October 4^th Meeting
Special Guest Presenter Burt Jones: Raja Ampat

By Leonard Cichowski

Raja Ampat you say?  Where the heck is that?  Or for that matter, what the heck is that?  Well, if you have an inquisitive nature, come to the October 4th HUPS meeting.  Burt Jones will present the exotic diving of the Raja Ampat Islands.  The islands are off the coast of Irian Jaya and contain one of the most diverse habitats in the Indo –Pacific region.  As I am told, there are more fish than you can shake a strobe at.  Burt Jones and Maurine Shimlock will be leading a HUPS sponsored trip to these islands during the last week in April and the first week in May, 2005.  If you are interested in this trip, please contact Dennis Deavenport for details.

Burt Jones and Maurine Shimlock are professional underwater photographers.  Their award-winning book "Secret Seas" is an industry standard.  They are regular contributors to all of the dive magazines.  In addition, they contribute heavily to the lecture circuit and industry shows such as SEASPACE.  They also conduct underwater photographic safaris to many exotic underwater destinations, like Raja Ampat.

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October 4^th Meeting from previous column

Burt and Maurine have had the good fortune to have dived most of the world’s dream dive spots.  For the last year or so they have been concentrating their efforts on this remote region of Indonesia.  Last, but not least, both Burt and Maurine are members of and long time supporters of HUPS.  This meeting is an absolute do not miss.  Come to learn more about this incredible diving area and to see the beautiful images of Burt Jones and Maurine Shimlock.

Last month’s meeting was focused on judging of the recent Bonaire HUPS Shootout.  A slide presentation by Dennis Deavenport and a digital presentation by me, Leonard Cichowski, set the tone for the judging.  Both shows documented the week of the shootout, above and below the surface.  Prior to the judging, we had some equipment malfunctions. . . not to be confused with Super Bowl costume malfunctions, which had us wondering if the judging would happen that evening.  But with a lot of help, we got the show on the road.  So, with that, here are the winners:

Trophies will be presented to the winners at the October meeting.

As usual the meeting will be at the Bayland Community Center starting at 7:00 PM.  A map and directions are at the end of this newsletter.

Happy Diving,
Leonard

President's Message
Workshops Work

When I think of all the things that HUPS offers to members, it’s hard to pick out what single thing is the most outstanding.  However, after thinking about it for awhile I’ve finally concluded that our Workshops probably win this contest.  So why do I choose this as my favorite?  I think that it’s because the results have been so consistently spectacular since Joe Nicklo got it started.  The original idea was Joe’s and he presented it to the board of directors back in the fall of 2002.  As his reward for making the suggestion, he was asked to head it up.  He graciously agreed to take the title of Director of Educational Activities and started making plans for workshops starting mid 2003.

The first offering (September 2003) was one that I pulled together on "Enhancing Digital Images with Photoshop."  It was amazingly well attended and somehow we managed to pull it off with only a few glitches.  Although I got good comments from people on how much they had learned, I know for a fact that the person that learned the most was yours truly.  It must have been okay since Joe asked me to do it again this September.  Hey, we even had repeat customers!

This workshop was followed by one by Ken Knezick on "Underwater Lighting."  His place over at Island Dreams was packed.  And, of course, Pumpkin made an appearance to be on the receiving end of endless petting.  It was obvious from his presentation that Ken is not only a master of suppose that it’s fair to say that we all left fully "enlightened."

David started off the 2004 with another well-prepared workshop, "How to Get the Most from Your Nikonos V."  David came up with more than enough material to fill 3 & 1/2 hours for those non-digital types wanting to learn techniques from one of HUPS best underwater photographers.

Perhaps one of the most novel and useful programs was presented by James Wiseman last June.  Considering the mad dash that we all seem to be making to go digital, James’ workshop on "Digital Workflow" was extremely well-timed.  Judging from the number of people attending, the quality of questions from the audience and James’ expert answers, it was fairly obvious that everyone got their money’s worth.

Next up will be something for everyone.  Mary Lou and Jackie Reid have agreed to put together a workshop on "Undwerwater Composition."  This workshop is scheduled for November 6th, 9:30 – 12:30 at the Cornerstone Mortgage Building 11777 West Loop South.  Thanks again to Henry Ragland for use of the meeting room.

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President's Message from previous column

This session on Undwerwater Composition will truly be one where we learn from experts.  Mary Lou has given a short version of this topic in the past during a monthly meeting.  You can expect to get a much more in-depth program this time.  It will certainly be interesting to compare and contrast how Mary Lou and Jackie approach this essential skill.  You will not be disappointed if you plan to attend.

This is exactly what I meant when I said that we intend to give HUPS members the most Bang for Their Buck.  For the price of membership, you can get programs that would cost hundreds of dollars each.

Now here’s the tricky part.  This is something that we need to keep moving along smoothly and competently.

