August 26th 2011

Many thanks to our judge for our B&W Competition last Wednesday - Andrew Miller. He seemed to be well organised and had something to say about each photo. Based on some of what he said we'll try organise a couple of RAW nights (that's photo talk that is!) as a lot of us are comfortable just taking JPEGs and don't really understand RAW (me included). It'll be interesting to see how it'll improve our work.

Next Wednesday 31st we have the second part of our A-Z so make sure to bring your fully charged cameras and clean cards. You will be given 13 letters (everyone gets the same) and then you will have three quarters of an hour to go out where ever you want either on your own or with someone else and take subjects beginning with each letter e.g. for 'W' you could photograph a wheel, window, wool, water, watch etc. The same image cannot be used for a multitude of letters e.g. if you took a photo of a window you cannot use the same image to use for 'G' for glass. Letters do not have to be taken in order. This exercise is to get your minds going - see things differently and quickly - and remember it's getting darker sooner now so maybe subjects at a distance wouldn't be a great idea unless you have a super dooper flash. When you get back someone will put them in the laptop for you and you can all have a look at them then and see what interesting things everyone has come up with..

The Manipulation Competition will be the last Wednesday in September - 28th. For those of you saying you don't have Photoshop and therefore think you can't manipulate your images I'm telling you you don't need Photoshop. I'll give a lesson on the 7th on how you can manipulate to your hearts content in Picasa.

On the 7th we start our Photo school with introductions from Paul. Lessons will run for 6 weeks 8.30pm-9.30pm. After the six weeks I’ll do two nights on Picasa (I'm hoping that by then we will be in a position to use a computer room so everyone can work away at the same time) and we’re also in the process of organising some Photoshop classes as well so plenty to learn and as members there’s no extra charge.

August 23rd 2011

To quote Simon & Garfunkel 'Time time time - see what's become of me..." yes it's just running away on me so fast but I know you're all avid readers of the Newsletter by now so you know the B&W competition is on tomorrow night (or tonight depending on when you are reading this).

We had a good turn out for Greenane on Sunday - chasing dragonflies, tea, coffe and beetroot cake so we should at least see the results of some photos taken - and perhaps the by-product of the affects of coffee as well!

August 17th 2011

Apologies for the tardiness of this newsletter.

Last week we did the first part of our Alphabet Selection. We stretched the half hour to 45 mins and delighted to say everyone was back within the time! There was some great thinking and imagination flowing and I'll get the photos onto flickr as soon as I can. For those of you who want to try the first lot the letters were:

R P B W L V Q A O Y C F G. They don't have to be taken in order but you do have to stick to the 45 mins. You also now have the slight advantage in that I've given you the letters - but try not to prethink what to take as everyone else was on the hop!!

August 8th 2011

Many many thanks to Bernie for opening her doors to us all last Wednesday night, for wining and dining us (that banoffi was mmmmm! Lovely!)

July 28th 2011

After our Committee Meeting last night we have a few things lined up for ye.

First of all I’d like to thank Beatrix from Beatrix Portraits for taking the time out to be our Judge last night for the Ladies Challenge. She was great to comment on everyone’s images and really got involved. One image captured her imagination and she has offered to work in it in B&W so we’re looking forward to seeing the results there. Winners were 3^rd Elena, 2^nd Margaret, 1^st Larissa. Beatrix has also agreed to come in another night and show us some of her work. In the meantime you can visit Beatrix’s website here: http://www.beatrixportraits.net/

Many thanks also to Andrew Dalton for sponsoring last nights competition.

The results of the Photo Hunt were given as well. It was a great day out and made us think and run about the place a bit. Winner of the Funny Photo was Nigel with his Muffin Man. Photo Hunt results: 3^rd Bernie, 2^nd Julie, 1^st Larissa

And don't forget the Maritime Festival is on this weekend - Saturday & Sunday

Saturday: Riverwalk with plenty of live music, duck race, model sailing, amusements culminating in the release of 200 Chinese lanterns at 10p.m. which will be a beautiful spectacle over the town. Lanterns will be on sale on the night.

Sunday 31 the annual blessing of the fleet takes place along the quayside at 2p.m. which will be opened by Arklow Pipe Band. Later in the afternoon the Air Sea Rescue display takes place at 3p.m. followed by Bingo and Dog Show and more.

Coming up:

3^th Aug - Bernie is opening her doors to us for a social night of food and merriment at her house at 8.30pm. We’ll meet in the Bridge beforehand to organise transport so try not to be late please. Bernie’s house is on the Ballynattin Road just past Vitra Tiles.

7^th Aug – A day for all the family – a trip to the Zoo. Times to be confirmed. New additions to Dublin Zoo are White Crowned Mangabeys, a baby gorilla, baby giraffe and a King Ratsnake - so something for everyone.

