By Darren Stones
One of the great things about photography is the opportunity to be a member of a camera club. Like-minded people come together to share their photographs, photography experiences, and make new friends.
As a member of the Essendon Camera Club, I always learn by attending club meets and listening to guest presenters and judges. One can never know everything about photography, and I enjoy writing notes at meets as it helps me to better absorb the information and reflect on what was said.
Club membership has many benefits, and one of those is networking with photographers of various skill levels. I enjoy judging nights where guest judges kindly volunteer their time to offer their opinion about images and advise image makers on how to improve their images. It's fascinating stuff, and I always learn by the commentary and by viewing the images.
As a professional photographer, I enjoy listening to guest presenters because it does inspire me to better myself with the view of passing on my knowledge to photography enthusiasts.
If you live in Melbourne, and you are looking for a club to join, I encourage you to visit the Essendon Camera Club and enjoy what the club has to offer. I would be happy to meet you and introduce you to some club members.
Further information:
The Essendon Camera Club is located at Aberfeldie Baptist Church, 3-5 Price Street, Essendon. (Melway Pap 28 B4)
The club meets every second and fourth Monday of month, commencing at 8pm and concluding about 10pm.
Visitors are most welcome.
http://essendoncameraclub.org.au/
Improving Your Image Through Visual Communications
Journalist - Photographer - Writer
Sunday, 13 May 2012
Saturday, 12 May 2012
Places available for Henry Lawson Festival Photography Workshop
By Darren Stones
In four weeks I'll be hosting the 2012 Grenfell Festival Travel Photography Workshop in the New South Wales central-west town of Grenfell. I'm looking forward to assisting people to improve their photography skills during the 55th Henry Lawson Festival of Arts, plus also meeting some great people.
Listen to audio information about the 2012 Grenfell Festival Travel Photography Workshop.
Grenfell is a friendly town and the locals are very passionate about their festival, which attracts people from all around Australia. It is a real buzz to be involved this year, as I'll be volunteering time on Saturday June 2 to co-judge the photography competition with Grenfell-based professional photographer Denise Yates.
The photography workshop will be held on Saturday June 9 at 8.30am to 11.30am, and we'll meet outside the Grenfell Library at 8.10am for registrations and introductions. There are places available for the workshop, so check out my Workshops page for further information and book your place today.
In four weeks I'll be hosting the 2012 Grenfell Festival Travel Photography Workshop in the New South Wales central-west town of Grenfell. I'm looking forward to assisting people to improve their photography skills during the 55th Henry Lawson Festival of Arts, plus also meeting some great people.
Listen to audio information about the 2012 Grenfell Festival Travel Photography Workshop.
Grenfell is a friendly town and the locals are very passionate about their festival, which attracts people from all around Australia. It is a real buzz to be involved this year, as I'll be volunteering time on Saturday June 2 to co-judge the photography competition with Grenfell-based professional photographer Denise Yates.
The photography workshop will be held on Saturday June 9 at 8.30am to 11.30am, and we'll meet outside the Grenfell Library at 8.10am for registrations and introductions. There are places available for the workshop, so check out my Workshops page for further information and book your place today.
Thursday, 10 May 2012
How landscape photography affects the psyche
By Darren Stones
In August 2009 I had the pleasure of photographing the mighty Murrumbidgee River near Hay in New South Wales. I left Hay this particular morning and drove 38 kilometres east along the Sturt Highway until I reached the Mulberrygong Reserve. Most would not even see the sign and open gate to the reserve, but for me it was conspicuous because I was looking for an entry point that would allow me to reach a part of the river not often seen and photographed.
Murrumbidge River near Hay NSW
Photo: Darren Stones
It was a beautiful sunny day with a few clouds in the sky. No wind and just me out amongst nature with the birds chirping. The water level was low due to the drought, and because it was I had the opportunity to walk down the riverbank and get close to submerged logs. I looked around, noticed the stunning red riverbank on the bend in the distance and just literally stopped in my tracks. The experience had a profound effect on my psyche this day and it made me realise how much I enjoyed being out with my camera.
Murrumbidgee River near Hay NSW
Photo: Darren Stones
After about half-an-hour, I began to better see the curves of the river, the lines of the submerged logs, and how the cloud was filling in patches of blue sky. I extended the legs of my tripod and began to move my camera around to different positions so I could work on my compositions. I almost slowed down the image-making process to slow motion as I allowed myself time to absorb the landscape. I felt attached to it, and set about making some photographs.
Murrumbidgee River near Hay NSW
Photo: Darren Stones
Upon finishing that shoot, I felt at ease with myself as a photographer. I would suggest to anyone that if you give yourself time to connect with the landscape, you will begin to better see what you are looking at. You will hear things such as the birds, insects, and the movement of leaves in the trees.
Murrumbidgee river near Hay NSW
Photo: Darren Stones
Our hectic lifestyles do impact upon the way we live. We do have to give ourselves permission to better connect with the landscape because I believe it does help with our sense of wellbeing.
In August 2009 I had the pleasure of photographing the mighty Murrumbidgee River near Hay in New South Wales. I left Hay this particular morning and drove 38 kilometres east along the Sturt Highway until I reached the Mulberrygong Reserve. Most would not even see the sign and open gate to the reserve, but for me it was conspicuous because I was looking for an entry point that would allow me to reach a part of the river not often seen and photographed.
Murrumbidge River near Hay NSW
Photo: Darren Stones
It was a beautiful sunny day with a few clouds in the sky. No wind and just me out amongst nature with the birds chirping. The water level was low due to the drought, and because it was I had the opportunity to walk down the riverbank and get close to submerged logs. I looked around, noticed the stunning red riverbank on the bend in the distance and just literally stopped in my tracks. The experience had a profound effect on my psyche this day and it made me realise how much I enjoyed being out with my camera.
Murrumbidgee River near Hay NSW
Photo: Darren Stones
After about half-an-hour, I began to better see the curves of the river, the lines of the submerged logs, and how the cloud was filling in patches of blue sky. I extended the legs of my tripod and began to move my camera around to different positions so I could work on my compositions. I almost slowed down the image-making process to slow motion as I allowed myself time to absorb the landscape. I felt attached to it, and set about making some photographs.
Murrumbidgee River near Hay NSW
Photo: Darren Stones
Upon finishing that shoot, I felt at ease with myself as a photographer. I would suggest to anyone that if you give yourself time to connect with the landscape, you will begin to better see what you are looking at. You will hear things such as the birds, insects, and the movement of leaves in the trees.
Murrumbidgee river near Hay NSW
Photo: Darren Stones
Our hectic lifestyles do impact upon the way we live. We do have to give ourselves permission to better connect with the landscape because I believe it does help with our sense of wellbeing.
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