I'm looking at a print I submitted to a recent club competition. It received a modest score. I expect the score was deserved, but I really should learn how to stuff ballot boxes. Any of you from Chicago?
Anyway, I can see a number of failings in the composition. It seemed like a nice idea at the time, but you can't spend several months at a shooting location to decide if a shot is worth the effort.
Two years and some months removed from the capture of this particular image I can see some compositional improvements. "Move the camera to the right a bit, and up a little." Yes, there is a nice diagonal there, and some color, but I cut the diagonal off too early and left some drab vegetation on the left side of the frame.
Now, why am I bringing this up? Well, it's been weeks since I've blogged anything......not a good enough reason for you? Would you believe I believe in the moment?
I can recall a photographer saying the image has to 'grab you'. Well, I startle easily. So, being grabbed is not high on my list of experiences, but waiting for the calendar to change before shooting is beyond my patience. So, my compromise is to look things over for a few minutes and to capture it whether it grabs me or not. I've accumulated a number of slides and image files that are pretty shakey compositionally. I've spent a few hours recently going over slides taken a few years ago and weeding out some highly doubtful shots. This far removed from 'the moment' makes the 'circular file' a more inviting target. I don't feel that bad about throwing away several dollars worth of film processing. My recent Marden's purchases have eclipsed the film expenditures. Those shots just don't stand up to my perception of what makes an interesting scene in 2009.
Luckily, the scene I'm looking at can he captured again later. Maybe it will be better the second time around!
Speaking of scenes, I'm open to some ideas for day trip suggestions. I've brought up an idea for a big weekend trip to the Philidelphia area in the spring, and there are some Clydesdales in Lewiston too, but it would be good to get out a shoot something other than the empty sardine cans piled up in the back of my truck. If you sense some desperation, you are fairly close. So, drop me a note if you have an idea or two.
Monday, November 16, 2009
Saturday, October 31, 2009
It's Been That Kind of a Week
This morning a few of our club members went down to the By Design Gallery to see Rod Rodrique's latest exhibit. We were treated to something quite different from the customary photography exhibit. Rod went through a detailed description of of his thinking behind the exhibit.
It's not common for painters to create an image from a photograph unless THEY took the photograph. Rod convinced 33 painters to select images from his work and to create a reproduction of his image using their impressions and style.
For me, it was a hit. The artists are very talented, and I didn't see anything that was a disappointment. Excellent idea!
I was disappointed to be reminded how Rod captures his images in the first place. He uses a point and shoot camera (fixed focal length and fixed aperture) to capture his images on film. I say I am disappointed because he does such excellent work without the aid of high technology. Yep! My new camera ain't goin' to hep me dat much. IT'S COMPOSITION BABY!!!
This is on the heels of Liz Grandmaison's talk on "Still Life" photography Thursday evening. I say "on the heels" because Liz uses a modest digital camera, much on the same vein as Rod. The manufacturer markets the camera she uses for people migrating to their first digital camera. Liz uses it very expertly to capture terrific images. On top of that she tells a fine story photographically. Her work is a treat to see and hear.
Much of Liz's talk referenced her lack of gadgetry. She uses natural light, and occasionally a home made diffuser or homemade diffusion tent. Liz and Rod are the kind of people camera manufacturers and photography marketers view with suspicion. I suspect if they both prosper too much some ultra-highly paid lobbiest in Washington will pester a congressperson to to write a law against their frugally creative efforts. [Editors note: the preceding was meant to be humorous. If any ultra-highly paid lobbiest reads the proceeding paragraph there is no reason to get upset............I've got to run to the necessary room.................]
We went from Rod's gallery to the University of Maine Art Museum. Their photographic exhibit is very interesting. The photographer likes to have much of his images out of focus. In addition, he makes good use of high contrast in his subjects. His efforts work, and the results are very interesting. A worthwhile visit.
Before getting done for the morning Karen and myself went to 6 State Street to check out the exhibit space we have for the November 20 Art Walk. It looks like we have some room to work with. Karen has a good idea for how we can approach the exhibit, but I'm not saying anything until clearance is given from PrezMary.
