MANNING CAMERA CLUB
FORMED 1950
Wednesday 1st November 1950Page 1 - The Northern Champion (Taree, NSW)
Page 2 - The Manning River Times and Advocate for the Northern Coast Districts of New South Wales (Taree, NSW)
MANNING CAMERA CLUBTAREE NOW HAS A CAMERA CLUB
The foundation meeting of the Manning Camera Club was held at 7.30pm on Wednesday last at the School of Arts building. All those present expressed the opinion that once the club got going it would prove a great success. After a general discussion, it was resolved that a club be formed for the advancement of photographic knowledge in and around the Manning district. Club officers, namely, B. Ezzy (president), F. Myers (vice-president), A. Hackett (secretary) and A. Moss (treasurer) were nominated and elected.
The official business was concluded at 8.35pm, and the members then discussed the following: Constitution and by-laws of the club: Resolved that those present form the constitution and by-laws committee. Annual subscriptions were fixed at 10/- and 2/6 per annum for seniors and juniors respectively.
The club proposes to hold such functions as: Field days, contests, exhibitions, lectures and to exchange photographs and ideas with other clubs.
The vice-president, Mr F. Myers, said that several prospective members were unable to attend the foundation meeting. However, he felt sure that once the aims of the club — that is, to promote fellowship, exchange of ideas, and to interest more people in photography as a hobby; became known to the public, there would be a big attendance at the next meeting, to be held at the School of Arts on Wednesday, 8th November, at 8pm.
Saturday 11th November 1950Page 2 - The Northern Champion (Taree, NSW)
Wednesday 15th November 1950Page 8 - The Manning River Times and Advocate for the Northern Coast Districts of New South Wales (Taree, NSW)
MANNING CAMERA CLUB
At last Wednesday's meeting of the Manning Camera Club, the following motions were carried:
That a combined official and club meeting be held on the second Wednesday of each month at 7.30pm, and that a general discussion or club night be held on the fourth Wednesday of each month at 7.30pm.
A program committee consisting of three nominated members, with members of the executive, ex-officio, was formed and a tentative program for the remaining weeks of 1950 was drawn up. In the New Year, the program committee will present a full year's program for 1951.
Weather permitting, the club will hold its first "field day" on 19th November on the Comboyne Plateau. Club members hope to secure many fine panoramic and waterfall "shots".
At the next discussion night, club members are to hand in a photograph, taken at night, of a size not greater than 6in. x 4in. and taken somewhere within the central blocks of Taree.
Three new members were welcomed by the president and new members are expected at the next meeting to be held on 25th November at 7.30pm.
Tuesday 19th December 1950Page 2 - The Wingham Chronicle and Manning River Observer (NSW)
Saturday 23rd December 1950Page 2 - The Manning River Times and Advocate for the Northern Coast Districts of New South Wales (Taree, NSW)
MANNING CAMERA CLUBCOMBOYNE PROGRESS ASSOCIATION MEETING
It was reported that the Manning Camera Club from Taree had sent members to photograph Comboyne's beautiful waterfalls and unexcelled views. The Association is delighted to know that an outside body was there to help the progress of Comoboyne. A party of five photographed the views from Mount Gibraltar (3000 feet) and Bulli Mountain (2600 feet). Both give superb views of the district. Also photographed were the Glenmore Falls, Glenmore Cascades, Dimond Falls, Bona Vista Falls, Allan's Falls, and, finally, the Rawson Falls. The latter though only 300 feet, are considered to be even more impressive than the Ellenborough Falls. They are in the center of the Rawson Reserve, a place of virgin timbers.
Saturday 27th January 1951Page 6 - The Manning River Times and Advocate for the Northern Coast Districts of New South Wales (Taree, NSW)
MANNING CAMERA CLUBCLUB MEMBERS TOLD OF PHOTO TECHNIQUE
Mr. P. Swan, a photography Officer of the Department of Agriculture, gave a very interesting and instructive talk on various photographic subjects at the meeting of the Manning Camera Club.
The importance of good photographic technique was stressed by Mr. Swan, he said that club members should perfect their technique and then they would achieve pleasing results from their work.
