Snapshots Issue 1

snapshots

Issue 01

A NUSPS publication

A collection of members’ photos and thoughts on nature, the festive spirit and other themes | Interviews with Canon Photomarathon Open Category winner & CDL Young Nature Photographer Award 2012 winner | Sports photography tips | How to develop Tri-X B&W film 1

Snapshots is published by:

Words from the NUSPS President

T

he Photographic Society of the NUS has served the body of photographic enthusiasts in the university for 44 years now.

Through the years, the club has undergone many changes in our operations, goals and activities. However, the one thing that has remained unchanged is our commitment to spread the hobby we love with everyone who are keen, and help them pursue their interest amidst the hectic life as a university student.

Kent Ridge Post Office P.O. Box 1121 Singapore 911105 http://www.nusps.org.sg The 44th MC members President Lee Chen Tong

As students ourselves, we understand the academic rigour that all students are put through, and how difficult it is to strike a compromise between schoolwork and photographic interest. Hence we hope that our activities and courses would make it easier for fellow photographers to maintain and further their hobby. At the same time, we hope to create opportunities for photographic enthusiasts to share and inspire their fellow hobbyists, and be inspired through such interactions themselves.

Photography should be fun and relaxing. Let us help you keep it that way.

Vice President Marumo Kana Honorary Treasurer Lim Hwee Woon Honorary General Secretary Jasmine Ku Honorary Assistant Secretary Shailen Aggarwal Montage Director Nguyen Tuan Anh

Lee Chen Tong SOC, Year 1

E

Take a look at some of the photos members took that feature nature (pg 4 & 5) and festive cheer (pg 8 & 9), or are based on themes such as Fallen (pg 10) and Harmony (pg 6). NUSPS is also proud to announce that for this year’s Canon Photomarathon competition, fellow member Koh Zhi Kai emerged as the overall Open Category! Read up on his thoughts and feelings about photography at pg 7. Be inspired and get some tips from another peer as well – CDL Young Nature Photographer Award 2012 winner, Nicholas Chew (pg 12 & 13).

Learn more about sports photography at pg 14 & 15. For film lovers, there’s also an article just for you at pg 16 to 18 too!

We hope this issue will be an enjoyable read for you! Do drop us an email if you’d like to see other topics featured in the next issue. Happy clicking away!

Lim Hwee Woon FASS, Year 1

The Snapshots team!

Writers Lynn Ong Andrew Lim Marumo Kana Christopher Puan

Publicity Director Sit Shi Ying Logistics Director Puan Ziyang Christopher Darkroom Director Colombatantirige Uthpala Amoda Perera Course & Activities Director Atri Paik Chowdhury IT Director Yang Zhixing

Club main sponsor:

Club co-sponsor:

Cathay Photo is also the main sponsor of Snapshots.

Snapshots is a printed complementary newsletter to its electronic version. To subscribe to the eNewsletter, send an email to asstsec@nusps.org.sg.

For editorial enquiries, email treasurer@nusps.org.sg.

Issue 1 is proudly brought to you by:

Creative Director Fatin Iesa

Creative Director Fatin Iesa

The Editor’s Letter

ver thought about how some members took their photos?

Or their feedback for courses and events? Want to know more about various types of photography and other photographers’ views? Snapshots aims to cover all these and more, keeping NUSPS members updated on the club’s past and future outings and courses, as well as feeding on your interest for photography!

Editor Lim Hwee Woon

Marketing Director Kenneth Cheng

Designers Kelman Chiang M I Azima Andrew Lim

For advertising enquiries, email marketing@nusps.org.sg.

DISCLAIMER: Snapshots is a bi-annual newsletter by NUSPS. Issue 2 will be in electronic form. The views and opinions expressed by or implied in Snapshots do not necessarily reflect those of NUSPS. No responsibility is accepted for the claims made in advertisements, articles or photographs contained in this publication. No part of this publication may be reproduced without the written permission of NUSPS. All rights reserved. Copyright © 2013 by The Photographic Society of the NUS. All information correct at time of printing.

Printed by: Viva Lithographers Pte Ltd (T) 6272 1880 (F) 6273 5425

2

B

ack to

asics.

