Happy Christmas & New Year!

Image - The West's Awake - Margaret Dolan

Boyle Camera Club wish all our members and friends, the very best, for this Christmas and in the New Year. We look forward to an exciting and busy year ahead in 2017. 

December's Meeting

December's meeting began with the Chairmans address, which can be seen here. This was followed by the monthly motivation which was presented by Joe Kennedy and judged by Matthew Gammon. This theme was 'Shadows, Lines & Curves'. A detailed discussion and critique of the motivation entries followed. Entries can be viewed here. Next months Motivation is 'Doors & Windows'. Photos can be entered here.

Motivation entry - Village Shopping - Jordan Cummins

After the festive tea break the members split into groups to discuss various projects each group is undertaking.  

Members are reminded of the January photo editing challenge, which was discussed at the meeting. Members are invited to download the raw file here, and process/edit the photo as you wish (on your preferred editing software). Des O'Dwyer will demonstrate his approach to editing the same photo at the January meeting. Details of where to submit your version of the photo will be on the forum in due course.

Next Club Meeting - Tuesday 10th January 

We look forward to seeing you all.

New members very welcome.

Agenda - Club Meeting Tuesday 13th December

Door opens at 7.45pm. Meeting will begin PROMPTLY at 8pm!

The Agenda for our December meeting this Tuesday night is as follows;

• Chairperson's Address; John Walshe
• Announcement of upcoming Photoshoot.
• Motivation theme for December - Windows & Doors
• Discussion of upcoming skills session.
• AOB

• Motivation Slideshow - Presented by Joe Kennedy and judged by Matthew Gammon. The theme for this month's Motivation was ''Shadows, Lines & Curves''.

• Festive Tea/Coffee Break!

• Group Sessions - Members will split into Beginner, Intermediate and Advanced groups to discuss group projects.

Charity Donations
All money collected at the door will be donated to the local charity - The Baby Loughlin Og Burns Journey.

There will also be beautifully produced 2017 calendars available for sale, with proceeds also going to the The Baby Loughlin Og Burns Journey. These calendars were produced by our own Hugh Rooney, and showcase 12 superb images (see below) from his vast landscape collection. The calendars are great value at €8 each.

Charity Calendar - Produced by Hugh Rooney

Meetings are held in St Joseph's Resource Centre, Boyle.
We look forward to seeing you all.
As always, new members are very welcome.

Photoshoot to Galway Christmas Market - Tomorrow 10th Dec

We are plan to go to Galway tomorrow, Saturday 10th December, for a photoshoot of the Christmas Market, as discussed on the forum.

The christmas markets and the adjoining streets are beautifully lit up with christmas lights and atmosphere at the moment, so there should be great photo opportunities on offer, especially around the blue hour. Since sunset is due to be 4.10pm approx, the suggestion is to meet at the top of Eyre Square at 3pm (at the 'sails' monument). 

At the moment most people are travelling there directly, but if members want to car pool from Boyle, or make any other arrangements, you can do so on the Forum post already mentioned. 

Members should also bring tripods and strobist gear, not to mention warm cloths and footwear. Have a safe journey and happy shooting! 

December Motivation Deadline - Tomorrow 6th Dec

A reminder that entries for the December Motivation should be submitted before midnight, tomorrow night, Tuesday 6th December.  Entries should be submitted to Dropbox via the links provided on the Forum for Beginners, Intermediates and Advanced. Members should refer to the motivation rules, particularly regarding sizing and naming of entries.  This months theme is  'Shadows, Lines & Curves.

Christmas Party Night - Friday 2nd December

Boyle Camera Club will host their annual Christmas Party Night on this coming Friday, 2nd December, at 8.30pm in Daly's Bar, Boyle. Food will be served from 9pm, followed by music from The Psychonics.

The cost per person is €15.
We look forward to seeing you all there!

