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Oscailt
IPF Newsletter - March - 2018
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Welcome to the March 2018 newsletter of the Irish Photographic Federation, it’s hard to believe that were into the 3rd month of the New Year already and also that we have just held the first one of our big events in the IPF programme of events for 2018 the National Photographer of the Year & Nature Photographer of the Year Competition which took place in the Talbot Hotel Co. Carlow on the weekend of 17th & 18th February.
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(Further on in this edition you will see photographs and a report on the event) but it would be remit of me not to acknowledge and say a big thanks to the coordinator of the event Darragh Sherwin and the backroom staff that assisted him including Niamh Whitty, Ita Martin, Joe Doyle, Tony Murray and Brian Deering and also not for the first time in Carlow, supporting and assisting in no small way was Liam Beattie (Public Relations Officer) with the IPF and the members of Carlow Photographic Society who were on hand all over the weekend offering their support. It’s also only appropriate that we thank the sponsors of this event who were Frametastic, Nicelight, Image Creative Supplies, and One Photographic without whose support events like these are almost impossible to run and whose support is very much appreciated. I would like to congratulate the judges over the two days too, for their attention to detail and the work they put in and to congratulate James Cosgrove from Clones Photographic Group winner of the Photographer of the Year 2018 and all the winners in the various categories from both competitions.
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On a personal note I was delighted to come away with a gold medal in the prints open section and a judge’s medal but most surprisingly to win the overall Nature Photographer of the Year 2018.
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Our next event, the March Distinction sitting takes place in the Dunamaise Arts Centre, Portlaoise on Saturday, March 24th, followed in May by the National Club Finals in Mullingar on the 19th and the Annual General Meeting of the IPF on the 20th. The May Distinction sitting will also take place that weekend so as you can see a busy few couple of months coming up with the organising and planning of these events and we look forward to seeing you all at one or more of them
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Irish Photographic Federation.
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Upcoming Events in the IPF Calendar
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What's Inside this Month?
- Photographer & Nature Photographer of the Year Finals Report
- A Word From of Sponsors POTY & NPOTY 2018
- IPF Distinctions Service Update
- AnÓige Annual Exhibition
- Spotlight on Deirdre Murphy
- Focus on Carlow Photographic Society
- Eddie Chandler Gallery - FIAP Exhibition Centre - Catchlight Exhibition
- FIAP Distinctions
- Who's Who In Photography - PSA
- Denis Whelehan PSA Liaison Officer
- Stay Safe
- IPF Awards
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POTY & NPOTY Finals in Carlow
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The weekend of February 17th and 18th brought lots of winners with successes in the Nature Photographer of the Year and Photographer of the Year.
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Nature Photographer of the Year
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First off was IPF President Dominic Reddin FIPF winning the Nature Photographer of the Year with his amazing image - Waterrail
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When asked to speak about his entry, Dominic had this to say:
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"Water Rails are very elusive, curious and beautiful so getting up close to them can be a challenge in its self, the morning I managed to capture this photograph there was little or no wind and there was a beautiful mist laying low along the water.
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To capture this photograph I literally was lying down very low at water’s level and waited until the bird emerged from the reed bed and marsh ground next to the river. After coming out of the reeds a couple of times it would quickly turn around and run back in. At one particular stage, it seems to stop motionless for a couple of seconds which enabled me to get this photograph. Looking back on the back of my camera I knew I had managed to capture the image I was after. Capturing the bird’s reflection and the light I was blessed with that morning made all the difference.
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Entering the Nature Photographer of the Year for the past couple of years I have won awards in the Regional Finals, however winning a Gold Medal in the open print, followed by a judges medal in the National Competition was great. Winning the overall prize was just terrific after all these years".
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Full results of the Nature Photographer of the Year are available on the IPF website
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Photographer of the Year
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On Sunday, it was the turn of James Cosgrove from Clones Photography Group to claim Photographer of the Year with his stunning image - Sara
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Complete list of winners of the Photographer of the Year are available on the IPF website
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When asked to speak about his entry, James had this to say:
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“This was my first year to compete as an advanced photographer in a national competition so it was a big surprise to hear my name called out at the end of the awards ceremony. To win the photographer of the year award is a huge honour especially when you see the calibre of previous winners and the standard of photography, in general, throughout Ireland.
