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The Southern Photographic Federation serves Hampshire and the Isle of Wight and neighbouring parts of Sussex, Surrey. Berkshire, Wiltshire, Dorset, The Channel Islands of Guernsey and Jersey and Gibraltar.
The Federation is a Member of the Photographic Alliance of Great Britain
The Federation is Affilated to the FIAP


President's Piece

Longer evening light, warmer weather, all makes us believe that we can take better pictures?????
I recently visited Thailand, an amazing country with wonderful people, but they’re at a constant 36c, it was hardly the temperature for action photography!!!! more like still life!!! .... What has been happening since the last newsletter?

The Slide Championship held in the North of the region was held at NEWDIGs meeting place, successfully run and I hope we can continue to get support for the next few years.
The Federations new Chamionship came in the form of Digital Images - this was jointly hosted by Newbury and NEWDIG Camera Clubs, at Newbury’s home, a very comfortable one it is to, complete with bar and good seating, plenty of car parking as well. Some 360 images were displayed for the judges approval or otherwise. Colin Harrison, Betty Billingham and the PAGB President Rod Wheelans, were our eminent judges, and they, like everyone present, thoroughly enjoyed the competition. One club in my mind was the winner, and that was Fareham & Portchester CC, they submitted 20 images from 20 members, knew they wouldn’t win, but they wanted to enter. Eight of their members made the 1hr 20min journey to Newbury, and at half time they were bottom in the marking zone and by the end of the day they had hung on grimly to their position and went home smiling, with the thoughtb they had had a great time, and it was all worth the trouble. - now this brings another problem, where were the other Clubs who meet in the north?? It was at their request that we arranged for the 2 Championships to take place and not to have to make a 1.5 hour journey - perhaps we should go back to our old haunt at Romsey in future. I would love to hear your thoughts on that!

Most Clubs close for the summer recess, is your club arranging a Summer programme? This is the time to socialise and get out and about with your own club on those evening strolls, perhaps a boat trip to the Isle of Wight, something that my own Club of Highcliffe and Infinity are doing. How about a day trip to Guernsey, £20 return for a day - can’t be bad. If you don’t live near the sea then how about a Steam Train happening? It only needs someone with an idea and some peruasion to organise a successful photo day. And if you cannot afford the trip to Afirca to go on safari, then Marwell is an option perhaps???

More seriously, the Southern Federation is hosting the PAGB annual Slide Competition this year and to make it a special one, we are looking for your best slides. As I am the organising Officer for this prestigious event, your help in the form of that super slide can be sent to me for assessment, not forgetting that the accepted images will travel around the Federations. The slides will of course be copied so you will get back your own work shortly after the judging in October.

This brings me to the end of my first year in office as President, an enjoyable and sometimes stressful time, visiting lots of Clubs and met lots of new faces and if I am re-elected then I will carry out my next year in office with more knowledge behind me and the hope thatb there will be a great Council backing me.- and my final words must be - Please can you look for new persons to sit on the Council, it’s fun and offers good experience in the running of Clubs.

Ian Bigg - President
Southern Photographic Federation


Happy Birthday - John

John Mansell, an SPF past President in 1988, then a member of Southampton Telephone CC and now a member of Highcliffe & Infinity CC, celebrated his 90th birthday in April of this year. John is a stalwart member of H & I and turns out every week to our meetings, kindly brought in by Martin our worthy treasurer. John takes a declared interest and recently took part in a members slide evening when he showed a selection of his work to the delight of the club.
We were all treated to a slice of his birthday cake, made and presented to him by his daughter at a recent meeting.

Well done John and may we enjoy many more years of your company and membership at Highcliffe and Infinity CC.

Ian Bigg
Chairman


Editors Notes

Here we are again at almost the midpoint of the year, having weathered all of the rain, snow and hail that the winter months have thrown at us. Ready now to do battle with the weather that is about to descend upon us - rain, snow and hail! No, hopefully we shall have another good summer enabling some great opportunities for some great shots.

Not to say that there were not some wonderful images obtained throughout the winter months, but the warmer weather does sort of encourage you out of the house to take some photographs.

During recent weeks I have had the opportunity to see and evaluate an image viewing and scoring programme that has been produced by a member of Horndean Camera Club. It is an update to a system that he has provided to clubs for many years, yet it would seem not to many know of the adjustments that have been made.

I was very impressed with the fact that it was reasonably easy to install (especially if you read the instructions). Having installed the main programme there are a couple of add-ons to be installed, then you are off.
One part of the programme allows you to load the images for display and scoring and will resize them accordingly.
The only downfall at this stage is the fact that each image has to be loaded individually, though I understand why, It is so that you can put the neccesary information - author, title, section etc. with each image. After this it works fine.
One small problem I found was that some of the text used was of a colour that didn’t work well with the background colour of the box (I am colour-blind, which is an area not many people consider), though Maurice is now aware of this.

Having entered the images, authors, title and section it was then time to view the images and score them. I made the mistake of entering a batch of images and having some as Novice and some as Advanced workers but scoring them all together, whereas in fact, they would have been imported and organised as different section from the start.
Though the report that was produced listed the images and scores in the relevant category, which in itself is not a problem, just showing that the programme would also be suitable for Exhibitions where all standards would compete with each other.

This seems to be a system to consider if you are going along the Digital Competition road at a really competitive price


Exhibition

“face2face”

Chris Hutchinson of Yateley Camera Club has agreed with Guildford House Gallery, 155 High Street, Guildford, to stage an exhibition this summer of a small number of his photographs of the human face. “I am not sure that these should be called “portraits” since they include images of man-made faces, faces found in nature and those of people who have not so much painted their faces, as transformed them”.
The exhibition will run from 7th August to 1st September and will be entitled “face2face”.

At the same time the gallery will hold an exhibition by Telemach Weisinger, a photographer from Guildford’s twin town of Freiburg in Germany.

