P3D Re: PSA Question

[Bill Davis <bd3d@xxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

Alyssa Malen wrote:

> ...................... after looking over the
>PSA materials and discovering they had a stereo division, I'm happy with my
>mistake.  Here is my question...does anybody on this list participate in the
>circuits?  If so, what is the experience level of the participants.  Being a
>true beginner, would I be laughed out of a circuit?  It seems like this
>would be a great way to learn.
>  
>
>Alyssa Malen
>e-mail:  amalen@xxxxxxxxxxxxx 
>

Hi Alyssa

I've been a member of PSA for about 5 years.  The Stereo Circuits were what
enticed me to join; the magazine (PSA Journal) while slick and very well
put together has too much emphasis on flattie photography for me to
subscribe on the basis of the magazine alone.  I had been entering slides
in International Salons for a year or so and was only getting scores back,
not any real feedback.  I wanted a bit more critical evaluation of my work.
 If it isn't good, why not? and such.

I am currently a member of four USA Stereo Slide circuits and enjoy them
immensely.  Every month or so a different circuit box arrives, with stereo
slides from between 6 and 10 members, 3 to 5 slides each, usually  around
30 total.

Comments sheets accompany each slide, where the maker describes the subject
and any details (camera, film, exposure etc.) they may wish to include.

One comments on each slide, and gets to read the comments of the other
members as well.  

Subjects range from travel to tabletop to macros to family pictures, with a
lot in between.  Talent and experience level vary from relative novices to
long-term vets from the Stereo wave of the 50's. 

When you are ready to send the box along, you replace your last slides and
comment sheets with new ones and post it out to the next member on the
list.  Circuit times vary from two month turnaround for the special
"Speedy" circuit (using Priority Mail) to around 5 or 6 months for some
that travel by slower service.  You are expected to keep the box a week or
less each round, which should give you plenty of time to examine and enjoy
the enclosed goodies. 

Dues are $4 per year per Circuit, but you have to be a PSA Member ($40 per
year).  

You won't be laughed out of the circuits.  Their tone is much like this
list: civil and supportive of newcomers.  

You *will* get a lot of great constructive feedback on your work,
guaranteed.  For instance, in one of the first rounds I participated in, an
octagenarian member passed along compositional advice that his painter
grandfather had given to him many years before. 

The last time I spoke with Marie-Francoise Brasquies, the Director of US
Circuits, she indicated that there were several openings for any new
members who wished to join.  Her number should be on the PSA literature you
picked up in Richmond.  Give her a call!
No e-mail, though.


Best regards,
Bill Davis

mailto:bd3d@xxxxxxxxxxxxx



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