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It also brings me great joy to bring the award back to Clones Photography Group, a club which was formed in 2015. At club formation, our member base comprised entirely of non-advanced members however in a short period of time we have members whom now hold IPF distinctions and have won numerous awards on both the national and international stage. The idea behind my winning image came from the 1984 photographic portrait of the Afghan girl taken by journalist Steve McCurry which appeared on the June 1985 cover of the National Geographic.
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The image of my daughter was taken in my living room and was originally comprised of a three light setup however, I decided to simplify the lighting setup by using a single strobe and large reflector which resulted in a more balanced image in terms of lighting. This award has highlighted to me that a winning image can be a simple setup taken at any location and that even the underdog can have his day in the sun.”
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IPF President Dominic Reddin sent these words about the event.
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“Day Two at the Talbot Hotel for the Photographer of the Year Competition and another great day with another large audience in attendance. The standard of images on display both digital and prints was again of a very high standard and has certainly put the judges through their paces.
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Our thanks to our judges Rod Wheelans, Anne Greiner and Leif Alveen who have worked tirelessly all day.
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The atmosphere was great with all the photographer from clubs across the country watching and waiting in anticipation for their various scores.
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A special note of thanks again to the National Coordinator Darragh Sherwin and his back-room staff including Ita Martin, Niamh Whitty, Joe Doyle, Tony Murray and Brian Deering who ran the event like clockwork.
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As with yesterday, the support of IPF PRO Liam Beattie and his colleagues in Carlow Photographic Society cannot go unnoticed either. Together, their team contributed to a very successful day overall. Thanks also to the staff at The Talbot Hotel, especially Amanda and Claire who have been incredibly helpful to us all day.”
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We would like to thank our judges for the weekend:
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Nature Photographer of the Year:
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- Karen Berry FRPS AFIAP – Scotland
- Mark Sedgwick FIPF EFIAP/b EsFIAP – Celbridge Camera Club
- Desmond Conors FIPF – Breffni Camera Club
Photographer of the Year:
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- Leif Alveen MPSA, EFIAP/g, ASDF – Denmark
- Rod Wheelans FRPS FIPF MPAGB HonPAGB MFIAP – Scotland
- Anne Greiner MPAGB – Scotland
The national coordinator Darragh Sherwin would like to offer a thank you to all the regional coordinators:
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- Bob Morrison & team – Midwest & North West Region
- Ita Martin & team – Dublin and South Leinster Region
- Mark Gorman & team – Southern Association of Camera Clubs
- Gabriel O’Shaughnessy/Tommy McDermott & team – NorthEast Region
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The coordinator would also like to offer an especially big thank you to all the team who helped with such a smoothly run event
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Tony Murray, Frank Condra, Carlow Photography Society, Joe Doyle, Dominic Reddin, Deirdre Watson, Ita Martin, Niamh Whitty, Darragh Sherwin, Liam Beattie.
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This year, we were thrilled to welcome four sponsors to the finals weekend and would like to express our thanks for their very generous sponsorship. All four are in attendance throughout the weekend, so please be sure to stop by and chat with them.
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Frametastic who are an outstanding commercial and bespoke framers, canvas, print and specialized products for the photographic industry.
Nicelight – Professional lighting made easy. Nicelight is the right place if you are looking for new lighting equipment to get that pro studio look or to update your lighting needs.
Image Creation Supplies a leading supplier of Photo Kiosks, event printers, paper media and other accessories for your photographic needs.
One Photographic based in Ballymount, Dublin 12, supplies a diverse range of products and services to Photographers in Ireland.
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A Few Words From Our Sponsors
(POTY & NPOTY 2018)
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FRAMETASTIC
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"As this was Frametastic First ever venture into a sponsorship deal we could not have wished for a better partner in the IPF. Been involved with the POTY and NPOTY was such a perfect fit for us, the organisation of the events over the months was great and been able to attend several regional finals along with the grand final was a great way for Frametastic to meet so many of our existing clients and showcase to many new photographers just what we can and do offer, the Carlow venue was excellent and as we were able to showcase our Aluminium panels along with out frames and Canvas products people were able to get a hands on feel for them and the quality of the products, We look forward to having this relationship for the coming years with the IPF and the various photography clubs, From all the team at Frametastic we would like to say thank you for allowing us to support such an event".
