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Our blog page has been discontinued and replaced by our ACE web page which can be found here.

   RELAUNCHING THE TOWN HALL  

 

The Town Hall on York St is one of Albany's most recognisable historic buildings.   

First opened in 1888, it has undergone several renovations and the latest extensive restoration and modernisation has just been completed.

Much of the interior has been brought back to its original condition which blends in perfectly with the new, state of the art exhibition space and performing arts facility.

ACE photographers had the privilege of being able to do a photoshoot in the building prior to the official opening.

Thanks to models Lauren and Robert, the City of Albany and the Albany Light Opera Company for the amazing costumes.

Here's a few of the photos we took on the day.......  

   You'd swear you were in Bali   

Every few weeks ACE members head of to some local and sometimes distant destination to photograph everything from cattle to cafe's, from whales to wineries, from sunsets to sculptures and everything in between.

Most of us have noticed the sign outside the Albany Bali Style Motel on Frenchmans Bay Rd and wondered just what was to be found down the drive.    

We recently contacted the owners and asked if we could come along to take photographs and we were made most welcome and were invited to spend a few hours exploring the grounds and discovering all sorts of interesting features and hidden gems.

On looking at everyone's results, we were struck by the way we all interpreted the place in so many different ways.    At the last club night there were plenty of ooohs and aaarhs in seeing them on the big screen.

Congratulations to the owners for creating a bit of Bali right here in Albany and giving our club members such a warm welcome.     Trips to Bali are on hold with travel restrictions but this is definitely the next best thing right here on our doorstep.

A small sample of members photographs

ALL ABILITIES PHOTOGRAPHERS WORKSHOPS

The photographers and carers.

As a camera club we've always considered ourselves as an active part of the wider community rather than a closed group of individual photographers.

Where we can, we'd like to reach out to people who may have difficulty in attending regular club functions and provide them with the opportunity to join in as many activities as possible.

Some time ago we began talks with a local NDIS provider with the view of trialing a program which catered for people who had a disability and who found it difficult to get to meetings, etc.

Checking the photos.

The covid-19 pandemic put an immediate stop to our plans but in the last few weeks we've recommenced the program and are now into our second very successful workshop.

The feedback from those attending was very positive and some of the photos produced showed that we have some highly successful photographers in the making.

Reviewing workshop photos on the computer.

Thanks to the carers and the many dedicated people who provide such an amazing level of support and encouragement.

Here's a link to a Great Southern Weekender newspaper article on the project...

https://gsweekender.com.au/albany-ace-camera-club-unites-disabled-photographers/

 ACE IS A BRONZE SPONSOR OF THE 2021 HARVEY BEEF GATE-2-PLATE CHALLENGE

Last year we formed a collaborative arrangement with the Gate-2-Plate group to provide photographic coverage for this years events and in the process, became Bronze Sponsors.

The judges assessing the quality of the cattle

ACE is always keen to support local events that provide positive outcomes for the community by way of creating jobs, developing tourism opportunities and promoting education for our youth.

The covid-19 pandemic created a lot of problems for almost everyone, but on the upside we've seen a much greater sense of community emerge along with a noticeable take-up of new ideas that are going to be of immense value in the future.  

Some of the contestants

The Field Day will be held on the 23rd of March at Willyung Farm and promises to be an outstanding rural event with live radio coverage on the Statewide Rural Focus radio program and agricultural based displays by sponsors.

Club members attended the Official Opening event at the Mt Barker Saleyards in January where we shot some video and recorded a series of still photos of the proceedings.

You can visit the G2P website via this URL.... https://gate2platechallenge.com.au/

  OUR FEATHERED FRIENDS  

It seems takes a special type of person who has the envious gift of unlimited patience if you want to be a successful bird photographer.

Julie and Robert presenting their slideshow

ACE members Julie and Robert have all that and more and it definitely shows in the quality of
what they produce.

We featured a selection of their work at our last Saturday club workshop as well as putting together a Youtube slideshow which enabled members who were unable to attend the opportunity of enjoying their amazing work.

Julie has been photographing birds among other things for many years and seems to have developed an instinct for how birds interact with humans.   While Robert, on the other hand has only recently taken it up and is developing remarkable skills in being able to capture the moment the bird is at it's absolute best. 

ACE has a diverse range of members with just as many interests and it's great to have the opportunity for our members to not only see their work but to find out how it's all done.

 GETTING BACK TO EVENT COVERAGE

We've always maintained that the best way to learn photography is to take risks and apply a bit of performance pressure.    That way, you're pushing your limits a bit more than you normally would by photographing 'safe' subjects.

Things are getting back to relatively normal in WA following the pandemic restrictions so our club is once again out and about with our cameras providing members with the opportunity to practice photography while supporting a range of community events.

Here's few photos from what we've been involved in lately......