While judging the club competition, Mr. Swan illustrated and emphasized the ways in which the technique used could be improved. He also gave club members many useful hints on processing technique, i.e. developing, printing and enlarging.
Recently, a field day was held on the Comboyne Plateau, and a land- scape and a waterfall were chosen for club competition. Entries were viewed and judged on January 10th.
The program committee has presented a well planned and comprehensive 1951 program. It was decided to adopt a point score for all club competitions. Place getters will receive trophies.
Recently, a large number of photographic journals were presented to the club by Mr. C. Cox. This generous act made it necessary to appoint a librarian and to form a library committee.
1st January 1951 Page 56 - Vol. 58 No. 1 Australasian Photo-Review
MANNING CAMERA CLUB
On the 8th November the Manning Camera Club held its second meeting. At this meeting, a program committee was formed and a program for the remaining weeks of 1950 was decided upon. In the New Year the program committee will present a full year’s program covering 1951.
It was also decided at this meeting to hold official and general club meetings on the second Wednesday of each month, and a general discussion night on the fourth Wednesday of each month.
Weather permitting, the club will soon be conducting its first field outing to the Gomboyne Plateau.
1st March 1951 Page 134 - Vol. 58 No. 3 Australasian Photo-Review
MANNING CAMERA CLUB
On 10th January the club had as its guest speaker Mr. P. Swan, a photography officer of Department of Agriculture. Mr. Swan was visiting Taree in his official capacity and was asked along to speak to club members and to judge the club competition.
Mr. Swan gave a very interesting and instructive talk on various photographic subjects. The importance of good photographic technique was stressed by the speaker, and he said that club members should strive to perfect their technique.
While judging the club competition, Mr. Swan illustrated and emphasized the ways in which the technique used could be improved. He also gave club members many useful hints on developing, printing and enlarging.
On 19th November a field day was held on the Comboyne Plateau, thirty-three miles from Taree. A landscape and a waterfall were chosen for club competition, and the results of these were viewed and judged on the 10th January.
On 10th January the program committee presented a well-planned and comprehensive 1951 program. It was decided to adopt a point-score for all competitions, three, two and one points being awarded for first, second and third places respectively. At the end of the year the aggregate of points would be taken, and a trophy would be awarded for first place and a certificate of merit for second and third places.
Recently, a large number of photographic journals was presented to the club by Mr. C. Cox. This generous act made it necessary to appoint a librarian and to form a library committee. A library fee of threepence was imposed on all literature and any revenue from the library fund will be used to expand the library.
Wednesday 16th May 1951Page 1 - The Manning River Times and Advocate for the Northern Coast Districts of New South Wales (Taree, NSW)
MANNING CAMERA CLUB
The Manning Camera Club members are elated at their first competition successes. In a State-wide photographic competition staged by the Orange Club, Jean Greenless entry was placed first in the pictorial section, and Bruce Ezzy's entry gained second place in the seascape division.
Wednesday 23rd May 1951Page 1 - The Manning River Times and Advocate for the Northern Coast Districts of New South Wales (Taree, NSW)
MANNING CAMERA CLUB
APPROPRIATE: Novel Invitations issued by the Manning Camera Club for a "do" on Friday night are photographic copies of a sketch by Bruce Ezzy.
Friday 9th November 1951Page 2 - The Northern Champion (Taree, NSW)
MANNING CAMERA CLUBTAREE AMATEUR PHOTOGRAPHERS GAIN AWARDS AT TOWNSVILLE
Three members of Manning Camera Club met with success at the Townsville Camera Club Jubilee Photo Exhibition recently. They were Messrs Bruce Ezzy and C.D. McLean and Miss Jean Greenless.
Mr. Ezzy gained first prize in the still life section with a fine study of old waggon wheels. This picture, taken at one of the Manning Camera Club outings, reproduces the weathered texture of the wood work, has pleasing composition and gives the sense of "life" to the inanimate subject. Exhibited five times, it has gained four firsts.
Mr. McLean's picture, which was awarded first prize in the landscape section, depicts a charming rural scene at Mondrook.
