ALICE SPRINGS CAMERA CLUB
FORMED 1953
Friday 16th October 1953 Page 15 - Centralian Advocate (Alice Springs, NT)
ALICE SPRINGS CAMERA CLUB
So enthusiastic was the response to a meeting of color and black and white photographers held at the home of Mr. and Mrs. Gordon Shipley last Thursday night, that an Alice Springs Camera Club will be formed.
Mr. Shipley let it be known that some color slides and "camera talk" was to take place at his home on Thursday, he expected a few real enthusiasts — but 34 rolled up. The photographers saw slides taken by John Bray, Frank Drury and others and heard a talk by Charles Chuvel's cameraman, Philip Pike, and decided a club should be formed.
The meeting will be held at the Alice School on the night of Thursday, 29th. All photographers are invited. The meeting will establish a club and appoint two delegates to the newly formed Tourist and Information Burean.
Friday 4th December 1953 Page 17 - Centralian Advocate (Alice Springs, NT)
ALICE SPRINGS CAMERA CLUB
The first general meeting of the Alice Springs Camera Club was held over a month ago and was well attended. Prior to this an evening had been held at Gordon Shipley's home when it was originally decided to form the Alice Springs Camera Club.
At this first gathering a selection of colored slides and movies taken by members was screened and enthusiastically received by all present. Mr. Phil Pike, one of Charles Chauvel's cameramen and the motive responsible for setting the idea of an Alice Springs Camera Club going, was in attendance and gave very informative discussions on questions put to him concerning various aspects of photography.
Since then the club has been established and many outings and other activities are planned for the New Year. All sections of the art of photography are represented and one is bound to discover kindred spirits in the club whether one is interested mainly in learning how to disentangle oneself whilst developing a roll of 35mm film by the open bath method or merely finding out the simplicity of operation of the Kelvilux color temperature meter. Cameras of course, range from pin-hole boxes to Linoh press types.
Next Monday 7th December, the monthly meeting of the Alice Springs Camera Club will be held in the Scout Hall commencing at 8pm. The business discussion is guaranteed to be dealt with quickly and a screening of color transparencies is to be held, to which prospective members and visitors are cordially invited to attend.
Friday 5th February 1954 Page 15 - Centralian Advocate (Alice Springs, NT)
ALICE SPRINGS CAMERA CLUB
Interest is mounting in the Alice Springs Camera Club photographic competition, details of which were announced by officials this week.
This month the club are conducting a "color landscape" contest. It is believed a number of members took the opportunity of the long week-end to get out after some of the colorful landscapes situated miles from town.
Next month there will be a black and white landscape contest, following this, a competition for head and shoulder portrait studies in color and black and white will be held. Entries for the final section close at the end of April. A special prize has been donated by Mr. Frank Drury.
The competition is open to all comers, not only members of the camera club. Further details can be obtained from Mr. A.E. "Mac" McTainsh.
The club will conduct its general meeting on Monday night next. After business, there will be a showing of 8mm movies by Mr. Lionel Whittaker and well known Centralian photographer Mr. Jock Pearson will give a talk on black and white photography.
Friday 26th February 1954 Page 16 - Centralian Advocate (Alice Springs, NT)
ALICE SPRINGS CAMERA CLUB
The general meeting of the Alice Springs Camera Club will be held next Tuesday 2nd March, in the Youth Centre building commencing at 8pm.
Highlight of the evening will be the judging of the club's first photographic competition. This competition is to be for Kodachrome transparencies depicting a landscape, Territorian or otherwise. Competitors may enter up to three (3) slides each and are to hand their entries in to Mr. Bob Rumball, as print secretary on the night of the competition. Each slide will be numbered and projected on to a screen. Judging will take place by a panel of three judges.
Will all members and visitors please note that the place and date of meeting of the club have been altered from the usual to as above.
