The SACC Regional Qualifier of the IPF National Nature Competition 2015 will be held on Saturday, January 24th @ Woodlands Hotel, Waterford.

This competition operates under the new FIAP nature definition.   Please study both it and the competition rules before entering.

Please note:

• Your images must be entered via this online system by midnight on Thursday January 22nd.  Projected images must be registered and uploaded, while print entries need to have their titles entered.
• Prints MUST be presented in 20″x16″ mount.
• Prints which do not qualify for finals may not be collected until released at the end of the competition day by SACC committee.
• It is your responsibility to read and understand the rules prior to entering. If you have any queries, please contact us via the contact page!

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I enter?

Entry & payment this is via online system which can be accessed here

When is the closing date?

Midnight, Thursday January 22nd.

Do I need a Paypal account to enter?

No. You can use Paypal as a guest user without creating an account.

What type of cards can I use with Paypal?

PayPal accepts the following cards:

• Visa / Delta / Electron
• MasterCard / Eurocard
• PayPal Top Up Card
• Maestro
• American Express

Debit cards (also known as bank cards) are accepted if they have a Visa or MasterCard logo.

What do I need to do if I’m entering projected images?

As well as registering your details and paying the entry fee, you need to upload the images as part of the entry process and provide titles for the images in the boxes provided. Jpgs only, sized to 2400 pixels maximum on longest edge.  If you are entering projected images only and no prints, once you have finished this process and paid online, you are all set.

I’m only entering prints in the competition. Do I still need to enter online?

Yes. For print entries, you need to register  your details along with the titles for the images and pay the entry fee. You do not need to upload a copy of the file. You need to bring the prints on the morning of the competition. Your prints must be clearly labelled on the back with your name, image title, competition category, level (intermediate/advanced) and camera club Minimum print size 10″x8″, however all prints must be mounted in a 20″x16″ mount. Please write details on the back to match the orientation of the image.

I’m not comfortable using computers or I don’t have internet access, can I get a friend/colleague to enter for me?

Yes.

I want to turn up and enter on the day of the competition. Can I do this?

No. All entries must be pre-registered by competition closing date.

I want to enter as intermediate rather than advanced because I think that’s the level I should be competing at. Is that ok?

No. The level you compete at is defined in the rules of the competition. If you meet ANY of the criteria for competing at Advanced level, then you must do so.  You may at any stage choose to compete at Advanced level (and therefore be eligible for prizes at that level), but at Intermediate, you must comply with rules.

Congratulations to Paul Reidy from Blarney Photography Club who was crowned the overall winner and recipient of the Seamus Scullane Memorial Trophy for his image ‘Old Wal’ at this years SACC Regional Qualifying Round of the IPF National Print & Projected Image Competition 2014/2015 in association with Canon.  Please note that we are unable to show you the wining images as the national final has not yet taken place.

SACC Chairman Bill Power pictured presenting Seamus Scullane Memorial Trophy for best overall image to Paul Reidy

The competition was held at the Horse & Jockey Hotel in Co.Tipperary on November 30th 2014 and was very well attended once again this year.  We wish all those who qualified from the SACC region the very best of luck in the finals.

We’d like to thank all involved in helping out on the day and particularly our team of judges; Ciara Drennan, Gerry Kerr and Paul Stanley who did a great job staying focused while judging hundreds of images.

Judges feeling mean.. just as well the competition is already over! Gerry Kerr, Ciara Drennan & Paul Stanley

Link to results
Link to presentation photos

The SACC is delighted to announce that it will be holding a further print sale for the Morgan O’Neill Fund this coming Friday and Saturday (Dec 12th & 13th) in Ballincollig Shopping Centre.

With a free gift wrap service and hundreds of stunning prints for sale, why not come along and grab yourself a Christmas bargain and all for a great cause!!

The SACC would like to thank the management of Ballincollig Shopping Centre for their support and assistance.

The Southern Association of Camera Clubs in association with 2nd Cork International Salon of Photography and Ballincollig Camera Club are delighted to present an evening with Bob Underhill AIPF APAGB.

Bob is visiting Cork this weekend as one of the judges of the 2nd Cork International Salon of Photography and we are really looking forward to his presentation at Oriel House Hotel in Ballincollig on Thursday December 4th. Doors open 7.45pm for an 8pm start with a €5 entry fee per person.  The information below is taken from the salon website and with such a wide range of interests, this is sure to be a very interesting evening.

“Bob has been interested in Photography since his school days and in 1964 he joined Smethwick Photographic Society, which is now the UK’s largest and most successful Photography Club. He has served on their committee for most of that time, including three terms as President.