10^th Aug – Alphabet Night. This is a little exercise to get your brains going and open your eyes. Taking inspiration from the Photo Hunt tonight we’ll randomly pick out one half of the alphabet and you’ll be given half an hour to go out and take 13 photographs based on the letters given. You can do this individually or in groups of two or three but try get different photos to make for an interesting night. When you return we’ll have a look at them – should be interesting! We’ll schedule the other half of the Alphabet for another night.

17^th Aug – Panel Night – anyone who is interested in doing Panels – this is a good night for you. Bring in about 30 photos each (4x6 or 5x7) and we’ll see if we can get 10 to gel. I’ll bring the butterfly photos we took in Donegal and we put together a panel of them as well.

21^st Aug Sunday – Another day for all the family – a trip to Greenan Farm, Museum and Maze. There’s loads of things here - again something for eveyone. There's also a wild nature walk here with a chance of spotting wild deer, moorhens, frogs and dragonflies.

24^th Aug B&W competition. Rules below. Also tonight we want to see the photos you didn’t put into the competition and we want to know why you choose the ones you did put in so bring them in on yer stick and we’ll have a full black and white night.

Paul will be running the Photo School for 6 weeks beginning 7^th September 8.30pm-9.30pm. After the six weeks I’ll do two nights on Picasa and we’re also in the process of organising some Photoshop classes as well so plenty to learn and as members there’s no extra charge.

Another competition in September - the first of it's kind for us - Digital Creation/Manipulation. Images digitally enhanced or altered to create an entirely different photograph. Removed images, inserted images and cloned images and the like may be used to create a completely different photograph. The finished entry must still appear to be a photograph - not an artistic impression or design.

Finally - for anyone who’s interested - as part of the Gorey Market House Craft and Design Festival the PPAI Photo Journalism exhibition is opening tonight in the Library, Civic Square in Gorey. It doesn’t say how long it’s on for and you can see the slideshow here: http://www.ppai.ie/slideshow-2011/

So in brief:

3^rd – Wednesday Night at Bernie’s 8.30pm

7^th – Trip to Zoo

10^th – Alphabet Night

17^th – Panels & Butterflies

21^st – Trip to Greenan

24^th – B&W competition

7^th Sept – Photo School

September - Digital Creation/Manipulation Competition

July 14th 2011

Well the TBPS were all over the place last Wednesday (I know how that feels!). When I say all over the place of course they were out and about. So off they went to the Holy Cross and, Holy God, they left someone behind at The Bridge (and not for the first time either - opps). So apologies from the Galivanters to the one left Home Alone. Measure's will have to be put in place to make sure this does not happen again.

It was a great evening, I caught up with them later at the Motte Stone where Elena stared the rock in the face and Jenny climbed it. The Moon was out and over the sea so we headed to the beach for more snaps so I'm expecting great photos this Wednesday from everyone.

Also this Wednesday we are judging the photo competition for the Arklow Seabreeze Festival so we hope there's been great interest in that. I've no doubt thousands upon thousands of photos were taken - how many do you think we'll see?? Did Jedward fall off that stage??? If so did anyone catch them (on camera??). There were eating competitions, Teddy Bear Picnics, loads of things on in the street and various spots around town and of course don't forget the Swinging Pubs. So lots of opportunities to take photos, if you know anyone who did get them to drop them into Julie. She has some application forms or it can be downloaded here. TBPS Members can not enter this competition but can encourage others to do so.

Other events coming up:
Sunday 24th July - Photo/Treasure Hunt
Wednesday 27th July - Ladies Challenge – ‘Friendship’
Sunday 7th August - Dublin Zoo
Wednesday 24th August - B&W Competition

That's my lot tonight, see ye Wednesday.

July 6th 2011

Thanks to everyone for the fees and slideshows last night. It seems to be that time of year when the sun comes out and everyone slows down a bit still we had a trip round the world.

Next Wednesday bring your cameras - we meet early 8pm to head off to photograph Conary and surround area so hopefully the sun will keep smiling on us.

The Seabreeze Festival continues with The Swinging Pubs - remember the photo competition is ongoing so get your friend to get those cameras out and catch the craic. TBPS Members are exempt from this competition (even if you haven't paid your fees!) Rules, Conditions and application form can be found here (or drop into Kustom Kids on Bridge Street, Arklow). There is no fee but each photo must have an entry form attached. Photos will go on exhibition in the shop beside the Gin Mill (what was John Floods). For full details of the Festival go here http://arklowseabreezefestival.ie/

Arklow Coastcare have launched their annual photo competition in celebration of Wicklow's Coast. Photos can be emailed to coastcarephoto@gmail.com For more details click here.

