Malta institute of Professional Photography newsletter jan feb 2018

ISSUE

74

The official MIPP Newsletter

Photography by MARCONIA SCHEMBRI

www.mipp-malta.com

2018

JAN | FEB

Photograph by Kevin Casha

Editorial

President’s Viewpoint Dear Members, We have recently come to the end of 2017 and has it been a busy one!

As you know, we have at last inaugurated our new premises in Paola with a very successful Open Day. We had a great turnout and look forward to hosting, during one of our forthcoming meetings, those who could not make it on the specific day. This difficult and long awaited move is the fruit borne out of years of hard work and dedication by members, friends and sponsors who have believed in the Institute for these last twenty two years. It had always been my personal wish and goal to achieve a place for the MIPP and also all lovers of photography. Many a time have I felt the difficulties, the disappointment and the frustration that this task has entailed... but I have never failed to believe in this idea and, at last, it has materialized through sheer hard work and dogged persistence.

MIPP members can now rightfully feel very proud to have their own premises and to look forward to enjoying and improving their photography in ease, comfort and modern surroundings. Furthermore, the committee will be trying to open the premises on every TUESDAY at 7.30 pm by organizing two ‘formal’ member meetings and two ‘informal’ networking sessions. Thus, members will now have the added value of two other sessions were they can discuss photography, view photographic projects and have their work assessed. This will be done on a trial basis for the first two months of 2018 and, if found successful, retained for the rest of the year. We are also launching an accredited Level 4 Award in photography which is aimed at those who are looking into doing photography commercially. So, very exciting times ahead; it has never been so beneficial to join the MIPP as a member!

As this is the first Newsletter of 2018, I would like to wish all of you the best possible year, for yourselves and your loved ones. May it be a year of peace and brilliant photography!

Kevin Casha President MIPP

Editor: Kevin Casha

Design: Articles: Sita Azzopardi & Malcolm Sammut Various contributors

Proof Reading: Louisa Tonna

Members Profiles: Daniel Vassallo

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 MIPP One Day workshop

pg 04

MIPP members gain qualifications

pg 05

‘Why Photography?’ by Kevin Casha

pg 10

Veronica Busuttil Feature

pg 12

Exhibition Temporal Devotion

pg 19

MIPP Photo Essential Sessions

pg 20

light hearted moments by Mario Casha

pg 22

MIPP Calendar

pg 23/24

MIPP Comments New Premises

pg 25

MIPP Commerical Photography Award

pg 27

Membership renewal and newcomers

pg 28

MIPP benefits of being a member

pg 30

20

7

19

5 13

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MIPP One-Day workshop

by Charles Calleja & Tonio Polidano

The first one was Fashion Portfolio Building run by Kevin Casha, which was followed by Introduction to Photoshop by Martin Agius.

The MIPP Gozo Workshop served

This year, instead of the annual convention, the MIPP tried out a new

as a welcome break and networking

formula by successfully organizing four one day workshops on various

exercise with our Gozitan friends,

genres of photography.

whilst Ramon Sammut treated us to his Post Processing Workshop .

Finally, to nicely round off the year, Charles Calleja and Tonio Polidano demonstrated various photographic techniques during their Mastering Practical Photographic Techniques workshop. The MIPP would like to thank all tutors and participants as well as Hilltop Gardens in Naxxar who made it all possible. It was an extremely very busy year brimful of members’ meetings, workshops, courses and photo-opportunities surely making the MIPP yearly membership great value for money.

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MIPP MEMBERS GAIN QUALIFICATIONS:

For the first time, the MIPP has given its members the opportunity to submit work for Qualifications twice a year. In November, we had a second group taking on this challenge.

All three members successfully gained their respective qualification. Louiseanne Caruana obtained the LMIPP on the theme of

Environmental

Portraiture,

Sandra

Hotrum the AMIPP with a Travel panel whilst Guido Bonett gained the FMIPP, our top qualification, with a superb Nature panel taken in the Choko Forest. The latter panel flew through with a Distinction as all five judges on the panel unanimously passed it.