He does not specialise in any one subject but takes all types of images, which he thinks will help him when selecting to be open and fair to all. During his time in club photography he has competed in competitions and exhibitions gaining many acceptances and more than his fair share of awards. He was a professional photographer for many years before retiring but he still finds no greater pleasure that from being out with the cameras looking for the next pleasing image and still getting that same old buzz.

For many years Bob has given talks to clubs and judged at all levels from small clubs to International Exhibitions. He enjoys the changing styles now being produced by many photographers, which helps to keep it interesting from the viewers prospective.”

The SACC regional qualifying round of the IPF National Print & Projected Image Competition 2014/2015 in association with Canon is now open for entries. This takes place @Horse & Jockey Hotel on Sunday November 30th 2014.

Please note:

• There is a new online entry system this year. PLEASE pay attention and enter all details correctly!
• Registration MUST be completed online. We will not accept unregistered entries on the day of competition.
• Payment must be made on the day of competition, or by prior arrangement with us using Paypal if you cannot be present on competition day.
• The closing date for entry is midday on Saturday 29th November.
• Projected images should be sized to 2400 pixels on longest edge, jpg quality 10.
• Prints MUST be mounted in 20″x16″ mounts.
• Prints must be labelled on the reverse with:
  • Name
  • Club
  • Level (level as defined by the rules – not by what you think your level is!)
  • Image title

Sections:

• Colour Print – Open
• Colour Print – Theme – Still Life
• Monochrome Print – Open
• Monochrome Print – Seascape
• Projected Image – Open
• Projected Image – Theme – Landscape

Cost:

• One section: €10
• Two sections: €15
• Three sections: €20
• Four or more sections: €25
• Payment must be made on morning of competition, or by prior arrangement if you cannot travel on competition day

Our judges are:

• Ciara Drennan AIPF, Portlaoise Camera Club
• Gerry Kerr AIPF AFIAP, Celbridge Camera Club
• Paul Stanley FIPF EFIAP, Dublin Camera Club

Schedule:

Shannon Camera Club honours the memory of the late Larry Stewart with a new trophy for the SACC in his name which was presented to the SACC, on behalf of the club, by Sheamus O’Donoghue at the recent SACC Creative Photography Competition. The piece below, written beautifully by Sheamus gives us a glimpse into the personality of this wonderful man. We’re also grateful to include some of his images in this piece.

Larry Stewart, L.I.P.F a member of Shannon Camera Club, passed away on 31st of December 2013. Larry joined the club about thirty five years ago and I think it is true to say that in all that time he never missed a Monday night at the club right up to two weeks before he died. He was a dedicated and distinguished member of the club. I say distinguished because he was one of a small group that had succeeded in gaining a distinction from The Irish Photographic Federation. He was treasurer of the club for many years and whenever anything needed to be done Larry was always there to help. He was the one that cut and mounted all the prints for competitions and exhibitions – all done with a smile. In his work for the Club Larry travelled all over the country helping to put up panels for competitions. He was a regular at meetings of the Southern Association of Camera Clubs and the IPF and some years ago he served as Treasurer of the SACC for two years.

Larry was also interested in Audio Visual work in the club and for a number of years he was a regular at the National Audio Visual championships. He will be remembered for his Audio Visual on the Burren done in his own unique style. His last AV was made in 2012 when, in spite of the illness that was beginning to affect him, he went all out to make a sequence on the life of his fellow Dubliner, the great Harry Clarke, one of the most renowned stained glass artists of all time.

Larry was a gentleman and more than that he was a gentle kind man.
He was a great friend to all of us that were privileged to know him.

The SACC is holding a print sale on Saturday November 1st from 2pm-6pm at the Horse and Jockey Hotel, Co. Tipperary with all proceeds going to our friend Morgan O’Neill.

• Bring

  If you would like to bring a print (framed or mounted) along for us to sell, simply arrive at any point between 9.30am-5pm

  or

  Drop your print(s) off at any of the locations below:

  – Wednesday October 22nd – 5pm-6pm @ Parish Centre Portlaoise, Co. Laois (or contact Ciara Drennan on 083 4364326)
  – Thursday October 23rd – 7pm-8.30pm @ Oriel House Hotel, Ballincollig, Co. Cork (or contact any of SACC Committee via website)
  – Tuesday October 28th – 8pm-10pm @ Red Cork Moran Hotel, Dublin (or contact Martin Devlin on 086 2447577)
  – Thursday October 30th – 8pm-9.30pm @Pembroke Hotel, Kilkenny (ask for Kilkenny Photographic Society)

• Buy

  The print sale takes place between 2pm and 6pm on Saturday November 1st at Horse & Jockey Hotel and we’d love to sell you some beautiful prints!  There will be a large range of prints to suit different tastes and budgets! You can pay on the day via the methods below:

  – Cash (preferred option!)
  – Cheque (please don’t be insulted when we ask for ID)
  – Credit card – we can accept these via paypal, it will take a little longer so please be patient (or bring cash!!)