Details of the exhibition can be found on Guildford House Gallery’s web site:
www.guildford.gov.uk/GuildfordWeb/Leisure/GuildfordHouse/Exhibitions/FacetoFace.htm


Southern Photographic Federation
Annual Exhibition 2008
Salisbury Library

Most Clubs are looking towards the closing of the 2007 season. Do not forget we need your entries for the Exhibition 2008.
Your entry form must be in by 31st August 2007, to George Walsh (Address in Handbook) if you wish to take part in the Salisbury Exhibition in January 2008.
We cannot accept your entry form after this date.
Entries can be handed in at the November Representatives meeting in time for the judging.

EXHIBITION RULES – THE RECENT RE-WRITE

A re-write of the Annual Exhibition Rules was presented to Council on 1st. February and was accepted.
The format used was made as closely compatible with the rules for other SPF competitions as possible.
Issues raised in the re-write were:
The aim of the Exhibition is to reflect the range of work by members. The growing preference for thematic panels had begun to work against this.
Set numbers, e.g. of prints or slides required OR the number of prints or slides submitted by any member, are not stated in the rules but may be varied from year to year by Council.
A member may represent more than one club but must use different work.
Any one image may only be used once either as a print or slide, & by only one club.
We are asking for more specific details on prints, and for these to be put in the top right-hand corner (Author’s Name, Club Name, Title, Entry No.).
The major difference is that prints will be marked in a random order and club totals used to find top club(s). Any tie will be settled by judging the entries as panels, for aesthetic qualities.
Finally, we are asking that all club entries are presented in a stout box to ensure safety of the prints at all stages.
Clubs are also recommended to read the minutes of the Representatives’ Meeting held on 12th. February ’07. There may also be future developments on club representation.

D. Kessel Feb. ‘07


Viewfinders of Romsey Camera Club

ANNUAL EXHIBITION 2007

The Club will be holding its annual exhibition in Stockbridge Town Hall, over the weekend of Saturday 1st September (9am – 5pm} and Sunday 2nd September (10am – 4pm). It is held in the large room upstairs so that as many members as possible can exhibit their work and show what one of the smaller clubs in the Southern Federation can produce!

There will be panels of the best work produced by members of the Club, some of whom will be on hand to talk to those who visit the exhibition. Many of the prints will be on sale and visitors to the exhibition are the judges - they are asked to vote for their favourite print!

Stockbridge is a pleasant place to visit and entry to the exhibition is free. We hope that members from other clubs will take the time to come along.


Southern Photographic Federation

PRINT BOXES

Standard Model – 21” x 17” x 1 5/8ths”.
Rolled top edges, black plastic corners, two straps.

PRICE - £14-75

Orders in writing and with cheques payable to J. PEARSON
to
Mrs. Jennie Pearson, 6 Inhams Road, Holybourne, ALTON, Hants. GU34 4EU.

The next order date has not been arranged yet. This will probably be sometime in September 2007 for delivery to the November representatives meeting

Boxes to be collected at the SPF Quarterly Meeting directly following the order before date.
Details of other sizes and costs:
21” x 17” x 2” £16-25
21” x 17” x 2.5” £16-50
21” x 17” x 3” £16-75
21” x 17” x 3.5” £17-25
21” x 17” x 4” £17-50
21” x 17” x 5” £18-00
21” x 17” x 6” £18-25

Jennie Pearson. Alton Camera Club. Tel:- 01420 88743

 

A humour break

Doctor, doctor, I’ve just swallowed the film from my camera. Well, let’s hope nothing develops.

What do you think of this photograph of me?
It makes you look older, frankly.
Oh, well, it’ll save the cost of having another one taken later on.


A photographer from a well known national magazine was assigned to cover the fires at Yellowstone National Park. The magazine wanted to show some of the heroic work of the fire fighters as they battled the blaze.
When the photographer arrived, he realized that the smoke was so thick that it would seriously impede or make it impossible for him to photograph anything from ground level. He requested permission to rent a plane and take photos from the air. His request was approved and arrangements were made. He was told to report to a nearby airport where a plane would be waiting for him.
He arrived at the airport and saw a plane warming up near the gate.
He jumped in with his bag and shouted, “Let’s go!’’ The pilot swung the little plane into the wind, and within minutes they were in the air.
The photographer said, “Fly over the park and make two or three low passes so I can take some pictures.”
“Why?” asked the pilot. “Because I am a photographer,” he responded,“and photographers take photographs.”
The pilot was silent for a moment; finally he stammered, “You mean you’re not the flight instructor?”

 


IS YOUR CLUB UP TO SPEED?
www.southphotographicfed.org.uk

Clubs have gone through the experience of old technology film being replaced by the modern technology of digital, but how many are honestly up to speed on use of e-mails and of web sites?
I ask the question because the SPF Secretary is receiving complaints about issues which can only be explained by the fact that no-one in some clubs seems able to use the SPF web site or e-mail. And, of course, these complaints are made by phone or by post!

So, here are some points for clubs to consider. Most forms that clubs claim not to have received, either by post or via their own representative, are bound to be available on line via the SPF web site. Some of these are essential, for example the Public Liability Insurance form OR changes to the 2008 Exhibition rules. Fail to meet the deadline, and your club is not insured until it has been processed; ignorance of the new Exhibition rules will be no excuse. Why rely on the old technology of letters?
Communication has always been a problem, especially when club representatives fail to attend the Representatives’ meetings, or decide what to pass on and what to “lose”!

You now have three means of finding out what you should be kept up-to-date with.
These are:
- hard copy delivered via your representative, in addition to regular verbal feed-back to those most affected;
- e-mails sent to the address YOU have supplied for the yearly Handbook;
- the SPF web site where most information may be located.
The weakest element in any system is the human one! Fail to supply the correct and up-to-date e-mail information, and your messages disappear into cyber space.

Who is to blame?

Please ensure that all information is correct and up-date, and that details passed to both the Handbook Secretary AND SPF Council Secretary as soon as possible after any changes. Check – who should be responsible for doing this? Remember – the Handbook is probably out-of-date before it is even printed, regardless of any false information handed in by clubs!
In addition to the SPF Calendar, the SPF webmaster is adding another schedule detailing jobs to be done by clubs, and the deadlines to be met. SPF Council suggests that all clubs should have some one who is IT literate, who will ensure that ALL e-mails sent to your club are opened and passed to the relevant person, but who will also be able frequently to visit the SPF web site to ensure that no important information is missed.