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PHOTOGRAPHY BY Guido

Bonett (FMIPP)

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PHOTOGRAPHY BY Sandra

Hotrum (AMIPP)

PHOTOGRAPHY BY Louiseanne

Caruana (LMIPP)

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Why Photography?

by Kevin Casha Throughout the long years I have been associated with photography and my contact with photography students, one evident fact is that photography can be a lot of things to different people. Some attempt to take it up as a profession, others to document their travels or their family, whilst others practice it as an art form however, the great majority first experience photography as a hobby or a pastime. Eventually, a good number of these hobbyists do move on and elevate photography as a passion.

movies, publications, internet, education etc etc.

Looking at photography purely as a non-commercial hobby, pastime or passion, one notices the obvious benefits that an individual can gain. Most significantly, photography can take your mind off everyday stress and problems. What can be better than picking up your camera and losing yourself ‘hunting’ for that elusive picture? It is also beneficial to eventually identify a pet subject one would like to tackle and explore it fully through one’s viewfinder and, most im-

What are the actual benefits of practicing photogra-

portantly, one’s brain. Focusing on a particular theme

phy? Firstly, we are living in an ever increasingly im-

helps to further stimulate the brain and makes the

age orientated Society; imagine life without images.

project more challenging. It is amazing what one can

Ever since digital technology took over conventional

see when concentrating; our fast lifestyle usually just

photography, coupled with the invention of the mo-

catches glimpses of what is before us yet, when we

bile phone, photography has exploded. Never in the

stop to really absorb, then a myriad of subjects can

history of mankind is photography being used by so

start materializing. As philosopher Roland Barthes

many people from all walks of life. In most cases, pho-

said: “A photograph is always invisible, it is not it that

tography has become an integral part of a modern

we see.” In fact, a photograph is the interpretation

society. It has replaced text in many ways. Today we

of the photographer AND the interpretation of the

are bombarded with imagery from all sides: television,

viewer – it is part of its fascination, and artistic value,

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that reaction to a photograph is so varied according to the conditioning of the person engaging with a photograph Today, the ease and negligible running costs with which one can produce an image has liberated us from difficult restrictions, techniques and skills that were before essential, giving us the opportunity to concentrate more on composition, subject matter, lighting and actual content of the photograph. Granted, this ease of use sometimes adversely affects our need to think. A valid photographer must avoid the urge to shoot first and ask questions later. It is useless blindly shooting a multitude of images without the brain getting deeply involved in what the final picture should convey.

Another valid bonus of photography is that this art genre gives the practitioner the chance to meet people, explore and educate oneself. Many a time have I witnessed shy persons coming out of their shell after they took up photography. I have even encountered others who have successfully used it as therapy, in order to surmount a difficult period in life and move on. Photography is also a common language and can bridge gaps within different language, race, religion and ethnicities. In the right hands, it is a powerful tool that can create awareness on important issues of our life.

Naturally, some consideration is needed if one is to retain photography as a stress-relieving pastime. Today’s equipment and technology can also be complicated and it all depends on the final goal of each user. Going into photography as a means of ‘competition’ will not relieve stress – on the contrary it can increase it. One needs to keep a level head and if competing in one of the many competitions that are always available, it must not be with a “win or else” attitude, but rather an evolvement or a wish to gauge one’s level and progress. Photographic competitions are good vehicles for one to challenge oneself and improve, but one cannot always win – there are so many talented photographers out there. So keep your feet on the ground so the enjoyment is not spoilt.

Another factor which can cause stress is the mania of many budding photographers to keep yearning to upgrade and improve their equipment. This works well for manufacturers but not so much for the photographer. Buying new equipment means one must learn more to exploit and justify the not so negligible outlay of photographic hardware. It is important to buy what is needed. Believe me, although some genres of photography do require specialized equipment (such as Nature, Sports or Macro), great photography is still possible with the simplest of equipment. What have all our predecessors done before such fantastic inventions as the motor-drive, auto-focus or the camera monitor? They still went out there and created memorable images with the equipment they had at hand. I am quite annoyed when I hear practicing photographers making excuses for their not so great work and blaming it on not having the latest camera body or the latest zoom. I can assure them that the most expensive equipment does not make you the best photographer – it is like giving a gilded brush to someone who cannot draw a straight line.

