MIPP April 2015 Newsletter

The Official MIPP Newsletter

April 2015

FOCALPOINT

Issue No. 50

www.mipp-malta.com

EDITORIAL First of all we would like to

start by wishing you and your families a Happy Easter!

Secondly, once again we have a jammed packed newsletter for all of you to enjoy.

If you want your photos featured on the newsletter’s front page just send the images to newsletter@mippmalta.com.

Your contributions are always welcome!

Justin Gatt gave us a great contribution and shared his passion and work as the official photographer for the Armed Forces of Malta.

Kevin Casha is also giving a good talk at the American Embassy later on this month, so this is another event not to be missed. And in the ‘Out & About’ section we pointed out a few events which might interest you as well.

Top Image: Editor Therese Debono Above: Assistant Editor Kerstin Arnemann

We also hope that the members who visited the Old Power Plant in Marsa last month got some good shots! We will be contacting you shortly to send us your best shots so we can feature you on the newsletter.

Meanwhile Happy Holidays!

Newsletter Team Editor: Therese Debono Assistant Editor: Kerstin Arnemann Design: Therese Debono Article Vetting: Vince DeBono Articles: Various contributors Editorial Advice: Kevin Casha

Find us on:

Therese & Kerstin!

Contact: newsletter@mippmalta.com

CONTENTS

APRIL 2015 pg 2 pg 6 pg 14 pg 16 pg 18 pg 20 pg 22 pg 24 pg 26 pg 27 pg 28

President’s viewpoint Featured MIPP member Out & About MIPP Monthly Event MIPP Past Event Talk by Kevin Casha MIPP Notice MIPP Notice MIPP Calendar MIPP Notice Member’s Gallery

Keeping Interest in Photography Justin Gatt March Events Models & Portable Flash Shooting for Perfection Looking at Ansel Adams All Girls Winners!

A Thank you Letter Mark your diaries Studio Lights for hire International Online Competition Standings

Kevin Casha

cover artist

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studio photo, by Kevin Casha, done by using a single studio light source.

The dancer is Brenda Lee Grech who lives and works in the United Kingdom. Brenda is another success story for local Maltese artistes who have, through their work and determination, managed to make a name for themselves abroad.

Brenda Lee works for the Scottish Ballet and the Ballet D’Europe and studied at the prestigious Accademia Teatro alla Scala, in Milan.

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Keeping the Interest in Photography

Kevin Casha

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recently started teaching another series of the MIPP’s ‘Introduction to Photography’ Course and the discussion fell on what discourages newcomers to photography. I gave it some thought and I tried to narrow it down to five main factors which contribute to the failure of beginners to maintain their initial interest and momentum.

1. EQUIPMENT: Do not blame your equipment (or lack of it). Yes, certain equipment is needed for some genres of photography, such as macro, sport or wildlife, but photography has been with us for nearly 200 years and those photographers who came before us did not even dream of the equipment we have at our disposal today. Yet, the history of photography is brimming with outstanding and iconic work where a basic camera and lens were employed. Autofocus and the camera Monitor, just to mention two things, are relatively recent inventions.

2. POST PROCESSING: On the other hand, post processing or digitally editing images after they have been captured with a camera, is here to stay. How can the images of a student of photography, who has no idea of post processing, compete with those of someone who is employing the enormous benefits of fine tuning one’s images? The answer is simply a big “No.” When such newbies compare their images, they are bound to be disheartened. Thus, when taking up photography, or going to learn, one must today perforce interest oneself in image editing. Otherwise, one’s images cannot reach today’s industry standards.

3. SLOW DOWN: Life has become so fast that most of us rarely pause enough to see the opportunities and the great visual images that are there for the taking.

One can carry a camera around the clock, (which I recommend) but unless one learns and disciplines oneself to slow down and to look at the world a little differently one may never actually see those images. When out taking pictures, fully absorb the surroundings and if something stops you in your tracks, keep the camera down and first use your eyes and your brain. What has attracted you to

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viewpoint

stop? How can you shoot the subject differently? What do you include and leave out? Is the background complimentary? The list never ends. Yet ask yourself these questions as eventually it will become a natural procedure which will get one into the habit of seeing subjects which otherwise would be ignored. The main idea is to include photography into your daily lifestyle and rhythm, and observe even when the camera is not with you 4. RESEARCH: This is becoming a very neglected part of the photographers of today.