Then, we feel confident, you can feel assured that YOUR CLUB IS UP TO SPEED.

REMEMBER - www.southphotographicfed.org.uk

David Kessel Feb. ‘07


NEWDIG

Due to a lack in communication we found ourselves in a competition that was very new to us. This was Digital Audio Visual Sequences of a maximum of 5 minutes duration. With 4 Sequences each (different Authors) from the 3 Clubs. Seeing we only had a months notice as to the format and nobody had ever done anything like this before it was a very sharp learning curve. We accepted due to learning that this is the way many of the cross regional friendly competitions that we are involved in are going.

Armed with our 4 Disks and a posse of members who were interested to see what the opposition had to offer. Marlow Camera club, the hosts had hired a larger venue due to them expecting, and getting a very large audience. So much is the interest it was a full house infact more than attended the recent D.P.C. at Newbury, and only 3 clubs not 18.

The Judge was Mr Ian Bateman FRPS etc, etc. who turns out to be one of the top producers of DAVS winning many awards Internationally and British. The scoring was out of 20 with 10 being given for the Photographic Content and the other for the Sound Track and its Synchronisation and Suitability to the subject. The Judge used the sequences more as a Lecture and was very informative and I must say very constructive. It was agreed by all that it was one of the best judging experiences we have ever attended. It is needless to say that we came a very distant 3rd. Our 2nd venture was for sequences of 3 min and again 4 entries from this time 4 clubs. It was to be a 3 Way but due to our popularity and inexperience we were invited. We did have a little more time to prepare plus we were more aware as to what was required. The judge once again used the same method to award marks, although his comments were not so in depth as previously, more due to the time available, but all the same very constructive. Yes we came last but it was a very close call.
Due to members getting the bug I have had to amend our 2007/8 programme to include this format, plus a hosting. We will have to invite clubs from outside our Federation, as I am sure that none have yet gone along this road.
Whilst at both of these hostings we have found out that there are 8 Digital Audio Visual Groups within easy travelling distance none of which are allied to any Federation/Region, I wonder why?.

Ernie Fullbrook. BEM, APAGB

 


PicShowE - a locally developed PC program for use with digital images

Maurice Hammon, a member of the Horndean Camera Club, developed a PC program (PicShow) some time ago to help manage a competitive slideshow using a digital projector. This is being used by a number of clubs, including his own, and has proved very successful. Now a new version is available – called PicShowE – that extends the programs facilities and is designed to meet the needs of the newer digital projectors now being supplied offering, for example, SXGA (1280x1024) as well as XGA (0124x768); in addition the restrictive Jpg-only has been removed. The accompanying program PicShowRE is also upgraded – this is given to club members to help them construct image files compatible with the digital projector.

Principle points are:
♣ As well as SXGA and XGA, inbuilt flexibility assists in managing non-standard pixel resolutions.
♣ Correctly formatted files are automatically verified and loaded into a database so repeat use together with the ability to select sub-sets of the data so competitions between different groups – either experience level, or a competing club – can be easily managed. Information about image files that are rejected is shown so an opportunity to undertake corrections is provided.
♣ On-screen controls are hidden when not needed, or called up when they are needed, so both display management and image appraisal can go-exist.
♣ Scores may be entered visibly via a temporary input box or by the numerical keyboard “silently”. Certificates of merit are issued with a single key and, for those wishing it, while in “silent” mode, a small display showing the awarded score can be briefly shown together with certificate data.
♣ Submitted images can be displayed in random order and automatically displayed to allow a first-glance opportunity. Judges who wish to “see again” can be catered for and the put-aside images automatically retrieved later for the issue of points.
♣ Images can by supplied to the display program in varying formats such as Png, Tiff, etc. as well as the popular Jpg.
♣ At the end of a judging session, on-screen reports can be provided together with output of a comma-delimited file for input to programs like Excel, where they can be formatted in a variety of ways and so provide input to newsletters etc.
♣ Image titles and author names can be displayed or hidden freely with the option of coping with longer than normal titles that may be needed in some circumstances.
♣ User-editable control files are enabled so each club is able to set-up some of the variable features to suit their own needs.
♣ Display management can be undertaken by using single keyboard controls so, once familiar with the command keys, a smooth and interference free session can be managed.
♣ PicShowRE, a user-friendly support program is provided to assist users construct a correctly formatted file for input to PicShowE. The sizing to a precise pixel resolution is managed with minimum damage using well establish algorithms, handling input and output in various popular formats including the provision to rotate the image where necessary.

Interested? Contact for more information.


THE SOUTHERN PHOTOGRAPHIC FEDERATION

PHOTOGRAPHY & THE LAW

A number of concerns were brought to the attention of SPF Council in 2006 about how present laws, and also concerns over the public issue of paedophilia and photography, affected the public’s freedom to take photographs. Council considered the hearsay accounts offered and it was decided to seek advice from Hampshire Constabulary, plus clarification from NSPCC on its support of the establishment of Child Protection Officers for sports teams. As Publicity Secretary, I, David Kessel undertook the task.

NSPCC’s reply stated that “It is not illegal to take images of children in this manner” (i.e. CPSU guidelines). It also added that “it is important to keep a sense of perspective of the risks at this type of event”.

Inspector Kevin Baxman was appointed to liaise with SPF Council. He kindly gave up his time to come to a meeting and discuss the whole issue, and then prepared the following joint report.

We thank Inspector Baxman and Hampshire Constabulary for their kindness, help and guidance. We feel sure that the following document may be of value more widely than just to SPF members.