June 30th 2011

Hi all,

First things first – FEES FOR JULIE!!!!!! Fees are now two months overdue and must be paid next week at the very latest. If you have already paid - Julie kisses the ground you walk on and thanks you very much – the rest of ye (me included – opps) – get the purse/wallet out, preferably with cash in it! €30 for unemployed; €50 employed and €70 for Family.

Many thanks to George for taking over the newsletter while I was away, otherwise you’d have never known what was going on!

So, what is going on? Well, before we get to that - what did go on? We had our Portrait Competition last night - Brendan, our judge, a Portrait Photographer himself, was very thorough, went through every individual image and gave his thoughts on each one. There was a great turn out of both photos and members which didn’t seem to make the job easier for Brendan. But there had to be winners so in 3rd was yours truly – Larissa with the man on the chair, 2nd Colum with his turban lady and 1st Mark with his ‘Horse’ – old man with beard and pipe. Congratulations to all and everyone for entering. There was a great variety of photos and always very interesting to see – well done.

The Sea Breeze Festival (15th, 16th, 17th July) is kicking off soon and we had a visit from Colm Moules and Philip Sharpe who would like us to assist them in organising a photo competition for the weekend that’ll be in it - details to follow. http://arklowseabreezefestival.ie/

This Sunday 3rd July is a trip to Duncannon for the Tall Ships Race. Meet at the Bridge in Arklow 5am for car pool. We’ll get a view from Duncannon of the ships racing, hopefully a bit of a breeze and sails up – will make for some great photos. Ships leave Waterford at 8am and racing starts at 11am. Here’s the link http://www.waterfordtallshipsrace.ie/ and attached you'll find the route map.

Sunday 24th July is going to be a great days entertainment! Can't wait! Meet at the Bridge at 12pm for The Photo Hunt (with a ‘Treasure Hunt’ thrown in for good measure). You will be given a description of where to go and what photo to take and clues will be given for any ‘gifts’ you may have to bring back – looking forward to that. Use a ‘clean’ card in your camera i.e. make sure you've copied everything you want into your computer and format the card wiping everything off it – the first image you should take is a self portrait so we know who owns what card, there are 12 images in the Photo Hunt and it’s a team event as well as an individual event. Prizes for the ‘funniest’ photo of the day as well.

Back to a Wednesday night and on the 27th we have our Ladies Challenge. The challenge to capture is ‘Friendship’ and as it suggests it’s for TBPS Ladies only. 2 photos, mounted, A4 maximum print, not to have been used in competition before and the photo has to have been taken within the past 12 months.

Sunday 7th August sees us in Dublin Zoo – a day for all the family – kids, parents, grandparents et al. Leave from the Bridge at 8.30am, hopefully get in before the crowds. Opening time 9:30am - 6:00pm, African Plains close at 5.30pm. For prices see http://www.dublinzoo.ie/65/Prices.aspx If we have 10 or more adults travelling we can get a Group Rate of €12.50 each, 10 or more children €8.00 each. And to find out what’s going on at the Zoo go here http://www.dublinzoo.ie/66/Zoo-News.aspx

On Wednesday 24th August it’s B&W night again. Mark will issue Competition Rules again and will be forwarded in due course. (General Rules were last sent out on 30th May with the Portrait Competition outline if ye want a reminder).

All our days out are weather depending. You have Elena’s number, just make sure if you do text put your name on the end in case she hasn’t got your number in her phone.

Homework for next Wednesday will be your best images from the Tall Ships Race. Anyone who can't go your Homework can be based on equally salty stuff like Maritime/Beach/Pirates etc. See ye all soon.

June 28th 2011

Portrait Competition - 29th JUNE = this Wednesday!

Black & White - 24th August

Your PRO has been out looking for a challenge after Podge Kelly's amazing presentation on Portrait Photography. Podge covered so much in such a short time and I think we all learned something. So,

The Arklow Sailing Club would like us to get on board. I am trying to finalise the detail and will have more information on Wednesday. This would probably be on a Saturday (quite soon!) with two races possible - most likey the final races (5 & 6) in the Arklow Bay Hotel series

ASC will provide a prize(s) and the prizegiving would be approx 2 Wednesdays after the event.

There were some great portrait photographs last time out AND you could practice what your learned from Podge at sea!

If you're wondering are you fit enough, remember:-

If God had wanted you to touch your toes, he would have put them on your knees!

The Seabreeze Festival is on again in July. Guess what? There's going to be a photo competition. Are you excited? Expect more info on Wednesday night when you get here. Yes, we're getting involved....................... Oh, Jedward will be there........more portraits.......

June 20th 2011

What's on?

Podge Kelly - 22nd June - next Wednesday - 8.00 P.M. - Portaits TALK.

Note earlier starting time of 8pm - for Podge Kelly on "How to take Portrait Photographs".

