The RPS Digital Group Meeting Sunday 26th October

Bob Moore, the speaker, covered a range of topics. He noted an increased interest in panoramic pictures, and discussed the various cameras and techniques for producing panoramas, from the scanning lens cameras, which typically took our school photographs, to the use of digital SLR’s and stitching software. One could download “Panorama factory” software from the web and he felt that this software did a good job. An overlap of 25% was necessary for the software to work. One needed to note that, as the camera rotated, the lighting changed and any automatic exposure compensation needed to be turned off. Bob was basically a practical man and he had constructed his own Tripod attachment (two circular wooden discs + angle bracket to hold his camera vertically – ie in portrait mode). It was important that the camera rotated about the “nodal point” of the optical system, else one would get movement of the background relative to the foreground and it would be impossible to join two adjacent images accurately. He demonstrated the ease with which his system could work by making a 360 degree panorama picture of the Hall (in 10 shots). The stitcher software required about 12 minutes to do its job. But he also used Photoshop to stitch by hand.

He was not greatly interested in using Photoshop to “improve” images. He thought that the less you used it the better, but it was a useful interface tool. He got his best quality images from using colour negative film: it had more latitude than slide film.. But one then needed to scan the image into a computer for digital work. Thus a high quality scanner was important. He would turn off the ICE software, which would indeed remove blemishes but only at the cost of softening the image. In all his work he did not believe “the experts” but preferred to experiment and check their proffered advice for himself.

Bob devoted the 2nd half of his talk to producing Black and White images. Again colour negative film was his favourite recording medium.. He countered the inevitable magenta-green swing in tones as one went from light to dark using the coloured inks by using uncoated Epson photo-paper. This is thin paper but by employing the 2880 dpi available on the Epson 1290 printer he found he lost most of the colour bias.

Bob touched on a great variety of subjects but overall his message was to take lots of pictures and to experiment. Don’t be dictated to by the experts, though they may give you some useful pointers for your experiments. He re-iterated many times during his talk that these were his own personal views born of his own experiences. It was up to us to form our own views from our own experiences. This thoroughly engrossing meeting, was well up to the RPS Digital Group standard.

Digital Cinema

A recent article in the IEE Review magazine (November 2003) discusses Digital Cinema and asks “Why can we not yet see it at our local Cinema when by common consent it offers a high quality image, unaffected by repeated showings”? The author, Roger Dettmer, notes that of the 150,000 or so cinemas around the world only 156 are capable of showing digital movies. These all project at a resolution of 1280 by 1024 pixels using Texas Instrument’s DLP (Digital Light Processing) system.. This DLP modulator is based on an array of tiny mirrors, plasma etched onto a Silicon wafer 0.9 inches across the diagonal. There is one mirror per pixel, and the mirrors are tilted by applying a control voltage between the pixel electrode at the back of the device and a transparent electrode at the front. The mirrors can be tilted at up to 5000 times a second, and light is either reflected onto the screen or onto a light absorber. Apparently each cinema projector has three mirror arrays, one per primary colour and a prism generates the red, green, and blue beams from a single white light source. An alternative modulator system being developed by JVC (the D-ILA) (Direct Image Light Amplifier ) is based upon a liquid crystal modulator. Roger reports that Kodak has developed a digital projector system based upon a 2048 by 1536 D-ILA from JVC. It is reported that JVC is producing limited quantities of a 3840 by 2048 pixel device.

Celluloid has a finite resolution set by the granularity of the chemistry; and more significantly, by the post-processing of the film.. This post processing is increasingly being performed in the digital domain. The film is scanned in a device known as the “telecine" ( usually at a resolution of about 2000 lines). After processing, a master negative is produced. From this precious object an inter-positive is produced, from which a duplicate negative is produced (the inter-negative). It is this inter-negative which is used to produce prints which can be shown at the local cinema. As a result of this processing various industrial studies have suggested that the resultant on-screen resolution lies between 900 and 2000 lines for this projected film system.. But resolution is not the only important parameter; colour and contrast are equally important. These, too, are degraded by processing in the celluloid world, whereas in the digital world they remain as fresh and bright as the day they were conceived.

