October Results

The judge for October was Sharon Cruise, a teacher from Catholic College Bendigo. Once again there were large numbers of entries but Sharon did a fine job of selecting the top scorers as;

OPEN COLOUR PRINTS
All the following entries scored top marks of 15 points.
Mark Fairbairn for "Paddle Boats"
Mark Fairbairn for "Katie #4"
Liz hatcliffe for "Lisa"
Mal Whitehead for "The Moorings"
Kate Fitzgerald for "A Bit Fishy"
Kate Fitzgerald for "The Boy"
Norm Stimson for "Liffey Falls, Tasmania"
Garry Paterson for "Shifting Sands, Mungo **IMAGE OF THE NIGHT
Ralph Densworth for "Man in Hat"

SET SUBJECT PRINTS - ABUSE OF THE ENVIRONMENT
Mal Whitehead for "Speed Kills" 15 points
Boyd Robertson for "Global Warming - Whats' That" 12 points

BLACK AND WHITE PRINTS
Liz Hatcliffe for "Shadow Play" 15 points
Mal Whitehead for "Heaven Sent" 15 points
Liz Hatcliffe for "Other Side of the Law" 14 points

COLOUR SLIDES
All the following entries were awarded 15 points
Cynthia Watkins for "Femaile Bower Bird"
Cynthia again for "Crovie Village"
Cynthia again for Autumn Leaves"
Norm Stimson for "Mount Buffalo #2"
Norm again for "Remote beach"
Norm again for "Sun Orchid"

SET SUBJECT SLIDES
Coral Symons for "Desecration"
Coral again for "Air Pollution"

Well done to all of the above photographers, unfortunatley we do not have a big selection of the above entries featured on the blog this month.
Please email your top scoring files to Vicki after judging for inclusion here.

BCC news update

I send out an occasional email news update, I know I'm missing a couple of members. Please let me know if you have not received anything, or if you change your email address. Anyone is welcome to be put on our list, you may receive one message a month.

Or I can remove you from the list if you prefer.

Vietnam Travellers Return

For more photos and stories checkout our Vietnam blog site.

August Competition Results

Another great competition with plenty of entries and some very close scores in all categories.
Top Scorers were;
Colour Slides
Cynthia Watkins "Splash Down" 15 points
Coral Symons "Striking Flower" 14 points
Wilma McCormick "Medieval Square" 14 points
Norm Stimson "Cat's Claws Cactus" 14 points

Set Subject Slides
"Breaking the Boundaries"
Cynthia Watkins "Trees at Mungo" 15 points
Wilma McCormick "Munich Mannerism" 14 points
Cynthia Watkins "Lighting the Night" 14 points

Small Prints
Judith Mundy "Malmsbury"

Black & White Prints
Liz Hatcliffe "The Other Half" 15 points
Wilma McCormick "Precious Michelle" 14 points

Open Colour Prints
Mal Whitehead "Port Franklin" 15 points & Image of the Night
Mark Fairbairn "Carol-Anne"15 points
Norm Stimson "The Cathedral, Mt Buffalo" 15 points

Audio Visual DVD Volume 3

Northen Quest by Boyd Robertson. Journey through Africa.

Echuca Jazz Festival by Garry Paterson. A very unique festival celebrating Jazz & Blues Music.

Cost is $5.00 ea for any groups who would like a copy, Inc Postage.

Audio Visual DVD Volume 2

Essence of Italy by Vicki Harrington. Rome, Florence, Lucca, Cinque Terre, Milan, Venice and more.

China by Mark Fairbairn. Beiing, Shanghai, The Great Wall etc.


Bendigo by Balloon by Bob Lawrence. Balloon flight over Marong.

Cost is $5.00 ea for any groups who would like a copy. Inc Postage.

PhotoShop this Tuesday

Whats this mean? Come along and find out.

Digital Video Editing

Two members have suggested to me recently about the possibility of creating a video editing group. This could probably be on the 3rd Tuesday (Print Group). Most people seem to be using Pinnacle Studio for video or AV creation. Anyone else interested?

Volume 2 of the AV DVD is finished. I'll post the details tomorrow when I photograph the case. Volume 3 has just one more chapter to add and then rendered to be finished, the label has been printed.
Does anyone else have an AV they would like to be included as part of the club's DVD library?