Text Christopher Puan

W

hat is ISO, shutter speed and aperture?

In September and November 2012, two Basic Photographic Courses (BPC), kindly sponsored by Canon, were held for NUSPS members to better understand these terms and more at the Canon Imaging Academy (CIA). The instructor, Lionel Lin, is one of their associate instructors as well as a professional photographer. Lionel is also a member of NUSPS and is in his last year studying in NUS. The course content covered topics ranging from various definitions of photography to basics like the exposure triangle. The lesson was highly interactive as Lionel sought to ensure that the lessons were peppered with thought-provoking questions for the participants. After the theory ‘lesson’, participants tested out what they have just learnt during a short practical session around CIA and VivoCity.

They were split into groups of 5 with members of the Management Committee (MC) as group leaders. Lionel was also around to provide immediate guidance and clarification.

Upon their return from the walkabout, participants submitted one photo each for the photo critique cum competition. Lionel then went through each participant’s photo and gave his feedback. For example, for photo 02, he commented that the lines of the sides of the wooden boards were converging towards the couple in the middle of the photo and that emphasised the focus on

01

02

them. It would have been even better if the people on the right side of the photo were not captured. After the BPC has ended, he continued to give tips on more advanced photography for those members who were interested to stay on. All the participants definitely brought home with them valuable tips on how to improve their photography.

03

Photos taken by: 01 Andrew Lim, 1/400 sec. | f/2.8 | ISO-400 02 Liwei, 1/4000 sec. | f/4 | ISO-800 03 Kemei, 1/80 sec. | f/5.6 | ISO-400 04 Lv Jishaodong, 1/250 sec. | f/8 | ISO-100

04

3

At the

Botanic Gardens 25

members had a brief respite from the Mid-Term Examinations on Sunday, October 14th, as they took to the Singapore Botanic Gardens for a photographic journey in the early morning.

Members were able to capture novel moments amongst the enchanting sights of Mother Nature, visiting iconic locations such as the Evolution Garden, Symphony Lake and the Palm Valley. They also got the chance to mingle with, and seek guidance and tips on photography from one another.

The bazaar-like entrance of the National Orchid Garden was a fitting location to mark the end of the event. Members were invited to submit their best photos in a mini-competition, on the theme of Serenity.

Text Andrew Lim

foliage-constituted shade, and wondered if the stream of light triggered in my subject reflections similar to mine about our approaching adulthood, and the quest to find our places in this world.”

Having been through the day’s journey, I found it challenging to find meaning in Nature instead of in my usual interests, a discontentment that was initially strengthened by the humidity of the air as well as the bugging itches from mosquito bites. However, it soon dissolved when I mused upon the many other entries submitted as well, and found that there were unchartered worlds and angles waiting for me to tread new ground.

01 03

One of the photos that reflected the theme was that of a bubble on a grass (photo 06).

Rohini, a Year 1 student from FASS, described her winning shot, “When I noticed the bubble, I wanted to seize the moment. I quickly set my camera to a high aperture, just enough to establish a discernible blur in the background.”

Jizhe, though, found inspiration in the abundant greenery there (photo 03). He “was intrigued by the playful contrast between the sunlight and the 4

02

03

04

05

02

06

07

Photos taken by 01 Sheetal Kumar, 1/60 sec. | f/3.8 | ISO-200 02 Lin Hlaan Win, 1/4000 sec. | f/1.8 | ISO-200 03 Yang Jizhe, 1/200 sec. | f/4 | ISO-100 04 Chua Siang Poh, 1/1000 sec. | f/2.8 | ISO-100 05 Lv Jishaodong, 1/400 sec. | f/6.3 | ISO-200 06 Rohini Samtani, 1/400 sec. | f/8 | ISO-400 07 Pradeep Anand Ravindranath, 1/640 sec. | f/1.4 | ISO-100

5

Canon Photomarathon X

02

01

Text Lynn Ong

W

onder what it is like to see thousands of shutterbugs in action? Ever heard the HARMONY of cameras clicking away?

What are the PLEASUREs of photography? Discover your answers at Canon Photomarathon X! Canon Photomarathon is the largest photography competition in Singapore for the 10th year running. This year, on 3rd November 2012, NUSPS members also challenged their stamina to shoot for nine hours nonstop. With only three hours for each theme, participants have to race against time and submit their most creative photos that can capture the judges’ attention.