The Battle with Chapel-en-le Frith Camera Club

What an good evening for our first home battle against our old protagonists Chapel on November 4th.

We need to thank our past(it)? President Mr Bill Chadband for pulling out all the stops from 6pm onward to ensure we had a venue to enable us to hold the event. Well done Bill, I’m sure Joyce will be scouring the NCPS constitution to ascertain if there is anything disqualifying you being President next year!!

So to the competition………..

Our judge for the evening was Tillman Kleinhans who has visited NCPS previously with a slide show of Miami & the surrounding area and to judge a quarterly competition last season. What a knowledgeable judge he is; plus he is informative and very enthusiastic. He judged the contest ‘cold’ on the night, having a run through of the images presented by both clubs and then going straight into the judging; passing comments on each image as warranted. Prints were judged first (thanks to Estelle for helping at the front) and Tillman took the opportunity to ‘pull’ several images from both contestants for a final climax to that part of the proceedings.

I cannot remember the exact sequence the prints were marked due to this but the totals were nip and tuck all the way through. I believe NCPS had a really strong entry on the night with Gerald doing us proud in B&W with his image of’ Rereos, St Agnes, Liverpool’ getting 20 plus Tillman appeared to think it was faultless both in technical ability and presentation. Well done Gerald. (Any chance of presenting an evening to us next sylabus passing on some of your expertise in this area?). Also our photographer of the year from the last session, Steph Clack, came up with ‘Gemsbock- Etosha’ for a 20 another fine print Steph.

Chapel could not convince Tillman that a printed image of theirs was worth a 20 although they had for at 19. Still not enough though as we finished in the lead after the print section, 178 to 173, setting us up nicely for the slide section.

One of Bill’s opening comments regarding the fact that historically NCPS always appear to do well in prints but not so well in slides left this reviewer concerned that a mere 5 point lead may not be sufficient. However my fears were proven unfounded .

Tillman again sat through a run through of the slides ( thanks to Frank, who I think was the button presser for this half) and marked the slides as they came up.

‘Winter walk’ by Dorothy got a 14 like the preceding Chapel slide, ‘Autumn at Ashford’. The judge found the lack of the person in the image being slightly disturbing . Chapel then had a well deserved 18 for ‘Atlantic seal pup’ whilst ‘A word in your ear’ by Brian only merited a mean 15. However Tony’s ‘Leaves under torrent’ pleased Tillman and we achieved our first 20.

After five slides had been seen the scores were level on 84 point apiece. Very tight. Then Steph again produced the excellent ‘Leopard’ which achieved our final 20 score of the night.

With 2 slides each to go the scores were NCPS 138 Chapel 135, very close still.

Chapel then hit us with ‘The spout’ a slide that stayed on the screen the longest in my estimation as Tillman commented freely on the lighting observation of the author etc.

This images was subsequently to be judged the image of the night, a request by Frank who is supplying the local community press with a copy to include in their publication.

Estelle’s ‘Puddled’ a previous good performer could only muster a 16 out of our judge meaning Chapel leading by a singlr point 155 to 154 into the final slide.

A nice slide by Chapel ‘Wookey Hole’ for various reasons could only muster a 14 from Tillman. A shame considering the problems of getting images in underground display caves with their difficult lighting that usually drops off very sharply from the illuminated subject and very deep shadow areas.

Our selection committee chair was then given a18 for his very nice ‘Blackpool’ slide which mean NCPS won the slide round 172 to 169. Thus giving an overall score of 350 to 342.

A very enjoyable and successful evening for NCPS

Inter-club Print Panel Comp. & Inter-club Slide Battle

Bramhall 6th Nov 2003

As tradition dictates, NCPS submitted an entry for both the above, which Bramhall PS hold as part of their impressive annual exhibition held at the Clubhouse, Lumb Lane, Bramhall.