So my advice for those looking at photography as a hobby is to first try and go the simple way, not get bogged down with equipment and techniques, mix with like-minded practitioners and go out there and have fun!

Kevin Casha Master SWPP; FMIPP; FSWPP; AMPS; AMPA; Hon FMPS. Master of Fine Arts in Digital Arts (University of Malta)

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Decompressing

Discovering Malta’s Wartime Heritage

by Veronica Busuttill Malta was strategically important in times of war.

Throughout the ages, it has seen a fair share of conflict between different nations, yet the island has survived. However, the nations involved in

technical ones. Apart from methodically planning ahead, one has to prepare all the necessary equipment.

During these technical dives, I typically carry 3 to 4 cylinders and the camera. Time is very restricted at these depths - in fact, the maximum time spent at the bottom will be approximately 15 minutes and the total dive time will be around 60 to 90 minutes.

Ascends from these wrecks are done gradually with stoppages at different stages to avoid decompression

those wars have left behind, at the bottom of the ocean, stark memories of those terrible days.

For me, exploring the wrecks of the two World Wars is a thrilling experience whenever I dive to take images of them.

I would like to share with you those exciting moments and describing some of the subjects I have documented.

The wrecks are located at depths ranging between 60 to 75 meters.

Diving

at such depths requires experience and concentration; such dives are not considered to be recreational but

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The two barrel 4-inch guns of the Southwold

supplies, they were spotted by an Italian battleship but rather than retreat, the vastly outgunned British ships attacked. Despite taking heavy damage they prevented the cargo ships being intercepted in what became known as the Second Battle of Sirte.

However, as a consequence of the battle, the convoy’s arrival was delayed until daylight hours, exposing it to air attack. HMS Breconshire was hit, and while the Southwold attempted to tow this stricken tanker away from a British minefield, a mine Stern canon of Southwold

exploded killing five. She was taken in tow, but sunk

sickness. Additionally, the mixture of air is changed by switching on to a different clylinder that will contain a higher dose of oxygen to shorten the time in decompressing. It can be appreciated that when diving at such depths there is very little time to spend adjusting one’s camera. It is more a matter of being quick and using one’s experience.

By April 1942, Malta had become one of the most bombed locations in history. Its position allowed the Royal Navy and RAF to disrupt the supply lines of the Axis armies that were seizing a large area of North Africa. Initial attention from Italy was met with stubborn resistance, but the Italians were soon reinforced with highly capable German forces with a clear agenda: “Fortress Malta” had to be

The bow section

neutralized once and for all.

As the siege intensified, the Maltese population starved. Constantly short of ammunition, fuel and outnumbered, Allied fighters took on hoards of enemy aircraft in a ferocious and unrelenting air-war that proved testing even for experienced Battle of Britain pilots. The fighting was equally as intense at sea; the key to Malta’s survival lay in getting enough supplies through to the island. The Navy endured huge losses trying to keep Malta afloat and many of the resulting wrecks have only recently been discovered due to the depths at which they lie.

HMS Southwold In March 1942, as HMS Southwold escorted convoy MW10 towards Malta with desperately needed

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Southwold

Champagne Bottles inside the Le Polynesien wreck

after the hull broke in two.

own or from her patrol) and now lies in 63 meters on a white sandy seabed. The wreck is broken

These halves of the Southwold now provide two

amidships and the majority of the ship’s dark wood

separate dives as they lie some 300 metres apart.

has rotted away. This wreck has a significant number

The bow lies completely on its starboard side in 68

of interesting items still on it, including 20 mm

meters. The bridge lies in the sand and as we go round

ammunition on the decks, the starboard tube with

it, the wreck becomes immediately recognisable. The

the torpedo still in it and the propellers in place.

main guns are the most impressive feature, which point towards the intact bow. The Stern lies slightly deeper at 72 meters to the seabed and is upright.

The rear guns are still angled upwards as if they were preparing to fire.

