Ballarat 1938

BALLARAT CAMERA CLUB

FORMED 1938

Early In 1938, a group of camera enthusiasts met at 70 Bridge Street. Later in the same year they formed the Ballarat Camera Club.
FOUNDATION MEMBERS President - J. Mole, Hon.Secretary - T. Adams, Mrs Bon Strange, G. Cornell, C. Jackman, C. Molloy, G. Netherway, H. Richmond, S. Rogers.
The Club went into recession in 1947, owing to shortage of materials due to the war, but recommenced again shortly thereafter.
In 1949 there were 22 members and subscriptions were five shillings.
In 1952 color slides were introduced into club competitions.
The Ballarat National Photographic Exhibition has been organized by the Ballarat Camera Club since 1968.

Members of the
BALLARAT CAMERA CLUB
posing with their cameras on the 6th April 1949

1st October 1949 Page 654 - Vol. 56 No. 10 Australasian Photo-Review

BALLARAT CAMERA CLUB
After being in recess during the war years this club was re-formed just over twelve months ago, and at the annual meeting a very successful year was reported.

Officers re-elected for the ensuing year were: Mr. H.E. Richmond, President; Mrs. W.A. Strange, Vice-President; Mr. J. Malone, Honorary Secretary and Treasurer; Committee, Messrs. H. Cox, E. Jermyn, H. McConnell, and A. Stevenson.

The club meets at the Ballarat Youth Centre, Eastwood Street, and instructs the Centre’s photographic classes, whose recommended members become junior members of the Camera Club.

Following the business of the meeting, a demonstration of dry mounting of prints was given by Mr. J. Malone. Prints of the informal meeting (which was Portraiture) were displayed. Mr. H. Richmond’s entry was judged the best print. In the open section Mr. E. Jermyn was successful. Members were then entertained with travel and musical films and supper.

1st November 1949 Page 674 - Vol. 56 No. 11 Australasian Photo-Review

BALLARAT CAMERA CLUB
Increasing interest in the club was evident at the September meeting, held at the Youth Centre, when members joined in an interesting discussion of many aspects of photography. Mr. E. Jermyn spoke on diffusion in the enlarger.

“Portraiture” was the subject of the informal night. Mr. J. Malone’s print was voted first, with Mr. H. McConnell’s second. In the set subject, “Architecture,” Mr. J. Malone was again successful, with Mr. H. Cox second, whilst the open subject was a tie between Mr. H. McConnell and Mr. H. Richmond.

It has been arranged for an outside judge to view the prints and give a criticism of each, members thinking that in this way their standard of work may be improved. It will be interesting also to see how popular voting compares with his decision.

1st December 1949 Page 786 - Vol. 56 No. 12 Australasian Photo-Review

BALLARAT CAMERA CLUB
The October meeting of the Camera Club was held at the Youth Centre. Criticisms by the outside judge were read, and although members did not agree with all his comments, they were regarded as very helpful. There was a weak response of prints for the month’s competitions. In the Set Subject, “Signs of Spring”, Mr. E. Jermyn, was first; Mr. H. Richmond, second; in the Open, Mr. H. Richmond was first and Mrs. W.A. Strange second.

The Informal Night was held at the home of Mr. J. Hollway, Table-Top photography being the subject. This was a new activity for members, and it was found that a great deal more preparation in regard to “props”, etc., was necessary than anticipated, so it is hoped to have another session at a later date.

Members were treated to an excellent showing of 35mm Kodachrome transparencies with supporting comment on each. These were made available by the color section of the Photographic Society of America, and were loaned by the courtesy of the Honorary Representative for Australia.

1st January 1950 Page 5 - Vol. 57 No. 1 Australasian Photo-Review

BALLARAT CAMERA CLUB
Three new members were welcomed at the monthly meeting of the club held at the Youth Centre. There was a large attendance and many prints were submitted for voting.

The subject for the informal night was “Street Photography at Night”, and Mr. M. Beames was voted first, with Mr. E. Jermyn second.

“Landscape” was the set subject, and two of Mrs. W.A. Strange’s prints were voted equal first. In the open subject, Mr. H. McConnell was successful. Members had been asked to bring along any gadgets they owned, and these provided talks and discussions for the night.

The outing to Piggorreet West and Happy Valley proved quite successful, although the lighting was not the best. On seeing a stand camera being used on this outing, a small child remarked, “Oh, a real photographer”

1st February 1950 Page 70 - Vol. 57 No. 2 Australasian Photo-Review

BALLARAT CAMERA CLUB
At the conclusion of business at the December monthly meeting, held at the Youth Centre, members joined in a Christmas social.

Chief item of the program was a movie show, and between screenings there were games and competitions. Mr. H. McConnell entertained with an exhibition of conjuring. At supper, party caps and balloons were distributed and a Christmas cake was cut. The singing of “Auld Lang Syne” brought the evening to a close.

1st March 1950 Page 186 - Vol. 57 No. 3 Australasian Photo-Review

BALLARAT CAMERA CLUB
General discussion at the meeting of the Camera Club at the Youth Centre on Wednesday night was the syllabus item.

Winners of the various competitions were: “Pattern and Texture”, Mr. J. Malone; “Trees”, Mr. H. Richmond; “Open”, Mr. J. Malone.

The resignation of Mr. A. Stevenson, a member of the committee who has left Ballarat, was received with regret. Mr. L. Williams was appointed to the vacancy.

1st April 1950 Page 206 - Vol. 57 No. 4 Australasian Photo-Review

BALLARAT CAMERA CLUB
A successful photographic picnic to Buninyong surroundings was held early in February.

At the monthly meeting held at the Youth Centre on Wednesday night prints were displayed. The President’s prize was won by Mrs. W.A. Strange. The set subject was won by Mr. M. Beames with a holiday picture, and Mr. W. Llewellyn was successful in the open.

General discussion on the advancement of the Club was the business of the meeting, and an informal night will be held early next month.

It was arranged for the Club to send a folio of 20 prints for display at the C.E.B.S. Camera Section’s exhibition to be held at Ararat in March.

1st May 1950 Page 325 - Vol. 57 No. 5 Australasian Photo-Review

BALLARAT CAMERA CLUB
The monthly meeting was held at the Youth Centre where a welcome was extended to a new member and 3 visitors.

The set subject for the month was “Against the Light”, won by Mrs. W.A. Strange. Mr. J. Malone won the Open.

On the informal night members paid a visit to the television show, and much appreciated the photographic equipment.

On Saturday night a party of members made a trip to Ararat to view the invitation exhibition of photographs arranged by the C.E.B.S. The display of 500 prints was opened earlier in the week by the Bishop of Ballarat, Dr. W.H. Johnson. Ballarat had 20 prints from nine members on display, and the Open Door”, by Mr. M. Beames, drew much favorable comment

1st June 1950 Page 395 - Vol. 57 No. 6 Australasian Photo-Review

BALLARAT CAMERA CLUB
The official opening of the Camera Club’s new rooms took place on Wednesday 5th April, and was well attended. In declaring the rooms opened, the President, Mr. H.E. Richmond, thanked all who, by their generous gifts and hard work, had made the venture possible.

A demonstration of portrait lighting was given while members photographed the subject. Flashlight photography was explained and group photographs were made. Constructive criticism on many prints displayed was also given.

At the first meeting in the new rooms there was a large attendance and a welcome was extended to five new senior and three junior members. There was an excellent array of prints for the month’s competitions. In the Set Subject (A Road, Street, or Lane), Mr. H. McConnell’s print, “A Back Lane”, was voted first and in the Open Mr. W. Sebo’s seascape, “Sou’-easter”, was successful. Several hand-colored prints were displayed and Mrs. H. Richmond’s “The Guardian” won on the vote.

A vote of thanks was passed to the Ballarat Courier for making available two annual prizes, each of £2/2/-, one for the best Landscape, the other for the best Portrait for the year.

Mr. J. Malone gave an interesting talk on cameras.

Now that the club has its own rooms, the library service is available to all members.

1st August 1950
Page 475 - Vol. 57 No. 8 The Australasian Photographic Review

BALLARAT CAMERA CLUB
Judging by the attendance and the large number of prints submitted for voting, keen interest is being maintained in the circle’s activities. At the monthly meeting held in the clubrooms, the set subject “Water” was judged. A print of a breaking wave by Mr. H.E. Richmond was voted best, whilst in the open, a landscape by Mr. W. Sebo titled “Winter”, was the winner. It was good to see some of the newer members submitting prints, while Mr. H. McConnell gave some helpful advice about the mounting and titling of prints.

An interesting talk on exposure, the first essential to successful photography, was given by Mr. Richmond, and led to some helpful discussion.

At the practical night, Mr. Lloyd Evans characterized “Hamlet” and members, in photographing him, put into practice the principles of lighting as set out in a previous talk. Results will be shown at the next meeting.

The club met for its monthly meeting on Wednesday night, and despite the inclement weather, was well attended.

Voting for the month’s competition was as follows:
Set Subject, “FOG, RAIN OR MIST”: 1, Mrs. W.A. Strange (“Mountain Mist”); 2, Mr. L. Williams {“Fog”).
The OPEN section went to Mr, W. Sebo’s “Weather Vane” with Mrs. Strange’s “Storm Light” second.

In its effort to foster better results, the Club is having a series of talks and discussions on the progressive stages of photography. Mr. J. Malone’s interesting talk on developers and development, and the discussion which followed, will be put into practice at the practical meeting.

1st September 1950 Page 584 - Vol. 57 No. 9 Australasian Photo-Review

BALLARAT CAMERA CLUB
Chief interest of the annual meeting was an exhibition of eighty-five prints, the work of members, including the monthly prizewinning photographs. The work showed a marked improvement on the club’s previous displays.

The President’s award for the best photograph in the clubrooms was awarded to Mr. H. McConnell for his “Ballet Girl” print.

The retiring President, Mr. H.E. Richmond, spoke on the club’s successful year, in which membership was increased and clubrooms and equipment were acquired. He added that the year ended with a favorable credit balance. Mr. Richmond thanked officers and members for their loyal support and co-operation.

Mr. L. Williams was then installed as President. Other officers elected were: Vice-President, Mr. H.E. Richmond; Secretary-Treasurer, Mr.J. Malone; Committee, Mrs. W.A. Strange, Messrs. C.W. Jackman, H. McConnell, W. Sebo; Auditor, Mr. E. Jermyn; House Steward, Mr. C.W. Jackman; Librarian, Mr. W, Llewellyn; Press Correspondent, Mrs. H.E. Richmond.

1st October 1950 Page 651 - Vol. 57 No. 10 Australasian Photo-Review

BALLARAT CAMERA CLUB
At the intermediate meeting for August, a lecture and screening of slides on “How to Make Better Pictures” was given by a lecturer from Kodak Ltd. This interesting and informative lecture instructed members on how to improve their prints in composition, technique and finish.

The new president, Mr. L. Williams, presided at the general meeting. A schedule from the Barmera Agricultural Society was received, asking members to submit photographic exhibits. A portfolio will be sent. Later, Mr. J. Malone gave a talk entitled “Contact Printing”. The Club now meets twice each month.

