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A promising start
Our first MCC Photo Discussion Group meeting was held on July 13th and began with a good attendance by very enthusiastic members.
We began with a general discussion about what members are looking
to gain from the group and the suggested agenda for the next few
meetings.
The night?s considerable discussion centred around two lovely
images from Robert Groom and Andrew Gyopar ? a beautifully printed
unusual plant still-life and an superb moody and unconventional
portrait respectively.
Issues raised included: how the images would be categorised for
successful competition entry; the most compelling attributes of each
image; how judges might traditionally evaluate the images; why we found
each image so appealing and what the authors were intending to convey.
We were then treated to a wonderful exercise prepared by Ian Bock -
where we broke up into groups and discussed our views on a number of
images - conventional and "graphic". We compared each group's summary
views, which opened considerable and valuable discussion - about what
"made" and/or what "let down" each image.
The exercise concluded with Ian's slide show about how each image
was made, "post processed" and digitally enhanced and/or manipulated.
This in particular lead to much enjoyable and valuable discussion!
Solving the mysteries of life!
Interestingly that seemingly ever-present topic of photography
versus graphic art reared its head, leading to lively discussion among
the group. Some very interesting views were expressed with all agreeing
on one key issue at least ? for the final product to be a photograph,
it must at least involve a source image captured through the
photographic process, be it digital or film media and despite how that
source image might be manipulated.
But, alas, ultimately the issue comes down to: "when does an image
begin to be a photograph and when does it cease to be a photograph?" We
can look forward to more debate on that issue I?m sure.
The continuing agenda
In general, the participants agreed that we progress the photo discussion group agenda for the rest of 2009 with the following:
- DVD documentaries about iconic photographers such as: Ansel Adams and Annie Leibovitz.
- Discussion of members' photos in specific genres.
- The "art" of photography: The balance between the technical and the creative.
- Crafting
and presentation of quality images: Digital post-processing and optimal
presentation of images for use either online or for projection or
printing.
- Discussion of members' chosen favourite photos by others: By professionals or non-professionals.
- The "art" of photography: The creative elements that make a photo stand out as impactful art.
- Members' own issues about their work and how they can improve its impact.
Of course all members? contributions will be gratefully appreciated. Thanks
Many thanks to the participants for their enthusiasm and contributions
on the night. We look forward to growing numbers of participants and
knowing that the photo discussion group is giving members added
pleasure.
Take more pictures!
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