03

For first-timers like NUSPS member Michael Nay, who is also an exchange student, seeing people work together to get the best shots as a team was the most fascinating experience.

Not knowing what to expect beforehand, Michael did not prepare light props which he thought would have been useful for the first theme ‘Wonder’. Nevertheless, he drew inspiration from objects around him and creatively displayed a harmonious composition of M&Ms and Skittles (photo 04).

He explains his inspiration for that photo, “While they may look good together side-byside, they don’t really taste that great together!”

04

05

06 6

01 Group photo of NUSPS members Photos taken by 02 Harmony by Lee Chen Tong, 1/200 sec. | f/13 | ISO-100 03 Pleasure by Yang Zhixing, 1/320 sec. | f/ 3.5| ISO-1600 04 Harmony by Michael Nay, 1/125 sec. | f/2.8 | ISO-3200 05 Wonder by Atri Paik Chowdhury, 1/60 sec. | f/5.6 | ISO-3200 06 Wonder by Jasmine Ku, 1/2000 sec. | f/6.3 | ISO-400

Interview with photomarathon 2012 open category winner -

Koh Zhi Kai Text Christopher Puan

In Canon Photomarathon 2012 competition, one of the members of NUSPS, Koh Zhi Kai, won the 3rd prize for the 3rd theme, Pleasure, and emerged as the Open Category winner as well. Snapshots catches up with him for an interview to gain an insight into his achievement.

How long have you dabbled in photography?

Seven years, since 2006 when I joined the photographic society during my first year in Nanyang Junior College (NYJC). I bought my first DSLR camera (in addition to my mobile phone camera) in 2008 after graduating from JC. What got you started in photography?

Initially, I joined NYJC’s photographic society as I thought it would be interesting to be able to cover school events as well as to pick up a new skill. Through frequent usage of my DSLR, I learnt and became amazed by its fast focusing capabilities, and that it could take photographs with effects not easily achieved with typical point-and-shoot cameras (such as beautiful background blur - bokeh). As shallow as it may sound, that was what got me interested in photography.

01

How do you juggle with your interest in photography and your studies, especially in NUS? Studies always come first, although I try to indulge myself when time permits and ask a few friends out to shoot too.

02

Have you done any freelance photography events and how often?

Although not regularly, I have done a few events, usually to help my friends out. I have also tried doing a few wedding (actual day) events, as secondary photographer and once as main photographer. However, since I matriculated into NUS, I haven’t taken up more of such events, though I have covered a few school events, if they count.

With regards to the competition, what difficulties did you face?

Everything! (laughs) Conceptualising the given themes, executing ideas successfully, and grappling with the time limit.

How did you come up with concepts? What influenced your ideas, and how did you choose your photos of choice?

I think I tend to come up with something quite literal - I feel that they work decently well for competitions like this. The judges might not understand the concept if is too deep or abstract (no offense!), considering the short duration for judging. Also, I like to include some sort of “special effect” in my shots to make them a little more unique, such as motion blur (photo 02). Competition worries aside, enjoying yourself during the process is what really matters. As long as you had fun and you like your photograph, it is definitely worth submitting it. Leave the rest to luck!

04

Has winning in this event made an impact on your life both currently and in the future?

I’m not sure. It is indeed a hallmark achievement, in my journey in photography. However, looking forward from this event, I feel more motivated to work harder and develop my skills further, as well as gain more experiences.

03

01 Zhi Kai with his prizes!

All photos taken by Koh Zhi Kai: 02 Pleasure, 1/15 sec. | f/4.5 | ISO-400 03 Wonder, 2.5 sec. | f/29 | ISO-100 04 Harmony, 1/250 sec. | f/4 | ISO-100

7

The

Festive Spirit E

Text Lim Hwee Woon

very year, Orchard Road would be decorated extensively and the shopping malls there would be decked out in their most attractive displays to showcase to shoppers during the Christmas period. on 20th December 2012, NUSPS members were out to capture the sights and celebrative atmosphere of Singapore’s largest retail area. Here, in every corner, you could see bright lights and Christmas trees adorned with colourful baubles. The window displays of shopping malls were also embellished with eye-catching designs and mannequins. What further added on to the revelry and liveliness of this holiday were the hustle and bustle of shoppers walking along the roads of Orchard (photo 01), the crowd, the night performances (photo 05) and the traffic jam of Orchard Road (photo 03).