We have a meeting this Thursday. Mike Leonard will talk about shooting "After Dark". I'm guessing it has nothing to do with jackin' deer since we are a camera club! Mike may venture out after the meeting for a shooting effort. So, you may want to have a tripod and a camera with you. Oh! It may be good to have a lens for the camera and a memory card, but I'll leave that decision up to you.
I've got to go through some old slides......maybe I can find something to show!
BlogDon
It's not common for painters to create an image from a photograph unless THEY took the photograph. Rod convinced 33 painters to select images from his work and to create a reproduction of his image using their impressions and style.
For me, it was a hit. The artists are very talented, and I didn't see anything that was a disappointment. Excellent idea!
I was disappointed to be reminded how Rod captures his images in the first place. He uses a point and shoot camera (fixed focal length and fixed aperture) to capture his images on film. I say I am disappointed because he does such excellent work without the aid of high technology. Yep! My new camera ain't goin' to hep me dat much. IT'S COMPOSITION BABY!!!
This is on the heels of Liz Grandmaison's talk on "Still Life" photography Thursday evening. I say "on the heels" because Liz uses a modest digital camera, much on the same vein as Rod. The manufacturer markets the camera she uses for people migrating to their first digital camera. Liz uses it very expertly to capture terrific images. On top of that she tells a fine story photographically. Her work is a treat to see and hear.
Much of Liz's talk referenced her lack of gadgetry. She uses natural light, and occasionally a home made diffuser or homemade diffusion tent. Liz and Rod are the kind of people camera manufacturers and photography marketers view with suspicion. I suspect if they both prosper too much some ultra-highly paid lobbiest in Washington will pester a congressperson to to write a law against their frugally creative efforts. [Editors note: the preceding was meant to be humorous. If any ultra-highly paid lobbiest reads the proceeding paragraph there is no reason to get upset............I've got to run to the necessary room.................]
We went from Rod's gallery to the University of Maine Art Museum. Their photographic exhibit is very interesting. The photographer likes to have much of his images out of focus. In addition, he makes good use of high contrast in his subjects. His efforts work, and the results are very interesting. A worthwhile visit.
Before getting done for the morning Karen and myself went to 6 State Street to check out the exhibit space we have for the November 20 Art Walk. It looks like we have some room to work with. Karen has a good idea for how we can approach the exhibit, but I'm not saying anything until clearance is given from PrezMary.
We have a meeting this Thursday. Mike Leonard will talk about shooting "After Dark". I'm guessing it has nothing to do with jackin' deer since we are a camera club! Mike may venture out after the meeting for a shooting effort. So, you may want to have a tripod and a camera with you. Oh! It may be good to have a lens for the camera and a memory card, but I'll leave that decision up to you.
I've got to go through some old slides......maybe I can find something to show!
BlogDon
Thursday, October 22, 2009
T'aint That Far (and other ill advised decisions)
A couple weeks ago a modest band of club members headed out on a 
trek to Little Wilson Falls. Heck of an idea from one of our members.
The weather was very much like today, though warmer. This was
an exercise in: good information; reasoned decision making; determined
effort; over preparation and plausible adventure.
First, good information. Truthfully, much improvement could be had on the information front. Somehow I reasoned the hike to the falls would be more of a lengthy stroll. This was failed reasoning. Little Wilson Falls is on the Appalachian Trail. In fact, it's part of the 100 mile wilderness. So, why I envisioned a stroll in the woods will remain an unanswered question. As a consequence some of our trekkers didn't have especially good footwear.
The weather was rainy in the morning. Some of the members knew what they were doing and brought along water resistant outerwear including pants. Wicked good idea! Wished I thunk uve it!!!
Now, reasoned decision making. My guide mentioned the hike to the falls was a bit over a mile. Ha! "Short walk that should be" I said to myself! So, I packed most of my camera gear into a pack and struck out with 35 pounds (plus or minus) of stuff. I thought about discarding an especially heavy lens, but my guide said "take it, you may need it!"
How gullible I be, and how he enjoyed exploiting my gullibility.
So, the heavy lens stayed in the pack. Everyone else had very
reasonable loads. I guess that showed where I stood in the Good
Judgement Section of the club.
Off we went down a modestly marked trail. Drizzly weather at first, but what's a little wet when great images await! Though much slipping and sliding was to be had, no broken bones or spirits were to be had [a little over the top on prose...]
