Osoyoos Photography Club Exhibition

Osoyoos Photography Club are collaborating with Artists on Main for a gallery exhibition titled ‘Pixels and Paint’ March 30 to April 20, 2024 at the ART Gallery Osoyoos.

For this unique show, 12 photographers paired up with 12 painters, painting their interpretation of a selected photograph.
We will display each photo print next to the painting for this exhibition, along with other photographs from our photo club members.

Exhibition dates – March 30 to April 20, 2024
Location: ART Gallery Osoyoos
Address. 8713 Main St, Osoyoos, BC

Link to website for additional information by clicking here.

01 Merv Graf 2 - Barbara Freese
02 Randy Rotheisler 1 - Diane Zorn 'Round Midnight copy
03 Mike Fitzpatrick 3 - Jane Scheffler retired copy
04 Ian McCoan 1 - Jane Scheffler C62A7148 copy
05 Merv Graf 3 - Sandra Albo 26 Feb 2023 Aurora 8-19 PM 230226-113 X copy
Vancouver's Granville Street is lit up in lights. The city's abundant rain intensifies the colours of the light as it is reflected on the pavement.
07 Merv Graf 7 - Shirley Trites I 200614-96-B-16x16 copy
08 John Nearing 5 - Shirley Trites Fleeting Image copy
4x6 CARD Topaz GIGA DNG
10 John Nearing 1 - Shirley Trites Dream Scape copy

Mississauga Camera Club Feb24. Update

Online Presentation: Thursday, Feb. 15, 2024 at 7:00pm

Understanding Creativity, presented by Joe Edelman (www.joeedelman.com)

You can register by mail: MeetingGuest@MississaugaCameraClub.ca

The fee is 10.00$

 

Online Presentation: Thursday, March 07, 2024 at 7:00pm

The Message Behind the Image, presented by Jean-Francois Seguin (www.jeanfrancoisseguin.com)

You can register by mail: MeetingGuest@MississaugaCameraClub.ca

The fee is 10.00$

Photographic Guild of Nova Scotia Feb24. Update

Celebrating its 76th year as a club, the Photographic Guild of Nova Scotia is pleased to extend an invitation to join us for our Fred & Edie Greene Speaker series. There is no charge to attend these webinars, but donations to support the speaker series are gratefully accepted.

 

Monday, March 11, 2024 – Hazel Meredith (Rescheduled from December 11, 2023)

Working with Textures and Overlays – Turn Ho-Hum into a Work of Art with Hazel Meredith, APSA, HonNEC takes place on Monday, March 11, 2024 at 7:30 PM ADT. Hazel Meredith is an award-winning photographer and a sought-after teacher, speaker, and competition judge. She and her husband, Dave, produce the “Virtual Creative Photography Conference” with attendees from around the world. Hazel loves the creative aspect of photography and postprocessing, especially the use of textures and software to create unique images. In 2020, she was the recipient of the Ashbrook Award for Digital Imaging Instruction from the Photographic Society of America.
In this webinar, Hazel will discuss how to create your own textures using layers and blend modes to create a beautiful work of art.

To see more of Hazel’s work, visit her website 

You can register by clicking here

 

Sunday, March 17, 2024

Atlantic Canada, the Cradle of Photography in Canada by Jeff Ward takes place on Sunday, March 17, 2024 at 7:30 PM ADT.

An amateur historian and retired professional planner, Jeff Ward publishes regularly in Photographic Canadiana, the journal of the Photographic Historical Society of Canada. Since 2015 he has focused his research on identifying and documenting the photographers who were active in the four Atlantic Provinces in the first 100 years of photography – 1839 to 1939 – in an adventure he calls The Early Light Project.

This presentation will cover the first 25 years of photography [1839-1864] in the Atlantic Region (New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island and Newfoundland and Labrador) and will include nationally significant events which happened in the region at this time. It will also discuss the types of photography being undertaken (covering the gamut from sun prints to albumin based emulsions), as well as some of the personalities involved.

You can register by clicking here.

February 2024 Competitions Update

February 2024 Competitions Update

Authenticity – Immediate Change To Competition Requirements

Question #1:

Why is CAPA now requiring submitted images to include full metadata, and there may be a requirement to submit all original image files with complete metadata?