A Joint Report on Discussions with Hampshire Constabulary

ISSUES DISCUSSED

1. The Law & A Photographer’s Rights in a Public Place
Basically, the Law recognises a photographer’s right to take photos in a public place, including, if children may be in the background i.e. when photographing events such as public carnivals. If the photo contravenes the Sex Offences Act, the case is clear, but for the ordinary amateur photographer, the issue is more likely to rest on a parent, CPO (Child Protection Officer) or any other person feeling upset or taking exception, leading to confrontation. At this point, it could lead to a criminal Offence under the Public Order Act (See also point 4 below).

2. Points to Guard Against When Photographing in a Public Place
Whilst theoretically there is no problem in taking photographs, if asked to stop by someone who appears upset, the best advice is to do so. However, no one without authority has the right to take the camera or demand deletion of pictures. (See Police Authority below).

3. Child Protection Officers & Photographers – their rights & ours in a public environment
CPOs do not have authority but act as part of the CHILD PROTECTION IN SPORT UNIT, whose aims are, justifiably and commendably, to protect children. In all such cases where the event is organised, best advice is to liaise, preferably before-hand, and be overt in seeking recognition & permission to take photographs. Where the event is held on Private Grounds, the only route is by seeking permission.

4. Seeking/Gaining Permission to Take a Photo including children
Best advice is to err on the side of caution & either seek permission, e.g. of nearby parent/adult/organisers (see 3 above) or to explain, calmly, what you are doing, offer to show your work if using a digital camera, & possibly offer a print. It is best to avoid confrontation with anyone feeling they are suffering harassment, alarm or distress which could lead, as stated above, to a more serious Civil Offence under the Public Order Act.

5. How To Deal With Aggressive Opposition
By all means be aware of your right to take a photograph in a public place, but it is advisable to recognise the delicacy of the situation in today’s society, and seek to calm fears (see above) or even, in an extreme situation, be the person to summon a police presence.

6. How To Act If Arrested
Stay polite, firm & calm. The Police have a duty to confirm that a photographer is acting legally, but should be able to confirm this easily on a digital camera. It may help to have an informal ID card (See item below) establishing your CV/ID as a genuine amateur photographer, but also safeguard evidence of photos taken etc. Under normal circumstances, the home computer should not be inspected as part of an investigation, but the police do have a right to seize anything that may be evidence of an offence. Your Human and Civil Rights will be recognised.

7. Calming fears of The Public, Parents etc in a Public Place
Best advice is to do so, right from the outset or as early as possible. The general advice above gives emphasis to:- seeking permission, giving reassurance, seeking co-operation rather than conflict, and showing a willingness to recognise people’s fears.

ID Card
Any form of unofficial ID has no legal validity, but could help to persuade any person questioning your intentions that you are (as appropriate):-
A member of one or more recognised camera clubs;
A member of a club affiliated to The Photographic Alliance of Great Britain;
A member of The Royal Photographic Society;
A photographer with recognised skills e.g. LRPS or CPAGB;
A committee member e.g. club;
A council member e.g. Southern Federation, RPS, PAGB or a sub group.

It may have a small ID photo;
Also text asking that you be recognised as a genuine amateur photographer and be given assistance as may be legitimately requested.

IN CONCLUSION
The above document is the result of discussions between Council for The Southern Federation & a representative of Hampshire Constabulary.

We recognise that individuals may wish to take more personal stances on certain issues, which is their right, but the report is an agreed document intending to give advice which is as clear, practical and legally sound as possible at the present, helping members steer a safer route through today’s sometimes extreme reactions to & fears of the issue of paedophilia.

As in most aspects of life, it will help to use Common Sense at all times.

Report written jointly by Inspector Kevin Baxman, Hampshire Constabulary and David Kessel, BA, LRPS, Publicity Sec. SPF
March 2007

Continuing the discussion on taking photographs of children, which appeared in the SPF Minutes in November. Here is an article from Ken Scott ARPS

Child Protection and Photography in Sport

I have read the SPF minutes from December 2006, and was disappointed to miss the meeting because I have a particular interest in the child protection issues raised. Sorry that this comment is somewhat lengthy.

It seems that there is some consternation among photographers, but not a wide understanding of the issues at hand. There are plenty of ambiguous or double-standards concerning which images of children are acceptable and which are not, especially in the media. However, I wish to constrain my thoughts to sports photography, since that is the minuted discussion. Firstly I am interested in whether photographers are upset at being challenged, or genuinely objecting to the photography of children being currently sensitive? I suspect the former. Yes, it is distressing for all concerned, so I would urge us as photographers to be more aware and to avoid being challenged in the first place.

I am both a working photographer (I’m on the SPF judges A list) AND a qualified cricket coach working with young people aged 9-17. I am also our cricket club’s appointed Child Welfare Officer (CWO). So I have perhaps a unique view of both sides of the dilemma.

It is accepted, and borne out by case facts, that sports clubs for young people have long provided easy access for the tiny minority of adults whose intentions towards children are inappropriate. To be a “Clubmark” accredited organisation, we have to demonstrate that we have taken all reasonable steps to ensure the safety and welfare of our young players, which includes complying with a policy on photography. With or without accreditation this is a legal requirement, and in order to run youth cricket we MUST appoint a CWO. CWOs and coaches are appointed by their clubs, have to be CRB cleared and are trained by the England & Wales Cricket Board (ECB). I understand that the situation is similar in most sports. It is worth noting, though, that few CWOs will understand photography as we understand it.

Only a minority of clubs and schools enforces a ban on photography. Most prefer to issue guidelines for reasons of enforceability - it is increasingly difficult to be sure what is or is not a camera – and recognition of the value of photographs to the vast majority of well-meaning parents and other adults. The ECB has issued guidelines to clubs for the use of photography.

To my knowledge, unlike in France, there is nothing in law that prevents us taking pictures of anyone, children or adults, in a public place. However, in my view, to use this defence would not respect common decency. Despite the lack of specific privacy laws, some people would prefer not to have their photographs taken, and some are going to further lengths to prevent the unauthorised use of their own image, using the Data Protection Act and the European Court of Human Rights, for example. If a sports ground is privately owned, then local policies must be observed.

