PRESTON PHOTOGRAPHIC CLUB
PRESTON, VICTORIA
FORMED 1949
1st November 1950Page 720 - Vol. 57 No. 11 The Australasian Photographic Review
PRESTON PHOTOGRAPHIC CLUB
“Read all you can about it, get to know whatever you can about it and, when you go out to take pictures, forget all about it,” said Mr. Stan Harrison when speaking on “Composition” at our second September meeting. Mr. Harrison, in his usual breezy style, gave a most entertaining talk on a subject that can be made to appear very dry. To him, the speaker said, composition is merely a satisfactory arrangement in the picture space. If a picture “looked right”, the composition must be right. All the so-called “rules” of composition are only common characteristics of pictures showing this satisfactory arrangement.
He said that the time when he began to think consciously about composition was during the making of the enlargement. If the subject appealed to him originally, he made an exposure of it. It was then up to himself to see that he kept more to less to the accepted form of the particular style of composition to which the picture conformed.
Mr. Harrison illustrated his talk with several of his successful exhibition pictures, and discussed them from the point of view of the type of composition to which they belonged.
Office-bearers for 1951 are: President, R. Winther; Vice-Presidents, F. Hion, A. Sharp, K. Earl; Treasurer, Miss M. Fox; Secretary, R.S. Gray; Assist. Secretary, Mrs. Gray.
1st May 1951 Page 315 - Vol. 58 No. 5 Australasian Photo-Review
PRESTON PHOTOGRAPHIC CLUB
Mr. John Bilney, judge of the open competition on 13th March, in giving a review of the prints entered, stressed the importance of two apparently opposing principles — simplicity and attention to detail.
He then pointed out that they were not actually opposing as it would first appear, but that the photographer must first achieve his simple arrangement, excluding extraneous detail; every detail of the picture must then be in accord with and help that arrangement. The photographer must be prepared to wait for every detail of action and lighting to be exactly right so as to achieve the results for which he aims.
The competition resulted:
A GRADE: F, Hion (“Maestro”), 1; F. Hion (“Lonely Homestead”) and R. Gray (“Team Spirit”), 2 (equal); R. Winther (“The Wall Lamp”), 3.
B GRADE: G. Earl (“Rex”), 1; J. N. Lee (“Wharf Work”), 2; D. Eccles (“Young Mother”), 3.
At the second March meeting, unfortunately poorly attended, due to the Easter holidays, Mr. Bruce Connan screened his collection of Kodachrome slides made on a recent business trip overseas. The places depicted were Colombo, Suez Canal, England, France, and the United States. Mr. Connan’s breezy commentary was a most pleasing accompaniment.
Visitors are always welcome at our meetings, held in the Scout Hall, Town Hall Avenue, Preston. Beginners are being particularly well catered for at present with a class of instruction. Secretary Mr. R.S. Gray, 18 York Street, West Preston, welcomes inquiries.
1st July 1951 Page 449 - Vol. 58 No. 7 Australasian Photo-Review
PRESTON PHOTOGRAPHIC CLUB
The meeting on 21st May was devoted to a talk by Mr. W. Broadhead on “After-Treatment of Negatives and Prints”. The lecturer’s remarks covered intensification and reduction, and oil reinforcement application to prints.
He said that he used the mercuric-iodide method of intensification for negatives, having had no success with the chromium process. Strangely enough, however, he said, he found chromium intensification very useful for prints.
The speaker’s usual clear, informative style of presentation was very effective in classifying a number of points which are often obscure in published form, Mr. Broadhead then demonstrated several of the treatments, and answered numerous questions.
The Landscape, Seascape and Tree Study competition resulted:
A GRADE: l, F.P. Hion; 2, F.P. Hion; 3, M. Sharp.
B GRADE: l, G. Earl; 2, K. Banfield; 3, M. Baker.
1st December 1951 Page 769 - Vol. 58 No. 12 Australasian Photo-Review
PRESTON PHOTOGRAPHIC CLUB
At the meeting held on October 22nd, Mr. Archer Roberts showed a number of his prints and indicated the methods used in producing them.
His main method of control is in local reduction with ferricyanide, applied with infinite patience over periods of up to three and four hours, each application being in contact with the emulsion for only a matter of seconds. Any longer contact is apt to result in stains, possible cures for which were enumerated.
Mr. Roberts paid a tribute to modern emulsions in stating that he almost always allowed prints to soak overnight, often longer, in the final wash-water, and had never had trouble with frilling or emulsion lifting. In fact, on one occasion, he definitely set out to see how long a print could be left in water, and after a week bacteria began to form on the emulsion but it had not lifted, all this without any hardening of the emulsion whatever!
Print criticism night on November 5th revealed the following awards in the Open competition which closed a month previously:
A GRADE: 1, F.P. Hion (“City Glimpse”); 2, A.W. Smith (“Edifice of Beauty”); 3, R. Winther (“Moyne River”).
B GRADE: M.M. Baker (no title); 2, G. Sim (“Waterways”); 3, G. Sim (“Cleanliness”).
The “Print of the Year” Trophy (for the year ended 1st September last) has been awarded to F.P. Hion for his print “Maestro,” a table-top study of beautiful quality and engaging originality. Mr. Hion will now hold the Thompson Shield for a further twelve months.
As will be noticed, the name of the club has been altered (formerly “Pictorial Photographic Club”) to one more descriptive of our location. This was carried by vote of members on November 5th.
Hon.Secretary M.M. Baker would be pleased to hear from intending visitors and prospective members at 14 Haig Street, West Heidelberg.