Art needs stimulation and knowledge. If we do not constantly research and improve our knowledge, in all spheres of life, our horizons will be as restricted as a horse with blinkers.

The more we research on what others have done before us, the more we look at other art forms, the more we read on photography, the more we research themes and concepts, the more our imagination and creativity will broaden.

Humans are a product of their conditioning, so how can someone who isolates oneself and is not constantly searching for ways and means to improve his work progress? The more knowledge we have, be it conceptual, historical, technical etc; the more capable we will be to improve our work.

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5. NETWORK & COMPETE: A common gripe I hear is that newcomers are very scared to compete in photographic competitions or even to show their work on social media. Here I totally disagree.

Images were not meant to be taken and hoarded by the photographer. Images are taken to be seen, discussed, generate awareness, pass a message. The reasons why we photograph are endless so if one is going into photography being perpetually scared to show one’s images, one might as well stick to philatelly or needlework!

Do not be worried about how others see your work, or if you fail in a competition.

This is a vital process for a beginner to learn how to improve. If one does not hear critique of one’s work, how can the work evolve? How can a photographer’s confidence grow if the photographs are only seen perhaps by a few close people around him - who would normally be too polite to say what they truly think? So go out there to compete and show your work and remember, even those ‘judges’ started out the same as you.

Article & Image by Kevin Casha

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MEET JUSTIN Justin Gatt is the Official Photographer for the Armed Forces. of Malta. Here Justin recounts how his love for photography lead him into a career where his work is his passion!

My love for photography was instilled in me when years

ago as a child, I spent hours leafing through countless editions of the National Geographic magazine, feeling deeply inspired and moved by the images I saw. I took the first step to photography much later, in 1997 when I bought my first 35mm SLR camera for a trip to France. It was on this second hand Chinon CE-4s, that I used to practice and learn the fundamentals of photography.

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featured member

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There was no turning back. Photography became an integral part of my life as I strived to get order through my pictures, in a world of apparent disorder. I feel simplicity coupled with composition is a way were one can provide a sense of comfort and confidence to the viewer. My ultimate aim is to immerse the observer into my experience and perspective whilst at times, allowing enough space for interpretation. I try to encourage viewers to see order and understand that creation is not all chaos and uncertainty. Instilling hope is no easy feat.

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I qualified for my Licentiate with the United Kingdom’s Society of Wedding & Portrait Photographers (SWPP) and the British Press Photographers Association (BPPA) UK in 2005. Following several years of active service with the Armed Forces of Malta (AFM), in 2010, I was given the opportunity to delve deeper into my hobby and turn it into my full time job. After a while, I was appointed as the official photographer of the Armed Forces of Malta following my interests in the world of photography. The position of an official photographer of the AFM exposed me to the photojournalistic sphere and further developed my photographic style. My work as a photographer within the Armed Forces of Malta is mostly orientated towards story telling through image reportage, this consists in documenting all events that are happening within the Malta’s military operations.

Being the official AFM photographer has rendered me an all rounder and drastically improved my know how and experience as a photographer. My job entails me to capture images in totally different scenarios and requirements, sometimes

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having very limited time to take the required image, where a second retake is not possible; a hit or miss situation. This pressure improved both my technique and confidence in equipment. Having a very sound knowledge of both major camera gear available, I’m able to get the image even when equipment is limited or not ideal. Resourcefulness is not just an ability, it’s a value that leaves very little space for excuses or retrospection.

The events within the AFM happen in several different scenarios and locations, be it on land, at sea and in the air. This means I am forced to shoot from various AFM assets at times navigating at different speeds and exposed to the elements.

The land component, which are the day-to-day events, include parades, ceremonies, training and physical exercises. At sea I usually cover training between AFM and international vessels, both in local and international waters. My personal favorite type of photography is air to air; this was a totally new experience for me as a photographer to shoot from an aircraft, be it from a hovering helicopter or a moving plane. The purpose of the images vary according to operational or Public Relations direction. I have captured reconnaissance images and documented mo-

Opposite Page: State Funeral Censu Tabone Below: Irregular immigrants

mentous events such as the arrival of new aircraft such as the recent acquisition of the Awgusta Westland 139 helicopter. The biggest capital project in the history of Malta’s Military.