Not for the first time, our special effort to produce four prints from four authors which look right as a panel paid dividends as we lifted the trophy, despite determined opposition from five other competing clubs: South Manchester CC, South Liverpool PS, South Lancs Imaging Club (SLIC), 85 Group Photography and Chapel CC

Our panel consisted of pictures of windows, each of which was appealing in its simplicity, helped by having the same “treatment” in PhotoShop. This served to emphasise the focal points in the image by strengthening their colour whilst reducing the impact of the rest by some de-saturation and applying a line effect. The prints were then mounted on a neutral mount board and arranged to give a satisfying balance to the panel as a whole. Judge Bob Dennis showed great taste in selecting our set without hesitation!

The original pictures came from Brian Turnbull (who produced the original print and the idea), Dorothy Redford (who matched and printed the set of four), Gordon Robson (who window-mounted the set) and Tony Redford (who wisely did not interfere in the process).

Our entry of six slides, judged by the same Bob Dennis, didn’t fare quite so well. Stick to print panels, Bob! NCPS finished half way down the list of 12 participating clubs (see panel below). Individual scores were as follows:

Country Colours - Tony Redford 14

Leopard - Steph Clack 14

Red Shadow - Colin Pickles 15

Blackpool at Dusk - Jon Dixon 17

Snowy Egret in Surf - Dorothy Redford 15

Puddled - Estelle Broomhall 16

Well done Jon & Stella on your two top-markers!

(Members may recall that the above set were included in the 10 which defeated Chapel in our battle with them at Poynton two days earlier. Using their same slides at Bramhall, Chapel CC finished top of the list. Work that one out!)

Bramhall PS Inter Club Slide Battle results:

Chapel CC 104

South Manchester CC 102

South Liverpool PS 98

Bramhall PS 96

Wilmslow Guild 94

Mid Chshire PS 93

North Cheshire PS 91

85 Group Photography 90

Davyhulme CC 90

Sheffield PS 89

Altrincham & Hale PS 88

Romiley Photo Imaging 88

Keswick Weekend and Inter-Club Print Battle

The Derwentwater Hotel, Portinscale, Keswick provided the accommodation for a large contingent of keen photographers and wives/partners/just good friends (including 22 from NCPS), who gathered in this picturesque corner of the Lake District for a weekend of dazzling autumn colour and to witness an equally dazzling set of 72 prints submitted by six leading clubs to do battle at Portinscale Village Hall on the Saturday evening.

The consensus of opinion was that the hotel provided great value for money, with well-appointed rooms, delicious food and helpful staff. The weather also tried hard to please, with a sunny Friday, and occasional bright spells on Saturday and Sunday – frustrating or very satisfying, depending on whether you were in the right place at the right time.

The option of a semi-organised walk from Grange Bridge to a pub lunch at the far end of the valley tempted a good number of us, whilst others embarked on something more or less energetic ranging from a climb towards Cat Bells, shopping in Keswick, or watching the rugby world cup on the hotel telly! Later, an early dinner at the hotel set us up for the short walk to the local village hall to join friends from South Manchester CC, West Cumbria Photo Group, Keswick PS, Dumfries CC and Carluke PS – a large and relatively well-behaved audience for the judging of the prints.

This was carried out most expeditiously by Richard Spears DPAGB of Carlisle, a highly respected authority from the Northern Counties Federation. His dry humour, constructive and informed comments together with an unhesitating delivery fitted the bill exactly for this social but competitive event and there could have been no complaints from anyone about the outcome. Full results appear below.

It is hoped that the event can be expanded and repeated next year. I’m sure everyone there this time, and more, will be keen to join in again.

Jack Bamford from Whitehaven deserves a big pat on the back for organising the event and our president, Joyce Streets, received a well-deserved enthusiastic response from the audience when she called for three cheers for Jack (on this, his birthday) at the end of her eloquent vote of thanks to round off an enjoyable Saturday evening.