1. We will continue to need members to step up and prepare new workshops.  If you would like to contribute, contact your local "DEA" Joe Nicklo.
2. Sadly, Joe is looking to hand his DEA hat off to someone else next year.  He has done an excellent job for the past 2 years selecting interesting and important topics and recruiting top presenters.  We need someone that doesn’t mind rolling up their sleeves to step forward and volunteer their time and talent.

So, there you have it.  The nice thing about this month’s column was that it pretty much wrote itself.  It’s great to have good material to work with.

Joe, thanks for all of your effort getting this up and running smoothly.  We’ll miss having your energy and talent as we move into 2005 but I’m sure that what you started will continue into the future.

Okay troops, see you at the next meeting, October 4th.  Don’t miss this one.  Leonard Cichowski has arranged for Burt Jones to come talk to us about the amazing diving to be found in Irian Jaya.  If you have been thinking about signing up for the HUPS’ sponsored trip to Irian Jaya on the Kararu next year, hearing about the experience from one of our two special trip leaders will be essential.

Dennis Deavenport

Check it Out on the Web

This months featured site is http://www.starfish.ch/starfish.html.  This is an extensive site with all sorts of information relating to coral reefs and the marine environment.  For example, where else will you find 80 photos of frogfish with descriptions of over 40 species?  There is bound to be something to interest you here so Check it Out!

Show Your Silhouettes

The topic for the October slide contest is Silhouettes.  So if you got ‘em bring ‘em.  This month is a slide only contest.  If we can get everything together we will also have the digital Fish Faces competition that has been rescheduled from the September meeting.  For complete contest rules refer to the contest page.  You can’t win if you don’t enter.

Monthly Contest Winners
September 2004 - Fish Faces

Shootout Macro 1st Place – Kathy Ringrose ©2004

Shootout Open 1st Place – Frank Burek ©2004

UpComing Meetings & Events

FOR SALE

FOR SALE

Two Ikelite SubStrobe 200 (orange) with batteries, quick charger and 2 diffusers -- $900. All work great and one just serviced by Ikelite

Ikelite flat port for 50 Micro Nikkor (#5502 for lenses < 3.5" max extension). $25

Photos of these items are viewable at http://www.seabelow.com/uwphoto4sale.  All prices OR BEST OFFER.  Contact Dave Van Rooy at dvanrooy@seabelow.com.  Dave has been a member of HUPS for over 15 years and currently resides in Bali.  All equipment is in good working order, and he will guarantee money back if not satisfied.  Equipment is located in and will be shipped from Austin, TX.

Coral Reef Lecture

On October 20th the Houston Zoo Lecture Series will feature Dr. John Heiser presenting "Diversity’s Jewel: An Introduction to Coral Reefs."  This is a great opportunity to learn more about coral reefs.  Tickets are $12 for zoo members and $15 for nonmembers.  You can purchase tickets online at http://www.houstonzoo.org or by calling 713-533-6550.

Getting HUPS Ready for 2005
By Dennis Deavenport

It’s time that we start winding down another year and start our planning for the next.  In October and November we need to nominate new officers for HUPS and select a new slate of board members for 2005.  Also up on the docket is to select chairpersons for all of the functions that we need to make HUPS run smoothly.

During the October meeting we will be asking people to start considering who they want to nominate for officers.  All offices are open for nominations every year but some will require special attention.  Leonard Cichowski has said that it is time for him to step down and let someone else try their hand at being our Vice President.  This is good and bad.  Obviously, we will miss his expert hand in making things run smoothly.  On the other hand it allows someone else to step forward and make their own unique contributions.

In addition to the president and vice president, we also need to elect a treasurer and a secretary.  Henry Ragland has been our Treasurer for years and continues to do an excellent job keeping track of our finances.  Tammy Allyn took on the job of Secretary last year and as we have come to expect, did an excellent job helping make things run smoothly, especially when asked to take over the meeting in July when all of the other officers were down in Bonaire having a wet and wonderful time.

Chuck Jensen took on the job of Membership Chairperson and turned it into a work of art.  What a nice piece of work he did for us this year.  David Lenderman continues to turn out our amazingly professional newsletter and has helped keep me on track this year when I needed some timely advice.  And what can you say about Joe Nicklo (Mr. DEA) for the job he has done with our workshops and the library?  Although I would love to see Joe continue to take on this heavy-duty position, he would be open to handing it off to someone else if they would be interested.

James Wiseman took on the new job of running our digital contest and has managed to whip it into a really great addition to HUPS.  It has been a learning experience for all of us and without his expertise, it would not have been the success that it has been.  Donn Rosen has kept the monthly slide contest running smoothly with assists on occasion from a cast of thousands when needed.  Drew Trent has continued to help scan our monthly winners and send stuff to David for the newsletter.  Pat Miller continues to be our able-bodied web-meister and will hopefully continue in that vein.  HUPS.ORG will continue to grow and get better in the coming years and we need someone knowledgeable like Pat to help us get where we want to go.

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HUPS Ready for 2005 from previous column

This year, we expanded our Board of Director to a maximum of 9.  Next year, we will continue to rely on the board to make important decisions and handle ad hoc projects that come up from time to time.  We prefer to have a mix of experienced members and new blood for the board.  The common denominator is that everyone should expect to contribute their time and talent.