As we walked past ION, Takashimaya, 313@Somerset and Plaza Singapura, some members took the chance to try out bokeh effects (see photos 02 and 04).

This was done by cutting circles from black construction papers (see photo 08) that fully cover the lens, with small shapes cut out in the middle as well. Using manual focus to ensure that the camera will not be in focus, the effect can be achieved.

After the walk down Orchard Road, the night ended with a gift exchange between the members that were present (photo 09). Here’s wishing everyone a good year ahead!

Photos taken by 01 De Jian. 1/15 sec. | f/0 | ISO-400 02 Christopher Puan. 10 sec. | f/20 | ISO-100 03 Guok Enyi Ernest. 20 sec. | f/29 | ISO-200 04 Jasmine Ku. 1/30 sec. | f/1.8 | ISO-400 05 Marumo Kana. 1/20 sec. | f/ 4.8 | ISO-800 06 Kai Tai. 1/20 sec. | f/13 | ISO-800 07 Marumo. Kana 1/30 sec. | f/5.6 | ISO-3200 08 Cut-outs for bokeh effects 09 Gift exchange between NUSPS members

01 8

03

05

07

09

04

08

02

06

9

Photo of the

Month

Here are the winners for the months of October to December 2012. Stay tuned for more themes in the next issue!

Fallen

by Vinay Swaroop Balla

1/160 sec | f/5.6 | ISO-1600

Imagination

by Chan Yan Ting

Taken with a Holga 120N film camera. Black and white film / Shanghai GP3 100Pan film. This photo was taken at the defunct Pelican playground in Dover Road estate; it’s one of my childhood hide-outs where I would just lie down and stare into the trees above, with the afternoon sunlight playfully peeking in.

Now, with the absence of maintenance, the mosses have come out to play and conquered the area, staining the opening climbing with a mystical pattern. When I was a child, it seemed like the portal to another world.

Want to have your photos featured in the next issue of Snapshots? Simply post a photo you have taken based on the theme for a particular month on the NUSPS PoM group pool on Flickr. This monthly competition is open to all NUSPS members. Attractive prizes can be won too. For more information, visit the NUSPS Facebook page for updates, NUSPS website at http://www.nusps.org.sg/portal/content/join-monthly-competitionnusps-photo-month-pom-0 or the NUSPS PoM Flickr page at http:// www.flickr.com/groups/2085828@N20/.

Reflect

by Tan Wei Ming In Solitude: A series of vertical glass panels side-lining a curved corridor.

A lone person gazing through the window.

A beam of light sweeps diagonally across the intricately tiled floor.

Who is real, who is imaginary?

1/50 sec. | f/3.2 | ISO-200

10

Begin the adventure of

your lifetime Text MC - myonewaytrip.com

Helsinki, Finland

Copenhagen, Denmark

W

hether it’s fighting the biting and relentless snow, trudging up long, treacherous hills or manoeuvring through trendy districts and dazzling city centres, you can find all these adventures at:

My One Way Trip.com Travel Blog

-a containing stories and guides to some of the most exciting destinations in theWorld.

On a mission to bring out the people, place & culture of every destination, it is filled with travel tales that re-energise and adventures that inspire - suitable for the most daring explorers & the typical laid-back traveler.

Victoria Falls, Zambia

Like any usual start-up, it exists to fill a gap - the founder could not find a centralized place where useful travel information, inspiring travel stories & stunning photos were all shared. And so the journey began. Today, it is a full-fledged outfit ready to hire contributors and receive stories from travelers round the World. Kicking things off is a Free One-Year National Geographic Magazine Subscription which My One Way Trip is giving away. To WIN it, simply ‘LIKE’ its Facebook page. Visit http://www.myonewaytrip.com for more details. T&C apply.