1st February 1952 Page 118 - Vol. 59 No. 2 Australasian Photo-Review
PRESTON PHOTOGRAPHIC CLUB
November’s second meeting, held on the 19th, provided a most interesting viewing of Kodachrome slides screened by an old friend of the club, Mr. Jim Henderson. These were exposed by Mr. Henderson and Mr. Ray Frost during a trip made along the Eastern Australian coast to Cairns, across the continent to Darwin, back through Alice Springs to Adelaide, and then home to Melbourne. What a wealth of color is present in tropical scenes and the surroundings of Alice Springs!
The experience of the two photographers was very evident in the quality of the transparencies. During the screening, Mr. Henderson gave a most entertaining commentary on all phases of the journey.
November was notable, too, for an event which rarely takes place, a combined outing of three clubs; Healesville Camera Club, Photographic Society of Victoria, Preston Photographic Club. The outing, although not productive of very many photographs, was a most enjoyable social get-together and an opportunity for exchange of much photographic chatter.
On December 3rd, the club held its annual exhibition of members work, and about one hundred prints were hung on the clubroom walls.
The annual award night and social evening was held on December 17th, when a very pleasant ‘get-together was spent by about seventy members, friends and children. Entertainment was provided by films, mainly cartoons for the kiddies, projected by Mr. W. Thompson. Awards for the year were as follows;
A GRADE AGGREGATE (THOMPSON SHIELD): F.P. Hion.
B GRADE AGGREGATE (SHARP CUP): G. Earl.
PRINT OF THE YEAR: F.P. Hion.
MOST CONSISTENT B GRADER: G. Sim.
SPECIAL CLUB NIGHT: J.N. Lee.
Following an excellent and plentiful supper, the President (Mr. Baxter) expressed thanks to those who had helped in the success of the evening, and wished all attending the season’s compliments.
The Preston Photographic Club has a good program in hand for this year and interested photographers should contact the Secretary, Mr. M.M. Baker, West Heidelberg.
1st March 1952 Page 184 - Vol. 59 No. 3 Australasian Photo-Review
PRESTON PHOTOGRAPHIC CLUB
The first 1952 meeting took place on January 21st, when Mr. Fred Hion, one of the leading workers, demonstrated his enlarging methods.
Junior members were surprised to see that Mr. Hion had no secret or complicated methods, but used standard procedure and commercially packaged solutions. What was not so obvious, but is really the basis of his success, is Mr. Hion’s attention to details of procedure, no “near-enough” being tolerated.
After demonstrating the regular enlarging technique, Mr. Hion showed two methods of combination printing for insertion of clouds in landscapes.
Secretary M.M. Baker would be pleased to hear from interested amateur photographers desirous of attending our meetings.
1st April 1952 Page 248 - Vol. 59 No. 4 Australasian Photo-Review
PRESTON PHOTOGRAPHIC CLUB
Archer Roberts, prominent pictorial worker, spoke at the meeting on 11th February on the subject “Print Finishing”. Mr. Roberts dealt with local reduction methods, and oil reinforcement. It was most instructive for members to be able to view the actual processes being carried out, and many were surprised to see the final high quality print emerge from the horrible smears of oil color first applied to the print.
Members were privileged on Monday, 25th February, to view a collection of Kodachrome transparencies shown by Mr. John Loxton, well-known water-colourist. The transparencies included Australian and overseas scenes taken by Mr. Loxton during a painting tour of Europe and the British Isles. The artist’s outlook and ability to see a color picture were well in evidence, and the excellent quality of the color slides quickly disproved Mr. Loxton’s modest claims that he is not a photographer.
Other well-known figures in the photographic and art worlds are to speak to members at future meetings. Full particulars are available from the Hon.Secretary, Mr. M.M. Baker, Haig Street, West Heidelberg.
1st May 1952 Page 315 - Vol. 59 No. 5 Australasian Photo-Review
PRESTON PHOTOGRAPHIC CLUB
The meeting on 10th March was very well attended, despite the holiday night, and was devoted to criticism of the Pattern and Texture competition prints. In the unavoidable absence of the judge, Mr. W. Broadhead, the prints shown were reviewed by the President, Mr. Baxter, who gave his views as to why the judge had selected the award winners, and where the others had failed. Each of the thirty prints shown was of excellent standard, and the judge obviously had an unenviable task in selecting the award winners as follows:
A GRADE: 1, K. Earl (“The Evening Out”); 2, E.H. Baxter (“Labyrinth”); 3, A.L. Smith (“Nature’s Pattern”).
B GRADE: 1, E. Samuel (“Masonry”); 2 (equal), A. Spooner (“Check” and “Film Fantasy”); 3 (equal), J.N. Lee (“Sanctum”) and M.M. Baker (“Witch’s Handle”).
COLOR TRANSPARENCIES:
A GRADE: K. Earl;
B GRADE: D. Eccles.
At the second March meeting, Mr. Helmut Newton spoke on the subject “Various Lighting Effects,” illustrating his talk by practical demonstrations, using a spotlight and floodlights. The accent was on dramatic effects, achieved by use of the spotlight, the remaining lights being used to fill the shadows. Mr. Newton emphasized the need for keeping the model well in front of the background, which could be lit from behind to give any desired tone. However, on occasions the shadow on the background, or portion of it, could be used to accent the effect.
The secretary, Mat Baker, demonstrated “Brometching” at the first April meeting, showing the very effective results which may be achieved with his process, which again seems to be becoming popular. The difficulty of over-etching at the sides and particularly at the corners is still with us however, and Mr. Baker recommends quite a wide white border to allow for this. Mr. Baker’s home-constructed, but most efficient, enlarger provided a great deal of amusement, especially when he unconcernedly removed the lamphouse to provide himself with a white light!