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One Photographic.
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We were delighted to attend the Nature and Photographer of the Year event in Carlow recently.
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We received a very positive reaction to our stand over the two day’s with lots of business done, so thank you to all the photographers.
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We had reps from Epson, Fuji, Fotospeed and Hahnemuhle in attendance on our stand also and they were equally delighted with the response over the two days.
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Finally a big thank you to the to the IPF Council for putting the event together and we look forward to doing it all again in 2019.
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Nicelight.
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"The Photographer of Year and Nature Photographer of the Year event is the "go to" event for most of the Camera Clubs in Ireland and the perfect place for www.nicelight.eu to attend and get to talk to our customers. We were thrilled that so many friends and customers took the time to talk about all things lighting with us. There was great interest in our Battery operated studio lighting and our on camera and off camera flash units and accessories. We hope to return next year and in the meantime hope that members will visit www.nicelight.eu for all their lighting needs.
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IPF Distinction Service Update
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BOOKING FOR SEPTEMBER AND NOVEMBER 2018
ARE NOW OPEN.
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Everyone interested in applying for the Licentiate, Associate or Fellowship should note that the September (Carlow) and November (Thurles) sessions are open for applications on the 5th February, 12 noon.
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As always, applicants are advised to go to an assessment session to see what is required for a successful application. The upcoming sessions are 24th March in Dunamaise Arts Centre in Portlaoise and 19th May in Mullingar Arts Centre.
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Annual Fees
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For those who have not paid their annual distinction fee this year, please note that you are now in arrears and are no longer allowed to use IPF distinction letters after your name.
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The annual fee is very reasonable at €25 for standard renewal and only €15 for seniors. These fees help fund everything we do as an organisation so we ask you all to make the effort to help us continue to grow.
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If you haven't received an invoice from us this year, please get in touch and we will most happily correct this for you :-)
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New Handbooks on Distinction Guidelines
The IPF Distinctions Committee have begun compiling guidelines on some of the specialist Associate and Fellowship panel subjects that come up for assessment. These are intended to assist applicants when they are in putting their panels together.
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Given the popularity of Nature photography and of Travel photography, the first guidelines to be published are on those subjects. Much of what is in them will already be well known to applicants, especially the Nature guidelines. Nevertheless, the guidelines should help applicants to compile panels that fully address the requirements for a successful assessment.
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2018 - March 24th, Portlaoise
All spaces at this sitting have been booked.
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2018 - May 19th, Mullingar
All spaces at this sitting have been booked.
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2018 - September 15th Carlow
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Booking opens 5th February, 12noon.
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2018 - November (Thurles, Date TBC)
Booking opens 5th February, 12noon.
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Watch the IPF website for updated news of these events.
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AnÓige 80th Annual Exhibition
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AnÓige Photographic Group will be holding their 80th Annual Exhibition
this year. From the 31st May to 10th June inclusive.
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For more information and the entry form click on this link.
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Spotlight on
Deirdre Murphy
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Deirdre is from Malahide and enjoys lots of different genres of photography including portraiture, nature, landscape and architecture.
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DSLR? A: First camera was a compact Fuji. I got a DSLR Nikon D5000 with an 18 – 200 m lens and loved it. I then moved to a Nikon D7000 and now have the Nikon D750. I bought the F2.8, 24–70 lens last year and it is my favourite lens. Great for portraiture and landscape. I also have the Nikon 300 prime lens for nature with a 1.4 converter. It’s a brilliant lens for birds and wildlife. It’s a really light lens to hold. I know there is a greater range with the 400 and 500 lenses but I find them too heavy to hold and I hate carrying a tripod when taking nature images. I have been known to leave the tripod behind in the long grass.
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Q: What was the background to your most successful image?
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A: My most successful and one of my favourite images is one of my niece Helen – “The Hat”. I was testing out a new softbox I had bought and set it up at home. I was trying out different lighting and poses. I like portraiture. I like capturing an expression and I love the moment as you download a card after a day of shooting and see that image that you just can’t wait to process! I have a large bag of props, hats, wraps,
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headpieces and I just liked the expression on her face for this image. I like the contrast of her skin tones with the black hat. I always use textures with portrait images. I enjoy blending the textures and like to lift the portraits from the grey backdrops. It did well nationally and also was successful at the international salons.
