AUSTRALIAN PORTFOLIO PHOTOGRAPHIC SOCIETY
March 1948 Page 160 - The Australasian Photographic Review
AUSTRALIAN PORTFOLIO PHOTOGRAPHIC SOCIETY
The Australian Portfolio Photographic Society, formed last year, is making steady progress and now has ten enthusiastic members, scattered throughout South Australia. Most of these workers have been successful entrants in Kodak competitions.
The Society will welcome new members and especially caters for the isolated worker who, by reason of his distance from a club or other society, cannot have the advantage of seeing other workers prints.
Full particulars may be obtained from the Superintendent, Maynard R. Pocock, “Elsinore”, Agnes St., Mount Gambier.
September 1948 Page 547 - The Australasian Photographic Review
AUSTRALIAN PORTFOLIO PHOTOGRAPHIC SOCIETY
This Society continues to make good progress and now has sixteen members in four States. Two circles have been formed and folios are exchanged with each member monthly. We also have an exchange folio with twelve workers in England and requests for more, as there is a big waiting list of members of the United Photographic Portfolios in that country who want to exchange with Australian workers.
The principle under which the Australian Portfolio Photographic Society operates is very simple. Each member forwards a print with the application form to the secretary, who allots the circle to which the member will be attached. The folio thus formed from these first prints is forwarded to each member in turn. Each print enclosed is criticized, a new print inserted ready for the next circuit and the folio is posted on to the next member to treat it like wise. A Suggestions Book is enclosed with each folio in which members may make suggestions, advertise goods for sale or wanted.
Additional to the exchange of folios of members own prints, arrangements are made from time to time for folios of prints by other workers to be passed around, so that members can have the pleasure of viewing, at first hand, the type of print which can usually only be seen on the Salon wall. We have just had the pleasure of viewing a collection of prints from the prizewinners of A.P.-R. contests, and the Society greatly appreciates the co-operation of the Editor for making it available.
All prints for enclosure in the folios are unmounted, as we believe that it is better to criticize an unmounted print, so that from the comments received the worker can make a fresh print and one which would almost reach Salon standard if the subject, etc., will permit and then mount that as a finished print, thus saving mount material, a scarce item these days and also reducing the cost of postage. The maximum sizes for prints are 12 x 10 for Australian folios and 10 x 8 for English exchange. The General Secretary, M.R. Pocock, Agnes Street, Mount Gambier, South Australia, will be pleased to forward further particulars to any interested prospective members.
December 1948 Page 711 - The Australasian Photographic Review
AUSTRALIAN PORTFOLIO PHOTOGRAPHIC SOCIETY
Just over twelve months ago some isolated workers in photography decided that it was essential for their welfare and advancement to have the benefit of a club. As they were situated too far away from other workers to make personal meetings possible, the Australian Portfolio Photographic Society came into being.
The membership of the Society has now grown to 17 and all members are keen and enthusiastic about it and its method of working. “Meetings” of the Society are held in the home of each member once per month. These homes are scattered from Warramboo in the Eyre Peninsula of South Australia, to Wahroonga, near Sydney and south to Sheffield, in Tasmania.
Our method of working is unique in Australia. Each member as he joins is allotted to a circle and forwards a print to the Circle Secretary for inclusion in the folio. The folio, complete with a print from each member of the circle, is posted to No. 1 for criticism of each print and judging for the folio print contest. There is also enclosed a “Minute Book”, in which members make suggestions, comments, hints, and discussions on methods. After completion of his criticism, etc., No. 1 posts the folio on to No. 2 for similar treatment. The member next on the mailing list receives a card immediately the folio is in the hands of the previous member, who posts a a card to the Circle Secretary with his judging as soon as he despatches the folio. Magazines and books can also be enclosed in the box.
An English group of similar workers, members of the United Photographic Portfolios of Great Britain, is exchanging similar boxes of prints with us four times a year. Both of these exchanges will provide the members with a wide variety of criticism of all prints, for our system now provides for prints to be eligible to pass over both circuits.
A CITY BUILT ON A HILL
Laurie says that the print lacks balance; the shrub on the right does not balance the dark overhanging mass on the left.
Jack thinks there is too much haze and sky and that it is hard to find even the suggestion of a city.
