ISSUE
79
The Official MIPP Newsletter
Photography by Lucienne Spiteri
www.mipp-malta.com
2018
NOV | DEC
President’s Viewpoint Dear members and friends, At the MIPP, we recently had two photographers delivering talks on their favourite genre. Ramon Curmi regaled us with his work in Astrophotography and Rene Rossignaud kept us enthralled with his accounts of his work in combat zones. Furthermore, amongst many others, we have also had Sam Scicluna running two workshops on his landscape photography, particularly in Iceland. Having such speakers and seeing their work made me reflect on how photography in Malta has changed after digital technology made its appearance. Granted, a lot of people are using photography similar to what I term “machine gun photography.” The free practice that digital has given us is making some practitioners shoot without thinking... shooting a multitude of images without any thought will get one nowhere. With today’s advanced equipment, anyone can do that and surely no one will bat an eyelid at that type of work. However, what I have thankfully noticed is that locally we now seem to be producing a crop of really top-notch photographers who are specializing and excelling in just one main genre. Previously, it was more a question of being a “jack of all trades” until perhaps a few photographers would find their niche. Is this beneficial for local photography? I think yes, as when one really concentrates on a subject which slowly but surely becomes an integral part of one’s everyday life and passion, the level of the work is definitely going to keep improving and competing with what is best in other countries. Why has this trend appeared? I think the fact that making a living from photography has become more difficult because of various reasons, most photographers are using photography more as an art form and/or hobby and when one is not concerned unduly about the distraction and hassle of commercial assignments, the love for photography as a pure form of art usually takes over.
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Naturally, beginners cannot discover their genre immediately. It is a normal progression to experiment and tackle as many different subjects as possible. This process will usually channel a keen and dedicated photographer into discovering what he or she mostly excels at and to eventually what extent and effort is put into their photography. I am really looking forward to what promises to be an ever increasing crop of passionate photographers who will keep raising the bar and putting local photography ever further on the map.
Kevin Casha President MIPP
Editor: Kevin Casha
Design: Sita Azzopardi
Articles: Various contributors
Proof Reading: Edward Sant Fournier
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
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Contents An added service to MIPP
pg 05
MIPP at Waterpolo Championship
pg 06
General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) provisions
pg 09
MIPP Members’ Meetings
pg 09
Invitation to exhibit MIPP ONE-MAN EXHIBITIONS
pg 10
The MIPP’s Applied Commercial Photography course
pg 11
The MIPP’s AWARDS OF RECOGNITION
pg 12
RAMON CURMI delivering his Astrophotography session
pg 15
The Immortals of a City - Photography Exhibition of Urban Sculpture in European Capitals of
pg 16
Culture MIPP Calendar
pg 25
MIPP SPONSORS
pg 31
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14 11
17 11
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An added service to MIPP members We are always looking for ways to upgrade the benefits of our members and through collaboration with one of our main sponsors, Ilab Photo, the MIPP has just acquired a DATACOLOR SPYDER 5 PRO MONITOR CALIBRATOR. Members can evaluate the calibrator to particularly gauge the difference it makes to their workflow by bringing over their laptop to the MIPP on a Tuesday and getting help to install and calibrate. The software has a 30 day trial period with full software capabilities. Colour calibration depends also on the ambient light where the workstation is usually used in. Monitor screens also deteriorate hence recalibration is recommended monthly or bi monthly. Those who are interested can contact Charles Calleja on flashbike727@gmail.com. We thank Ilab Photo for their constant collaboration with MIPP.
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MIPP at Waterpolo Championship A favourite MIPP workshop which invariably produces a crop of interesting images is the one that Martin Agius regularly organizes at the National Swimming Pool Complex in collaboration with the Aquatic Sports Association. Here is a selection of images from the last outing.
PHOTOGRAPHY BY CLAUDINE DESPOTT
PHOTOGRAPHY BY GEORGE STORACE
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PHOTOGRAPHY BY LYNN_BUNTING
PHOTOGRAPHY BY JOHANN_DEBONO
PHOTOGRAPHY BY CLAUDINE DESPOTT
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PHOTOGRAPHY BY MARIO_CASHA
PHOTOGRAPHY BY MAURIZIO_SCICLUNA
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APPLY FOR YOUR DIGITAL LICENTIATESHIP: http://mipp-malta.com/qualifications/ 8 | The official MIPP Newsletter
GDPR provisions: Confirmed fully paid up applicants for MIPP membership signify their acceptance to receive communications by electronic and any other means from the Malta Institute of Professional Photography (MIPP). To unsubscribe from this list kindly send us an email on courses@mipp-malta.com and just writing ‘UNSUBSCRIBE’ in the subject area of your email - your details will then be removed from our records. Should a member cease to remain in the MIPP for more than 2 years, the member’s data will be deleted from MIPP records. This is a major update to the Data Protection Act that protects you from unsolicited emails and being implemented in order to ensure we comply with the new General Data Protection Regulations (GDPR). If you are already an MIPP member and want to keep receiving communications from us including upcoming events, special offers and other news, just send us an email reply with the phrase ‘KEEP ME SUBSCRIBED.’ If you have already done so, then we will be keeping in touch with you. Thank you for being a part of our network.