Please make a special effort to get down for 8.00 p.m.

A bit about Podge:

Podge ran an RTE TV programme 'What a Picture' and 'What a Digital Picture'.

He explains how to do things in a very understandable way.

He is expert on all aspects of photography.

We have chosen the topic of 'Portraits' for Wednesday.

With the Portrait Competition on 29th June we can all learn something from him.

Afterwards, we should be able to take better photos of family and friends and anyone who takes our fancy within limits of course.........

Podge will be using studio lights.

He has asked that he would like those attending to bring their cameras.

This is shaping up for a very interesting, informative and educational evening.


REMINDER:

We are asking all members to come along and arrive fore the earlier starting time of 8.00 p.m.

If you have any like minded friends who would benefit you could bring them along.

Why don't you have a look at what Podge is about on the web....?

You can visit his website @ http://www.podgekelly.com/ and get an idea of his work.

He also has a personal page @ http://www.flickr.com/photos/podgekelly/)

REMEMBER:

Portrait Competition - 29th JUNE

	Black &
	White - 24th August

June 8th 2011

Hi all,

We all wish Larissa a well earned break after producing those wonderful newsletters complete with calendar.

I'm just sending it again so you can read it again.

Don't forget "Urban Decay" for tonight.

And if you have been "Keeping Up Appearances" you will have your Bokeh work done.

Mt. Usher still stands and Stewart will give a full report on the outing. This outing was filled with laughter and coffee and some business. I thought it was great................................

We hope to hear back positively from Audrey about Shelton - fingers crossed.

I might sneak in an ould style newsletter before Larissa gets back, just for ould times sake................

Remember those members/families who may be trying to cope with their health at this time- Was it Maeve Binchey who wrote "Light a Penny Candle" (or was it a cent or 20p).

A bien tot

Georg

June 2nd 2011

Hi All, Did you enjoy that mini heat wave yesterday??! I hope you enjoyed Bokeh last night. I'll give you some time to practise with it and bring it back for homework some time. As there was no topic chosen for your homework for next week I'm nominating 'Urban Decay' - you should get some interesting results as you can't really escape it in this town at the mo.

Here's what's coming up for June:

4th, Saturday The Polocrosse is on in the Lookout Stud, Coolgreaney from 9am, no cover charge and map attached in last weeks email - having problems attaching it here.

5th Sunday Today is our outing to Mount Usher Gardens, meet at The Bridge at 11am

8th Homework 'Urban Decay'

15th Audrey is going to see if we can take a trip to Shelton Abbey tonight but time & date needs to be confirmed.

22nd Podge Kelly 8pm who will give a presentation on how to take Portrait photographs. I set out the links to his website last week, if anyone needs them again just ask. We would appreciate a great turn out for this please.

29th The Portrait Competition is scheduled for the last Wednesday in June, the week after Podge Kelly's evening.

I'm away for a wee bit so George will very kindly take over the emails again - see ye on the 29th. Larissa

May 27th 2011

Many thanks to Paul for stepping in last night at such short notice. As I was late myself lot of members told me how much they enjoyed it. I believe photos were taken of flowers and there was a DVD special on 3 (or 4) photographers so well done Paul. I'm not sure if the 'Pinhole' photographs were shown, if not we'll see them next week.

28-29th May, Saturday & Sunday There is a Wicklow Arts Festival in Wicklow town - anyone who wants to hang their photos on the railings at Fitzwilliam Square can do so by being there early each morning to register (free and no commission charge) 9am-6pm http://wicklowartsfestival.ie/art-on-railings

And here's a link about photos in the Grand Hotel where our very own Peter Loughlin is exhibiting if anyone is in the area and can drop in http://wicklowartsfestival.ie/photo-exhib

1st June, Wednesday all going well, I'll carry on and do the practical evening for you all so bring cameras again if that's ok and as there was no homework handed out on Wednesday you can use Paul's flowers as inspiration and we'll show them on the night too.

4th, Saturday The Polocrosse is on in the Lookout Stud, Coolgreaney from 9am, no cover charge and map attached (the Stud is the green arrow), GPS Co-ords 52.770893, -6.224356

5th Sunday Today is our outing to Mount Usher Gardens, meet at The Bridge at 11am

22nd Podge Kelly 8pm who will give a presentation on how to take Portrait photographs. I set out the links to his website last week, if anyone needs them again just ask. We would appreaciate a great turn out for this please.

29th The Portrait Competition is scheduled for the last Wednesday in June, the week after Podge Kelly's evening.

I have one of the TBPS cameras - whoever wants it next please let me know. Also anyone who hasn't had the use of the camera yet and would like to borrow it please email me so I can make a list rather than pestering everyone each Wednesday to see who wants it. You will be provided with film and we will process it for you as well.