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Q: Your own favourite image?
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A: That’s a difficult one….. I like nature photography and was away last year in Scotland photographing Kingfishers. Such beautiful birds, I was so mesmerised when one landed at close proximity that I nearly forgot to press the shutter! I just love the speed at which they move and their colour really makes them stand apart from other birds. I was lucky enough to get a few decent shots. I’m still going through the files.
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I really like landscape photography as well and it’s probably a little easier than nature. At least it doesn’t disappear as you get your camera set up. I wish sunrise was at 8 am everyday as I am not a fan of early mornings but the morning light is definitely the best. This image By the Sea Shore was actually taken in the afternoon in West Cork with a 10 stop filter. I like the image in terms of tranquillity, minimalism, tones and colour.
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Q: What genre of photography best describes your photography/general interest?
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A: I like different genres of photography, portraiture, nature, landscape and architecture. I particularly like portraiture and find it a little easier than other genres of photography. It’s particularly rewarding when you get that look, expression or mood and know you have an image that will work. I enjoy bringing the image together in terms of props, colours, textures and processing. Nature, however, can be more difficult in this country especially with the weather. I have often planned a day to go to the bog to photograph dragonflies but had to cancel due to wind/rain. Dragonflies and birds are not as easy to direct as models!
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A: Nikon – only because it’s the first DSLR I bought and have the lenses now so would be reluctant to change. I plan to buy the Fuji XT 10 later this year. I will always use the DSLR when going on a photography trip but the Fuji is handy for weekends away when you don’t want to be carrying the big bag of camera gear.
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Q: Would you recommend joining a camera club. Why? What have you got out of it?
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A: I would definitely recommend joining a camera club. It’s great to get an opportunity to see other people’s work both from within the club and also presentations from external speakers. Everybody develops their own style but other people’s work can be inspirational. There is a great social side to the club and it’s fantastic to meet with like-minded people. There are lots of opportunities to meet up with people and explore different genres of photography. I’m part of the education sub-committee in my own club and enjoy putting together a programme for the year. I know a lot of people don’t like competitions but it does help to improve your photography. Themed competitions are always a bone of contention within clubs but they do make you explore elements that you might ordinarily never consider.
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Q: What does photography mean to you?
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A: I feel I see the world in a whole new light since I took up photography. The ordinary becomes extraordinary. The rusty boat and mottled stone wall suddenly become ideal textures. The black ominous rolling clouds make for a great black and white image. I feel lucky to have found a hobby that I am so passionate about.
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Q: What is your photographic dream?
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A: My dream would be to take off on a world trip with a very large memory card, combining loads of different photography - travel, landscape, portraiture, nature and architecture. Did I mention having the lotto win in my back pocket and having a sherpa to carry the gear!
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Q: Do you have a website/Flickr/Facebook photo page? https://www.flickr.com/photos/78904366@N08/
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Focus On Carlow Photographic Society
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Q. When was the CPS founded.
A. In 2003 by a few like-minded people.
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Q. How many members do you have.
A, It varies from year to year, usually anywhere between 50 and 60.
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Q. When and where do you meet.
A. Every Wednesday evening from 8 pm to 10-10.30 pm from the beginning of September to the end of May, in the Cedar rooms in the Seven Oaks Hotel Carlow.
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Q. Any notable events? Exhibitions / workshops / etc.
A. We have an annual exhibition, which takes place during Carlow Arts Festival in June each year, each member of the CPS is allowed to exhibit a photograph of their choice, and the last number of years we also have a members project to exhibit. Last September we hosted the IPF distinctions in the George Bernard Shaw theatre and on February 17th – 18th we hosted the IPF NPOTY and POTY in the Talbot Hotel in Carlow. We impressed the IPF so much that we have both events back in Carlow again, which is a great boost for the club.
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Q. When was the club started and by whom.
A. The club was formed in 2003 by Charley Callinan and Stephen Nolan, they put an ad in the local paper to see if there were more like-minded people interested in forming a club.
