AV News 175 - February 2009
We worked the pair of them hard: shows to two local camera clubs, at
Newtownards Co Down on the evening of Friday 31 October, and on Sunday
2 November, Ballycastle, Co Antrim. These began with a demonstration of
'Not AV': a string of images of snow-scenes, individually of merit, but with no
semblance of sequencing; and backed - or rather dominated - by a piece of
unrelated music; and using computerised effects, to no effect and ad
nauseam. The sort of production we nowadays see from those coming at our
medium from facility with computers, with some knowledge of photography
but very little notion of 'AV'. However our guests' unfolding programme was
an invitation to progress from such beginnings rather than, in any highminded manner, to criticise and thus discourage new workers.
Lest it appear I, as Regional Organiser am adding a personal gloss to the
actuality, here are some comments from Ards Club:“A very informative and enjoyable evening”
“Understanding how an AV is not just pictures to music.
Every element must work together to produce an interesting sequence”
”The Members liked the build-up of an AV
by showing the ‘rights and wrongs’
“It’s not often a local Northern Ireland camera club gets the opportunity of
having two top AV workers on our doorstep providing a first-class
demonstration of AV techniques”
“It was obvious how passionate Howard and Suzanne are about AV”
On Sunday they were able to enjoy
the famous Antrim Coast Road and
Glenariff, one of the most beautiful
Glens of Antrim, albeit in overcast
conditions. But Monday turned out
to be a perfect day. After they had
explored on foot the still relatively
unspoilt town of Ballycastle we
picnicked at Murlough Bay,
untouched
by
development,
looking across a calm North
Channel to the Mull of Kintyre,
before going on to the little harbour
at Ballintoy, one of the gems of the
north coast of Ireland.. I suspect some of their images may well turn up in a
subsequent sequence – illustrated of course by location sounds of waves
and seagulls. But I wonder was Howard able also to sound-record the
warm-toned late-autumn light—the sound of sunshine? Our thanks to both
Howard and Suzanne for a memorable contribution to AV in Ireland.
And oh yes! For the reassurance of those from ‘across the water’ whom
we may invite to help us in future with their expertise, we did feed them also
from time to time.
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