1st November 1950 Page 721 - Australasian Photo-Review

BALLARAT CAMERA CLUB
The President, Mr. L. Williams, presided at the well-attended October meeting of the Club.

With the advent of Spring, there is increased activity among the members and events of the month will include a night of street photography and a week-end outing in addition to the monthly competitions.

Members also discussed holding an exhibition of their work during the Gold Centenary Celebrations, as well as sponsor a display of prints of early Ballarat.

It was agreed to exchange a portfolio of prints with the Gordon Amateur Photographic Society of Geelong.

A “welcome home” was extended to Mr. H. Cox, who has just returned from a holiday in England.

Congratulations were extended to Mrs. W.A. Strange and Mrs. H.E. Richmond for their successes in the Melbourne Royal Show. Mrs. Strange was awarded first prize in the group of four photographs, third prize in the landscape and second prize in the hand-colored prints. Mrs. Richmond was awarded first and third in the hand-colored prints section.

Mr. W. Broadhead, President of the Melbourne Camera Club, used the prints from the club’s recent exhibition as a basis for a talk on pictorial compositions and photographic processes.

December 1950 Page 782 - Australasian Photo-Review

BALLARAT CAMERA CLUB
There was a good attendance of members for the monthly meeting. It was decided that a panel of three judge the photographic competitions each month, in addition to the popular vote. This month’s set subject, “Child Study”, was won by Mr. W. Sebo’s print “Janice”, with second “Carefree” by Mr. H.E. Richmond and equal third “David” by Mr. L. Williams and “P.A.M.” by Mr. J. Malone. In the Open, Mr. W. Sebo was again successful with his print entitled “Gordon”, with second place to "Between the Showers” by Mrs. W.A. Strange, while "Ebb Tide” by Mr. G. Sebo, was third. Mrs. H.E. Richmond received congratulations on gaining second prize and a certificate of merit for her hand-colored photographs at the Barmera Spring Show, South Australia. The Club is sending to Geelong Amateur Photographic Society a portfolio of prints with the object of exchange.

1st January 1951 Page 56 - Vol. 58 No. 1 Australasian Photo-Review

BALLARAT CAMERA CLUB
Composition, one of the most important fundamentals of good photography, was the subject of an interesting and informative talk by Mr. G.W. Jackman to members of the Camera Club. On paper he drew the principles, showing the various forms as circle, triangle, S-curve, L-shape, etc.

Mr. L. Williams, President, was appointed to attend the next meeting of the Gold Centenary Committee.

Results, by popular vote, of the competitions were as follows; Set Subject, “Animal, Bird or Insect” — “Feline Aristocrat" (J. Malone); Open — “Sunkissed” (J. Malone). Mr. G.W. Jackman’s prize for the “Still Life” set-up in the clubrooms was won by L. Evans, who was also successful with a print “Stairway to the Clouds”, which was taken on the October club outing.

1st April 1951 Page 251 - Vol. 58 No. 4 Australasian Photo-Review

BALLARAT CAMERA CLUB
The monthly meeting was well attended and Mr. W. Sebo’s talk on Paper Negatives was enthusiastically received. To most members the process was new and judging by the interest taken, there should be a batch of prints next month when the competition will be “Pictures from Paper Negatives”.

An outing to Bacchus Marsh was arranged for Sunday 18th March. There was a fine array of prints in the “Open” section, in which Mr. W. Sebo had a popular win with a beautiful picture of two poplars. The judge’s commentary on all prints was instructive and helpful to all present.

New syllabus items were announced and members were pleased with some of the novel ideas listed.

It was learned with regret that Mr. J. Collins, a very early member, will shortly be leaving Ballarat. Mr. L. Evans was thanked for the fine job he made of a new notice board for the club.

Mrs. Richmond gained a third prize and two highly commended awards in the recent A.P.-R. competition for hand-colored photographs in oils. Unfortunately, a print submitted by Mrs. Strange and posted earlier, failed to arrive in time for judging.

1st May 1951 Page 314 - Vol. 58 No. 5 Australasian Photo-Review

BALLARAT CAMERA CLUB
The President (Mr. L. Williams) presided at a well attended meeting, when the subject discussed was “Enlarging”.

Mr. E. Jermyn commenced with an interesting, informative talk and practical demonstration. He carried the process further by producing a sepia-toned print from the black-and-white print.

In the open competition, Mr. J. Malone’s print of a dog’s head won the judge’s vote and also the popular vote.

Hand-colored photographs were shown for criticism, and Mrs. W.A. Strange’s landscape, “Farmland Pastures”, drew favorable comment and was judged the best.

1st June 1951 Page 330 - Vol. 58 No. 6 Australasian Photo-Review

BALLARAT CAMERA CLUB
Despite the inclement weather, there was a good attendance of members at the April meeting. “The Chemical Reduction of Prints” was the subject of a talk given by Mr. H.E. Richmond. He outlined the three methods of control used and then members adjourned to the darkroom, where the lecturer gave a practical demonstration of each method.

The results of the monthly competitions were:

Paper Negative:	Outing to Bacchus Marsh:	Pictures Suitable for a Double Page of a Newspaper:	Open:
FIRST: “Battle Scarred”, Mr. J. Priddle	FIRST: “Mystery Glen”, Mrs. W.A. Strange	FIRST: Mrs. W.A. Strange	FIRST: “Day’s Close”, W. Sebo

1st September 1951 Page 579 - Vol. 58 No. 9 Australasian Photo-Review

BALLARAT CAMERA CLUB
On the night of 25th July, thirty-six members and friends attended the Annual Meeting of the Ballarat Camera Club. Mr. H. McConnell was well to the fore. Firstly, he was elected President and then his portrait, “As We Forgive Them”, was awarded The Courier Trophy for the best portrait.

The decision for the “Print of the Year” was reached by popular vote. The initial ballot bringing forth equal votes for Mr. McConnell’s “As We Forgive Them”, Mr. J. Malone’s “Freckles” and Mrs. W.A. Strange’s “Evening Pastorale”. Further balloting eliminated the others to leave “As We Forgive Them” as first choice from the 108 prints exhibited.

Mr. W. Sebo’s entry, “Winter”, won The Courier award for the best landscape. In this section, Mrs. Strange’s “Evening Pastorale” received a special award from the club’s art committee. Both Courier trophy entries were judged by an independent judge, Mr. G. Mainwaring, Principal of the Ballarat Art School.

Mr. Lloyd Evans won the Jackman award for his study of bottles (Set Subject). With his print “Fire light”, the same worker also collected Mr. Richmond’s prize for “Best Photograph Taken in Club’s Studio”.

Apart from the black-and-white prints on view, there was a panel of hand-colored prints selected from the work of Mrs. Richmond, Mrs. Strange and Mr. L. Gulbin. Mrs. Strange also received congratulations on two Highly Commended in the A.P.-R. for the July contest.

Officers elected were: President, Mr. H. McConnell; Vice-President, Mr. L. Williams; Secretary-Treasurer, Mr. L. Evans; Committee, Mrs. Strange, Messrs. Sebo, Richmond, Jackman; House Steward, Mr. C. Jackman; Librarian, Mr. W. Llewellyn; Press Correspondent, Mrs. Strange; Auditor, Mr. E. Jermyn.

The retiring President, Mr. L. Williams, said that the committee had endeavored to create a happy club spirit throughout the year and had maintained interest by choosing unusual subjects for monthly competitions. He also thanked members for help at working bees which had enabled improvements to be made to the club rooms.

Unfortunately, only three outings have been held during the year, but plans are in hand for improving this during the ensuing twelve months. The club ended its year’s activities with a credit balance of £l8/5/1.

1st October 1951 Page 642 - Vol. 58 No. 10 Australasian Photo-Review

BALLARAT CAMERA CLUB
On Wednesday 22nd August, there was a gratifying attendance at the monthly meeting of the Ballarat Camera Club.

Owing to the efforts of the President, Mr. H. McConnell and the co-operation of several members of the Melbourne Camera Club, namely, Messrs. W. Broadhead, Richard Courtney and J. Flenderson, a selection of lantern and 35mm Kodachrome slides of unusual interest was shown. Included were slides made by Mr. Frank Hurley during an Antarctic expedition. Lantern slides by Mr. L. Gulbin, one of the club’s own members and Kodachromes by Mr. McConnell lent added interest.

There is a movement afoot to form a Lantern Slide Group within the club. Mr. McConnell’s offer of a trophy for the “Slide of the Year” is a welcome incentive.

The month’s set subject competition, “A Series of Pictures Telling a Story”, was won by Mr. H. Richmond, with “Adventure”. In the open section, Mrs. W.A. Strange was successful with a landscape, “Archway of the Stringy barks”. In this section one of the younger members, Mr. J. Priddle, was commended on his creditable effort.

In the future, set subject prints are to be of whole plate size and unmounted; this, in an effort to have members competing on an equal basis.

Owing to the waterlogged condition of the country, the proposed outing to Lai Lai Falls on Sunday 26th, was postponed and a trip to Newlyn via Dean substituted. This has since taken place. The sky was heavily clouded, but occasional bursts of sunshine encouraged the few who fared forth to click their shutters. Results should appear at the October meeting.

1st November 1951 Page 662 - Vol. 58 No. 11 Australasian Photo-Review

BALLARAT CAMERA CLUB
On the night of 26th September, members enjoyed a talk and demonstration on “After-treatment of Negatives and Prints” by Mr. W. Broadhead, of the Melbourne Camera Club, who happened to be visiting Ballarat for the South Street Competitions.

The talk was clear, concise and very instructive and just what many members needed, with the result that pencils and notebooks were much in evidence and no doubt future prints will bear witness of some of his suggestions having been carried out.

Some likely-looking “negs”, exposed during the Newlyn outing were reported and resultant prints will be viewed at the October meeting. Before then, a visit will have been made to Lai Lai. There was also a suggestion for a week-end camping trip to the Grampians some time in the near future.

Two lady members were congratulated on their success with photography in the home crafts section at the Melbourne Royal Show. Mrs. Richmond gained equal first and third for hand-colored photographs. In this section, Mrs. Strange received a highly commended and in addition, won first for seascape, first for animal study, second for landscape and second for four photographs (any subject).

1st December 1951 Page 770 - Vol. 58 No. 12 Australasian Photo-Review

BALLARAT CAMERA CLUB
At the meeting held on 24th October, the President reported on his visit to Melbourne to see the “Exhibition of Photography”, comprising pictures from all over Australia and organized by the Melbourne Camera Club. He described it as one of the best shows of its kind he had ever seen.

It is gratifying to note that, of pictures forwarded by the Ballarat Camera Club, two were chosen by Melbourne daily press for reproduction. Both were child studies: one by Mr. W. Sebo, the other by Mr. H. Richmond.

The real highlight of the evening was the President’s announcement that the pictures, some 400 odd, would shortly be made available to the Club for public exhibition in Ballarat.