Club Meeting - Tuesday 8th November

November's meeting began with an address from our chairperson John Walshe which can be seen here. The monthly motivation was presented by Joe Kennedy and was judged by Hugh Rooney. The theme was 'Autumn' and the entries can be viewed here. Next month's motivation theme is 'Shadows, Lines & Curves'. Entries should be received by midnight on Tuesday 6th December. Links to enter are on the forum.

Autumn Colours at Union Wood - Jordan Cummins

After the tea/coffee break we were treated to a presentation by Dublin based photographer, Gerry Andrews.

Gerry gave us an insight into his photographic journey so far, which started at the Limerick Leader newspaper, where he developed his interest in photography, and has led him all over the world, with many awards and exhibitions along the way. He presented many images from his vast catalogue of Photo Journalistic and Documentary photos, including the widely acclaimed collection of images from Limerick's Milk Market in the 1970's. We would like to extend our sincere gratitude to Gerry for such an interesting and impressive presentation. 

Our next meeting is on Tuesday, 13th December at 8pm, in St. Josephs Resource Centre, Boyle. New members are always welcome.

We look forward to seeing you there.

Recent Club Photoshoot to Castlecoote House

Some of our club members are pictured below, enjoying a visit to Castlecoote House, in Co. Roscommon, yesterday. This is always an enjoyable photoshoot, with plenty of photo opportunities and a chance for members to meet up. Keep an eye on the Boyle Camera Club Flickr Pool where many of the images from the day will be posted.

Photoshoot to Castlecoote House

December Motivation - 'Shadows, Lines and Curves'

The monthly motivation theme for December is 'Shadows, Lines and Curves'. This theme can be interpreted widely, from still life to landscape, from abstract to conventional, there are endless possibilities. It may help to research the theme online or to look at other photographers work, to see how they use shadows, lines and curves in the creation of their images. Below we have an excellent example of a photo that fits this theme, by our own Paraic Brennan. 

What lies below - Paraic Brennan

Closing date for submissions is midnight, Tuesday 6th December. Links to enter will be posted on the forum in due course.

Next Club meeting will be held on Tuesday, 13th December, at 8pm in St. Joseph's Resource Centre, Boyle.

November Motivation Deadline - Tomorrow 1st Nov

A reminder that entries for the November Motivation should be submitted before midnight, tomorrow night, Tuesday 1st November.  Entries should be submitted to Dropbox via the links provided on the Forum for Beginners, Intermediates and Advanced. Members should refer to the motivation rules, particularly regarding sizing and naming of entries.  This months theme is Autumn.

Club Photoshoot to Mohill Horse Fair - Tomorrow, Sunday 30th Oct

Members are reminded of our club photoshoot to the Mohill horse fair tomorrow morning. This horse fair has been a popular event with Boyle Camera Club members over the past few years as it offers great photographic opportunities, as well as a chance to sample the unique atmosphere of the horse fair. It is also a chance for members to catch up with each other over a tea or coffee. 

Father and Son - Mick Nolan

On that note, we would like to remind you that the Tea Ladies at the fair will be donating their proceeds to the Baby Loughlin Og Burns Journey charity, and would be grateful for any support given on the day. 

We are meeting in the church car park in Mohill at 10am. We look forward to seeing you there. 

Award winning photographer Gerry Andrews to speak at November Meeting

Boyle camera Club are delighted to welcome Dublin based photographer, Gerry Andrews, to our November meeting.

Gerry Andrews

Gerry began his photography journey at age 19, before taking a break from photography as his successful career in printing took over. He returned to photography in 2004, primarily interested in photojournalism and social documentary photography. Gerry has numerous achievements, awards, and exhibitions to his name. We very much look forward to his presentation.

The meeting will be held on Tuesday 8th November at 8pm sharp in St. Joseph's Resource Centre, Boyle. The meeting fee is €5.

Full agenda for the meeting to follow shortly.

New members are welcome.

