Seagulls perched on stones as the Ferry heads to the Kingston Harbour.
Howard Moo Young, Contributor
THE 'ROLL-OF-FILM Competition' is the brainchild of Dr. Warren Robinson, a past president of the Colour Photography Club (CPC) of Jamaica.
When I joined the CPC under Dr. Robinson's presidency, I became acquainted with this unusual competition for the very first time. Dr. Robinson explained that there were many good photographers in the club who chose to specialise in very few classes in the slide clinics, even though there now exists 13 classes. The 13 consists of pictorial, portraits, nature/fauna, horticulture, travel, architecture/engineering/industrial, photojournalism/human interest, table top/still life, abstract/creative, child photography, figure study, sports/games and fashion/glamour.
Dr. Robinson felt that by creating the 'Roll-of-Film Competition' it would encourage all the members to become more rounded photographers. It meant capturing images in all classes on 24 frames on one roll of side film, chosen for this particular shoot. Can you imagine trying to capture excellent photographs within a few hours starting from dawn to about 2:00 p.m. rain or shine, within specific boundaries? It sounds simple, but it's not as easy as it seems.
PHOTOGRAPHIC SENSE
This is where the photographer has to dig in and open his or her eyes, taking notes so as not to repeat classes and not getting carried away with one particular subject. You have 24 frames on which to capture 13 different classes showing no duplication in images and at same time all pictures must be properly exposed with good composition.
The photographer's knowledge of the use of lenses, filters and different techniques come into play. The eyes search out for scenes, faces, buildings, flowers, animals, action, children, fashion, and human interest situations. As the deadline approaches to hand in your roll, it gets more difficult.
After a few of these outings, the experienced members get a feel of the competition, but for the beginners, it can be an arduous task. But it's well worth it, hot sun and all!
The 'Roll-of-Film Competition' is a real challenge and it's fun! By 2 p.m. each member hands in the exposed roll of slide film with the processing fee to the Competition Chairman. He is the only one who knows which roll belongs to which member. After the processed slides are returned, outside judges are asked to choose the winning roll, the first, second and third best slides which by the way, can come from any of the rolls.
OFF TO PORT ROYAL
Members of the Photography Club of Jamaica visited Port Royal on Saturday, February 22, 2003, the location chosen for this year's 'Roll-of-Film Competition'. Those who left Kingston quite early experienced a bleak and windy morning, as some light showers greeted us. Later on, short spells of bright sunlight matched the faces of the friendly citizens of what was once known as 'the world's wickedest city'.
Most of the small populace did not mind their photographs being taken, after we asked their permission. There wasn't the usual activity of fishermen unloading their night's catch as the rough weather kept them in port. The atmosphere was 'laid back' as individuals and their siblings emerged to greet the usual Saturday morning.
The blue and white ferry quietly cruised in to dock alongside the brightly coloured fishing boats with downtown Kingston in the distance. Passengers carrying boxes, bags, bicycles and all, quickly set foot on dry land, headed for home and work. Nearby, one young man displayed his wares on the sidewalk, as he shielded himself from the scorching sun with a colourful backlit umbrella. He gladly gave me permission to take a photograph.
Nearby, members of 'Gloria's' staff prepared vegetables and seasonings for lunch, while others washed the sidewalks and set out dining tables and chairs for their weekend patrons. Giant speaker boxes were set up for a session later in the square. A few women were seen cleaning the aisles of the old Anglican church and arranging flowers for a 3:00 p.m. funeral service, while outside mothers and children gathered in the shadow of this historical landmark.
A few chains away the Coast Guard base remained relatively quiet except for the occasional vehicle entering and leaving, while some children were seen playing on an old boat dry docked on the edge of a playfield next door.
At the boat yard next to Morgan's Harbour, a family drove in from Kingston to launch their 30ft. boat for a day's outing at Lime Cay, as seagulls perched on pylons in the sea nearby, with the ferry in the background on its return journey across the harbour.
Photographers could be seen in small groups as they made notes and approached the citizens of this quiet town for pictures. Many images awaited them, but only those with a keen eye would capture the photographs needed to qualify for the classes in the competition.
The day was incident-free and all the members completed their rolls on time. I did not get back to the football field to see if any sports action was taking place, but a few guys were playing dominoes. So if you think Port Royal is only Fort Charles, Giddy House, fish and bammy, you are invited to view the results on the evening of March 17, 2003 at the Photography Club of Jamaica meeting at the Liguanea Club, New Kingston at 7:30 p.m. Members usually look forward to this meeting whatever the results.
HERE IS A SUGGESTION
Why not choose a location, do your own "Roll-of-Film" at your own leisure over next weekend, and show the results to other photographers and get their opinion? Remember that you can use any kind of film, black & white or even digital, it's the results that count. I promise that your photography will improve with every roll, try it and you could easily surprise yourself.
