Photographic Exhibitions of Australia     



PHOTOGRAPHIC SOCIETY of NEW SOUTH WALES



The following link are scans from Lantern Slides which show some aspects of the life of the Photographic Society of New South Wales.

Photographic Society NSW - Lantern Slides




The AMATEUR PHOTOGRAPHER and PHOTOGRAPHIC NEWS
published in London

Colonial Photographic competition




Monday 20th October 1941 The Sydney Morning Herald (Sydney NSW)

     




Tuesday 21st October 1941 The Sydney Morning Herald (Sydney NSW)

HIGH-QUALITY PHOTOGRAPHS

1941 EXHIBTION

There are almost 400 exhibits in the 1941 exhibition of photography conducted by the Photographic Society of New South Wales and opened by the Minister for Education, Mr Clive Evatt, Farmer's yesterday.

The general standard is surprisingly high and the works gathered from almost every State, make up an exceedingly varied and interesting show.

Besides exhibiting works by its own members, the society is showing a number of specially invited prints by leading photographers and a group from the F.C. Tilney collection, which includes photographs taken almost 50 years ago.

Among the most outstanding exhibitors are Max Dupain, Dr. Julian Smith, John L. Wray, Charles Walton, Paul Horne and John Berney.


Friday 31st August 1945 The Sydney Morning Herald (Sydney NSW)

WOLLONGONG CAMERA CLUB

Last Saturday night two members of Photographic Society of New South Wales, Messrs H.M. Jones and M.J. Metcalfe, were guest speakers at a meeting of the Wollongong Camera Club.They exhibited some examples of the last generation's work. Discussion on this work and local members' prints followed.




Tuesday 12th March 1946 The Mercury (Hobart TAS)

Of outstanding interest is the exhibition of photographs, known as the NSW Loan Collection, showing in the windows of FitzGerald's department store. The exhibition consists of 82 landscape, seascape, portrait and nature studies by members of the Southern Tasmanian Camera Club and the Photographic Society of New South Wales. Many have won coveted international and interstate awards.

The exhibition will be shown at the rooms of the Southern Tasmanian Camera Club on March 19, and later will be sent to Launceston. Kodak (Aust.) Pty. Ltd. have control of the exhibition.







Saturday 26th January 1949 The Australian Women's Weekly

In a recent issue, we invited readers to submit color transparencies with a view to their publication in this paper.

We have selected three glorious Australian landscapes. They will appear in The Australian Women's Weekly issue of April 23. One is a cover and the others will each be half-page size.

Another selection will be announced next week.



MR JOHN L WRAY, of Beecroft, New South Wales, has made photography his lifelong hobby.
His color pictures are the first selected for publication from transparencies sent in by readers.


First pictures chosen for publication are the work of Mr John L. Wray, of Beecroft, New South Wales, who is an Associate of the Royal Photographic Society of Great Britain and has held office at various times in the Photographic Society of New South Wales.

Although Mr Wray has a lifetime of photographic experience behind him he is a comparative newcomer to the color field. He began taking color pictures only three years ago.

Every picture he submitted to us was rated first-class quality technically by our rotogravure experts.

Photography may be Mr Wray's great delight, but to his wife it means that once a year she has to forgo all claim to her laundry while her husband turns it into a dark room and has a three weeks developing and printing spree.

He saves all his black-and-white film for the year until this period, and then he finishes about eight or nine pictures a night. A friend processes his color film.

He plans his photography carefully, arranging months ahead for at least two tours a year through the country by car. He decides what type of picture he wants, then goes where he can get it.

One trip in search of autumn colors took him through the Southern Highlands and another time, hearing there had been heavy rains up north, he went through the Armidale district and Northern Tablelands in search of vivid greens.

He has six cameras – 5 x 4 Graflex, a half-plate Thornton Pickard with tripod for field work, a Gurtz triple extension, a Leica, a Rolleiflex and a Zeiss Ikon.

Each one is equipped with a large variety of focal-length lenses for different purposes.

This expensive gear is a great contrast to the first camera Mr Wray used.

