President's Message

Thanks again to everyone who contributed to the success of our annual December holiday party - and especially to Kathy Ringrose for coordinating things so well.  We had a record number of entries in the annual "open category" slide contest (over 70 slides, as I recall!).  The high level of interest in this event - particularly among the novices - was very gratifying.  Unfortunately, due to the large number of entries and the time required to judge the event and tabulate the results, we just flat ran out of time and didn't have an opportunity to show the winning entries - although we did get in a quick announcement of the winners.  Fear not, however - showing the winning slides will be the first order of business at the January meeting.

Speaking of January, macro-meister Ken Knezick, the featured presenter, will put on a macro workshop.  As all who attended his wide angle workshop last summer will attest, Ken thoroughly knows his stuff and is an outstanding speaker who actively engages his audience (you!) in the subject matter at hand.  For newcomers to underwater photography and old timers alike, this program is a *must attend*.

Looking ahead, our new Vice Prez., David Lenderman, is busily at work, scheming, conniving, and generally doing whatever it takes to put together a slate of programs for 2001 that will engage, educate and entertain the membership.  If you have any suggestions for a program (either as a "main attraction" or a "filler"), please share them with David.

Lastly (but not leastly), congratulations to Sue Watson for being selected HUPS Member of the Year for 2000.  Sue - you've done a helluva job on the newsletter and as TGCC Rep, and each and every one of us appreciates your efforts - month in, month out - on behalf of the club!

Happy New Year to you all - and see ya on January 8th.

Robert

FOR SALE:

Ikelite Items for Sale:

Item	Sale Price
Ikelite Flat Port #5502	$50.00
Ikelite Flat Port #5501	$50.00
Ikelite Strobe to Ikelite Housing Single TTL Cable #4301	$60.00
Ikelite Strobe to Ikelite Housing Dual TTL Cable #4301.2	$120.00
Ikelite to Nikonos non-TTL (manual) Cable #4104.3	$20.00
Ikelite Quick Release Pole w/mount	$25.00

Contact Joyce & Frank Burek if you are interested in any of the Ikelite items listed above.

ETIQUETTE FOR PHOTOGRAPHERS
From Rodales Scuba Diving, July 1999, Stephen Frink

1. Be Eco-Friendly - Getting a good photo is no excuse for damaging the environment.
2. Be Nice - Harassing marine life for the sake of a photo is wrong.
3. Be Considerate - Just because you hold the camera doesn't mean you automatically acquire eminent domain over all marine life encounters.  If you see a diver observing something of interest, wait from a respectful distance and approach for the shot when the diver is finished.
4. Be Safe - Don't ignore dive safety in pursuit of a photograph.
5. Be Appreciative - Taking photographs underwater is a privilege, not a right.

Photo Contest Winners

December, 2000 - "HUPS Photo's of the Year"
 

Novice, Caribbean 1st - Dennis Deavenport 2nd - Gary Merritt 3rd - David Lenderman Honorable Mention - Joe Nicklo Novice, Pacific 1st - Dennis Deavenport 2nd - Pat Miller 3rd - Sue Watson Honorable Mention - Pat Miller Advanced, Caribbean 1st - Joyce Burek 2nd & 3rd - Frank Burek Advanced, Pacific 1st & 2nd - Robert Shaklovitz 3rd - Joyce Burek

HUPS Monthly Photo Contest Rules

1. Photographs must have been taken underwater, with the exception of the "Marine Surface Slides," a category which will be announced periodically.
2. The photographs must be the work of the photographer named on the slide.  The photographer does not have to be present at the monthly meeting to enter their slide.
3. No aquarium, pool, or over/under shots.
4. Photographs with divers touching or stressing marine life will not be judged.
5. Entries that have won 1st, 2nd, or 3rd, in previous HUPS contests, or any major competition are ineligible.  The only exception being the Best of HUPS night at the December meeting.
6. Slides will be disqualified if in the opinion of the Photo Contest Chairman and monthly judge, the slides do not meet the monthly subject matter, or do not meet one of the aforementioned rules.
7. All contest judging will be performed by a judge selected by the HUPS Photo Judge Coordinator, except nights when it is announced that the general membership will judge.  In these instances the Photo Contest Chairman will tabulate all ballots.
8. If a member wishes to question the results of a contest, they must submit their complaint in contest to the Photo Contest Chairman or any club officer.  The complaint must include: complainant's name, questionable slide, nature of complaint (indicating rule broken), proof behind complaint.
9. The Board of Directors will review the complaint, and if they find merit, they may disqualify the slide.

