Color slide connections

This is the fifh of a bimonthly Journal article featuring each PSA Division and its activities. The Connections feature is intended to provide a quick overview of division opportunities. For more information, contact the Division Chairman. This month, in Connections, we feature the Color Slide Division (CSD) and its activities that are available to all PSA members.

The Color Slide Division (CSD), the largest Division in PSA, has many services and activities. You are invited to take part. First check the website: www.psa-csd.org/csd.html. Activities within the CSD are spotlighted, with very specific information about how to become involved. If you do not have internet access refer to the Services and Activities directory in January, April, July, and October issues of the Journal.

Slide Set Library www.psa-csd.org/slidesetlibrary.html

The Library is composed of winning shows from Annual CSD Photo Essay Contests. The subject matter varies in the nearly 100 shows. These are generally not "How To" shows but are slide shows to enjoy. Order up to 3 shows for any viewing date.

TOPS In Photography www.psa-csd.org/tops.html

The CSD participates in the PSA TOPS program. Slides are collected by invitation by TOPS Directors from each PSA division and sets can be borrowed from PSA Headquarters. Each set contains about 75 slides and is accompanied by a 35-40 minute taped commentary (usually three or four new shows per year). Check Headquarters.

Slide Study Groups (SSG) www.psa-csd.org/ssg.html

Each SSG consists of 6 to 10 people who are individual PSA members. A notebook containing members' slides, comment sheets, a score sheet, operating instructions, member biographies, etc., circulates with each member receiving the notebook 2 to 4 times each year. Each member submits 4 slides per round and comments on the slides that others submitted. Each SSG has a secretary who is responsible for its operation. Most have commentators who guide and mentor participants and may also submit slides for example and for comment.

International Slide Study Groups www.psa-csd.org/issg.html

This activity's mission is to generate a rapport with photo enthusiasts from other countries via slide and letter exchange as well as just having fun with people with common interests in other countries. Presently there are openings in the Australian, German, England, and New Zealand slide groups. Members have cultivated personal relationships with those from other countries, even visiting each other.

Club Judging www.psa-csd.org/clubjudging.html

Qualified judges are provided for PSA clubs, for special judging events, such as year-end competitions. Slides are sent directly to the judge's address as provided by the Director. The judge can be requested to tape comments, as well as select winning slides.

Introductory Color Slide Competitions for Individuals (ICSCI) www.psa-csd.org/icsc4i.html

The ICSCI is an introduction to International exhibitions for those who do not have a Star Rating in any PSA Division. The one-year Season of three Rounds of entries (plus a Final Round in the summer for eligible entrants) will teach registrants how to package, to prepare slides, to choose work to send, etc. Each competition is judged by a different camera club. Just as in PSA-recognized exhibitions, the ICSCI is NOT a critiquing service--it is three miniature exhibitions.

Portrait Competition www.psa-csd.org/ipc.html

This CSD service holds 3 competitions a year. The Merit Award winners from the 3 competitions are assembled at the end of the season and go head-to-head to determine the Portrait of the Year in the two categories (seasoned veteran and less experienced). These winners receive PSA Gold Medals.

Photo Essay Contest www.psa-csd.org/essay.html

Ever dreamed of being a producer, director, writer, and cinematographer? This activity affords you a chance! This annual contest allows the use of 25-80 slides to "tell a story." Winning essays are duplicated and become part of the Slide Set Library. Fifty dollars cash prize is for First Place.

International Club Slide Competitions www.psa-csd.org/icsc.html

This popular CSD activity holds competitions for member-clubs from around the world, four times each year. Clubs are placed in one of 6 groups of approximately 20 clubs depending on expertise. A new club would start in the lowest group and move up to the next highest group if they finish in the top of that section of clubs.

Interclub Creative Competition www.psa-csd.org/creative.html

This is a club activity for Creative Photography, defined as "Altered Reality." Traditional slides are not eligible. Any subject matter is acceptable as long as the Altered Reality guideline is apparent. Three competitions per season: in 2004-2005, in October, January, and April. Each club is allowed to enter 6 slides--with no more than 2 from any individual member.

Kristina Erin Kaye, APSA Color Slide Division Chairman 2004-2006

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