June 2026 Creative SIG meeting

Tuesday night’s Creative SIG meeting saw 24 members attend with 11 people (apart from Leanne and myself) contributing with images.

There was lots of discussion and some people did a short “how to” of their creations as well, which was really appreciated and helpful. Stephen E explained about the use of black perspex for reflections, Lyndel talked about her frozen flowers, Jim O’D explained the power of curves and blend modes and Marie showed how she created her beautiful flower garden picture and leaf Mandelas with Affinity photo. Also Jill showed how she warped her already warped building to create human forms and Geoff some Mandelas and clever composite scenes.

The optional theme this time was to explore your camera including special in camera effects. Ken G, Alan S and Stephen E have been dabbling with different techniques and created some beautiful and unique pictures while Stef got some lovely effects with the water colour setting on the Canon camera.

It was great to see the variety of ideas and outcomes. Also the intention and meaning behind some of the work was especially poignant. Thank you to those members for sharing your thoughts.

The WhatsApp chat is great for us to keep in touch and share ideas and thoughts in-between meetings. If anyone is not part of the group and would like to be, please let Leanne or myself know.

We are looking forward to our next catch up on the 11th August so in the meantime keep playing and experimenting. As I said last time creating is not an exact science but one of constant surprises and happy moments that can give you joy.

Jenny A & Leanne

VAPS Interclub 2026 results

Congratulations to our members who had images selected for entry into the 2026 VAPS Interclub competition. We came 5th in prints with 235 points, and 13th in EDI with 220 points.

These are some of our higher scoring entries:

Jenny Sui - That look

Russell Lucas - Digital Native 1

Felix Shparberg - Depature

Jenny Hartman - Double helix

All of our entries can be viewed in our print and EDI galleries.

June 2026 “Landscape/Seascape panorama” results

Judge: Ian Rolfe

Set Subject EDI

Alan Scott - Beach Sunrise
Intermediate: Alan Scott – Beach Sunrise

Jenny Adams - Little Beach
Advanced: Jenny Adams – Little Beach

Open EDI

Fiona Jones - Middle stump
Intermediate: Fiona Jones – Middle stump

Alan Bennett - On your marks get set go
Advanced: Alan Bennett – On your marks get set go

Open Print

Stef Wendler-Canning - Hydrangea in black and white
Intermediate: Stef Wendler-Canning – Hydrangea in black and white

Vira Vujovich - Surreal
Advanced: Vira Vujovich – Surreal

Set Subject definition:

A panoramic image has a wide format – its ratio width:height must be at least 2:1. This can be achieved by stitching images, or cropping an image. Landscape images celebrate the beauty of the natural environment, showcasing the spaces and scenery of the natural world. Images may include animals, people or manmade elements, provided the primary emphasis is on natural scenery. The image must look natural although elements can be composited to add to the story.

Sherbrooke Forest Outing – Macro and Closeup SIG

The next Macro and Close-up outing will be on Sunday 24th May 2026. The plan is:

  • 10am – Meet at O’Donohue Picnic Ground – Sherbrooke Lodge Rd, Sherbrooke VIC 3789
  • 12 noon – For those who can stay a little longer, reconvene at the Picnic Ground, BYO own chair, lunch box and Thermos.

It is our intention to focus on photographing fungi. Thanks to Mike and Elaine who did a bit of a reconnaissance for us and advise that the fungi is easily accessible from the O’Donohue Track.

There are toilet facilities at O’Donohue Picnic Ground.

Carpooling is encouraged as parking could be limited.

All are welcome to attend, whatever your experience level or whether you are photographing fungi or not. A macro lens is not necessary either, you can even try your mobile phone

May 2026 “Time Capsules” results

Judge: Robyn Campbell

Set Subject EDI

Fiona Jones - The stirrups and saddles
Intermediate: Fiona Jones – The stirrups and saddles

Geoff Shaw - A box full of memories
Advanced: Geoff Shaw – A box full of memories

Open EDI

Michael Silverstein - Ancona in the morning
Intermediate: Michael Silverstein – Ancona in the morning

Dianne Doughty - Sunset at Mornington
Advanced: Dianne Doughty – Sunset at Mornington

Open Print

Greg Doughty - Mountian High in India
Intermediate: Greg Doughty – Mountian High in India

Jenny Adams - Naarm Textile Collective
Advanced: Jenny Adams – Naarm Textile Collective

Set Subject definition:

Explore remnants of the past.

Emerald Lake outing – Wednesday 13th May 2026

Our May outing is for those who enjoy experimenting and exploring. Emerald lake offers many things – 2 lakes, maybe Autumn leaves, reflections, bridges, ducks and a station with a glimpse of puffing Billy which should be coming through about 11.00 a.m.

Where: Emerald Lake – take Wellington Road to the very top and then turn right, go through the town of Emerald and at the next round about follow the signs
When: Wednesday 13th May 2026
Time: Meet at 10 a.m in lower car park by the lake.
Later at noon we will meet at the Railway café which is on site near the station.

Note: parking is $2 for two hours, or $8 for 2 hours or more. Note that payment is by card only.

BRING any lens you want to use plus extras for experimenting with and a sun hat.

April 2026 “Repetition” results

Judge: John Chapman

Set Subject EDI

Alan Scott - Hanging Umbrellas
Intermediate: Alan Scott – Hanging Umbrellas

Marlene Chaitra - Golden lights
Advanced: Marlene Chaitra – Golden lights

Open EDI

Ross Eddington - Basketball Ballerina
Intermediate: Ross Eddington – Basketball Ballerina

Geoff Shaw - Red shutters
Advanced: Geoff Shaw – Red shutters

Open Print

Alan Mackinlay - Trina 13
Intermediate: Alan Mackinlay – Trina 13

Jenny Hartman - Blue trees
Advanced: Jenny Hartman – Blue trees

Set Subject definition:

This incorporates a repeating shape, pattern, object, colour etc.

Astrophotography 101 – Thursday 26th March 2026

We have two upcoming workshops on night photography, first up will be an introduction presented by club members Belinda Kerr and Fiona Jones:

Topic: Astrophotography 101
Presenters: Belinda Kerr, Fiona Jones
Date: Thursday 26th March 2026
Time: 7.30pm – 9.00pm
Venue: Lounge, Mount Waverley Community Centre

Learn the fundamentals of astrophotography in this beginner-friendly workshop designed to help you confidently capture the night sky, Milky Way and Aurora.

The workshop will cover:

  • Understanding essential gear and ideal camera/lens setup for night photography
  • Simple, proven camera settings for Milky Way and Aurora photography
  • Manual focus techniques to achieve sharp stars every time
  • Planning tools and apps to prepare for successful night shoots

There will be both theoretical and applied components, with several hands-on indoor activities Cameras and tripods are required.

The second workshop will be on Saturday 18th April 2026 at a rural location.