Audio Visual DVD Volume 1

Just released, Vol 1 of our AV DVD library.
Contents include; 'Bendigo by Tram' by BCC members, 'Sacred Heart Cathedral' by Mark Fairbairn, 'Young Endeavour' by Jay Davey & 'Hong Kong Disneyland' by Mark Fairbairn.

Volumes 2 & 3 are close to finished. The next two volumes will include 'Essence of Italy' by Vicki Harrington, 'African Journey' by Boyd Robertson and other AV's produced by members of the Bendigo Camera Club.

If any other clubs would like a copy, cost is $5.00 each, which includes postage. The price is just enough to cover the cost of the disc, dvd case & printing.

NOTE: This is a video DVD and will play in your normal DVD/TV system, you do not need a computer to view the AV's.

VAPS results

MERIT CERTIFICATE(slide)
Cynthia Watkins 'Rainforest'

Other entries received the following points.
NOVICE PRINTS
Judith Mundy 'Pumped to the Max' 10
Judith Mundy 'One Small Insect' 10

OPEN PRINTS
Val Densworth 'Evening Glow' 9
Ralph Densworth 'The Steam Train' 10
Mark Fairbairn 'Jeanny and Celine' 10
Vicki Harrington 'Pinwheel Daisy' 10
Vicki Harrington 'Fairground Attraction' 11
Garry Paterson 'Devils Marbles, Evening Light' 11
Garry Paterson 'Snow Gum in the Mist' 10
Coral Symons 'Old Timer' 9
Coral Symons 'In the Courtyard' 10
Cythia Watkins 'Tawny Frogmouth Family' 12

SLIDES
Ralph Densworth 'Contemplation' 9
Ralph Densworth 'Touch of Red' 10
Ralph Densworth 'Winter Sprays' 9
Mark Fairbairn 'Green Power' 9
mark Fairbairn 'Turbine Power' 10
Coral Symons 'Weather Worn' 10
Coral Symons 'Solar Technology #3' 11
Cynthia Watkins 'Pumpkins for Halloween' 11
Cynthia Watkins 'Rain Forest' 14
Cynthia Watkins 'On the Edge' 11


SLIDE TOTALS
Bendigo 57pts (highest 63pts)

NOVICE TOTALS
Bendigo 20pts (highest was 59pts)

OPEN PRINTS
Bendigo 54pts (highest was 66pts)

Student Web Site

One of my VCE students has been working on her web site each week for the last three months to showcase her photography. She has almost finished this unit which is part of Certificate II in Multimedia, what she needs now are some constructive comments about her web site and content for her to write up her evaulation. Shantael would really appreciate it if you have a look and leave some comments in her guest book.

Shantael's web site

Digital Night

I expected about four people for our first night of Photoshop instruction, and about 15 people arrived. I guess there is a real need for this type of night!

August 22nd (4th Tuesday) we will go through the process of calibrating your monitor with our Spyder calibration device. Its a simple process that takes about 20 minutes. Financial members of the club can borrow the Spyder at any time.

Then we will have a more detailed look at the histogram, how to interpret the graph and making adjustments for improving the contrast of an image.

Finally a more detailed explanation and examples of sharpening images.

After the 'formal' instruction you have the opportunity for us to have a look at some of the images you have been working on using the techniques we covered last night. Please bring your 'before' & 'after' image.

There will be no 'digital' night in September as some of us will be away on the Club excursion to Vietnam. We will resume our 'digital' night in October.

If anyone has any suggestions on what they would like to learn about PhotoShop, email or leave your suggestions here on our web site.

AGM 2006

This year's Annual General Meeting was very well attended with a successful election of office bearers.
Committee for 2006 -2007
President; Mark Fairbairn
Vice President: Vicki Harrington
Secretary: Val Densworth
Tresurer: Bob Lawrence
Competition Secretary: Garry Paterson
Committee Members: Alan Davis [Focus editor]
Judith Mundy
Boyd Robertson

It was encouraging to see five members were nominated for the committee resulting in an election. Congrats to the three successful candidates.