Thursday 4th March 1954 Page 1 - Quorn Mercury (South Australia)
ALICE SPRINGS CAMERA CLUBFILM SHOOTING IS WELL UNDER WAY
Commonwealth Railways engine driver, Mr. H. Sweeney, said this week on his return from Alice Springs, that he has already exposed approx. 300 ft of film in the shooting of the documentary that he and Mr. R. Mayes are making on the operation of the Central Australian Railway.
Mr. Sweeney added that despite the difficulties to be overcome by an amateur cinematographer in the rare atmosphere of the interior, the film exposed to date had proved to be exceptionally good.
He had shown the developed portion of the film to members of the recently formed Alice Springs Camera Club during his recent visit to the inland town, in appreciation of the assistance rendered by members in procuring shots of beauty spots in the interior.
Messrs, Sweeney and Mayes are in receipt of a letter from the State Electricity Trust in which permission is granted for the filming of the constructional work being carried out at the Aroona Dam and Curlew Point projects as well as the every-day work on the coal field at Leigh Creek.
The local amateurs have also announced their intention of filming the Royal Progress through Whyalla on the occasion of the visit of Her Majesty the Queen and the Duke of Edinburgh to the northern town.
Thursday 12th March 1954 Page 12 - Centralian Advocate (Alice Springs, NT)
ALICE SPRINGS CAMERA CLUBSECOND CAMERA CLUB COMPETITION
The Alice Springs Camera Club, which has just concluded a color competition, has announced the closing date of a "black and white" and "color" child portrait competition. Entries must be in by 30th April.
This competition is for a head and shoulders portrait of a child. In the case of black and white entries, prints may be enlarged up to 3½ by 5½, mounted on 6 by 8 white, cream or gray board. Negatives must be enclosed with all contact prints or enlargements.
GOOD COLOR ENTRIES
The competition which concluded last week, a color landscape transparency competition, saw many fine entries. As published last week a beautiful study of Standley Chasm taken by Peter Rumball took out first prize. Mr. Rumball's picture showed a completely new approach to this rather difficult subject. The second prize went to Mr. John Bray for his slide of a mountain range at sunset.
Points scored out of a possible 30 per slide were as follows: P. Rumball 29, J. Bray 28, P. Rumball 27, J. Jackson 26, G. Simpson 26, P. Wilkinson 25 and 25 (two slides), S. Kinsman 25 and 25, K. Radcliffe, G. Shipley, J. Bray, 25 each.
Judges were Mr. Rex Battarbee and Mr. Jock Pearson. There were 45 colored slides entered. Landscapes ranged from the Blue Mountains to New Zealand, as well as many Central Australian shots. Screening and judging took place in the Youth Centre, and more than 50 people were in attendance.
Friday 14th May 1954 Page 9 - Centralian Advocate (Alice Springs, NT)
ALICE SPRINGS CAMERA CLUBCAMERA CLUB CONTEST
The Alice Springs Camera Club held a well attended and enjoyable social evening and judging of the latest photographic contest last week.
The "Head and Shoulders" portrait competition was won by Mr. John Bray, who also took out third place. Mr. Kitching was second.
Miss Joy Cusky, the Alice librarian, showed a series of films during the evening.
Competition judges were Messrs. Rex Battarbee and Jock Pearson. Mr. Pearson received congratulations for the fine portrait of Albert Namatjira which won him £20 in a southern competition and made the front page cover of "A.M." last week.
Club officials announced forth coming competitions as follows: June — "Open"; July — "Animal Study"; August — "Tree".
The next black and white competition is scheduled for June and is to be open to all types of shots (within reason).
Friday 28th May 1954 Page 18 - Centralian Advocate (Alice Springs, NT)
ALICE SPRINGS CAMERA CLUBCAMERA COMPETITION CLOSES TUESDAY
The Alice Springs Camera Club is conducting an 'open' color black and white: photographic competition. Entries are to be handed in to the secretary of the club at the start of the monthly meeting on Tuesday, June 1.