MONDROOK LANDSCAPE
It is rather a distant landscape, falling away into the distance to show portion of Tinonee in the background. Fine, soft detail is blended with a pleasing gradation of tones, resulting in a very happy result. It is the kind of picture that one could hang on the wall and not grow tired of with the passing of time — which is in the final analysis, the real test of a picture's quality.
Miss Greenless exhibited a seascape which gained second prize in its section. Her effort captured some thing of the interminable movement and omnipotence of the ocean, combined with high technical quality.
HIGH STANDARD
Members of Manning Camera Club sent quite a parcel of prints to the exhibition and had the satisfaction of having about 80 per cent of them hung. This is considered a high percentage of acceptances at any photographic salon.
Most of the members have made much progress with their work since joining the Club. Membership is open to any one interested in photography irrespective of how little he or she may know of photographic technique.
Friday 9th November 1951Page 5 - The Northern Champion (Taree, NSW)
MANNING CAMERA CLUBTAREE AMATEUR PHOTOGRAPHER BUILDS HIGH-CLASS CAMERA
A member of Manning Camera Club has built a high-class camera, which compares favorably with any comparable factory product of its kind. He is Mr. C.D. ("Mac") McLean, of Whitbread Street. Mr. McLean has been an enthusiastic amateur photographer for many years and is highly skilled in intricate constructional work. The camera, which was built for Mr. Frank Myers, of Berney Studios, is of a press type, featuring such refinements as a range finder coupled with the lens, rising and falling front and revolving back.
The cost of a camera of similar type and size imported from the United States would be about £250, if it could be obtained under dollar restrictions. It is of quarter-plate size, taking pictures 3 1/4 inches by 4 1/4 inches.The two interchangeable lenses and shutter were provided by Mr. Myers. The lenses are a Cooke "Aviar", aperture f/4.5, focal length seven inches, and a Zeiss "Tessar", aperture f/4.5, focal length six inches. The "Aviar" operates coupled to the range finder, while the "Tessar" is manually focused.
FLASH SYNCHRONISED
The 'Tessar' is synchronized for operation with electronic flash equipment for taking photographs at night. The shutter, which came from an old Thornton-Pickard "Ruby" reflex camera — a favorite with many older amateur photographers — is of the focal plane type, giving exposures from 1/10 to 1/1000 of a second and time. Not the least of Mr. McLean's difficulties was its conversion for external operation. Probably the most outstanding piece of work in this intricate job was the construction of the range finder and its synchronized linking with the lens. The actuating movement depends on a tiny cam accurately shaped in accordance with the distance characteristics of the lens.
Mr. McLean built the range-finder in its entirety. The case of the unit was made from aluminium plate and the tiny fixed and movable mirrors cut and fitted.
MOVABLE MIRROR
Synchronized coupling is achieved by linking the movable mirror with the lens unit, which is focused by backwards and forwards movement. In focusing with the coupled range finder, the photographer looks through the range-finder and sees the object to be photographed and a "ghost" image of it slightly out of place. Movement of the focusing lever to the point where the two images coincide indicates that the lens is correctly focused for that distance. The camera front has been made of metal to allow the ready exchange of lenses as the occasion arises.
To correct parralax when photographing such objects as tall buildings or other subjects where it is not possible to place the camera in correct perspective, the camera front has been provided with a rising action of almost an inch and considerable swing — more latitude than is ever likely to be required.
MACHINED FINISH
All external metal parts have been given a machine turned finish to produce a pleasing effect. The camera body was constructed by Mr. McLean from Tasmanian blackwood and black leather covered. The bellows, made of leather, was purchased. For occasions when necessary, focusing can be achieved by ground glass at the back, using a small folding hood. The camera uses either cut film magazines or film slide holders. The whole back unit revolves to allow the negative material to be used either vertically or horizontally, according to the subject.
ALL HAND-MADE
Mr. McLean made all the parts by hand. He estimated that it represented about three weeks work. He had previously made a smaller camera of similar type for his own use. Although he is still as enthusiastic as ever on camera making, Mr. McLean told a 'Champion' representative that he intends to rest on his laurels for a while after the many headaches of the job just completed. He has every reason to be proud of his craftsmanship in turning out a highly intricate camera of professional standard without the aid of costly equipment, as used in camera factories. Under tests, the camera performed right up to expectations.