Boyle Camera Club AGM - 11th October 2016

Boyle Camera Club's AGM took place last Tuesday in St. Joseph's Resource Centre, Boyle. The first half of the meeting kicked off with the Chairmans address, which you can see here. This was followed by the monthly motivation which was presented by Joe Kennedy and judged by Des O'Dwyer. This theme was 'rule of thirds'. A lively discussion and critique of the motivation entires followed.

Waiting for the Storm - Octavian Nicolae Visan

The motivation theme for November is 'Autumn'. Details and links to enter will be posted on the forum in due course. 

AGM 2016

The AGM took place in the second half of the meeting. This concerned the election of the new committee. Those committee members standing down this year, Margaret Mulligan and Andy Rimmer were each thanked for their contribution and presented with a token of the clubs gratitude for their tireless contribution to the club over the years. There was a special mention for club founder Tony Murphy, who is also stepping down from the committee this year. Unfortunately Tony couldn't attend the meeting, but will receive his presentation at the next meeting. This is in recognition of his invaluable contribution to the club since its inception and the important role he has played in its continued success. 

Presentation to Andy Rimmer for his 6 years of great service on the committee, where he has served as treasurer for 2 years and also as Chairperson for 3 years.

Presentation to Margaret Mulligan for her excellent service on the committee for the last 2 years.

The newly elected committee is as follows:

Club Chairperson - John Walshe

Secretary - Margaret Dolan

Treasurer - Martina Morris

Officers - Joe Kennedy, Hugh Rooney, Deirdre Ryan, Brian Munnelly and Sally Moffat

The chairperson John Walshe presented a review of what has been another sucessfull year for Boyle Camera Club, it can be viewed here.

Next Club Meeting - Tuesday 8th November 

We look forward to seeing you all.

New members very welcome.

Parkes Castle Photoshoot

Boyle Camera Club members pictured, enjoying the recent monthly photoshoot at Parkes Castle, Co. Leitrim. Members enjoyed full access of the castle and a guided tour. Afterwards, some members took a tour of Lough Gill on the 'Rose of Innisfree' Waterbus. More photos to follow shortly. Keep an eye on the website for details of the next Phooshoot.

Photo Shoot Sunday 25th September to Parkes Castle, Sligo

Don't forget photo shoot this Sunday Parkes Castle this Sunday 25th September. Meet there at 9.30am to shoot about the area. There will be a Guided Tour for members at 11am - cost is €2. Then at 11am for those interested, there's a boat trip about Lough Gill that lasts about one-hour. Boat trip costs €15. We look forward to seeing you all!

NEW 52/52 Challenge begins TODAY!

The NEW 52/52 Challenge will commence TODAY with the first image to be submitted to the NEW 52/52 Challenge Flickr Group Pool before MIDNIGHT Friday 23rd September! Participants should join this GROUP and share their images to it via their personal Flickr account. Also, please read the RULES and pay the related €5 fee at the next club meeting.

Agenda - Club Meeting Tuesday 12th July

Door opens at 7.45pm. Meeting will begin PROMPTLY at 8pm!

The Agenda for our July meeting this Tuesday night is as follows;

• Chairperson's Address; John Walsh
• Boyle Arts Festival Exhibition - The club will host their annual exhibition in association with Boyle Arts Festival. Opening in Boyle Library on Thursday 21st July at 7.00pm!
• Photo Shoot to Inishmurray, Sligo
• AOB

• Motivation Slideshow - Presented by Joe Kennedy and judged by Andy Rimmer. The theme for this month's Motivation is ''Waterscapes''

• Tea/Coffee Break

• Discussion - Suggestions by members based on the recent survey. The issues raised will be discussed with a view to developing a roadmap for the club in the coming year.

We look forward to seeing you all.
New members always welcome.

Chairperson's Presentation for July HERE.

Agenda - Club Meeting Tuesday 14th June

Door opens at 7.45pm. Meeting will begin PROMPTLY at 8pm!