A club official said this week that each competitor is allowed three entries in each section. It is anticipated that a large number will be submitted this time.
The club has conducted a series of competitions and the effect on the standard of photography in the town has been improved, according to independent observers.
Most successful club member to date has been Mr. John Bray, who has won three places in previous competitions.
1st June 1954 Page 383 - Vol. 61 No. 6 Australasian Photo-Review
ALICE SPRINGS CAMERA CLUB
The last meeting of the Alice Springs Camera Club was held in the Youth Centre Hall on 14th May. This meeting was combined with the Film Evening presented by the Alice Springs Public Library, the occasion proving very successful and enjoyable.
After a short business meeting, the monthly competition was judged, first prize going to John Bray. The competition was for a head and shoulders portrait in Kodachrome, the winning transparency being of an aboriginal. A selected variety of 16mm films was then screened, including a Cinesound News picture of Her Majesty’s arrival in Australia, and the Caltex Oil Co. film, Bahrein Oil Story.
Friday 25th June 1954 Page 13 - Centralian Advocate (Alice Springs, NT)
ALICE SPRINGS CAMERA CLUBCAMERA CLUB COMPETITION KEEN
The July competition in the regular series now being conducted by the Alice Springs Camera Club will be judged on Tuesday, July 6. The subject is "An Animal" in color transparency.
The competition is open to members only, but anyone can join the club when entering slides on the night. The competitions so far have attracted a great deal of good work and judging has not been easy. The June competition for any study in and black and white saw the highest number of entries to date.
A superb color slide of a wedge-tailed eagle sitting on a nest won the color section. The shot had been taken by Mr. A.E. ("Mac") McTainsh. There were 57 slides entered.
Peter Rumball won the black and white competition with an interesting landscape silhouette. This section was judged by artist Vlase Zanalis. Mr. McTainsh won on the decision of the audience.
A Camera Club official commented this week that the prize given to Mr. John Bray for his winning black and white landscape of a recent competition (picture reproduced in the "Advocate" last week) had been donated by Mr. anu Mrs. George McLean. Mr. and Mrs. McLean donated the first prize given by someone outside the club and have encouraged the activities in every way, the spokesman said.
Visitors are cordially invited to attend the July meeting on Tuesday week, and other judging nights.
Friday 2nd July 1954 Page 16 - Centralian Advocate (Alice Springs, NT)
ALICE SPRINGS CAMERA CLUB
The Alice Springs Camera Club staged a colorful and highly interesting screening of slides and movie films for all visitors to Alice Springs at the Buff Hall on Saturday night last. A large audience was taken for a trip through the Centre by way of a specially selected series of color slides from club members collections.
Highlight of the night was a novel and rather staggering musical turn put on by the brilliant architect of the John Flynn Memorial Church, Mr. Arthur Philpott. Announced as Professor Potter and his Pottophone, Mr. Philpott extracted strange sounding, but tuneful music from an instrument which defies true description. The pottophone looks like a large and deformed saxophone. The end piece is a truly fine bathroom pedestal from which come deep hollow notes. Prof. Potter showed further versatility by then playing on a home-made "gum bough" instrument.
Among the audience was the Prime Minister and observers say that the pottophone act very nearly laid him in the aisle.
Friday 16th July 1954 Page 8 - Centralian Advocate (Alice Springs, NT)
ALICE SPRINGS CAMERA CLUB
The Alice Springs Camera Club monthly general meetings have become so popular that the club finds it necessary to hold two a month now, one for the general public and one for members only.
A club spokesman said this week that it was very nice in know that so many people enjoyed seeing the monthly showing of stills and movie films at the Youth Centre.
In recent months large audiences had attended and the general meeting had become a social evening. There had been only one draw back, Camera Club members had not found time for technical discussions and for comparing notes on successes and difficulties experienced in their photography.
