MIPP Newsletter - September 2015

The Official MIPP Newsletter

September 2015

FOCALPOINT

Issue No. 55

www.mipp-malta.com

EDITORIAL I cannot believe that

September is just here with us!

Summer is not over yet as you all know well, which means days are still long and one can go out and shoot even after a day’s work.

There seems to be alot of events going on around the island this month, so do check out the ‘Out & About Section’, and even though events may not be photography related, you can still take out your cameras and snap away at whatever moves you.

Meanwhile, keep on enjoying the last month of summer before we go back to routine which comes with the

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

Find us on:

beginning of schools!

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

Happy September!

Article Vetting: Vince DeBono

Regards

Articles: Various contributors

Therese & Kerstin!

Editorial Advice: Kevin Casha Contact: newsletter@mippmalta.com

SEPTEMBER 2015 pg 2 pg 6 pg 12 pg 18 pg 20 pg 22 pg 23

cover artist

President’s Viewpoint Featured MIPP members Out & About MIPP Monthly Event MIPP Event MIPP Calendar Member’s Gallery

CONTENTS SeptemberViewpoint Meet Johann Debono August Events Fine Art Photography MIPP November Convention Mark your diaries!

PTYA Standings

SERGIO MORANA Apart from being MIPP’s Secretary General, Sergio Morana, is a loving husband and father, as well as a budding photographer. This month his work graces our front cover with this fabulous fashion shot!

“I took this photo in a very narrow street at the Birgu Waterfront. I used one flash on camera and as it was 3pm the light was quite harsh and so I used natural light as backlight. The model (Deandra Chircop) posed in this way and I could immediately picture the shot. The dress was provided to us by Main Street Rabat”

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Getting your Photography Published It

is useless denying it - digital technology has turned totally into a publisher’s paradise, or has it? Technology has made photography accessible to a much wider swathe of the general public. Most of this new, snap happy horde are part timers - they already have full time jobs and for them photography is a hobby, a pastime, nothing really too serious. So this vast proliferation of photographers has made available to publishers an ever evolving stock of free images and, consequentially made the sale of images by professional photographers so much more difficult.

The publishing industry is aware that there are loads of good photographers who are ready to freely give their images for publication - just for the sake of seeing their photographs in print.

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by Kevin Casha This is a fact of life and cannot be reversed back. Pros just need to accept it, but then digital media and the internet revolution have also made it easier for one to proliferate images and make one’s work known. The first thing a photographer earning his livelihood from the business needs to determine is whether it is to one’s advantage to pass on images for free and thus join the bandwagon. Today, one does not need to fork out money for physical print portfolios or lose time and effort going to meetings. Internet has made it possible to market one’s work from the comfort of one’s laptop. It is up to each photographer to decide whether to start making his work known around the world or whether to remain a nonentity, stay out of business completely and satisfy oneself with the ‘likes’ on Facebook! Yes, the decision is a harsh one to accept for photographers who have been used to getting paid for their work - but today it is a fact of life and the sooner one accepts it, the better.

So how does one try to turn the situation to one’s advantage and tap the valid possibilities that are out there?

Like in everything else, it boils down to hard work - nothing comes easy yet some photographers have turned the situation in their favour. One must

september viewpoint

not forget that although photographers have increased in a big way, the world wide web has also enabled us to enormously proliferate our client base. Images put online and published are now being seen all over the world.

Who would before have seen one’s images in Africa, in Alaska or in China?

If one trawls around the internet, one is bound to find up and coming young photographers who have managed to capture attention and, subsequently, paid work.

Sounds difficult? Yes, for sure with so many good photographers around. It is not easy to get noticed in such a competitive field. But is it really as inacessible as it seems or are we not making enough effort to tap this market? There are hundreds of online and conventionally printed publications needing images from all genres of photography.

Publishers are all the time looking for fresh and engaging work which will enhance their content. One needs to get them to see one’s work.

Naturally, the main beneficial thing when one’s work is published or seen online is that your credited work is seen by a wide audience. There are so many opportunities out there to have one’s work published. It’s just a ques-

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tion of being organized and being industrious.

There are some things which need to be noted: Most publishers will require releases if you have recognizable persons in the images. This, as we all now adds another complication. Yet when one is aware it should not be such a great problem to obtain releases particularly for personal work in which one has control over the subjects. Just prepare releases for all types of photographs, even carrying them with you whilst shooting. Also one can use blur or movement to obscure recognition.

Being aware of the copyright and data protection laws of your country is also vital.

Furthermore, try and study the publications which would mostly welcome your style or genre of photography and concentrate your efforts on them. Fit your images to the publication.

There lies also the possibility of ‘barter.’ Make efforts to exchange your work for free advertorial space or any other product or service that is of use to you. This will be more doable in one’s own country as one would, most probably, know the publishers on a personal basis. It is not a disgrace to barter work - the world was, and still is, based on barter - be it with goods, services or money. One needs to be aware of retaining copyright of one’s images after they have been published. Most publishers recognize this and have no objection, but be aware of a few companies and individuals who are out to take advantage. Use your ready stock photography avoiding to go into expense to shoot purposely for publications. Make sure to read the submission guidelines in detail - remember that most editors will have hundreds of submissions to view and things such as sizing your images or naming them wrongly will most certainly get your work discarded right away. One other factor to remember is not to put up the images you intend to send to publications on Facebook -use other photographs for this purpose - as publishers do not like to use images which are already out there.