The Agenda for our June meeting this Tuesday night is as follows;

• Chairperson's Address; John Walsh
• Photo Shoot to Inishmurray, Sligo
• Motivation Theme for June - Textures
• Panel Projects
• Boyle Arts Festival Exhibition
• AOB

• Motivation Slideshow - Presented and judged by Joe Kennedy. The theme for this month's Motivation is ''Textures''.

• Panel Discussion - Groups that have presented panels will have an opportunity to present their work for review.

• Tea/Coffee Break

• Looking Forward - Open Floor discussion; planning the future of Boyle Camera Club. Recently John distributed a questionnaire asking for planning suggestions. If you have completed this, please bring it to the meeting. Download the questionnaire HERE.

Note to Club Members - PLEASE BRING YOUR IMAGES FOR THE BOYLE ARTS FESTIVAL EXHIBITION on memory stick or CD. Thank You.

We look forward to seeing you all.
New members always welcome.

Chairperson's Presentation HERE.

Agenda - Club Meeting Tuesday 10th May

Door opens at 7.45pm. Meeting will begin PROMPTLY at 8pm!

The Agenda for our May meeting this Tuesday night is as follows;

• Chairperson's Address; John Walsh
• Interclub Photo Shoot with Swords Viewfinders Camera Club in Skerries
• Inishbofin Weekend Photo Shoot
• Photo Shoot to Inishmurray, Sligo
• Motivation Theme for June - Textures
• Panel Projects
• The Dock Exhibition - Extended
• Boyle Arts Festival Exhibition
• 52/52 Competition
• AOB

• Motivation Slideshow - Presented by Joe Kennedy and judged by Brian Munnelly. The theme for this month's Motivation is ''Abandonment''. Review and critique of entries to follow slideshow. Next month's theme is 'Textures'.

• Tea/Coffee Break

• Presentation - A selection of images from this year's 52/52 will be presented by Hugh Rooney and Andy Rimmer. The winner of the 52/52 challenge will be announced. Take a look at members photos from the 52/52 challenge HERE.

• Groups Discussion - As outlined at earlier meetings, we hope to assemble a series of group photo panels. This issue has been slow to take off so time will be devoted to discussing it at the end of the meeting.

We look forward to seeing you all.
New members always welcome.

Chairperson's Presentation HERE.

Agenda - Club Meeting Tuesday 12th April

Door opens at 7.45pm. Meeting will begin PROMPTLY at 8pm!

The Agenda for our April meeting this Tuesday night is as follows;

• Chairperson's Address; Presented by Margaret Dolan.
• Club Photo Shoot - April
• Inishbofin Weekend Photo Shoot
• Motivation Theme for May
• Panel Projects
• The Dock Exhibition
• Boyle Arts Festival Exhibition
• AOB

• Motivation Slideshow - presented by Joe Kennedy and judged by Hugh Rooney. The theme for this month's Motivation is 'Wildlife'. Review and critique of entries to follow slideshow. The theme of the May Motivation is 'Abandonment'.

• Tea/Coffee Break

• Presentation
  
  Local photographer Mary Regan (left) will discuss the life and work of her late husband, photographer Christy Regan and his book 'Through Christy's Lens'.

• Groups Discussion - As outlined at earlier meetings, we hope to assemble a series of group photo panels. This issue has been slow to take off so time will be devoted to discussing it at the end of the meeting.

We look forward to seeing you all.
New members always welcome.

Chairperson's Presentation HERE.

Boyle Camera Club Exhibition at The Dock from 14th April

Boyle Camera Club will present an exhibition of award winning colour and black and white images at The Dock Gallery, Carrick-on-Shannon from Thursday 14th April. The exhibition will run until 14th May.

Gratitude to Visionary Photography, Boyle for printing and The Kennedy Family, Tubbercurry for framing.

