18th August 2010

Hardy-Har................

The Arklow Sailing Club have sent a very special thanks to the members of the Tommy Byrne Photographic Society who took photographs of their recent races.

The undertaking was very adventurous for the members who were made to feel most welcome and at ease as they set sail for the turbines.

However we are reminded how fragile life is when three anglers were killed when their 25ft motor cruiser, the Castaway, sank off west Cork on Monday. Officials from the Marine Casualty Investigation Board and the Garda are to carry out an inquiry into the incident and whether an explosion in the engine caused the fire. A fourth man from America, the only survivor, was described as walking wounded after being winched to safety from the water. Luckily, the helicopter service was in the area at the time. The tragedy occurred about half a mile from shore in Bantry Bay, near Adrigole harbour, at around 5.30pm, 12 miles from Glengarriff. This must be a very difficult time for their families when what started as a straightforward voyage ended so suddenly and tragically.

While safety was paramount for ourselves and crew, the skippers made sure we got back safely with dare I say literally thousands of photographs!

The sailing club hope to have a social evening Wednesday week in their "clubhouse" with us and show us their appreciation for our work - they may even show this with some tokens of thanks!

Last Wednesday saw Stewart and Julie give us some valuable insights, tips and photographs for Wedding Photography. Stewart is finalising the handout/attachment for distribution. There were some gorgeous examples of Photo Books. If you give/send me attractive Photo Book websites/addresses I will list them near the end. Michael was a living witness of health as he returned after a nasty flu.

Thanks to Bernie who once again gave members the opportunity to "capture" some dramatic shots at the motocross.

There was a few moments of watery silence near the end when members understood that the Secretary had been "sacked". What Stewart was trying to say was that the Secretary had not been sacked but discreetly slipped out suffering from very painful MJI.

As you remember from last newsletter you can expect:

1. 18th August - Metering & Lenses. This complex but simply area will be ably unravelled by our own Master of Mystery and Wizard, aka, Dumbledore. Have any questions ready. Members are particularly interested in the practical application of the various metering techniques so if you want to ask about yours, please do.

2. If you have any unusual lenses bring them along so we can compare what they can be used for. We might even try a few grab shots!

3. 25th August - Black & White Competition by the Competition Secretary's Rules which you have already received.

4. 01 September - Black & White Print Night - include improving photos from 25th Aug

5. 24th September - Patrick Nolan (Fair City fame) has invited us to stage a Photographic Exhibition in Conary during a cultural get together.

Colum occupies Birr Castle 8, 9, 10th October for his piece de resistance. There are a few pitches still left on the grounds for tents etc.

Wicklowtoday.com have again been in touch for more photographs. Julie has more info and I hope Larissa wasn't inundated by mistakenly attributing the contact to her.........

Remember to put your name on any photographs you display at the Business Centre. We will be changing the current ones before the end of the month.

We propose to do a catalogue of various print media in the not too distant future.

We are considering making an application for Garda Vetting since members are coming across and aware of situations where children could be the subjects of photographs. Please bring along photographic ID for yourselves so we can update our own ID cards. In these cash strapped times you'll find you usually get at least 10% discound with your card on photographic equipment.

A further talk on Photographic Law is in preparation and will probably be given in September.

Keep going............

Jorg,