Ramon Sammut delivering his session on Mirrorless cameras
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INVITATION TO EXHIBIT MIPP ONE-MAN EXHIBITIONS The MIPP Committee would like to invite members to exhibit at our new premises in Paola. We have now installed purpose built rails for ensuring safe and easy hanging of frame exhibits. The following are the guidelines for such exhibitions: 1. Exhibitions should comprise of a maximum of 14 photographs. 2. Sizes are to be either 16x20 inches or 12x16 inches (passpartouts for the latter size are available free). 3. The MIPP will provide frames at no charge to members. 4. The exhibitor must do his own promotion, invitations, opening etc; (MIPP can guide). 5. The exhibition will remain displayed at the MIPP premises for one month. The exhibitor will be able to arrange also a walkthrough of the exhibition. 6. Exhibitors can sell their work. A 25% commission is payable to MIPP when works are sold. 7. It is at the discretion of the MIPP committee to accept or refuse exhibitions. 8. Requests for exhibitions, together with 3 jpg samples of the proposed work, are to be addressed to: courses@mipp-malta.com. 9. Exhibitions will be featured in the MIPP Newsletter. 10. One may engage a curator but arrangements and/or costs are to be borne by the exhibitor. However, the final decision/s need be approved by the MIPP Committee. 11. Photographs are to be printed only at MIPP sponsors: PhotoInk or IlabPhoto.
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The MIPP’s Applied Commercial Photography course The Level 4 Applied Commercial Photography Award, being held for the first time this year, is now relatively progressing to its end. The award has tackled various subjects such as Marketing, Still Life, On site workshops, Portfolio building etc. Here are some action images from a recent workshop held at Vittoriosa which demonstrated working with models in low light and using different lighting equipment. The model who kindly posed for the group was Elysia Galea.
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The MIPP’s AWARDS OF RECOGNITION
RAMON SAMMUT RECEIVING THE MIPP AWARD OF RECOGNITION FROM KEVIN CASHA
MIPP PRESIDENT PRESENTING THE AWARD OF RECOGNITION TO AVANTECH’S NICK CAMILLERI
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PHOTOGRAPH BY MAURIZIO SCICLUNA
PHOTOGRAPH BY GUIDO BONETT - MAX MARA WILDEBEEST
PHOTOGRAPHY BY DUNCAN CAUCHI
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PHOTOGRAPH BY RAMON CURMI - ORION
RAMON CURMI delivering his Astrophotography session
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The Immortals of a City - Photography Exhibition of Urban Sculpture in European Capitals of Culture Urban sculpture is an indispensable testimony
sculptures, thus creating a discourse that serves as an
of cultural history and developments in human
opportunity for discovery and learning.
civilization. Such sculpture draws a link between the built environment, art, and the public. By critically
Appointed as the Special Envoy Team, Italian
engaging with the built landscape, the social fabric
photographers Michele Stanzione and Alessandra
and the past, present or future of urban environment,
Combatti, and Chinese photographers Zeng Yi and
urban sculpture contributes to a cultural and social
Zhou Yinshuang, took a large amount of images,
understanding as well as a sense of place.
focusing on representative sculptures from each city. In the process of shooting, the photographers
As significant symbols of a city’s cultural landscape,
captured and recorded the public sculptures through
urban
inspire
their own unique cultural and artistic perspectives.
generations, becoming timeless in peoples’ hearts
The two groups of photographers travelled to various
whilst highlighting cultural distinctions: for example
European countries to take photographs in 15 cities
“the Little Mermaid” brings to mind Copenhagen.
which had been granted “European Capital of Culture”
Since 1985, more than 50 cities have enjoyed the title
status between 1985 and 1999. With Valletta, being
of conferred by the European Union “European Capital
2018 European Capital of Culture, Kevin Casha was
of Culture”. The theme of this exhibition explores
invited to take photographs of city sculptures in
and develops the dialogue between sculptural
Valletta, as a special section of this exhibition.
and photographic arts. This distinct experience is
The Immortals of a City showcases 51 selected
communicated by the lenses of photographers from
photographs - these images are not objective records
China and Italy, who were invited to immortalize urban
of the sculptures, but rather reinventions inspired
sculpture
seals
memories
that
ANTWERP.RUNNING GIRL. KURT GERBAUER. 1976
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by the background, conditioning and skill of the
The exhibition organizer was Mr Zheng Yi and it was
photographer who usually has a diverse perspective
shown at the China Culture Centre in Malta. The CCC
to the sculptor. The exhibition seeks to convey the
has been extremely successful in enhancing Malta’s
charm and influence of European public art works and,
cultural diary, through the work of staff and their
at the same time, inviting visitors to reflect on life,
indefatigable director Mr Wang Yanjun.
moments of history and future progress. Immortals of a City has been exhibited in Beijing, Qingdao, Tianjin and other places in China, meeting with appreciation
Sept 2018
and interest particularly by those who have never been to Europe.