Encouraged by my published work both in local and international print and online media, and supported by my superiors, in 2012 I was given the opportunity to take my photography studies to a higher level by for the BTEC Higher National Diploma. The two year course, which I finished with flying colors, gave me the space I needed to explore various fields of photography together with associated academic subjects leading not only to my Degree but also to a wider understanding of the medium.

Article and Image by Justin Gatt Above: Justin Gatt during an assignment

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you can

OUT AND ABOUT

April Events

Since art is not only about photography, Kerstin came up with the brilliant idea of selecting a few monthly events and pointing them out to our members so that you visit these interesting exhibitions/installations/ book launches and be inspired! Enjoy!

Patches Spring Fair http://www.visitmalta.com/en/ event-details/2015-04/patchesspring-fair-2015-8252 Date: 12.04.2015 12.30 hrs Venue: Valletta Cruise Terminal

What is Patches? Patches is an experiential and unique crafts fair. It is where contemporary, creative makers meet with people who appreciate high quality, handcrafted and locally designed fare. With over 50 carefully-selected, successful and super-talented makers who set-up colourful and heart-warming stalls, it will be hard to leave empty handed! Choose from ceramics to jewellery and textiles, whilst enjoying traditional and seasonal, healthy or diet-breaking, gluten-free and raw food. For more information, please visit www.patchesmalta.com or ‘like’ us on Facebook.

Meg Ashley Exhibition, Hidden Shallows - What Lies Beneath https://www.facebook.com/events/1421107684866093/ Website: www.meg-ashley-art.co.uk Goldie’s 118, Triq Testaferrata, Msida from 01 April to 31 May Open Monday- Saturday 9am-4pm

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BANKROLLING THE RENAISSANCE http://www.visitmalta.com/en/ event-details/2015-04/bankrolling-the-renaissance-8087 Event: 16/04/201518:30 - 19:30 Venue: Le Meridien St. Julian’s

For further information about MaltaDFAS or to register as a member, please refer to our website: www.maltadfas.nadfas.net or our Facebook Page: Malta DFAS

Exhibition by the Teachers of Art https://www.facebook.com/photo.ph p?fbid=10205141863764637&set=g m.10152768433435732&type=1&the ater Venue: Malta Society of Arts 10 - 30 April 2015

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Models & Portable Flash on Location Keith Darmanin Join Keith Darmanin in Valletta on 7th April to learn all about shooting models on location using portable flash!

See you there!

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MIPP Photography Workshop - Shooting for Perfection

As part of its ongoing annual training programme, the Malta Institute of Pro-

fessional Photography (MIPP) held a photography workshop at the Monte Kristo Estates in Siggiewi, in collaboration The Fotografer Ltd. Themed “SHOOTING FOR PERFECTION”, this one-day workshop brought together local and foreign photographers, keen to improve their technical knowledge through the use of four purposely outfitted professional studio set ups, whilst utilising models and accompanying makeup artists.

The MIPP dedicates much of its efforts to achieve and maintain photography standards in professional practice and conduct, with a view to safeguard, monitor and deal with matters which affect professional photography.

Besides working with their own cameras, workshop participants had the unique opportunity to use the latest Hasselblad Digital cameras as well as other high end photography equipment, which included Aurora Studio Lighting, Lastolite, Delkin and Innovatronix products.

Guest speaker was Jens Anthonsen, Sales Manager from Hasselblad, who demonstrated in one of the studios set-up, the Hasselblad H5D-50c wifi model. Unlike all other camera manufacturers, Hasselblad offer an upgrade facility where any photographer can trade-in their previous Hasselblad camera for a new, more advanced model.

Paul Mizzi, Managing Director of the Foto Grafer Ltd., the local Maltese agents for Hasselblad, said that “We are proud to be Malta’s largest photographic establishment. Our contact with the client is more than just a transaction, it’s a relationship that we seek to maintain through our honesty, and quality.”

Whilst thanking The Fotografer for their support in organizing this workshop, the MIPP President Kevin Casha remarked that the day’s participants had walked away with a better appreciation of what constitutes a professional status in today’s photographic industry. The outstanding quality results achieved throughout the workshop, provided the attendees with a rare and interesting insight on how one’s final image quality is determined by those factors which each are key in any creative or artistic process.

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past event

Ab Above: Kevin K i Casha C h testing i out new gear during d i one off the h workk shops. h Below: Model Lara Cassar Delia, posing for photographers during the workshop

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Looking at Ansel Adams

by Kevin Casha

I would like to invite you to the second of a series of talks on iconic American

Photographers. The talks will be hosted and supported by the American Embassy in Malta. This time round, I will be reviewing the life and work of Ansel Adams.

