Photoclub Alpha

December 2, 2009 – DxO Labs is pleased to announce the immediate availability of DxO Optics Pro v5.3.6 for Mac bringing full compatibility with Apple’s latest operating system Mac OS 10.6 Snow Leopard, and adding RAW support for 15 new cameras:

Canon EOS 7D and PowerShot G11;
Nikon D300s and D3000;
Olympus E3 (Elite edition only), E-30, E-410, E-420, E-450, E-510, E-520 and E-620;
Sony A230, A330 and A380.
This new version for Mac also offers support for 255 new DxO Optics Modules, covering 46 cameras.

Availability and holiday season price

DxO Optics Pro v5.3.6 for Mac, both Standard and Elite editions, are immediately available from both DxO Labs’ e-store and selected resellers at an exceptional 30% discount until December 31, 2009:
Standard edition: £ 69 instead of £ 99 (or a savings of £ 30)
Elite edition: £ 139 instead of £ 199 (or a savings of £ 60)
DxO Optics Pro 6 for Mac is scheduled for release during the first quarter of 2010 and will be available as a free upgrade to customers who purchased version 5 after June 1, 2009.

www.dxo.com

Tamron’s 18-250mm lens – later adopted by Sony – was so good that it really takes some effort to beat it. Sigma has put that effort in, but the cost is a very much larger and heavier lens. If all you got was some better performance, it might not be all that exciting. But you get potentially superior anti-shake through its built-in OS, and faster focusing with HSM, the Sigma equivalent of SSM.

CLICKING on key mapping points of a face, then adjusting some simple overlaid Bezier curves using movable anchors, it takes only a minute to load a typical headshot portrait into Portrait Professional.

USERS of the Nikon D3 downloading the latest firmware update have found information strings referring to the D3X and listing the file sizes the forthcoming camera will produce. The sizes match the pixel count of the Sony full-frame CMOS sensor due to be used in the ‘Alpha 900′ Sony full-frame body.

In mid 2007, rumours of a 14.8 megapixel Sony sensor came from the usual Far Eastern ‘inside’ sources. As a full-frame Alpha model (the so-called 900) had been previewed at PMA 2007, it was possible this megapixel count related to full frame, or near-full frame. It now looks as if it may have been a leak of development for currently rumoured 14.2 megapixel (active) Alpha 350, which is an APS-C sensor camera.

SELECTED ALPHA system lens prices – including the 70-200mm f/2.8 SSM – have been cut on the direct sales SonyStyle website for the USA. B&H and other retailers are following suit.

EAST ANGLIA
New Quest Destination!
9-12 June 2009 (Tuesday to Friday)
East Anglia is full of historical and picturesque villages and the landscape has a special character of its own, with ‘big skies’, tidal creeks, estuaries, and beaches. We will explore these at a leisurely pace over the four days, visiting such places as Dedham and Flatford (‘Constable Country’), Southwold, Aldeburgh, Lavenham, and others. We will be based at West Mersea, with its fascinating frontage on the Blackwater estuary, where houseboats and occasional wrecks are subjects for the camera. A minibus will be used for travelling out each day.
Accommodation and meals are not included in the week, but Quest will be pleased to arrange B&B locally where this is required. There will be the option to take communal evening meals locally in the evenings. Seafood and oysters are specialities!
Price £245 (deposit £75) 7 places.

THAMES BARGE CRUISE
from Mistley, nr. Manningtree, Essex.
15-16 July 2009 (Wednesday evening and all day Thursday)
Enjoy a relaxing day with this unique opportunity to sail in a genuine Thames barge! Seeing these beautiful vessels at close quarters, under full sail, is a never to be forgotten sight. Quest has chartered Reminder, a steel hulled barge, built in 1929. The barge offers a very special viewpoint with good opportunities for photography, including activities on deck, the barge skipper and crew, local boats at anchor and under sail, and there may even be other barges in the vicinity.
We will embark on Wednesday evening, sail with the tide early Thursday morning and return late afternoon. Arrival evening seafood platter, breakfast and lunch are catered on board. You are welcome to help the crewing if you so desire.
Price £145 (deposit £40) Meals included. 10 places (strict limit)
Price is based on double or sharing a twin or triple berth. Singles are not normally available due to the nature of the accommodation. Price includes B&B and midday meal. In the event of severe weather conditions it may be necessary to change or curtail the planned itinerary – this will be the decision of the skipper. In the extremely unlikely event that it is unsafe to sail, no refund can, regretfully, be given, but the barge, her crew and all food will remain at the disposal of the group.