That's about it for now, if anyone comes across any links they think might be of interest to members then forward them on and I'll email them out.

May 19th 2011

It's that time of the week again - doesn't it just fly by?

Many thanks to Nigel for his very interesting talk on Pinhole Photography last night, handout attached. Drawing on his evening guess what your homework is for next week?? Yep - pinhole photography the digital way. There were a few away last night hence the attachment - give it a go and see what ye think.

Don't forget your 'Spices' photos as well - anyone who didn't get a chance to do them for last night can have another week to do them - even combine 'Spices' and Pinhole in one image.

May 10th 2011

Hi guys, It's been a busy weekend for everyone - those who went to Donegal and those who had weddings and wotnot r where else to go too. We saw the Donegal photos, waiting on the wedding ones now George! :o)

The film cameras are busy going through the members at the mo so best of luck to everyone with that exercise.

Coming up: 18th - Nigel will do a talk on Pinhole photography (assisted by Paul) Homework is 'Spices' 4th - June - Motocross - for anyone who wants to go 5th - 1st Sunday of June we head to Mount Usher Gardens, meet at The Bridge at 11am. Admission is €7.50

There are a ton of photos that Stewart had been holding onto from competitions etc. for exhibition. These have been exhibited and need to go back to their owners so can anyone who hasn't checked PLEASE go through them and take what belongs to you. You've all put a lot of work into them it'd be a pity to loose them.

See ye all next Wednesday, Larissa.

27th April

I do hope you're all out enjoying this beautiful weather and taking your photos for next weeks 'Nature' competition. 2 photos, a4, mounted. Anyone who needs mounts from me please email/text the size of the image and Black or Ivory mount (if it's a4 borderless just type a4BL).

Our PRO George-T is in constant contact with the press and we're looking forward to something spectacular there soon! Go George!

Apologies for the lack of a decent 'newsletter' last week. Many thanks to Stewart and Nigel for their talk on Film Photography. Robert learned a lot recently using his new film camera and as the Society's cameras went to Mark and Bernie we wish them well with it. Not exactly the same as digital, you need to think about what you're doing and you're limited to how many photos you can take on one reel. We'll have those photos back soon and it should be a very interesting exercise for all.

Last Wednesday we had to make a change in the schedule at the last minute and thanks again to Stewart for stepping in and doing a workshop on panels. We hope that members could see how the dynamics of photographs can change so simply and this is the basis of our panel workshops that will some up for everyone this year - see what works and what doesn't - and why it doesn't.

Remember - on the 11th May we have our Bring & Buy sale - photography related only (and a photo of the kitchen sink is stretching it)!

Enjoy the bank hol weekend, see ye Wednesday.

Larissa

27th April

I do hope you're all out enjoying this beautiful weather and taking your photos for next weeks 'Nature' competition. 2 photos, a4, mounted. Anyone who needs mounts from me please email/text the size of the image and Black or Ivory mount (if it's a4 borderless just type a4BL).

Our PRO George-T is in constant contact with the press and we're looking forward to something spectacular there soon! Go George!

Apologies for the lack of a decent 'newsletter' last week. Many thanks to Stewart and Nigel for their talk on Film Photography. Robert learned a lot recently using his new film camera and as the Society's cameras went to Mark and Bernie we wish them well with it. Not exactly the same as digital, you need to think about what you're doing and you're limited to how many photos you can take on one reel. We'll have those photos back soon and it should be a very interesting exercise for all.

Last Wednesday we had to make a change in the schedule at the last minute and thanks again to Stewart for stepping in and doing a workshop on panels. We hope that members could see how the dynamics of photographs can change so simply and this is the basis of our panel workshops that will some up for everyone this year - see what works and what doesn't - and why it doesn't.

Remember - on the 11th May we have our Bring & Buy sale - photography related only (and a photo of the kitchen sink is stretching it)!

Enjoy the bank hol weekend, see ye Wednesday.

Larissa

21st April

Many thanks to Stewart and Nigel for their talk on Film photography last night. The two Canon AE1's have got out to Mark and Bernie so thinking caps on guys! It's not the same as digital and you've a limited number of shots you can take - good discipline for us all.

And just a quick little note to say that there is Polocrosse training/mini tournament in the Lookout Stud, Coolgreaney from 12 noon on the Bank Holiday Monday if anyone is interested in heading there to take some photos - map attached, GPS Co-ords 52.770893,-6.224356 and also on the last Sunday in May.

As we didn't have time to view the Homework Project on Colour we'll do that next Wednesday 27th.

16th April

Hi all,

Hope you're enjoying this nice pleasant weather we're having i.e. it's not raining so I'm kept happy :o)

So the new Committee had it's first meeting on Wednesday and has set out a wee agenda for ye all so here goes:

20th - Stewart will give a talk on Film Photography

27th - We hope to have a guest speaker for the topic of Landscape

1st May - Polocrosse in Ballykilty - Bernie has more info on that for us.