The Response:

We have added the following details to all our CAPA photo competition webpages: Image Metadata Required: For all competitions: it is mandatory that your submitted image includes complete image file metadata. Alternatively, if your image is chosen as a potential winning entry, you will be required to provide the original images (e.g., un-retouched JPG or RAW files) used in developing the submitted images. Ensure that all requested files maintain the full image file metadata.

Metadata plays a crucial role in authenticating photographs, serving as a detailed record of the image creation process. It encompasses information about the camera, lenses, editing software, potential AI generative features, and even geo-location data. Consistent and comprehensive photographic metadata acts as a ‘fingerprint,’ verifying the originality of claimed photographic work.

While some photo post-processing applications allow metadata removal upon image export, most applications retain this information. Consequently, metadata requirements are generally not a concern for the majority of photographers.

In the evaluation of potential winning images, we implement stringent processes to differentiate between AI-generative images and photographs enhanced by AI generative features. These processes include, but are not limited to:

  • Entrants may be required to submit all original images contributing to the creation of the submitted image. Failure to provide the requested image files will result in having the potential winning image removed from the competition. Competition results will then be re-sorted.
  • Thorough analysis of the metadata associated with the submitted image and all contributing images.
  • Missing or manipulated metadata may raise suspicions about the image’s 100% originality.
  • Utilization of forensic analysis tools to scrutinize elements of both the submitted image and contributing images.

Application of an AI classifier with a verified reliability of 99% in detecting AI generative images.

By implementing these measures, our objective is to strike a balance between embracing innovation and new technology while upholding the core values of photographers – authenticity and creativity. This commitment ensure that winning images truly reflect the skill and artistry while at the same time maintaining the integrity of our competitions.

If you have a question or issue relating to your image and possible submission into one of our competitions, you can email me at competitions@capacanada.ca

Question #2:

If I am not permitted to use the Adobe Photoshop’s Generative Fill to remove elements in an image, what other options are available to me which are permitted?

The Response:

Unwanted elements in an image can be eliminated through various tools, such as the clone stamp tool, content-aware fill, and remove brush.

It’s essential to note a restriction due to the behavior of the Adobe Firefly algorithm in Photoshop. This algorithm alters image metadata when any generative features are activated. Specifically, when using Photoshop Generative Fill (for adding or removing elements) or the Expand feature, the Firefly AI algorithm removes camera details and introduces multiple metadata tags. One of these tags is labelled “Title” with the data value of “Generative Image.”

The new Google Bard AI/Gemini AI creates a similar metadata tag called “Credit” and has corresponding details of “Made by Google AI. ”

These added metadata tags and narrative are not accessible by EXIF Editors.

 

Ontario Zone Competition

For this competition, we received a total of 150 images (75 from 15 clubs & 98 from 50 photographers). One new camera club submitted images into this competition for the first time – Camera Club of Ottawa. In addition, 5 new photographers participated in this competition.

Winning images can be viewed here:

Two of the three judges did provide supportive comments on submitted images. These comments can be viewed here:

Quebec Zone Competition

For this competition, we received a total of 122 images (34 from 7 clubs & 88 from 46 photographers). Nine new photographers participated in this competition for the first time.

Winning images can be viewed here:

Team of judges provided supportive comments for all images submitted. These comments can be viewed here:

 

Competitions Now Open For Uploading Images

  • Atlantic Zone (closes March 30, 2024) – see competition details here
  • Prairie Zone (closes March 30, 2024) – see competition details here

 

2023 CAPA Survey Suggestions Related to Competitions and Our Responses

In a proactive approach to carefully evaluate and implement a multitude of suggestions aimed at improving our competitions and processes, we will created documents which summaries suggestions and our responses.

The following is a listing of suggestions and response which are now available for your review:

FIAP Distinctions 2024 Application Deadline

If you live in Canada and are a member of CAPA either as a member of a CAPA member club or as an individual member of CAPA and you have entered your photographs in international exhibitions/ salons you may be able to apply for a FIAP distinction. FIAP Distinctions are granted to individuals who have achieved success in international competitions/ salons, and are now almost necessary if you wish to judge internationally.