Lance’s impression is that the print would be improved with more included on the right, or, alternatively, with a trim from the right to remove the large tree. He likes the mist and its impression of distance.
From Jim comes the comment that the print is fogged, whilst Ken considers the absence of sunshine caused a murky effect on the cream base paper. Ken also thinks the print shows too many blank spaces and unrelated areas.
Syd’s opinion is that the title is misleading, as there is no suggestion of a hill; it has the appearance of under printing rather than mist.
THE STORM
Lance writes that this is a print with atmosphere, but the weakness is the manner in which the lines converge on the bottom left corner. From Jack we receive the comment that the horizon line needs straightening.
Jim could find nothing wrong with the print, but David is of the opinion that the sea is hardly in keeping with the clouds. Aub., would like 3/4" trimmed from the bottom and 1 1/4" from the top and the land mass toned down. Ken likes the contrasting design forms of clouds, land, sea and beach. Syd. says that the balance between the black mass of the cliff and the dark cloud in the top left corner tends to concentrate the interest away from the water.
Laurie observes the powerful nature of the zig-zag composition. Ray would like to see the print larger and on a paper which would produce a softer print, whilst Stuart, Doug, and Marcia agreed on the atmospheric merit and each thought the use of a matte bromide would be an improvement.
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The above will serve as examples of the method of criticism, and
also, it is hoped, as a means of encouraging those who might be
considering membership in the
Australian Portfolio Photographic Society.
The small reproductions have been made from two prints that have
completed the circuit, while the comments represent a condensed
version of the various criticisms.
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March 1949 Page 185 - The Australasian Photographic Review
AUSTRALIAN PORTFOLIO PHOTOGRAPHIC SOCIETY
CONFERENCE AND EXHIBITION
To be held at MURRAY BRIDGE, South Australia
20th and 21st May 1949.
Exhibition conducted on Salon lines.
SECTION A:
For salon prints to be mounted vertically on 20" x 16" or 16" x 12" mounts.
SECTION B:
For standard portfolio 10" x 8" prints. Entrants in Section B are invited to make their prints available for circulation through members of the Society. With the exhibitors permission prints may also be included in the circuit, thus enabling out back and distant workers to see the prints at first hand.
Entry Fee 5/- (for a maximum of four prints).
Closing date for entries: 30th April.
Entry forms available from the Hon.Secretary, Australian Portfolio Photographic Society or A.P.-R. Editorial Office.
Address all entries and enquires to Mr. M.R. Pocock, “Elsinore”, Agnes Street, MOUNT GAMBIER, South Australia.
Saturday 26th March 1949 Border Watch (Mount Gambier SA)
Mr M.R. Pocock, who will take up his appointment as post master at Murray Bridge on 18th April, has been at the Mount Gambier Post Office for 11 years. With Mr L.J. Dundon, Mr Pocock is organizing an exhibition of photography by the Australian Portfolio Photographic Society, which they founded. The exhibition will be held in Mount Gambier on 20th and 21st May.
Mr Pocock is known throughout Australia for his work with photographic societies. He founded the Mount Gambier Photographic Society, which has been absorbed by the Australian Portfolio Photographic Society. Portfolios of photographs by Australian members are exchanged regularly with photographers in England. Mr Pocock held an exhibition of his work in Mount Gambier several years ago for Red Gross and organized a show by the Mount Gambier Society. He has always been interested in youth work and assisted the National Fitness Council with Boy Week Hobby Shows. For five years during the war he conducted socials for members of the Forces. He was leader of the Presbyterian Young Men's Society for several years. He relinquished the secretaryship of St. Andrew's Church after five years to act in a similar capacity with the Centennial Memorial Committee. He took many services in St. Andrew's, the Methodist and Baptist Churches and country churches.
The Rechabite Lodge was another of his interests as he was auditor and secretary for a period.
Tuesday 26th April 1949 Border Watch (Mount Gambier SA)
An exhibition of photographs by the Australian Portfolio Photographic Society will be held in Mount Gambier on 21st and 22nd May. Entries have been received from Queensland and Tasmania and a collection may be received from the British Portfolio Society. The exhibition will be in two sections, for normal salon size prints 20 by 16 inches and for portfolio entries with a maximum of 10 by 8 inches. Entries close with Mr M.R. Pocock at Murray Bridge Post Office on 30th April.
