The Official MIPP Newsletter
December 2014
FOCALPOINT
Issue No. 46
www.mipp-malta.com
EDITORIAL
Finally
December, 30 more days and we close off this year in style with 5 qualified members and a great social year behind us! I was totally honoured to judge two panels during the November Convention. The quality of work this year was astounding! No wonder members passed! I also want to pass on big congratulations to Kerstin Arnemann and Romana Wylie for winning Photographer of the Year and the International Online competitions awards respectively. It is great to see women getting the titles this year!
Assistant Editor Kerstin Arnemann
For this final issue we are featuring George Abdilla, who not only was part of the first members of MIPP, but his dance photography h deserved to be featured fully! It is also with great pleasure to see that three MIPP members have taken the plunge these past two months to exhibit!
Find us on:
Read all about it in this issue! Meanwhile I wish you all a great festive season and looking forward to seeing you during our very own Xmas Party on 7th December! Details inside! Therese & Kerstin!
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!
Newsletter Team Editor: Therese Debono Assistant Editor: Kerstin Arnemann Design: Therese Debono Article Vetting: Vince DeBono Articles: Various contributors Editorial Advice: Kevin Casha Contact: newsletter@mippmalta.com
CONTENTS
DECEMBER 2014 pg 2 pg 5 pg 10 pg 12 pg 14 pg 16 pg 17 pg 18 pg 20 pg 22 pg 24 pg 28
President’s viewpoint Featured MIPP member MIPP News MIPP News Exhibition News News Exhibition Out & About News Photo Gallery Calendar of Events
24 Tips to help the Predator George Abdilla Photographer of the Year Winner International Online Competition Winner Isle Landers MIPP Member at National Portrait Gallery MIPP Member at the Malta Society of Arts MIPP Member First Solo Exhibition December Events Qualifications Achievers Convention Hightlights Mark your Diaries!
Anonymous
cover artist Name: Spine Location: Valencia
Caption: “I shot this image in summer 2013 on a five day trip to Valencia. Being a draughtsman and travelling with an architect, Santiago Calatrava’s work in the city could not go unnoticed and unappreciated. The City for Arts and Science offers alot of photographic opportunities. I was lucky on the day with soft clouds which were not too sharp, so I could kind of get the effect of a long exposure, without actually setting up for it. I edited the image in black and white and highlighted the ‘spine’ part of the detail to get more of a 3D effect. I also had to remove some dust spots from the image to get it clean! Never change your lens on a windy day!”
1
24 TIPS TO HELP THE PREDATOR!
Kevin Casha
T
hese past years, I have been going back to my origins and doing more and more Street photography. I consider this type of photography to be very purist, in as much that the photographer, most of the times takes care not to interfere with the subject matter, as much as is possible. Here, I would just like to share with you my 20 top tips that should help budding practitioners of this genre of photography. A few might seem contradictory, but street photography opportunities are constantly changing, so the way on tackles this subject is very relevant to the situation: 1. CONQUER YOUR FEAR 2. EXPLORE DIFFERENT CAMERAS SUCH AS THE MOBILE PHONE 3. THE LESS GEAR, THE BETTER - BE MOBILE 4. CARRY YOUR CAMERA ALL THE TIME 5. PRIME LENSES ARE BEST 6. YOU DONT HAVE TO SHOOT IN MANUAL - APERTURE & SHUTTER PRIORITY ARE FASTER 7. LEAVE ETHICS AT HOME BUT NEVER BE RUDE 8. TRY AND TELL A STORY WITH YOUR IMAGE 9. SEARCH FOR ‘JUXTAPOSITION’ OPPORTUNITIES
2
viewpoint view vi ewpo poin intt
10. SHOOT ON SIGHT, DO NOT WAIT THEN REFINE THE SHOT IF GIVEN THE OPPORTUNITY 11. ITS USUALLY BETTER TO NOT MAKE EYE CONTACT WITH YOUR SUBJECT 12. GET AS CLOSE AS POSSIBLE TO YOUR SUBJECT 13. EXPLORE DIFFERENT VIEWPOINTS 14. AT TIMES, TRY TO FREEZE OBJECTS IN MOTION 15. AT TIMES, USE SLOW SHUTTER TO PRODUCE BLUR & MYSTERY 16. BE EVER ALERT – THE DECISIVE MOMENT IS A SPLIT SECOND 17. MAKE SURE YOU ARE IN FOCUS! 18. PAY ATTENTION TO COMPOSITION 19. LIE IN WAIT - A PREDATOR IS PATIENT 20. SHOOT FROM THE HIP 21. KNOW WELL HOW TO ZONE FOCUS 22. KEEP MOVING AS YOU SHOOT 23. STUDY SITUATIONS THAT MIGHT HAVE POTENTIAL EVEN IF SHOT FROM BEHIND 24. KEEP A WATCHFUL EYE FOR DISTRACTING BACKGROUND ELEMENTS
3
featured member
featured member DANCE PHOTOGRAPHY
George Abdilla
It was sometime in 1992 when I started to take photographs of
