to help you.

Hope to see you all next week.

Clive

On Thursday we had the opportunity to see the 2011 winning entries of the Photographic Alliance of Great Britain, where MCC came 37th out of 400 large clubs that entered.There was a range of subject matter and in the first section there was quite a number of ‘composite’ images where there has been a great reliance on Photoshop. These are challenging and are basically artistic and if one has the time and inclination then there is some credit in them.

However the second section of images were more ‘straight’ photographic images which the majority of us prefer and in fact the top three winning clubs were nearly all of this type. Much can be learnt from seeing a good selection of work where we can get inspiration and help us to strive to continue to improve our output. But as always enjoy what you do and if you (and your granny) like your work then don’t worry about what the ‘judges say’!

We are still missing images from about ten members for the Library Exhibition, so if you have not yet brought an image in then please sort one out so that we can truly have a display that fully represent the MCC members.

Next Thursday we are again visiting Beeslack so either go straight there or meet up at the Fisherrow leaving there at 6.45pm.

The following week, Thursday 12th April will be the last meeting of this season, although we will be organisation monthly summer outside shoots, details in due course. We will be having our AGM followed by the Trophy presentations and then a social ‘get together’ afterwards. So please make a real effort to come along and hear about what we have been up to and what is in store for members starting in the next session in September.

Charlie and I visited Del yesterday and we were able to ‘waffle’ away which for the period we were there helped to take Del’s mind off of his pain and discomfort which he was most grateful. Del has done so much for the club and is such a talented and great person, so please try to make some time and go along and see him. Visiting times are 3-5pm and 7-8.30pm and he is in ward 18. Anita can be contacted on anitanutter@mac.com

For better communication to all members we wish to rely on the ‘Post’ on the web site, where if you sign up to it you will get an automatic e-mail notification from the web site as to a new post. If you have not yet ‘signed up’, and you are not sure how to do it e-mail Rob McCann on ramccann@hotmail.com (as shown on the front page of the syllabus) and he will put you on.

Regards to all

Clive

A big thank you to George Smith and John Napier who were kind enough to show us a selection of the photographs they enjoy taking. A good selection of landscape, wildlife and flowers, amongst other things, were displayed and John even put together a great AV of Musselburgh in snow.

The club has a copy of the AV software John recommended, Pro Show Gold, so please ask if you are interested in taking a look and having a go at making your own AV.

We plan to have more nights like this next session so if you would like the opportunity to share your shots with other members then please leave a comment below this post or speak to one of the committee members. It would be great to get everyone on board even if it’s just for a 10 minute talk.

There is another chance to receive constructive feedback from some of the more experienced members this Thursday so please bring along one image (mounted or unmounted).

Please also bring along a couple of prints you’d like to be considered for the summer library exhibition and hand them to John Knox or Charlie Briggs. We will then choose the most appropriate ones that hopefully will be varied and fit the space available. They can be A4 and mounted on black card with a title and your club number on the back.

See you all Thursday.

We had nearly fifty people attending our joint meeting with the Musselburgh Art Club last night which proved to be fascinating experience.
Dell with his tremendous knowledge of both photography and artistic skill discussed the thirty paintings and prints images.
Both seemed to have the same characteristics and elements that make up an image that ‘speaks’ to the viewer.
Positioning, colour combination, originality and avoiding elements in the image that distracts from the main subject were all relevant in creating a quality product.

Thanks to Malcolm Roberts who put in a good article and picture relating to MCC in this week’s East Lothian Courier, page 16.

Library Exhibition – From May to   September we will be holding our annual display which will tour seven libraries in East Lothian.
This year I would like to see that it contains a print image from each member of the club (subject to available space).
Thus showing the general public the full range of work and experience achieved by members, so that they can relate to them and hopefully be interested in coming along to the club next season.
We need up to two prints from every member mounted, if possible on black mounts as the lighter ones do tend to get a bit ‘grubby’ by the time they have done the rounds.We will then choose the most appropriate ones that hopefully will be varied and fit the space available.

You can use any prints that you have – if you want to improve on them based on comments and guidance made so much the better. If you are reprinting, try to keep to A4 size, suitable mounted, as they will take up less room and allow more prints being shown.

Please bring in your prints over the next few weeks and give them to John Knox or Charlie Briggs, but please aim to have them with us by 29th March, remembering that 22nd of March we are away at Beeslack. Please put a title on the back with your club number.
So please give us your full co operation  so that we can really make a good show of our efforts made during the year.