CAIRNGORMS and the GLENS New Quest Destination!
12-18 October 2009
(Monday to Sunday) 6 nights
Discount available if combined with the Skye/Applecross trip – see below.
Our base will be at Beauly, which will be convenient for both locations. The photographic opportunities will include Loch Morlich and Glenmore Forest Park near Aviemore, and the wild Cairngorm mountains, plus the renowned north eastern Glens, including Affric and Cannich, where there should be a good display of autumn colour for us to enjoy An additional optional feature of this trip will be a ride on the funicular railway, which travels to just below the summit of Cairngorm itself. Travel arrangements will be by air to Inverness and minibus thereafter.
*Turn this holiday into a fantastic 15-night trip and combine it with the Skye/Applecross trip and take a £110 discount – see below.
Price £745 (deposit £100) single supplement £90 (8 places). May be booked with the Skye/Applecross trip (see below), for a combined price of £1590, thereby saving over £100 (excluding supplements)
Price includes dinner, B&B and minibus travel but not lunch and is based on a shared twin room. A supplement is payable for single occupation.

ISLE OF SKYE and THE APPLECROSS PENINSULA
18-27 October 2009
(Saturday to Tuesday week).
9 nights – 6 Skye and 3 Lochcarron.
Guest House and Hotel based
Discount available if combined with Cairngorms & Glens trip – see below.
Year after year, this is one of our most popular destinations and it is not difficult to understand why, as the “Misty Isle” is surely one of the most beautiful parts of the United Kingdom, full of mood and mountains, rivers, bays and lochs. There is all that the landscape photographer could want – but Skye does not give it up that easily, as it is well known for the fickleness of its weather. But the weather makes the mood, and magic moments are never far away – if only the photographer is in the right place at the right time! Following the success of last year’s extension to the dramatic Applecross peninsula, this has again been included in the schedule.
On Skye, we will, as usual, be based at The Skye Picture House, near Broadford, which is run by photographers Steve & Gill Terry. It is situated in a stunning location, at the edge of a loch, with superb views, especially for the morning sunrise. Otters and seals are often seen. A talk by photographer Ken Bryan, who lives on Skye, will be arranged if he is available. Our second location will be at Lochcarron, situated right by the Loch, with good access to Applecross. .
*Turn this holiday into a fantastic 15-night trip and combine it with the Cairngorm and Glens trip above, and take a £110 discount – see below.
Price £955 (deposit £200). Single supplement £125. Cost includes full board accommodation, with packed lunch on Skye, and half board at Lochcarron. The price is based on a shared twin room and. a supplement is payable for single occupation. It also includes minibus travel on Skye and Applecross but not the cost of flights. May be booked with the Skye/Applecross trip (see below), for a combined price of £ 1590, thereby saving over £100 (excluding supplements).

NORTH YORKSHIRE, with JOE CORNISH
1-6 November 2009
(Sunday to Friday) 5 nights.
Joe Cornish is arguably Britain’s finest contemporary landscape photographer and his use of light and composition, in conjunction with his total commitment, has resulted in a series of magnificent pictures of the landscape of the British Isles and elsewhere. His work is widely known and appears regularly in calendars and on cards and he is the author of several superb books on landscape photography.
The workshop will be based at the Lion Inn, Blakey Ridge, the highest inn on the North Yorkshire Moors. This remote and spectacular setting is an ideal location, and the open fires are something to enjoy in the evenings!
Daily field trips will be a feature of the workshop and thus some walking will be involved. You will need to be reasonably mobile for this. We will also be viewing and discussing Joe’s pictures and an essential part of the workshop will include a constructive appraisal of pictures from participants. This really is a workshop not to be missed, as it represents a very rare opportunity to work with this top professional landscape artist in his own area.
Joe regularly leads workshops in the UK and his enthusiasm and experience will guarantee an inspiring four days. Not to be missed, but book early, as places will be quickly filled.
Price £775 (deposit £100). Single supplement £75. 10 places
Price includes B&B accommodation on a shared room basis, plus minibus travel to Yorkshire if required. It does not include evening and midday meals. A supplement is payable for single occupation.