Eagles and Trains - Club Photo Shoot, Sunday 13th March

CLUB PHOTO SHOOT tomorrow, Sunday 13th March to EAGLES FLYING, Ballymote. Meet on The Crescent, Boyle at 9.30am for car pool or meet at Eagles Flying 10.30am. Later in the afternoon (about 2.30pm) we may return to Boyle to see the arrival of the steam train from Carrick-on-Shannon. Train scheduled to depart Boyle again at 3.45pm.

Agenda - Club Meeting Tuesday 8th March

Door opens at 7.45pm. Meeting will begin PROMPTLY at 8pm!

The Agenda for our March meeting this Tuesday night is as follows;

• Chairperson's Address; Presented by John Walshe.
• Club Photo Shoot - March
• Inishbofin Weekend Photo Shoot
• Motivation Theme for April
• Panel Projects
• The Dock Exhibition
• Boyle Arts Festival Exhibition
• AOB

• Presentation
  This month, award winning Portlaoise photographer, Ciara Drennan, will discuss her work. Ciara specialises in Newborn Photography, Family Lifestyle Portraiture and Weddings.

• Tea/Coffee Break

• Congratulations! - Well done to Michelle Hughes Walsh who received her LIPF at the recent IPF Distinctions sitting in Portlaoise. Michelle will briefly show her successful panel of photos to members after the break.

• Motivation Slideshow - presented by Joe Kennedy. The theme for this month's Motivation is 'Black & White'. Review and critique of entries to follow slideshow.

We look forward to seeing you all.
New members always welcome.

Chairperson's Presentation HERE.

February Photo Shoot

Club Photo Shoot this Sunday 28th February will be an action packed event!! We are heading out to Ireland's Toughest Muckers in Lough Key Forest Park. The event runs from 11am - 2pm so we might meet at 10.30am in front of the Forest Park Centre to negotiate a plan. Warning; Parking may be an issue as the event is sure to draw a big crowd. No high heels please ... wellies are recommended!

Photography and Image Editing Short Courses for BCC Members

As a response to requests from members for photography tuition, the committee have arranged a suite of photography and image editing short courses to run during the coming months. Many members will remember Jason Mallard from our January photo shoot at King House when he demonstrated some of his portraiture and lighting techniques. Jason has put together a range of short courses focusing on image editing that will go a long way towards enhancing your images for presentation and printing. Club chairperson John Walsh will conduct a course in basic image editing and file management aimed at Beginner members and Tony Murphy will conduct a camera skills course titled 'An Introduction to DSLR Photography', also aimed at Beginner members.

The full suite of courses is listed below. Additional details are available in the club FORUM and members should express their interest by attaching their name as a 'comment' in the relevant Forum post. All courses are dependant on level of interest so it is important we get this information as soon as possible.

Jason Mallard
Lightroom - 5 x 2hr sessions.
PhotoShop, Layers, Masks and Curves - 1 x half-day or 2 x evening sessions.
PhotoShop for Photographers - 4 x 2hr sessions.
Sharpen and Define in PS - 1 x evening session.
Photo Composites in PS - 1 x half-day session.

John Walsh
Basic PhotoShop - 4 x 2hr sessions

Tony Murphy
An Introduction to DSLR Photography - 4 x 2hr sessions.

Agenda - Club Meeting Tuesday 9th February

Door opens at 7.45pm. Meeting will begin PROMPTLY at 8pm!

The Agenda for our February meeting next Tuesday night is as follows;

• Chairperson's Address; Presented by John Walshe.
• Training Workshops being planned
• Club Photo Shoot - February
• Panel Projects
• The Dock Exhibition
• AOB

• Motivation Slideshow - presented by Joe Kennedy. The theme for this month's Motivation is 'Portraits'. Tony Murphy will review and critique entries.

• Tea/Coffee Break

• Presentation
  
  This month, one of our very own, Donal Hackett returns to Boyle to discuss the trials and tribulations of 'Going Pro'. Donal is a professional photographer working in Sligo. His work is primarily concerned with newspaper editorials, lifestyle and events. Through his work, he will share his experiences.