4th - Nature Competition

11th - Bring & Buy Night - any photographic related equipment you have but don't need anymore bring it along tonight (leave the kitchen sink at home!) and perhaps someone who would like it will buy it leaving you will some cash to go buy more camera paraphernalia

We are planning a day trip to Waterford for the Tall Ships Race on 2 July. This is going to be a hectic day so the plan is to leave early.

We also hope to do a trip to the Zoo in the summer (if anyone gets Premier Milk can you please collect the tokens off the pack - I know the tokens don't cover the Zoo in summer but there are other trips we could take)

Basically we hope to have set events for each Wednesday of the month - this is just a draft:

1st - 2 (willing) members picked at random to bring in 5 prints of their photos (A4 or smaller) as a panel for discussion by select members - this probably sounds scarier than it is! Basically the idea is that members get used to putting a panel together so that if you wanted to put a panel into the IPF Distinctions it can be a work in progress towards it.

2nd - Guest Speakers - either from outside the Society or a member can share their knowledge on a topic/

3rd - Film Photography - yes - we are giving over one night a month to the return of Film Photography! We have 2 Canon AE1's for members use (one on loan - Thank you Julie). Each week two lucky members will be given these cameras with film and they will head off, shoot the reel, bring them back and we will get them developed and they can be shown the next week and see what we can learn from it - so try not to miss Stewarts talk for tips next Wednesday.

4th - Practical Night - so make sure the batteries are fired up, film/cards at the ready and away we go.

Homework continues every week and for this Wednesday's it's 'Colour' (remember to label your folder with your topic then your name, and label each photo with your name and a number).

So busy busy busy!

See ye all soon

10th April

Hi all, Firstly a major word of thanks to our past committee - Stewart (retired) and George (relocated), and many thanks to Julie for keeping her hotseat as Treasurer (I'm sure she wants me to remind ye all that Fees are due). Roberto remains our faithful President and we welcome Elena to the fold of the TBPS Committee for the first time - she's our Chairperson and I know everyone is going to give her great support in her new role. George Tracey has been cast as PRO so I'm expecting that membership numbers should rise dramatically! As for myself I'm a sucker for punishment taking on the position of Secretary again. If any member wants to make suggestions as to what they would like covered on any Wednesday please do let us know - I know it's something that has always been asked and sometimes it can be hard to think of something but if you do come across anything, even something you think other members would be interested in, tell us n we'll tell them.
Our "First Sunday of the Month" outing comes to us in the shape of the second Sunday of this month (10th April) where we head off walking in the Glenart Castle grounds. Meet at the Bridge Hotel at 2pm or at the 'car park' at the entrance to the castle (on the Vale Road) at 2.30pm. Cameras etc. required and no high heels lads!
This Wednesday evening we'll run everyone's slideshow of the Glenart photos (strict guidelines on how to label your folders and images coming up) and your homework for the same night is 'Abstract'. I have a film from Paul for the past few weeks which we haven't had time to show so hopefully we'll get to that as well.
Please see your email for the Strict Guidelines! If you didn't get your email send me one and I'll sort that out.
Larissa

31st March 2011

Hi all,

I've been updated with the email list - thank you George - and apologies to anyone who hasn't received any emails for a while.

Congratulations to our winners of the Maritime Competition last night - in 3rd place Peter Loughlin (welcome back), 2nd place Colum Dalton and in 1st place Stewart Case - well done all. Many thanks to our sponsor and host 'The Bridge Hotel' and to our judges Jim and Peter - much appreciated. Jim has also selected members photo which will adorn the walls of the hotel - we look forward to seeing them in place.

We had some interesting ideas for 'Irish Architecture' last night - keep up the good work everyone. And to keep ye on your toes Audrey picked 'Transport' for next weeks homework (she did mention something about hair and screws combined with Transport - I'll let ye sort that one out yourselves!! :oD

Next Wednesday 6th April we are 6 years old!! And you all know what that means - nope - no birthday cake but the dreaded AGM. (I'm pretty sure I'm washing my hair that night!)

Some of the old committee are standing down - our long term Chairperson Stewart and Secretary George - thank you for all your hard work over the past few years. So these positions are open to any willing/unwilling participants as well as PRO.

So that's your lot for now - I don't have the weather report - I'm not George - if ye want it ye can look out the window or petition for it!

See ye next week,

Ciao, Larissa.

22 March 2011

Hi Guys,

Apologies for the late email. Tomorrow night we'll have a Show'n'Tell - bring in your photos - anything at all and we'll have a great slide show. Last week we headed 'Out'n'About' to a secret location so members please bring these in too. Also it was St. Patrick's Day last Thursday so we want those too!