THE ARDECHE, FRANCE
New Quest destination!
in conjunction with Experience Ardeche
15-22 November 2009
(Sunday to Sunday) 7 nights.
The Ardeche region is rich with photographic opportunities, with dramatic landscapes, large rivers, ancient forest and historical towns and villages. The variety of subject matter in the area will ensure a full and interesting week and of course we will enjoy the local ambience and French cuisine! We will be staying at the Belvedere Hotel, close by the famous Pont d’Arc, at the head of the Ardeche Gorge. Situated only 6km from the town of Vallon-Pont-d’Arc along the gorge road, Le Belvedere is a popular destination for the French tourists who prefer the tranquillity away from the hustle and bustle. A great opportunity to really enjoy this magical and welcoming part of France nestled right on the edge of the Réserve Naturelle. Quest has teamed up with Experience Ardeche for this event, a company specialising in activity holidays. Their knowledge of the area will guarantee us a full and interesting week.
The most convenient travel option is by Ryanair from Luton to Nimes, where free transfer to the hotel will be provided. Other possibilities are by train (Eurostar and TGV). Please enquire if you would like more information.
Price £825 (deposit £200). Single supplement £100. Maximum 10 places. Price includes Dinner B&B, and travel in France during the week. It is based on a shared en suite room, and a supplement is payable for a single occupancy. Cost of flights or other transportation to France is not included.
Colin Westgate’s QUEST workshops, sponsored by Photoworld, are now based at Stable House, 2 Carriers Close, West Mersea, Mersea Island, Essex CO5 8NY. Tel 01206 384584. Mobile 07887 887101. See website: http://www.questphoto.co.uk/ or email questphoto@btinternet.com

FIGURE LIGHTING IN THE STUDIO
with Roy Taylor ARPS
(1 day, at The Camera Club, Kennington, London)
27 June 2009 (Saturday)
A repeat of last year’s very successful workshop, where you will learn how to pose your model and use lighting to make artistic photographs of the female form. This is a challenging subject, requiring careful posing and lighting and where getting things wrong can easily lead to unsatisfactory and perhaps unfortunate results.
Roy Taylor is an expert in this field, and we are fortunate in having the use of the excellent studio at the Camera Club in London, one of the oldest and prestigious organisations in the country. Two models will be available and Roy will demonstrate various lighting methods to obtain different effects. Everyone will have the opportunity to take photographs throughout the day.
Price £105 (deposit £30) 8 places only.

TRADITIONAL OYSTER SMACKS AND WINKLE BRIGS
(1 day, at West Mersea, nr Colchester)
13 September 2009 (Sunday)
Mersea native oysters are claimed to be amongst the finest in the world and this event marks the opening of the season when a multitude of traditional vessels dredge for them under sail. There is a contest for the biggest catches, and there is plenty of action! The traditional vessels, known as smacks, together with the smaller winkle brigs, are often well over 100 years old, and are truly picturesque subjects for the camera. Quest will be chartering a small motor vessel in which we will be able to move amongst the smacks for the best views of the action as well as longer distance shots with the boats under sail.
We will be on the water from about 9.30 a.m. until 1 p.m., when the contest ends. We will then be taken to a small island in the estuary for the weigh in and a delicious seafood lunch, including optional oysters if you like them. Here there will be further opportunities for photographs of the fishermen and onlookers. A fabulous and unusual day, with the feel of travelling back in time to a different way of life.
Price £79, includes seafood lunch. (deposit £25) 10 places

IMPROVING YOUR LANDSCAPE PHOTOGRAPHY
with Colin Westgate and Hugh Milsom
(2 days, at Seaford, East Sussex).
Wednesday 30 September – 1 October 2009 (Wednesday & Thursday)
Landscape photography is often thought to be straightforward and indeed, it is not difficult to obtain reasonable pictures. Frequently, however, landscape photographs are disappointing, perhaps because of unfavourable light, poor composition or unsatisfactory printing. With the right approach, such problems can be overcome and this comprehensive workshop will cover ways and means of improving your landscape pictures from the moment of taking to production of the final print.
The content will be a mixture of discussion, an appraisal of pictures from participants, and a field trip into the local area where there are interesting beaches and features such as the wonderful cliff scenery of the Seven Sisters. The In-depth discussion will cover the principles of landscape photography, use of colour or monochrome, digital or film. Topics such as the characteristics of different lenses, various filters, choice of subject matter, viewpoints, composition, principles of exposure, use of light and more will be included.
Vision and Interpretation are vital elements in the production of most successful landscape photographs. This includes ‘pre visualisation’ at the moment the picture is taken and post production prior to making the print. Both aspects will be covered, the latter using Photoshop procedures, which will be demonstrated using digital projection. A selection of images taken digitally on the workshop will be used, but if you are a film worker, you are invited to bring negatives or transparencies with you.
Both Colin Westgate and High Milsom have many years of experience photographing in the landscape and both will demonstrate and discuss their individual approaches to the subject.
Price £125 (deposit £40). 8 places.