Saturday 10th November 1951Page 1 - The Manning River Times and Advocate for the Northern Coast Districts of New South Wales (Taree, NSW)
MANNING CAMERA CLUBTAREE PHOTOGRAPHERS WIN AT TOWNSVILLE
Three members of the Manning Camera Club were awarded two firsts and a second prize at the recent Townsville Jubilee Photographic Salon.
They are Miss Jean Greenless and Messrs. C.D. McLean and B. Ezzy. Mr. McLean won first prize in the landscape section . Mr. Ezzy was first in the still-life section, and Miss Greenless second in the Seascape section. The Australian-wide competition was organized by the Townsville Camera Club in conjunction with the Townsville Jubilee Celebrations.
Tuesday 20th November 1951Page 1 - The Northern Champion (Taree, NSW)
MANNING CAMERA CLUBTAREE SHOW - PHOTO SECTION
Mr. Bruce Ezzy, representing Manning Camera Club, addressed the Committee on the desirability of including a photographic section in the schedule. This was the practice at many large shows and had created a great amount of interest, he said.
Exhibits would be provided by members of the Camera Club and others. Sections for schoolchildren could be provided if the Committee wished. Only wall space would be necessary, to stage the section. The Club would provide the judge.
After Mr. Ezzy had retired, it was decided on the motion of Messrs. R. Everingham and M. Smith, to include a photographic section.
Friday 18th January 1952Page 6 - The Northern Champion (Taree, NSW)
MANNING CAMERA CLUB
In response to an invitation by the Railway Department to make available suitable photographs of the town and district for display in Railway carriages, Taree Council will ascertain when the negatives must be supplied, and invite the Manning Camera Club to submit local views.
Tuesday 22nd January 1952Page 5 - The Northern Champion (Taree, NSW)
MANNING CAMERA CLUBANNUAL GENERAL MEETING
Wednesday, January 23rd at 7.30pm.
At Berney Studios
Members and intending members please attend.
Business: Urgent.
Friday 25th January 1952Page 4 - The Northern Champion (Taree, NSW)
MANNING CAMERA CLUBNEW OFFICERS
The affairs of the Manning Camera Club for 1952 will be in the hands of an almost entirely new executive. This was revealed at the annual meeting of the Manning Camera Club, held at the Berney Studios on Wednesday night. Members considered that the club executive should change yearly, to promote new ideas, and to give all members an equal share in the organization of the body.
Mr. Col. Frazer will guide the destinies of the Club as President for 1952, with Mr. C.D. McLean as vice-president and treasurer. New secretary is Mr. Bruce Ezzy, with Messrs A. Hackett and F. Myers as the program committee.
The Club decided to co-operate with the Taree Municipal Council in preparing scenes of Taree and the district to be used by the N.S.W. Government Railways for display in Railway carriages. It will also prepare views of rural and industrial activities throughout the district for publication in the "Land" newspaper.
In co-operation with the Manning River Agricultural and Horticultural Society, the Club will conduct a photographic section at the 1952 Taree Show.
A competition, open to all amateur photographers will be held in conjunction with the display, and two judges have already agreed to adjudicate on the prints.
The competition will be divided into the following sections: Best picture entered at the exhibition; landscape; seascape; tree study; floral; child study; bird, animal or insect; enlargement from miniature negative up to 2 1/4 x 2 1/4 inches; any subject open to boys and girls under 18, at least 6x4 inches, not necessarily processed by the exhibitor; any subject by an adult, at least 6x4 inches not necessarily processed by the exhibitor; and an architectural study.
Committee members stressed that free membership to the Manning Camera Club this year was available to juniors of school age.
Friday 14th March 1952Page 6 - The Northern Champion (Taree, NSW)
MANNING CAMERA CLUBCOMBOYNE SHOW SUCCESS DESPITE SEASON
After seeing the photographic exhibition staged by Manning Camera Club and Mr. N. Chant, many Comboyne plateau residents had to admit that they were quite unaware of there being such a wealth of scenic beauty in the district.