 

The closing date for all 2024 Canadian applications for FIAP Distinctions is April 1, 2024.


If you wish further information please contact David Laronde, FIAP’s Liaison Officer for Canada, at davidrlaronde@gmail.com

Latest News From The Richmond Photo Club Society

On November 28, The Richmond Photo Club held a Print Evaluation evening at the Thompson Community Centre in Richmond, BC. This event was very well attended. 32 prints were submitted by our members and 27 of these achieved award recognition.

Our CAPA certified judge for the evening was Neil Le Nobel.

We are very pleased to be able to show a few of the Gold recipients publicly on The Richmond Arts Council Website. You can view these outstanding images by clicking on this link.

The Artists and the titles of their works are noted below:

Up Up in the Sky Albert Tsai
The Swan Flies Away Albert Tsai
Pansey Movement Gerry Boretta
Colorful Cuba Juliet Fricker
Vietnamese Pipe Smoker Juliet Fricker
Dawn at Fisherman’s Wharf Kyoko Kimura
In The Image of a Body Builder Susan Olsen
Crown Jewel on Waterfront Eva Sylvanna Wong
An evening of illumination and reflection Eva Sylvanna Wong
Temples of Bagan in Myanmar Urs Fricker
Beauty in Ethiopia Urs Fricker

We thank all our club participants for their contribution to this event. We look forward to showing more of our members works throughout 2024!

CAPA Digital Salon 2024 – Coming Soon

 

MARK YOUR CALENDARS AND SPREAD THE WORD:


Monday, January 15th, we launch the CAPA DIGITAL SALON 2024.
Embrace the thrill of competition with 5 captivating categories and a chance to win over 150 prestigious awards, including 5 IAAP Diplomas! Whether you’re a novice exploring the art of photography or an advanced maestro, CAPA welcomes photographers of all levels, members, and non-members alike, to compete in its first international salon.
Visit CapaSalon.ca for more details; or email Info@CapaSalon.ca


May the lens be in your favor,

Canadian Photography Conference – Coming Soon

COMING SOON – CAPA brings to you, this summer, at the University of British Columbia Okanagan Campus, an exciting conference line-up of photography specialists, presenting their genre of expertise in lectures and workshops. Field trips include half-day, one and two day packages, including wine tours and even a game of golf for your choosing, and so much more… Join us at the Gala Dinner and Salon Awards Ceremony. Watch this space for Early Bird Specials, including discounted Air Canada fares to Kelowna.
Please send inquiries to conference@capacanada.ca

 

AIR CANADA, THE PREFERRED AIRLINE OF THE CANADIAN PHOTOGRAPHY CONFERENCE 2024

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January 2024 Competitions Update

January 2024 Competitions Update

Competitions Now Open For Uploading Images

  • Artistic (closes on Jan. 30, 2024) – see competition details here.
  • Music (closes on February 15, 2024) – see competition details here.
  • Colour (closes on March 1, 2024) – see competition details here.

IMPORTANT NOTICE – Global Changes to All Competition

Based on our recent extensive study of AI-generative image technology, we have implemented the following revisions to our CAPA Eligibility Criteria webpage and updated all competition Editing Criteria to include the following:

  • Artificial Intelligence Renderings: Images that have been created or modified using specific AI generative techniques – in-painting (where AI fills in generated elements not captured by the photographer or removed elements from a photograph) or out-painting (where the AI extends beyond the original boundaries using generated elements), whether with or without text prompts, are not permitted for submission into a CAPA competitions.
  • Image Metadata Required: For all competitions: it is mandatory that your submitted image includes complete image file metadata. Alternatively, if your image is chosen as a potential winning entry, you will be required to provide the original images (e.g., un-retouched JPG or RAW files) used in developing the submitted images. Ensure that all requested files maintain the full image file metadata.

Example of Image Sizing

The Vernon Camera Club suggested that we include an image example on the sizing of images being submitted into our competitions.

We have accepted this suggestion and it is being added to all CAPA competitions.

The hyperlink is found under the Image Size – Dimension section of each competition webpage. You can view this example here.

