PHOTOGRAPHIC SOCIETY OF NEW ZEALAND

PHOTOGRAPHIC SOCIETY OF NEW ZEALAND PRESIDENT
1959	Ken Newton Wanganui Camera Club
1962-63	Bob Anderson Wanganui Camera Club
1970-71	Arthur Bates Wanganui Camera Club
1978-79	Vonnie Cave Wanganui Camera Club
1980-81	Derek Endersby Wanganui Camera Club
2014-16	Murray Cave
2016-18	Peter Robertson
2018-20	Moira Blincoe
2020	Paul Whitham LPSNZ

The following from the PHOTOGRAPHIC SOCIETY OF NEW ZEALAND website.

TO PROMOTE THE FULLER AND WIDER ENJOYMENT OF PHOTOGRAPHY IN NEW ZEALAND AS AN ART, SCIENCE AND ACTIVITY.
The first objective of the Photographic Society of New Zealand’s Constitution, 1953.

Fred Bowron went to America. That was the beginning.

FRED BOWRON
LEN CASBOLT
PHOTOGRAPHER;

Fred was a member of the Christchurch Camera Club – a group of keen amateur photographers sharing images, knowledge, enthusiasm and friendship. In the 1950s camera clubs in New Zealand were a growing phenomenon caused by the release of cameras and films onto the market after import restrictions imposed by the Second World War were lifted.

In 1950, when Fred went to the United States he left with a letter of introduction given by fellow member Les Casbolt, to Ray Meiss, a pharmacist and member of the Photographic Society of America. On arrival in Honolulu Fred was met by Urban Allen who had a letter from Ray.

Ray and Urban were to play an active role in the development of the New Zealand Society. It was at their persuasion that Fred attended the American Photographic Society Annual Convention in Baltimore and subsequently became enthused with the idea of forming a New Zealand association of camera clubs.

When he returned he proposed the Christchurch Photographic Society organize a "get-together" of South Island clubs, plus a national exhibition in Queenstown. On the proviso that Fred could 'pick his own gang', he accepted the appointment of organizer and his co-opted committee members were Len Casbolt, Ron Sparrow, Albert Marker, Roy Truscott and Laurie Thomas.

Such was his enthusiasm, other photographers soon became involved, from the Dunedin Photographic Society, George Chance, Ray Kirk and Dick Ratcliff. In Hamilton, Fred and Len, undisputed leaders of the movement, met with Waikato Photographic Society, Harold Larsen, Irene and Russell Cooper, and in Nelson with Frank Hinchcliff and Barry Woods.

The 'get-together' had now become a national one and the idea of a national body was under discussion. Although some clubs feared a national body would take over their national exhibitions, the leaders of some of New Zealand’s larger societies – Auckland, Waikato, Wellington, Christchurch and Dunedin – were fully sympathetic and concerns were worked through.

The prime reasons for the society – sharing a common interest; getting the chance to see other peoples photography and having fun – won the day.

Invitations were sent to the approximately 30 New Zealand camera clubs of the time, and over 100 keen photographers from across the country attended the South Island Photographic Convention, held in Queenstown on 24th – 30th April 1952.

The first 'National Salon of Photography', held in conjunction with the convention, had an extensive exhibition of self processed monochrome prints of the set size, 16 inches x 20 inches, and mounted.

They echoed the trend of the time for pictorial photography and the photographers receiving honors were: Richard Blick, Clifton Firth, Frank Hoffman and J.F. Hinchcliff.

On the last day of the convention a proposal to stage an annual convention, alternating between the North and South Islands, and to establish a governing 'Council' of New Zealand clubs were met with wide acclaim.

It was agreed that the Waikato Photographic Society would host the 1953 convention in Rotorua, and at that event, the Society would be formally established. It was suggested that the association be developed along the lines of the American Photographic Society, which gave its personal and organizational support for the venture. It would be known as the 'New Zealand Photographic Council'.

At the 1953 Rotorua convention an inaugural meeting was held on April 17th, chaired by Arthur Fow (Hamilton), President of the 1953 Convention Committee.
Thus, the Photographic Society of New Zealand was born on 17 April 1953.