CHINA CULTURE DIRECTOR MR WANG YANJUN & KEVIN CASHA
CASHA BEING INTERVIEWED ON THE EXHIBITION BY THE MEDIA
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FLORENCE. LA PIAZZA DELLA SIGNORIA
FLORENCE. RATTO DI POLISSENA.PIO FEDI. 1855-1865
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IL-BAQRA TINBIEH KOLLHA, VALLETTA BY KEVIN CASHA
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PHOTOGRAPH BY NICK D’ANCONA
CANON RENTAL SERVICE Photography equipment available for hire • • • • • • • •
EF 100-400mm f/4-5.6 L IS USM EF 70-200mm 1:2,8 L IS II USM EF 24-105mm 1:4,0 L IS USM EF 24-70mm 1:2.8L USM EF 8-15mm f/4 L USM fisheye EOS 5D III body EOS 6D body Speedlite 600 EX RT
For full details and conditions visit www.avantech.com.mt or call on 2148 8800 Ask about our ‘Try before you buy’ scheme!
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PHOTOGRAPH BY JASON SPITERI
2016
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PHOTOGRAPH BY MARISABELLE BONNICI
PHOTOGRAPH BY BY JASON SPITERI
Christmas time JOIN US FOR THE MIPP XMAS GET-TOGETHER! wednesday december
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time: 19:30 By booking: courses@mipp-malta.com
Join us to Celebrate
76, MIPP, Britannia Street, Paola
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BENEFIT FULLY FROM YOUR MIPP MEMBERSHIP
DOWNLOAD THE HANDBOOK
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CALENDAR November December November/2018
PARALLEL EXISTENCES WITH ALEX ATTARD
visit & walkthrough with artist Alex Attard for his latest exhibition
November/2018
MIPP MEMBERS’
meeting point - (near Victoria Gate)
JUDGING of MIPP QUALIFICATIONS
Saturday, 3rd November | 11:00am
Tuesday 20th November | 19:30
Contemporary 15-17, East Street, Valletta
November /2018
MIPP MEMBERS’ USING PORTABLE FLASH BY CHARLES CALLEJA Tuesday 6th November | 19:30 76, MIPP, Britannia Street, Paola
November /2018
MIPP MEMBERS’ PTYA Public Judging – Panel Tuesday 13th November | 19:30 76, MIPP, Britannia Street, Paola
76, MIPP, Britannia Street, Paola
December /2018
MIPP MEMBERS’ PHOTOGRAPHY, CONTEMPORARY ART AND SPACE BY ALEXANDRA PACE Tuesday 4th December | 19:30 76, MIPP, Britannia Street, Paola
December /2018
XMAS GET-TOGETHER (incorporating Graduation & presentation of the
Check MIPP Facebook Page https://www.facebook.com/groups/mippwall/
or visit our website http://mipp-malta.com/conventions/events/mipp-events/
For more updates and schedules.
Applied Commercial Photography Award certificates) by booking on COURSES@MIPP-MALTA.COM Wednesday 12th December | 19:30 76, MIPP, Britannia Street, Paola
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Membership Renewal @ @ Membership of the MIPP is €40 per annum or one can make use of the
special offer of
Get reduced rates to our courses and workshops
€100 for three years.
Become a qualified photographer with our three levels of qualification: Licentiate, Associate and Fellowship
Reciprocal photographic qualification with the best UK Institution
Informative monthly lectures and newsletters
Exclusive photographic competitions ONLY for MIPP members and much more
OR
One may pay by either sending in a cheque to:
Pay directly from the BOV website: www.bov.com and log in to BOV internet banking with your Securekey.
“76, MIPP, TRIQ BRITTANJA, PAOLA , PLA 1426 - Malta”, together with the relative membership fee. (Cheques are to be made payable to “The Treasurer, MIPP”)
OR When attending an MIPP Event.
http://mipp-malta.com/wp-content/uploads/MIPP-Members-Handbook-2018.pdf
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THE MIPP SPONSORS Non-Profit organizations like the Malta Institute of Professional Photography are constantly in need of funds in order to be able to function in a modern and professional manner. That is why it is important to have various sponsors interested in networking with the MIPP and at the same time involving them in important issues concerning the photographic trade. The MIPP feels it is vital to stimulate joint events and initiatives together with our sponsors. This policy helps our members to be constantly aware of products and services that our sponsors market thus not only encouraging an increase in business but also benefitting our members through special occasional offers and deals. This co-operation and belief by our sponsors, most of who have been with us since the MIPP’s inception, has helped in no small way in making the Institute what it is today. It is one of the MIPP’s main objectives to help to keep this co-operation improving. We urge our members to truly support our sponsors by making use of their services and products whenever possible. The main sponsors of MIPP are AVANTECH (CANON); ILAB Photo and INTERVISIONS (PHOTO INK). Our sponsors show faith in the MIPP so it is only fair that our members should reciprocate. Give your custom to the companies and entities who help us.
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CONTACTS
Web: www.mipp-malta.com Email: president@mipp-malta.com Address: 76, MIPP, Britannia Street, Paola, PLA 1426 Malta Tel No: 0356 99470106
2018 NOV/ DEC