2023 CAPA Survey Suggestions Related to Competitions and Our Responses

In a proactive approach to carefully evaluate and implement a multitude of suggestions aimed at improving our competitions and processes, we will created documents which summaries suggestions and our responses.

The following is a listing of suggestions and response which are now available for your review:

Director of Communications Posting

The Director of Communications is a volunteer CAPA Board Position with overall responsibility for the Communications Program. The Director ensures coordination, cross-promotion and consistency of information through all of CAPA’s communication channels, including the Website, Facebook Pages and other Social Media, Canadian Photography Magazine, CAPA Monthly Newsletter and Email Communications with CAPA constituents.


Please see the full position description for more details.


This position starts immediately as an appointment until the June 2024 AGM at which time the position will be open for election.


If you have the skills, experience and an interest in serving on the CAPA Board in this position, please contact:


David Laronde, FCAPA
Chair, CAPA Nominating Committee
davidrlaronde@gmail.com

New DR for the Mid Vancouver Island District

CAPA is pleased to announce the appointment of Jean Hamilton as District Representative for  the Mid Vancouver Island District in BC.

With the encouragement and support of a friend Jean joined the Cowichan Valley Camera Club (CVCC) in 2011, as a way to advance the development of her creative expression. At the same time, she was motivated to progress to using a digital single-lens reflex camera (DSLR).

Land/seascapes along with nature and animals are favourite subjects with a special interest developing for evening/night/morning photography plus black and white photos. Recently Jean has been enjoying the process of turning her photos into Abstract Art. Jean’s images can be found in private collections and can be viewed online at: https://pbase.com/cvcc/mg_jean_h.

In 2012, Jean became the Treasurer of the CVCC and an individual CAPA member in 2013. For many years, Jean has been the club’s CAPA club coordinator, BC/Yukon Interclub club liaison and since the Fall of 2022the BC/Yukon Interclub secretary. In addition, Jean has been looking after the CVCC website for the past few years.

Welcome to the CAPA Team!

Photographic Guild of Nova Scotia Dec23. Update

Celebrating its 76th year as a club, the Photographic Guild of Nova Scotia is pleased to extend an invitation to join us for our Fred & Edie Greene Speaker series. There is no charge to attend these webinars, but donations to support the speaker series are gratefully accepted.

Sunday, Jan 7, 2024

Black and White Digital Expression with David Laronde takes place on Sunday, January 7, 2024 at 7:30 PM AST. David Laronde, FCAPA, APSA, MPSA, ARPS, EFIAP/Diamond 1, holds the designation of Certified Professional and Master Professional Photographer by the Professional Photographers of America. Based in North Vancouver, David has spent the last 40 years thinking about shape, form and colour.

In this webinar, David will focus on how he expresses his images in Black and White. He will discuss what subjects look best when expressed as a black and white image, what to look for in a subject, and how he processes his black and white images.

David’s presentation will show how he captures and adjusts his images in black and white so that they become meaningful images to him.

You can register by clicking here.

Monday, January 8, 2024

Underwater Photography: Getting the Shot with Scott Bennett takes place on Monday, January 8, 2024 at 7:30 PM AST.

The Arts have always played an important role in Scott Bennett’s life working in the animation industry. His interest in photography has been combined with a passion for diving. Specializing in underwater photography, Scott works with governmental tourist agencies, magazines, and resorts to promote awareness of the uniqueness, beauty, and diversity of locales. Instagram.

Come and learn about the wonderful world under the sea as Scott discusses the unique challenges of underwater photography.

You can register by clicking here.

December 2023 Competitions Update

December 2023 Competitions Update

2024 Atlantic Zone Competition

Rejean Pitre (Atlantic Zone Director) and I have agreed that images submitted into this competition should have been captured in the Atlantic Zone.

As such, the competition narrative has been updated to reflect the following:

“This is an open theme and images should be limited to being be captured in the Atlantic Zone”.

 

Competition closes on March 30, 2024. You can view the competition details here.