So a night of pics galore - see ye then.

Larissa.

P.S. I have it on good authority that George T's back - welcome home George!

14th March 2011

Hi All,

Just a very very quick email - this Wednesday - 16th March - bring your cameras with you, and tripods if you have them - if it's a dry evening we're heading out and about to take photos. If it's wet Stewart will have an alternative planned. Homework for this night is 'Animals' - pets or otherwise.

And remember - it's Paddy's Day on the Thursday so we'll expect to see those photos the following week.

C ye all then,

Larissa

3rd March 2011

Hi all,

First off we send magical 'Get Well Soon Wishes' to George T and Peter who are unwell and hopefully on the mend and will be back with us soon so come on guys - focus on getting better - mind over matter and all that!!

We have been busy over the past few weeks so I'll try remember and recap on what we did. As you know from previous 'blogs' from George T he's been campaigning for a new Committee (n we all thought it was just election fever). While the committee won't change hands till the official date of the first Wednesday in April we're all pulling together and putting a new weekly schedule in place - so if there's anything any member wants to know let us know and we'll sort it out for ye.

On the 16th February ye were assigned 'Love' as your 'Project Work' being Valentines and all that... Some very creative ideas and you can find some here:

Last week - 23rd Feb - we covered some digital Black & White - dodging and burning and the Project Work was 'Wind'

Last night Paul gave a very interesting and informative talk on how to photography Garden Birds. He demonstrated his set up and even brought some little tweeters with him. Keep this lesson in mind - it'll come up in Project Work soon so get practising - not just your photo techniques but your patience too!

This Sunday 6th March we're going to take a day out to Porters Rocks - meet at the Duck Pond at 2pm with cameras and tripods (charged batteries and memory cards etc.)

Next Wednesday (9th March) we'll have a little lesson on reflectors so bring your cameras as well and we'll have a practise session.

Project Work for last night was 'Water' and for the 9th it's 'Food'. I've uploaded some of the PW to the TBPS Flickr page and you'll find members most recent work at this link: http://www.flickr.com/photos/tbps/

9th February 2011

There's a lot of news doing the rounds, so get comfortable and read.................

PROGRAMME

TONIGHT we are back in business.

Yep, that means practicals.

Have you done your homework? Ok, if you haven't you can use your Get Out of Jail Card for tonight only. The homework was photography with a theme of "Electricity". A bit of a shocker??? This will be followed by helpings of photographs taken at the Arklow Rock on Sunday while it is still there!

Sunday showed once again the importance of having your battery fully charged before you go out. It fitted in well with the theme.

Certificates were presented last week to participants who arrived as newbies and are now capturing the world around them following their "graduation". If you missed out on your certificate, come down tonight and we will make sure you get yours.

Remember:

The photographs in the Business Centre.

NEW COMMITTEE

Canvassing is well underway for the new committee. There is a keen interest in some posts. However, no car, nor driver is provided.

Finally

Take care,

enjoy life as best you can,

and, as always, of course,

spend time with your best friend..........................

............your camera........................

Jorg

2nd February 2011

THANKS

I thought I'd start with a roll call of thanks!!!!

Thanks to all who supported the raffle, bought tickets and WON!!!! Thanks also for the variety of spot prizes. Thanks also to Jim, Patrick, DJs, and the staff of the Bridge Hotel for their sumptuous food, music and atmosphere. As always they made us feel very welcome with their warm hospitality. Thanks also to those who gave of themselves to entertain us that night. Yes, we're all human........... That was the big one......... The "Christmas/New Year/Birthday Party all rolled into one. You made it a night to remember...........

Thanks to those who sent me in their "birth days". No wonder we are the way we are with all those water bearers (Aquarians).

PROGRAMME

Tonight is the Final Photo Class!!! Many thanks to Colum for his loyalty and commitment to our education.

Certificates will be presented to participants who arrived as newbies (?) and are now putting their more experienced colleagues to the test.

Thanks also to our own presenters, Paul, Stewart, Larissa, Robert, Georg for their unique contribution. Remember too our guest speakers, Beatrix, Josh, Peter. Don't forget our own Mark for grasping the nettle of Competition Secretary. Our Officers, Robert, Stewart, Julie, Georg, helped with the Committee to keep a range of activities and knowledge capsules on track during the year. Bernie, Sheila and Gail got us publicity when we needed it. If I forgot anybody Julie will buy you a pint.............

Remember:

The sell by date on the screws, cord, frames and photographs in the Business Centre is up. We need to change them now and make sure everybody is represented on the Walls of Fame.

Action: Decide tonight, who will do and what.

