Introduction. This report summarises the state of the Society's events and services for the period covering the 2007 financial and calendar year:
Competitions. With Murray Foote as convenor and assisted by Steven Shaw, Andre Lawrey and myself, these nights were very well attended and, as has been the case in the preceding years, continued to be the most popular of Society events. Due to unusually high workloads on the part of the convenor, Brian Jones kindly offered to take on the roll of contacting our regular as well as seeking new judges.
The acquisition of a digital projector in the previous year saw the advent of the new Digital Image category which proved popular from the outset. Throughout the year a need had arisen throughout all categories to modify the competition rules to the changing demands and outlook of the competition spirit. These were subsequently discussed and ratified at the subsequent Special General Meeting held in October. Considerable finetuning by the committee ensured over several weeks to have the new rules effective for early 2008.
Further details on competitions will be covered by Murray in the Competition Director's report later in the proceedings.
Activities. In order to curtail expensive rental costs earlier in the year, these sessions were held at Photo Access however, rapid increases in attendances resulted in the small room becoming unusable. The move to larger facilities became inevitable and saw the return of Activity nights back to the Griffin Centre but with increased cost. As in the previous year, the overall success of many of these nights was largely attributed to the use of the Society's then recently acquired digital projector as digital imaging became increasingly popular.
Events by member speakers proved popular with informative presentations on Adobe Lightroom by Murray Foote, Adobe Camera RAW and digital editing techniques by myself and an excellent presentation of images by Joe Cali of work taken in Europe and during his pursuit and documentation of the 2006 total solar eclipse in Libya. His presentation concluded with a demonstration of using Photoshop techniques to "bring dull images to life". Another presentation by Joe later in the year included a collection entitled 'Images of the Australian outback'. To round off the 'digital darkroom' program, various tutorials on image editing treatments via commercial DVDs were displayed in addition to regular showings of FIAP overseas international exhibitions. There was a display of images taken by members who participated in the helicopter flights piloted by Christine Farrell, a guest speaker from the previous year. Also a re-screening of the inaugural APS sponsored Australian Digital Photography Awards and assisted by our own members in staging the event at the Woden Southern Cross Club. Later in the year, some 'show and tell' nights by members proved to be disappointing due to fruitless attempts to obtain images and presentations.
Throughout the year three guest speakers gave their time in sharing their professional photographic knowledge and experiences. Firstly, long time friend and competition judge Bob Cooper showcased many of his finely captured images taken both privately and professionally throughout his employment at the Australian National University. Although poorly attended, talented multi-awarded wedding and portrait photographer Michael Thorne entertained a small audience with an impressive collection of images entitled "Kids of Canberra and Region" in aid of the "Make a wish foundation". Finally, Fiona Hooton from the National Library of Australia provided us with an interesting talk on of the popular Flickr website and the 'Picture Australia' project, an initiative to obtain images from nation-wide photographers and become part of a national historic collection.
Other activities outside the usual venue included a twilight photo shoot around the southern shores of Lake Burley Griffin in the parliamentary triangle area followed by a relaxing coffee at Tosolinis in Civic. Due to the success of the previous year's social calendar, restaurant nights were organised at the Jewel of India in Manuka and later in the year at the Banana Leaf in Civic.
Many thanks are extended to the Activities team who assisted me throughout the year.
Exhibitions. Commendations to Ray Osmotherly assisted by Ross Gould who continued to remain focused and punctual for this very important event. Following the success of the 60th Anniversary exhibition in the previous year, the Society's Annual Exhibition resumed this year at the Strathnairne Homestead Gallery in Holt, a popular venue since 2004. Many thanks go to those who assisted in the selection and assembly of work for display, the staff at Strathnairne and of course to the many members who presented their works. The exhibition opening was entertainingly performed by Brian Rope and supported by members who provided food and wine for the occasion.
Publicity and 'The Cassette'. Congratulations are in order to Ross Gould as editor of our newsletter in gathering material, articles and images for each monthly issue. Due to incompatibility issues, considerable difficullty was experienced in constructing and uploading "The Cassette" to the Society's website however, success finally triumphed resulting in an impressive screen-based medium in full colour.
Well done also to Ray Osmotherly for his efforts in publicising our events in the various local media outlets.
Website. Joe Cali, who took the time and effort to undertake the original construction and brilliant design of our website continued assisted by Steven Shaw to maintain this very important 'window to the world' in showcasing our Society's services, activities and the many images captured by our members. Congratulations Joe and Steven for a job well done.
New Members. With Marlene Lux as convenor, visitors and potential new members were again invited to participate and given the required open friendliness and introductory service. Well done to everyone involved.
Excursions. Unfortunately, considerable difficulty was experienced in seeking somebody to convene and organise this very important function. The demand still exists and the vacancy remains for any member with the drive and will-power to take it on.
Old and New Committee. My sincere thanks go to a lean and creative 2007/2008 Committee who patiently directed most of their ideas and suggestions to fruition. My thanks go to Murray Foote and Ross Gould in their capacities of Vice-Presidents and Ray Osmotherly as Public Officer. Also our thanks to Treasurer Ian Copland and Secretary David Boughey for their outstanding efforts under sometimes difficult circumstances. Unfortunately due to illness, Susan Stayer chose to stand down as a Committee member earlier in the year however her efforts over her short tour of duty were deeply appreciated. Many thanks also to Brian Jones, Andree Lawrey, Marlene Lux, Steven Shaw and Joccoaa Phillips who moved onto greener pastures at the end of 2007 and of course well-done to Brian Rope for his duties as Auditor.
For those stepping down from the Committee, on behalf of all Society members I thank these people for their remarkable efforts and services. It is essential therefore that at the conclusion of tonight's proceedings, we have a complete and robust Committee to meet the demands and services for the benefit of our members.
In conclusion and on behalf of the Committee I wish everyone continued success in all their many and varied photographic endeavours for the remainder of 2008.
Jim Mason
President, Canberra Photographic Society Incorporated
18 March 2008
For general enquiries about the society or this site, just email us at canberra_photographic@hotmail.com and your message will be forwarded to the appropriate person.