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Q. To what do you attribute your success.
A. From when I became a member of CPS in 2008, I could see that all the members had the same thing in common, and that was to improve the standard of their photography and to help each other to achieve this and we still have this as our focus.
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Q. What was the best outing/ talk/club night in the last 12 months.
A. The distinction sittings last September, the NPOTY and POTY in February 2018, we had an outing to Kilkenny for a night shoot, and we had a number of great guest speakers, including the IPF president Dominic Reddin, that stunned us with his panel on Kingfishers.
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Q. If another camera club came to your town where are the best-kept secrets that they should photograph.
A. We welcome all visiting clubs, not sure if we have many secrets, but we would show them Ducketts Grove, the Brownshill dolmen, Mt Leinster as part of the Blackstairs mountain range, Milford and St Mullins to name but a few.
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Q. What is the aspect of your group that makes it so special.
A. Not sure if we are special, but we will try to help anyone interested in photography to improve their skills, and both old and new members are always willing to share their knowledge to up-skill each other.
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Q. If you could ask the IPF to improve on one thing what would be.
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A. If we could share guest speakers to try and make it more affordable for clubs to have access to top-notch speakers.
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FIAP Distinctions Holders Exhibition - June 2018
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The Irish Photographic Federation - in association with the Eddie Chandler Gallery, a FIAP Exhibition Center - will host an exhibition of images by successful FIAP Distinction Holders.
The exhibition will open on Saturday 9th, June 2018 in the Gallery.
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The presentation of pins and certificates will take place as part of the opening reception.
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All successful FIAP Distinction applicants for 2018 will be asked to submit some of their images and these will form the exhibition.The numbers to be submitted will depend on the number of photographers applying in 2018 - but we guaranteed at least one per photographer.
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The FIAP Liaison Officer will coordinate the exhibition and will be in touch with each photographer following the closing date for FIAP distinctions which is 28th, February 2018.
The exhibition will then be on show for the month of June.
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This is a change to our normal practice of presenting pins and certificates as part of the IPF Club Championships. It is felt that by organising this exhibition we will be able to give better recognition to our successful international photographers.
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FIAP Distinctions.
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"Many thanks to all those who have submitted applications for FIAP Distinctions. This year we have had over 35 applications.Hopefully, all will be successful.
We are now in the process of checking and double-checking these before we submit them to FIAP by the closing date of 31 March.We expect to hear back from FIAP sometime in May.
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Paul Stanley - the FIAP Liaison Officer - will be in touch with everyone who has applied during March with details of the next steps and with details of the FIAP Distinctions Holders exhibition, which will take place during June in the FIAP Exhibition Centre, Dublin"
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Who's Who in Photography, PSA
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Bill Power is second in the world in Large Mono Prints in the most recent edition of 'Who's Who in Photography' published by the Photographic Society of America. The positioning is calculated based on awards and acceptances gained by photographers who enter international competitions around the world.
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Others who won awards in 'Who's Who' are Helen Hanafin, Ross McKelvey, and Gabriel O'Shaughnessy.
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Congratulation to you all for such a great achievement.
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Denis Whelehan PSA Liaison Officer
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Denis Whelehan has been the PSA Liaison Officer for Rep of Ireland & Northern Ireland since 2006 in 2017. The PSA asked Denis to continue his role for another two-year term until 2019. Denis's role is to provide a valuable link between the Photographic Society of America and the national photographic federations of both the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland. Congratulations Denis.
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If you are out taking photographs of the snow, stay safe, stay warm and look out for your fellow photographers.
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The image was taken from the snow of 2010.
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IPF Awards
Did you know that the IPF have an honorary award system available?
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IPF Awards should not be confused with IPF Distinctions. Awards are made to individuals who have served above and beyond at club or higher level over a significant period. To preserve the integrity and high standing of these honorary awards, the number granted each year will be strictly limited. The final decision on granting each Award will be made by the IPF Awards Committee, which shall be comprised of six members of the IPF Council including a secretary elected by the Awards Committee and chaired by the IPF President.
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Got News?
Have news for us?! Great! Send it in!
Suggestions for future editions also most welcome!
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Get in touch via Contact Page on our website and select "Newsletter" to send your message!
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