Amateur Photographer & Cinematographer (1933)

December 27th, 1933 The AMATEUR PHOTOGRAPHER p 6 CINEMATOGRAPHER e subjects depends almost entirely on the lighting, which may be afforded by the sun itself ; or the pattern, which can, at times, be obtained when a background of mist is present. As I have previously remarked, the low position of the sun provides endless opportunities for the obtaining of patterns by the shadows it casts, and the modern bitumen^ surfaced road makes an excellent canvas for such shadows. Again, an impression can be greatly assisted by handwork on the print, especially in the suppression of unwanted lights, and the strengthening of shadows, when the oilreinforcement method is used. The mere taking and making of the negative presents no difficulties, for colour is almost absent. An exposure which is sufficient to record full details in the shadows should be given to ensure a well-graded result. Modern plates and large-aperture lenses make it possible to give instantaneous exposures even on the dullest of winter days ; but under¬ exposure should be avoided, as it tends to produce harsh results. My method is to keep the shutter speed fixed at i/ioth second, varying the aperture of the lens as required by the subject. I also use a specially compounded developer for winter work, this being the usual M.Q. formula recommended for the plates, but with the quantity of hydroquinone halved, the weight of the hydroquinone so deducted being added to the weight of metol. Such a developer brings out the maximum amount of detail without unduly choking the high-lights, even if the developer is cooler than usual. Metol is active even in a cool developer in which hydroquinone is inert. “The A.P.55 Monthly Competitions PRIZES AND RULES To encourage pictorial outlook and good technique in the photographic work of our readers in all parts of the world. (I) For Advanced Workers. This class is open to all amateur photographers. First Prize. — One guinea in cash or “ A.P.” silver plaque (optional). Second Prize. — Half a guinea in cash or “ A.P.” bronze plaque (optional). Third Prize. — Five shillings in cash. A special prize of five shillings in cash for the best mounted picture. Certificates of Merit. In addition to the general rules (see below), the following conditions apply : — (1) All prints must be accompanied by a stamped addressed envelope or wrapper if they are to be returned. Prints receiving an award will be retained. (2) Prints must be mounted, but not framed. (3) Returnable prints in the Advanced Section will be sent back with a typed criticism, and classified according to merit. (4) Prints may be of any size and by any process, and must be the competitor’s own work throughout. (5) The award of a prize or certificate in the Ad¬ vanced Workers’ Competition or any other competition or exhibition will not debar the competitor from entering again on future occasions and winning further prizes. (II) For Intermediate Workers. This class is to encourage those readers who have passed the “ beginner ” stage and may have won an award in the Beginners’ Competition, but have not progressed sufficiently to enter in the Advanced Competition. First Prize. — Half a guinea in cash. Second Prize. — Five shillings in cash. Certificates of Merit. In addition to the general rules (see below), the following conditions apply : — (1) No print must be larger than 10x8 in., and can be by contact or enlargement by any process, and may be mounted. (2) The whole of the work (exposure, development, printing, etc.) must be carried out by the competitor. (3) Prints entered in the Intermediate Section will be criticised and returned if accompanied by stamped addressed envelope or wrapper. Prints receiving an award will be retained. (4) The award of a prize or certificate in the Inter¬ mediate Competition debars the competitor from entering this competition again, but he is then eligible for the Advanced Workers’ Section. (Ill) For Beginners. This class is open to those who have never won an award in any photographic competition or exhibition. First Prize. — Half a guinea in cash. Second Prize. — Five shillings in cash. Certificates of Merit. In addition to the general rules (see below), the following conditions apply : — (1) No print must be larger than 6x4 in. Contact prints or small enlargements up to this size are eligible, but must be unmounted. (2) The exposure must have been made by the competitor, but developing and printing may be the work of others. (3) No prints can be criticised or returned. (4) The award of a prize or certificate in the Begin¬ ners’ Competition debars the competitor from entering this section again. General Rules. (1) Any number of prints may be entered, but each print must have on the back the^appropriate coupon (see advertisement pages) the date of which must be within five weeks of the closing date of the competition. Overseas readers may use the most recent coupons to hand. (2) Each print must have on the back the name and address of the competitor, and the title. (3) All entries must be addressed to The Editor, The Amateur Photographer , Dorset House, Stamford Street, London, S.E.i, and the package must be marked on the outside “ Beginners,” “ Intermediate,” or “ Advanced,” as the case may be. (4) No packages will be received on which there are postage charges to be paid. (5) No communications on other matters should be enclosed with competition prints. No correspondence in connection with the competitions can be undertaken. (6) The entry of a print will be regarded as a decla¬ ration that it is eligible under the rules, and that the competitor agrees thereto. (7) No responsibility is taken for the safety of prints, and the Editor’s decision on all points connected with the competitions is final. (8) The publishers of The Amateur Photographer shall have the right to reproduce, without payment, any print entered, or to allow its reproduction in any other paper quoting from The Amateur Photographer. (9) The closing date of each competition is the last weekday of the month. Prints arriving late will be entered for the next month’s competition. (10) The cash prizes awarded in these competitions are dispatched on the fifteenth of the month following the announcement of the awards. The closing date for this month's competition is Saturday, December 30th. The next com¬ petition closes Wednesday, January 31st. 595 21