It was reported that Mrs. Richmond has again been successful with hand-colored photography; this time gaining second prize and a Card of Merit at the Barmera (S.A.) Show.

To allow better use to be made of the Club’s facilities, it was decided that, in future, the club rooms will be open every Wednesday night.

There was an appreciable increase in the number of entries for the monthly competitions. Results were:

Pattern and Texture:	Newlyn Outing:	Open:
FIRST: Mr. John Priddle	FIRST: Mr. H. Richmond	FIRST: Mrs. W.A. Strange

1st January 1952 Page 57 - Vol. 59 No. 1 Australasian Photo-Review

BALLARAT CAMERA CLUB
On 7th and 8th November, the interstate photographs, on loan from the Melbourne Camera Club, were exhibited in the Town Hall and proved a great attraction for the five hundred people who saw the show.

Many were visibly impressed and expressed amazement at the standard of work produced by amateurs. As a result of the exhibition, six or seven new members have enrolled with the club.

On Sunday 18th, three car-loads journeyed to Bacchus Marsh and joined members of the Melbourne Camera Club on an excursion to the Lerderderg River and the Pentland Hills. There existed a very friendly inter club spirit and with the weather being kind, many exposures were made.

Weekly meetings have proved a popular innovation. On the 14th, Mr. McConnell obligingly demonstrated his method of print finishing and mounting. Several members have since adopted his ideas.

On the 21st, when an expected model did not arrive, members turned their cameras to flower photography.

A happy atmosphere prevailed at the general monthly meeting on the 28th, when business was quickly dispensed with to allow members to photograph two lasses, one attractively garbed in Chinese costume, complete with fan.

In the competitions, Mrs. Strange was doubly successful with “Where Shadows Play” in the Set Subject (Architecture) and with a landscape, “Australiana”, in the Open.

1st February 1952 Page 117 - Vol. 59 No. 2 Australasian Photo-Review

BALLARAT CAMERA CLUB
On 5th December, Mr. C. Jackman took several members to the darkroom to develop a film; he then followed with a demonstration on the use of the enlarger.

This gave the committee a free rein to meet and make arrangements for Christmas festivities. These were accomplished with the aid of a special committee comprising Mrs. Strange, Mr. Evans and Mr. McConnell.

As a result, the following Wednesday 12th December, saw the clubrooms gay with colored streamers, balloons and masses of flowers.

Photography was forgotten while members, their children and friends, played party games or were entertained with monologues by Mr. L. Evans and Mr. Harold Cox. Mr. McConnell, as a “Mystery Man of the East”, produced the most unexpected things from unexpected places. A delightful supper was served at flower-bedecked trestle tables and included traditional hot Christmas pudding.

December competitions were postponed until the January business meeting held on 23rd January.

1st March 1952 Page 185 - Vol. 59 No. 3 Australasian Photo-Review

BALLARAT CAMERA CLUB
On 23rd January, at the first meeting of the Ballarat Camera Club for 1952, the attendance was small, as many members were still holidaying. The meeting was informal, those present “swapping” news and views. Some of the competitions were deferred, those judged being: December Open: 1, Mrs. Strange, with child study, “Sweet Innocence”. January Open: 1, Mr. Howman. January Set Subject: “Against the Light”: 1, Mrs. Strange, with child study, “Ooh! I’m Caught!”'.

1st April 1952 Page 248 - Vol. 59 No. 4 Australasian Photo-Review

BALLARAT CAMERA CLUB
The Ballarat Camera Club has had an exceptionally interesting month. One Wednesday evening saw members searching the town for appropriate “Night Shots". On other nights animated discussions were held in the clubrooms; one such meeting covered the merits and de-merits of 24 x 36mm photography. This proved very illuminating to all present.

On the evening of Saturday 9th, at the invitation of Mr. and Mrs. McConnell, members visited their home and were entertained for several hours by Mr. H. Henderson, of the Melbourne Camera Club, with the screening of a series of Kodachrome slides made on his trip around Australia. The colors were very true to life and several members who are keen on the hand-coloring of prints, felt they’d like to have access to some of the slides when coloring landscape prints.

The business meeting of the month was held on Wednesday 27th and regret was expressed at the loss of Mr. J. Malone owing to his being transferred from Ballarat. He was an early member of the club and gave years of faithful service in the role of Club Secretary.

It was decided to hold a club outing on the Sunday following the business meeting as usual; the morning to be devoted to photographing begonias in the hot houses at Ballarat Botanic Gardens, and the afternoon to cover a visit to the old-world township of Clunes.

The competition, “Outdoors at Night”, was won by Mr. McConnell, whilst the Open subject was won by Mr. Howman.

The evening was rounded off with the showing of a selection of Kodachrome slides made by Mr. McConnell on a recent trip to Adelaide.

1st May 1952 Page 316 - Vol. 59 No. 5 Australasian Photo-Review

BALLARAT CAMERA CLUB
At informal meetings held during the month of March, younger members were coached by more advanced workers. One evening was spent watching artists and their work, at the invitation of the Ballarat Art Society.

During the course of the general business meeting, on 26th March, it was decided to elect a representative as an affiliated member of the Photographic Society of Victoria. Appreciation was also expressed for the donation by Mr. Richmond of bundles of photographic magazines for the club library. Mr. H. Cox exhibited pictures taken during his visit to England last year. One of these in particular showed promise of enlarging into something far above the average.

Messrs. J. Priddle, H. McConnell and A. Colbourn projected their latest Kodachrome slides. Subject matter included scenes at Adelaide, the Great Ocean Road, Daydream Island and Japan.

Competition results:
OPEN: Mr. H. Richmond’s “Flight Above”;
SET SUBJECT (TREE STUDY): Mrs. Strange’s “The Victory Tree”.

1st June 1952 Page 380 - Vol. 59 No. 6 Australasian Photo-Review

BALLARAT CAMERA CLUB
Extremely wintry conditions were probably the reason why fewer than a dozen members attended the monthly meeting of the Ballarat Camera Club on April 23rd.

During a short meeting members were reminded that they had only two more months to prepare portrait and landscape photographs to compete for "The Courier" annual awards.

It was reported that during the month informal meetings were mainly occupied by discussions of things photographic. Afterwards, Mr. McConnell produced a portfolio of Fifty Reproductions of the late Dr. Julian Smith’s work, in which wholehearted interest was shown. Competition results were:
Set Subject: Character Study: won by Mr. H. Richmond, with “Supplication”.
Open: Mrs. Strange, with “Prelude to Storm”.

1st July 1952 Page 443 - Vol. 59 No. 7 Australasian Photo-Review

BALLARAT CAMERA CLUB
The monthly meeting of the Ballarat Camera Club was well attended despite inclement weather. Two new members were admitted and a visitor made welcome. The subject of Lantern Slides was capably handled by Mr. L. Gulbin, who said that this side of photography had lapsed somewhat in recent years, but with the introduction of 35mm color film was again coming into prominence. Mr. Gulbin illustrated his talk by showing a number of slides covering a wide variety of subjects.

The mid-monthly meetings continue to be a success, for members enjoy the informal discussions. On one such evening a profitable visit was paid to the darkroom of a member who was having trouble with his equipment. At the time of the monthly meeting Mrs. Strange was holidaying in the Benalla-Albury district, where she hoped to supplement her supply of landscape negatives.

Competition results were:
SET SUBJECT: WATER: Mr. H. Richmond.
OPEN SECTION: Mr. W. Llewellyn.
Mr. Llewellyn’s entry was an outstanding print “Profile of a Child”.

1st August 1952 Page 508 - Vol. 59 No. 8 Australasian Photo-Review

BALLARAT CAMERA CLUB
A blazing log fire lent cheer and warmth to the club rooms on June 25, and was a welcome sight to those coming in out of the rain and cold. We have had the second wettest June in the history of Ballarat, the other being way back in the 1880’s; so not unnaturally our recent meetings were poorly attended. Nominations were received for officers for the coming twelve months. Their election will take place at the annual meeting next month; when annual awards will also be made. This year a competition of “Six Transparencies”, color or lantern slides, has been added and is creating quite a deal of interest.

Mr. McConnell demonstrated the making of a “grey scale” to discover the tonal range of enlarging paper and by the use of a Projection Print Scale, Densitometer and various other gadgets — some bought and others of his own making — showed how to arrive at the correct grade of paper for a certain negative, also the exposure necessary for the best possible print. He used a telling argument when he stressed the point that the use of such aids eliminated wastage of paper.

When the judging of competition prints took place no award was made in the set subject “Season”, as no entry was considered to typify any season. The "Open" was won by Mrs. A.W. Strange with “Abandoned”.

1st September 1952 Page 574 - Vol. 59 No.9 Australasian Photo-Review

BALLARAT CAMERA CLUB
At the annual meeting, on July 23rd, entries for the various annual competitions were on display. Though they totaled only forty seven, much fewer than last year, it was agreed that the standard was particularly high. Judging was done by Mr. L.A. Baillot, principal photographic instructor at the Melbourne Technical College.

The Courier awards for Portrait and Landscape went to Mr. G. Howman for "Virility" and to Mrs. A.W. Strange for "Archway of the Stringy barks". Mr. H. Richmond won his own trophy for Best Picture taken in Club Studio and expressed regret and disappointment that so few entries had been received in that section.

In the Transparency Competition, John Priddle had a popular win with an exceptionally good "against-the-light" shot on Kodachrome, depicting three graceful Autumn decked trees and their long shadows across a leaf strewn lawn. Members and visitors enjoyed the screening of competition slides, as well as a number of equally beautiful ones brought along by D. Featherstone.

The Picture of the Year was chosen by popular vote and Mrs. Strange’s "Neath a Westering Sun" received the verdict.

In his annual report, the President, Mr. H. McConnell, said that there had been less work done this year than was desirable. This was probably due to rather increased costs. The association which the club had formed with the Victorian Photographic Society, had proved of great value. He expressed regret that Mr. Lloyd Evans found it impossible to carry on as Hon.Secretary and thanked him for his past efforts.

In reply Mr. L. Williams paid tribute to Mr. McConnell for his untiring efforts on behalf of the Club and congratulated him upon being made an honorary member of the Melbourne Camera Club.

Officers elected were: President, Mr. H. McConnell; Vice President, Mr. J. Hollway; Secretary and Treasurer, Mr. H, Richmond; Assistant Secretary, Mrs. A.W. Strange; House Steward, Mr. C. Jackman; Librarian, Mr. W. Llewellyn; Press Correspondent, Mrs. A.W. Strange. Committee, Messrs J. Priddle, L. Evans, L. Williams and C. Jackman. Art Committee: Messrs H. McConnell, H. Richmond and C. Jackman.

September 1952 Page 565 - Australasian Photo-Review

PICTURE OF THE YEAR
BALLARAT CAMERA CLUB

"NEATH A WESTERING SUN"
MYRTLE STRANGE

1st October 1952
Page 638 - Vol. 59 No. 10 The Australasian Photographic Review

BALLARAT CAMERA CLUB
The monthly business meeting of the Ballarat Camera Club on August 27th was well attended. It was heartening to have two ex-members rejoin and a welcome was extended to two visitors. Delegates were nominated to attend a meeting in Melbourne, the aim of which is to bring about an affiliation of all Victorian Camera Clubs.