Friday 28th March 1952Page 1 - The Northern Champion (Taree, NSW)
MANNING CAMERA CLUBTAREE SHOW
PHOTOGRAPHY
An innovation this year was the photography section, organized by Manning Camera Club in conjunction with the Society. This section attracted about 70 entries from as far as Melbourne. The general quality was particularly high, stated the judge (Mr. Frank Myers). Not only was the photography section a success in itself, but proved very popular with patrons who flocked to admire the pictures. Local exhibitors showed that they can produce work to compete with some of the best amateurs in Australia. The Champion Picture of the Show was a delightful landscape by a Melbourne entrant, showing a blending of atmosphere, composition and that intrinsic quality termed "life."
Tuesday 1st April 1952Page 4 - The Northern Champion (Taree, NSW)
MANNING CAMERA CLUBTAREE SHOW PHOTOGRAPHY PRIZEWINNERS
Prizewinners in the Photography Section at Taree Show, organized in conjunction with the Manning Camera Club were:
BEST PICTURE IN SHOW: E.R. Cornish, Melbourne.
LANDSCAPE: E.R. Cornish, Melbourne, 1; R. Kenney, Taree, 2; C.D. McLean, Manning Camera Club, Highly Commended; F. Asher, Tamworth, Highly Commended.
SEASCAPE OR WATERFALL: C. Frazer, Manning Camera Club, 1; R. Corbett, Hurstville, 2; R.C. Adair, Manning Camera Club, Highly Commended.
TREE STUDY: F. Saxby, Manning Camera Club, 1; H. Cox, Orange, 2; F. Prentice Orange, Highly Commended.
FREE STUDY: B. Ezzy, Manning Camera Club, 1; A. Middleton, Tamworth, 2.
FLORAL: F.E. Asher, Tamworth, 1; F. Prentice, Orange, 2; A. Middleton, Tamworth, Highly Commended; H. Cox, Orange, Highly Commended; A. Middleton, Tamworth, Highly Commended.
CHILD STUDY: F. Asher, Tamworth, 1; A. Hackett, Manning Camera Club, 2.
BIRD, ANIMAL OR INSECT: M. Eyles, Orange , 1; F. Prentice, Orange , 2.
ENLARGEMENT FROM MINIATURE NEGATIVE: B. Ezzy, Manning Camera Club , 1; F. Prentice, Orange , 2.
ANY SUBJECT, BY ADULT OVER 18: F. Saxby, Manning Camera Club , 1; K. Hole, Manning Camera Club , 2.
ARCHITECTURAL: H. Cox, Orange , 1; E.R. Cornish, Melbourne , 2; C. Frazer, Manning Camera Club, Highly Commended.
Tuesday 3rd June 1952Page 2 - The Northern Champion (Taree, NSW)
MANNING CAMERA CLUBPHOTOGRAPHY AS CREATIVE ART OUTLINED TO CAMERA CLUB
The place of photography among the creative arts was discussed at length by Mr. Rex Johnson, of Taree, in a recent address to members of Manning Camera Club.
Mr. Johnson held the interest of his listeners throughout as he proceeded with deep and genuine appreciation of art in its various phases to explain complex things in a manner which all could readily understand.
Art has been one of Mr. Johnson's greatest interests throughout his lifetime.
This is reflected in his home, where things of beauty are given pride of place by both Mr. and Mrs. Johnson. Their son, Rex Johnson, is making a name for himself as a painter in Victoria.
As is not uncommon amongst those who find pleasure in the realm of art, Mr. Johnson is an engineer, dealing in mechanical exactness, which is the very antithesis of art.
Mr. Johnson said:
From the earliest period of time in our world history, it has been customary for men to form groups or societies for the encouragement of the arts and science's. Their object was to establish in some way or other, for the benefit and enlightenment of future generations, the ethics of culture, the appreciation of the beautiful, the desire to excel and, above all, to encourage the creative instinct.