• Donate

  – Cheques made payable to “Southern Association of Camera Clubs – Fund Raising” can be sent to

  John Hogan,
  SACC Treasurer,
  Kilpatrick,
  Ballyclough,
  Mallow,
  Co. Cork.

  – Bank account:

  Name: Southern Association of Camera Clubs – Fund Raising
  A/C Number: 82556634
  Sort Code: 902880
  IBAN: IE59BOFI90288082556634  (all the ‘I’s are letters, not the number 1)
  BIC: BOFIIE2D (all the ‘I’s are letters, not the number 1)

  – Paypal:

    Simply click the button below!
  
  
  

  – Cash:

  Please contact us via our contact page and we’ll arrange collection with you.

The SACC are delighted to announce that they are holding a distinction workshop on Saturday November 1st from 10am-1pm at the Horse & Jockey Hotel (close to Thurles). This workshop is aimed at those working towards a licentiateship distinction with the Irish Photographic Federation.  We’re honoured to welcome the current chairman of the IPF Distinction Service, Mark Sedgwick, as our special guest and speaker on the day.

This is open to all (i.e., not restricted to SACC Clubs) and costs €15 per person.  Please note, this workshop is solely aimed at Licentiateship levels distinctions.

We will start with Mark talking about the requirements and guidelines for LIPF and describing the most common reasons for a panel being unsuccessful.

This will be followed by showing some unsuccessful panels with feedback from the photographers involved (to whom we thank for standing up and showing their work!).

Finally, we have a feedback session where you will be assigned to one of our experienced team to get feedback on your proposed panel. If you wish to avail of this, then you need to bring 30-40 6″x4″ (or similar) prints with you. You also need to register below. Please do not bring hundreds of images! You need to narrow down your best 30-40 images BEFORE you come to us! We will also not be in the position to look through hundreds of images on your laptop!  If you have a place at the November distinction sitting and already have mounted prints, you are very welcome to attend with those too.

Please note that every part of the session is open to all who attend as this is a learning environment .This includes your one-on-one session where you will have other applicants present (just like you will be watching and learning from their feedback sessions). At all times, please respect the person who is running the feedback session you are observing.

Please arrive by 9.45am, we start promptly at 10am.  Any profit from the event will be donated to Morgan O’Neill Fund and we hope that you will stay for the afternoon print sale in his honour.

We have unlimited spaces for the workshop itself, and for observing of feedback sessions, but not for the participating in the feedback sessions themselves. So, if you wish to attend and avail of a feedback session on your images, we need you to drop us a line via the form below so we can gauge interest. This is first come, first served basis. We may have spaces still left on the day, and they will also be assigned first-come, first-served on Saturday morning.

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Morgan pictured with his young son and daughter

Below is a letter written by SACC Chairman Bill Power with regard to Cork photographer Morgan O’Neill.   When we initially approached Morgan with offers of assistance, he was very, very reluctant to accept.  He finally conceded on the grounds that when he is better, he will help others. The thing is, he already has helped many people at many levels, yet doesn’t see it that way.  That’s the kind of man he is and that’s one of the many reasons why we have already received such an outpouring of support for this campaign.

Morgan is overwhelmed by the support from all of you, and asks us to say a very, very humble thank you on his behalf.

We ask that you please co-ordinate all donations through the SACC.

Dear Photographer

In my two years as chairman of the Southern Association of Camera Clubs I have not had cause to write directly to clubs or photographers in the region, so I hope that my doing so now will indicate the importance of what I am about to ask you to do.

A week ago, I convened a special meeting of the SACC committee after we became aware that our good friend, Morgan O’Neill, has contracted two diseases called Mucous Membrane Phemphigoid and Bullous Phemphigoid. These rare chronic auto-immune diseases that affect one in ten million people. As far as we know, Morgan is the only person in Ireland to suffer from them.

Those who know Morgan as we do, know that he is the salt of the earth – one of life’s gentlemen who is an amazing Dad to his young daughter and son, and a devoted husband to his wife, Siobhán. Photographers and clubs throughout Ireland know that he lights up a club when he speaks. He is a naturally talented but somewhat shy photographer, whose images never ceases to amaze and inspire.