Saturday 14th May 1949 Page 9 - Border Watch (Mount Gambier SA)
An exhibition of photography will be held in the Civic Hall supper room on 21st and 22nd May. The exhibition, sponsored by the Australian Portfolio Photographic Society, will contain 90 prints, including collections from the Anglo-Australian Portfolio Photographic Society; Mr. John P. Carney, one of Australia's best known amateurs and Mr Keast Burke, editor of the Australian Photo Review.
Competition prints have been judged by Mr E.C. Cameron and Mr I.H.J. Caldwell, of Hamilton. Until recently, Mr Caldwell was president of the Sunraysia Camera Club at Mildura. The exhibition will be open on Friday afternoon and evening and on Saturday morning, afternoon and evening. On Friday evening color transparencies will be screened.
Mr Carney has been exhibiting successfully since 1934. He is an Associate of the Royal Photographic Society, a member of the American Photographic Society and President of the Griffith Camera Club. During the past six months Mr Carney has had 22 prints accepted at ten international exhibitions.
Thursday 19th May 1949 Page 8 - Border Watch (Mount Gambier SA)
Award winners in the Australian Portfolio Photographic Society exhibition which will be held in the Civic Hall supper room on Friday and Saturday have been announced.
For the Portfolio size prints J.J. Noyce (West Coast) received two awards. Others went to J. Moloney, Rathdownie, Queensland; Marcia Clark, Wahroonga, NSW; M. Roberts, Port Lincoln. Awards for salon prints went to G.N. Mitchell, Adelaide; H.E. Richmond, Ballarat; M.A. Roberts, Port Lincoln; K. Warland, Carlton, NSW; L. Puckridge, West Coast.
In addition to contest entries, the exhibition will contain 12 specially selected prints from the circulating British Portfolio and 10 from Mr J.P. Carney, one of Australia's best known photographers.
Saturday 21st May 1949 Page 1 - Border Watch (Mount Gambier SA)
The first exhibition of photography by the Australian Portfolio Photographic Society was opened in the Civic Hall supper room yesterday by Alderman L.J. Laslett. The exhibition contained 102 excellent photographs, many by leading amateurs in South Australia and the Eastern States. Mr J.P. Carney ARPS, one of Australia's best known amateurs, lent 10 photographs and Kodak Pty Ltd., provided a collection.
A collection of prints from the British Portfolio Society was exhibited. Last night Color stills of Mount Gambier were shown.
The Australian Portfolio Photographic Society is a club for camera enthusiasts living in areas without camera clubs. Portfolios of prints are circulated among members.
June 1949 Page 340 - Australasian Photo-Review
AUSTRALIAN PORTFOLIO PHOTOGRAPHIC SOCIETY
FIRST EXHIBITION AND CONFERENCE
The Australian Portfolio Photographic Society’s First Exhibition was duly held at Mount Gambier (20th-21st May) and Murray Bridge (27th-28th May). The judges were I.H. Caldwell and E.C. Cameron, both of Hamilton, Victoria.
Certificates of Merit were awarded to the following exhibitors: G.N. Mitchell (“Rippled Waters”), L.F. Puckridge (“Forgotten Corner”), H.E. Richmond (“Pamela”), M.A. Roberts (“The End”), K. Warland (“O.E. Warland, Esq.”), Miss M. Clark (“Christopher”), J. Moloney Jnr. (“Twin Gums”), J.J. Noyce (“Sunshine and Shadow and Embarrassment”), M.A. Roberts (“Ocean Swells”).
Over one hundred prints were exhibited, including several special loan collections as well as a judges panel. We understand that E. Robertson ARPS, was an interested visitor at both sessions.
The fullest credit goes to Hon.General Secretary, M.R. Pocock, who has been carrying on, despite considerable personal difficulties, loyally assisted by Mt. Gambier enthusiast, L.J. Dundon.
July 1950 Page 463 - Australasian Photo-Review
AUSTRALIAN PORTFOLIO PHOTOGRAPHIC SOCIETY
LATEST PORTFOLIO NEWS from M.R. POCOCK
The Australian Portfolio Photographic Society is making steady progress, The Third Australian Circle is in course of formation and our membership now extends from Thompson’s Brook (via Donnybrook), Western Australia, to Innisfail, Queensland; the last-named place is the home of S.J. Balma, who has joined “on your recommendation” for which many thanks. Mr. H.G. Russell ARPS (Minicam), has now accepted appointment as Secretary in England for the Anglo-Australian folios and we hope to be able to complete the arrangements for additional circles at an early date. The first circle is working well and very fine friendships have been established.