The secretary of the Preston Photographic Club may be contacted at Haig Street, West Heidelberg, by anyone interested in attending our meetings.
1st June 1952 Page 380 - Vol. 59 No. 6 Australasian Photo-Review
PRESTON PHOTOGRAPHIC CLUB
Mr. Peter Fox spoke on negative retouching at the Kodak Gallery on the night of Monday 21st April.
Introducing the demonstration, Mr. Fox stressed the desirability of arranging lighting to avoid too much retouching, and warned against over-retouching and removing all character from the portrait.
With the aid of an expert retoucher, Mr. Fox went on to demonstrate knifing and pencil retouching. The work was clearly visible to the full audience, as the speaker had arranged an ingenious apparatus to project the image of the negative and pencil on to a screen.
Mr. Fox then invited members to try their hand, and it was soon obvious that long practice was essential to acquire the necessary skilled touch.
Members were privileged to take part in the large gathering of photographic clubs and other amateur photographers at Nicholas Hall as the guests of Kodak (A/Asia) Pty. Ltd. on the occasion of Mr. Keast Burke’s visit to Melbourne.
1st July 1952Page 442 - Vol. 59 No. 7 The Australasian Photographic Review
PRESTON PHOTOGRAPHIC CLUB
Mr. Stan Harrison, speaking at the meeting on Monday, 12th May, urged members to endeavor to confine the negative field to that part of the subject which first attracted them, as the direct approach made a more forceful print than one taking in a wider field. Mr. Harrison was reviewing the entries which he had judged for the open competition, and suggested how a number of the prints could be improved. Results were as follows;
A GRADE: 1, K. Earl; 2, E.H. Baxter; 3, K. Earl.
B GRADE: 1, W. Marshall; 2, D. Eccles; 3, E. Samuels.
“Approach your subject as an artist does, with no preconceived ideas as to how it will be treated until the subject is actually seen”. This was the theme of Mr. John Warlow’s talk on problems of portrait lighting at the meeting on May 26th, Mr. Warlow demonstrated, with the aid of model Andrena Thorpe, a number of lighting arrangements, then invited members to set up the lights according to their own ideas, and pointed out improvements and ‘traps for young players'. A most enjoyable evening was spent, and the members were able to use their cameras to good effect.
The club was pleased to welcome as visitors on this occasion a number of members of the newly-formed Southern Suburbs Camera Club, Secretary M. Baker, 14 Haig Street, West Heidelberg (telephone JA2277, business hours), will be pleased to hear from interested photographers in the district.
1st August 1952Page 505 - Vol. 59 No. 8 The Australasian Photographic Review
PRESTON PHOTOGRAPHIC CLUB
The annual Gadget Night was held on June 9th, when members were able to display their particular pet ideas, and this year was no exception in the large range produced; from electronic timers to humble (but very useful) retouching knives made from old files. Combined with the Gadget Night, an auction of unwanted equipment, with cheery Reg. Gray as auctioneer, helped to make a very successful meeting. Club funds benefited too, as owners of equipment donated a percentage, and in some cases the whole, of the proceeds to the club.
An informal discussion night at the second June meeting was unfortunately poorly attended, but the few members who did attend had an enjoyable and instructive get-together, led by the President, E.H. Baxter and Secretary, M.M. Baker.
Speaking at the meeting on July, 7th, Mr. W. Broadhead’s advice to members was, “Satisfy yourself”. He said the practice of making prints to a set formula merely to please the judge was fatal. While endeavoring to satisfy himself and feeling that he was not quite succeeding, the pictorialist was getting somewhere; but when he felt successful, that was the time to beware.
Commenting on the competition entries, which he had judged, Mr. Broadhead urged members not to be afraid to give a print full exposure, and so introduce some real tone into the subject.
Results of the Portrait Competition were:
A GRADE: 1, F.P. Hion; 2, R.S. Gray; 3, K. Earl.
B GRADE: 1, M. Baker; 2, G. Sim; 3, G. Sim.
C GRADE: E. Miller.
COLOR SLIDES:
A GRADE: A. Smith.
B GRADE: F. McMahon.
1st September 1952 Page 574 - Vol. 59 No. 9 Australasian Photo-Review
PRESTON PHOTOGRAPHIC CLUB
Members were not disappointed in their anticipation of a first-class night on the second occasion of Mr. Hans Hasenpflug’s visit on 21st July, when he spoke on Electronic Flash Technique.
One of the main advantages of the speed-light, in the speaker’s opinion, is the possibility of the use of very small stops with resultant extreme sharpness over a fair depth of field — a definite aid in photographing children. Although speed-lights are often used for action pictures, the speaker felt that they tended to “freeze” the action and they therefore destroyed the illusion of motion, which is sometimes desirable.
The unit must be used away from the camera, therefore highlight gradation and sparkle is made possible only by the use of more than one light, as in ordinary half-watt lighting. A particularly pleasing use of the speed-light, said Mr. Hasenpflug, is in combination with sunshine back-lighting, when, of course, the usual care must be taken to balance the front and back-lighting values.
The first August meeting was in the form of a discussion night under the title of Questions and Answers. A team of three experts (so-called!) was bombarded with questions on matters photographic by members on a wide range of subjects from lenses to local reduction. At this meeting a good number of prints was received for the Open Competition.
The next club year commences in September and the Secretary, M.M. Baker, is always interested to hear from prospective members at 14 Hay Street, West Heidelberg.
1st October 1952Page 590 - Vol. 59 No. 10 The Australasian Photographic Review
PRESTON PHOTOGRAPHIC CLUB
An informal night, under the title of Questions and Answers on August 4th, produced some most interesting topics. On August 18th Mr. Eric Merton of Kodak Ltd. gave a talk and demonstration of the Flexichrome Process, the modern method of producing colored prints, and the members were much impressed with the very beautiful effects that can be obtained with it.