8th March 1966  Page 14 - Press, Volume CV, Issue 31003

NATIONAL SALON
PHOTOGRAPHIC SOCIETY OF NEW ZEALAND
Almost 1000 entries have been received for the Photographic Society of New Zealand national salon which is to be held in Christchurch next month in conjunction with the annual convention. Judging will take place next week-end. The entries have come from all parts of the Dominion and some have been received from the United States, where a number of photographers are members of the New Zealand organization.

There are three major sections in the salon: monochrome and color prints (more than 300 entries); natural history (about 100 entries); and color slides (600 entries, quite a number from the United States). Each section has more entries than last year.

Messrs F.L. Bowron (patron of the New Zealand Society), F.L. Casbolt and A.J. Anderson will judge the monochrome and color prints, Messrs D. Hearn, Anderson, and S.F. Muff the natural history entries, and the colored slides will be judged by Messrs Bowron, Hearn and N.S. Bowie. All the judges are from Christchurch.

The entries will be prepared for judging at the Photographic Centre, Worcester street, by local members of the Christchurch Photographic Society. On 16th to 22nd April the New Zealand body will hold its national convention in Christchurch. Between 500 and 600 members will attend. The first convention held 15 years ago attracted 123 persons.

The annual national convention is held alternately in the North and South Islands. It was last held in the city in 1958.



20th July 1977  Page 4 - Press

CHRISTCHURCH PHOTOGRAPHIC SOCIETY
CHRISTCHURCH VENUE FOR BIG INTERNATIONAL EXHIBITION
Christchurch will have the opportunity of seeing in September some of the world's best photography in an international exhibition being organized by the Christchurch Photographic Society. More than 3000 entries from 40 countries are expected. Entries will close on 31st July, judging will be concluded on 7th August, and the work will be exhibited during the first week in September.

Prints will be on show at the C.S.A. Gallery from 1st to 8th September. Slides will be projected in the Canterbury Museum's theatre on September 3, 5, and 6, and in Greymouth on September 10. The exhibition will consist of four basic divisions — color slides, pictorial prints, nature photography (slides and prints), and photojournalism (slides and prints).

Color slides will be judged in two categories -— best color slide and best contemporary slide. The other category will give scope to photography that is creative, experimental, imaginative, and non-representational.

Nature photography will consist of four sections — best wildlife slide and print, and best slide and print of a subject in a controlled environment. But the photographs need not depict merely wild animals or alpine flora. The subject matter is as broad as the natural world itself and may cover any of nature's many branches — including anthropology, meteorology, and archeology.

The theme for the photojournalism division is "Man and Man’s Environment". Entries will include documentary, advertising, sports, spot news, human interest, and contemporary life subjects.

Seventeen judges have been appointed to the various selection panels. They are:
Pictorial color slides: F. Leonard Casbolt, Derek Hearn, Ron Willems.
Nature Color slides: Grant N. Bawden, Ronald J. McKie, Geoffrey A. Tunnicliffe.
Photojournalism color slides: L.R. Bloxham, Markham J. Mail, E.A. Walker.
Pictorial monochrome and color prints: Esma J. Donovan, Hugh G. Perry, Frank Reavey.
Nature prints: Ronald J. McKie, Timonthy E. Pitman, Raymond A. Savill.
Photojournalism prints: Len E. Barnard, Roy P. Boston, L.R. Bloxham.

The exhibition is being organized by the Christchurch Photographic Society on behalf of the Photographic Society of New Zealand.



1st September 1977  Page 20 - Press

CHRISTCHURCH PHOTOGRAPHIC SOCIETY
INTERNATIONAL PHOTOGRAPHIC EXHIBITION
More than 3000 entries by photographers from 40 countries were received for the international exhibition organized by the Christchurch Photographic Society on behalf of the Photographic Society of New Zealand. Among them were many outstanding monochrome prints, some of which are reproduced below.

One of the outstanding prints in the exhibition was entered by a Christchurch photographer, Euan Cameron. His photograph, “Beauty in Battle,” won a Photographic Society of New Zealand gold medal in the photo-journalism print section. However, the prize list was dominated by overseas entries.