Many thanks for your continued interest.
May 1951 Page 314 - Australasian Photo-Review
AUSTRALIAN PORTFOLIO PHOTOGRAPHIC SOCIETY
As we approach the end of our fourth year we can swell our chests with pride at the results achieved. Three circles with 12 members in each are circulating boxes of prints regularly at the rate of one per member per month. This is no small achievement when it is considered that our members range from Majimup and Moora, in Western Australia, to Thursday Island, in Queensland and cover the five States of the mainland. Two of our active members (Miss Marcia Clark and Ken Paynter) are absent overseas, but are retaining their membership and thus their interest.
Our bi-monthly publication, The Lens, edited and produced by “The Shutter” (Doug. Featherston), keeps all members of the individual circles in touch with club activities.
The Anglo-Australian Circle is under way again after a slight breakdown on the Anglo side. H.G. Keable, better known as “Pilot”, is going to pilot the circle out of the troubled waters and make it "go places".
A truly “International” Circle has been arranged, with members in eight countries and this has been received with much enthusiasm. The first box is half way around the world now and when it returns it will have made real photographic history.
1st December 1951 Page 773 - Volume 58 No. 12 - Australasian Photo-Review
AUSTRALIAN PORTFOLIO PHOTOGRAPHIC SOCIETY
FIRST AUSTRALIAN COLOR SLIDE CIRCLE
We have been asked by the Secretary to publicize a preliminary announcement with a view to inviting applications from any color workers who may be interested.
Principal conditions are as follows:
(a) The Circle will be under the management of the Australian Portfolio Photographic Society and will be subject to its rules.
(b) It will consist of not more than twelve members, each of whom is a worker in 24 x 36 mm.
(c) There is no restriction as to the type of film used, and no condition that the processing must be the work of the member. Such member must, however, be the person who exposed the contributed slides.
(d) The membership fee shall be 5/- per annum, together with a nomination fee of 10/-.
(e) Each member will be permitted to retain the folio for a week, but the folio must be posted to the next member within the seven days.
(f) Special containers will be provided for the transport of the slides and every care will be taken, but the Society cannot be held responsible for any loss or damage sustained.
(g) Each member will submit three slides with his application to enable folios to be despatched at regular monthly intervals.
Applications and enquiries should be made to the Hon.General Secretary, Australian Portfolio Photographic Society, M.R. Pocock, 18 Wellington Road, Maylands, South Australia.
January 1952 Page 56 - Australasian Photo-Review
AUSTRALIAN PORTFOLIO PHOTOGRAPHIC SOCIETY
With nearly forty members, this Society continues to expand and command the interest of the isolated worker who is unable to enjoy the benefits which a city club has to offer. Nevertheless, all members would agree that although the personal contact is not available, there are many other advantages, such as the inspection and criticism of each portfolio of prints in the leisure of your own home.
The Society consists of five "Circles", each in charge of a secretary, whose job it is to see that each member receives a portfolio of prints each month. Each member votes for the best print in the box; the winning print is then qualified to be entered for the Print of the Year competition. Some Circles have organized their own trophy for the member who polls the most points for prints entered during twelve months.
A sixth circle — Color Transparency Circle — is being formed and anyone interested is asked to contact the General Secretary.
Members from all States except Tasmania and N.T. are included in the Society, while portfolios are exchanged regularly with the British Isles. One portfolio is now on a “Round-the-World” journey.
All enquiries for membership should be made to Mr. M.R. Pocock, 18 Wellington Road, Maylands, South Australia.
Friday 21st March 1952 Page 11 - News (Adelaide SA)
Yesterday's win in the landscape section of the Royal Adelaide Exhibition photographic contest was the biggest success yet achieved by Mr J.J. Noyce, of Warramboo, West Coast. Mr Noyce, who farms a property 150 miles north west of Port Lincoln with a brother, has entered several other South Australian and eastern States competitions.
He was an early member of the Australian Portfolio Photographic Society, founded five years ago ago to help amateur photographers by offering criticisms and the benefits of a camera club.