Commenting on the prints which he had judged for the August open competition, Mr. J. Henderson urged members to pay more attention to the finishing details such as spotting, tidiness in mounting, etc. If an enthusiast finds a negative is worth while to print, he should have sufficient pride in it to finish the job properly.
Awards announced at the meeting on September 1st were:
A GRADE: 1, K, Earl; 2, E.H. Baxter; 3, K. Earl.
B GRADE: 1, A. Spooner; 2, W. Marshall; 3, W. Stringer.
1st November 1952 Page 705 - Vol. 59 No. 11 Australasian Photo-Review
PRESTON PHOTOGRAPHIC CLUB
The Fourth Annual General Meeting was held on September 15th, only a small number of members attending. Annual reports of the Secretary and Treasurer were received and indicated a very satisfactory position, a net increase in membership having occurred over the year, membership at present standing at 43. A resolution was passed reducing the fee for “husband and wife” membership to twenty-five shillings. Messrs. Baker, Sira and Spooner were promoted to compete in “A” Grade in club competitions. Congratulations were offered to Messrs. Sim and Marshall on their prize awards in the photographic section of the Melbourne Royal Agricultural Show.
Election of office-bearers for the ensuing year saw very little change in personnel, those elected to office being: President, Mr. E.H. Baxter; Vice-Presidents, Messrs. Gray, Winther and Marshall; Secretary, Mr. M.M. Baker; Assistant Secretary, Mr. Lee, Treasurer, Mr. A.L. Smith; Council Members, Mrs. Baxter, Messrs. Sim and Webster.
The second meeting on September 29th, was devoted to the subject of print mounting. The President first gave a brief resume of the methods of attaching a print to the mount, then Mr. Winther demonstrated the rubber solution method, and gave a few hints on general print presentation. Mr. Winther stressed the need for allowing both print and mount surfaces to dry thoroughly before attachment. Mr, Gray followed with a dry-mounting demonstration using a flat-iron, and indicated a number of pitfalls.
The Preston Photographic Club sent delegates to the inaugural conference of the Victorian Association of Photographic Societies, and our Secretary, Mr. M.M. Baker, has been elected to the executive committee of the Association.
Amateur photographers in the district should contact Mr. M.M. Baker at Haig Street, West Heidelberg, with a view to joining in with the activities of this club.
1st December 1952Page 773 - Vol. 59 No. 12 The Australasian Photographic Review
PRESTON PHOTOGRAPHIC CLUB
Mr. Cyril Stevens, prominent Preston photographer, was host to the members of the club on October 13th, when they visited his modern studio premises. All were impressed by his thorough and clean working methods; speed-flash equipment is used for all portraiture, this doing away with any fear of movement when children are being photographed. Mr. Stevens interest in motion-picture work was well in evidence and an intriguing piece of apparatus was the “zoom” lens he has fitted to one camera.
From the studio we were conducted to the recording studio, which is most tastefully decorated and excellently equipped for microgroove and other recording on a commercial scale. After a thorough inspection of this studio, members were here treated to a short session of 16mm sound films, including the famous lyrebird film, which took four years to produce under extremely difficult lighting conditions and which so beautifully portrays the display of the male lyrebird in the Sherwood Forest. Mr. Stevens explained very fully all phases of his work, and no secrets were held back.
The second October meeting was in the form of a Camera Night at the club rooms, when lights were available for members to try their hands at every phase of artificial light work under the guidance of some of the more experienced members. At this meeting the assistant secretary, Mr. J.W. Lee, demonstrated a Kodaslide table viewer which projects Kodachrome transparencies on to a self-contained screen; the image is very brilliant and of good size.
Photographic enthusiasts in Preston and surrounding districts may obtain further details of the club’s activities from the Hon.Secretary, Mr. M.M. Baker, Haig Street, West Heidelberg.
1st February 1953Page 70 - Vol. 60 No. 2 The Australasian Photographic Review
PRESTON PHOTOGRAPHIC CLUB
An opportunity of seeing how the “movie boys” approach their pictorial photography was afforded members on Monday, 10th November, when Mr. G. Nicholls of the Victorian Amateur Cine Society visited us.
Mr. Nicholls discussed some of the problems associated with both movie exposure and movie processing. He then proceeded to screen a selection of films including two which had received awards in 'Five Best Films' competitions.
Two of these which were outstanding were “Dune Days” and “Six Minutes with Nature”. The former might be described as a movie version of pictorial stills containing many fine sand dunes, wind and sky impressions. The second, in color, featured the life cycle of the Wanderer butterfly, and was magnificent in its conception and execution.
Mr. Nicholls further explained that in some of the close-up sequences of the caterpillar devouring a leaf there was only one thirty-second of an inch depth of focus available.
For his work, and in fact for any satisfactory movie work, a sturdy tripod was essential, said Mr. Nicholls, a hint that most still photographers might well take to heart.
Mr. F.P. Hion, club member, and well-known A.P.-R. competitor, spoke on, and demonstrated methods of control in enlarging at the meeting on Monday 24th November. He stressed the importance of first making a straight enlargement, and studying this, even over two or three days, before making a decision on the methods of control required. Correction of verticals by tilting the easel was the first control shown, followed by a demonstration of various shading devices to give varying exposures to sections of the print. To indicate variations in approach, Mr. Hion invited three of the members to make enlargements from a portrait negative; he also made a print himself. It was most interesting to see the four differing trims and tonal variations produced.