Schnellboot S-31 The skeletal wreck Schnellboot S-31 was produced as a fast attack craft, similar to the American PTs or British MTB. However, the Schnellboots were much bigger, which meant they were more suited to open sea operations. They were armed with two 533 mm torpedoes, depth-charges and two 20 mm cannons, plus they had the ability to lay mines. They caused havoc in Exercise Tiger, the run up for the D-Day landings.

The S-31 sank after she hit a mine (either one of her

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The Schnellboot S31

ditch the aircraft and this was accomplished at 100mph in a slight swell about 1000 yards off Dragonara Point, Sliema.

The wartime aeroplane lies upside down in nearly 40 meters of clear water on a sandy bottom with the wings and center fuselage still intact as most of it is buried in the sand. Both undercarriage Stern canon of the Polynesien

frames

and

shredded tires stick up from their wing position behind

Le Polynesien

the engines. One of the propellers is still intact on the

The SS Polynesien was launched on 18 April 1890

It is to be noted that removing artefacts from any wrecks

engine, although partly buried.

and was built for the shipping line La Compagnie des

Messageries

Maritimes at

La

Ciotat

in

France. Between 1891 and 1914 it operated over a number of routes covering the Far East, Australia and

is strictly forbidden.

Veronica Busuttil

the French colonies. In 1914 she was taken on by the French Government as a troop transport ship and fitted with the deck guns – which one can still see on the wreck today.

Le Polynesien is 152 meters in length with a gross tonnage of 6659. It carried 172 passengers in first class, 71 passengers in second class, 109 passengers in third class and 234 ‘rationnaires’ (persons who have a right to rations.) On 10 August 1918, the Polynesien was attacked by UC22 and sank within 20 minutes with the loss of 10 lives. The wreck now sits in 53-65 meters listing to port at 45 degrees. It is in excellent condition, considering it has been underwater for nearly 100 years. For me, this wreck was the most technically challenging to dive on.

The Beaufighter On 17 March 1943, this Beaufighter left Malta on a mission, but as soon as it took off, mechanical problems led the aircraft to start vibrating and it began to lose altitude. There was no option but to

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Properller Beaufighter

2016

Continental Cars Ltd.

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PHOTOGRAPH BY IVAN EBEJER

PHOTOGRAPH BY IVAN GATT

PHOTOGRAPH BY JOHAN SIGGESSON

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Temporal Devotion Images from the inauguration of ‘Temporal Devotion’ - an exhibition held at the SEAT showroom by MIPP ‘Still Image Award’ students.

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MIPP Photoessentials Kevin Casha and Martin Agius

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LIGHT HEARTED MOMENTS

The sports Photographer by Mario Casha

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January /2018

CALENDAR January

AWARD NIGHT/ NEW YEAR GET-TOGETHER

February

January /2018

MIPP MEMBERS’

INFORMAL MEETING:

FILM FORUM:

30 YEARS OF NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC PHOTOGRAPHY THE PORTRAITS OF IRVING PENN WHAT ABOUT FINE ART? Tuesday 9th January | 19:30 MIPP, Britannia Street, Paola

January /2018

MIPP MEMBERS’ MEETING

For details and booking courses@mipp-malta.com.

Booking deadline: 10th January.

19:30 Standing reception, with finger food, free flowing wine, beer, water, soft drinks included at MIPP Britannia Street, Paola. Price: €17 per person.

Saturday 27th January | 19:30 Venue: MIPP, Britannia Street, Paola

January /2018

MIPP MEMBERS’ MEETING: PHOTOGRAPHIC ODYSSEYS IN WEST AFRICA - long form story telling

by JASON FLORIO

(Participants in the MIPP Still Image Award are to submit their initial portfolio on DVD on this day) Tuesday 30th January | 19:30 Hilltop Gardens, Naxxar

THE INDIA EXPERIENCE

by KEVIN CASHA

Tuesday 16th January | 19:30 MIPP, Britannia Street, Paola

January /2018

MIPP MEMBERS’ INFORMAL MEETING: DROP IN TO INFORMALLY NETWORK OR ASK QUESTIONS ON YOUR WORK Tuesday 23rd January | 19:30 MIPP, Britannia Street, Paola