Sossusvlei, Namibia

Bondi Beach, Sydney 11

Interview with

Nicholas Chew CDL Young Nature Photographer Award winner 2012

E

Text Christopher Puan

ver wondered how other young photographers who are also schooling juggle with their studies and photography at the same time? What kept them going? Snapshots talked to the CDL Young Nature Photographer Award 2012 winner, Nicholas Chew, about his life after winning and got him to share his thoughts about photography.

When did you start photography?

I had always loved taking pictures on my handphone or with the family’s compact camera when I was little. I’d be the “holiday photographer”. However, I only really went mad about it in 2009 when my dad bought me my first DSLR.

01

What aspects of photography do you prefer? Why is that?

To me, photography isn’t about light. It isn’t about the latest lenses or camera bodies. It isn’t about shooting at the widest focal length, nor is it about shooting rare birds with a 800mm + 1.4x teleconverter. It isn’t about incredibly hyper-realistic or surrealistic post-processing, or travelling to the most beautiful places. It isn’t about shooting poor or homeless people. Photography is about feelings. And any photograph which invokes strong feelings has served its purpose. Ultimately a picture has to move people and transcend from simply being a bunch of pixels to something that touches the heart.

Would you consider yourself a professional photographer?

No, although once in a while I do some jobs here and there.

I don’t do it for money, but rather out of my love for it.

Can you share some milestone achievements along your growth as a photographer?

Well, I can’t think of specific milestones. But every time I learn something new or get a fantastic new idea, it excites How did you start, what drove your desire to enter this me so much and pushes me to improve myself. Somefield? times I get inspired by all those amazing photographers I have always loved nature, architecture and animals. Per- out there, and I get a “light bulb” moment. I’d say those haps it was my interest in these things “Photography is about feelings. events might count as milestones. that led me to appreciate them better.

And any photograph which Photography to me is a means of capDo you have a preferred genre or style invokes strong feelings has turing and immortalising the beauty of photography? served its purpose.” in all these things which God has creI especially love natural landscapes ated. It has helped me to see, instead of simply looking. of unspoilt regions as they make me marvel at God’s What started off as a simple hobby has now grown into a creation. Mountains, seascapes, deserts. It’s my dream to very big part of my life. experience these things myself.

12

02

How do you juggle studies, CCA (if any) and photography at the same time? What keeps you going?

I’ve got a decent schedule that allows me some free time each week. Sometimes when things are really packed and stressful, a break from photography is always okay. But really, it is the passion I have that keeps me going. More often than not, I’d be out studying for a few hours and then I’d take some pictures as a break. It refreshes me and opens my mind.

How did you feel when you won the Young Photographer award? Did it change the way you view photography after you have won awards?

It was definitely a surprise. I had never entered a competition prior to SYPA, and I simply decided to give it a shot because my mum encouraged me to. In fact, the winning pictures were a bunch that I had shot very early in my hobby, and I didn’t think much of them at first. Thankfully, the judges liked it and the rest is history!

Winning the Young Nature Photographer award was definitely a huge encouragement for me. But the excitement quickly dies down, and I am reminded that winning doesn’t mean anything. Soon enough, it’s back to looking for that perfect photo and working hard to improve again.

Any tips on how to take better photos?

1. Always bring your camera with you, even if it’s inconvenient. You’d get pictures nobody else would get.

2. Shoot in RAW, and keep your RAW files. Your editing will only get better, and you’d often come back to editing old pictures. The RAWs are more important than the final pictures.

3. Visualise your pictures before shooting them.

4. Unless you are really wealthy, spend your precious money travelling, not on a gitzo tripod.

5. Write down your photographic ideas whenever you get them, and then work on them.

6. Love your own work, but at the same time never be content with how good you currently are.

Any tips for aspiring photographers your age?

Don’t try to emulate. Steal ideas and concepts, but what you produce should be your own. Do your own thing. In time to come you’d realize that people look up to you as an artist more and then hey, it’s your ideas being stolen.

04

03

All photos featured are submitted by Nicholas Chew in the CDL Singapore Young Photographer 2012 competition.