It was decided that, in order to encourage the production of more prints, the Open Competition should be divided into two sections, “A” for advanced workers, prints to be on standard size mounts and “B” for beginners, prints to be any size, mounted or otherwise.

In “B” Grade the negative must be the work of the competitor, but the print may be done by another or with assistance. The Set Subject will still be unmounted and on whole plate paper, but in future there will be two subjects each month. As Silhouette is a subject to be introduced in the near future, arrangements were made to take some of this type of picture in the club rooms on September 10th.

Club members paid a visit to the Art Gallery one night during the month to view some pictures of French architecture. These photographs were originally taken for distribution in French schools and were certainly worth seeing; more particularly as such subjects are unavailable in our own country. The commentary given on the pictures was thoroughly appreciated.

Mr. N. Harvey gave a talk on Aerial Photography, emphasizing its importance and the accuracy of maps made from the resultant photographs. All his points were fully illustrated with photographs and as aerial photography is a branch with which few of the members were conversant the talk was greatly appreciated.

There were more competition entries than usual. The Set Subject Trees was won by G.F. Howman with “Centenarian”. In the Open Section the standard was particularly high and the Art Committee declared that they had never before had such a difficult task. Honors were shared by G.F. Howman with “Salaam” and A.W. Strange with “Hillside Shadow play”. D. Featherstone’s print was very highly commended.

1st November 1952 Page 703 - Vol. 59 No. 11 Australasian Photo-Review

BALLARAT CAMERA CLUB
There was a fair attendance at the general monthly meeting of the Ballarat Camera Club on September 24, and once again there were several visitors, one of whom joined as a new member. The possibility of the club arranging for a photographic exhibition during Begonia Festival Week next year was discussed.

It was reported that Kodachrome slides belonging to several members were shown by Mr. McConnell at the Horticultural Society’s Daffodil Show and also that at the Royal Agricultural Show in Melbourne, Mrs. H. Richmond gained 1st and 2nd places and Mrs. A.W. Strange 3rd place, with hand-colored photographs. Mrs. Strange also secured a 2nd and two 3rds in the black-and-white sections.

After the meeting Mr. N. Bevan showed color movie films which were much appreciated. In the competitions Mr. D. Featherston was doubly successful winning the Open with The Model and the Set Subject Street Scene with Collins Street.

1st December 1952 Page 775 - Vol. 59 No. 12 Australasian Photo-Review

BALLARAT CAMERA CLUB
The meeting of the Ballarat Camera Club on October 23rd, was a momentous one. Delegates who had attended the inaugural meeting of the Victorian Association of Photographic Societies in Melbourne reported favorably on the new body. Ballarat President, H. McConnell, was elected a Vice-President and the Secretary, H. Richmond, was appointed to the committee of the state organization. Portfolios, judges and lecturers will be exchanged and inter-club competitions arranged between the affiliated bodies. The ultimate aim is a Federal organization; a Salon in Melbourne is proposed for 1954.

Help was promised with the photographic exhibition and competition to be held by the Ballarat Camera Club in conjunction with the Ballarat Begonia Festival Committee from March 6th to 15th, 1953. Entries are invited from Australian photographers.

EXHIBITION: Prints to be on standard size mounts. Entry fee five shillings. Maximum of five prints per person. All prints to be viewed by selection committee and the prints hung to receive appropriate sticker.

COMPETITION: Two sections — Open and Floral (Set subject), Senior and Junior (under 16 yrs.) in each section. The negative must be taken by the competitor, but the prints, contact or enlargement (not larger than 6 1/2" by 8 1/2") need not be the work of the competitor. Four prizes will be offered. Return postage should be included with the entry. Further details from the Hon.Secretary, H.E. Richmond, 221 Talbot Street, Ballarat. Tel. 2592.

Next month it is hoped that club funds will be boosted when the club will hold an auction sale of photographic gear; the club, of course, receiving a commission on sales. An appreciable amount of material has already been given outright. Mr. Clutterbuck, a past president of the Adelaide Camera Club, gave an interesting talk on 'Activities of the Adelaide Camera Club'. Several ideas should be worth following up. In conclusion, he read several extracts from a book, 'Photographic Tricks and Dodges', published in the 1860’s and laughter rocked the room. One gem was: "To eliminate freckles in a finished portrait, before exposing negative coat sitter’s face with yellow powder. Failing this a brisk rub with a rough towel will help".

The monthly competition was won by D. Featherston with "Requiem". Honors in the Open section were shared by D. Featherston with "A Child Study" and Mrs. Strange with "Winter Contours".

1st January 1953 Page 57 - Vol. 60 No. 1 Australasian Photo-Review

BALLARAT CAMERA CLUB
At the General Meeting of the Ballarat Camera Club on November 26, it was reported that rules and plans are well in hand for the exhibition in March. Fifty feet of space of the north wall of the Alfred Hall has been allocated and will accommodate approximately 300 prints. Additional space can be made available as necessary. As the show will probably be an annual event it is hoped to make stands of a permanent nature, To raise money for this purpose, an auction sale of unwanted photographic material was conducted during the evening and a substantial sum was realized.

Mrs. Strange has just returned from Mildura and reported having spent an enjoyable evening at a meeting of the Sunraysia Camera Club, the members of which club showed interest in and expressed willingness to submit prints to Ballarat’s forthcoming exhibition. Support has also been assured by the Victorian Association Of Photographic Societies and the Australian Portfolio Photographic Society.

Earlier in the month, at an informal meeting, members occupied themselves with the arranging and photographing of arum lilies.

On December 4th, three members paid a visit to Melbourne and attended the Annual Exhibition and Social Evening of the Photographic Society of Victoria. They enjoyed viewing the prints and Kodachrome slides, and agreed that by seeing the work of others it is easier to gauge the value of work done by one’s own club members.

1st February 1953 Page 70 - Vol. 60 No. 2 Australasian Photo-Review

BALLARAT CAMERA CLUB
BEGONIA FESTIVAL
Photographic Exhibition and Competition
Entries close February 23rd, with the Hon.Secretary,
PO Box 20, Ballarat East, Victoria.

1st February 1953 Page 70 - Vol. 60 No. 2 Australasian Photo-Review

BALLARAT CAMERA CLUB
The rooms of the Ballarat Camera Club were gay with streamers, balloons and flowers when members, friends and relatives met for the annual Christmas meeting. It was reported at the meeting that a folio of prints had been sent to an exhibition at Ararat; also that, thanks to the report published in the A.P.-R.. a New South Wales club had already responded with a request for entry forms for the Begonia Festival Photographic Exhibition.

Competitions were held over until January as usual. Business was quickly despatched to allow ample time for the screening of a series of sound-movie pictures which were projected by the President, Mr. H. McConnell. Then came supper, followed by the hearty ringing of “Auld Lang Syne”, bringing a happy evening to a close.

Saturday 28th February 1953 Page 2 - Brisbane Telegraph (Queensland)
Page 3 - The Herald (Melbourne, Victoria)

WINNING PHOTOGRAPH
MELBOURNE:
More than 200 entries were received for the Ballarat Camera Club February exhibition, the results of which were announced today. First prize in the open section was awarded for a pictorial study by T. Murray, of Edmonton (Queensland.)

Monday 2nd March 1953 Page 4 - The Argus (Melbourne, Victoria)

BALLARAT CAMERA CLUB
Arrangements are being made to place the Ballarat Camera Club February exhibition in the Begonia Festival. There were 200 entries for the competition. First prize in the open section was won by T. Murray, of Edmonton, Queensland, and the floral picture by W.E. Stringer, of Ivanhoe.

1st March 1953 Page 188 - Vol. 60 No. 3 Australasian Photo-Review

BALLARAT CAMERA CLUB
At the general meeting in January, it was reported that prints are beginning to arrive for the Exhibition and Competition to be held during the Begonia Festival and plans were made for their unpacking and selection for hanging. Entries have already been received from N.S.W. and Queensland and as the closing date is not till February 23, a really good exhibition is anticipated. Judging of the competition entries will take place at the next general meeting of February 25. Special lighting has been arranged at the Alfred Hall to allow all prints to be seen to the best advantage.

After business was concluded, sides were picked for a Quiz Session and though things became scientifically involved at times, a number of members received satisfactory answers to their problems. Competitions had banked up. High Key and Low Key entries did not comply with requirements and were ruled out; but the art committee produced illustrations of these subjects and entrants and others now have a better understanding of what is required and how to get the desired results. Open was won by G. Howman with "In the Spell of the Night". Of the Set Subjects, Mr. H. Richmond won in Child Study, Bird, Animal or Insect and Clouds. Floral was won by Mrs. Strange.

Monday 2nd March 1953 Page 4 - The Argus (Melbourne, Vic.)

Arrangements are being made to place the Ballarat Camera Club's February exhibition in the Begonia Festival. There were 200 entries for the competition. First prize in the open section was won by T. Murray, of Edmonton, Queensland, and the floral picture by W.E. Stringer, of Ivanhoe.

1st April 1953 Page 250 - Vol. 60 No. 4 Australasian Photo-Review

BALLARAT CAMERA CLUB
At a well-attended meeting of the Ballarat Camera Club on February 25th, it was decided to accede to a request from the Healesville Camera Club to forward some prints for their exhibition (which, unfortunately clashes with our own) and also to send photographs for inclusion in a portfolio to be circulated by the Victorian Association of Photographic Societies.

Club competitions were held over and business quickly dispensed with to allow photographs for the forthcoming exhibition to be viewed by the selection committee and also for the judging of entries in the competition section.

The President thanked Mr. F. Duncan, a member of the club, for his generous donation and for dressing the timber procured for making stands on which to display the photographs. Thanks were also tendered Mr. L. Evans for his work on the stands. The President, Mr. H. McConnell and the Hon.Secretary, Mr. H. Richmond, have worked untiringly and they saw their efforts bearing fruit when exhibition entries were opened and proved to number a little over 200. The prints are varied in subject and of excellent quality. The Show opened in the Alfred Hall during Begonia Festival Week and 23,000 people went through in the first four days.

Entries in the competition section, though fewer in number, contained some very nice prints and in the Open first place was allotted to T. Murray of Edmonton, Queensland, for "Light of Morn". Two of our members, who also belong to the Australian Portfolio Photographic Society, hastily claimed him as a fellow. The Floral section was won by W.E. Stringer of Ivanhoe, Victoria, with “Philadelphia”. There was a disappointing lack of entries in the Junior section and the competition was abandoned; but the work of Gregory Shange was considered worthy and a consolation prize was allotted to him for “Evening at Pt. Campbell”.

1st May 1953 Page 312 - Vol. 60 No. 5 Australasian Photo-Review

BALLARAT CAMERA CLUB
At the March meeting, in the absence of the president, Mr. J. Hollway took the chair and as both the Secretary and Assistant-Secretary were also absent, secretarial duties were carried out by Mr. L. Evans. There was a good attendance and after business was concluded, discussions arose and the evening was a grand success. There was only one competition — the Open — which was won by D. Featherston.