Note from Krissi Hodgson, Secretary, Kilkenny Photographic Society, about IPF Distinctions Workshop on12th February 2011 in Kilkenny. Mark Sedgewick will be there to provide useful information and to give advice to anyone intending to apply for a distinction.

Message from Dr. Christopher Kid. If you strike it lucky you could join a safari with him. He's the owner of The Photographic Safari Company which was set up to offer dedicated photographic safaris in Uganda. Sun block is essential or factor 50! NEW COMMITTEE

Yep, Spring is in the air. Time for a spring clean.

OK, the Society needs a fresh, young, vibrant committee for the next year. A number of the committee are taking time off for a while to further their education. Everybody has something to contribute. Please share what you have and bring a fresh approach to the work of the Society by giving a little of your time to steer us forward and renew us.

Go on!!! Go on!!!

Finally

Take care, enjoy life as best you can, and, of course, spend time with your best friend.......................... ............your camera........................

Jorg

25th January 2011

Yes!

YOU can be a winner!!!

As you remember from last newsletter , reproduced below:

Tomorrow is the"26th The Big One - The "Christmas/New Year Party" in the Bridge Hotel".

Get there for 9.00 p.m. and you'll have some grub.

There will be a raffle - €2 a ticket.

Buy at least one and you can be a winner - what a great start to the New Year.

Bring along a spot prize if you have one to spare to donate (say a €tenner max) - something that you'd like to win yourself maybe...........................

[Did you send me your Date of Birth without the year so we can all celebrate with you?]

Programme to 26th January 2011:-

26th The Big One - The "Christmas/New Year Party" in the Bridge Hotel from 8.00 p.m.

Keep hope alive - buy a ticket

All the best,

Jorg

Some announcements in your email.

6th January 2011

New Year Greetings to everybody on this special ladies day! Nollag na mBan. Take some time out

I've decided for the New Year to slim down.

That includes the Newsletter.

You tell me what you want and I'll put it in. That way, you can help redesign it.

Simple!

So, think about it. Then email me with your "likes" and "dislikes".

That way you will see a new look, new content Newsletter that we all like!!!.

OK, the holiday, fun, socialising is over.

Yes, it was lovely to see so many turn up last night but now we're back in the room.

Its time to get back to the craft.

Thanks to all the presenters who contributed of their time, effort and experience in adding to our love of photography.

Thanks to Jim and Patrick in the Bridge Hotel who always make us feel so welcome and look after our needs so well.

News:

Welcome back Margaret. She's in great form. I missed her photography style!

Happy Birthday, that we know of, to Colum and Stewart.

[Send me your Date of Birth without the year so we can all celebrate with you]

Programme to 26th January 2011:-

5th You missed it!

12th Larissa - Basic Picasa - 9.00 p.m.

Bring your snow photos, Maximum 20. REPEAT - MAXIMUM 20.

19th Camera Craft - Colum - 8.00 p.m. - 9.00 p.m. Basically what we do with a camera and why.

Bring your current photos, Maximum 20. REPEAT - MAXIMUM 20.

26th The Big One - The "Christmas/New Year Party" in the Bridge Hotel from 8.00 p.m.

Think of our President as he participates in the Keith Barry Show tonight. See does he come out with a smile on his face .

Keep hope alive this year................

All the best,

Jorg

5th January 2011

I wish you all a Happy New Year

Well, we made it to the end of 2010! What a year!

We plan to get back together on Wednesday 5th January (that's tonight if you haven't noticed).

Basically,

it will be a social night,

reviewing 2010 ,

what went well ,

what didn't ,

how we can improve , and more importantly,

what YOU want to do in 2011 (apart from Draft Programme in the pipeline).

finalise the party!!!

I'm writing this on my dongle because my regular Broadband is not delivering the business and I'm not a happy camper.

Lucky enough I have my Snuggie keeping me warm - I need to, having been in bed for four days with the flu. Yuk. What a dose. Thank God my body's guerilla cells got reinforcements and hopefully have slaughtered all the baddies.

You're probably not reading this if your sick (I couldn't bear noise etc when I was awake, though I slept through most of it, probably while the internal war was being waged). You have my sympathy if you've got the bug, stay warm, drink lots of water, nice hot soup if you can manage it and maybe a decent tablet to ease the discomfort with lots of TLC in particular.

Thanks for all the texts and emails over the festive period. If I missed out replying to anybody please forgive me. I'll give you a lend of my Snuggie!

So, hope you stay well, eat well, relax well, sleep well.

And, very important stay or get back into shape as the days are getting longer, the light is staying longer.

Did you know that getting out with your camera quickly burn up the calories and keep you flexible! Go on, go for it!!!

So, from the Night Owl,

Good Night (that's a change), to anyone still awake! or

Good Morning to anyone getting it when they wake up

Georg

Normal services will resume after our meeting.