Little Wilson Falls has tripod holes. There are few views to be had of this impressive cascade. The best views are to be had from a vantage not easily accessed. At least not by me. The sight is excellent. There are shots from above the falls, but you need to get in line for a shot at the falls from below! I expect an intrepid shooter could get across to the other side of the gorge for a full view, or do the 'salmon struggle' right up the stream (not recommended by me).
We had the company of hikers passing through. A couple of fellows who looked older than myself basically blew by me without sign of any exertion......don't I hate that!
The walk out proved to be the highlight. Apparently there are parallel trails. One is higher up from the Appalachian Trail, which is the one we took on the way in. The Appalachian Trail stayed near the flowage. The stretch from Little Wilson Falls down to the parking lot has many rips and small falls. The foliage wasn't at peak, but it was colorful.
We would have made a sight from above with members jagging off the trail looking for shooting opportunities then clamoring back up.
Despite the wet footing I took but one substantial "bottom bouncer". Much of the punishment was absorbed by my heavy backpack. Only seemed fair to me....
It was a very worth while effort. We now know of an excellent shooting location, and have a better sense of how to prepare. The upshot for me is you can never get enough experience. It would be better still if can remember what not to do the next time around.
By the way, our guide brought up a winter snowshoe adventure. How about a trek into Daicy Pond this February????
As an aside, I brought along my F5 (speaking of weight) and my lone roll of Kodachrome 25. The last lab processing Kodachromes will cease that effort in 2010. I saw no reason to wait exposing 36+ frames of this film. It came back earlier this week, and I think photographers (and Kodak) gave up on this film too early.
To quote Monty Python: "And now for something completely different."
Some of you are having trouble getting to our 2009-2010 website. Webmaster Joel has the following advice:
trek to Little Wilson Falls. Heck of an idea from one of our members.
The weather was very much like today, though warmer. This was
an exercise in: good information; reasoned decision making; determined
effort; over preparation and plausible adventure.
First, good information. Truthfully, much improvement could be had on the information front. Somehow I reasoned the hike to the falls would be more of a lengthy stroll. This was failed reasoning. Little Wilson Falls is on the Appalachian Trail. In fact, it's part of the 100 mile wilderness. So, why I envisioned a stroll in the woods will remain an unanswered question. As a consequence some of our trekkers didn't have especially good footwear.
The weather was rainy in the morning. Some of the members knew what they were doing and brought along water resistant outerwear including pants. Wicked good idea! Wished I thunk uve it!!!
Now, reasoned decision making. My guide mentioned the hike to the falls was a bit over a mile. Ha! "Short walk that should be" I said to myself! So, I packed most of my camera gear into a pack and struck out with 35 pounds (plus or minus) of stuff. I thought about discarding an especially heavy lens, but my guide said "take it, you may need it!"
How gullible I be, and how he enjoyed exploiting my gullibility.
So, the heavy lens stayed in the pack. Everyone else had very
reasonable loads. I guess that showed where I stood in the Good
Judgement Section of the club.
Off we went down a modestly marked trail. Drizzly weather at first, but what's a little wet when great images await! Though much slipping and sliding was to be had, no broken bones or spirits were to be had [a little over the top on prose...]
Little Wilson Falls has tripod holes. There are few views to be had of this impressive cascade. The best views are to be had from a vantage not easily accessed. At least not by me. The sight is excellent. There are shots from above the falls, but you need to get in line for a shot at the falls from below! I expect an intrepid shooter could get across to the other side of the gorge for a full view, or do the 'salmon struggle' right up the stream (not recommended by me).
We had the company of hikers passing through. A couple of fellows who looked older than myself basically blew by me without sign of any exertion......don't I hate that!
The walk out proved to be the highlight. Apparently there are parallel trails. One is higher up from the Appalachian Trail, which is the one we took on the way in. The Appalachian Trail stayed near the flowage. The stretch from Little Wilson Falls down to the parking lot has many rips and small falls. The foliage wasn't at peak, but it was colorful.
We would have made a sight from above with members jagging off the trail looking for shooting opportunities then clamoring back up.
Despite the wet footing I took but one substantial "bottom bouncer". Much of the punishment was absorbed by my heavy backpack. Only seemed fair to me....
It was a very worth while effort. We now know of an excellent shooting location, and have a better sense of how to prepare. The upshot for me is you can never get enough experience. It would be better still if can remember what not to do the next time around.
