Best Digital Image Award for Essendon Camera Club

By Darren Stones

Essendon Camera Club recently participated in the Gary Lewis Memorial Trophy Three Way Interclub Competition 2012. The competing clubs were: Essendon Camera Club, Ivanhoe Photographic Society and Rosanna Photographic Club.

The Essendon and Rosanna clubs were judged as equal first in the competition with 284 points each.

I was awarded the Best Digital Image of the Essendon Camera Club for my Kite Surfing at Merimbula photograph.

Judge for the competition was Lin Richards, and I would like to thank Lin for his time and effort in judging the competition.

My thanks to Adrian Tattersall Essendon Camera Club Interclub Secretary, and to the Essendon Camera Club members, Ivanhoe Photographic Society members, and Rosanna Photographic Club members who made it all happen.

Kite Surfing at Merimbula
Best Digital Image of Essendon Camera Club
2012 Gary Lewis Memorial Trophy Three Way Interclub Competition

Mentoring in the workplace and networking with mental health peer workers

By Darren Stones

Been an interesting week where studying a new course, mentoring and networking has provided some new opportunities.

Mentoring in the workplace

This week I have been busy studying the compulsory elective unit TAEDEL404A - Mentor in the workplace as part of the Certificate IV in Training and Assessment course im doing at Moreland Adult Education in Coburg, Melbourne. Developing an entire Mentoring Plan from scratch and facilitating it with a mentee has been a good challenge, and the part I like about this is that you can actually do this in your own workplace in a real work environment.

The Mentor in the workplace unit has provided me with an excellent opportunity to get creative within the set guidelines of the course, and being able to mentor someone in my office has been a good experience. The mentee and myself have successfully completed two of our three sessions of mentoring, and we have another session scheduled for early next week.

My mentoring assessment task has to be submitted to our course facilitator for assessment in a few weeks. Each mentoring session has to be specially designed, implemented and then critically assessed by the mentor, and this is all documented as evidence of proof that is required for assessment.

Consumer Workforce and Mutual Support Day

On Wednesday 18 July, 2012 I attended in the Consumer Workforce and Mutual Support Day, which was hosted by the Victorian Mental Illness Awareness Council VMIAC in Brunswick, Melbourne. VMIAC Information Officers Dominic and Bill invited me to the support day as I had expressed to them my interest in peer work and wanting to network with peer workers.

The day kicked off at 11.00am where we enjoyed a Panel Discussion for one hour, and each of the 30 people in attendance introduced themselves and said a little about what they do.

At 12.00pm we enjoyed lunch for one hour, and this was an excellent opportunity to network with people working as mental health peer workers.

The mutual support session commenced at 1.00pm where peer workers were able to discuss various industry issues that they deal with in their roles as peer workers. The session finished just before 3.00pm and we all seemed quite satisfied with meeting new friends.

I'd like to share a photograph from my recent visit to New South Wales. The photograph features Iandra Castle, which is located at Greenthorpe in the central-west of NSW.

Iandra Castle, Greenthorpe, New South Wales
Photo: Darren Stones

Certificate IV in Training and Assessment TAE40110

By Darren Stones

They say you keep learning things each day, so it's with a sense of excitement that I find myself on the eve of commencing the Certificate IV in Training and Assessment.

My research regarding this course uncovered numerous training providers and methods of delivery, and I also sought feedback from people who have completed the course and currently doing it.

My preference is to undertake this course in a physical class environment where I can gain a solid understanding of training and assessment processes where versatility is required. By choosing this method, I will be able to see practical learning activities and actively participate with fellow students who will convert specially designed programs into real life learning experiences.

Facilitating various training and assessment activities in the workplace, plus getting involved in various workshops, seminars and talks is of growing interest to me.

With increasing knowledge in a variety of subjects, and a willingness to learn new programs that can be facilitated for employers, I see this course as leading me towards assisting people to further develop their skills and education.

I've chosen Moreland Adult Education in Coburg, Melbourne to do this course with, because they are local, are willing to provide me the course at reasonable rates, and are offering it over a time frame of about 16 weeks.

So, with a new learning experience before me, it will be a great opportunity to learn methods that should assist me to help others with their learning. I have experience in planning, developing and facilitating a successful travel photography workshop, so with that already under my belt, I am keen to further explore training and assessment methods and gain this qualification.

Course information:

Certificate IV in Training and Assessment
TAE40110 (Units)

Core Units:
TAEDES401A - Design and develop learning programs.
TAEDES402A - Use training packages and accredited courses to meet client needs
TAEDEL401A - Plan, organise and deliver group based learning
TAEDEL402A - Plan, organise and facilitate learning in the workplace
TAEASS401A - Plan assessment activities and processes
TAESS402A - Assess Competence
TAEASS403A - Participate in assessment validation

Elective Units:
TAEDEL301A - Provide work skill instruction
TAEDEL404A - Mentor in the workplace
BSBCMM401A - Make a presentation

Awards achieved during July 2012 at Essendon Camera Club

By Darren Stones

Essendon Camera Club conducted its monthly photography competition for July on Monday 9 July, 2012, and as a member, it was great to be able to participate in the Open Digital Projected Image category.