April 1952 Page 248 - Australasian Photo-Review
AUSTRALIAN PORTFOLIO PHOTOGRAPHIC SOCIETY
During the last two months this Society’s membership has grown to fifty-one active members, who are scattered throughout the Commonwealth in all States except the Northern Territory. An added stimulus to our growing membership has been the formation of a Color Circle, which has fifteen keen workers. Slides are now being circulated for criticism and early folios have shown a high standard of work.
Black-and-white enthusiasts are catered for with five Circles which are very active. At the moment the Anglo-Australian Exchange Folio is circulating amongst members, who have remarked on the high quality of work attained by our English contemporaries.
Circle Two Secretary, S. Cowell, has donated a two guinea trophy for the member who submits the best print during 1952, while Circle Two members have now the added interest of competing in a Set Subject Folio.
Queensland members (Circle Three) now have keen photographer Sid Balma, of Innisfail, as their Circle Secretary. Sid had the pleasure of having three out of four of his color slides accepted at the recent Adelaide International Color Slide Exhibition.
Membership enquiries should be addressed to the General Secretary, 18 Wellington Road, Maylands, South Australia.
Saturday 5th April 1952 Page 6 - Border Watch (Mount Gambier SA)
Thursday 10th April 1952 Page 15 - Southern Cross (Adelaide, SA)
An entry by the Australian Portfolio Photographic Society, which included a print by Mr L.J. Dundon, of Mount Gambier, was awarded first prize at the Royal Adelaide Exhibition.
The Society was formed by Mr M.R. Pocock when he was living in Mount Gambier several years ago.
The winning entry consisted of prints by Messrs. J. Adamson, of Portland, (Aarum Lilies), S. Cowell, Melbourne, (Sunlight on the River), L.J. Dundon, Mount Gambier, (Sun on the Sand), L. Puckridge, West Coast, (Swirling Waters), M. R. Pocock, Adelaide, (The Bow), and R. Seaman, Adelaide, (Homeward Bound). Each will receive a silver medal and a certificate will be presented to the Club.
Warrnambool Camera Club was awarded second prize. Other competitors were Adelaide Camera Club and Hobart Camera Club. Other members of the Society who were awarded silver medals were J. Noyce, West Coast, for a landscape and K. Baker, Murray Bridge, for a still life.
November 1952 Page 703 - Australasian Photo-Review
AUSTRALIAN PORTFOLIO PHOTOGRAPHIC SOCIETY
Interest in this Society continues to grow, so that there are now over seventy active members scattered throughout the length and breadth of the Commonwealth, all States being represented except the Northern Territory. All Circle Secretaries report very keen interest in the work being submitted to the folios, which are moving freely amongst members at the approximate rate of one folio per month. Throughout the standard of work is very high and those members whose work is not as good as fellow workers soon learn from the hints and aid given; friendship is the keynote of the Society, Forthright, constructive criticisms are helping members to take honors in A.P.-R. competitions, exhibitions and salons.
Recently membership was called to make a Color Circle; but so great was the response that two circles, Nos. 6 and 7, were formed, with A. Pratt (South Australia) and R. Walters (Victoria) the respective secretaries. One member of Circle 7 recently scored successes with his slides in an Italian Salon, congratulations, S. Balma, of Queensland.
If workers in black-and-white or color are interested in this Society, which comes into their own homes, enquiries will be welcomed by our General Secretary, Maynard R. Pocock, Wellington Road, Maylands, South Australia.
December 1952 Page 717 - Australasian Photo-Review
AUSTRALIAN PORTFOLIO PHOTOGRAPHIC SOCIETY
The November issue of The Lens contains articles by Ralph Seaman "This Criticism Business" and J.N. Tomlinson "My Dark Room Technique". Both of these present some new angles on their respective topics.
There are now three lady members of the Australian Portfolio Photographic Society, Mavis Franklin, whose personal remarks are quoted in the current issue of "The Lens", Mrs. E. Day of Cairns, and Marcia Clark of Sydney. The last named well known photographer is the Sydney representative of the Australian Portfolio Photographic Society.
It is worthy of note that exception has been taken in certain quarters to the use of ball point pens by print critics, for it seems that the practice has been the cause of spoiling a number of valuable pictures.
Readers will be interested to learn that Dr. Geoffrey Young, who figured so prominently in flood relief activities at Forbes during the year and who recently met with an accident, is an A/P Circle Member.