By the way, our guide brought up a winter snowshoe adventure. How about a trek into Daicy Pond this February????
As an aside, I brought along my F5 (speaking of weight) and my lone roll of Kodachrome 25. The last lab processing Kodachromes will cease that effort in 2010. I saw no reason to wait exposing 36+ frames of this film. It came back earlier this week, and I think photographers (and Kodak) gave up on this film too early.
To quote Monty Python: "And now for something completely different."
Some of you are having trouble getting to our 2009-2010 website. Webmaster Joel has the following advice:
"What happens is, the computer thinks it is being helpful by saving copies of web pages the first time you visit them, then just reloads the same thing from your hard drive the next time you visit that page. It does make those pages load faster, but it doesn't show you updates when changes are made. You need to go back to the calendar web page, then click the REFRESH or RELOAD icon in your Internet browser. In Microsoft Internet Explorer, it's called "Refresh." In Firefox, it's called Reload. You can also get to it by clicking on the View menu item in either browser."
So, no excuse for not keeping up with the club calendar! Thank you Joel for this information.
Our next competition topic is "Still Life". The competition date is November 19.
Sunday, September 27, 2009
Nugent's Camps - Where's the Moose At?
September 18 to the 20th was quite an experience. Mary's two and a half hour travel estimate to the bridge at Chamberlain Lake proved quite accurate. I was riding with Dave Hacker and AJ Whitney when we shot across a substantial bridge. I thought I caught sight of a sign on the Ranger Station that said Chamberlain. So, I suggested we turn around. Good thing, because we were in the right place. We pulled out the Gazetteer anyway, and must have looked a little pitiful to the ranger. He came over and straightened us out as to our location. We were quite early. Could have stopped along the way, but did not. Ruth York beat us there, and was in the parking lot.
The wind was very fresh down the flowage. Whitecaps, in fact. I have to admit I was quite nervous about a boat ride to the camps. Chamberlain is a big lake. If there are whitecaps in a relatively sheltered flowage, what would the lake hold for us. I took a few minutes to assess what amongst my posessions would float. I had a nice dry bag with my clothes inside. I figured that would float and was big enough for me to ride for a time. If I could muckle on to a paddle, maybe I could paddle my way to shore in a pinch!
The caretaker from Nugent's arrived in a modest boat. He had a bit of trouble getting onto the dock. Not a good sign. He looked a wee bit pale to boot. He got out and asked me how I felt about getting to camp via solid ground. "Wicked good idea!" I replied. I felt much better.
The rest of the goup arrived shortly. Several of us piled into Nugent's Suburban, and I jumped in with Chuck Rohn. It was a short drive to the vehicle parking area, and a modest walk and ATV ride to the camps.
Mary brought along some help. I think
she figured Waldo could point a moose
or two. No such luck.
Some of us made it to an abandoned logging camp. I expect this location was
last used when logs were rafted down the lake during the days of log drives on the Penobscot watershed. Lots of debris. Many adult beverage bottles. I wonder what they did in their spare time?
Determined eyes watched for moose, but.....................................................
Things got better on Sunday. Two boats were rented and we struck out down the lake for a look at abandoned locomotives and an abandoned log tram. Chuck Rohn and Kerry Woodberry took the tillers on our boats. We discovered a treacherous landing on the other end. Lots of water too shallow to make it to shore in the boats, or too many rocks and boulders for our vessels. We had a couple desperate men to boot. Funny sight to see several of us wade ashore on our bare feet carrying our boots. Some things can't wait. No names mentioned, you guess.
The locomotives brought back childhood dreams for some. This one was caught by an alert club member. I wonder what all the fuss was about.......................
I have many more images to share, but I'm about to scream at this blogging software. Maybe I need coaching at the blogging thing!!!!
The upshot is, great time despite the weather. Nugent's took great care of us. I'll be happy to eat Stella's food anytime, and Rob and Stella are good hosts. Thanks, very much, to them!!
BlogDon
The wind was very fresh down the flowage. Whitecaps, in fact. I have to admit I was quite nervous about a boat ride to the camps. Chamberlain is a big lake. If there are whitecaps in a relatively sheltered flowage, what would the lake hold for us. I took a few minutes to assess what amongst my posessions would float. I had a nice dry bag with my clothes inside. I figured that would float and was big enough for me to ride for a time. If I could muckle on to a paddle, maybe I could paddle my way to shore in a pinch!