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February /2018

MIPP MEMBERS’ MEETING: WANDERING EYE attempts outside one’s comfort zone

by ALEX ATTARD

Briefing of PTYA ENTRANTS 2018 Tuesday 6th February | 19:30 MIPP, Britannia Street, Paola

March /2018

CALENDAR February

MIPP MEMBERS’

March

MEETING: Annual General Meeting Tuesday 6th March | 19:30 MIPP, Britannia Street, Paola

March /2018

MIPP MEMBERS’

February /2018

MIPP MEMBERS’

INFORMAL MEETING: DROP IN TO INFORMALLY NETWORK OR

INFORMAL MEETING:

FILM FORUM:

ASK QUESTIONS ON YOUR WORK Tuesday 13th March | 19:30

ANSEL ADAMS - VISUALISATION ENTERING NEW WORLDS THROUGH PHOTOGRAPHY GEORGE EASTMAN HOUSE MUSEUM SO YOU WANT TO BE A PHOTOGRAPHER?

MIPP, Britannia Street, Paola

March /2018

MIPP MEMBERS’ MEETING: THE LURE OF THE RAIN FOREST

Tuesday 13th February | 19:30 MIPP, Britannia Street, Paola

February /2018

by GUIDO BONETT

MIPP MEMBERS’

Tuesday 20th March | 19:30 Hilltop Gardens, Naxxar

INFORMAL MEETING: DROP IN TO INFORMALLY NETWORK OR

March /2018

MIPP MEMBERS’

ASK QUESTIONS ON YOUR WORK Tuesday 20th February | 19:30

INFORMAL MEETING:

MIPP, Britannia Street, Paola

FILM FORUM:

February /2018

MIPP MEMBERS’ INFORMAL MEETING:

FILM FORUM: (Details to be announced) Tuesday 27th January | 19:30 MIPP, Britannia Street, Paola

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DUFFY - THE MAN WHO SHOT THE SIXTIES HOW DO I DEVELOP MY OWN STYLE? IS ART THE SOLUTION - REZA DEGHATI Tuesday 27th March | 19:30 MIPP, Britannia Street, Paola Check MIPP Facebook Page https://www.facebook.com/groups/mippwall/

MIPP The Malta Institute of Professional Photography

COMMENTS ON THE NEW MIPP PREMISES

Hi Kevin, I admire and appreciate your cultural preparation. I have always thought and believed in the association: quality, professionalism and technical skills are elements that clearly distinguish it from the mass. Sincerely, all my esteem for you, your associates and all the members, thank you.

Giuseppe Privitera Catania Hello Kevin, Such great news about the future of MIPP. As an MIPP Member and also as an MPS Committee Member, I would like to wish you and all the Committee Members a successful continuing in keeping MIPP on track with today’s needs. Thanks and keep up the great work.

Best regards, Johann Debono Your dream come true Kevin after all the hard work you’ve put in for MIPP to have its own premises over the past years! Very happy that MIPP has its own space - can’t wait to see it :) Sandra Hotrum

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PHOTOGRAPH BY ONDRE CAMILLERI GAGLIONE

PHOTOGRAPH BY LORRAINE BUHAGIAR

GET QUALIFIED BY MIPP

APPLY FOR YOUR DIGITAL LICENTIATESHIP:

http://mipp-malta.com/qualifications/

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Membership Renewal = =

We would like to remind you that we are now accepting payments for 2017 membership renewals. By renewing the €40 fee (from 2016 it is €40 even for those that have been members for 5 or more years), you will have a chance to

Become a qualified photographer with our three levels of qualification: Licentiate, Associate and Fellowship

Reciprocal photographic qualification with the best UK Institution

Get reduced rates to our courses and workshops

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: “27, Moonlight, Giovanni Papaffy Street, Ta’ Paris, Birkirkara, BKR 4021, Malta”, together with the relative membership fee.

(Cheques are to be made payable to “The Treasurer, MIPP”)

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Pay directly from the BOV website: www.bov.com and log in to BOV internet banking with your Securekey.

OR When attending an MIPP Event.

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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 environment. 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 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 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: 27, Moonlight, Giovanni Papaffy Street, Ta’ Paris, Birkirkara, BKR 4021, Malta Tel No: 21486097

2018 JAN/ FEB