I was not able to attend this meeting to enjoy seeing the other images and hear the feedback from the guest judge, however our club Newsletter Editor keeps us informed of what's happening via the newsletter and sends it to members by email.

In the Open Digital Projected Image category, I was awarded 3rd Place for my photograph White-faced Heron, and I achieved a Highly Commended for Surfing at Jan Juc.

My gratitude to the guest judge for the recognition, to our club committee for conducting the competition, and to our Newsletter Editor for advising of the competition results.

White-faced Heron
3rd Place Award
July 2012 Open Digital Projected Image Category
Essendon Camera Club

Surfing at Jan Juc
Highly Commended Award
July 2012 Open Digital Projected Image Category
Essendon Camera Club

Images from the 2012 Grenfell Festival Travel Photography Workshop

By Darren Stones

The Long Weekend in June this year saw me hosting the 2012 Grenfell Festival Travel Photography Workshop. It was an official event of the 55th Grenfell Henry Lawson Festival of Arts, and it was a privilege to conduct it.

Workshop guests lining up their subject

Workshop guests surveying the scene and getting shots in their cameras

A key subject for each workshop guest to photograph

Streetscape where leading lines were explained to guests

Held on Saturday 9 June, 2012 from 8.30-11.30am, workshop participants were provided instruction in:

• Architecture
• Landscape
• People
• Streetscape
• Festival
• Composition
• Lighting
• Technique

Each guest was on trial at the Court House to see if they could create a unique image

Local plant life caught our eye

Guests putting their skills to the test

The museum was open for visitors

We photographed monuments and landscapes at Taylor Park

It was a day for jackets and getting around town

This workshop was specially designed for the festival, with much planning, promotion and marketing having taken place. Fortunately, the sun shone brightly on the day and we were able to guide participants to some terrific scenes around town. One of the highlights for our workshop guests was being able to photograph Australian entreprenuer Dick Smith, who was this year's Special Guest at the festival.

Dick Smith AO tipped his hat to us

All participants were actively involved from the outset in this workshop, as we were keen to get them photographing, learning and interacting with each other. Facilitating a workshop such as this is made easier when you have keen photographers wanting to learn new skills in an interactive and hands-on environment.

The boys in blue were hard at work chasing the sun

I thoroughly enjoyed planning, developing and facilitating this workshop. I believe the festival was strengthened for having made sure it was an integral part of the program. Given the festival promotes the arts, and rewards artists from near and afar, I do believe that an interactive learning experience in a friendly setting such as this does actually entice people to become part of the festival.

The awesome Wagambirra Aboriginal Dance Group from Cowra

My special thanks to:

• Everyone who attended the workshop
• My partner Bronwyn who assisted me on the day
• The Grenfell Henry Lawson Festival of Arts Committee for having the foresight to see the value of the workshop and providing me the opportunity to conduct it
• Carly Brown for promoting the workshop via the festival's Facebook page
• The webmasters of the Grenfell Henry Lawson Festival website
• Gail Douglas for promoting the workshop at the Young Camera Club
• Auburn Carr of the Weddin Shire Council for providing tourism booklets and brochures for our information packs that we distributed to our guests
• The various media outlets who provided me with space for promoting the event

Sometimes

By Darren Stones

Sometimes we need to rest.

Sometimes we need to look.

Sometimes we need to see.

Sometimes we need to feel.

Sometimes we need to stop.

Sometimes.

13th Beach, Barwon Heads, Victoria, Australia

Life Through The Lens - Featuring The Work Of The Essendon Camera Club

Life Through The Lens is an inspiring collection of photos from passionate local photographers featuring thirty different artists.

Each artist captures the moment of Life Through The Lens, seeing a different world around them.

Look around and share these moments with the members of the Essendon Camera Club.
www.essendoncameraclub.org.au

Further information

Venue
Incinerator Gallery
180 Holmes Road
Moonee Ponds
03 8325 1750

Date
Friday 13 July- Sunday 26 August, 2012

It's a pleasure to be one of the Essendon Camera Club members exhibiting as part of this exhibition. My photographic contribution at the Incinerator Gallery is my image featuring the coastline at Point Lonsdale on the Bellarine Peninsula,Victoria, Australia.

Point Lonsdale
By Darren Stones
Essendon Camera Club

Fascinated by the Australian coastline and looking out to sea, I find myself gripped by the colours and textures of nature. Travelling to Point Lonsdale in Victoria simply inspires my creativity. In recording this scene, I feel like a blessed creator who was there to record a memorable moment in time. The sense of warmth, on what was a winter's day, tends to take hold and draw one into this landscape.

Let your eyes be drawn to those rocks because they are a symbol of our planet's evolution. I want you to see how the sky illuminated this magnificent landscape and accentuated the shapes and lines.