During the last month the club has had a feast, almost a surfeit, of good things. The exhibition during the Begonia Festival was a huge success. Over 34,000 people paid to view the various exhibits in the Alfred Hall, where not least of which was the photography. Many had never seen a photographic exhibition and were amazed at the beauty and interest of the pictures and expressed the opinion that if and when there was another, they wouldn’t miss it for anything. There were visitors from all States and representatives from a number of camera clubs including Horsham, Melbourne, Photographic Society of Victoria, Geelong, Southern Suburbs, Warrnambool, Bendigo and Mildura. It was good to see Mr. Rees, a foundation member of our own club, who left the district 4 or 5 years ago. To prove that he still thinks of us, he brought along a bundle of photographic magazines which were gratefully accepted as an addition to our library.

During Easter members of the Australian Portfolio Photographic Society conducted a rally in the Ballarat district and Ballarat Club members accepted an invitation to join them in outings to Newlyn on Saturday and Mt. Buninyong on Sunday. In addition our club rooms were utilized on Saturday evening for a screening of the “Caz” Tribute accompanied by tape recordings of that historic event. On Sunday evening color slides from near and far were screened and viewed by a very appreciative audience. All in all we enjoyed their pictures and found the Australian Portfolio Photographic Society members to be a fine bunch of chaps.

At a committee meeting on April 8th, a vote of thanks was tended to Mr. H. Richmond for the colossal amount of work he did for the recent exhibition and for the club generally. He generously contended that bouquets were due also to several other members. Apart from settling financial questions, a decision was made to call a special general meeting on May 6th, inviting the attendance of anyone interested in cine or 35 mm color photography, with a view to forming sections within the club.

Mr. H. Richmond reported having seen the Holtermann show in Melbourne and said there were 12 or 13 photographs of early Ballarat, the most outstanding of their kind he had ever seen, Mr. H. McConnell has recently returned from a motor trip round Tasmania where he took color shots along the highways and byways. Results are eagerly awaited.

On Sunday April 11th, the Geelong Club will be seeking pictures at the Lerderderg Gorge, near Bacchus Marsh and at their invitation several car loads from Ballarat will join them.

1st June 1953 Page 381 - Vol. 60 No. 6 Australasian Photo-Review

BALLARAT CAMERA CLUB
At the monthly meeting on April 22nd, it was agreed that the Club will organize a competition on behalf of the executive committee of the Begonia Festival, who are desirous of obtaining copies of pictures taken during the recent celebrations, with the object of producing film strips and a booklet for future publicity.

Members who joined the Geelong Club at the Lerderderg Gorge on April 12th, reported having spent an enjoyable time both socially and photographically. A return local outing was arranged for May 17th.

A portfolio of prints from the Photographic Society of Victoria was on display and members had an interesting session discussing the merits and demerits of various prints. This was followed by the screening of Mr. H. McConnell’s Kodachromes taken on his recent 1500 mile trip around Tasmania. Needless to say, many felt an urge to visit the Apple Isle. Two new members were admitted to the Club.

On April 27th the Holtermann Collection of photographs was opened to the public. During the week that the pictures were on show the majority of Club members took the opportunity of seeing them. The skill and patience of the early workers was appreciated, while the Ballarat pictures proved most interesting.

On May 6th, a special meeting of the Camera Club was well attended, the subject for discussion being the formation, within the Club, of groups interested mainly in color transparencies or cine. One enthusiast traveled 40 miles to be present. The idea was well received, with the result that Mr. J. Hollway was asked to organize the Cine Group and Mr. B. Llewellyn the Color Transparencies.

Kodachrome slides and a movie were screened, following which Messrs. Llewellyn and Hollway were surrounded by their satellites discussing the pros and cons of their future meetings. Twelve visitors joined.

1st August 1953 Page 507 - Vol. 60 No. 8 Australasian Photo-Review

BALLARAT CAMERA CLUB
At the general monthly meeting many new members were in evidence, this following the decision to form color transparency and cine groups. Mr. W. Llewellyn, for the transparency group, reported that the second Wednesday of each month had been chosen as meeting night and for their first meeting on June 10th, members were asked to bring along their meters, cameras and six best and six worst slides, to enable assistance or advice to be given where necessary. A representative would also be nominated for inclusion on the general committee.

A report from Mr. J. Hollway, for the cine section, stated that they are endeavoring to decide on a meeting night suitable to the majority and would also nominate a representative for the committee.

Happy smiles were exchanged when it was reported that the Melbourne 8mm Group had suggested affiliation and offered lectures and screenings of their yearly prizewinning films and others.

There was a favorable report of the outing on May 16, when Ballarat and Geelong enthusiasts got together in the Buninyong district. Miss Porter, one of the Geelong members, consented to visit Ballarat for next month’s general meeting and show color slides, of which she has about 1300 taken on her world tour.

In the club competitions Mr. T. Golden, a new member, was successful with "Pals" in the Open section. Entries in the Set Subject, "Water View", did not have the accent on water and that competition was abandoned.

Some members have had success further afield. At the "Moree Agriculture and Pastoral Society" Show, Mrs. Richmond received first and second for hand-colored photos. At the Orange National Salon, four prints from Mr. H. Richmond and six from Mrs. A.W. Strange were hung.

The evening was nicely rounded off by the screening of three cine films, two being from newcomers and both excellent first attempts, subjects being A Trip Round Tasmania, A Trip To Sydney and Ballarat Begonia Festival Activities.

The combined Ballarat Geelong outing at Buninyong.
Mr. Porter, club president of Geelong, is attending to the brew.
Mr. McConnell, the Ballarat president, in fair isle jumper, is standing in the back row.

1st September 1953 Page 577 - Vol. 60 No. 9 Australasian Photo-Review

BALLARAT CAMERA CLUB
The monthly meeting on June 24th, was conducted in reverse, thus to allow time for Miss Porter and her father, who came from Geelong, to give their travelogue and return home. The program comprised a screening of 250 color slides taken in England and on the Continent by Miss Porter. Mr. Porter acted as projectionist, while his daughter gave a running commentary, packed full of interest, for two hours, with pictures taken around Buninyong during the Ballarat-Geelong outing, as a grand finale. Members with a knowledge of Kodachrome expressed the opinion that never before had they seen slides of such technical and pictorial excellence.

It was reported that the newly formed Transparency Group held a very successful meeting on June 10th. The Cine Group were slower off the mark but have something worth-while lined up. Ten new members were accepted into the club. Sincere thanks were extended to Mr. McConnell for his donation of a projector stand.

At the invitation of the Begonia Festival Committee, Club members held an exhibition on July 1st, of cine gems, black-and-white prints and transparencies pertaining to the recent festival. They were pleased to find that there was a complete coverage, and the Begonia Committee are hopeful of being able to obtain their requirements for future advertising purposes.

It would appear that some of the young fry are photographically minded. In the recent Victorian Inter-School Photo Competitions, Gregory Strange received third place and highly commended with two entries.

Many pictures lined the walls of the club room on July 22nd. The occasion was the annual meeting with special annual competitions, of which the Color Slide, Landscape, and Portrait sections attracted most entries. The awards were:

“Courier” Trophy for Landscape:	“Courier” Trophy for Portrait:	Best Picture Taken in Club Rooms:	Print of the Year:	Best Color Slide:
FIRST: Mrs. A.W. Strange "Ramshackle"	FIRST: Mrs. A.W. Strange "Sweet Content" (a child study)	FIRST: Mr. L. Evans "Margaret"	FIRST: Mrs. A.W. Strange "Ramshackle"	FIRST: Mr. J. Priddle	SECOND: Mr. H. McConnell	THIRD: Mrs. A.W. Strange

The award for the Best Color Slide went to J. Priddle for an outstanding slide of a well placed team of draught horses in a red soil paddock, there was an atmosphere of power, good earth and the dignity of toil. Mr. H. McConnell was runner-up with a very pleasing slide of a Tasmanian saw-mill; young saplings, dead as the result of a bush fire, but with their leaves attached, lent an unusual color palette to the foreground. A slide of pampas grass from Mrs. Strange was third. Mr. T.T. Torma, continental photographer, whose own photography has been creating great interest in Ballarat, acted as judge for the annual competitions and he expressed surprise at the high standard of the work shown. Before the awards were announced, he made interesting comments on each picture. He has an apt way of describing what the photographer is trying to convey and tactfully explained why some failed; in many cases he offered helpful suggestions.

This was not Mr. Torma’s first appearance at the club. When the Cine group held their first meeting on July 15, he was guest speaker and in addition to viewing two much-appreciated movies depicting life in Norway, he gave a thought-provoking talk on "The Importance of Lighting in Portraiture", illustrated by his own appealing studies. Those of old men were superlative, for, as he said, “They couldn’t care less”. He showed how lighting and the casting of shadows can minimize faults and accentuate good points.

In his annual report the President Mr. H. McConnell, stated that the year had been a very satisfactory one and club finances were on a sound basis, partly due to donations amounting to £l5 from members. He said that it was hoped to have more lectures next year through the assistance of the Victorian Association of Photographic Societies. He also mentioned that club outings, though few, had been enjoyable and he urged members to foster the social aspect as being just as important as photographic activities. Mr. McConnell expressed the opinion that the club was now one of the largest outside the metropolitan area.

Mr. John Holloway complimented Mr. McConnell on his enthusiasm and inspiring leadership. In reply, the President paid tribute to the work done by the Hon.Secretary, Mr. H. Richmond, whose crisp rejoiner was “I get out of it what I put in”. (In which case he must reap a grand harvest).

Messrs. McConnell and Richmond thanked Mrs. Strange on behalf of the club for her good work as press correspondent; which, they said, had enhanced the club’s standing in the photographic world and in appreciation they made her a small presentation. Mr. L. Evans was thanked for his presentation photos of the club’s Begonia Festival Exhibition.

As House Steward, Mr. C. Jackman expressed disappointment that so little use was made of the dark room and facilities provided for the use of members. A good report was received from the Slide Group whose regular meeting night will be the second Wednesday of each month. The Cine Group have decided on the third Wednesday of the month.

In conclusion, Mr. McConnell moved a vote of thanks to Mr. Torma for his interesting criticism of prints and for his allocation of prizes, with which the art committee were entirely in agreement.

Officers elected were: President, Mr. H. McConnell; Vice-President, Mr. J. Holloway; Secretary-Treasurer, Mr. H. Richmond; Assistant Secretary, Mrs. A.W. Strange; House Steward, Mr. C. Jackman; Librarian, Mr. W. Llewellyn; Delegates (to the Victorian Association of Photographic Societies), Messrs. H, McConnell and H. Richmond; Auditor, Mr, E. Jermyn; Press correspondent, Mrs. A.W. Strange; Art Committee Messrs. C. Jackman. H. McConnell and H. Richmond: General Committee, Messrs. C. Jackman. L. Evans. L. Williams and W. Llewellyn.