ANGLO-SCOTTISH PRINT BATTLE at Keswick, Cumbria

8th Nov 2003-11-10

1st Dumfries CC 302

2nd West Cumbria Photo Group 286

3rd North Cheshire PS 277

4th Carluke PS 261

4th= Keswick PS 261

6th South Manchester CC 245

NCPS Individual Scores:

Paris Match Geoff Robinson 22

Windswept Brian Turnbull 23

Winter Walk Dorothy Redford 23

Ten Meercats Steph Clack 23

Gold Coaster Tony Redford 23

Mountain Goats Gordon Robson 21

Reprimand Dorothy Redford 22

Spring Time Sheila Edwards 22

Tango Brian Turnbull 27

Spitfire Geoff Robinson 26

Head to Head Tony Redford 23

Evangistra Icon Gordon Robson 22

Individual scores ranged from 16 to 30.

The 3-Way Battle with Wilmslow PS and South Manchester PS

We had a good turnout for this competition held at Wilmslow Guild on Wednesday 19th November. President Joyce Streets had arrived early with our print and slide images. When Bill, Gordon, Tony and Dorothy arrived, it was to see Frank and Margery ensconced in good seats on the second row. Brian Turnbull and Dave Akers completed our entourage.

The room was packed when Wilmslow chairman, Arthur Goodwright, welcomed us to the meeting. And without more formalities judge Keith Brownlow from Sale P.S. began his task. Keith asked for a quick showing of all the prints, and then divided them into three groupings. Your reporter thought that this was to separate them into the good, the bad and the indifferent; however the subsequent marking belied this simple assumption (though it is perhaps fair to say that the latter prints received the higher marks).

No doubt overwhelmed by the high quality Keith gave numerous 20/20 marks; and at the interval our total of 186/200 marks appeared to put us into a good position. A leisurely tea followed (costing only 30p a cup but extra for biscuits!)

For the slide competition in the second half Keith chose to mark some images directly, but pull others out for a second or third viewing. As with the prints, Keith had his own distinctive approach to images and their impression upon him. It was not often possible to anticipate his marks from his preceding comments, thus keeping us in suspense until the very last moment.

When finally Arthur Goodwright revealed the scores, we were well ahead in the prints section [NCPS 186; Wilmslow 172; S M/cr 159}]. As expected S. Manchester were ahead in the slide section [ S.M/cr 181, NCPS 175, Wilmslow 163], but too far behind to catch us up. Final scores: NCPS 361, S. Manchester 340, Wilmslow 335 and the NCPS contingent went home happy bunnies. The individual scores of our images are listed below.

Prints

Slides

The Meeting 18th November 2003

Alert readers will recall that on the 28th of October we left Fred and Sheila floating somewhere in the Caspian Sea. At the 11th November meeting they were allowed to complete their journey and return safely home. This they did in their own inimitable style via the Ukraine, Istanbul and the Bosphorus

We were left, as ever, with the feeling that we were all missing out, but Fred was a bit cagey as to how much it would cost us to repeat their adventures.

We felt on firmer ground when Brian Turnbull, after the tea break, took us on a journey to the N.E. of England and introduced us to more of the fascinating work of Anthony Gormley, and the Baltic Flour Mill (now a famous Art Museum). And then, seeing that we were all more or less settled Brian ventured abroad again, introducing us to hot springs, baths and spas. Thus it was that we finally went home exhilarated and refreshed by these excellent contributions from our own (home-grown?) members.

Norman Thompson was our lively judge from Bury for the 2nd Quarterly competition. Our President Joyce Streets had a bad throat, but nevertheless turned up to greet our judge and offer apologies before retiring to her bed. Norman was invited to tell us a little about himself. He was a retired Engineer who had taken to doing weddings and portraiture in his spare time. He had become a member of the British Institute of Photographers and had gained his DPAGB to back up this work..

He stated that he would mark out of 20 and he believed in producing a wide range of marks to avoid needing half marks nearer the top of the scale. In a competition of high standards this inevitably meant that good quality images might still receive only moderate marks.

Norman engaged the audience fully in his comments and thinking, and gave full consideration to all of the images. Inevitably, with the large number of images, this approach took the full evening. We thanked him for his hard work, his enthusiasm and his constructive comments.

Cumulative Scores after the 2nd Quarterly

Worker of the Year

Print Worker of the Year

Slide Worker of the Year

Prints

Slides