I’m sorry to take issue with the SPF meeting’s advice to write to the local MP, but I think that it is naïve and is likely to deepen the rift of suspicion of photographers rather than healing it. We should be forging working relationships with local sports clubs; I would positively encourage an enthusiast photographer to come to us in an official capacity. We require parents to give permission for their children to be photographed by club officials, other parents and official photographers. As there is no guarantee that the other team will have done so, we cannot say that we would always grant permission.
However, a photographer at our ground who is not recognised as a parent would be asked to register his or her interest. I would do this respectfully, and would expect an understanding response from the photographer, but I could not guarantee a respectful challenge from a suspicious parent or another CWO. Experience suggests we are more likely to be challenged if we have a serious-looking SLR than if we use a compact. I don’t like either situation, but it is the way things are.

My advice to photographers is simple. As per sports’ guidelines, it does not and should not involve avoidance of photographing children, but does involve covering ourselves against any potential allegations:

1. We may be amateurs, but we should act as professionals would, carrying a business or identity card, perhaps from the RPS or our club, and leaving contact details with the sports club or event organiser.

2. We should get our own CRB clearance.

3. We should make ourselves known to the organiser or parent and seek permission to photograph BEFORE producing our cameras. Phoning in advance enables clubs to inform parents. If photographing children in any context we should work openly, with a parent as a chaperone.

4. We have to make our intentions clear and gain trust: provide a few examples of work, then nobody can doubt our integrity and the act of asking permission is less likely to be misconstrued.

5. We should offer to come back to the club with some small prints for sale - my young players love seeing pictures of themselves playing, especially good photos that make them look as good as Andrew Flintoff!

6. We must treat refusals with respect and good grace: sports clubs have legal responsibilities to protect the welfare of young people, and they are following well-intentioned guidelines.

***Note that it has always been good practice to obtain a model release if we intend to publish images of identifiable people, and publishing can mean exhibiting and showing in clubs. If we do this for both adult and youth sport events, then it is a matter of professionalism in photography, not child protection ...

I would add finally that I do not like the current social climate in the least, and it adds considerably to my workload as a cricket coach; If only we could be more free ... However I have to understand it as I am in a position of professional responsibility for my young players. As a coach I have to follow a professional code of conduct that places me above suspicion; as a photographer it is my responsibility to do the same - PLACE MYSELF ABOVE SUSPICION.
Hope this helps, and I would welcome comments.
... Ken Scott ARPS

Note: This is written purely from my own personal understanding and perspective, and is neither guaranteed for accuracy nor intended to be definitive. My information sources include:
• England & Wales Cricket Board (2003-6): “Safe Hands - Welfare of Young People in Cricket”
• Information Commissioner – Data Protection Good Practice Guidance: “Taking Photographs in Schools” - www.informationcommissioner.gov.uk/
• Green K. “Data Protection: Taking and Using Appropriate Images of Children, A Practical Guide”
• Evans R, Eyre S.J and Vasey A (2004): “NoPhoto: Privacy, Permission and Personal Space in Photography – a Redeye National Symposium 2004 Report”
• Watson A (2004), “A picture of confusion”, Daily Telegraph 27/11/2004


OBITUARY
JIM MANSFIELD ARPS

It is with great sadness that we announce the death of Thomas James (Jim) Mansfield, ARPS. Jim died at Southampton General Hospital on Monday 19th March aged 79, after a deterioration in his health.

Jim had been a cartographer at Ordnance Survey for many years, and had been a member of their Photographic Club where he had started to make a name for himself as a photographer. A former colleague still recalls his quiet, friendly and helpful nature, and his passionate love of photography. Jim and his wife Janice had also used their photographic skills to take wedding photographs and had, over forty years, built a good reputation for their high standard of work, often covering the marriages of the offspring of previous clients.

Jim haJim Mansfield ARPSd been a stalwart member of The Southampton Camera Club since 1951, where he had been President 1981-3, a long-term trustee, but had also served for many years on both the Club and International Exhibition Committees, as well as being Programme Secretary for a massive 17 years.

He was a pillar of strength and knowledge in the club. He made things happen, took the helm, steadied the ship in difficult moments. Always able to give sound advice for the club’s day-to-day running or for its future development; he also carefully archived and protected work from the club’s past, and evidence of Southampton’s history.

Southampton Camera Club and The Southern Federation owe much to him. The archive he worked so hard at helping to preserve will prove invaluable not only to the club but also to the City of Southampton. These images from the past recall some wonderful photographers from the early days and some important images of Southampton. The Southern Photographic Federation recognised his contribution to photography in general and to Southampton Camera Club in particular in 2004 when his name was entered on its Roll of Honour.

Jim was an inspirational figure at SCC often being the first to greet newcomers and would give freely of his time to encourage, train or offer advice, always happy to share his vast photographic experience and skills. Often he would invite new members, just starting out in darkroom work, into his home darkroom and help develop their printing skills. We will miss Jim’s reassuring presence at Southampton. Having been at the forefront of 20th. Century developments in photography, working with some very memorable names. He later embraced the digital era, and succeeded in this new medium even though he had limited IT computer skills at the time. Jim was never more happy than when experimenting with new techniques and styles, often producing memorable photographs that live on in the mind.

Jim was a life member of the RPS, joined the newly created RPS Southern Digital group and was a founding member of Chimera, where he produced a seemingly unending supply of high quality prints. Jim’s photographs were always full of creativity , natural patterns and bold abstracted colours.

The family held a cremation service at Southampton Crematorium on April 2nd, followed by a Memorial Service at St. Johns Church, Marchwood, with refreshments afterwards at the nearby village hall. Many friends and fellow photographers attended to show their respects to a man so well known and so well liked.

Our sympathies go to Janice, who was his constant companion over many years, as a wife and also a keen and competent photographer, and to all members of his closely-knit family:- his daughter Claire, his son Richard, Niall (son-in-law), Fred (daughter-in-law) and Dayna, his granddaughter. A quiet and calm gentleman you could always rely upon to help solve problems. The most caring and loyal friend any man could ever wish for, Jim will be sorely missed by his family, many friends, ex- colleagues and the wider photographic community.