Friday 18th September 1953 Page 23 - The Argus (Melbourne, Vic.)

HOW ENTRANTS FARED
Sixteen clubs and photographic societies took part in this contest, which provided for both prints (in monochrome or color) and color transparencies. One hundred prints and 92 color slides were submitted and these are now on exhibition in the Kodak Gallery in Collins street (on The Block) until September 26th.

The Melbourne Camera Club took the honors in the print contest with a total of 20 prints (one in color) which scored an average of 71.3 points. And the same Club ran off with the award in the color transparencies section.

The individual print which scored the highest points in the contest was that entered by Mr J.O. Fried, of the Photographic Society of Victoria. Mr Fried scored with his fine atmospheric shot of "Morning on the Danube". Second highest points were registered by Mr N.B. Crouch, Hon.Secretary of the Victorian Association of Photographic Societies for his deftly captured nature study picture of a three striped squirrel (Sciurus palmarum). Mr Wilfred Broadhead, president of the Victorian Association of Photographic Societies and the Melbourne Camera Club scored third highest points for his pleasingly patterned landscape, "When the Last of Day is Almost Spent". Highest points for a color transparency were gained by Mr H. McConnell of the Ballarat Camera Club for his attractive timber mill scene taken in Tasmania. The quality of all work submitted was described as "exceedingly high". Certificates will be awarded to the best prints . . . but the Victorian Association of Photographic Societies hopes it will soon have a perpetual trophy, which will be made retrospective for this competition.

Apart from the competitive interest, the Victorian Association of Photographic Societies's first inter-Club contest has provided our amateur photographers with a wide variety of good-quality prints for their approval and guidance. It is good, for instance, for photographic enthusiasts to regard the effective simplicity, both in composition and interpretation, of Mr Fried's top-scoring print of the River Danube. Everything has been done by the photographer to concentrate interest on the three craft in the middle of the river. The banks and buildings thereon have been mistily subdued, so that they in no way compete with the boats. They are merely there to set mood and to strengthen the framing of the picture. The high-lit water (produced by shooting against the light) also plays an important part in the composition in providing a path which leads the eye to center of interest. And notice how Mr Fried has provided a generous foreground of river to break the monotony of formal composition and lend still further strength to the position of the craft.

But it is not just blank water which the photographer shows. He has so arranged his exposure and development (and lighting) so as to produce detail in all parts of the foreground. Sharp focus on the squirrel, the attractive position of the tail and the placing of the animal, have combined to make Mr Crouch's nature study shot a very pleasing one.

Mr Wilfred Broadhead's late-in-the-day photograph in the Strzlecki Ranges has success fully aimed at a pattern in light and shade, in which the gently sloping hills break into and fuse with each other in a harmony suggestive of the rolling waves of the sea.

But these are but three of a 100 competition photographs which are each capable of providing the viewer with fresh food for photographic thought.

The competition itself is but one medium through which the Victorian Association of Photographic Societies expects to produce an "upsurge of photographic interest". The conducting of an international salon in 1954 another means for heightening interest and improving quality of work.

The provision of lecturers for the clubs, the successful institution of classes for beginners, the conducting of combined outings and the circulating of a portfolio of members' works - these are just some of the means by which the association will assist the photographer professional as well as amateur, to achieve a higher standard of work.

But there is nothing at all "exclusive" about the Victorian Association of Photographic Societies and the camera clubs, which comprise it. If you have a camera, if you are really interested in the hobby and if you are anxious to learn more about it and improve your work, all you have to do is get in touch with Mr Noel Crouch, 15 Denver Crescent, Elsternwick and he will tell you how to go about joining one of the clubs.

And if a number of you have banded together and are contemplating starting a camera Club of your own (say, in a Victorian country town, which is at present lacking such activity), you should contact Mr Crouch for advice on how to go about it.

Friday 18th September 1953 Page 23 - The Argus (Melbourne, Vic.)

HEALESVILLE CAMERA CLUB
Color photography is a new and highly entertaining development in the activities of the Healesville Camera Club and on Thursday evening last week, members and friends were treated to a display of beautiful slides taken by members. The projector and screen were kindly loaned by Mr. J. Taylor. Each member contributing to the program and Mr. Taylor operated the projector himself and gave descriptions and notes regarding his pictures which comprised Kodachrome photographs of Melbourne and various city and country scenes in other States.

Another very interesting feature was the personal inspection by everyone present of some excellent examples of pictorial photography in a traveling portfolio of prints from prominent photographic clubs. One picture which created a great deal of interest was a striking view of what could be taken for one of the peaks in the Swiss Alps. Each person was invited to estimate the height of the peak and opinions varied from 50 feet to 15,000 feet. The surprise of all can be imagined when the announcement was made that it was a 9-foot high heap of mining slag taken at the old Black Hill mining area at Ballarat. Each member club of the Victorian Association of Photographic Societies is entitled to submit two prints for each round of the portfolio which circulates amongst the leading Melbourne photographic clubs and many others in the State. A popular vote of members present resulted in prints made by M. Elton and D. Fox being selected for inclusion in the current round.

The secretary (Mr. F.J. Roberts) announced that the Ballarat Camera Club was very desirous of having a collection of Healesville Camera Club prints sent for display at one of their meetings in the near future, and also that there is a good possibility of the Annual Convention of the Victorian Association of Photographic Societies being held at Healesville in a few months time, when it is expected about 100 delegates will spend a week-end here for business sessions and photographic expeditions.

1st October 1953 Page 636 - Vol. 60 No. 10 Australasian Photo-Review

BALLARAT CAMERA CLUB
At the monthly meeting on August 26, it was reported that the committee had met and formulated a new syllabus of Print Competitions for the ensuing twelve months. The Cine and Slide groups will prepare their own program. The annual prize list was reviewed and this year’s list comprises:
Best Cine Film (Approx. 10 minutes): £2/2/-, Mr. H. Tippett;
Best Transparency Slide: £1/1/-, Club Trophy;
Best Print taken in Club Rooms: £l/1/-, Mr. H. Richmond;
Best Landscape: £2/2/-, “Courier”;
Best Portrait: £2/2/-, “Courier”;
and because a landscape or portrait usually wins "Print of the Year" this was altered to:
Best Print other than Landscape or Portrait", £2/2/- Mr. H. McConnell.

Mr. W. Llewellyn reported that on the 12th the Slide Group had an interesting night. Members brought cameras and equipment and some lively discussions resulted. Envious glances were cast towards the President’s “box of tricks”. There was a showing of slides to choose the ten needed to represent the club in the inter-club competitions run by the Victorian Association of Photographic Societies, two being the limit from one person. On the same night, ten prints were also chosen for the same purpose. During Show Week, competition prints will be displayed in the Kodak Galleries, Melbourne. The slides will be shown intermittently.

On the 19th, there were twenty members present for the Cine meeting. Mr. H. Tippett took charge and mentioned that Mr. J. Hollway, former leader, was fortunate enough to be holidaying in Queensland. Ways and means of getting the group off on the right foot were discussed, after which Mr. Tippett showed interesting films taken in England during his world tour and Mr. Hodge screened a colorful movie taken in Tasmania. This was followed by the showing by Mr. D. Featherston of duplicates of the Fifty-Six Best color slides in the recent A.P.-R. contest and members were gratified to see no less than three well known slides of Mr. Featherston’s amongst them and everyone offered him congratulations.

It was announced that the Victorian Field Naturalists Club was organizing an Australian Nature Show in which a section will be devoted to photography. Members with suitable pictures are asked to forward them. The practical side of the meeting took the form of a very helpful demonstration of print finishing by Messrs. H. Richmond and H. McConnell.

1st November 1953 Page 697 - Vol. 60 No. 11 Australasian Photo-Review

BALLARAT CAMERA CLUB
At the monthly meeting on September 23rd, members learned with pleasure that Ballarat had gained fourth place with both prints and color slides at the recent Victorian Inter-Club Competition in which sixteen clubs competed. As Melbourne was first in each instance, it was felt that Ballarat’s effort was note worthy. In the slide section Mr. McConnell’s "A Timber Mill in Tasmania", gained the highest number of points. Mr. McConnell, who saw the resultant exhibition in the Kodak Galleries, Melbourne said that it was one of the best he had seen and that it was creating wide spread interest during Show Week.

Messrs. McConnell and Richmond reported that at the last meeting of the Victorian Association of Photographic Societies two more clubs were accorded membership and that 600 entry forms had been sent overseas for the International Salon which is to be held in Melbourne during the Royal Visit.

The executive committee of the Victorian Association of Photographic Societies, accompanied by a guest speaker, will shortly be paying a visit to the Geelong Camera Club and the Ballarat Camera Club hopes to be able to attend on that occasion. It was decided that our club shall ask for a similar visit, possibly for next March when it is hoped that the club will be holding another exhibition during the Begonia Festival. At this stage Mr. McConnell urged members not to neglect their black-and-white work in favor of color slides as there must be a balance for the successful operation of the club.

It was decided that the club apply to the Royal Photographic Society for associateship.

The Club activities on each Wednesday night have met with approval. On September 2, a few enthusiasts got together and tried their hands at Still Life. On the 9th, Mr. H. Tippett screened some slides that were taken abroad. The beauties of many countries, accompanied by explanations provided quiet enjoyment to a large gathering.

On September 16th, Mr. Gillespie, of the Art School, gave an interesting, instructive and at times amusing talk "A Cine Camera In Africa" followed by the screening of two movies taken there. Mr. Gillespie was a member of the team which pioneered educational movies for schools in Britain. He related how they dragged a lion’s 'kill' (a donkey) behind their car into a suitable clearing and hoped Leo would oblige by putting in an appearance, where he could be photographed. They set up a small tent a short distance away and awaited results, quite forgetting the nice smelly rope attached to the car and they were petrified when Leo roared just outside the tent opening.

Cine enthusiasts have approached the National Theatre Group in Ballarat and have been promised co-operation in the production of a short movie to be made by club members in the near future. At the conclusion of the meeting Mr. C. Jackson gave a helpful talk on the "Care of Photographic Equipment".

The number of prints for competition were fewer than desirable, but they created some lively discussions.

The Open Competition was won by D. Featherston with "Faith". The Set Subject, Road, Street, Lane or Track was won by Mrs. A.W. Strange with "A Mountain Road".

1st January 1954 Page 56 - Vol. 61 No. 1 Australasian Photo-Review

BALLARAT CAMERA CLUB
The Club held a well-attended and successful monthly meeting on October 28th, and there was a pleasing array of pictures for the competitions. Mr. McConnell reported having attended the Begonia Festival committee meeting, at which he gave an assurance that the Club would again stage a photographic exhibition. Mr. W. Llewellyn’s resignation as leader of the Slide Group and from the committee, owing to pressure of private matters, was reluctantly received, and Mr. D. Featherston was appointed in his stead. Mr. Richmond reported that it was decided at the last meeting of the Victorian Association of Photographic Societies to hold a convention in Ballarat during the Begonia Festival.