 

New Competitions Now Open

The following competitions are now open for the uploading of images:

 

  • Ontario Zone Competition (Closes on January 15, 2024) – Competition details can be viewed here.
  • Quebec Zone Competition (Closes on January 15, 2024) – Details from this competition can be viewed here.
  • Artistic Competition (Closes on January 30, 2024) – You can view the competition details by clicking here.
  • Music Competition (Closes on February 15, 2024) – Competition details can be viewed here.

 

Please remember that as of November 2023, all future CAPA competition Editing Criteria states:

Editing Techniques Not Permitted

Artificial Intelligence Renderings: Images that have been created or modified using specific AI generative techniques – in-painting (where AI fills in generated elements not captured by the photographer) or out-painting (where the AI extends beyond the original boundaries using generated elements), whether with or without text prompts, are not permitted for submission into a CAPA competitions.

The inclusion of Photoshop application features, such as Firefly’s AI Generative Fill and AI Expand cannot be contained in your image submitted into a CAPA competition. Similar positions will be taken with other AI systems with these features.

This updated provision will be in effect starting from November 30, 2023, and it will apply to all CAPA competitions.

 

2023 Black & White Competition

For this competition, we received a total of 1,036 images ( 291 from 50 clubs & 745 from 254 Individual CAPA members). The total number (50 & 254) of entrant to this competition exceed all previous CAPA competitions.

Another noteworthy statistics are that one new camera club participated in their first CAPA Competition (Club Photo Valleyfield) and 33 new individual CAPA members.

The winning images can be viewed here:

Final statistics relating to the number of awards presented in this competition are as follows;

 

  • Club category Medals – 3
  • Club Medal Certificates – 28 (English & French)
  • Club Merit Awards e-certificates – 19 (English & French)
  • Club Honour Awards – 57 (English & French)
  • Individual category Medals – 3
  • Individual Merit Awards – 13 (English & French)
  • Individual Honour Awards – 32 English & French)

 

Both competition reports are now available on the Competition Reports webpage.

To view these reports, you must first into the CAPA website and select the Competition Reports from the Competitions dropdown menu.

If you cannot see the Competitions Report on the Competition dropdown menu then you have not been successfully logged into the CAPA website.

2023 CAPA Survey Suggestions Related to Competitions and Our Responses

In a proactive approach to carefully evaluate and implement a multitude of suggestions aimed at improving our competitions and processes, we will created documents which summaries suggestions and our responses.

The following is a listing of suggestions and response which are now available for your review:

*New – November 2023:

*New – November 2023:

*New – November 2023:

*New – November 2023:

Surrey Photography Club wins the Gold Medal – Nov.2023

 

Congratulations to the Surrey Photography Club that won the Gold Medal in the Pacific Zone Competition.


Accepting for the club from left to right: Gail Stephan, John Kalley

Richmond Photo Club Dec.2023 Update

The Richmond Photo Club has been extremely busy in the community!

On Friday, November 24th Julian Rozental provided his time as the event photographer for the “ARTRICH 2023” Opening Reception.

This event runs from November 24 to December 31 at the Richmond Art Gallery. The Richmond Arts Coalition in partnership with the Richmond Art Gallery is pleased to present this exhibition for the fifth time. This dynamic juried exhibition features fifty emerging and established artists from Richmond, the Lower Mainland, and nearby communities to exhibit together and celebrate local talent. It features an eclectic array of styles and subject matter.

On Sunday, November 26, 2023, Elmar Theissen and David England participated as volunteer photographers for the “Islamic Art Experience Event 2023” at the Richmond Public Library.

This event was a full day of events made possible by the Community Arts Council of Richmond and The Richmond Public Library. It focused on sharing the beauty of Islamic art from around the globe and was an exciting and educational opportunity for people of all ages. In addition to the entertainment and educational value, these events encourage vibrant cross-cultural exchange among all faiths and cultures. The aim being to bring forward new art, artists, and performers from the local Muslim community in BC and Canada.

Both events were very well attended by the public. The Richmond Photo Club Society is delighted to have been able to participate in these community events and to provide The Richmond Arts Coalition, The Richmond Art Gallery, The Community Arts Council of Richmond, and the Richmond Public Library with many memorable images of these special occasions.