• Black & White Conversion - As the March Motivation is 'Black & White', Joe Kennedy and other members will discuss some of the more common techniques used in B&W conversion.

• Groups - If time allows, the various Panel Groups will meet briefly to assign a Group Leader and discuss a plan for going forward with the project.

We look forward to seeing you all.
New members always welcome.

Minutes from the January Club Meeting available HERE.

Monthly Motivation Submission

Dear members. The Motivation theme for February is PORTRAITURE. The theme can be interpreted as portraiture in a formal setting or a more imaginative approach. We would encourage members to do a little visual research by looking at the work of some portrait photographers and use what's discovered to influence photos? Portraits are about people but pay close attention to details and the background setting. Portrait photos should tell us something about the sitter, in a subtle or direct way. Yes, the face is important but not essential ... an image of someones hands might tell us more about their character than an image of their face.

Submission of Photos for Motivation
Members should familiarise themselves with the MOTIVATION RULES. Pay particular attention to Titles and Resizing images.
At the beginning of each month, John will notify members via the Forum and Facebook, etc regarding a specific LINK on Dropbox where members should post their photos (see video above). There are separate links for Beginners, Intermediate and Advanced members.
The closing date for submissions will be the first Tuesday of each month. Judging will then take place and all photos will be made public on Dropbox.
This process is currently being done on a trial basis and will be reviewed in the months ahead.

February Motivation - entries before Tuesday 2nd February (Dropbox link to follow).
Next Club Meeting - Tuesday 9th February, 8pm St. Joseph's Resource Centre, Boyle.

Photo Shoot - King House Sunday 17th January

Great attendance at today's Portraiture Photo Shoot in King House. We are sincerely grateful to King House and Tommy Egan for allowing us use this beautiful location. Special thanks to Jason Mallard for coming along and so generously sharing his knowledge of studio lighting. Also thanks to models Caroline and Olivia and other members that gave demonstrations.

Note to members; our photo shoots are important events to learn new skills but equally provide an opportunity to socialise and talk informally about photography. Emphasis is on sharing knowledge, having fun and making friends.
We look forward to seeing you all again at next month's meeting.

Agenda - Club Meeting Tuesday 12th January

Door opens at 7.45pm. Meeting will begin PROMPTLY at 8pm!

Photo by Catherine Mullarkey

Happy New Year to all at Boyle Camera Club.
The Agenda for our January meeting next Tuesday night is as follows;

• Chairperson's Address; Presented by John Walshe.
• Presentation of Cheque to North West Simon Community.
• Club Photo Shoot - Sunday 17th January (see below l)
• Proposal to develop a Club 'Stock Photo Panel'. (see below ll)
• AOB

• Motivation Slideshow presented by Joe Kennedy. The theme for this month's Motivation is 'Christmas'. Des O'Dwyer will judge entries.

• Tea/Coffee Break - During the break, a slideshow of photos taken by members recently during the photo shoot in Galway.

• Presentation - This month, professional portrait and wedding photographer, Ivan Keaney will discuss his work.

We look forward to seeing you all.
New members always welcome.

(l) Our January Photo Shoot will be held at King House on Sunday 17th from 10am to 1pm. The main focus of the shoot will be portraiture with two models on hand and the clubs studio lights in use also. Groups will alternate between natural light scenes and setups using artificial light sources. All skill levels from beginner to advanced will be catered for on the day.

(ll) Panel Project. This project is a new idea to motivate members to take more photographs, increase the skill set of the club and give members the challenge of preparing a panel of images.
Five groups will be selected in a draw with a mix of Advanced, Intermediate and Begineers in each group. The group will work together to produce a set of 8 colour and 8 black and white images over a set period of time. The club will support the work through the year but it is envisaged the each group will work on their own initiative to complete the project. Members will learn via the support of their group and the club how to capture, edit, select print and display their work. "

John's full Powerpoint Presentation available to view HERE.