The month’s activities have been greater than usual. On the 7th two car loads visited the Gordon Technical Photographic Society in Geelong. Ballarat’s Art Committee was called upon to judge the competitions and this was followed by a print analysis by Mr. C. Jackman. Arrangements were made for Miss Porter to visit Ballarat on our next slide night to show slides comparing the English and Australian countryside. It was also decided that a combined outing along the coast, under the guidance of the Geelong folk, would be a good idea and a date was chosen.

At the Slide Group meeting on the 14th, Mr. C. Jackman gave a talk, “Composition in Color”, illustrated by slides supplied by Mr. Strange. Mr. Jackman had a good knowledge of the subject and many felt that by following his instructions their work would be improved. A group of members had a day’s outing to Hall’s Gap, in the Grampians, on the 18th. It was a success, socially and photographically. L. Evans scored two wins in the October competitions with pictures taken on the trip — in the Open Section with "O'er Valley and Hill" and in the Humorous Section with "I Just Cant Get It All In", a rear view shot of the President trying out his movie camera. The Still Life Competition was won by H. Richmond, with Freesias.

The early start at 6am upset the President’s gastronomic balance, for every couple of hours he was convinced that another meal was due; otherwise the day was more perfect than is usually the case on Club outings.

Cine members showed a couple of films and discussed future plans on October 21st. Arrangements were made for members to visit the local zoo on November 1st, to try out their skill on some animal actors.

At the close of the monthly meeting, Mr. C. Jackman acted as model while members trained cameras on him from all angles.

“I just can’t get it all in”. This picture by L. Evans was the winner of the
Humorous Competition when the Ballarat Camera Club visited the Grampian Hills.

1st February 1954 Page 119 - Vol. 61 No. 2 Australasian Photo-Review

BALLARAT CAMERA CLUB
A holiday for the Ballarat Cup meeting had been held on November 25, and the holiday spirit still prevailed at the Club meeting that night. Entries in the competitions were more than pleasing. Mr. Steiger, one of the newer members, produced no less than 10 prints. The club rooms have been given a face-lift and those not present at the working-bee early in the month gazed in admiration at the new color scheme, with one wall white to act as a screen. Club representatives reported on the last meeting of the Victorian Association of Photographic Societies.

Through the month the Cine Group had a very satisfactory meeting and are now formulating plans for the production of some interesting documentary films. The Ballarat Water Commissioners are prepared to help in every way for a film on Water, and Captain Steel, who has charge of the Fire Brigade, has indicated his willingness to stage a demonstration of fire-fighting procedures. Several members showed films and there were also a couple from the State Film Centre.

The Slide Group owed the success of their night to Miss Lilian Porter and her father from Geelong who screened Miss Porter’s transparencies, the theme being "A Comparison of Continental and Australian Scenery". On a recent trip by car to Sydney and Canberra, Miss Porter secured a wealth of beauty with her 35mm camera. Many of the Australian slides were taken with a view to sending them to friends overseas and a better advertisement for Australia would be hard to find.

Competition results were: Open, H. Richmond, "Wonderment"; Set Subject, Male Portrait, H.O. Steiger, "I don't think so".

On November 29th, several car loads traveled to Geelong, where they joined forces with the Geelong Club members and journeyed to Anglesea and Airey’s Inlet, The morning was cloudy, but the sun shone later and many exposures were made, both monochrome and color. The youngest 'shutter-bug' was David Williams, seven years, son of a Ballarat member. He really takes pictures, too and quite independently. He can load his films into the tank and also manipulates an enlarger. From Airey’s Inlet the various car loads proceeded independently, some homewards, others further afield.

A Christmas party at “The Alexandria” terminated the year’s activities for the Club. There was a large gathering and Mr. John Priddle’s concealed tape recorder caused a great deal of mirth. Some very interesting movies were shown, covering the Heard Island Expedition, tribal rites of natives in Central Australia, skiing, and a visit to a steel works. These were followed by items in lighter vein from Messrs. H. Cox, L. Evans, C. Jackman, H. Tippett and H. McConnell.

Friday 12th February 1954 Page 3 - Healesville Guardian (Lilydale, Victoria)

HEALESVILLE CAMERA CLUB
Color photography is a new and highly entertaining development in the activities of the Healesville Camera Club and on Thursday evening last week, members and friends were treated to a display of beautiful slides taken by members. The projector and screen were kindly loaned by Mr. J. Taylor. Each member contributing to the program operated the projector himself and gave descriptions and notes regarding his pictures which comprised Kodachrome photographs of Melbourne and various city and country scenes in other States.

Another very interesting feature was the personal inspection by everyone present of some excellent examples of pictorial photography in a traveling portfolio of prints from prominent photographic clubs. One picture which created a great deal of interest was a striking view of what could be taken for one of the peaks in the Swiss Alps. Each person was invited to estimate the height of the peak and opinions varied from 50 feet to 15,000 feet. The surprise of all can be imagined when the announcement was made that it was a 9-foot high heap of mining slag taken at the old Black Hill mining area at Ballarat. Each member club of the Victorian Association of Photographic Societies is entitled to submit two prints for each round of the portfolio which circulates amongst the leading Melbourne photographic clubs and many others in the State. A popular vote of members present resulted in prints made by M. Elton and D. Fox being selected for inclusion in the current round.

The secretary (Mr. F.J. Roberts) announced that the Ballarat Camera Club was very desirous of having a collection of Healesville Camera Club prints sent for display at one of their meetings in the near future, and also that there is a good possibility of the Annual Convention of the Victorian Association of Photographic Societies being held at Healesville in a few months time, when it is expected about 100 delegates will spend a week-end here for business sessions and photographic expeditions.

1st April 1954 Page 246 - Vol. 61 No. 4 Australasian Photo-Review

BALLARAT CAMERA CLUB
The attendance was encouraging at the first general meeting this year and three new members were admitted to the club. A portfolio of pictures from the Photographic Society of Victoria was on view and each print was thoroughly discussed. Earlier in the month a portfolio of prints from the Victorian Association of Photographic Societies created similar interest and was sent on its way as all clubs in Victoria receive it in turn.

The Cine Group reported an interesting evening when Mr. H. McConnell showed holiday films. The Slide Group also had a most interesting night. Holiday slides indicated that members had traveled far and wide during the holiday season. Honors for the three best slides went to: 1, H. McConnell; 2, Mrs. B. Strange; 3, J. Axford.

Mr. H. Richmond gave a talk on "Exposure for Flash" which supplied the answers to many of the members problems and Mr. C. Jackman conducted a lively and enlightening discussion on Filters. The Competition results were: Set Subject, Child Study: D. Featherston; Open Subject; L. Evans.

1st May 1954 Page 319 - Vol. 61 No. 5 Australasian Photo-Review

BALLARAT CAMERA CLUB
Attendance at the general meeting on March 24th, was very satisfactory. A report from the Slide Group indicated that members had spent an enjoyable evening recording Ballarat’s illuminations and celebrating the Royal Visit and Begonia Festival. Mrs. B. Strange was congratulated upon having three slides accepted for the Victorian International Salon. The Cine Group reported an entertaining night when movies of the Royal Visit and the holidays were screened.

From the Victorian Association of Photographic Societies came news of the International Salon and members are looking forward to next month when the pictures will be exhibited in Ballarat. After the meeting, Mr. Hall, a visitor, showed color slides taken on a recent world tour. Members were greatly interested, particularly as various types of color film were used.

Competition entries included prints from two new members. The results were:

Open:	Seascape:	Holiday:
FIRST: H. Richmond "Highway and Skyway"	FIRST: H. Richmond "Moonlight Head"	FIRST: N.V. Salt "Waterbaby"

1st July 1954 Page 445 - Vol. 61 No. 7 Australasian Photo-Review

BALLARAT CAMERA CLUB
Owing to the Victorian International Salon being displayed by the Ballarat Camera Club on the night of the April monthly meeting, there was no business, but a discussion of prints was held instead. Monthly competitions were held over. This is the first time such a salon has been held outside Melbourne. On May 26th, there was a good attendance for the general meeting.

The Slide Group leader, now Mr. L. Evans since the resignation of Mr. D. Featherston, reported a night of unusual interest. Mr. Elliott, meteorologist of the Heard Island Expedition, showed slides he had taken there. All were of great interest, but some were exceptionally beautiful. The Cine Group reported that Mr. Webb had brought his titling outfit, which started an animated discussion on that subject. Films, both monochrome and color, obtained from the State Film Centre, were also screened.

There was a report of the club’s showing of the Victorian International Salon and though no expense was incurred by the club it was pleasing to learn that there had been a small profit, due mainly to the generosity of members who transported the exhibition from Geelong to Ballarat, then from Ballarat to Melbourne. Possibly, people were deterred from visiting the show because of the inclement weather, but on the third day there was a steady flow of visitors right up to closing time.

On May 8th, at the invitation of the Field Naturalists Club, members were present when Dr. Alfred Bailey of U.S.A. screened his delightful film Arizona Through the Seasons.

Members were reminded that Victorian Association of Photographic Societies Annual Competitions would soon be held, that their own annual competitions were only two months away and that a good display of prints was desired.

The highlight of the evening was a portfolio of 42 prints from the famous landscape photographer Mr. J.B. Eaton. The prints were shown individually and then displayed on the wall. All were agreed that they were an inspiration and something to remember. A few members seemed reluctant to go home and leave them.

Competition results were:

Against the Light:	Character Study:	Speed:	Bird, Animal or Insect:	Open:
FIRST: N.V. Salt "The Web"	FIRST: D. Featherston "Just George"	FIRST: N.V. Salt "No. 8 Down"	FIRST: Mrs. B. Strange "Bass and Tenor"	FIRST: H. Richmond "Highway Rhythm"

1st August 1954 Page 511 - Vol. 61 No. 8 Australasian Photo-Review

BALLARAT CAMERA CLUB
When members of the club met on June 23rd, the President expressed regret at the inability of the Hon.Secretary, Mr. H. Richmond, to attend owing to illness. Assistant Secretary, Mrs. B. Strange carried out his duties. Mr. C. Jackman, who seldom misses a meeting, was also on the sick-list. Messrs. L. Evans and H. Cox reported having attended the Victorian Association of Photographic Societies Convention at Healesville on the Queen’s Birthday week-end. It was hardly a success photographically, they said, but socially there was nothing lacking and some interesting slides were shown. For the Cine Group, Mr. H. McConnell reported that the change of meeting night from Wednesday to Tuesday had not proved successful. Mr. L. Evans, for the Slide Group, reported that members were surprised at the absence of duplication, especially of illuminations, when slides of the Royal Visit were shown. The award for the best slide was gained by E. Jermyn and L. Evans produced the best slide of the Illuminations. Victorian Association of Photographic Societies plans, reported by Mr. H. McConnell, were very interesting, and if they can be brought to fruition the future should be very bright.

Competition results were: Still Life and Tree Study: both won by D. Featherston. The open section was won by H. McConnell with I did want to see the Queen.