An open competition closed at this meeting, and on this occasion was judged by popular vote of members, resulting in the following awards:
A GRADE: 1, F.P. Hion; 2, A.L. Smith; 3, G. Sim.
B GRADE: 1, J.N. Lee; 2, W. Marshall; 3, W. Stringer.
The annual exhibition of members work was held at the clubrooms on 8th December and a muster of about 60 prints was shown to a representative gathering.
The final meeting for 1952 was the annual break-up and presentation of awards on December 22nd. Some sixty members, friends, families and representatives of other clubs were present. We were pleased to welcome among the visitors Mr. Meade, Secretary of the Darwin Camera Club. A number of members prints were shown and favorably commented upon. The program of entertainment was much enjoyed and the evening was rounded off by a most appetizing supper.
Principal awards made for the year’s work were:
A GRADE AGGREGATE (THOMPSON SHIELD): K. Earl.
B GRADE AGGREGATE (SHARP CUP): M. Spooner and M. Baker (equal).
C GRADE AGGREGATE: E. Miller.
PRINT OF THE YEAR: K. Earl.
1st March 1953 Page 188 - Vol. 60 No. 3 Australasian Photo-Review
PRESTON PHOTOGRAPHIC CLUB
A good start for the new year was provided by a visit from Mr. John Fried, who exhibited twenty-eight of his exhibition prints, a number of which have gained recognition in several world salons. Mr. Fried spoke of the processes used, and his materials and methods. He feels that lighting conditions here are very hard compared with the European conditions to which he was accustomed, and that no amount of adjustment of processing conditions for softer results will compensate this. A wide range of subjects from still-life to landscape was included, and it was quite evident that Mr. Fried has mastered most fields he has entered. Mr. Fred Hion, proposing a vote of thanks to Mr. Fried, said that it was very refreshing and stimulating to see the work of an overseas worker.
Mr. M.M. Baker, Hon. Secretary, would like to hear from amateur photographers in districts surrounding Preston, with a view to participating in our meetings. His address is 14 Haig Street, Heidelberg West.
1st May 1953Page 314 - Vol. 60 No. 5 The Australasian Photographic Review
PRESTON PHOTOGRAPHIC CLUB
Mr. Eric Merton of Kodak Ltd. introduced a novel feature in speaking on the subject Composition at the meeting on February 23rd, Mr. Merton illustrated his talk with full color reproductions of paintings instead of the customary photographs. The main point Mr. Merton endeavored to illustrate was that there were four strongest centers of interest in any rectangular space — the intersection of the lines dividing the space into horizontal and vertical thirds. Reference to the reproductions showed that main centers of interest fell at these points in each of the illustrations. Especially is this necessary with monochrome studies, where we have not the natural attraction of the warm colors available and must rely on tonal contrasts.
The competition Holiday Mood, judged by Mr. M.J. Henderson, resulted:
A GRADE: 1, A. Smith; 2 and 3, L. Gray.
B GRADE: 1, W. Stringer; 2, W. Marshall; 3, W. Hancock.
Mr. Athol Shmith spoke at the meeting on March 23rd on the “photofinish” process used on racecourses. With the aid of charts, etc., the speaker gave members a very clear explanation of the methods used and exhibited pictures of an actual race.
The first April meeting was addressed by Mr. D.G. Lascelles who gave an interesting resume of the problems and methods of document and half-tone copying (including reflex copying), showing a number of carefully prepared charts which indicated the results obtained under various conditions of processing.
Mr. M.M. Baker, Hon. Secretary, 14 Haig Street, Heidelberg West, is always pleased to hear from interested photographers, and visitors are welcome at our meetings.
1st July 1953 Page 443 - Vol. 60 No. 7 Australasian Photo-Review
PRESTON PHOTOGRAPHIC CLUB
Mr. J. Henderson, who has addressed the Club on many different photographic subjects, added yet another topic at the meeting on April 20th when he spoke on Toning. The speaker stressed the point that a print should not be toned just for the sake of toning it, but only if it was needed to further enhance the desired effect. Turning to the technicalities, Mr. Henderson said that the first essential was a fully developed, properly fixed and very thoroughly washed print. Washing was very necessary as most toning depended first on a ferricyanide reduction which, in company with residual hypo, could act as a reducer and remove highlight detail. Illustrating his remarks with samples of his work, he went on to speak of the uses of sulphide, selenium, bichromate-redevelopment, and gold toning methods and he finally demonstrated the sulphide toning process.
At the bi-monthly print criticism night on 4th May, the awards in the open competition, judged by Mr. G. Higinbotham, were announced as follows: A GRADE: 1, F.P. Hion; 2, F.P. Hion; 3, A.L. Smith. B GRADE: 1, W.F. Stringer; 2, W. Marshall; 3, W. Marshall. Failure to come to grips with the subject, resulting in an undesirable general overall effect, seemed to be the main fault amongst the entries. Technical standard, however, was very satisfactory.
A debate, subject "Photography, Art or Craft?", occupied the syllabus for 18th May, five speakers contending the cause of Art, and five championing the cause of Craft. After a lively discussion, the conclusion was reached that photographers certainly were capable of producing aesthetically pleasing work with “something to say”, but many photographers merely learnt the craft of print production and never progressed from there. Nevertheless, as in any art, technical proficiency was essential as a basis for first-class performance.
Visitors are welcome at any of our meetings. Details are available from the Hon.Secretary, Mr. M.M. Baker, Haig Street, West Heidelberg.
