Author: Pete Davies

Sunday outing to Ballarat and Dog Rocks

Pete Davies

The Sunday outing rapidly approaches yet again, this time it’s a trip to Ballarat for the Ballarat Foto Biennale. There are loads and loads of exhibitions happening in Ballarat and the surrounding area for the next three weeks and it’s always worth the trip.

Meet at 9am at the corner of Sturt St and Dawson St South directly across from the church. The plan is to see as much as possible on the day. It is impossible to see everything so visiting the website and planning your day would be a good move.

For those interested in making a detour on the way home the sunset at Dog Rocks near Geelong could be very worthwhile.

To get to Dog Rocks take the Midland Hwy and head towards Geelong.
Near Batesford turn right onto Dog Rocks Rd, you can also turn on to Blackall Rd which becomes Dog Rocks Rd. Then you will see the granite outcrops on your right on top of the rise.

You can park off the side of the road adjacent to the rocks. Single wire farm fence, walk of 10-500 metres depending on which bits you go to. The familiar tree and nearby rocks are barely 10 metres from the road.

Cheers,
Pete

Sunday Outing 14th Apr 2013 and Upcoming Workshop 16th Apr

Pete Davies

The Sunday outing which was supposed to be last week is now on this coming Sunday (14th). It’s a bit of a tour of the Bellarine Peninsula. Meet at the bridge at Barwon Heads on the Barwon Heads side at 1pm. From there we’ll travel around the coast in an anti-clockwise direction to see what we can find with the aim of being at Clifton Springs by about 4:30pm. We’ll photograph what
WILL BE a magnificent sunset before heading back (maybe grabbing a bite to eat on the way).

The workshop this Tuesday will be downstairs at Wadham House and is aimed more at the lesser experienced members and those who want to find out about printing and matting. We are really keen to encourage printing especially for lesser experienced members so if you have considered it, then please come along. Also, if you have any questions about any of your camera gear, bring it along and we’ll attempt to sort it out. If you suspect your lenses aren’t focussing properly or you are having a hard time finding certain menu items or anything else that’s baffling you technically then come along on Tuesday night.

Thanks

Pete

Sunday outings in February

Pete Davies

The second of our Sunday outings for the year will be on Sunday the 3rd of Feb, this time round we are visiting the wonderful Blue Lotus Water Gardens.

This is a unique outing on the WCC calendar because it has become an almost annual event. We try to mix up the outings every year and not double up on where we went the year prior but the lotus farm offers so much to photograph that it’s hard to leave it out of the syllabus. Those who have been before will know what I mean. Those who haven’t ventured up there before should think seriously about treating themselves.

The details:

Where: Blue Lotus Water Gardens
2628 Warburton Hwy Yarra Junction 3797 Vic (Melways Ref 288 H8)
When: Sunday 3rd of February, 10:30am
Bring: Camera gear, partner (your choice which gets the front seat of the car) and picnic lunch
Cost: $15 Adult, $12 senior, kids under 16 free

It looks like they have increased seating and a larger cafe this year. Also new this year is a night flowering enclosure.

For those interested there is a second Sunday shooting opportunity on Feb 10. It’s the Lunar New Year Festival in Springvale. Lots of colour and movement and a good chance to practice some street photography.

See you there,
Pete

Definition for ‘Nature’ competition

Pete Davies

We have a monthly comp coming up titled Nature. The images you submit must adhere to the following definition or they will be deemed ineligible:

Nature (N) – Nature photography depicts living, untamed animals and uncultivated plants in a natural habitat, geology and the wide diversity of natural phenomena, from insects to icebergs. Photographs of animals that are domesticated, caged or under any form of restraint, as well as photographs of cultivated plants are ineligible. Minimal evidence of humans is acceptable for nature subjects, such as barn owls or storks, adapting to an environment modified by humans, or natural forces, like hurricanes or tidal waves, reclaiming it. The original image must have been taken by the photographer, whatever photographic medium is used. Any manipulation or modification to the original image is limited to minor retouching of blemishes and must not alter the content of the original scene. After satisfying the above requirements, every effort should be made to ensure the highest level of artistic skill in all nature photographs. (Also the FIAP definition).