He was only eight years old when a neighbor at Beecroft came home with a camera called "The Little Marvel." He had bought it at a second-hand shop in Harris Street. Sydney, for sixpence, complete with printing frame, developing plates, papers, hypo and developer.

Eight-year-old John and his friend worked "The Little Marvel" overtime, until the paper ran out. Then the friend came home with a slightly bigger camera, which cost ninepence.

"Pictures taken on those little cameras have not deteriorated," said Mr Wray, "although that is more than 40 years ago".

John Wray never lost his enthusiasm. Through all his school years photography was his great hobby. Then a friend of his father's, Mr E.A. Bradford, world-famous photographer, took John in hand and showed him the whole photographic technique.

He joined the Photographic Society of New South Wales, held various offices and won the Society's bronze and silver medals.

Mr Wray took advantage of lectures given by the best artists to members of the Photographic Society of New South Wales on composition and balance of color.

Mr Wray has become an unofficial overseas publicity officer for Australia, as he has exhibited photographs in many countries, including England, America, South Africa, India, Hong Kong and Spain.

"Although I have done mostly landscape I have crazes for other subjects," said Mr Wray. "For instance, I went mad about animal pictures. About ten years ago I got a special permit to go into the animal cages at Taronga Park Zoo. I had a few narrow squeaks, too, with the black panthers, but I got my pictures.

"Then historic homes aroused my interest and I did a very complete series of them. When the Historical Society of New South Wales held a photographic competition I won some awards and got a great kick out of it".

Mr Wray has a full-time job as a commercial traveler and any of his free time that he can spare from photography he spends gardening.



        1951 - 1952

        APR Recognition medal award  presented to the Photographic Society of New South Wales.

                                                               

        In recognition of its fine history of photographic progress over a period exceeding fifty years.
        The presentation was by the Australian Photo-Review magazine's Editor Mr Keast Burke.



Sunday 21st January 1951 The Sunday Herald (Sydney NSW)

PHOTOGRAPHY IS THEIR HOBBY

There are not many women who take up photography as a hobby-and stick to it. "Women like taking the pictures but they don't like puddling around with chemicals for developing and printing" is the reason given by the secretary of the Photographic Society of New South Wales, Mr H.N. Jones.

Of 200 members of the Photographic Society of New South Wales only 30 are women.

The comparatively few women, however, who have had ambitions beyond the taking of "snaps" with a box camera for the family album, have proved their capabilities and versatility as keen amateur photographers.

Some have shown that they definitely do not mind "puddling about" with photographic gear. One Sydney amateur has adapted her own camera to take color film, another built her own enlarger with scrap materials.

AWARDED MEDAL

Mrs Mavis Wheatstone, of North Manly, was recently awarded the Kodak Recognition Medal for excellence in black and white photography in 1947-48, in competition with photographers from all parts of the world.

A mother with two grown up sons, Mrs Wheatstone took up photography only five years ago.

I have always been keen on painting, and used to color photographs," she said. "Soon, I found that I wasn't happy coloring other people's photos. So I started taking them myself. And that meant I had to develop and print them to get the complete job."

Two other keen amateurs are Miss Dulcie Nichols, of Ryde and Miss Moya Simpson, of Homebush.

"Landscapes they're wonderful," said Miss Nichols, a laboratory worker. "Photography gets me out of doors at every opportunity."

FRIENDS AS MODELS

Miss Simpson prefers still life, portraits and table-top photography. She thinks people's faces are wonderful.

"I have photographed all my friends and I'm always on the lookout for an interesting face. Sometimes I have accosted complete strangers, but they don't often co-operate. And believe me," she added, "I've lost a lot of friends by asking them to pose."

Miss Simpson began with a cheap folding camera. With an amazing knowledge of camera mechanics, she has also managed to adapt her own camera to take 35mm color film.

WINDOW DISPLAY

Photography has been the hobby of Miss Rosalind Badgery, of Mittagong, for 10 years. Miss Badgery finds plenty of scope for landscape work and animal subjects on her family's property. Her skill has been recognized by a leading Sydney photographic firm, which will shortly feature a window display of her work.

Lack of the necessary capital to buy an expensive enlarger did not stop Miss Betty Smythe, of Artarmon, from following the photographic craft.