So, what I’m asking is for you to think hard about who you would like to handle these jobs.  If you are interested in taking on one of these jobs, please let someone know.  Nominations and elections will be in November as usual.  However, we really need to have most of this already scoped out ahead of time.  If HUPS is to continue to grow and prosper, we need good people to step forward and volunteer their services.

Member Profile – Jean Himes

Jean is a retired school Principal.  This means you better be on your best behavior at HUPS meetings or she will have to call your parents.  Better yet we will start having her bring her paddle to meeting so if anyone gets out of line. . . pow!  Jean earned her B.A. at Pepperdine University in sunny Southern California.  She went on to earn her M. Ed. At Stephen F. Austin State University in Nacagdoches, Texas.

After growing up in Arkansas, Jean moved to Houston in 1975 when her husband, Glenn, was transferred here with Shell.  I guess it was good move as she has been married to Glenn for 37 years.

After surviving breast cancer Jean took up diving in 1994.  She started underwater photography the next year.  She started out with a Nikonos IV and now uses a PT101 housed Olympus 4040.  She really enjoys stalking and photographing fish.  Her favorite dive destinations are Turks & Caicos and Cozumel.  Jean currently holds an advanced certification through SSI.

When not diving Jean enjoys snow skiing, listening to all types of music and spending time with her family.

DEA News
By Joe Nicklo, Director of Educational Activities

It was no surprise to anyone, Dennis Davenport was excellent.  His workshop, "Enhancing Digital Images" was more polished then when he gave it the first time.  Dennis dazzled eighteen HUPS members for four hours with his knowledge of software and computers.  Even I, computer challenged as I am, walked away feeling enlightened.  Thank you Dennis!

Well, here we are rapidly approaching the end of another year.  I cannot pass this opportunity to express my gratitude to those of you who have made this a year of learning and education.  I feel I speak for all members, we are all better photographers thanks to you and your efforts and willingness to share your knowledge.  Hopefully, we see the strength and unity created by this process.

On November 6, 2004, Mary Lou Reid with her assistant and husband Jackie will give a workshop on "Composition."  It is the last workshop scheduled for this year.  Again, I stress the importance of this workshop.  You may own the best equipment money can buy; you may know all there is to know about that equipment; you may be financially blessed permitting you to visit any dive site in the world; however, if you have not mastered composition, you will never be more than a mediocre photographer.  Composition is the most important element in the entire formula.  Attend this workshop and learn from Mary Lou what she has spent years developing on this subject.  Mary Lou and Jackie are two of HUPS' finest photographers who enjoy sharing and encouraging others to develop their skills.  The workshop is scheduled for Saturday, November 6, 2004, at Cornerstone Mortgage, 1177 West Loop South, and will begin at 9:30 AM and end 12:30 PM.  Parking is at the rear of the building.  Mary Lou suggests all attendees bring a few slides or digital images for a critique session.

See You there...

Quick Tip

This month’s tip was taken from our October program presenter Burt Jones.  In Burt and Maurine’s photography seminars they always talk about negative space.  This is the area surrounding the actual subject of the photograph.  Always consider your negative space when creating an image.  A photo of a Queen Angel is nice, but the same Queen Angel in front of a frame-filling purple sea fan can be really special.  Burt and Maurine often find an attractive negative space first and stake it out.  They wait until a fish swims in front of that beautiful sponge or coral before releasing the shutter.  Next time you are on the reef, look for the eye catching negative space and then find a subject that will allow you to use that negative space.

If you have a tip to share, mail it to underh2o@mail.ev1.net.

Irian Jaya on the Kararu
April 25 – May 11, 2005

We still have room for more people on this exceptional trip. If you are thinking about signing up, make sure you attend October’s meeting to hear Burt Jones tell us more about the diving experience in Irian Java and about the Kararu dive operation.

HUPS is sponsoring this dive expedition for 14 members next spring. The trip, worked up in conjunction with Island Dreams, Kararu Dive Voyages, and Burt Jones & Maurine Shimlock will be to the remote islands off the western coast of Irian Jaya, considered by many, to be the most awesome, pristine diving in the world. The trip will be guided by Burt Jones and Maurine Shimlock who may know more about these waters than any other pro UW photographers in the world. Not only will participants be able to tap into their expertise regarding the unique critters that are certain to be encountered but they will provide helpful guidance on UW photographic techniques and how to best utilize your equipment.

We will be taking names of participants up until we reach the maximum of 14 participants. After this, we will put your name(s) on a wait-list in case there are cancellations.

Price: $4875 per person
Contact Dennis Deavenport

Advanced 3rd Place – Dennis Deavenport ©2004

The Houston Underwater Photographic Society (HUPS) meets the first Monday of every month at 7:00PM at the Bayland Community Center, 6400 Bissonet, near Hillcroft.

Social time begins at 7:00PM for members and visitors to get acquainted. Visitors are always welcome to join us. So, stop by and see what we are all about!