EARLY MEDIUMS
There was no photography in these days, and centuries before the introduction of the camera the medium of expression was to be found in the sculptor's chisel, the artist's brush, and mightiest of all, the writer's pen. The Greeks and the Pharoahs made their everlasting contribution with the chisel, Italy found early expression with brush and canvas and "al fresco" painting. And to China, perhaps, may be attributed the introduction of philosophy.
Much sacrifice was made in order to establish this upward trend of the sciences, but as every just cause, well espoused, must inevitably succeed, so to us of this day and generation, on every hand, is the proof of their success. The Pyramids of Egypt, the architecture of Athens, the paintings of Raphael and Da Vinci, the Great Wall of China, and the teachings of immortal lessons from north, south, east and west.
DEEP BACKGROUND
Armed with such a background of art and culture, we of 1952 feel bound to make our contribution to the arts and sciences as well.
It is therefore pleasing to note that since the foundation of this Society, there has been almost instant response and enthusiasm in the creation of fine monochrome photographs.
How few of us realize the unimportance of color in photographs. A well-balanced pictorial print in monochrome carries all the varied shading and lighting to almost make the illusion of color possible; nothing seems to be missing in tree color, and grass, rocks and stream are likewise endowed with their true shadings.
COLOR PROBLEM
It brings to my mind a a rather vexing problem. Do we actually think in color? I think the answer is no! Try this little experiment some time, sit in the dark with eyes closed for about three minutes before trying to see colors in the imagination. You may find it difficult to pick required shades.
Artists have become tired of glaring pigments and generally speaking, modern exhibitions have no raw colorings, but a mild selection of non-projecting tones.
DOBELL METHOD
It will be remembered that several years ago Mr. Dobell won an exhibition with a portrait of a fellow lady artist. This picture was adorned with a mixture of projecting yellow and green in alternate spotting. This gave the sitter an over desired third dimension, and boldness so outstanding that it commanded attention, and won the prize.
It should not be out of place to treat photographs in a similar way, but instead of coloring, to portray unusual angles and lines of rotundity. There is, however, a strict limit to the endurance of a suffering public where art is concerned, the majority preferring that which is orthodox.
STEREOSCOPICS
Stereoscopics were employed extensively during the late war, and were as aerial field position locators a signal success. Under the viewing instrument, these co-photographs disclosed many enemy positions which otherwise would have remained unseen. By means of a stereoscopic camera, a flat uninteresting pair of pictures are made, which become alive almost when viewed.
Have you observed how foreshortening occurs when viewing bush scenery through ordinary binoculars plus 6 or 8? How the background trees, stumps, or hills arrange themselves in group lines, similar in many respects to the wings and back screen of a stage. A strong telephoto lens will take a photo in a similar way. Yet if a photograph is taken of a well painted stage scene it will appear almost as nature.
EARLY STANDARDS
Imagine how crude and unnatural were the results from early camera lenses as compared with the beautifully constructed and carefully metered instruments of today. Yet, about 30 years ago, I attended an illustrated lecture by Frank Hurley, world famous photographer, and there viewed pictures almost of the standard and fineness of today's pictorial efforts.
Photography in monochrome when carefully presented has a touch of refinement all its own, but most rely on excellent technique in its production. Unlike the cinema films it has no vertical or horizontal movement to build up its perspective, but may nevertheless hold on its colorless surface a scene of great beauty. The cinema on the other hand may create the same impression with an inferior strip of pictures.
FLEETING SCENE
But left alone with nature, patiently awaiting the right moment for exposure, the experienced cameraman is almost sure at some time or other to capture the fleeting scene, the wood-nymphs shaded nook, a mighty tree, and heaven's open book.
The search for suitable subject matter is in itself a pilgrimage, and where success may come to one, others may fail. Perhaps the secret of the beautifully balanced study may lie in the fact that the student has captured by instinct the rudiments and also advanced technique, and has this so firmly established that knowledge becomes a guiding: second nature.