The power of light is an amazing tool in which the photographer has at their disposal. With decades of photographic experience and knowledge gained, one can utilise such skills to produce a scene that is timeless. In making this image, I find myself privileged to share it with you. I trust it inspires you in some way and causes you to reflect on good times.

I invite you to look into the photograph and see each of the elements. What do you see? Is it the clouds, colours, shapes, horizon, wave action? Reflect upon your memories of times you've spent with a friend along the coast. I would like my image to inspire your imagination and feelings.

How to photograph surfing action at Jan Juc, Torquay, Victoria, Australia

By Darren Stones

The Surf Coast in Victoria, Australia provides photographers with excellent surfing photography opportunities. One of the best places to watch the surfing action is from the cliff top at Jan Juc, Torquay. Here you will find easy access to large timber platform viewing areas, which are directly adjacent spacious car parking areas.

Popular times to see surfers in this location are during the afternoon, and locals head here at the end of the day after work or school.

For the surfing image featured here, I used my Canon 20D DSLR camera with my Canon 400mm f/5.6 L USM lens attached. I had that combination securely mounted to my Manfrotto monopod. The monopod allows me to keep the camera and lens combination steady, whilst at the same time taking most of the weight off my arms.

Surfing at Jan Juc, Torquay on Victoria's Surf Coast

I use the continuous mode function when photographing surfers so I can take multiple frames per second. It allows me to photograph the peak of the action as a surfer moves across the water and riding a wave. I use the AI Servo focussing mode on my camera so that the lens is constantly focussing on the surfer. This mode requires me to position the surfer in the middle of the frame so that the focussing capability continually tracks the movement of the surfer.

I like to use a shutter speed of 1/1000th of a second or faster, so this generally means I'm shooting at ISO 400 or 800. Aperture Priority is my preferred shooting mode and I always shoot in RAW format so I can get the best possible data in camera.

Cropping images is usually required because it can be difficult to get a frame filling shot from long distance. If the surfers ride their waves in close to shore, then cropping may not be required or is quite minimal. A fast focussing fixed length telephoto lens can help produce high quality sharp images that look attractive and have that WOW factor.

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In and around fabulous Torquay, Great Ocean Road, Victoria, Australia

By Darren Stones

Torquay in Victoria, on the Great Ocean Road, is a special kind of place for travel photography, and being only a one-hour-and-twenty-minute drive from Melbourne, it's a perfect destination for a day trip.

Here's a selection of images I've taken around Torquay during 2012. If you get the chance to visit this stunning area, please let me know and share your images and thoughts.

Windsurfing on Zeally Bay at Torquay

Preparing for paragliding at Bells Beach Southside

Paragliding at Bells Beach Southside

Watching the paragliding action at Bells Beach Surfside

Surfing at Jan Juc

Rocky Point, Jan Juc

Rocky Point, Jan Juc

Rocky Point, Jan Juc

Cruising in and around "The Big G" aka Grenfell

By Darren Stones

Bronwyn and I spent some time in and around Grenfell in early June for the 55th Grenfell Henry Lawson Festival of Arts and here's a just a very small sample of some of the photographs I took whilst in the New South Wales central-west.

Oh, and some of the Grenfell locals refer to their town as "The Big G", even though its population at the 2006 Census was 1994 peeps.

Special thanks to Carly and Peter Brown for getting me so close to their sheepies. I was in sheep heaven.

Mid Western Highway at Grenfell

Main Street, Grenfell

School of Arts building that houses the local museum

Band Hall

Some friendly sheepies

Farm property at Grenfell

Farmland at Grenfell

View towards the Weddin Mountains

Bogolong Dam

More sheepies

And more sheepies!

Award achieved during June 2012 at Essendon Camera Club

By Darren Stones

Essendon Camera Club conducted their monthly photography competition for June on Monday June 11, 2012 at the club, and as a member, it was great to be able to participate in the Open Digital Projected Image category.

Daniel Smith was most kind in visiting our club, and as guest judge on the night, his insightful commentary and advice was welcomed and appreciated by club members.

In the Open Digital Projected Image category, Daniel awarded me 1st Place for my photograph of Jon Stevens. I'm most appreciative of my award and for the feedback and advice Daniel provided.

Jon Stevens
1st Place Award
June 2012 Open Digital Projected Image Category
Essendon Camera Club

Surfing at Jan Juc, Torquay, Victoria

By Darren Stones

Given we're in winter, I'm just going back through some unprocessed images from the Surf Coast area today and thinking to myself how great it will be when the weather warms up again.

Surfing photography is one of my favourite travel photography subjects to pursue and I just love being down on the coast with my camera mounted on my monopod. On the cliff top at Jan Juc, there's some brilliant lookout areas contructed and it's the perfect location to photograph surfers along this beach.

As I write, it's raining heavily here in Melbourne, and being a Sunday, I'm reflecting on the day I took these images and appreciating the beauty of the coast.

Champion jockey Damien Oliver surfing at Jan Juc, Torquay, Victoria, Australia

Surfing at Jan Juc, Torquay, Victoria, Australia