David Kessel, BA, LRPS, member of SCC, The RPS & The SPF Council


PAGB Distinctions

The SPF will be organising the April 2008 PAGB Distinctions Weekend.

In view of the interest expressed by many members of our Federation we will be holding a Distinctions Day on Sunday 4th Novermber 2007, which will feature one photographer who has gone through the whole process of obtaining his C, D, and then M distinctions. He will be giving a talk illustrated by his work.

We also hope to have some of the judges who actually comprise the panels who assess the work submitted so that you can seek guidance.

Final details will be in the September Exposure and a notice will be issued to your Club Representative prior to the September meeting.

If you wish provisionally register your interest in attending please let a member of Council know or email Leo Rich at
PAGBexec.Member@southphotographicfed.org.uk


Press Release

First International Online Digital Photo Competition 2007

It is with great pleasure that we announce the 1st International Online Digital Photo Competition.

The Competition is unique in that it is truly international through the medium of the internet and that photographers can upload their works direct onto the Competition site and judging is done by the public, as well as by an international panel of experts.

The Competition is organized by the Cyprus Photographic Society, the Internet Radio Station Velvet Classic and Anticipate advertisements com Ltd, under the auspices of FIAP (International Federation of Photographic Art). The Radio Station operates on the internet and is offering its services free of charge and prizes which amount to Euro 8000. The Radio Station is used as the international platform of communication for our news through the internet. Anticipate created the Competition’s website and offers the administration and technical support for the Competition.

The promotion of the Competition in Cyprus will be through the Press, invitations, leaflets and posters, to the members of CPS, other photographic societies, schools, colleges and the University of Cyprus and other interested parties. Promotion of the Competition will also be made at an international level through FIAP who has 77 member-countries under its umbrella and through them reaches over 300.000 individual members. It is anticipated that it will be promoted also through the Photographic Society of America, the Photographic Alliance of Great Britain, the Royal Photographic Society of Great Britain, the Image Sans Frontiere in France and many other International Photographic Αgencies and in the 53 Commonwealth countries. Invitations will also go to the elite of the international photographers.

The Cultural Services of the Ministry of Education and Culture, the Cyprus Tourism Organisation and the Cyprus Telecommunications Authority, recognizing the artistic merit of the event and the fact that Cyprus will be projected through the hundreds of pages appearing on the Competition Website, has kindly sponsored the competition. The daily newspaper ‘Phileleftheros’, is the media sponsor.

The Competition has two subjects: 1) The Environment and 2) Open. Participants can post up to three photographs in each category. There are no restrictions to the type of photographs entered provided they are still images and are not offensive.

The innovative part of the competition is that the winning entries will be selected by the public and the final best three of those, in each category, will be selected by an international panel of judges.

We aim to have entries from more than a 145 countries and at the same time let people know about Cyprus, the Island of Aphrodite, a place worth visiting!

For more information visit www.competition.velvetclassic.net
Regulations

1. The competition is open to amateur and professional photographers, worldwide.

2. Subjects (Categories): 1. ‘The Environment’, 2. ‘Open’

3. Each photographer can participate in one or both categories with up to three images for each category, here in after called Works.

4. The Works must be in digital format and can be entered into the Competition by registering online through the registration form which can be found in the competition website accessible through www.competition.velvetclassic.net or www.cps.com.cy or www.istos.ws Further guidelines can be found in the same website under the headings “Procedures” and “FAQ”

5. The works must be named by the competitors prior to uploading to the competition website in such a way as not to show the identity of the owner in any way. The identity and online profile of the photographers will not be visible in the website at all times except after the announcement of the results and the winners.

6. Works entered in the competition must be still photographs (not animated), regardless of the techniques used.

7. The works must be in JPEG format, with the larger side being 800 pixels and the smaller side must be no more than 600 pixels and compacted so as not to surpass 500 Kb.

8. Works entered must be original produced by the Competitors and be their intellectual property.

9. Works must be entered into the website by the competitors after they register into the competition’s website (the procedure is very simple). In case the competitors do not manage to upload their photos or the result of upload is not satisfactory or there are technical difficulties of any unexpected kind, the organizers shall not undertake any responsibility. It is the responsibility of the competitors to ensure that their works have been uploaded to the website correctly. Assistance as to the use of the website can be obtained online from the team of “Anticipate advertisements com Ltd (Istos.ws)” or by sending an email through the website to the organizers.

10. The winning Works and order of popularity will be decided by the public for the 50 most popular works in each category and the top three of each category in order of merit will be decided upon by a panel of Judges.

11. The timetable for the competition is as follows:
a) 1 March to end of June 2007: The Competition will be open for the posting of photographs from 1 March 2007 to the end of June 2007.
b) 1 April to end of July: The public to vote for the 50 most popular photographs in each category.
c) August: The Organisers will take one month to sort out and present the results of the online Competition (50 works in each category).
d) September: Judging of the Competition by the Panel of Judges. The Judges will choose the three works in each category.
The results of Jury’s decision and the winners shall be announced on the www.competition.velvetclassic.net and www.cps.com.cy and www.istos.ws websites and through press releases.
The finalists in each category including the final winners will be also notified by email by the organizers.
e) October/November: The Cyprus Photographic Society will prepare and present the final 50 works in each category for exhibition and create a catalogue.
f) December: An Exhibition comprising 100 works (50+50) will be hosted in all towns in Cyprus and abroad, by special arrangement.

12. The method of voting by the public can be found on the Competition website (Section: “Voting Method”), accessible through
www.competition.velvetclassic.net www.cps.com.cy www.istos.ws.

The most popular work in each category voted by the public will be awarded Euro 500.

13. The photographers whose Works are in the 50 most popular works will be notified and asked to resend their photographs in JPEG format with average compression (level 12 Photoshop), at least 300 dpi or the original RAW format and with size between 5-10 Mb.