Lively discussion followed Liz's proposal to change the monthly competition categories to match the end of year competition ; viz. Landscape, Portrait, Creative, Photojournalism etc., Whilst there is definite merit in the suggestion, there was no real resolution and all agreed to consider the matter further.
Gary successfully proposed that we change the current slide competition to a "Projected Image" competition to cover the declining number of slides and the rapid emergence of digital images.

The meeting was followed by three Audio Visuals made by club members;
"Wilderness" by John Addlem - originally a slide AV, John has scanned the images and "digitally remastered" this production shot in Tasmania around the time of the Franklin Dam controversy.
"Hong Kong Disneyland" a colourful record of Mark's trip to Hong Kong last Jan with some spectacular fireworks for the finale - all shot on a hand held still camera with video capability.

"Essence of Italy" by Vicki Harrington - a comprehensive look at this fascinating country with images taken on a trip in October 2005.

It was an enjoyable night for all present and a great night for the club!

June Competition Results

Members presented Judge, Adrian Cook from the Goldfields Image Makers with a difficult job last month with large numbers of entries in all divisions. Congratulations to Cynthia for receiving top honours for her slide "Tawny Frogmouth & Young", another outstanding nature shot.

It was also great to see relative newcomer, Malcolm Whitehead getting amongst the top scores with some excellent, thought provoking black & white images.

Set Subject was "Close Up"

OPEN COLOUR PRINTS -Top Scores

Mark Fairbairn "Butterfly" 14 pts

Mark Fairbairn "Biplane engine" 13 pts

Cynthia Watkins "Trigger Plants in the Alps" 13 pts

Liz Hatcliff "Sid" 13 pts

SET SUBJECT PRINTS -Top Scores

Malcolm Whitehead "Communicate" 14 pts

Liz Hatcliff "Definition" 13 pts

Boyd Robertson "Said the Spider to the Fly" 12 pts

Coral Symons "Looking at You Close up" 12 pts

Malcolm Whitehead "Closeup" 12 pts

BLACK & WHITE PRINTS -Top Scores

Malcolm Whitehead "The Playground" 14 pts

Garry Paterson "Nestled in the Valley" 13 pts

Ralph Densworth "Shearing Shed, Kilmore" 12 pts

Liz Hatcliff "Ents in the Mist" 12 pts

SMALL PRINTS - Top Scores

Judith Mundy "Emerging" 12 pts

Judith Mundy "Wet Web" 12 pts

COLOUR SLIDES - Top Scores

**IMAGE OF THE NIGHT**

Cynthia Watkins "Tawny Frogmouth & Young" 15 pts

Cynthia Watkins "Mist in the Forest" 14 pts

Cynthia Watkins "Hen & Chicken" 13 pts

SET SUBJECT SLIDES -Top Scores

Cynthia Watkins "Web on Bluebell" 14 pts

Cynthia Watkins "Damsel Fly" 13 pts

Cynthia Watkins "Sparkling Web" 12 pts

New Momento Photo book

March Competition Results

The April competition saw a total of 61 entries and was judged by Bob Aulsebrook of Bendigo. Here are some of the entries that received the top points for the night.
The Image of the Night was awarded to Cynthia Watkins for her slide titled "Crespsedia in the Alps" Congratulations Cynthia on a great night. Unfortunately we do not have scans of this image or other successful slides. Top point scorer in the Set subject slides was Coral Symons with her slide titled "Law Courts. Second in the Set Subject Slides was Wilma McCormick with "View of the Fountain" Second in the Open Slides was Cynthia again with "Autumn at Wallace's hut". Cynthia was again the top scorer in the Open Colour Prints with " "English Forest"

Test Transmission

They grow 'em big in Tassie!

Vietnam Here We Come!!!

It's official, the trip to Vietnam is a "goer" with 10 passengers now booked and deposits paid!!


More happy travelers are still welcome to join our group to this wonderful land of contrasts.

I have a couple of books if anyone is interested in borrowing them for some pre travel reading.
viz.
Vietnam, The Land We Never Knew. Photography by Geoffrey Clifford[a combat helicopter pilot during the war]
The Dragon [author's name to come] The true story of a young boy smuggled out of Vietnam to Australia by his mother to save him. He is now a reknown masseur to the rich and famous.
More books to come.....