On the 22nd March we are visiting Beeslack Camera Club at Penicuik, so there will not be a meeting at Fisherrow – I have put a list on the notice board, please put your name on it if you are planning to go to Beeslack so that we can organise  transport ( car sharing)
Meet at Fisherrow car park 6.45pm

Next week – we have John Napier and George Smith who will give us a presentation on ‘Pictures that they enjoy taking’.

I shall be away for the next three meetings, so Joe Fowler will be ‘Master of Ceremonies’.

I will be back again for the meeting on the 29th March and am looking forward to seeing ‘a large pile of prints’.

Regards

Clive

What an excellent evening we had last night with our inter-club competition against Haddington, who brought along a good number of members to see how Charlie Summers would judge the ten prints and ten projected images per club.

The standard of the entries were very high and the majority of the images were awarded 17 points, ending in only 6 points between the clubs in respect of the print images.
However Musselburgh edged ahead with the projected images and ‘won the evening’.

Owing to the high standard  it is now nice to hear about what a judge likes about the images rather than a multitude of obvious areas which need improving.
Charlie did manage to give pointers where some could be improved but I think that he found the task some what challenging.So our thanks go to him for all the work he put in and hope that he will agree to come again sometime in the future.

Next week we have ‘An evening with the Musselburgh Art Club’  this is not a competition but Del will comment on the art work and how our images reflect art.
Following my e mail of yesterday, please bring along one of your images that can be selected for this exercise. As this is not a competition it does not matter if
you have used it in other comps. or want to use it next year, the more ‘arty’ the image the better.

We are waiting to hear how many are coming from the Art Club, so we might use the room 32 next week, so if you find no lights on in our usual room keep going up the corridor.

Clive

It was good to announce last night that we came first at the 12 way inter-club competition held last Sunday at the Mining Museum.
Joe Fowler received the cup for the best image in the competition.
Haddington CC came second and Beeslack CC was third.
This being our forth consecutive win, so well done to all those that had their images entered.

Del announced that out of the 400 ‘ large ‘clubs in the UK our entry for the ‘Photographic Alliance of Great Britain’,got us in 37th place which is also a great achievement.We will try to get a higher position next year,so let Del have some of you best images
by a CD so that we can start to get a new quality set of images together.

Last night we had the opportunity to see the work of two of our judges, Brenda & Michael Thomson who took us around the world with their images, they went on to explain
some points to look for when setting up a shot and to try to get something different, the record shot is worth taking but usually on its own does not make a competition image.
It was interesting to hear how that they have their images judged and how they have to then work on the images to improve them to competition standard. Brenda admitted that
one of her better images only got a score of 14 at a recent Haddington in club comp. so we all suffer from time to time.

Next week we are to have a competition against Haddington CC, so come along a give us your support and see if we can put them into second place again.

Clive

Mark Davey from Calumet returned again to give us guidance and ideas on how to take photos relating to ‘Movement & Action’.
The great benefit of his talk related to the example of his images, giving the settings used which was very useful to see the correct way of ‘getting that wow image’.

He suggested that using manual settings was the best approach, work out where the subject ‘might be’ and manually focus and  set appropriate speed, aperture  and iso that you will get the correct exposure. Pan the camera to get the sense of movement and using a wide aperture (low F number) to throw the background out of focus.

He touched on ‘infill flash’ which help to freeze the image –  very useful on many occasions.
I am hoping that Mark will return next season to talk to us on how to use ‘flash’ to best advantage.

Remember the 12 way competition at the Mining Museum (just outside Dalkeith) this Sunday, you do not have to stay all day, just pop in during the day and see what it is all about.
See my e mail of earlier this week or look on web site under’ Chairman’s  Comments’.

On the subject of the web site, please make every effort to ‘sign up’ to it, if you need help see Rob, Ross or Dougie next week and they will help you sign up.
I wish to have everyone on board by the end of Feb., then I can circulate comments via the site and not have to duplicate the work by using two mediums.

NEXT WEEK – We have Michael and Brenda Thomson, who judged our Colour Print and Portrait comps. they are presenting their own work,
so it will be interesting to see their efforts – you can ‘mentally’ give them marks!

Clive

Next Sunday there is the annual event at the Scottish Mining Museum (Dalkeith) of the 12 way inter-club competition.

It is a good day out and starts from 9.30 am and finishes by 4pm.

Anyone can go, so bring the family, you can bring a packed lunch or there is a good canteen with reasonably priced food and drinks.

This year the competition is being judged by Neil Scott, our judge of last week. Each club enters 5 prints and 5 Digital Images There is a prize for the winning club and the best individual Image

So come along and support the MCC, who have won this event for the past three years.

For directions etc log onto http://www.scottishminingmuseum.com

Clive