Introduction. It was agreed at the Annual General Meeting held on 15 November 2005 that the Financial Year be changed to run from 1 January to 31 December. This resulted in the rescheduling of AGMs to the following March to include the Election of the Committee and the tabling of annual reports. The decision also necessitated the calling of an additional General Meeting later in the calendar year to finetune future activities and general business. I therefore submit this report which outlines the Society activities and events for the whole of the 2006 calendar year.
Competitions. Following a layoff of about 20 years, Murray Foote returned to the Committee as convenor of the Competitions portfolio seamlessly performing admirably in organising the competitions on a monthly basis. As always, these nights were very well attended and continued to be the most popular of the Society events and thanks are extended to the other members of the team consisting of Steven Shaw, Basil Bilanenko and myself.
Digital photography had already taken hold within the membership throughout much of 2006. In order to satisfy the demand for image display, the purchase of a new digital projector was approved and implemented. In the wake of this acquisition, plans were already being made for the new digital image competition category to be launched in early 2007. Further details on competitions will be covered by Murray in the Competition Director's report later in the proceedings.
Activities. With myself as convenor and ably assisted by Brian Jones, the majority of events scheduled for the Activity nights were held in the small room at Photo Access. This venue was chosen in the previous year in order to minimise accommodation costs for two weeks of the month especially in the wake of declining attendances at these particular events. The success of many of these nights were attributable to the use of the Society's newly acquired digital projector which in most cases effectively rendered the slide projector largely obsolete.
A successful program of member organised events consisted of the Digital Darkroom segments which became popular as the demand for digital image editing rose at a rapid rate as well as image presentations from a variety of local excursions including one from an Asia tour by several members. Included also were a practical Studio Portraiture Lighting workshop presented by myself and a presentation of impressive panoramic images by Murray and a short presentation of 'Favourite Photographer'. Guest speakers included a digital talk on 'Aerial Photography' by Christine Farrell of Aquilla Helicopters. A slide presentation entitled 'In Desert and Wilderness' by previous Society member Basia Meder on her epic solo backpacker tour of Africa. Talented nature photographer Graham Stephinson, another ex-member of CPS showed us a sample of his photographic equipment with an impressive medley of stunning images. Local noted landscape photographer Peter Meusburger treated us with an array of images from his extensive travels throughout the Snowy high country.
Other activities outside the usual venue included a visit to the National Film and Sound Archives hosted by photographer Mick Newnham and for the social calendar, two restaurant nights; the Zenyai in Civic and Fekerte's of Dickson offering Tai and Ethiopian cuisines respectively.
Excursions. Well done to the excursions team consisting of Peter Buckley (convenor) who unfortunately had to leave us early in the year with Ken Crawford and Peter Dawson. Although scantily attended, excursions on the program included the Multicultural Festival in Civic, early morning photography of the Canberra Balloon Festival by the shores of Lake Burley Griffin, the Gold Creek Bird Aviary, Mount Stromlo, Tidbinbilla / Orroral Homestead, Southern Highlands, Lanyon Homestead, Floriade and a Portrait / Tabletop workshop in the grounds at Strathnairn Gallery. Solutions to overcome the 'less than abundant' attendance problem encountered in 2006 will be on the agenda for consideration in 2007.
Society's 60th Anniversary Exhibition. 2006 saw the Society's traditional annual exhibition give way to the 60th Anniversary Exhibition at the prestigious Canberra Museum and Gallery in the city. The exhibition was opened by Gordon Bull, Head of the ANU School of Art; on the 4th of August to a well-attended gathering of both recent and veteran members, their friends and families. From 350 works submitted by 40 photographers, 125 prints were chosen for display. The exhibition remained opened for public viewing throughout a generous timeframe of 5th of August through to the 26th of November. Supplementary events held during the exhibition included a talk and walk-through the display by Joe Cali and an impressive detailed presentation in the CMAG theatrette on the history of the Society entitled 'Looking Back with Pride' by Ian McInnes.
Our special thanks to Joe Cali who continued to remain focused as convenor of this event, all those who assisted in the selection of work for display, those who brought contents of the catalogue to fruition, the staff of CMAG for their excellent curatorial skills and of course to the many members who presented their works.
Publicity and 'The Cassette'. On-going congratulations are in order to Ross Gould as editor, Kathleen Fisher and Justin Wasserman being the team who brings us fresh news, views and an abundance of articles and images each month. The possibility of an online version of this newsletter will remain on the agenda for discussion early in 2007. Congratulations for a job well-done also to Ray Osmotherly for his efforts in publicising our events in the various local media outlets.
Website. We are indebted to Joe Cali who took the time and effort to undertake the construction and brilliant design of our website but to maintain and feverously encourage member submissions of fresh images and articles. This new medium presents our face and achievements to the rest of the world and judging by current statistics appears to be the principle source of many new enquiries encouraging potential memberships.
New Members. With Marlene Lux as convenor with her team of Ray Osmotherly and Brian Jones, visitors and new members were again welcomed into the fold and given the open friendliness and introductory service that these people deserve. Well done to the team.
Accommodation. Again, in order to offset the increased rental situation at the new Griffin Centre, the Committee continued to investigate possible alternative venues which to this day remain on the agenda for further consideration as our membership requirements continue to fluctuate.
Old and New Committee. Finally, no society such as ours can function without the solid foundation of a keen and enthusiastic Committee. My thanks go to Murray and Ross in their capacities of Vice Presidents and Ray Osmotherly as Public Officer. My heartfelt thanks to you all for your contributions toward a successful 2006 and a special thanks to those committee members who have decided to continue their commitments into 2007/08. My thanks go also to Steven Shaw, Brian Jones, Marlene Lux and David Boughey who joined us later in 2006. In particular congratulations are extended to Treasurer Peter Dawson for his patience and skills in keeping our financial records under tight control, Secretary Ken Crawford for his insight and efficient running of our business and Basil Bilanenko for his tireless backup skills in keeping our Society on the straight and narrow. Peter, Ken and Basil will be stepping down from the Committee following their respective tours of duty at the end of these proceedings.
In conclusion and on behalf of the Committee I wish you the members every success and continued enjoyment of our common passion for photography.
Jim Mason
President, Canberra Photographic Society Incorporated
20 March 2007
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