To see more details, visit the website

Atlantic Zone presentation “AI Generative Image”

For Atlantic Zone members, Sheldon Boles, Director of Competitions presents “AI Generative Image”.

The Zoom presentation will be on Thursday, January 11th, at 7:00 PM Atlantic Time.

To register for the presentation please email president@capacanada.ca

News from the Director of Judging – Dec.2023

CAPA Criteria Refined To Emphasize Emotional, As Well As Technical and Organizational Considerations

Those of you who have recently entered a CAPA competition, or have been a judge in one, or have attended the judging course, will have noticed a refinement within CAPA’s judging criteria. While our judging criteria continues its attention to the “Emotional” [e.g., mood, creativity, impact, subject, imagination, wow], “Organizational” [e.g., distractions, space, composition], and “Technical” [e.g., colour, light, exposure, sharpness, technique] factors of an image, there has been an adjustment to accentuate the emotional and creativity aspects in the art and craft of photography.

For example, CAPA’s competition instructions now issued to entrants and judges direct their attention to the emotional, creativity, originality, and relevance to the competition theme aspects of an image. Entrants and judges are of late being instructed to note:

  • An Image’s title may be used by the judges in evaluating a submission, so entrants should take care in selecting a title that complements or contributes to the vision or message being presented in the image.
  • Judges will award their scoring primarily based on the ‘emotional’ components of the image. CAPA’s places the primary importance in judging an image with the available scores to recognize the “creativity and emotional impact”, with secondarily available scores for the ‘Technical’ and for ‘Organizational’ factors.
  • Technical and Organizational factors, such as exposure, sharpness, focus, space, and composition, will be taken into account solely to the degree they do or do not support or reinforce the creative vision and storytelling. Images will not be penalized in scoring for so-called technical rule infractions, such as focus, if that is immaterial to the creative vision and storytelling.
  • Likewise, judges will take into consideration in their evaluations the degree to which the entrant’s use of techniques such as colour, monochrome, duo and multi-tone, and infra-red, contributes to or supports the creative vision and the story telling value of the image.

Similarly, recent judging workshops have commenced stressing that so-called rules of composition, such as the “Rule of Thirds”, are solely ‘guidelines’ which, while having a consideration in determining an appropriate composition, are not absolutes. For example, there are numerous famous and successful paintings and photographs whose compositions do not obey the ‘Rule of Thirds’. A composition design should be evaluated solely on whether it reinforces the vision and the story meaning of the image, and not on whether it follows a so-called rule.

Over the next year CAPA members will see these refinements reflected in various documents, manuals, etc. as they become edited and reissued. Members are welcome to submit any questions or observations to Sheldon Boles, Director of CAPA Competitions, and/or myself.

Glenn Bloodworth, FCAPA
Director, CAPA Judging Program

Victoria Camera Club 80th Anniversary Events

January 12, 2024: As part of the BC/Yukon Inter-Club Speaker Series, Victoria Camera Club will be hosting Elizabeth Gray whose topic is “Black and White Photography – Shooting with Intent”. Prior to Elizabeth’s presentation, Richard Letourneau, our Club representative to the Speaker Series, will present a half-hour slideshow. It will showcase the VCC’s 80th Anniversary with photographs collected over the years of the Club’s existence

March 2024. Well-known former VCC Member, Leah Gray will be presenting “Expanding (Perfecting) your Vision as a Photographer” at Camosun College’s Gibson Auditorium. Along with her partner, Steve Smith, Leah will be leading a photography field trip and image review that same weekend. Watch for details on dates/times and tickets.

June 1, 2024. A Day in the Life of Victoria Photo Shoot. Your chance to explore Greater Victoria and shoot your choice of people, places and events over the course of one 24-hour period.

Month of September 2024. The Victoria Camera Club will be staging a juried exhibition of Members’ prints at the Victoria Arts Council Gallery on Store Street. The theme of the exhibition will be A Day in the Life of Victoria.

AnnLogo

Club’s website 

Email Victoria Camera Club

Surrey Photography Club November Presentation

Zoom Speaker Presentation – November 27, 2023 – 6:45 PM PST

Francis Cleroux speaking on Street Photography

to register email to info@surreyphotographyclub.com