events, mainly dance and theatre, and for me it was a sort of love at first click. Recently, whilst reading Susan Sontag’s On Photography, I came across an interesting passage which reads as follows: “the photographer is a super tourist, extension of the anthropologist, visiting natives and bringing back news of their exotic doings and strange gear. The photographer is always trying to colonize new experiences or find new ways to look at familiar subjects – to fight against boredom. For boredom is the reverse side of fascination:both depend on being outside rather inside a situation, and one leads to the other.” This passage describes me perfectly, when it comes to dance, I would not go to watch a dancing show, unless I have a camera with me. Without a camera I would be bored, with a camera in my hands, I am fascinated. Throughout these past 22 years I have photographed innumerable shows, yet I still get the same excitement and fascination I did when I photographed the first show. Back then I used to shoot only in Black and White, my film being the Agfa 400 ASA, push processed to 1600 ASA. It was quite a grainy film, but gave decent results under the right conditions. A few years later Kodak’s T Max and Fuji’s Neopan 1600 became available. I used to buy my Black and White films in bulk form – 30 meter rolls, which I then cut to size, using a bulk film loader. I had absolute control over the whole process from the initial exposure, to the film processing and final printing. In these days, I used to do the occasional part time photography assignment and hence was invited to attend the very first meeting MIPP held. I am proud to say, I witnessed MIPP’s birth, becoming one of the very first associate members, but back then associate meant not being a full time professional photographer, and hence neither a full MIPP member. In 1997, a couple of years later, and whilst still studying at University, I joined full time, the then The People, a daily new newspaper based on the popular British Sun, and that meant I could apply for MIPP Full membership. It was also the first time that ‘Photo Training Overseas’ came to Malta, for a weekend in February (1998). During this period, MIPP had established a relationship with the Master Photographers Association; a number of MIPP members applied and prepared panels for MPA recognition during the PTO weekend. Since I was working as a full time photojournalist, I presented a panel for a
5
successful Licenciate at MPA in photojournalism. One of the pieces I presented, was a Black and White image of a Spanish dancer, a shot I still believe to be one of my best works depicting dancing. A few years after, I joined MTA, and work commitments meant I had to stop working in photography, due to the long hours, and unpredictable commitments. For a number of years my photography came to a halt, rarely using the cameras at all. I stopped all my memberships in photographic circles, and till 2006, I still did not have a digital camera, nor had the slightest idea how to use Photoshop. My entry into the digital World, was in fact rather hard, I shoot RAW, and my images looked flat, due to my inability to even do basic editing, something which at first I failed to understand. I tried competing again, but none of my images were even selected. It was only a chance encounter with my old friend Ramon that I finally understood that I needed to edit my images, and needed to learn to use Photoshop if I wanted to succeed with Digital images. My eldest daughter, wanted to do ballet, and through her, I restarted photographing dance shows. My passion for dance photography was back. I try attending all the shows I know of, and manage to get permission to shot. Yes, I simply love it, love seeing the action, the emotion, the passion dancers put in their dance, I love to watch all this through my lens, and capturing these movements in time.
6
My shooting philosophy is based on an old system called the zone system, a system we used to use for black and white films. Here one exposes for the shadows and develops for the highlights. When shooting harsh light events such as dance shows, I work in a different way, the reverse of this. Here I expose for the highlights and work out later on the shadows. My method involves setting the camera to spot metering, and setting my exposure on the highlights, this way I try to avoid as much as possible having burnt highlights, especially faces. Finding the right exposure is no mean feat, yet it is such a simple task from the days of film, where we could not see instantly what our exposure was rendering. I try to feel the music, foresee the movements the dancers will make, thus trying to know beforehand where and when to shoot. Motor drive helps, but is it not the secret to getting that right shot. Sometimes, I have what I believe great pictures, only to find out when showing them to dance experts, that the position, is bad, depicting the dancer badly. When this happens, there is only one way out, sadly I have to put away that photo. Last year, whilst reading for my Masters In Fine Arts, I was asked to work out of my comfort zone, and this meant letting go of my control of my picture taking, letting chance dictate my photography. It was no mean feat for me, but the results I got were great. I applied this approach to my dance photography too, and occasionally managed to produce a couple of shots which conveyed the movement, the atmosphere of the dance incredibly; a totally new perspective. True, out of every 100 shots, I would be lucky to get a single good image, but nonetheless, for this single image it would have been worth it. My advice if you want to do dance photography – experiment and let the dance get in you. When three years ago I was preparing an associate panel, I was undecided if I should use dance related works. Back then I opted not to, yet in the coming future, after I hopefully finish my Masters, I plan to start working on a new panel based on Dance photography which hopefully leads me to my next target.