She built her own enlarger, using "a bit of piping and tin cans" and purchasing a lens.



February 1953 AP-R Magazine

An interesting night on 13th January resulted from the innovation introduced when members in the Beginners Grade each gave a negative (plus enlargement from it) to the Secretary, who allotted a negative to each Advanced worker who then made his enlargement; later the two were put up together and a discussion followed.

The judge for the Open competition on 20th January was Mr A.R. Eade and the results were: Advanced - 1st Mrs Wheatstone; 2nd and 3rd J. Phillips. Intermediate - 1st L. Thompson; 2nd C. Clarke; 3rd J. Dudgeon. Beginners - 1st Mrs Bagnall; 2nd Mrs R. Johnson; 3rd Miss Winifred Schmidt.

A most enjoyable camp was held at Avoca on the long weekend, 24th to 26th January. The judge for the color competition on 27th January was Mr Woodward-Smith and it was really a pleasure to view one of the finest selections of transparencies we had yet seen. It is very good to know that there is a definite and continual upgrading of ideas and quality of color. Placings were: 1st Wal Dye; 2nd Mrs R. Johnson; 3rd A.R. Eade and T.Dawson (equal).

on 3rd February Dr A.E.F. Chaffer APSA, gave the last of his "Talks on Composition", thus concluding a series from which members have gained a great deal.

A very comprehensive and complete syllabus has been drawn up for the next six months, with special thought given to subjects which will prove most helpful to beginners. Visitors and intending members are always welcome to the meetings which are held in the Methodist Church Hall, corner of William and Forbes Streets, Sydney, every Tuesday at 8pm.



April 1953 AP-R Magazine

Placings for the competition on 17th March were: Advanced: 1st A.R. Eade; 2nd and 3rd J.L. Phillips. Intermediate: 1st L. Thompson; 2nd J. Dudgeon; 3rd C. Clarke. Beginners: 1st and 2nd J. Jude; 3rd Mrs Bagnall, Mrs Johnson and P.Callow (equal).

On 24th March Dr A.E.F. Chaffer APSA gave a talk on "Negative Processing", "Exposure and Use of Meters and Filters" was the subject of a lecture given by Mr H. Tolhurst on 31st March. These lecturers are the first of a series specially for the beginners, but also as a reminder to more advanced members of the good practices and principles involve in the making of a picture.

The weekend camp held at Jamberoo at the Easter weekend was a great success; the weather was kind and some good pictures should be shown.



July 1953 AP-R Magazine

On 12th May Dr A.E.F. Chaffer APSA, gave a demonstration on "Enlarging". The competition on 19th May was judged by Mr Henri Mallard and the results were: Advanced: 1st G. Curry; 2nd Mrs Leggett; 3rd J.L. Phillips. Intermediate: 1st L.G. Thompson; 2nd T. Millar; 3rd C.H. Clarke. Beginners: 1st Mrs Bagnall; 2nd J. Jude; 3rd Miss Winifred Schmidt. Technical: 1st Miss Winifred Schmidt; 2nd Mrs I. Bagnall; 3rd Mrs Johnson.

The monthly outing on 2nd June was held on the harbour and some good pictures should come to light. On 9th June the club was shown an excellent collection of color slides by Mr C. Walton. The competitions for the year ended on 19 May and the the winners of the various grades were: Advance: 1st J.L. Phillips; 2nd A.R. Eade; 3rd G. Curry. Intermediate: 1st L.G. Thompson; 2nd C.H. Clarke; 3rd J. Dudgeon. Beginners: 1st Mrs I. Bagnall; 2nd J.Jude; 3rd Mrs Johnson. Technical: 1st Mrs I. Bagnall; 2nd J.Jude; 3rd R.H. McDonald.



August 1953 AP-R Magazine

On 14th July, Dr A.E.F. Chaffer APSA gave a talk on "Portrait Lighting" and ably demonstrated that it is not necessary to spend a fortune on equipment, as good portraits can be made with one light.