February 1953 Page 119 - Australasian Photo-Review
AUSTRALIAN PORTFOLIO PHOTOGRAPHIC SOCIETY
The Australian Portfolio Photographic Society draws attention in "The Lens" to the importance of the prompt despatch of portfolio boxes after they have been viewed by the circles. It is the society’s aim to circulate a box per month to every circle and this can only be achieved if members realize how essential it is to keep the boxes moving.
The past year has been a successful one, but the Society aims at a membership of 100 for 1953 and appeals to everyone concerned to help it reach this objective.
April 1953 Page 247 - Australasian Photo-Review
AUSTRALIAN PORTFOLIO PHOTOGRAPHIC SOCIETY
The current issue of "The Lens" contains news of Circle activities, comments on members individual techniques and much chatty news in condensed form. The Editor is arranging a rally at Ballarat during Easter. Dr. Geoff Young is making a satisfactory recovery after his plane accident. Members are reminded of The A.P.-R. Color Slide Competition.
From Mr. L.J. Dundon, of Galway Avenue, Plympton, South Australia, who is the Hon.Secretary of the Color Division, comes the announcement of the inauguration of the first International Color Circle with the despatch to America of a set of slides and the receipt from America of a set of slides from the American team.
Members anxious to join the Color Circle, whether in Australia or overseas, are requested to contact Mr. Dundon.
June 1953 Page 382 - Australasian Photo-Review
AUSTRALIAN PORTFOLIO PHOTOGRAPHIC SOCIETY
Easter saw a gathering of Australian Portfolio Photographic Society members at Ballarat where they were able to spend four days of photographic activity and discussion. All members were pleased to welcome our General Secretary, who made the journey from Adelaide for the occasion. Weather conditions were very poor; but trips to Dean, Kingston, Bunmyong and a tour of Ballarat provided subject matter which will no doubt find its way into Circle folios.
With the co-operation of the Ballarat Camera Club, two profitable and enjoyable evenings were held at the clubrooms on Saturday "The Caz. Tribute" was presented, and on Sunday evening a large gathering witnessed the showing of color slides. A collection of A.P.-R. prizewinning prints was displayed in the Ballarat Camera Club rooms.
Australian Portfolio Photographic Society continues to grow in membership, so that a new black-and-white circle is being formed. There are vacancies for a few color workers in local and overseas folios. Those interested are asked to contact Mr. M.R. Pocock, Wellington Road, Maylands, South Australia.
July 1953 Page 446 - Volume 60 No. 7 - Australasian Photo-Review
AUSTRALIAN PORTFOLIO PHOTOGRAPHIC SOCIETY
Well-known Australian Portfolio Photographic Society member Tom Murray (Edmonton, via Cairns) has told us of his pleasant experiences whilst in Brisbane for a few weeks recently. First of all he was fortunate enough to have fellow Australian Portfolio Photographic Society member, Tom Scroggs, to drive him around the Capital and to help him to select the more photogenic titbits of the city. Next he attended a lecture by H.A. Snape ARPS, and later had the good fortune to meet in person both H.A. Snape and also L. McKay, both of whom are well-known Salon exhibitors here and abroad. He also met two A.P.-R. contributors, Don McDermant (of Brisbane) and Alex Atkins (of Proston). The latter informed him that he has no electricity supply and has to utilize his car battery when he wants to do a bit of enlarging. Tom Murray was greatly taken with the South Burnett countryside, which he says is “a place to linger and browse around with a camera — good landscape country”.
August 1953 Page 509 - Australasian Photo-Review
AUSTRALIAN PORTFOLIO PHOTOGRAPHIC SOCIETY
The Lens pays tribute to the late Mr. Harold Cazneaux Hon. FRPS with these remarks; “The world has lost a great photographer, for his work was so well known in International Salons.
It is a pleasing memory that Caz. should have been honored during his life time and that the evening tendered to him is recorded on tape so that future photographers will be able to hear the words of wisdom spoken by the "Master" on this occasion.
The Australian Portfolio Photographic Society extends the deepest sympathy to Caz’s family in their loss; however, his work will live forever”.