View more winning photos by other young photographers at http://sypa.org.sg/2012/ winners.php 01 1/160 sec. | f/5.6 | ISO-1600 02 8 sec. | f/8| ISO-200 03 1/500 sec. | f/5.6 | ISO-500 04 10 sec. | f/8 | ISO-100 05 1/400 sec. | f/5.6 | ISO-1600

05 13

Shooting Sports Photography Text Kelvin Yap Photos Chun Ong Qi

S

ports photography is a whole different ball game from more common types of photography like artistic, commercial or macro photography. It’s a lucrative field to be in – professional sports photographers are highly paid because there is a never-ending calendar of sports and there will always be news outlets needing images to go with stories. They are also frequently paid to go to major events like the Olympics and the World Cup.

Here, we look at the different dynamics in sports photography which can help you snap shots quality enough to be published for public consumption.

Equipment

1

Use a monopod

Never ever go free-hand to cover sports, simply because they last way longer than most people’s muscles do. A monopod provides a stable shot which increases shutter speed (an important factor which will be mentioned later) and is easily re-deployable in an event where you will need to reposition your camera.

A tripod may achieve the same thing, but it isn’t as mobile as a monopod and takes up too much space. Imagine squeezing with five other photographers in the same square meter!

2

Lens

Since sports photographers usually have to be in a designated area away from the field of play, it’s important to have lens that can zoom in on the play. This depends on the sport that is covered, but generically speaking, a camera of at least 200mm focal length is ideal for sports photography because you need to get close to the action to isolate any of your subjects. You don’t need 800mm lens to be good – they look fancy, but they are not worth the money when a good photographer who knows his stuff can produce the same results with a 200mm-300mm lens. A 14

Snapshots has invited external writers to shed some light on this branch of photography. Kelvin Yap, assistant editor at ESPNstar.com and Chun Ong Qi, a Youth Olympics photographer collaborated to present to you this article. Kelvin has also covered the Singapore Asian Youth Games in 2008 and other overseas events like the 2012 Bali Marathon and the Manchester United’s 2012 China Tour, where he had exclusive interviews with the likes of Paul Scholes & Shinji Kagawa. Ong Qi has kindly offered Snapshots to feature his photos to further illustrate the tips below.

For football updates and in-depth analysis, follow Kelvin’s Twitter: @plevyakin! ( h t t p s : / / t w i t t e r. c o m / p l e v y a k i n )

common beginners lens would be the Canon EF 100-300mm f/4.5-5.6 USM.

3

Bring another camera

This mainly applies for sports with huge arenas like rugby and football, where the player may come really close to you and you will look utterly silly trying to backpedal when players run in your direction to celebrate. Bring another camera with a wide-angle lens to switch to when needed – it’s useful in football games, when players tend to run close to a photographer’s area to celebrate.

4

Bring a field chair (if you need)

This isn’t exactly essential, but it can make your time a lot easier because of the low angle you are usually ‘camped’ out in (to be explained later). As mentioned earlier, sports usually last more than an hour and it can get really uncomfortable sitting cross-legged all the time and given Singapore’s weather, it’s quite likely that the ground is wet as well. A field chair isn’t really heavy, and it can make the hours at the event a lot more endurable.

Settings

1

Shoot from a low angle

The ideal angle to shoot from is roughly from the height of the subject’s waist because of the dynamic nature of sports, where we will want to capture more of the subject in action than, say, the floor of a basketball court, which is why it’s important to shoot from a low angle.

Also, provide for a wide frame when shooting. Most media have specific dimensions for their images and have to crop it, so don’t be shy to frame your shot with that in mind.

2 3

Shutter speed

Generally, shutter speed of at least 1/500th of a second is required to freeze movement so try not to go below 1/500th of a second.

Aperture priority mode

Usually indicated as ‘A’ or ‘AV’ (varies from camera to camera), this is the mode where most professionals use in ideal settings (bright sun or with floodlights). It gives us a very large aperture, which is a small f-stop number, such as f/2.8 or f/4 to provide most possible light allowed in, which in turn tells the camera that a fast shutter speed is needed for the correct exposure.

Logically speaking, more light allows a faster shutter speed, which helps freeze action better, which is what we’re after in sports photography.

4

In the event of an overcast day where the sport still carries on, ISO settings of 800-1200 (depending on how cloudy it is) should do the trick. Take a few shots in each settings before the event starts to compare before settling on it.