George Abdilla
9
PHOTOGRAPHER OF THE YEAR WINNER This year’s PTYA competiton was fierce and very competitive with the top two participants producing and submitting astounding images at every judging session! Ultimately the score was very close and the winner was announced..... Kerstin Arnemann got the award!
“First of all let me say that I feel very
honoured, having been awarded Photographer of the Year 2014. My main aim in taking part at the PTYA was not the final award, but to improve my photography by submitting regular images to a panel of judges and receiving constructive feedback. When the themes of PTYA 2014 had been announced, I started thinking about ideas for every single theme, listed them on a piece of paper and studied beforehand the chosen locations with reference to light etc. To boost my creativity and refine my ideas, I did some research on Internet. Working on a unified series helped me to express to the viewer in a much better way, my vision and inspiration behind the images as well as my intentions. I think it is a great learning experience, fun, stimulates your creativity and the fact that you are able to confront yourself and discuss with other excellent member photographers about your body of work is very important and often turns out into a small social event after the PTYA judging session, which I personally enjoyed a lot. So I hope to see many more of you next year wishing you the best of luck.”
10
Artist’s Favourite Image from the whole competition Image Title: Rush Hour - This photo reflects best the type of photography which I personally like most. Combining two subjects of equal importance, complementing each other “Architectural Street Photography”. It is a way to express the relationship between the architectural structure and the people. Left: Kersin Arnemann receiving the PTYA Award from MIPP President Kevin Casha (right) and Martin Agius PTYA Coordinator (left)
11
MONTHLY ONLINE COMPETITION WINNER Another fierce competition this year was the MIPP Monthly Online Competion, however Romana Wylie came out as the top winner with 11 Golds for her submissions!
“I
was really pleased to win the Monthly Online competition this year. I mostly used submissions as a way to check my Steampunk images for my Associate Qualification but I also explored some other areas than Steampunk. I also participated in the Photographer of the Year Competition and I have included five of my favorites from both competitions.“
Above: Romana Wylie with MIPP President Kevin Casha (right) and Competition Coordinator Martin Agius (left)
12
Winner’s Favourite Image from the Submissions This is my favourite image from the 2014 online competition. I was really happy with Mark’s expression; absolutely him teaching. The little pictures in the frames are all shots of Gozo from my walks around the island so it is quite special for me as it combines Steampunk and my adopted home.
13
ISLE LANDERS I
sle Landers is a photographic art project ten years in the making by photojournalist Darrin Zammit Lupi of Times of Malta and Reuters, documenting the lives of asylum seekers and migrants through and after their journey across the Mediterranean Sea. Since 2002, more than 19,000 individuals have reached Malta by crossing the Mediterranean on rickety vessels. Several hundred thousand people have arrived in Italy during the same period. Many others were much less fortunate. During the last decade, thousands of men, women and children have lost their lives as their rickety vessels succumbed to the sea. To date, in 2014 alone, more than 3,000 people have perished in the Mediterranean, victims of a cynical smuggling and trafficking industry that continues to exploit desperate people on the move. Together with its accompanying book, the exhibition covers everything from rescues at sea, life in detention camps, right through to refugees leaving Malta to be permanently resettled in the U.S. and continental Europe. The exhibition at the Upper Galleries of St James Cavalier Centre for Creativity in Valletta is open to the public from December 6 through to January 4. On Monday 8th December, at 7.30pm, Darrin and exhibition curator FabrizioMifsudSoler will be holding a talk about the project as well as a book signing session at St James Cavalier. Copies of the book will be available. All MIPP members are invited to attend. The project is supported by the Malta Arts Fund, the UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR), Avantech – Canon, Ernst & Young Malta Limited, M.Demajo Group, Frank Salt, APS Bank and Photo INK. www.islelanders.com
14
15
MIPP MEMBER’S WORK at the NATIONAL PORTRAIT GALLERY in LONDON
Earlier last month Joe Smith’s work was shortlisted in the final 60 images chosen
for exhibition from an entry of 4,193 images. The competition was part of the The Taylor Wessing Photographic Portrait Prize 2014 and is currently at the Royal Academy of Arts in London. The Taylor Wessing Photographic Portrait Prize 2014 is a unique opportunity to see sixty new portraits by some of the most exciting contemporary photographers from around the world. The selected images, many of which will be on display for the first time, explore both traditional and original approaches to the photographic portrait through intimate images of friends and family alongside revealing portraits of famous faces. This year the competition attracted over 4,000 submissions in the form of editorial, advertising and fine art prints and the selected works in the exhibition include the four prize winners as well as the winner of the John Kobal New Work Award. The exhibition runs from 13th November 2014 to 22nd February 2015.