The caretaker from Nugent's arrived in a modest boat. He had a bit of trouble getting onto the dock. Not a good sign. He looked a wee bit pale to boot. He got out and asked me how I felt about getting to camp via solid ground. "Wicked good idea!" I replied. I felt much better.
The rest of the goup arrived shortly. Several of us piled into Nugent's Suburban, and I jumped in with Chuck Rohn. It was a short drive to the vehicle parking area, and a modest walk and ATV ride to the camps.
Our accommodations were excellent, even without running water. I don't think anyone was especially unhappy. The main lodge was very clean, and more importlantly, the food was plentiful and excellent! 
The cabins were comfortable. In fact, my cabinmates were quite
reluctant to get up at 5:30. One wanted a fire before getting out
of the covers.
Friday night and Saturday were blustery to say the least. The
wind whistled around our cabin all night. At the lake in front of the camp was a lovely pattern of white frothy ribbons from shore to shore. I was thinnking about more coffee, and maybe a good book. We had the coffee, but all I had to read was my D90 manual. I didn't see much intrigue in the manual. So, out we went. The wisdom was to stay on dry ground. I was all for that! We drove to a location where moose were rumored to hang out.
Many tracks and other sign, but no moose. That led me to figure the moose were either smarter than ourselves, or their presence was local folklore. I'd like to think we are smarter than the moose, but let's not rush to judgement.
One of our members set up a photographic ambush along the road.
No lack of ambition in our group!
Mary brought along some help. I think
she figured Waldo could point a moose
or two. No such luck.
Some of us made it to an abandoned logging camp. I expect this location was
last used when logs were rafted down the lake during the days of log drives on the Penobscot watershed. Lots of debris. Many adult beverage bottles. I wonder what they did in their spare time?
Determined eyes watched for moose, but.....................................................
Things got better on Sunday. Two boats were rented and we struck out down the lake for a look at abandoned locomotives and an abandoned log tram. Chuck Rohn and Kerry Woodberry took the tillers on our boats. We discovered a treacherous landing on the other end. Lots of water too shallow to make it to shore in the boats, or too many rocks and boulders for our vessels. We had a couple desperate men to boot. Funny sight to see several of us wade ashore on our bare feet carrying our boots. Some things can't wait. No names mentioned, you guess.
The locomotives brought back childhood dreams for some. This one was caught by an alert club member. I wonder what all the fuss was about.......................I have many more images to share, but I'm about to scream at this blogging software. Maybe I need coaching at the blogging thing!!!!
The upshot is, great time despite the weather. Nugent's took great care of us. I'll be happy to eat Stella's food anytime, and Rob and Stella are good hosts. Thanks, very much, to them!!
BlogDon
Saturday, September 5, 2009
Stonington Nights
Friday was an uncommon day in 2009, it didn't rain, nor did it threaten. I took this opportunity to burn some slide film and record a few hundred million bits of data on a memory card. Had I a phone scanner who knows what goodies I'd have from the neighboring homes....but that's not why I write. The moon was full. Maybe that's what drew me (and Joel) to Stonington?!
I've had a love affair with the moon. Quite distant, just as well I suppose. The visual atmosphere is unlike any other when the moon is full and the sky cooperative. Joel and I tried to convince Treasurer Suzanne to join us because she is a noted Deer Isle - Stonington photographic guide. Suzanne told us she'd 'druther be with her husband on his birthday that night. The guy has a birthday once a year. It's nice to know where we stand.
This proved to be a good learning experience for me. I've used graduated neutral density filters for a while. I've never bothered to do comparative shots with slide film just to prove the effect of this filter. I've always relied on the focus/exposure points of my camera (in spot metering mode) to tell me effect.
When the moon crept above the haze (remember, it's FRIDAY night) the sky was still quite bright from the setting sun and the harbor was in shadow. My metering points told me the sky 1.5 + stops over my exposure setting and the darker elements in the harbor were 2 stops under my exposure setting. I slide my 2-stop nutral grad filter down its mount while watching the sky dim in my viewfinder. Luckily I had some fresh coffee. That cleared a few things up............no, wait! We're talking 'dim' in the photographic sense! Anyway, the grad filter brought the sky down nicely. The darker elements in the harbor will still under exposed, but the grad allowed me to increase exposure of the whole scene raising the detail in these darker elements.