5

Don’t be afraid to use burst mode

Due to the dynamic nature of sports, we want to set the camera to continually focus on our subject or subjects rather than lock on to one spot. We must also set our camera to take multiple images, usually referred to as “frames per second” or “burst”. Locate both of these on your camera and ensure that they are switched ON when shooting sports.

If you have the option to set how many frames per second you would like your camera to take, always set it to the maximum be it 3, 4, 5 or more photos a second. This may seem like a nogo act for photographers who are used to taking artistic ‘bokeh’ shots, but it’s a whole different ball game in sports, where the subject moves faster than a cheetah at times.

Know the game

1

Know the location

Sports photographers usually need to apply for accreditation in advance to be granted access to the photography areas, so don’t be afraid to bombard the organisers with questions – where are the boundaries? Can we move around during a match? Will there be a prize presentation?

Go down to scout the location itself beforehand. Find out which angles work best for you, find out where the toilet is (a severely underrated factor), where the sun will be shining from and avoid shooting into it.

2

Know the stars

Know the teams as well – who are the star players? Who will make an impact on the game? Who are the players who were embroiled in controversy coming into the game? In sports photography, the subjects tend to sell more than the image does. For example, an average shot of David Beckham will definitely out-sell a well-taken shot of Landon Donovan.

3

Know the moments

Each sport has its own ‘moments’ to capture. It may be the image of a basketballer missing a free throw to put his side ahead in the last second of the game, a footballer putting in a tackle which he was sent off for and changed the game or the person finishing last in a marathon who happened to overcome cancer. The important lesson here is to research, understand the rules of the sport and know the characters involved.

If you don’t know about it – ask. Ask the journalists covering the sport (they are usually the best source of information since you will be working with them) or even ask Google or Wikipedia.

ISO

Since most sports are outdoors, this isn’t a problem in Singapore, where it is either bright and sunny, where a low ISO of 400 will get the work done, or dark and thundery, where sports are usually called off due to weather.

15

welcome to the

DARKROOM Tri-X Black & White Processing course Text Marumo Kana

B

efore the digital camera was born, how were Attendees of the course genuinely felt that it was an enrichfilm photos developed? On Saturday, 27th October ing course and they had an interesting time learning about 2012, several NUSPS members found that out for film developing. In the beginning, some members like themselves and experienced first-hand developing their Amanda felt “super nervous, especially at the part of putown black and white Tri-X film. They could freely choose ting the film into the reels”. But as they proceeded to have to go for one of the four slots available and be guided in a look at their final product, “seeing the negatives clear(ed) out after the use of the chemicals got me really excited”. Redeveloping their own roll of film. gardless of whether members had their own roll of film to Before the day of the course, some of them went out to develop or not, all had gained new knowledge that day. shoot their own roll of film. Lek Xintian Amanda, one of the participants, felt that when she was using a film camera Here’re some shots from the course! to shoot, the “element of uncertainty lent its huge hand in making [her] experience so fun and exciting”.

Photos taken by 01 Chenchen 02 Chenchen 03 Go Wei

02

01 16

03

Behind the scenes

How to process Black & White Tri-X film

Text Uthpala Perera Photos Fatin Iesa & Kenneth Cheng

What you need • • • • • • • • • • • •

Developing tank and film reel (spiral) Film picker Kodak HC110 Developer ILFORD ILFOSTOP ILFORD RAPID FIXER ILFORD ILFOTOL WETTING AGENT Measuring cylinders Plastic storage bottles Thermometer Stopwatch Scissors and pegs Darkbag

Step 1: Mix your chemicals To process 1 reel of 35mm film, 250 ml of each chemical is required (except for the wetting agent).

For the developer a 1:31 ratio is required, therefore 7.8 ml of the developer is diluted to 250 ml of developer solution. It is then cooled down to 18° C. For the stop bath, a ratio of 1:19 is used, so 12.5 ml of stopper is diluted to a solution of 250 ml. This will also be cooled to 18° C. The fixer requires a 1:9 ratio, which equates to a simple 25 ml of fix being diluted to a make a solution of 250 ml fixer.

Clearly mark and store all 3 solutions in their respective containers to prevent any mistakes.