16
MIPP MEMBER’S WORK chosen for Exhibition at the Malta Society of Fine Arts Kerstin Arnemann’s work has been chosen out of the 40 entries for this year’s First Solo Exhibition at the Malta Society of Fine Arts, Palazzo De La Salle, Valletta. Kerstin’s work together with 4 other artists’ work will be on exhibition at the Malta Society of Fine Arts till 19th December.
Above: Kerstin (2nd from left)
Above: Two Of Kerstin’s Images on display
17
MIPP MEMBER’S FIRST SOLO EXHIBITION The photographs on display are a small selection from Simon Attard’s portfolio.
Simon Attard who uses the nome de plume simonmalti is an avid amateur photographer. Simon who is a Maltese native is in love with the Maltese Islands and also has a great passion for travelling. Most of his short trips are in Europe, however every year he spends longer spells in different locations in Asia and Africa. He documents his travels and the hidden niches of the Maltese islands through the photographic medium, some of which are displayed here. Simon’s passion for photography has long been with him but only in recent years has he embarkedupon his passion with more vigour, enthusiasm and dedication. This has encouraged him to experiment with his camera and he has been on a learning curve ever since. In fact results are beginning to show with numerous successes in various competitions. What does photography mean to Simon? “Photography gives me the opportunity to be creative and it distances me from the logic andrigidity required by my profession as a Certified Accountant. It brings me nearer to people andallows me to share my colourful and joyousperson in me”
the EOS 5D Mark lll joins the rental family! ... now available for rent.
for full details and conditions visit www.avantech.com.mt or call on 2148 88 00 Avantech Building St Julian’s Road San Gwann SGN 2805
OUT AND ABOUT
December 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! My First Exhibition by Simon Attard 3rd December Trabixu, Valletta 20:30hrs
RENE ROSSIGNAUD BOOK LAUNCH 4th December 22, Palazzo Pereira, Republic Street, Valletta 20:30hrs
20
ISLE LANDERS by Darrin Zammit Lupi 6th December - 4th January St James, Upper Galleries, Valletta 19:30hrs
KURT ARRIGO A Collection of the Gallery’s Favourites at Sea Hosted by Lily Agius Gallery, 54 Cathedral Street, Sliema from 29 November till 24 December
21
QUALIFICATIONS ACHIEVERS This year’s panels were all a success! Renata Apanaviciene & Sandra Hotrum got their Licentiate Qualifications in Portraiture and Travel respectively. Romana Wylie got their Associateship Qualifications in Fashion & Glamour while Guido Bonett got his Associateship in Nature Photography. Darrin Zammit Lupi and Ayman Lofty both got their Fellowship Qualifications! Well Done to all! As from next month we will feature each member individually about their experience and achievements!
Above: Renata Apaviciene receiving her qualification from Charles Calleja
22
Above: Romana Wylie receiving her qualification from Charles Calleja
Above: Darrin Zammit Lupi receiving his qualification from Charles Calleja
23
CONVENTION HIGHLIGHTS IN PICTURES
24
This Page: Top to Bottom Stuart Wood during one of his lectures. Stephanie S Scicluna during one of her lectures. Judging during panel judging.
This Page: Top to Bottom Stuart Wood during one of his workshops. Ramon Sammut during one of his lectures. Ramon Sammut during his workshop. Next Page: The Members during the convention weekend.
25
26
27
CALENDAR 7th December MIPP Christmas Gathering 19:30hrs, Le Meridien
9th December Exploiting portable Flash photography 19:30hrs, Le Meridien
6th January Sunlight - A lecture by Albert de Marco 19:30hrs, Le Meridien
13th January International Online Comp - Juding 1 19:30hrs, Le Meridien
27th January Debate Night - Informal Forum 19:30hrs, Le Meridien
28
Celebrate with us this Festive Season!
29