Have fun!
Pete

Photographic exhibitions at the NGV

Pete Davies

Happy new year to you all, I hope the silly season has been restive and festive for you all.

The WCC year kicks off this Sunday with a trip to the NGV and the Ian Potter centre. There is a pair of photographic exhibitions being held at both venues: Thomas Demand @ NGV & Jeff Wall @ Ian Potter. One ticket (max price $15) will cover both exhibitions.

We will meet at the entrance to the Ian Potter Centre (Fed Square) at 10am. Wander about for a bit and then grab a coffee somewhere before congregating again at the entrance to the NGV (St Kilda Road) at 12:45pm.

See you soon,
Pete

WCC Beginners Course – Term 4 – Oct 2012

Pete Davies

Term 4 Beginners Course starting 8th of October is fully subscribed.
Apologies to all those who have been knocked back but we need to keep the class numbers small so that we can offer everybody the personal service which we believe sets our course apart from the others.

There is already a long list of reserves in case someone drops out but in all likelihood if you haven’t got a place now you are unlikely to get one this year.

We will be running the course again next year and like this year, there will be four terms to choose from. Please check this website for announcement of next year’s dates. I imagine that the dates will be settled around the end of November.

Again, sorry if you’ve missed out but much like a good sunrise picture you have to get in early.

Cheers,
Pete

The Waverley Camera Club Beginners Courses are back for 2012

Pete Davies

If you are a novice and want to learn how to get more out of your camera and you have Monday nights free read on.

The course will run for 9 consecutive Monday nights (even on Public Holidays) and will be held at Wadham House in Mt. Waverley from 7:30 – 9:30pm. Topics covered will include: Camera Controls, Basic Camera Operation, Composition, Lighting, The mode dial, Exposure, Metering and Exposure Compensation. Classes will be limited to 6 students to allow for maximum interaction between pupils and teachers.

You will need to bring your camera with you every week which must be an SLR rather than a compact point and shoot camera. (If you’re unsure whether your camera is an SLR or not email me the make and model and I’ll let you know)

There will be 4 terms this year and they will run as follows:
Term 1: Monday 30th January – 26th March
Term 2: Monday 23rd April – 18th June
Term 3: Monday 16th July – 10th September
Term 4: Monday 8th October – 3rd December

As well as the 9 Monday night lessons each term will also include 2 night shoots on a different night.

The cost is $225 and includes membership to Waverley Camera Club for 2012. As a member of Waverley Camera Club you are also entitled to go to all club events including workshops and outings.

To register, or if you have any questions, please email me and state which term you want to do. Places for 2011 filled fast so to avoid disappointment act early as places are allocated on a first in best dressed system.

Posing and lighting workshop with Andrew and Fiona Harrison

Pete Davies

Hi Folks,

I am very happy to announce that the November workshop on the 15th will star two of our recent and very well received judges Andrew & Fiona Harrison.

Fiona and Andrew run Passion8 Photography (http://www.passion8photo.com.au/) and have very kindly agreed to pay a second visit to our club for a workshop evening.

The workshop will be on Posing & Lighting. It will be free for members which is a massive bonus as the Harrisons are much in demand as speakers.

I have absolutely no doubt that the evening will be hugely entertaining and highly educational so please clear a space in your diary and make sure you attend. Bring something on which to take notes, these guys are Masters in Photography and we will all have a fantastic opportunity to learn from them.

See you at 7:30pm on Tuesday the 15th of November at Wadham House.

Cheers,
Pete

End of the Line for the president

Pete Davies

The topic for this years President’s Trophy is:

  • The End of the Line

As you all should know this is my last year as President so you should get some decent topics from next year.

You can enter up to four images and the deadline is Friday the 2nd of December.

The main aim of this competition is to have fun and enjoy your photography. The winner will not necessarily be the most technically proficient image so don’t be thinking you’re not good enough to have your name on the most prestigious of all the end of year trophies. Get out there and have a go.

Cheers,
Pete