The other bit of learning was how pleasing twilight can be for w scenic, especially one with a lot of reflective elements. For a time the harbor took on the tone of the sky. In addition the lighting was quite uniform between the sky and the harbor. Good time to be out. Better if we knew the folks who were wooping it up so much.
This shot wasn't touched up any. I just liked the tone of the scene.
Don't forget that our next meeting is a competition night.
The subject is "Open". Should be easy to comply with the rules!
Saturday, August 22, 2009
Thoughts While Shaving - again
I got onto Photo.net and ran across an interesting series. Harold Davis is doing a series on creativity and inspiration. Gosh knows I am in need of a boot in the 'rear curtain' about now. It may be worth a look for you as well.
I also jumpped into a thread about camera gear. Someone has $1500 to invest in new Nikon gear and wanted advice between a high end consumer body and a lens (D90) or a low end pro body (D300). Regardless what you shoot you may want to look at the thread to see how people think about gear and why. Don't know about you, but $1500 is good money for almost anything.
I've gotten a suggestion on possible field trips in 2010: somebody in Lewiston has Clydsdales (don't know about a supply of Bud) and a nice farm on which to raise them. I can see a day imaging these beautiful animals. Maybe if the timing is right we can head over to Tabor's for ice cream and hit a bucket of golf balls off the driving range while other club members get some action shots.....
Then there is a Portland - Westbrook day trip. I'm to be incarcerated at a dog show with the woogums' next spring and it occurs to me that there could be some actin shots to be had at the show, and maybe an opportunity for some of you to help me escape to do some shooting in Portland. This isn't a plea, but the show isn't that close yet....
Please let me know if you have any interest in either trip...
Tuesday, August 18, 2009
Thoughts While Shaving
I never seem to be in the right place at the right time. I'll have some gear with me, and be on a tight schedule and not be able to take advantage of opportunities. Other times I've left gear at home and run across good opportunities with time for capture. Were I an optimist (or have better sense) I'd have my stuff at hand all the time.
Take a couple weekends ago. Me and the missus whuz in Montreal. I carried a camera body and two lenses around all day taking a few grab shots along the way. I got tired of lugging an SLR and left the thing in our room while we went to eat. Along the way I came upon a pretty person of the opposite gender sitting on the steps of a church. I had a terrific profile to look at from a distance and nothing with which to record it......
Speaking of gear, the Montreal trip reminded me of how much stuff I have that I seldom use. I have a few gadgets still in their original packaging....
Chris Cox brought up some shooting opportunities earlier this summer at charitable events. Hopefully he will keep us in mind whne he runs across future opportunities.
I hope all is well.
BlogDon
Take a couple weekends ago. Me and the missus whuz in Montreal. I carried a camera body and two lenses around all day taking a few grab shots along the way. I got tired of lugging an SLR and left the thing in our room while we went to eat. Along the way I came upon a pretty person of the opposite gender sitting on the steps of a church. I had a terrific profile to look at from a distance and nothing with which to record it......
Speaking of gear, the Montreal trip reminded me of how much stuff I have that I seldom use. I have a few gadgets still in their original packaging....
Chris Cox brought up some shooting opportunities earlier this summer at charitable events. Hopefully he will keep us in mind whne he runs across future opportunities.
I hope all is well.
BlogDon
Friday, July 31, 2009
Oops!
I'm off to a less than flying start. I mentioned two of our members doing well, but got the the first name wrong on one of them. We DO have a Marty Hipsky, we don NOT have an Alan......age comes so quickly!
NECCC and BSF & Stuff
Ok, I'm going to give this blog thing another try. I've got to be wary of sliding into 21st century technology lest I just become another tweet--er.
I wanted to share a couple observations from the New England Camera Club Council Conference. First, this year they had a few presenters who are from New England and are members of camera clubs in this region. Though I've not met any of them I do know of them. The thing I appreciate most is the recognition of the excellent photographic talent we have in this region, and how well they share their expertise. I was not disappointed with their effort.