February Competition Results

Judge - Val Wilkinson

Image of theNight
and winner of the Black & White Section was taken out by Garry Paterson with his beautiful Black & White print titled "Winter stroll with the kids" taken in the laneway next to the Bendigo Art gallery on a misty morning.
Runner up in the Black & White was Liz Hatcliffe with her image of the Bendigo Law Courts, very aptly titled " Point of Law"

Set Subject Prints - Fence Posts and Gates
The winner was Vicki Harrington with one of her Italy shots titled "Bellagio Gate"
Runner up was Liz Hatcliffe with a lovely shot from "Canterbury Park, Eaglehawk"

Open Colour Prints
Liz Hatcliffe's atmospheric shot "Autumn Light" was the winner
with equal runners up Boyd Robertson [Pic to be uploaded] and Vicki Harrington with another Italian image "Portofino"


Open Colour Slides
[Unfortunately we do not have scans of the slides to post here at this stage]
Cynthia Watkins was both winner and runner up in this section

Set Subject Slides - Fences and Gate Posts
Cynthia Watkins was again the winner with Coral Symons the runner up

Congratulations to all the contributors of images for the February Competition, it was an excellent gallery of photos and gave the Judge Val Wilkinson plenty to think about.

**To view enlarged images, left click on the photo and it will open in an enlarged window, click "Back" to return to the blogspot

Vietnam Encompassed Itinerary

Vietnam Encompassed
Join members of the
Bendigo Camera Club
On a 12 day Photographic Tour of Vietnam
Departing Friday September 15th
Returning Thursday September 28th
Itinerary:
Day 1 - Arrive Saigon. Transfer to hotel. Afternoon sightseeing.
(B)
Day 2 - Visit Cu Chi Tunnels and Cao Dai Temple
(B, L)
Day 3 - Visit Mekong Delta and Cai Rang Floating Market
(B, L)
Day 4 - Fy to Danang. Transfer by van to Hoi An.
(B)
Day 5 - Hoi An sightseeing including Japanese covered bridge, Tan Ky
(B) house, Fukien Chinese Congregation & silk shop
Day 6 - Travel to Hue via Hai Van Pass
(B)
Day 7 - Perfume river cruise to Thien Mu Pagoda, Mausoleums of Tu Duc
(B) & Hkai Dinh, Imperial citadel, Dong Ba market. Please note train depart at 16.55
Overnight train to Hanoi - soft sleeper
Day 8 - Arrive in Hanoi and transfer to Halong Bay. Cruise on Halong Bay.
(B, L, D) Overnight on boat. Arrive early at 5am. Transfer to aiport and p/u JewelJunk at
8.30 am
Day 9 - Return to Hanoi in the morning. Using buffalo Jewel Junk boat -
(B, L) back to Hanoi at 4pm - no sightseeing in Hanoi included. Overnight train to Sapa.
Day 10 - Arrive in Sapa. After breakfast begin trekking. Overnight in village with local
(B, L, D) family
Day 11 - Return to Sapa. Afternoon in Sapa exploring the market area
(B) Before overnight train to Hanoi.
Day 12 - Arrive in Hanoi in early morning. Day use rooms. Free time to explore Hanoi
before transferring to airport for evening flight home.
Number of Days: 12
Cost for 8+ travellers:
AUD$1170 per person based on twin share
AUD$330 per single supplement if required
Airfare: [from Melbourne]
Singapore Airlines shoulder season fare to Saigon returning from Hanoi AUD$1035 plus
taxes (approx AUD$300) per person. Please note that airfare and taxes are subject to
change until paid in full. Seats may be limited.
Includes:
· Soft sleeper train: Hue - Hanoi, Hanoi - Lao Cai - Hanoi
· Domestic airfare: Saigon - Danang
· All transfers and land transportation
· Accommodation on twin share basis with daily breakfast
· Meals: as shown on itinerary [B-breakfast, L-lunch, D-dinner]
· English speaking guide only
· Sightseeing fees and permits during guided time
· Domestic airport taxes

Not Included:
· International departure tax from Hanoi
· Travel Insurance
· Vietnam Visa
· Personal spending
· Tipping/Gratuities
Notes: Land prices are based on current costs and exchange rates. While we try not to
increase our prices, sometimes this is beyond our control. We reserve the right to
amend prices without notice at any time and ask you to reconfirm the cost with us
when you book.
Terms;
$250 deposit [non refundable, non transferable] for land content, balance 60 days prior to departure
$250 deposit for airfare, balance in 14 days

If desired, members can make their own arrangements for the International flights into
Saigon and out of Hanoi provided they coincide with the departure time of the group.