March 18, 2001 - TGCC Awards Banquet
At Dave & Busters, tickets on sale now - contact Sue Watson or Frank Burek.

April 2, 2001 - To Be Announced

May 7, 2001 - To Be Announced

June 11, 2001 - Special SeaSpace Presenter, James Watt -- see the flyer
http://www.wattstock.com

HUPS divers with boat crew on a recent trip to Indonesia

HUPS Membership Information & Application
It's that time of year again... Time to renew your HUPS membership

What is HUPS?

HOUSTON UNDERWATER PHOTOGRAPHIC SOCIETY is a nonprofit organization formed to encourage interest and promote participation in underwater photography/videography.  HUPS provides educational and entertaining programs on the varied aspects of underwater photography/videography.  These objectives are accomplished through monthly meetings that include educational programs on the how to’s of underwater photography, photo contests, slide and video presentations as well as special events scheduled throughout the year.  HUPS also sponsors dive trips that are designed specifically to meet the needs of underwater photographers.

Who Should Join?

Anyone interested in becoming an underwater photographer/videographer or improving his or her present underwater photography skill level will find HUPS membership very valuable.  Non-photographers also enjoy a HUPS membership because of the exciting monthly slide and/or video presentations that feature dive destinations of interest to all enthusiastic divers.

DUES:

Annual membership dues are $25.00 for an individual and $30.00 for family memberships.  New members joining after June 1st pay 50% of these rates.  This applies only to first time members of HUPS.

BENEFITS OF MEMBERSHIP:

FELLOWSHIP:  The most important benefit of HUPS membership is the opportunity to meet with fellow divers who share a love of underwater photography.

MEETINGS:  Our monthly meeting includes educational programs on every aspect of underwater photography, a slide or video program prepared by a guest or club member and a photo contest.

NEWSLETTER:  Underwater Images is mailed to all members before each meeting and includes information on that month's program, contest winners, trip reports, photo tips, classified ads, local news items and much more.

DIVE TRIPS:  Trips are planned throughout the year by club divemasters to meet the needs of underwater photographers.

MEMBERSHIP DIRECTORY:  The membership directory is published annually and provided to all members.

WHEN AND WHERE DOES HUPS MEET?
The Houston Underwater Photographic Society meets the first Monday of each month at 7:15 pm, with a social time starting at 7:00 pm.  Our regular meeting place is the Bayland Community Center, 6400 Bissonnet (near Hillcroft).

HOW DO I JOIN?
Complete the membership application below and mail it with a check for your annual dues to: HUPS PO Box 270056, Houston, TX 77277, or bring your application and check to the next HUPS meeting.

Houston Underwater Photographic Society
Membership Application

Name: _____________________________

Street Address: ___________________

___________________________________

City: _____________________________

State: ________ Zip Code: _________

Home Phone: _______________________

Work Phone: _______________________

Email Address: ____________________

Would you like to receive your newsletter via email? Yes or No

Occupation: _______________________
Dive Certification: _______________
Yrs Diving: ______
# of Yearly Dive Trips: ___________
Photographic Experience:
  __Beginning  __Intermediate
  __Advanced  __ Professional
Photographic Interests:
  __Still Photography  __Video
Photographic Equipment:
  __Nikonos  __Housed SLR
  __Video Camcorder  __Movie Camera
  __Other
How did you hear about HUPS?
___________________________________
Dues (check one):
  ______Individual ($25)
  ______Family ($30)