1st August 1953Page 509 - Vol. 60 No. 8 The Australasian Photographic Review
PRESTON PHOTOGRAPHIC CLUB
Mr. W. Broadhead, President of the Melbourne Camera Club, brought a collection of about 40 of his prints for exhibition on the clubroom walls at the meeting on June 15th. Accompanying these, he showed several of his early prints to enable members to realize that progress to exhibition standard was not impossible to any earnest worker from quite a modest beginning, Reviewing his work, Mr. Broadhead indicated his wide range of subject matter, but recommended specialization once a worker had found his particular field. Outlining his technique, Mr. Broadhead advocated the use of the paper negative for convenience in producing a number of copies of a print requiring control. Many questions were answered in connection with his working methods.
At the second June meeting results of the Set subject Competition "Motion", judged by Mr. John Bilney, were announced as follows:
A GRADE: 1, A.M. Baker; 2, A.M. Baker; 3, E.H. Baxter.
B GRADE: 1, W.F. Stringer; 2, F. McMahon; 3, J.N. Lee.
An attractive program has been prepared for the second half-year, and copies are now available from the Secretary.
1st September 1953Page 524 - Vol. 60 No. 9 The Australasian Photographic Review
PRESTON PHOTOGRAPHIC CLUB
Under the title According to Plan our Vice-President, Mr. W. Marshall, spoke of his equipment and methods at the meeting on July 13th. Mr. Marshall has standardized his methods throughout his processing, and is able to predict exactly what his results will be. Careful control of diffusion, and observation of results with varying proportions of diffusion time, enable him to obtain an extended range of contrast on normal paper. The secret of good pictorial work, according to the speaker, is to learn to wait for the right moment. Few of us, however, would be sufficiently patient to wait for hours, as he has often done, for the light to be just right.
The meeting on July 27th brought Mr. H. Reeves, the well-known naturalist, to exhibit about 100 of his hand-colored studies of wildflowers, and speak of his experiments and methods. An interesting point was the fact that slides of this subject matter, are better based on black-and-white than on sepia toning.
1st October 1953Page 634 - Vol. 60 No. 10 The Australasian Photographic Review
PRESTON PHOTOGRAPHIC CLUB
Coming forward at short notice when the programmed speaker was unable to attend, member Roy Millet provided one of the most interesting nights the club has had this year, at the meeting on August 10th. Mr. Millett demonstrated the use of the air-brush in retouching photographs, and although his technique was applied to fashion work, it was easy to imagine how effectively it could be turned to pictorial work, both in directly on a print, and in the production of paper negatives. A retouching nib, also demonstrated by the speaker, is a useful tool of the pictorialist when used intelligently and with restraint.
Results of the Open Competition were:
A GRADE: 1, F.P. Hion; 2, F.P. Hion; 3, (Equal), E.H. Baxter.
B GRADE: 1, W. F. Stringer; 2, W. F. Stringer; 3 (Equal), Mrs. R. Raid and F. McMahon.
In the Color Transparency Section, the results were:
A GRADE: 1, F.P. Hion; 2 (Equal), F.P. Hion and A.L. Smith; 3, A.L. Smith.
B GRADE: 1, D. Canavan; 2, J.N. Lee; 3, (Equal) F. McMahon and J.N. Lee.
Elements of Photographic Optics was the title of a talk given by Mr. W. Gallagher at the meeting on September 7th, the speaker illustrating his talk by use of an ingenious demonstration model which showed the path of light through lens and condenser systems. Interposition of a flint prism into the light path produced a wide-dispersion spectrum by means of which the speaker was able to demonstrate the use of filters. An interesting point brought out was, that whilst the performance of objectives may be very accurately pre-calculated in a general sort of way, the final design results only from trial and error. This is, of course, because there is only one accurate position of light, condenser and lens for any given degree of magnification. A compromise is arrived at by using a diffused light source. A number of questions were asked and comments made including a discussion on the effects and merits of “blooming” lenses.
A new club year is commencing and the Secretary, M.M. Baker, Haig Street, West Heidelberg, would be glad to hear from interested photographers.
1st December 1953 Page 769 - Vol. 60 No. 12 Australasian Photo-Review
PRESTON PHOTOGRAPHIC CLUB
The club is justly proud of its achievement in obtaining second place in the print section of the Inter-Club Competition of the Victorian Association of Photographic Societies; we were beaten only by the Melbourne Camera Club. We did not fare so well in the color transparencies section where we secured sixth place. Here, however, the points were very close, and our figures were not far behind the winner, again the Melbourne Camera Club.
Results of the Landscape Competition announced at the first October meeting were:
A GRADE: 1, F.P. Hion; 2, A.L. Smith; 3, M. Spooner.
B GRADE: 1, Mrs. Mrs. R. Raid; 2, J.N. Lee; 3, J.N. Lee.
At the Annual General Meeting on October 5th, the following office bearers were elected for the sixth year of the club’s activity: President, Mr. E.H, Baxter; Vice-Presidents, Messrs. F.P. Hion, F. McMahon and C. Gration; Secretary, Mr. M.M. Baker; Assistant Secretary, Mr. J.N. Lee; Treasurer, Mr. A.L. Smith; Committee, Mrs. Baxter and Mrs. Raid and Mr. R. Winter.
A screening of members color transparencies took place on October 19th, and a good number of slides of varying subjects were projected, mostly of very high standard, particularly a series of studies of orchid blooms by Mr. McMahon. The main fault with the beginners was, as usual, attempting to cover subjects of far too high a scale of contrast, such as brightly sunlit areas among heavy trees.
On November 2nd, the President, Mr. Baxter, spoke on Warm Tone Development of Bromesko Paper, showing a number of examples of prints produced under varying conditions, using four different developers. The speaker emphasized the need for working under closely controlled conditions to attain reproducible tones using this process. When this need is attended to, however, some very lovely print quality can be obtained.
