AV News 187 - February 2012
The last issue of AV news presented very fully the thinking of the RPS and
the findings of the PAGB, each of whom clearly state that over use of such
images will detract from the validity of the production. Authors, aware of the
new thinking, may in future be expected to accept rejection of their production
(assuming judging panels adopt the new thinking) in competition, but this
does not prevent such productions for entertainment, or instructional
purposes. Under the new rules the responsibility will be with the author
whose failure to observe may lead to disappointment. As some readers will
be aware, the rules in other competitive hobbies are very stringently applied
and perhaps the recent changes in AV are timely, if only to meet the
introduction and cross fertilisation with video capabilities.
Malcolm Gee’s (any relation to Ian?) impressions are ventilated in his
article 'Third Party Images' on page 20, calling for discussion on this vexed
question and calling upon judging panels to take into account such content,
however well researched, sourced and manipulated. Now most of the new
cameras incorporate video and so even those who have been in the past
against movement and especially those with no experience of cine/video are
being sucked into using it. The use of 'flat copy' will soon almost become an
irrelevance by comparison.
Doubtless this and all the parameters that were announced in Michael
Hallett’s article on Distinction Requirements will be aired at the Judges
Workshop, to be held on 4th February, when Malcolm and all those who
share his and similar concerns are invited to attend.
All this must stem from the greater concerns of setting, following and
upholding standards. As Sir George Pollock said thirty or more years ago;
“As a photographic society the quality of images is expected, but there is
every need for the sound tracks to be equal.”
Well that is Stuart's view - are we moving in the right direction and can all
future distinctions assessors appointed by the Royal Photographic Society
ever be truly comfortable when they are called on to assess the quality and
competance of a well contructed sound track