This Itinerary has been planned specifically for our group, with photographers in mind and the pricing is dependant on a minimum of 8 participants.

If we do not get 8+ particpants , we plan to join the Intrepid “Spirit of Vietnam Northbound” Code VSQ departing on Sunday September 17th and ending Tuesday September 26th.
This trip is of 9 days duration and visits the major cities but does not include the hill villages of the Sapa valley. The same international flights can be used, allowing an extra day in Saigon.

Intrepid are a very reputable travel company and have been conducting tours in South East Asia since 1989. They employ over 300 staff, have over 300 different trips to 50 different countries.

Check out their website www.intrepidtravel.com for more information and booking conditions.

For more information or to book a place on this great trip please contact ;
Bendigo Camera Club
Vicki Harrington
Phone 03 54 436952
Mobile 0414 436952
Email; harringtonvicki@hotmail.com

Another Accommodation option for Bright weekend

Rec'd this email from the Bright Caravan Park [Council park right in the middle of town.]
Once again, a booking should be made very soon if we are going to want accommodation, please indicate your interest in the comments box.


Hi Vicki,
I have 2 cabins available for the dates 27, 28 and 29th April. They are caravan style cabins, with no ensuite and include a double bed, and three single bunks. If you put 4 people in each cabin, the cost would be around $80 per night. You would need to bring all linen, sheets, pillows, blankets and towels, or could hire it at $5 per person. Please call me if you would like to book this, phone is 03 5755 1141,
Cheers Robyn

Goldfields Image Makers excursion

This looks a good weekend. Anyone else want to join up with Maryborough for this weekend?

Great Western Homestead Visit

May
A weekend at Great Western staying in the Shearers Quarters of Allanvale Homestead. Close to winereis and within half hour scenic drive to Grampians. Limited numbers for this action packed weekend. Tour local winery. Enjoy campoven roast on Saturday night. Hot scones in the huge sheares quarters oven. Rolling landscapes old buildings, Homestead.
Cost approx $70.00 per person for 2 nights sheets provide bring own towell and doona.

Goldfield Image Makers

..now have their own blog. Check it out.

www.goldfieldsimagemakers.blogspot.com

Bright Autumn Festival April 28 - May 14, 2006

Bright Autumn Festival April 28 – May14 2006

As you can see this starts the weekend we are planning to visit. I emailed a few parks today and so far have had only the response below; I presume they have vacancies for that weekend.
Check out the Bright Autumn Festival website for the full program. I will post any other replies that I receive on this site.

Please indicate in the comments box if you are planning to go to Bright for this excursion ASAP as we probably should book the accommodation

[The park below equates to $23.35 per person per night[if there are 6 of us], hopefully there is a couple for the queen bed!]

Email rec'd today.
Hi Vicki,

Our villa units accommodate up to six people with 1 queen bed and 4 singles. They are self contained with ensuites, kitchen, lounge, dining, TV, DVD, reverse cycle air, patio with outdoor furniture and the linen to the main bed. They are available for $92 per night for 2 people and $12 per extra person, 16 years and over, per night. Children 5 to 15 years are $9 each per night and children under 5 are free of charge.

Please let me know if I can be any further assistance.

Best regards

Tracey
BRIGHT ACCOMMODATION PARK438 Great Alpine RdBright Victoria 3741Ph/Fax 03 57501001

Here is our new grandson Toby.

Vietnam Photographic Tour September 2006

Are you interested in travelling to beautiful Vietnam with a group of about 8 photographers.??
Travelling to Saigon [Ho Chi Minh City], Hanoi, Hue, Hoi An, cruising Halong Bay and visiting the hilltribes of the Sapa valley??
Sound wonderful??
At a cost of only $2,000for 12 days INCLUDING airfares?? [Plus airfare taxes approx $300]
Departure date Sept 15/16th 2006 return date Sept 28th 2006
Interested ??
Then list your name and email address in the comments box at the end of this post to receive more information
{Trip being planned by members of the Bendigo Camera Club but invitation extends to ANY interested persons - not just members of BCC]