14. The Panel of Judges will comprise:
• One member of FIAP Directory Board
• One representative of www.velvetclassic.net
• Two persons appointed by CPS
• One person from a member – country of FIAP

15. The prizes are offered by Velvet Classic Radio & Media Co Ltd (www.velvetclassic.net) and will be awarded as follows:

THE ENVIRONMENT OPEN

1st prize: 2.000 Euro plus plaque 2.000 Euro plus plaque

2nd prize: 1.000 Euro plus plaque 1.000 Euro plus plaque
3rd prize: 500 Euro plus plaque 500 Euro plus plaque
16. The names of all winners and all works entered in this Competition along with the names of sponsors and advertisers will remain on the internet at least up to 31 December 2008 and can be accessed through www.competition.velvetclassic.net
17. The Jury’s decisions are final and cannot be appealed.

18. If six months after the Competition prizes remain unclaimed, the prizes will be donated to a charity chosen by the organizers and be advised on the Competition website.

19. The Organizers have the right to use any of the works entered in the Competition for promotional purposes. The Organisers pledge to recognize the intellectual property rights and acknowledge every time a work is used or exhibited.

20. The Organizers have no responsibility for any illegal copying of the Works entered in the Competition.

21. Works will not be accepted if they contain material considered by the Organisers to be offensive.

22. Works will be removed if the Organisers notice that voting is being carried out outside the Regulations and the spirit of the Competition.

23. The development and administration of the competition website have been undertaken by the company “Anticipate adv. Com Ltd” (www.istos.ws). Any queries concerning the technical part of the competition can be resolved by sending an email to istoselida@gmail.com

24. The Organizers reserve the right to change the dates at any time without prior notice.

 


Diary Details
February 2007
1st Council Meeting
4th Slide Championships at NEWDIG, Viables Craft Centre, Basingstoke
12th Spring Club Reps. Meeting at Peter Sumonds College Winchester @745pm
Collect all work returned from SPF Exhibition

March 2007
1st Council Meeting

April 2007
5th Council Meeting
10th Copy for May’Exposure’ required
29th Finals Day at Crosfield Hall, Romsey

May 2007
3rd Council Meeting
5th to 16th Winchester Annual Exhibition in the Saxon Gallery, Winchester Guildhall
16th AGM and Summer Reps. Meeting at Peter Sumonds College Winchester @730pm

June 2007
7th Council Meeting

July 2007
5th Council Meeting
Final date for 2008 Handbook information

August 2007
No Council Meeting
12th Copy for September ‘Exposure’ required

September 2007
6th Council Meeting
13th Autumn Club Reps. Meeting at Peter Sumonds College Winchester @730pm
Prints needed for selction for PAGB Print Exhibition.

October 2007
4th Council Meeting
12th Copy for November ‘Exposure’ required

November 2007
1st Council Meeting
4th PAGB Distinctions Workshop - Andy Hanson ARPS, MPAGB, APAGB. An all day event at Southampton Camera Clubhouse to be confirmed.
9th Winter Club Reps. Meeting at Peter Sumonds College Winchester @730pm
Entries for SPF Exhibition to be handed in. No Box, no entry.

December 2007
6th Council Meeting

 


PRESIDENT:
Ian Bigg LRPS CPAGB
president@southphotographicfed.org.uk
VICE PRESIDENT:
vice.pres@southphotographicfed.org.uk
IMMEDIATE PAST PRESIDENT:
Jack Whitemore CPAGB APAGB
past.pres@southphotographicfed.org.uk
SECRETARY:
Mrs Lynn Lambeth
spf.sec@southphotographicfed.org.uk
TREASURER:
treasurer@southphotographicfed.org.uk
COMPETITION Secretary:
Chris Whiting
comp.sec@southphotographicfed.org.uk
HANDBOOK/DIR SECRETARY:
Dave Isaacs
handbook.sec@southphotographicfed.org.uk
EXHIBITION SECRETARY:
exhibitionsecretary@southphotographicfed.org.uk
PAGB EXHIBITION SECRETARY:
pagbexhibsec@southphotographicfed.org.uk
SLIDE CHAMPIONSHIP SECRETARY:
Ernie Fullbrook BEM APAGB
council.mem2@southphotographicfed.org.uk
PUBLICITY SECRETARY:
David Kessel
publicity.sec@southphotographicfed.org.uk
NEWSLETTER SECRETARY:
Trevor Muston
news.editor@southphotographicfed.org.uk
WEBMASTER:
Trevor Muston
webmaster@southphotographicfed.org.uk
RECORDS SECRETARY:
George Walsh APAGB
records@southphotographicfed.org.uk
COUNCIL MEMBERS
Mrs Anne Mahany CPAGB
council.mem1@southphotographicfed.org.uk
Ernie Fullbrook BEM APAGB
council.mem2@southphotographicfed.org.uk
PAGB Executive Member:
Leo Rich ARPS AFIAP DPAGB BPE2
PAGBExec.Member@southphotographicfed.org.uk
Non Council Members
Assistant Exhibition Secretary:
Geoff Kelland
asst.exhib.sec@southphotographicfed.org.uk


INTER CLUB DIGITAL PROJECTION CHALLENGE.