Second, the tenor of the programs was oriented less towards software and more towards image making, travel, night photography, macro photography, flash photograhy, and other techniques. There was some Photoshop stuff and suff on high dynamic range, but generally the thrust of the programs was for inspiration and getting better at composition and expression.
I hope we can get a bigger group to go down in 2010. It was a good social opportunity (other than the fixation on past reproductive experiences), and the food is very good.
One of the Nikon presentors talked about something that struck a chord. Personally, I dislike spending time on a PC flubbing around with my image files in one of the software packages I don't understand how to use. I'd like to blame someone else for my feeble skills, but the truth is it's my lack of interest in becoming competent with the many and varied manipulations a person can do to an otherwise poorly executed exposure (I have LOTS of those, maybe we should have an exhibit "Bad Idea, PoorlyExecuted") is behind my dislike. The Nikon guy addressed this issue by stating he captures images in both raw and jpg format, and seldom uses the raw files. His shooting philosophy is to get the image "right" in camera so all he needs to do is either print or post the result. He did state he does crop and sharpen for prints, but little else. What a concept! Capture what you want in camera, and show everybody what you did!!
I know some of you get enjoyment out of working with software, and I encourage you to continue. For the rest of us........maybe we should go back to shooting the best shot we can do and not worry about what follows....
On to the Bangor Fair. thank you for all your help during collection, judging and hanging. We had a very good hanging crew. I guess a lot of you enjoy a good hangin' after a hard days work! We had several club members do well in the competiotion, including Alice Frati and Marty Hipsky with Best in Show awards.
I am curious, hopw many of you would like a club trip to the Philidelphia area........just an off the wall idea....
BlogDon
I wanted to share a couple observations from the New England Camera Club Council Conference. First, this year they had a few presenters who are from New England and are members of camera clubs in this region. Though I've not met any of them I do know of them. The thing I appreciate most is the recognition of the excellent photographic talent we have in this region, and how well they share their expertise. I was not disappointed with their effort.
Second, the tenor of the programs was oriented less towards software and more towards image making, travel, night photography, macro photography, flash photograhy, and other techniques. There was some Photoshop stuff and suff on high dynamic range, but generally the thrust of the programs was for inspiration and getting better at composition and expression.
I hope we can get a bigger group to go down in 2010. It was a good social opportunity (other than the fixation on past reproductive experiences), and the food is very good.
One of the Nikon presentors talked about something that struck a chord. Personally, I dislike spending time on a PC flubbing around with my image files in one of the software packages I don't understand how to use. I'd like to blame someone else for my feeble skills, but the truth is it's my lack of interest in becoming competent with the many and varied manipulations a person can do to an otherwise poorly executed exposure (I have LOTS of those, maybe we should have an exhibit "Bad Idea, PoorlyExecuted") is behind my dislike. The Nikon guy addressed this issue by stating he captures images in both raw and jpg format, and seldom uses the raw files. His shooting philosophy is to get the image "right" in camera so all he needs to do is either print or post the result. He did state he does crop and sharpen for prints, but little else. What a concept! Capture what you want in camera, and show everybody what you did!!
I know some of you get enjoyment out of working with software, and I encourage you to continue. For the rest of us........maybe we should go back to shooting the best shot we can do and not worry about what follows....
On to the Bangor Fair. thank you for all your help during collection, judging and hanging. We had a very good hanging crew. I guess a lot of you enjoy a good hangin' after a hard days work! We had several club members do well in the competiotion, including Alice Frati and Marty Hipsky with Best in Show awards.
I am curious, hopw many of you would like a club trip to the Philidelphia area........just an off the wall idea....
BlogDon
Wednesday, July 22, 2009
UpComing
The Bangor State Fair is coming right up. We can use some help on Wednesday July 29 to hang images. Please contact Mary or just show up at 5:30 or so.
Submittals must be ready by this Monday evening. Collection begins around 5:30.
I've included a shot from June's slide film effort. I've gotten some comments about how much time I played with this subject. What do you think?
Wednesday, July 8, 2009
Transition at Hand
We are in the process of a transition. Before you get carried away, there is nothing personal going on here. All business. Mary was or chief blogger. Now she is the chief aperture of the club, the head ISO as it were. I, agreeable me, am in the process of taking on this blog stuff. Just call me BlogDon.
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