AUTUMN PICTURE FORUM
1 day, at Seaford, East Sussex
3 October 2009 (Saturday)
Due to the popularity of the Picture Forum days, we are now including two of these in the programme. The Autumn Forum will be run on similar lines to the Spring event, with the usual mix of mini presentations, a competition and a talk by a leading photographer. For this event, we are again fortunate to have joint speakers, Liz and Roger Scott, who will also judge the competition and entertain us with a talk on their different approaches to photography. Liz works mainly in the darkroom, whereas Roger’s prints are digitally produced.
Picture Forum is the opportunity for everyone to show their work, and we invite short presentations of up to 15 minutes (about 25 pictures). These can be with prints, slides, or digital files. The presentations occupy most of the day, and are a vital and enjoyable aspect of the programme. It is your chance to show your photography, so please bring a selection of your pictures. ‘Slots’ may, however, have to be restricted, according to numbers, so when booking, please say if you would like to give a presentation, and if so, your subject, and the medium you wish to use. If possible everyone will be accommodated, but in view of the increasing popularity of this feature, slots will be primarily allocated on a ‘first come, first served basis’, but also with regard to the need for a balanced programme.
For practical reasons, the competition is open for prints only – not more than one per person. Liz and Roger will give a brief critique and appraisal on all entries. Prizes will be awarded for the best work, one to be chosen by our judges, and another by audience vote, plus runners up. This is always an interesting and exciting day of sharing pictures and experiences, where everyone can join in. Not to be missed!
Price £25 – includes buffet lunch & refreshments (but not bar drinks!). Payable in full on booking – not eligible for ‘early booking discount arrangements.

EXPLORING THE ABSTRACT
with Priscilla Thomas FRPS. (1 day, at Seaford, East Sussex)
October 4 2009 (Sunday)
If you enjoy colourful, intriguing and stimulating abstract images, but are uncertain how to go about making them, this workshop will explain and show you some of the possibilities. Using several ‘photo stations’ various methods will be demonstrated, after which everyone will be able to create and photograph their own designs. You will be limited only by your imagination! Every picture is unique and individual. Colour is recommended, film or digital, although you might even consider using some monochrome and hand tinting (or digitally enhancing) the resulting prints!
Priscilla Thomas is well known for her imaginative and artistic pictures, and in this workshop she will be sharing some of the techniques, including one or more new ones, that she employs when producing her creative and often evocative results Back by popular demand, this workshop is your opportunity to make some truly unusual images!
Price £59 (deposit £20). 10 places.

AUTUMN IMPRESSIONS
with Colin Westgate
(1 day, Sheffield Park, near Uckfield, E. Sussex)
31 October 2009 (Saturday)
Learn how to produce beautiful impressionistic images of the superb autumn colour in the lovely Sheffield Park gardens, well known for the variety of its exotic trees and spectacular autumn colours. These are at their best at this time of the year and by the use of various diffusion methods, you are guaranteed to get some lovely pictures. After an initial discussion and demonstration of the techniques, the day will be spent photographing in the Park.
Price £58 (deposit £20). 10 places. Park entrance fees (where applicable) and refreshments on arrival included.

Colin Westgate’s QUEST workshops, sponsored by Photoworld, are now based at Stable House, 2 Carriers Close, West Mersea, Mersea Island, Essex CO5 8NY. Tel 01206 384584. Mobile 07887 887101. To receive the 2008/9 program, email questphoto@btinternet.com or see their website – http://www.questphoto.co.uk/

For many years Camera Repair Workshop, based in Milton Keynes close to the original Minolta UK service department, handled the repair of classic SRT, X, Vectis and later film cameras for Minolta UK.

They have obtained many of the spare parts and KM’s stocks of older ‘cannibalisation cameras’ like 7000 and 8000i. Their proprietor is David Boyle, and his two technicians are Minolta trained. As an independent repairer they will specialise in film and digital, and hold parts going back to models like the XM. The Dynax 9 is an exception, previously serviced by a special European centre, and must be sent to JP (see post on UK official details). No VAT is chargeable at present, and they offer Photoworld magazine subscribers a 10 per cent discount on prices which they say are already better than former retail repair charges. This enables the club to continue with its 10 per cent service and repair discount offer.

The Photoworld Camera Check scheme will be operated by Camera Repair Workshop, though in absence of Konica Minolta’s former bulk shipping arrangements, the return carriage costs have increased and a charge of £25 per camera/standard lens combination is now required.

Your equipment is bench-tested for shutter speed, metering, focusing and aperture accuracy, externally cleaned and adjusted (this includes mirror box and film track, and all accessible parts or adjustments). If performance is below standard, a quotation will be issued for optional servicing. A certificate is completed showing the test results and functions checked, and returned with the camera. Camera Repair Workshop were actually responsible for most of the Club Camera Check work, and hold a stock of original ‘Minolta Club’ certificates along with all the necessary bench testing equipment.

They are based at:
Unit 9, Wharfside, Bletchley, Milton Keynes MK2 2AZ.
Telephone 01908 378088, fax 08712 427677.
Email: cameraworkshop@tiscali.co.uk