The current issue of the Lens contains a list of members of the Australian Portfolio Photographic Society whose addresses embrace all States of the Commonwealth. Articles include "My Darkroom Technique" by Norman James-Martin, "Don't be afraid of the Tripod" by S.A. Cowell and "To the Flinders Ranges" by David Vigar. The Member of the Month is Johann Kosar of Circle 1.
October 1953 Page 634 - Australasian Photo-Review
AUSTRALIAN PORTFOLIO PHOTOGRAPHIC SOCIETY
In a country so vast as Australia the greatest obstacle in the way of personal friendly meetings between photographic workers is distance. The Australian Portfolio Photographic Society is primarily concerned with annihilating this obstacle and is continually endeavoring to increase its activities towards the better enlightenment of its Circles in the far flung corners of the Commonwealth.
The current issue of The Lens, the official organ of the Australian Portfolio Photographic Society, contains, amongst other items, of interest, a short biography of John P. Carney ARPS, APSA, who has easily topped the Australian list for the last three years as a salon worker and has gained as well some unique distinctions overseas.
December 1953 Page 768 - Australasian Photo-Review
AUSTRALIAN PORTFOLIO PHOTOGRAPHIC SOCIETY
The Society is entering its sixth year of activity and everyone connected with the Australian Portfolio Photographic Society should be pleased with the progress shown, for membership continues to increase whilst the work of members is receiving recognition throughout Australia.
The current issue of The Lens contains notes by Ron Harris on his experiences in New Zealand, a pair of handy gadget items, short biographical notes about Mrs. M. “Bon” Strange and many snippets of interesting gossip.
March 1954 Page 184 - Australasian Photo-Review
AUSTRALIAN PORTFOLIO PHOTOGRAPHIC SOCIETY
The Society is now forming an Anglo-Australian Color Circle, which will forward color slides to overseas workers.
A few vacancies exist for color workers who mights be interested. Full details can be obtained from the Color Circle Secretary, Mr. L.J. Dundon, Galway Avenue, Plympton, South Australia.
For black-and-white workers who desire to join the Australian Portfolio Photographic Society, another local Circle is being formed and information can be obtained from our General Secretary, 18 Wellington Road, Maylands, South Australia.
June 1954 Page 184 - Australasian Photo-Review
AUSTRALIAN PORTFOLIO PHOTOGRAPHIC SOCIETY
When I first became interested in the fascinating hobby of photography, I was living in a country district which was remote from a camera club and transport facilities were limited. Naturally I wanted to improve the quality of my work; therefore I submitted several prints to the A.P.-R. and they received encouraging comments from the Editor. This state of affairs continued for some time, but I had the desire to compare my work with originals by other workers. However, opportunities for attendance at exhibitions were limited.
Then I noticed an announcement in an issue of the A.P.-R. where isolated workers throughout Australia were invited to join the newly-formed “Australian Portfolio Photographic Society”; so away went three prints and my fees. After some weeks of anxious waiting, the postman delivered the now familiar leather strapped parcel (see Illustration No. 1). This is known as a folio.
On opening this box I discovered that I was now a member of Circle 1, which consisted of about one dozen workers from South Australia, Victoria and New South Wales, under the guidance of Maynard Pocock, then living at Mt. Gambier, S.A. At first, the contents were rather bewildering, for it included a copious Minute Book, which is really a “chatter book” in which members write of their cameras, their difficulties, their favorite developers, papers, etc. As the years went by and the Society grew, I was to learn that this book is probably the most important piece of equipment in any folio; for here members really get to know each other, not only photographically, but personally and I place on record that we know each other far better than we would in a normal club. Why is this so? Distances which separate us and the common desire to help each other, fosters friendship; this is no society of cliques.
Each folio has its criticism sheets (Illustrations 3 and 4) which accompany every print in the box and members must criticize or praise prints. Points are also given by each member, so that as time passes all members become capable and confident critics.
I am still unable to attend many salons and exhibitions, but with each folio I have my own exhibition, or rather the family does, for my wife inspects the contents of each folio by displaying the prints in the lounge (see Illustration No. 5). Incidentally, the group of prints is from Circle 2, Folio 40. Prints are mounted on 8 inch by 10 inch mounts.
It is soon time to pack up and forward the folio to the next member, the voting card is completed, the warning card is sent to the next-member-but-one on the mailing list and the address label is changed (see Illustration No. 6). Each member is allowed seven days in which to view the contents of a folio and then approximately a month passes before another box arrives. Circle secretaries are responsible for their own circles.