One last recommendation: do not be disheartened when publishers do not respond or give you feedback. The process is not quick and easy and most of the times it takes long to strike gold. The important thing is to be patient and persistent. If your work is good, it is bound to be eventually noticed and rewarded.

So get off your backside and bring your work to the notice of the world!

Article & Images by Kevin Casha

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featured MIPP member

“One of the joys of photograph will come at you from aroun 6

MEET JOHANN DEBONO FMPS, AFIAP, Dip. Photo.

hy is that you never know what nd the next corner.” Tom Ang 7

This is how I try to keep my pho-

Above: Johann Debono

tography because I love challenges and I feel that challenges make me go stronger to achieve the goal I’ve targeted or wish to reach. I cannot say I have my preferred field or style in photography but I feel more comfortable shooting events and macro photography, especially insects however I also try to venture in new projects every now and then.

It all started, when as a young lad, I used to take my parents’ camera and try to shoot anything I felt was worth to shoot. As I grew up there was always something or someone that made me keep track of this hobby. If you had to ask a person who knows me well, one would learn that in my life I tried as many hobbies as my mind could think of, but photography always persisted and pounded loud. In time the interest in photography evolved into addictive hobby.

I bought my first SLR, an Olympus OM-10 while still at school, obviously second hand but equipped with a 50mm and an 18-200mm Sigma lenses. At that time it served its purpose well since I was actively shooting military airplanes coming and going off our island. Compared to nowadays it was quite hectic not knowing what’s on the film and waiting till it’s developed, not leaving out the cost to develop all the reels used. So when digital era took over I did my very best to migrate as fast as I could from film to digital.

In 2007, I finally made my decision to join the Malta Photographic Society (MPS) and after some years also the Malta Institute of Professional Photography (MIPP).

I have to admit that there was a big change in my photography from when I started till to date. Without knowing after joining the photographic society & institute my work improved. One gets alot of feedback on our material being produced for the competitions. I admire the work of many well known photographers, to mention some, Annie Leibovitz, Diane Arbus, and Steve McCurry. But I also get inspired by local photographers who specialise on what I mentioned earlier, for example, Guido Bonett in the nature photography and Christine Muscat Azzopardi for events and stage photography. Apart from the mentioned I have many other friends who

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are photographers have helped every now and then whenever I needed some assistance.

I started competing in many national and international competitions in which I was getting some good results. In fact, so far I won several awards in both local and international competitions recognised by international renowned federations and my work has been exhibited in 32 different countries. In the past years I made my utmost to reach some standards, in 2012 I’ve been awarded my first photographic distinction, the so called “Artiste” from the Federation of International Art of Photography - AFIAP, in 2013 the “Associate” from the Malta Photographic Society – AMPS. In 2014 I completed a Diploma in Professional Photography and graduated from a private institution in UK and this year I’ve been also informed that my application for the “Fellow” FMPS has been accepted. Between 2012 till the end of 2014 I have been also the Editor of the ‘Click Newszine’ of the Malta Photographic Society, during which, in 2014, the publication won 2 Major Awards from the Photographic Society of America, Best Layout and Best Technical Write-ups.

Few years ago I also managed to build my own website, and when I have some free time I try to update sections still pending. The funny thing is that I never learned web design but I “learned” to understand what is needed, Google it, and there it goes. One can access my website on www.johanndebono.we.bs

Article & Images by Johann Debono

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OUT AND ABOUT

September Events

BELTIN - Zvezdan Reljic Date: First week of September - 20th September Venue: Heritage Malta, Melita Street, Valletta http://www.viva.org.mt/projects/beltin-zvezdan-reljic/

Photographer Zvezdan Reljic portrays different characters from the city of Valletta, documented by Elise Billiard, in an exhibition of black and white photographs called ‘Beltin’, curated by Raphael Vella.

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REVENANT: Degas in New Orleans Date: 3rd September Venue: National Museum of Fine Arts - Malta South street, VLT1100 Valletta, Malta

This lecture, one of a series of events for this year’s VIVA, shall be delivered by Gail Feigenbaum; associate director of the Getty Research Institute.

In 1997 the New Orleans Museum of Art received large grant for an exhibition to celebrate three centuries of French presence in Louisiana. No doubt they were looking for a generic exhibition on Impressionism, always popular with American audiences. ‘ I was new in the city’, states Dr Feigenbaum, ‘and suggested we focus on the winter Edgar Degas spent visiting his close relatives in the city.’ The exhibition on Degas in New Orleans was a tremendous popular and critical success, and it stirred up a surprising controversy in a city where the dead still walk among the living.