1st February 1954 Page 118 - Vol. 61 No. 2 Australasian Photo-Review
PRESTON PHOTOGRAPHIC CLUB
Members were privileged on November 16th in being invited to visit the studio of artist John Loxton, where Mr. Loxton demonstrated the painting of a water-color. During the demonstration, Mr. Loxton indicated the analogy between his art and photography in that both had to select the subject, study the lighting, convey a sense of perspective, and show the relationship of some masses. The artist and the photographer could only produce good work after constant practice and a lot of thought.
Somewhat similar sentiments were expressed by Mr. C.R. Hartmann, guest critic of the Open Competition on November 30th. Mr. Hartmann was the recipient of one of the three Sesqui-centenary Medals of the Southern Tasmanian Photographic Exhibition, at which members F.P. Hion and E.H. Baxter were each successful in having two prints accepted. The results of the club’s competition were:
A GRADE: 1, F.P. Hion; 2, W.F. Stringer; 3, M.M. Baker.
B GRADE: 1, Mrs. R. Raid; 2, Mrs. R. Raid; 3, F. McMahon.
A festive air prevailed at the meeting on December 14th, the occasion of the award presentation and wind-up for the year. Representatives of a number of metropolitan photographic societies and from photographic trade houses were among the 70 odd persons attending.
A showing of sound films by Mr. Roy Millett, club member, was much appreciated. The following awards for the year’s work were then presented by the President:
A GRADE, Bi-monthly Awards: F.P. Hion (4), A.L. Smith, M.M. Baker.
B GRADE, Bi-monthly Awards, W.F. Stringer (5), J.N. Lee.
These awards were donated by Mr. A.G. Davis.
A GRADE Aggregate, Thompson Shield: F.P. Hion.
B GRADE Aggregate, Sharp Cup: W.F. Stringer.
Awards of £ 2/2/-, donated by York Camera Shop, accompanied both the above aggregate awards.
BEST COLOR TRANSPARENCY, HERBERT SMALL AWARD: D. Canavan.
The club trophy for the BEST PRINT OF THE YEAR was chosen by guest critic, Mr. John Loxton, and was won by G.V. Sim.
A very happy note was struck in the next item when E.H. Baxter, bestowed the Club’s first honorary life membership on Mr. John Bilney, referring to Mr. Bilney’s inspiring assistance to the Club during its lifetime of a little over five years.
The new syllabus will shortly be available, and the Secretary, M.M. Baker, of Haig Street, West Heidelberg, will be pleased to supply a copy to inquirers.
1st April 1954 Page 246 - Vol. 61 No. 4 Australasian Photo-Review
PRESTON PHOTOGRAPHIC CLUB
This year’s meetings have made a good start with two practical demonstration nights. In the course of an enlarging demonstration on February 2nd the Secretary, Mr. Baker, explained several forms of enlarging control, and the beginners had an opportunity of trying their hands. The logical follow-up to this meeting occurred on February 15th, when Messrs. W. Stringer and R. Winther were scheduled to speak on Mounting the Print. Mr. Stringer demonstrated his most effective way of constructing a form of embossed cut-out mount using easily obtained materials, quite a consideration in these days of difficulty in obtaining mounting board and the President, Mr. Baxter, deputizing for Mr. Winther, who was unable to attend, pointed out the essentials for success in mounting prints with rubber solution.
Mr. C.R. Hartmann, speaking at his showing of prints to members at the meeting on March 1st, reminded his audience of the necessity of returning again and again to a subject to catch the fleeting moment of an impression. Evidence of the wisdom of this advice was amply present in the fine selection of prints displayed, mainly of landscape and architectural subjects. Mr. Hartmann answered many questions as to his technique and working methods. A most interesting aspect was the illustration of the enormous change in the speed of films over the last 30 years; this was shown by exposures of comparative subjects.
The Syllabus for 1954 has now been prepared, and copies may be obtained from the Hon.Secretary, Mr. M.M. Baker, Haig Street, West Heidelberg.
1st May 1954Page 319 - Vol. 61 No. 5 The Australasian Photographic Review
PRESTON PHOTOGRAPHIC CLUB
No detail may be overlooked if the best results are to be obtained from the small negative. This was the theme of the talk by Mr. Dacre Stubbs, speaking on Rolleiflex Photography at the meeting on March 29th. Use of a tripod, a fast shutter speed, medium-speed film, meticulous cleanliness in focusing and standardized time-and-temperature processing were essential, said the speaker, to attain the results he required. His intention was to obtain large prints which needed absolutely no spotting, as he had no time to spare for this activity. Judging by the fine quality of the pinsharp 16" by 20" enlargements Mr. Stubbs showed, attention to the details he advocated would well repay all members.
The recent Open Competition resulted:
A GRADE: 1, F.P. Hion, Conversation Piece; 2, W.F. Stringer, Floral Dance; 3, W.F. Stringer, Princess Mother.
B GRADE: 1. D. Canavan, Harbour; 2, Mrs. R. Raid, November; 3, J.N. Lee, Evening Light.
1st June 1954Page 380 - Vol. 61 No. 6 The Australasian Photographic Review
PRESTON PHOTOGRAPHIC CLUB
The meeting on April 21st was the highlight of the year when Mr. E.R. Rotherham ARPS, showed a collection of prints and transparencies of Nature subjects. These were of excellent quality, and the subject matter had been handled with the skill of a master. Mr. Rotherham hastened to dispel the impression that he is exclusively a Nature photographer, although this field is his main interest. The speaker gave some very valuable advice on submission of ARPS applications and salon entries generally.