Unfortunately, things aren’t going too well for him and his family at the moment. Siobhán has had to give up her part-time job so that she can give him the hourly care he needs. The chronic state of his health has not been helped by the fact that the O’Neills have mounting medical bills – some of the necessary treatments he needs are not covered by the HSE. They have never asked anyone for help but when we heard of their situation we felt that as friends, we could not stand by and do nothing while a fellow photographer needed assistance. So the SACC is launching an appeal to try to help make their lives a tiny bit easier.

Our appeal to you works on three levels.

Firstly, we are asking photographers to give us mounted prints which we will sell at modest prices during an event we plan to hold in the Horse and Jockey Hotel, Thurles, County Tipperary, on 1st November. Any sized mounted prints are acceptable. Framed images are also welcome. Please give us one or two of your best or favourite images so that we can sell them to raise funds.

Secondly, please come to our print sale on 1st November and buy a print. Maybe your club will need prizes or items for presentations over the next while, so maybe you could buy prints for that purpose? There will be a large selection available to suit different budgets and tastes, including images from many of Ireland’s top photographers. Internationally-known photographers from outside Ireland have already offered to donate prints to the sale.

Thirdly, please make a direct personal or club contribution to the fund. All contributions received will be acknowledged. Anything you can give, no matter how small, will help.

We are in the process of setting up a SACC-managed fund, all of the proceeds of which will go towards helping with Morgan’s medical care. A link giving details of the account will appear shortly on the SACC website www.sacc.ie (as you can appreciate, this is taking longer than we would wish, but that’s how banks operate these days). Again, I must stress, not a single cent from the fund will be used for any other purpose than to help Morgan and his family.

I have been chairman of the SACC for almost two years. In that time we have organised many successful events and activities. But in our opinion this appeal is the most important project that we have undertaken.

Please help us to help Morgan and his family. This is about photographers helping a fellow photographer, friends helping a friend.

If you have any queries, please feel free to contact me (my personal email address is billpower@gmx.com) or any member of the SACC committee (John Doheny, John Hogan, Niamh Whitty, Neily Curtin).

My telephone number is 087-8113611.

Bill Power,
Chairman,
Southern Association of Camera Clubs.

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The SACC Creative Photography Competition 2014 was held in Oak Wood Arms Hotel, Shannon, Co.Clare on Saturday September 27th 2014 and was hosted by Shannon Camera Club.  This was the first time this competition was run in its new format and with over a 200% increase in entries, it looks like the future is bright!

Congratulations to all those who won awards. We were really treated to a beautiful & diverse show of work on Saturday. Individual scores will be emailed by the end of the week.

Our thanks to all involved in making this competition a success:

• The SACC Committee
• Shannon Camera Club (in particular Sheamus O’Donoghue)
• Our judges; Tim Pile and Brian Hopper who provided excellent commentary & feedback throughout
• Viv Buckley, Michael Twohig & Jason Town for their assistance
• All who entered and all who attended

We are also very grateful to Shannon Camera Club who presented the SACC with a new trophy in memory of Larry Stewart. We’ll post more information about same in another article shortly.

Speaking about the competition, judge Brian Hopper said:

“It was a pleasure to judge the Creative Photography Competition run by the SACC last Saturday. As judges, we were treated to a huge variety of images – some using creative manipulation techniques but, surprisingly, quite a number of images produced creatively at the time of capture. The final selection reflected the breath of images entered – the variety and quality was outstanding and bodes well for the development of creative photography in Ireland.”

Speaking about the winning images, judge Tim Pile had this to say:

“It was a tough decision for the judges, but in the end we were both unanimous in the winners of each section, as well as on the overall winner.

The overall winner had a beautiful feel to it, and broke many traditional ‘camera club’ rules in that the main subjects were quite small in the image and not on the thirds, and were surrounded by quite a large lighter area, but rules are made to be broken and all of the components of this image worked so well together to produce an exquisite image.

The other digital winner was quite different, and far more contemporary. The feeling of this image definitely summed up the modern young girl enjoying herself, with her iPod, headphones, and blue-dyed hair, complemented by the additional of various colourful effects.

I am a print worker at heart, and was particularly impressed by the winning print. The beautiful young woman in profile looking out from under the shawl into the forest with a dreamy look on her face, the beautiful colours in the forest and the single clear tree all made for an magnificent image where every element was just the right size and print density, making for a beautiful high quality print.”

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