An unusual note of interest was struck when D. Featherston screened a collection of Australian and American color slides. He is a member of a circle of the Australian Portfolio Photographic Society, which exchanges portfolios of color slides with America.

1st September 1954 Page 574 - Vol. 61 No. 9 Australasian Photo-Review

BALLARAT CAMERA CLUB
The competitions on July 28th, brought forth a surprisingly large number of prints. The Cine Group had little to report; but the Slide Group had been very active. At their meeting on July 14, Wing Commander Slight showed slides taken in America. These were unusually interesting as they comprised shots of marine life taken through port-holes and bottoms of boats, holiday beach resorts, week-end homes and private gardens. The competition for slides of the Begonia Festival and of Ballarat was won by L. Evans, judging of both subjects proved difficult as some very good slides were considered not applicable to the subject. The innovation of each member commenting on a given slide has proved successful.

In his annual report the President, Mr. H. McConnell, commented on the club having gained fourth position in the Victorian Association of Photographic Societies Annual Competition and he said he hoped that this year they would do even better. Club outings, he said, had been fewer than might be desired. Such social activities are vitally important to a club’s well-being. He spoke briefly of the assistance to the club of a number of guest speakers and portfolios through the year and offered congratulations to J. Priddle for his seventh prize in the animal section of the A.M. Magazine Competition and to W. Llewellyn for having had several color slides accepted by the Australian National Publicity Association. Mr. McConnell also paid tribute to Mr. H. Richmond for his sterling work as Hon.Secretary, particularly in recent months when he has been in ill health. Votes of thanks were moved, both to the Ballarat Courier and The A.P.-R. for generous space allotted to reports of club activities. The Treasurer read the balance sheet and showed the club to be in a financially sound position.

At this stage the competitions judge, Mr. H. Cleveland, well known in photographic circles in Melbourne, took over the viewing of the 59 prints. He remarked on the strong leaning towards portraiture, both straight and character and said that he felt the landscape work to be weak in comparison. He browsed through the prints, commenting favorably on the majority and offering many helpful suggestions for others. He said it was the best collection he had seen in his many years of visiting clubs.

The Courier Trophy for Portrait was awarded to G. Howman for "Wha-?" and the Courier Trophy for Landscape was awarded to D. Featherston for "Winter Woodland". Print other than Portrait or Landscape was won by G. Howman with "In the Still of the Night". Best picture taken in the Club Rooms went to D. Featherston for "The Model". Best Cine Film was awarded to John Proctor for "Queen’s Visit Illuminations".

Mr. Doug Featherston, a keen and popular worker, completed his hat trick by carrying off the prize for the Best Slide with Sunset at Frankston, a well-earned victory as the competition was keen.

Election of office-bearers resulted; President, Mr. H. McConnell; Vice-President, Mr. L. Evans; Secretary and Treasurer, Mr. H. Richmond; Assist. Secretary, Mrs. B. Strange; Committee, Messrs. J. Hollway, C. Jackman, N. V. Salt and J. Proctor; House Steward, Mr. C. Jackman; Auditor, Mr. E. Jermyn; Librarian, Mr. L. Evans; Art Committee, Messrs. C. Jackman, H. Richmond and H. McConnell; Delegates to Victorian Association of Photographic Societies, Messrs. H. Richmond and H. McConnell; Press Correspondent, Mrs. B. Strange.

1st October 1954 Page 640 - Vol. 61 No. 10 Australasian Photo-Review

BALLARAT CAMERA CLUB
The general meeting opened on a sad note on August 25th, when members stood in silence for one minute, in respect for the memory of their late member the Rev. C. Brown.

Mr. McConnell explained that at a recent committee meeting it was decided to make the monthly meetings less formal. As a result two teams discussed prints — one side for, the other against and some helpful suggestions emerged. The highlights of the evening was the presentations of prizes for the annual competitions.

The report from the Slide Group told of a very lively evening on August 11th, when members in turn commented on slides from the Annual Slide Competition. The night’s competition was Flowers and this was divided into two groups, 'Up to Three Flowers' and 'Multiple Blooms'. Mr. J. Axford’s slide "Valotta Lily" headed the list in the former and Mr. W. Llewellyn was successful with Mesembryanthemum in the latter.

Mr. Doug Featherston paid a farewell visit. He is to take up his duties in September at the Rockbank school, sixty miles away. He was congratulated on his promotion and all good wishes go with him. Doug has been a member of the club for about six years, during which time he has had several shifts; but now he will be beyond reasonable traveling distance of the club.

The Art Committee selected entries for the Victorian Association of Photographic Societies annual competitions. The Open Competition resulted in a First (Equal) for L. Evans with Farmer's Pride and H. Cox with The Old Stone Bridge.

Friday 1st October 1954 Page 3 - Healesville Guardian (Lilydale, Vic.)

PHOTOS ON TOUR
Says the Ballarat "Courier":

At the Ballarat Camera Club meeting was a traveling portfolio from Healesville Camera Club.

The prints were of great interest and each was discussed at length.

1st November 1954 Page 703 - Vol. 61 No. 11 Australasian Photo-Review

BALLARAT CAMERA CLUB
On September 22nd, there was a good attendance at the club-rooms and another new member was admitted to the club. A report from the Slide Group stated that their night had been very satisfactory, taking the form of a general slide discussion and criticism. The Cine Group did not show films, but Mr. H. McConnell delivered a lecture, “The Taking of a Film”. This was well received and was followed by an all-round discussion; better films are expected in the future. Mr. McConnell also reported on the Victorian Association of Photographic Societies Club Competitions. All slides and prints will be on view in Melbourne during Show Week. In the print section Ballarat gained fourth position, but came first in the Color Transparency Section. Mrs. B. Strange was congratulated on sharing first place in the slide section with "Archway of Stringybarks". Gregory Strange has recently had a minor success; he received Highly Commended for a print in the Victorian Inter-school Competition.

The syllabus item was a Victorian Association of Photographic Societies portfolio of prints from the permanent collection of the Melbourne Camera Club, accompanied by a tape recording of print commentary by Mr. W. Broadhead. This was voted an unqualified success. Mr. Broadhead’s unofficial rendering of a song had been retained on the record and was an unexpected pleasure. Messrs. V. Salt and J. Priddle were thanked for the use of recorders. There was also a traveling portfolio from the Healesville Camera Club. The prints were of considerable interest and each was discussed at great length. Competitions were held over until next month.

1st December 1954 Page 767 - Vol. 61 No. 12 Australasian Photo-Review

BALLARAT CAMERA CLUB
The general meeting of the Ballarat Camera Club was well attended on October 27th. A report from the Victorian Association of Photographic Societies intimated that a combined outing would be held in the Bacchus Marsh district on November 28th, and to Mt. Macedon and the Dandenongs early next year.

Those who attended the outing to the Melbourne University and the wharves last month reported an enjoyable time. It was announced that Mr. Keith of the Ballarat Art Gallery had donated a prize for the “Best Portrait Transparency” at the annual competitions next year. What constitutes a "portrait" is always a vexed question and Mr. Keith’s own version was requested. This definition being obtained it read: “It may be a straight portrait, i.e. studio type, or a character study with a likeness to the model or where the model can be recognized. It cannot be an impersonation or an imitation”.

Early in the month several members took advantage of an invitation to attend a lecture and demonstration on “Pictorial Color” in the Melbourne Town Hall, by Mrs. Rosalind Maingot FRPS, the distinguished English color photographer.

At the Cine meeting films were shown by Miss O. Ritchie and Mr. K. Hodge. The Slide Group had a lively and interesting time when Mr. L. Evans showed slides taken on his recent trip to Queensland. High light of the evening was the presentation of Victorian Association of Photographic Societies certificates to Mr. H. McConnell, first in color slides in the 1953 Annual Competitions and to Mrs. B. Strang First (Equal) this year. In making the presentation, Vice-President L. Evans said he was pleased to see two workers who had done so much for the club being acclaimed further afield. The syllabus item a portfolio of prints and slides from the recent Victorian Association of Photographic Societies competitions, was viewed and analyzed. An exchange folio was also arranged to forward to Healesville. Competition results were: Set Subject "Against the Light and Interior" N.V. Salt; "Open" L. Evans (“The Sundowner”).

SEPTEMBER 2017 NEWSBRIEF VICTORIAN ASSOCIATION OF PHOTOGRAPHIC SOCIETIES

The original Ballarat Camera Club was formed c.1893. The early records are essentially lost but it seems that the early club had an interest in astronomical photography. Lantern slides for astronomical photography were used back in those days.

The club survived in the early days to become a member of the Victorian Photographic Affiliation but was not a founding member. The club was still quite active in 1908, as reported by the Australian Photographic Journal. The club ceased to exist in c.1918.

After a hiatus of about 20 years, the club reformed in early 1938. The club met monthly from 1938 to the mid-1940s, but, due to a shortage of materials because of WW2, it went into recess until 1947. After the war, a public meeting was held at the Ballarat YMCA. The club was reformed again, with the name Ballarat Photographic Society, but this soon reverted to the Ballarat Camera Club and by 1949 there were 22 members.

In 1952, color slides were introduced into club competitions. Victorian Association of Photographic Societies was formed in this year also, and two members of the Ballarat Camera Club were elected to the Victorian Association of Photographic Societies committee, these being Harry McConnell and Herb Richmond. In March 1953, the club held the very successful Ballarat Begonia Festival Photographic Exhibition. Many had never seen a photographic exhibition before.

In March 1960, the club formed a movie group. In 1968, the club held the first of its national print only exhibitions, known then as the “Ballarat National Photographic Exhibition”. This competition is still going and is now quite famous in the photographic community.

Over the years, the club has had many moves. Through participating in monthly digital club meetings, judging nights, workshops and outings, members can learn new skills and understandings, such as how to operate their camera, understand light, process images on the computer, and so on.

References - “FILM TO DIGITAL”, Paul Robinson

MAY 2020 NEWSBRIEF VICTORIAN ASSOCIATION OF PHOTOGRAPHIC SOCIETIES

VALE - ENID DANIELL
It is with great sadness that we record the passing of Enid Daniell. Enid was the wife of Kerry, long-standing member of the Ballarat Camera Club and a great contributor to the Victorian Association of Photographic Societies over the years.

The Daniell's lived in Golden Point, Ballarat, for many years. Kerry was treasurer for the VAPS convention and Enid his loyal assistant. Here Enid was assistant treasurer from the 1995 Convention at Warrnambool to the Convention at Ballarat in 2003. After that, she and Kerry handled registrations at the Convention from 2004 (in Ballarat) to the Convention (at Clunes) in 2007. I well remember reporting to the registration desk at a Convention to be greeted by the warm Enid.

Also I remember many Victorian Association of Photographic Societies committee meetings being held at their house in Golden Point. We always enjoyed the hospitality (and the smorgasbord meal). Enid was certainly a great contributor over many years to the photographic movement in Victoria.

Enid was a warm and friendly person who, unfortunately, did not enjoy such good health in her later years. She will be sorely missed.

Alan Wilson