The exhibition consisted of four basic divisions: color slides, pictorial prints, nature photography (slides and prints), and photo-journalism (slides and prints).

Robert W. Ginn, of Long Beach. California, took this print, “The Winner”. It won a Photographic Society of New Zealand bronze medal in the photo-journalism print section.

“Agony of Pending Defeat,” entered by Paul Maloney, of Colorado. United States, won the Photographic Society of America gold medal in the photo-journalism prints section.

This picture won the Photographic Society of New Zealand gold medal in the photo-journalism print section. Mr Euan Cameron, of Christchurch, who took the picture at the Timaru round of the Marlboro international motor-cycle series, is well known for his coverage of motor-cycling events. The picture, "Beauty in Battle", shows the Christchurch international, John Boote, leading Dennis Ireland. Trevor Discombe and Geoff Bennett.

“Row, Man, Row,” an entry by Leo K. K. Wong, of Kowloon. Hong Kong, in the monochrome genera] section.

“Eyes Right," an entry by, S.K. Gajree, of Australia, in the nature prints section.

September / October 2016  Page 10 - NZ Camera Talk (THE OFFICIAL MAGAZINE OF THE PHOTOGRAPHIC SOCIETY OF NEW ZEALAND INC)

HISTORY OF THE LAURIE THOMAS NEW ZEALAND LANDSCAPE SALON
Compiled by Newell Grenfell Hon PSNZ, FPSNZ, FNPSNZ
Laurie Thomas was a devoted member of the Christchurch Photographic Society through the 1950s, 1960s and 1970s. He was a close friend of Fred Bowron, the founding father of The Photographic Society of New Zealand. Laurie attended the historic 1952 Queenstown meeting that gave rise to the formation of Photographic Society of New Zealand, and helped develop its constitution. He was described as “a quiet, dapper, slightly-built man, always immaculately dressed”.

With the arrival of Kodachrome, color slide photography took off in the 1960s. Laurie Thomas, his sister Bobbie and Fred Bowron and others were recognized internationally for their outstanding renditions of the New Zealand landscape. Such was the popularity of color slides in this period that membership of Christchurch Photographic Society had to be capped at 300.

Laurie never married. On his death in 1994, he left significant bequests to both Photographic Society of New Zealand and Christchurch Photographic Society.

WHY THE LAURIE THOMAS NEW ZEALAND LANDSCAPE SALON?
On receipt of Laurie’s generous bequest, the Christchurch Photographic Society Management Committee, under Margaret Bell as president, created a special project team known as the Christchurch Photographic Society Finance Sub-Committee to advise on the use of the bequest. Newell Grenfell was appointed to chair the team. Its founding members were Margaret Bell, Bert Geerkens, Frank Green, Newell Grenfell (chair), Philip Schroeder and Marlene Willems.

It was decided to create two annual events that would honor the name of Laurie Thomas. The first was a Winter School for Christchurch Photographic Society members; the second was a national Landscape Salon, open to all interested parties. The first Winter School, with Matheson Beaumont as resident tutor, was held at Flock Hill in 1996. The first Landscape Salon was held in 1997.

Reflecting Laurie Thomas’s special interest in color slides, the Salon was initially restricted to the slide medium. It was confined to images of the New Zealand landscape, and was known as the Laurie Thomas New Zealand Landscape Salon.

STRONG SUPPORT
Forty-two entrants submitted a total of 160 slides to the first Salon. The winner was Bevan Tulett FPSNZ. He received a distinctive trophy designed by Lesley Sales, who had recently joined the organizing team and continued to play a major role, with Margaret Bell, for several years.

In 1998, 175 slides were entered in the second Salon by 45 photographers, and Newell Grenfell was the winner. In 1999, 53 entrants submitted 211 slides, and Russell McGeorge was the winner. Numbers mounted steadily. In 2000, 63 entrants submitted 242 slides, and Adair Wilson APSNZ was the winner.

For the first time, entry forms became available on the Internet in 2001 – but the Salon was still limited to color slides.

After peaking at 423 in 2004, the number of slides entered began to fall away as digital imaging arrived and rose in popularity. Digital projected images were accepted, in a section of their own, for the first time in the 11th Salon in 2007. Some 514 DPIs were entered alongside 191 slides. Four years later, at the 15th Salon in 2011, only four slides were entered.