In the absence of the scheduled speaker, due to illness, the President, Mr. Baxter, provided the subject matter for the evening on April 25th. Speaking on the After-treatment and Presentation of the Print he dealt briefly with the removal of black spots, spotting with various media, tone control with various media, and 'doping'. Each topic was accompanied by a practical demonstration of the process, the idea being to give members a working basis for experiment, rather than to completely deal with a print by any one process. A good discussion ensued, and members felt that a profitable evening had been spent.
The Competition Marine, judged by Mr. J. Henderson, resulted:
A GRADE: 1, W.F. Stringer; 2, F.P. Hion; 3, A. Spooner.
B GRADE: 1, Mrs. R. Raid; 2, I. Haysom; 3, Mrs. R. Raid.
Membership particulars and copies of the syllabus are available from the Hon. Secretary, Mr. M.M. Baker, Haig Street, West Heidelburg.
1st July 1954Page 446 - Vol. 61 No. 7 The Australasian Photographic Review
PRESTON PHOTOGRAPHIC CLUB
An unfortunate run of sickness caused a lack of speakers throughout May, but meeting nights were well filled with photographic matter. On one occasion the President, Mr. Baxter, brought out the hardy annual, Print Finishing, but on this occasion confining the demonstration to samples of treatment by various methods, with a view to allowing members to choose their own fancy, and not to have a set method pressed upon them.
On the 7th June was Color Night, and a wide range of excellent transparencies was shown. Well to the fore, of course, were shots of the Royal Tour decorations, and some excellent close-up studies of orchids were shown by Vice-President Mr. McMahon.
By the time this reaches print the Syllabus for the second half year will be printed and available from the Secretary, Mr. M.M. Baker, Haig Street, West Heidleberg.
1st August 1954 Page 511 - Vol. 61 No. 8 Australasian Photo-Review
PRESTON PHOTOGRAPHIC CLUB
Cameras clicked merrily, electronic flashes flicked and floodlights glared at the June 21st meeting when members were given the opportunity of producing some pictures of typical ballet poses. Member W. Stringer took charge of proceedings and directed Mrs. Marita Rich in posing in two different costumes. Static poses were available for all, and action for the “electronic flashes”. By keeping the general lighting very weak, open flash was tried as others “made-in” on the electronic flash users. The President announced that a special award would be made available by the club for the best picture taken during the night. A warm vote of thanks was accorded the ballerina and her “director” in appreciation of a most popular evening.
The club appears to be on the up-grade at present with an increasing membership, which stands at thirty-seven.
Mr. John Bilney, judge for the open competition on July 5th, congratulated the club on the quality of its work. The A Grade workers had the better technical quality, but their work tended to be more stereotyped than the B Grade. Nothing we learnt about composition and picture-making, said the speaker, should be allowed to obscure our natural impulses; for therein lay the individuality that should be visible in any worker’s prints.
The results were:
A GRADE: 1, W.R. Stringer, Joanne D'Arc; 2, W.R. Stringer, Bally Hoo; 3, C.H. Baxter, Mooring.
B GRADE: 1, Ruth Raid, Majestic Steep, 2, Ruth Raid, Val; 3, Ruth Raid, Auratum Lily.
COLOUR: 1, F.J. McMahon, Sylvia; 2, F.J. McMahon, President Wilson; 3(Equal), M. Baker, Broken Bridge and I. Haysom, The Docks.
1st September 1954 Page 575 - Vol. 61 No. 9 Australasian Photo-Review
PRESTON PHOTOGRAPHIC CLUB
A fine one-man-show comprising 39 prints, ranging from landscape to portraits, was exhibited by Mr. H. Cleveland at the second July meeting. Mr. Cleveland is the fortunate possessor of a good “seeing eye” and therefore has no need to go far afield for his subject, a fact amply demonstrated in the prints shown.
The meeting on August 2nd was occupied by a demonstration of oil-coloring of photographs by Miss N. Grove, who very fully explained her working methods. Members were left with a suspicion, however, that although they could learn the mechanics of the process, the touch of an artist was necessary to produce the magnificent color harmony achieved by Miss Grove.
The new club year commences in September, and prospective members for the ensuing twelve months should contact the Hon. Secretary, Mr. M.M. Baker, Haig Street, West Heidelberg, Tel. JL 2889
1st November 1954Page 703 - Vol. 61 No. 11 The Australasian Photographic Review
PRESTON PHOTOGRAPHIC CLUB
The Annual General Meeting was held on September 13th, when the club entered its seventh year. Office-bearers for the ensuing year are; President: Mr. Kelvin Hyde; Vue-Presidents, Messrs. D.S. Canavan and F.Y. McMahon; Secretary, Mr. M.M. Baker; Treasurer, Mr. W. F. Stringer; Assistant Secretary, Mrs. R. Lee; Committee, Messrs. K.T. Raid, I.B. Landels and Mrs. R.M. Raid. The retiring President, Mr. Baxter, reviewed the club’s progress over the last few years and thanked the members for their support and enthusiasm. Membership now stands at 38 and finances have continued to be satisfactory. The new President called attention to the sterling work done for the club over the past three years by Mr. Baxter.
The night of September 27th was most interesting; the club enjoyed a talk by Mr. C.D. Pratt. This very able gentleman gave a detailed account of aerial photography. Mr. Pratt brought two cameras for demonstration and also a unique developing tank. He told of the hazards of his profession and exhibited some beautiful aerial photographs of Melbourne.
The club is happy to announce that it gained second place in the recent Inter-Club Competition. Fifteen clubs competed and our congratulations go to the Melbourne Camera Club on their fine win.
Please communicate with this club through the Secretary, whose address is Haig Street, West Heidelberg.