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VIVA Valletta International Visual Arts Festival Date: 31st August Time: 20:00hrs Venue: St James Cavalier The second edition of the Valletta International Visual Arts Festival 2015 will be officially launched on Monday 31st August 2015 at 8.00PM, at St James Cavalier.

This year, the festival will continue to build on last year’s successful launch in serving as a new platform for Maltese and international visual arts practitioners. VIVA offers professional education in the sector while promoting and encouraging public participation in the arts.

With this year’s programme, VIVA’s aim is to boost growth in the local cultural scene in an international context, while developing a unique platform for contemporary art in Malta. With a wide variety of local and international artists presenting recent work or collaborating in joint projects, VIVA is creating and enhancing international networks which will last far beyond the festival itself.

Lots to do, see and discuss at this year’s Valletta International Visual Arts Festival, so get planning through: http://www.viva.org.mt/

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ELECTRIFYING ELMO A CEB Malta launch production at Fort St Elmo Date: 5th September Time: 20:00hrs Venue: Fort St Elmo A Cultural Events Brand Malta launch production! Come and dine, dance, mingle, relax and experience Fort St. Elmo like never before.

BUSKERS & ENTERTAINMENT - established and upcoming Maltese and foreign talent will be busking up the night, providing ongoing musical entertainment throughout...International street escapologist Tony Roberts will be highlighting the busking scene on the night!

LIVE BAND - Airport Impressions will be rocking the main stage!

SCRUMPTIOUS FOOD - enjoy an array of food which will be served to you individually by James Caterers Ltd on presentation of your food coupons!

FULLY STOCKED BAR - two fully stocked bars will be available on the night serving beverages at very reasonable prices. A complimentary welcome drink will be offered to all guests! â‚Ź15 TICKETS (ticket price includes food (not drinks) and complimentary welcome drink)

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MALTA ARTISAN MARKET Date: Sunday 30th August Venue: Palazzo Parisio, Naxxar Time: 6pm - 11pm Don’t miss this summer flavoured event in the beautiful gardens of the Palazzo Parisio in Naxxar!

Join us for a unique event with the Malta Artisan Market, where you can browse through original hand-made arts and crafts as well as delicacies using fresh local produce.

Invite your friends and join us for an amazing evening with our next Malta Artisan Market event! Entrance is free of charge.

MALTA MEDITERRANEAN LITERATURE FESTIVAL Date: 27th - 29th August Time: 20:00hrs Venue: Fort St Elmo https://inizjamedmalta.wordpress.com/programme-2015/

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The Xth edition, with the participation of Tamim Barghouti, John Bonello, Norbert Bugeja, Efe Duyan, Moëz Majed, Hisham Matar, Nadia Mifsud, Jana Putrle Srdić, James Vella, Marina Warner, and Trevor Zahra. Poetry films from Malta and abroad and live music from Brodu, Nadine Axisa and band, and Oliver Degabriele and band. Entrance free.

With the support of the Malta Arts Fund, Heritage Malta, Arts Council Malta, Valletta 2018 Foundation, Għaqda tal-Malti – Università, The Fortress Builders, Aġenzija Żgħażagħ, Malta Tourism Authority, Centre for Slovenian Literature, Slovenian Book Agency, and Highlight Arts.

ROCKESTRA The Event of the Year is Back ... and better than ever before! Save the Date and Join us for a massive night of ROCK with some of Malta’s best talent and one of Malta’s finest exports - You have been asking us and we have listened: MARC STORACE is the special guest for this year!

Ticket Prices are as follows: General Standing: €15 Tiered Seating: €20 Seated VIP (including guaranteed parking and reception): €50 Tickets can be bought from: www.ooii.com.mt or from San Anton Palace/The Palace, Valletta (weekdays between 09:00 and 15:00). STANDING TICKETS can also be bought from The President’s Kitchen Garden between 17:00 and 21:00.

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Fine Art Photography

Albert de Marco

Join Albert de Marco for this interesting talk about the direction Fine Art Photography is taking. During this talk Albert will try and define this photographic genre and start to give an answer to confusing minds. Albert is a very interactive speaker, so we are sure this talk will turn into a lively banter!

See you there!

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MIPP NOVEMBER CONVENTION We are very excited to announce that this year our Annual MIPP Convention in collaboration with The Societies from the UK, will take place over two days on the 14th & 15th November. This time round we will be hosting you at Monte Kristo Estates, with guest speakers, Damian McGillicuddy, Cristina Venedict and Ramon Sammut.

Programme of events can be found here including prices: http://issuu.com/mipp-malta/docs/convention_booklet_2015

See you there!

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CALENDAR 1st September Abstract Photography 19:30hrs, Le Meridien

15th September IOC Judging Session 5 19:30hrs, Le Meridien

13th October PTYA Judging Session 5 19:30hrs, Le Meridien

Event to be confirmed

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MEMBERS’ GALLERY

PTYA 4th Round

Above: Happiness by Renata Apanaviciene

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Above: Sadness by Renata Apanaviciene

This page: Musical Emotions by Johann Debono

Silver Award: Blue Maiden by Podge Kelly