The first Sunday of the month outing in March will be to Chesterfield Farm.

Date: Sunday 1st of March 2015
Time: 10AM
Location: 1221 Ferntree Gully Road, Scoresby 3179
Admission: $15 for adults

Hi everyone and welcome to WCC 2015. This is our first Sunday Outing of the year and also a first to the Sand Sculpting at Frankston Waterfront. The meeting time is 09.45am sharp. There is an entry cost however, as you can see by the prices below, if we get 15 members we can cut the cost to $8 each. There are also further photographic opportunities as per the poster below plus there is the Frankston Pier etc.

There are contact numbers on the poster below if required.

Hopefully we will have a great turnout and a good start to 2015.

It is with regret that due to the inclement weather, we have decided to call off tonight’s BBQ. However, we still have to collect the prints for the February Competition so Paul Spence and I will be at the Valley Reserve Car Park from 6pm in case anyone would like to drop off their prints. I will also have the exhibition prints with me so you collect those as well.

If you can’t make it tonight, you can drop your prints at either the Monash Council Civic Centre between 9am – 5pm at the main reception area or at my house, please call or text me on 0409 187 087 for the address. Please note, if you drop prints at the Civic Centre you must state to the reception staff that the prints are my attention. Alternatively, call my mobile and I will come down and get them from you.

Thanks and see you at the comp night

Dave Sumner

 

Welcome everyone to 2015 and our first meeting of the year, the annual BBQ. We look forward to seeing you all at the BBQ and don’t forget to bring your competition entries along for the February Competition. Anyone who can’t attend and would like an alternative drop off for their prints please contact Paul via his mobile but we must have them ASAP because the judge has limited time before the competition night.

We look forward to seeing you at the BBQ

The weather didn’t look too bad when I poked my head out of the window at 07.30 and it was still the same at 08.20 when I left the house with my Brother in Law, Gordon who was coming along for the club trip to the Royal Botanical Gardens Cranbourne. However, as we turned into Ballarto Drive and saw the queue of camera club cars at the garden’s closed gates the rain was fairly heavy and the skies looked like it was set for the day. At 9am prompt the gates were opened and the procession of cars headed to the car park. I remember thinking that I’m not getting out of my car until this rain slows a little and I thought we were in for a poor day. However, very shortly after this the rain eased and we got our gear together including raincoats and proceeded to the main entrance. There were around 25 members attending which is just about 25% of our members which is really good, getting people to attend has always been a challenge and Cookie has done a great job this year of managing the outings and getting the attendance up. This was Cookie’s last Sunday outing as the organiser as she has too many commitments for 2015 to be able to continue. Cookie, on behalf of both the members and the committee we would like to thank you for stepping up to the plate and running the Sunday Outings in 2014, you have done an outstanding job. Also welcome to our new member or visitor (not sure which), Tony who seemed to have a great day also.

Members organised and dinner set for 12 noon, we set off into the rain and the short sunny intervals into the gardens to take some shots. Most headed off to the right into the artistic gardens but a couple of us went the other way in the hope that we could see some Bandicoots.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
The rain persisted some more and shelter was sought until the rain stopped and again we emerged into the gardens. This went on about three times when the rain stopped and the weather improved somewhat with clouds and sunny intervals. Just then the Pavilion Café opened so we indulged in hot chocolate and coffee etc. Whilst chatting here, Karen showed us some images of an Australasian Grebe family that she had taken earleir that were sitting on eggs and feeding two hatchlings. So after coffee it was a trip to their location.

 

 

 

 

 

The Grebe’s were grabbing a lot of attention but patience paid off and I’m sure we will see more of them in next years nature competition.

Lunch was served in the café and everyone got together which for me is the highlight of the day because people get to know each other at lunch and exchange stories and tips etc. After lunch it was back out to catch a few more Bandicoots and then for us it was off to Dandenong to get some equipment for our Kayaking trip the next day.

I do hope everyone had a great day, I know that I did. Please view the outing images on the gallery HERE

Dave Sumner
WCC VP

 

The November Sunday outing is to the Royal Botanical Gardens in Cranbourne and as it is Springtime there should be plenty of budding plants to grab the attention of those close up photographers. There is also quite a bit of modern art at the gardens as well as several pleasant walks. For the wildlife photographer there is usually an abundance of New Holland Honeyeaters and I have seen Bandicoots amongst the gardens but they are a challenge to see never mind to photograph. The gardens also boast several walks including a 4km nature trail and a bushland experience.

 

 

 

 

 

The plan is to meet at 9am at the Visitor Centre and at 12 noon for lunch at the Terrace near the Ornamental Lake. Please feel free to BYO if you prefer. Further details and information how to get there are below? Please see the note about letting Cookie know if you are intending to attend, on the notice below.

 

 

 

 

We’ve all seen those dreamy seascape shots with the fluid sky and flat calm looking water but how many of us know how those are created. Well, on Sunday 5th October the cat will be out of the bag and who better to let the cat out than a session with Alistair Wilson.

Sunday’s outing will be a fantastic opportunity to spend time with Alistair and learn how to use filters and slow shutter speeds to capture those stunning seascape photos. Rumour has it that his mother may be there too and she is also a very accomplished seascape photographer along with a few other club members who have shown promise is this area.

The session is conveniently located at Mentone and will start at 6.45 pm on Sunday 5 October 2014, so this time you can have your lie in and eat your cake. Meet at the pier remains directly opposite where Warrigal Road hits Beach Road.

If you were at Alistair’s workshop earlier this year you will know this outing is not to be missed.

       

Club outing on Sunday 14 September 2014

10am:
Australian Railway Historical Society Museum
Champion Road, Williamstown North
Entrance Fee $5

1pm:
Lunch at Steam Packet Hotel
12 Cole Street, Williamstown

1.30pm:
Explore Williamstown (and stay for Sunset if you are keen)
Meet at Steam Packet Hotel

Why not come along to WCC’s Mid Year Get Together and chat about anything you like from yourself to your camera. The night is about getting to know members better, sharing some photography secrets and just a good old get together. Please meet at the Matthew Flinders Hotel, 667 Warrigal Road, Chadstone. 7.30pm for 7.45pm.

Why not come along to the Sunday outing to Abbotsford Convent on 3rd August and grab some great shots as well as sampling the local fare. Entry to the Convent is free however the convent would appreciate a small donation. Everyone should meet at 9am at the St Heliers Street entrance . Convent location is 1 St Heliers Street, Abbotsford, Melbourne. A short drive from Hoddle Street, along Johnston St, see map below.

Please note that parking can be a premium especially on a warm Sunday and there is alternative parking in Clarke and Abbotsford Streets if the parking in St Helier’s St is full.