Our February 23rd meeting was attended by 38 members and 3 guests.
• Our main topic for the evening was Photo Equipment I’m Glad I Bought, where several of our members showed us photo accessories that have helped them achieve a desired result.
– Mike Moynihan has been very pleased with a monitor calibration tool called ColorMunki that has helped him make sure his colours are accurate and match his printer.
Another of Mike’s recommendations for outdoor shooting is a Pelican 1510 Carry-On Case. He uses his to carry and store his gear in cold weather and says it helps keep condensation to a minimum. The case, which sells for around $160, is water and dust proof and has adjustable dividers.
– Jim Pollock showed us two rain jackets for shooting in inclement weather: An economy model called an Op/Tech Rainsleeve that sells for around $10, and a more rugged Kata Rain Cover which retails for $49. Both of these products do an excellent job of keeping water and dust away from your camera and lenses.
Jim also gets good use out of his Chair Blind, which enables him to stay out of sight from wildlife and get close enough to photograph them. The Ameristep One-Man Chair Blind is available from Canadian Tire for $100.
– Chris Jorgensen showed a couple of after-market camera straps that replace the standard rough-edged straps that often dig into our necks and cause irritation. The first was a Black Rapid strap which allows the user to carry a camera at your side for quick access. The second was the very popular OP/TECH Pro Loop Strap that is used by many of our club’s experienced members.
– Vince Gagnier encouraged us to purchase a good quality tripod the first time instead of buying a cheaper model that usually proves unsatisfactory and often gets replaced at additional expense. Vince recommended a light weight carbon fiber tripod with a ball head as shown in these examples. If you need advice on buying your first tripod, Vince or any of our other senior members will be glad to help you.
To go along with your tripod, Vince also suggests getting a remote switch to trigger your shutter without touching the camera and causing vibration.
A photo vest is also on Vince’s list of preferred equipment. Large pockets give quick access to filters, triggers, spare batteries and other small items.
Vince likes to carry his gear with a Cotton Carrier system such as the ones shown HERE
• The results of this month’s CCC Photo Competition were reviewed with top marks in the Novice division going Jana Smith, Debby Venn, Barb Ferren and Danielle Gagnier, who all scored 23 for their Cityscape entries.
Linda Pepper (25), Jim Pollock (25), Chad Barry (24), Tere Deslippe (24) and Kellie Watson (24) received the highest scores in the Open: Colour category for the Intermediate, Advanced and Salon groups. Several others had scores of 23 and 22.
• A collection of printed photos were reviewed by Keith Blackwell and Vince Gagnier with several favourable comments being made. Keith also highly recommended Maple Art Gallery in Chatham for custom framing your larger prints.
• Jana Smith was our featured photographer in What I Shoot, where she impressed us with her work in Nature, Scenic and Landscapes. Her excellent composition skills have enabled Jana to compile a great collection of photos from across Canada and we look forward to seeing more in the near future.
• Keith Blackwell presented Twelve Photos In A Year Is A Great Crop, where he chose to display his fascinating People shots. Keith’s many years of experience and accumulated skills have helped him capture energy and emotion in his photos that compel the viewer to ask questions about the subjects. As always, his work has inspired us to achieve his level of excellence.
• Our next meeting will be held on March 8th when our guest speaker will be professional outdoor photographer Ethan Meleg who will present “The Crazed Photographer.” There will be no extra charge to attend this meeting and all are welcome.
What type of camera one uses is irrelevant. It is how you use it that matters.
Before making an expensive photo purchase, seek the advice of an experienced photographer. Never rely on what a commission sales person tells you.