From this month on, there will be a special picture-social night on the first Tuesday of every month. The general public are invited to this show. Supper will be served by the Youth Centre for a nominal charge and all proceeds will go to the Youth Centre projects.
On the third Tuesday of every month the Camera Club will convene a general meeting in the R.S.L. room at the Memorial Club. Members only will attend this.
COMPETITION TO BINET
The July competition run by the Camera Club went to Phil Binet jnr., who submitted a magnificent study of a yellow cat.
The competition was for color slides of animal studies. Weather was against the club last week. It was so cold that only twenty people or so attended. However, the dozen slides entered for the competition were considered to be of high standard by observers and judges.
Following the competition judging a series of interesting movie films were shown.
Friday 23rd July 1954 Page 1 - Centralian Advocate (Alice Springs, NT)
ALICE SPRINGS CAMERA CLUB
On the 27th July, the Alice Springs Camera Club, general meeting for members only at the R.S.L, room at the Memorial Club, commencing at 8pm.
1st August 1954 Page 512 - Vol. 61 No. 8 Australasian Photo-Review
ALICE SPRINGS CAMERA CLUB
Members held their monthly general meeting which was attended by fifty-two enthusiasts on 1st June. After the close of general business, the entries for the Color Competition were shown. There were fifty-five transparencies entered, and judging was carried out by popular vote which resulted in the first honor going to E. McTainsh for an interesting close-up study of a wedge tail eagle.
After the judging and projection of color slides, about 400 feet of 16mm sound track movies were shown, whilst Mr. Vlase Zanalis, a Centralian Artist, judged the black-and-white print competition. This was an open competition which was well supported. First honors went to R.P. Rumball for a silhouette study, and second to Mrs. Mona Byrnes for a delightful human interest study.
The open monthly meetings, held on the first Tuesday in every month, are becoming increasingly popular, and the Club cordially invites members from clubs in other parts of Australia to attend these meetings, at which there are projected a large variety of Central Australian scenes in color, thus giving visitors the opportunity of seeing intimate views of local scenery and activities. In addition, special screenings of color transparencies can be arranged for the benefit of the organized school parties that periodically visit the Centre.
Friday 3rd September 1954 Page 1 - Centralian Advocate (Alice Springs, NT)
ALICE SPRINGS CAMERA CLUB
September 7 — Open meeting of the Alice Springs Camera Club. All welcome.
Friday 26th November 1954 Page 15 - Centralian Advocate (Alice Springs, NT)
ALICE SPRINGS CAMERA CLUB
Members had a "practical study" evening when the Alice Springs Camera Club held its final meeting for 1954 last week.
A lecture on developing and printing was delivered by Peter Rumball. This was followed by a demonstration of enlarging by Mr. Rumball and John Cumming, using their own equipment.
Every member present then had a turn at enlarging technique.
YEAR'S ACTIVITIES
The club saw a year of great activity during 1954. Regular and keenly contested competitions were conducted and some fine work was produced.
The club also ran a series of picture nights, when hundreds of color slides were shown. Many of these shows were put on for some local charity.
Although the season is officially over now, the club will hold one more picture night. They will be staging a show for the Church of England Inland Children's Holiday Fund.
TRIBUTES
Tributes were paid later by members to the stirling work done throughout the year by Mr. "Mac" McTainsh and some of his committee. Attendances fell away a bit at meetings held during the last few months, but it is believed to have been largely due to the fact that so many meetings were held.
The practice of holding "open nights" when anyone was invited to come along for a picture night, will be carried on next season, but on a greatly reduced scale.
YOUNG PHOTOGRAPHERS
The club hopes to interest school children next season. One member commented this week that the youngsters are the future camera club members and photographers of Central Australia and they may as well gain a little knowledge early.
It is planned to hold special lecture nights for the youngsters and provided enough interest is shown, they may hold competitions for the children.
The Camera Club plans to start full scale operations again next March.