2012 saw a return to a single section, with only digitally projected images. Some 131 entrants submitted 516 DPIs, with Jason Byrne AFIAP the winner. The following year, 150 entrants submitted 571 DPIs. In 2016, support reached a new record with 647 DPIs being entered. The winner is Michael J. Pemberton LPSNZ LRPS.

THE TROPHY
Uniquely among New Zealand photographic trophies, the winner each year gets to keep the Laurie Thomas trophy.

From the outset, the organizing team recognized that some of their policies, such as providing a new trophy each year, would be expensive. But the team chose to invest in the Salon to increase its appeal. Thus, instead of using only the interest on the Laurie Thomas bequest, the team agreed to spend a budgeted amount of capital each year, as necessary. Frank Green did all the budgeting projections. It was accepted that the bequest might be used up within 10 years. In the event, however, largely because of the way support for the Salon grew, after 20 years the fund was still healthy.

Initially the Salon was judged by a panel of professional photographers in Christchurch. In 2000 it was decided that judging should be alternated between the North and South Island. The organizing committee chose an area and invited a respected photographer (usually Photographic Society of New Zealand accredited) to chair a panel that he or she selected in that area.

Bevan Tulett was the first to receive the trophy in 1997 and he continues to compete in the Salon. Newell Grenfell was the first person to win the Salon twice. Stephen Wright, the 2006 winner, was tragically killed in the CTV Building in the February 2011 Christchurch earthquake.

The original organizing team felt it was important to show the Salon at Christchurch Photographic Society. Given the size of the entry, in early years it was practical to show all the entries. After a couple of years, the show was limited to the work accepted, along with a sample of images not accepted. In due course only the accepted work was shown, with time being allocated to a guest speaker or presenter. In 2016, the president of the Photographic Society of New Zealand, Peter Robertson LPSNZ, is our guest presenter at Christchurch Photographic Society on 13th July 2016.

2015 CHAMPION IMAGE: GOLD MEDAL
INLAND KAIKOURAS
Newell Grenfell Hon. PSNZ, FPSNZ, FNPSNZ

2016 GOLD MEDAL
RAUKOKORE REFUGE
Michael J. Pemberton LRPS, LPSNZ

2017 CHAMPION IMAGE: GOLD MEDAL
A LIGHT IN THE DARKNESS
James Gibson AFIAP, APSNZ

2018 CHAMPION IMAGE: GOLD MEDAL
ANCIENT FOREST
Brian Eastwood

2019 CHAMPION IMAGE: GOLD MEDAL
ON A WING and A PRAYER, LAKE HERON
John Hawkins

2020 CHAMPION IMAGE: GOLD MEDAL
APPROACHING STORM TAWHARANUI
DEBORAH MARTIN

September / October 2016  Page 10 - NZ Camera Talk (THE OFFICIAL MAGAZINE OF THE PHOTOGRAPHIC SOCIETY OF NEW ZEALAND INC)

22nd LAURIE THOMAS NEW ZEALAND LANDSCAPE SALON 2019
Compiled By Carolyn Elcock AFIAP, Team Leader
NEW ZEALAND’S PREMIER salon for landscape projected images is run by Christchurch Photographic Society and will be held again this year. The salon is named in honor of a pioneer member, Laurie Thomas, who was a devoted member through the 50s, 60s and 70s and was recognized internationally for his New Zealand landscape photography.

The salon trophy presented to the winner was designed by Lesley Sales FPSNZ. The trophy known as “Wind and Water” symbolizes the essence of the New Zealand landscape: water, wind, trees and light. Lesley says the outline shape suggests a mountain and the forces acting upon it to carve out the landscape. Mountain streams flowing down the mountain sides are depicted by internal cut-out lines.

The action of the wind is suggested by an invisible, implied line that begins as a curl on the outside edge of the mountain and flows across the landscape. Trees clinging to the mountainsides add another dimension, that of vegetation and plant growth. Light defines the shape of the mountain, illuminating the waters, the shapes, the trees, silhouetting the shapes of the landscape.

This unique trophy is given to the winner of the salon to keep.

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