On 21st July was the night of the Still Life competition, the judge being Mr J. Phillips. The results were: Advanced: 1st C.H. Clarke. Intermediate: 1st N. Youngman; 2nd Mrs I. Bagnall. Beginners: 1st R. Creaser; 2nd J.P. Dowling; 3rd K. Nelson. Technical (for beginners): 1st J.P. Dowling.

The results of the Night Outing to Hyde Park on 23rd July will be shown on 22nd September.

For the Interclub Color competition on 29th September the Camera Club of Sydney will be our guests. Visitors will also be welcome at this meeting and everyone is assured a first class evening.



January 1954 AP-R Magazine

The highlight of a very successful Christmas Social Evening on the 15th December was a presentation to Mr H.N. Jones ARPS, in recognition and appreciation of his many years of service to the Society.

The prints from the Special Studio Outing in November will be judged on 16th February by Dr A.E.F. Chaffer APSA. This competition is separate from the point score and a special prize will be competed for.

As color transparency evenings are becoming increasingly popular, there will be a good roll up on 23rd February at 8pm for the Society's competition and members and visitors are advised to be early.


Tuesday 20th July 1954 The Canberra Times

Members of the Canberra Photographic Society have heavy commitments for prints and slide collections over the next few weeks. One group of about 30 slides, is at present making a tour of the main camera clubs of Tasmania, while a portfolio of 12 prints has been forwarded for five International exhibitions in India and Ceylon.

During the first week of August, the Canberra Photographic Society will send a representative collection of prints and color slides for exhibition by the Photographic Society of New South Wales. This is a first step in an effort by the Photographic Society of New South Wales to demonstrate the work of country photographic groups to the city clubs.

Other Canberra work will be on display at the Photographic Industries Fair at the Sydney Town Hall from August 12 to 14.

The society will also arrange a small display at the YMCA Hobbies and Handicrafts Exhibition next month, in the Albert Hall.


Wednesday 18th April 1956 The Australian Women's Weekly

SMILE FOR THE LADIES PLEASE

Women are holding their own in the first international exhibition of photography to be held in the Southern Hemisphere.

The exhibition opens in the Melbourne Town Hall on April 9 and continues until April 18.

About one-seventh of the 500 exhibits chosen from the 2500 entries are by women.

Color photography is the field in which women seem to shine. Mr Allen Gray, one of the exhibition judges, suggests that possibly this is because there is no printing to be done.

For the first time in Australia the public will be able to see a selection of the world's best color slides.

One of the women exhibiting in the color section is Helen Manzer, of U.S.A., who is listed in the Photographic Society of America, Who's Who in Color Photography as one of the world's most successful color slide exhibitors.

She had more than 90 slides accepted at the top international shows in the past year.

International photographic exhibitions take place in most of the major cities in the world as an annual event. The Melbourne Camera Club chose the Olympic year to inaugurate Melbourne's full scale international exhibition.

The most successful country exhibiting is Hong Kong.



Wednesday 24th January 1979 The Australian Women's Weekly

WOMEN: A COMPOSITE PORTRAIT IS PLANNED

If every picture tells a story, a national photographic competition on what Australia's women are really like should produce some lively examples.

The NSW Women's Advisory Council to the Premier has launched it to uncover a truer national collective portrait.

The competition will be called "Women — Changing Images." It is open to women and men and entries close on February 23.

Said Gail Midgley, one of the organizers: "We hope the entries will broaden the ideas of women's vitality, achievements, experiences and expressions."

At the council headquarters Carmel Niland, head of the Women's Co-ordination Unit, said the usual portrayals of women leaned heavily on limited stereotypes: the madonna, the temptress, the pristine girl-woman and the rest. Yet in the last 10 years women had gone through a remarkable role change.

Judges will be Dr Eva Mandel, freelance lecturer in photography; Winifred Schmidt, President of the Photographic Society of New South Wales; Sandra Spargo; Kaye Loder, chairperson of the NSW Women's Advisory Council and Keith Barlow, Women's Weekly photographic manager. Entry forms are at the NSW Women's Advisory Council, 233 Macquarie Street, Sydney 2000.

Article written by - ROSEMARY MUNDAY
The image below is a portrait of CARMEL NILAND