DIFFERENT OUTLOOK
On the other hand the student may have been associated with artists of the brush, or which case the exchange of ideas may have added something tangible to his store of knowledge, for there often exists a close relationship between the artist and the photographer. In a number of cases where it is possible and convenient to attend art classes, painter and photographer may sit side by side, comparing notes, and in some way each assisting the other in the building up of a precious store of experimental ideas.
It must be said, however, that betwixt the two is an uncrossable barrier, a vast difference in outlook, and indeed a variance in ambition.
The artist by his own choice is a creator, the photographer may be classified as a receiver of nature's super gifts.
ILLUSIONS
The artist may encourage by technical illusion what is known as movement in his painting. The photographer counters with detailed beauty to bring about the illusion of the living. Both in their own sphere abound in original and encouraging theories. Both are ready to assist each other in a crisis of art. The photographer endeavoring to select his subject with a view to producing a painting-like print, the artist with an urge to experiment selects a good photograph as a model for his painting. It must be remembered, however, that the camera lens and the human eye do not necessarily record in the same way.
TWO DESIRES
From this important fact there emerge two desires, greater urge to make good with the camera — constant endeavor to gain expression in painting. May each, the artist and the photographer, uphold good fellowship and understanding and work out their own salvation in mutual appreciation.
The desire for thrilling satisfaction in either art or photography will continue to lift the plane of production from the tame and common scene to the all-absorbing grandeur of a masterpiece.
INFINITE PATIENCE
Patience is the watchword of the successful, and, when we consider that pictorial photography was in its infancy 40 years ago, there is a wholesome reason to believe that this Society is doing wonders in that field. In another 60 years, no doubt, marked improvement will be made in all equipment, chemical treatment, and perhaps film. Even so the offerings of nature would remain much the same, the vision of man, just the same light and shade, the horizon, the sea, the hills will suffer only minor changes and the important thing of all is this: Man's desire to portray the beautiful will never change.
So as the art of monochrome photography has but touched the fringe of its pictorial achievement, time and methods will possibly make the task of producing less precarious and perhaps, who knows, less expensive. Our ancient sages claim that "Rome was not built in a day, and we believe them. Let us then look forward with pleasant hope to the untold and glorious possibilities of research and reward in the pictorial field.
SCRIPTURAL GUIDE
It is written: "I shall lift mine eyes unto the hills, whence cometh my help", and if this passage of scripture could be taken as a guide, to the photographer, a definite help in the selection of scenery would be afforded. Here in the hills, cloud-misted in places, high-lighted in others, there is a calm serenity unknown on the plain. Middle distance and horizon fall into place, a fringe of gum trees to the left filter the light, while brushwoods across the valley catch a sprinkling of sun on their shining smooth leaves, a wisp of cloud cuts across the center hills and distant mountains fade in quiet recession. This, with care and artistic instinct, could satisfy the wants of the photographer, and if the sun and clouds are favorable, who will know the difference between the planned and the inspired?
GROTESQUE ART
Portrayal of beauty is a noble thing. Equally so must be the appreciation of the strange and the grotesque. It is said of the Chinese, whose fame for the creation of beautiful things has eclipsed all others: "They grew weary at last of constant and genuine beauty, and turned their attention to the glory of the grotesque". Here in this land, a gnarled tree, a shark, an eel, a frog, a goanna, a pelican each have their strange appeal to the photographer, and so have many other ugly things.
Hogarth, that famous artist of the 18th century, in order to encourage measures of reform in the then decadent London, created his figurative characters with a frightening tone of wickedness, breaking down, as it were, all barriers of respectability, that his message might convey the strongest of meanings.
Chas. Dickens wrote his famous stories with much the same idea of bringing about reform and emancipation, but differed from Hogarth, in that he upheld virtue as a commanding force in itself.
AIDED CAUSES
Factual photographs have also played their part in an attempt to show the fallacy of war. The atrocities, the damage and desolation wrought by the first war, and in the second, the fast destruction, the swift retaliation, the suffering, and finally the peace. Indeed the far reaching "Records by Photograph" have on more than one occasion espoused the cause of the weak against the strong, and lessened suffering and misery. The scenic beauty of our country has brightened exhibitions the world over, on canvas as well as in print, and will continue to do so as long as art and photography flourish.