|
If May (so far) is anything to go by, we have a glorious summer ahead. Those sun-filled days of relaxation are a real prospect after the normal dismal weather we suffer throughout the year. The flowers are in full bloom (and the grass grows quicker and longer), the songs of birds brighten our lives, and to be up early for the sunrise is a blessing.
Outings organised by our dedicated team ensure that fellowship and photography go hand in hand. What more would we want?
Next Monday – the first SWM Showcase
Shoot With Me is unique to OffShoot. We have so many fine photographers among our membership and SWM gives an opportunity to join with other members, often just to try something new. After weeks spent pursuing their group themes, it is now time to present the fruits of their labour so that we may all enjoy their success.
Not only do we admire their effort, but we can all benefit from their experience and learn. New techniques, a long-postponed project or just another twist of a long-forgotten tale. Come and see, come and learn, come and enjoy.
Last Monday – Competition Judging
There is so much more to photography than just pointing and clicking at a likely subject. It is the difference between a work of art and a snap. This was a really enjoyable experience. No judge but ourselves.
As photographers we all have an emotional relationship with our image and the interest is to see it judged by someone impartially. Last Monday we had the chance to look at some fabulous images, to give a judgement on each and to select the top four images.
Congratulations to all who entered and, in particular, to the winners set out below.
1st Place Level 1 - Sunrise at Belvedere by Anne-Marie Fitzpatrick
1st Place Level 2 - Beached by Malcom Broadstock
All Levels:
Highly Commended
Lago Limides reflection by Kevin Grace
Muckross Abbey Killarney by Jean Clarke
3rd Place
Sunrise at Belvedere by Anne-Marie Fitzpatrick
2nd Place
Arc of Trees by Helen Black
1st Place
Early Morning in London by Eithne O'Leary
Club Exhibition
The club's annual exhibition will be held in The Lexicon Library, level 4, from July 12th to 17thAugust.
If you would like to take part in the exhibition, please submit up to two images each to the link below before midnight on the 20th June 2025. The topic can be anything. The images will be printed, mounted and framed by Steve at a cost of €30 each.
When submitting images for the exhibition, can members please add a title to the images, as we will have foam title tags for each image, and it looks better if the image has a name rather than a camera-generated file name. Please upload your files in TIFF format, as it means that the image will print really well.
There will be a launch party after the first night of the exhibition.
Please add your images to the Dropbox link below.
https://www.dropbox.com/request/RJw6nGv6X1IDddC25zyn
We know this is three months away BUT you have to have your images ready and in the Dropbox by 20th June and that is only six weeks away. Start sorting now.
If you have any questions, please ask Emily.
IPF National Club Competition 17 & 18 May
Alas, this newsletter will be in your inbox before the start of this important IPF Photography weekend.
The club’s panels for the IPF National Club Competition have now been completed and our entry has been submitted. A big thank you to all who submitted images and please don’t be downhearted if your image did not make the panel. We hope to give all members a critique of their own image in due course but you know that Rome wasn’t built in a day and we need a little time to get this right.
The judging of the panel for the Club Competition will take place on 17th & 18th May at Aras An Chontae, Mount Street, Mullingar – Monochrome on the Saturday and Colour on the Sunday.
Some interesting observations arose from the preparation of our panels.
a. 223 images were considered (151 colour and 72 mono).
b. We sourced these images from those submitted by members, competition winners for 2024 and 2025 and a look through Flickr.
c. We created a judging format which we applied to all images and it is from this that we hope to provide feedback to members who contributed images.
d. There were only 5 images of people (including only 1 portrait), 4 images of animals and a small number of birds and insects in the total submission. This was a real disappointment as people and animals do well in competition.
IPF Distinction Sitting
Sitting for a distinction is the best way of learning about and developing your photography. It takes patience and you invest a lot of time in preparing a panel. We now have a good number of members presenting their panels for adjudication by a panel of judges on 17th May in the Mullingar Arts Centre.
So, if you would like to have a weekend viewing some great imagery get along to Mullingar to support our colleagues on their journey! It will inspire you to get involved.
The next distinction sitting takes place on 27th September in Dunamaise Arts Centre, Portlaoise (applications from 12.00 pm on 12th August to 10.00 pm on 5th September) and the one after that is 22nd November in Thurles (applications from 12.00 pm on 7th October to 10.00 pm on 31st October).
Do have a go at a distinction. Success or failure is nought to the experience and knowledge gained.
November Connemara Weekend
Plans are advancing for a great photographic trip to Connemara for the weekend 7 – 9 November 2025. Details have already been circulated by email. If you require any further information, please contact any members of the Outings Committee.
Robbie O’Leary at Ballyroan Library on 21st May
Robbie’s talent has earned him a Fellowship with the IPF and we know him as a modest photographer in our midst, never failing to offer support and encouragement to others. In addition, he is a man of letters and his book about the Wildlife of the River Dodder sold out on its launch.
Robbie is a valued member of the paparazzi along the River Dodder and is going to talk about his jaunts at Ballyroan Library on 21st May at 6:30pm. Do make an effort to go and listen to a master writer and photographer.
Tips of the Week
To improve your photography, focus on understanding your camera, mastering the exposure triangle (aperture, shutter speed, and ISO), and practicing good composition. Don't be afraid to experiment and learn from your mistakes.
Your Camera is a sophisticated, computerised piece of engineering. It can take pictures in fully automatic mode but it comes into its own when used in one or more of the many functions available (aperture priority, shutter priority, manual), ISO, and white balance.
Understand the Exposure Triangle:
i. Aperture - the amount of light entering the lens, which influences depth of field (how much of the scene is in focus).
ii. Shutter Speed: Determines how long the lens is open, affecting motion blur and freezing action.
iii. ISO: Measures the camera's sensitivity to light, influencing image noise.
Composition: here are some tips:
a. Avoid distracting backgrounds.
b. Use lines in the scene (like roads or fences) to guide the viewer's eye towards the subject.
c. Explore symmetrical scenes or patterns.
d. Consider the time of day, weather conditions, and how light affects your subject.
e. Capture the beautiful light during the hour after sunrise and the hour before sunset.
f. Use natural shadows to soften harsh light.
g. A tripod can help you capture sharp images, especially in low light or when using long shutter speeds.
h. Use or break some of the rules e.g. The rule of thirds
Practice makes perfect. Don't be afraid to experiment with different settings, compositions, and subjects. Try different types of photography (landscape, portrait, street, etc.) to broaden your skills and find what you enjoy most. |