Step 2: Prepare the film Most importantly, before you begin to do anything remember that your film cannot be exposed to light as all your images will be lost.

Use the film picker to pull out the film lead (the front bit of the film). This is quite tricky and requires some practice, so don’t worry if it takes you some time to do. Next, the film can be pulled out to about 3 inches because it has already been exposed to light. Cut off the film lead using a pair of scissors. The film is now ready to be reeled into the reel.

17

Step 3: Load the film Take the end of the cut film and slowly place it on the projecting lungs of the reel. Now you place this, with your tank and pair of scissors inside the darkbag. After you place everything inside and the bag is zipped tight, you can start reeling in the film by gripping one side of the circular reel and then rotating it back and forth.

Once you have reached the end of the film, you leave a gap of about a 1cm from the end (you can place your finger between the cassette and the scissors) and cut it off. Reel in the last bit of the film and then place it inside the tank and use the light tight lid to seal it.

Step 4: Develop Now that the film is inside the light tight tank, it can be taken out of the bag. External light will not affect the film now.

The developer solution is now taken out. Ensure it is kept at 18째 C and then add it into the tank through the opening. The film is now developed for 3 minutes and 45 seconds. You should also agitate the tank every 30 seconds so that there is an equal development and no air bubbles are trapped inside the reel. At the end, simply pour out the contents into the sink.

Step 5: Stop and fix The 18째 C stop bath is added into the tank and kept in there for 1 minute, while being agitated every 30 seconds. After this is done it, remove the stop and then add in the 18째 C fixer. The film is fixed for 5 minutes, with it being agitated every 30 seconds.

Step 6: Wash Now, the processing is done! Empty out the fixer and wash the film for 10 minutes in running water. You can take out the film reel at this point and place it in a tray for ease.

Next, remove the film from the reel and place it in a new tray filled with wetting agent (which is dissolved to a ratio of 1:200). Let the film sit there for a short time then hang the film to dry using the pegs.

Step 7: Success!

You have now processed your film. It is very easy when you follow these simple steps and quite rewarding when you see you images. Use a scanner to convert your film negatives into digital black and white images.

The negatives can be stored in film sleeves.

Step 2

Step 3

18

Step 4a

Step 4b

In the loop Keeping you updated in a page!

Montage

NUSPS is proud to present Montage 2013 and this time, we are celebrating our 15th anniversary! We will be organising exciting competitions, a seminar and workshops to celebrate the joy of photography. It will be kicking off in March 2013, so keep a look out for the most exciting event of the year! For more information, head over to http://www.montage.sg!

Member-Initiated Outing

Have you always wanted to organise a photography outing of your own but could never find the right platform to find like-minded individuals? Fear not! NUSPS is delighted to present a new platform just for people like you! ‘Member-Initiated Outing (MIO)’ is a new platform where members will be able to organise a unique photography outing of their own. You just need to create a MIO on this platform and other members can join in. It’s that simple! To know more about this new initiative, log on to http://www.nusps.org.sg/portal/mio! Join a MIO or create one of your own today!

Upcoming events and outings

Want to share your passion for and knowledge of photography with others? You can do so at two upcoming school events proudly sponsored by Canon! To be held on 6th April 2013, the VJC-Canon Photography Expose jointly organised by both Canon and Victoria Junior College will comprise of a seminar and a hands-on session, where volunteers can guide JC students on the whole wide range of Canon’s photographic equipment. If you prefer to guide younger students on photography while embarking on a field trip to capture photos with them, come join us on 30th March 2013 at the National Photography Festival for Primary Schools. More details will be sent to NUSPS members through email.

As an effort to cater to the different needs and wants of our members, NUSPS is also organising food and experimental photography outings in the coming months. The latter includes smoke photography, fruit splashes, water droplets and deliberate flaring. Stay tuned for more info!

Canon EOS World

Canon EOS World is an online platform by Canon for anyone who signs up to share their personal photography work. A myriad of articles, interviews and video content are available for members of Canon EOS World to improve their knowledge on photography.

Members will also get to take part in exclusive contests and are granted access to a variety of member-only events. It is the ultimate place to meet like-minded photography enthusiasts, just like you. Head over to http://www.canon.com.sg/eosworld/ today to be a part of this exciting community!

19

20