After many setbacks and other initial problems in the very early days, it all came together. Thankfully the pleading by some had the desired effect.
The response by clubs was disappointing as the days Itinerary was based on 30 clubs participating. Hence the timing of the day was rather shortened by 1 hour, perhaps the same hour as lost in the night. Those that arrived early were able to take advantage of the facilities of the Shaw Social Clubs Lounge Bar.
Both Presidents made their normal speeches of welcome, and the introduction of the 3 Judges. Mrs. Betty Bilingham. ; Mr. Colin P. Harrison. FRPS,MPAGB. and the President of the P.A.G.B. Mr. Rod Wheelans.ARPS,MPAGB,APAGB.
For the Judges to set a standard 18 images were projected one taken at random from each clubs entry. After which the first 180 images were projected and scored. No spectacular scores were given, but some very fine images were viewed. A short interlude then followed where Tea/ Coffee and the pleasure of the Bar helpt to steady the nerves of some. On resuming the S.P.FP read out the scores in ascending order. The scores for many were very close and anybody could win depending on the scoring of the second 180 images.
After all the images had been projected and scored, and to fill the void whilst the scores and placings were being tabulated a Digital Audio Visual by Mrs Betty Billingham was projected. The title of which was “ Playing with Flowers” this made quite an impact on many in the audience, due to not seeing similar previously, as some of the images were quite stunning. Newbury. C. Cs Raffle was then the next item Prizes donated by various members and local businesses.
Due to only one image gaining the maximum of 15 it was projected for all to view. It was a worthy and just winner. The suspense for all was ended with the S.P.F. President reading out the scores and placings in reverse order. The winning club had just managed to hold their first place in the second half.
The “GEMS MEMORIAL TROPHY” was presented to Mr John Childs of the Farnborough.C.C. And the Best Image Shield to Mr. Louis Rumis. APAGB,DPAGB. Of the Highcliffe & Infinity C. C. for “ SKINING A SALMON” by the President of the P.A.G.B. Mr. Rod Wheelens.
Both Presidents closed the Championship saying that it had been a very successful and rewarding experience. Especially Mr Tristram Reed of
(NEWDIG who compiled all the entries and on the day Projected and Electronically tabulated all the scores. From those involved in the whole presentation of the day much relief, although not yet finished for some. All the scores were re tabulated and all clubs were sent a copy of all the participating clubs individual scores.

FINAL SCORES AND PLACINGS

1 - Farnborough.C.C. - 225
10 - Viewfinders of Romsey - 206
2 - Winchester P.S. - 224
11 - Southampton C.C. - 203
3 - Highcliffe & Infinity - 220
12 - Boscombe.C.C. - 200
4 - Fordingbridge C.C. - 219
13 - Steyning C.C .- 195
5 - Horndean C.C. - 218
13 - Bournemouth PS - 195
6 - Bracknell C.C. - 217
15 - Hayling Island CC - 194
7 - NEWDIG - 216
15 - Newbury - 194
8 - Havant - 210
17 - Alton - 181
9 - Basingstoke - 209
18 - Fareham & Portchester - 174

My own views and some statistics.
When Handbook Secretary a survey was done 3 years ago and 56 clubs said they had the use of a Digital Projector or were about to get one. In the present Handbook there are 7 clubs who have Digital or similar in there name. Only ONE entered where were the other 6. We had a %20 entry of clubs listed the other lowest Region had %40 the highest being %70. . Images of a Natural History element accounted for %22 of the total, and one club submitted %40 of there entry this way. Having seen some of the other Regions Championships we are on par with the majority on a whole.
I would like to thank Leo Rich, George Walsh, Mike Harding. Paul Sefcick, & Tristram Reed, who were on the organising group, plus the members of Newbury.C.C. who helpt out in various ways on the day. Also those who participated, as I know for some that it was a very sharp learning curve.
Personally on Tristrams behalf and mine we would like to thank all who have sent in E-mails thanking us both for our efforts, and making it a memorable day.

Ernie Fullbrook. BEM, APAGB

A couple more Photographer jokes to finish off.

A friend of mine works in a camera store. The other day a very confused looking woman approached the counter and handed my friend a camera. She said “I took pictures, but I forgot to have film in the camera. Can you please get them out of the camera for me?”


One day I was working in the darkroom with my girlfriend. Things
started out negative but soon I was enlarging. As it started to develop, I told her we should stop before we got into a fix, but she said it would all come out in the wash. The Black & White photo process summarized ..... why, what were you thinking?

I hope that you enjoyed these, perhaps more next time.



Southern Photographic Federation - Council email addresses

Over recent weeks I have noticed that many emails to Council members have been wrongly addressed. The current addresses have been in force for over a year now, but some of you must still have old ones in your address book.
This is the addresses - in bold - (though you do not have to use it bold) that you should be using for each member of the council, watch out for full stops in some addresses and they will all be followed by @southphotographicfed.org.uk

President - Ian Bigg - president
Vice President - Vacancy -
Immediate Past President - Jack Whitemore - past.pres
Secretary - Mrs Lynn Lambeth - spf.sec
Treasurer - Roy Lambeth - treasurer
Exhibition Secretary - Vacancy -
Competition Secretary - Chris Whiting - comp.sec
Handbook secretary - David Isaacs - handbook.sec
Publicity secretary - David Kessel - publicity.sec
Newsletter Editor - Trevor Muston - news.editor
Webmaster - Trevor Muston - webmaster
PAGB Executive Member - Leo Rich - PAGBExec.Member
Records Secretary - George Walsh - records
Council Member - Anne Mahany - council.mem1
Council Member - Ernie Fullbrook - council.mem2
Asistant Exhibition Secretary - Geoff Kelland - asst.exhib.sec

Anything else will be delivered to the SPF server and will get picked up eventually and possibly forwarded to the right person, but if you address it correctly to start with, there will be no delay.

Thanking you in advance for your assistance in trying to improve communication between Council and Clubs. There are still a few Clubs who do not have an email contact, if your Club has not informed us of a contact and you have one, it would be appreciated to enable the Council to contact you in that way, thereby saving postage.

Trevor - News Editor and Webmaster.


Web Statistics

During the past three months we have averaged over 16000 hits on the website with over 250 Mb of downloads, pages etc per month during that period.

Most visitors come to the site between the hours of 10am and 11pm. Though another surprise is that we also got hits betwen 1am and 5am, must be insomniacs!

As you would expect, the majority of the hits came from the UK with a 100 from the USA. There were also some Saudi Arabia, France, South Korea, Ukraine, Poland, Australia, China and several other places - worldwide fame. One interesting batch of visitors came from Israel.

The most used page is the index page but after that comes the Latest News, League Results, Exposure Index, Member Clubs

The majority of entry pages are from bookmarks or direct entry other links from search engines are mostly from Google with a few from MSN and Yahoo.
Links from other websites include, PAGB, Salisbury CC, Havant CC, Southampton CC, Basingstoke CC and Belmont Fine Arts?

I hope to include more staistics in the next issue, so get your members using the site even more to increase the site numbers.