This series of talks is aimed at creating awareness about Photographers who have strongly impacted the lives of many people around them. *Places are limited on a ‘first come first served’ basis and those who accept this invitation to attend need to register by sending an email to the US Embassy on usembmalta@state.gov or contacting Ms Joanna Zingariello, Press, Protocol and Exchanges Assistant US Embassy Valletta, Malta * Email zingarielloj@state.gov Office +356 2561-4147 È Cell +356 9985-6314

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All Girls Winners!

Two of our members, Therese Debono & Kerstin Arnemann placed 2nd and 3rd

respectively in a competition organised by the Ministry for Sustainable Develop, the Environment and Climate Change. First place was won by Leanne Attard.

The competition titled ‘The Environment : Our World. Our Home’ sought out images with the environment as subject matter and our relation to it. The photos needed to reflect the positive and negative aspects of human intervention, ways of safeguarding the environment and enhancing it, as well as our awareness or lack of it needed to be explored in a creative way. Photographs submitted were required to have a strong element of environmental awareness and could be taken anywhere in the world.

Above: L-R: Photovision Representative & Sponsor, Judges: Director for Policy & Programme Implementation Margaret Cassar, Joe Smith & Patrick Fenech, Minister Leo Brincat, Leanne Attard, Kerstin Arnemann & Therese Debono Photo courtesy of DOI Photographer Martin Attard Opposite: Winning Image. Top Image by Leanne Attard, Middle Image by Therese Debono and third image by Kerstin Arnemann.

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27/03/15 Kevin Casha President Malta Institute of Professional Photography MIPP Dear Mr. Casha, I would like to personally thank you and the Maltese Institute for Professional Photography for the generous donation made to CCIF this week. The photographs are simply 5 masterpieces. I admire the skill and creativity complemented with a solid technique of these artists and I would like to thank them all for their donations.

I feel profoundly honoured to have known you for the past 2 years. The support and care you show for the things CCIF fights for is commendable. I am proud that you and I will be partners for the upcoming MSD project.

As a young organisation, CCIF aims at raising awareness to become established in Malta by organising events during the year that reach out to the local community. As a non-profit organisation, CCIF relies on fundraising activities to fund its events.

Therefore CCIF will be auctioning the photographs in the coming weeks and the income will aid CCIF financially for the upcoming events like the Code Red Human Trafficking Awareness Conference on the 12th June and the Code Red Human Trafficking Awareness Concert on the 27 & 28th of the same month.

Once again thank you for your donation, your continued support means so much to me.

Truthfully yours,

Alec Douglas Bvumburah Chairman Cross Culture International Foundation VO/0628

CALENDAR 7th April Models & Portable Flash on Location, Keith Darmanin; 18:00hrs; TBC

14th April PTYA Judging Session - Live Events 19:30hrs, Le Meridien

5th May Member’s Image Assessment 19:30hrs, Le Meridien

12th May International Online Comp Judging 19:30hrs, Le Meridien

19th May Marketing Fine Art Photography by Joseph Simon Gauci. 19:30hrs, SO Gallerie

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STUDIO FLASH UNITS AVAILABLE FOR RENTING This set of electronic studio flash units has been kindly donated to the MIPP by PHOTOIMAGES (photoimages@maltanet.net ) of Laurent Ropa Street, Birkirkara, who are now under the management of Matthew Briffa. Photoimages are the distributors of Interfit lighting and a host of other accessories useful for both the hobbyist and the professional photographer.

To further increase the service we give to MIPP members, we are happy to announce that the MIPP is now in possession of an INTERFIT EX150 MK.3 KIT. The MIPP intends to rent out these lights to members at a very nominal fee, thus members who could hitherto not afford to practice studio photography, because of lack of studio lighting equipment, will now have an opportunity to do so. This adds another tangible benefit to our members, and I would also like to remind members that there is also the possibility of being loaned picture frames from the MIPP for exhibition purposes.

Those who are interested to rent out the lights are to contact Sergio Morana on sergio.morana@gmail.com.

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MEMBERS’ GALLERY

Above: Gold Award for Simon Attard

Above: Gold Award for Renata Apanaviciene

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International Online Competition 2nd Round

Above: Silver Award for Sandra Hotrum

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