Since the days of Circle 1’s formation, the Australian Portfolio Photographic Society now has nearly one hundred active members, with nine circles, including color slide folios and we exchange folios with Great Britain and America; while a South African exchange is now being organized by our capable General Secretary. To keep members in formed, the Australian Portfolio Photographic Society issues a bi-monthly news sheet, The Lens, relating to circle activities, members biographies, exhibition notes and other items of society interest.
July 1954 Page 445 - Australasian Photo-Review
AUSTRALIAN PORTFOLIO PHOTOGRAPHIC SOCIETY
The society continues to gain many new members, while nine Circles cater for the varied interests of all members who are scattered throughout the Commonwealth. A new Circle is being formed to exchange prints with other workers in South Africa, while the Anglo/Australian Circle exchanges folios regularly and it has been obvious that our members are maintaining a very high standard of work, which is appreciated by our English friends. An added incentive for the Australian team is the fact that the best print of each “round” is voted a Gold Label Certificate.
Color workers have Circles which operate within the Commonwealth as well as overseas. Like the monochrome workers, these color-slide members attain a very high standard of work.
When the recent Victorian International Salon was exhibited, Australian Portfolio Photographic Society was well represented in the black-and-white and the color sections. Recently, local Circle Secretaries have organized exchange folios of their respective Circles work and it is felt that this will stimulate all members.
This society caters for the beginner and the advanced worker; those interested are invited to contact the General Secretary, Wellington Road, Maylands, South Australia.
July 1954 Page 449 - Australasian Photo-Review
AUSTRALIAN PORTFOLIO PHOTOGRAPHIC SOCIETY
In the current issue of The Lens, official organ of the Australian Portfolio Photographic Society, Member of the Month Richard Leunig says, “I have been fortunate enough to have a print accepted at the Third Adelaide International and another at the Victorian Salon, while in color I have had a slide accepted at El Camino, California and two acceptances in the Victorian Salon. However, I rate those honors only second to that of being a member of Australian Portfolio Photographic Society Circle 9, sharing the good fellowship and constructive criticisms of the "circlites".
The most heartwarming experience I have had in recent years was to drive my motor cycle up to a house, four hundred miles from home, to be greeted by an outstretched hand, a cheerful smile and “Good day Dick! Glad you got here. Come inside and meet Doug!” — this from a chap I had never laid eyes on before and had only known as “George of Ballarat”.
December 1954 Page 768 - Australasian Photo-Review
AUSTRALIAN PORTFOLIO PHOTOGRAPHIC SOCIETY
Membership continues to grow and all Circle Secretaries report that folios are moving according to plan and work of a very high standard is circulating. Member George Windle has many successes in outside exhibitions, including a Gold Plaque at Darwin. George has now taken up duty as Color Division Secretary. Another popular member, Dick Leunig, gained both Bronze and Silver Plaques at the Adelaide Camera Club exhibition with his No. 87 color slide. Mavis Franklin has taken control of the Australian / American Color Exchange Circle, while Circle 6 is now being managed by Reg Mayes.
All members were deeply shocked to hear of David Vigar’s death in South Australia. An original member of Circle 1, David had been a very popular member who had gained many placings in the competitions and proved himself a very sound critic. The deepest sympathy of all members is extended to his relatives.
In furtherance of its progressive policy, the Australian Portfolio Photographic Society has arranged to have the news-sheet, The Lens, letterpress-printed and we feel sure that this step will please all members.
Thursday 24th February 1955 Page 1 - The Pennant (Penola, South Australia)
AUSTRALIAN PORTFOLIO PHOTOGRAPHIC SOCIETY
EXHIBITION OF PHOTOGRAPHS
For the first time in Kalangadoo, an exhibition of photography will be exhibited on Friday and Saturday. The exhibition will be conducted by Mr W.R. Talbot and includes photographs taken by him as well as other members of the Australian Portfolio Photographic Society.
The majority of the exhibition covers photographs taken in three states and includes landscapes, seascapes, portraits, still life and other subjects. It will be open during day and evening commencing at 10.30am, and will be held in Mr. William's shop.
Proceeds will assist the Kalangadoo Tennis Club in the construction of a new tennis court. It will be held in Mr Williams shop.