SnapShots Official Newsletter of the Capital City Camera Club January 2008
2008: The Year Ahead Let’s get started!
Club Officers
Chuck Rice – President Robert Thomson – Vice President Open – Secretary Don Ball – Treasurer
Club Members
Don Ball Judy Barranco Ron (Bart) Bartoszewicz Sherry Beazley Anna Bishop Donna Blanks Jessica Bowman Barbara Bryan Sandra Campbell Carla Copeland Aleah Goode Rhonda Goode Tim Goode Sandra M. Harris Les Hayles Frank Heatherly Beverly Henry Jan Hoffman Jeannine Keener Ronald Klein Francis Knighten Amanda Kuykendall Jesse Kuykendall Nathan Kuykendall Robert Lake Walter Mayer Lori Mercer Clyde Mills Curtis Miyasaka Jim Pappanastos Judi Parks DiAnna Paulk Carl (Snake) Saunders Diane Sims Leah Smith Darryl Spaulding Lori Sullivan Eleanor Thomas Michael Ware Constance Westover (Editor)
Are you missing from the list? Many of our members dues were due January 2008. Please make sure you’re up-to-date! We want you to stay a member.
A few words from the Club President Exposure
T
he Capital City Camera Club is made up of a diverse group of people who look at our main joint interest, photography, from many different viewpoints. Some of us are strict conservatives who feel that the tried and true ways of the past are the best while some of us are very liberal in our views of the art form, thinking that we should push the boundaries to the point of breaking. Most of us fall somewhere in between those two extremes, appreciating both the old ways and they new. None of us have the correct answer for everyone. In fact, this art, like all art, really answers to only one critic. You. What speaks to you? And, in a nutshell, that is the strength of the Capital City Camera Club. We don’t all like the same thing which makes for a diverse experience every time we get together. And when you’re exposed to other peoples preferences and discuss with them why they hold those preferences, it helps to shape and change and mold our own opinions. In photography the term exposure means the amount of light you focus on the film or digital media. The term can also be applied to our club. The exposure that we get to others ideas and knowledge will, in the long run make each of us better photographers. The amount of light that we let in from other people can only help to illuminate our perceptions. Our club is like a lens with the f-stop set to wide open. If you are a member of the Capital City Camera Club then you are part of the light and I want to thank you for sharing that with all of us. If you’re not a member of the club then you need to consider joining so that you can add to the light!
2008 Club Meeting Dates
2008 Business Meeting Dates
January 14 February 11 March 10 April 14 May 12 June 9 July 14 August 11 September 8 October 13 November 10 December 8
January 28 February 25 March 31 April 28 May 26 June 23 July 28 August 25 September 22 October 27 November 24 December 22
Dates are subject to change. Attend meetings or visit the club website for the most upto-date changes.
Club Meeting - January 14th
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t the January club meeting, Chuck Rice gave instruction on how to utilize the Capital City Camera Club’s website, www.photoclub.org. He reviewed how to upload images to your own gallery, how to access and enter the on-line competition, using the member’s only section of the website and an introduction to the chat room, a new addition to the website.
Club members listen intently as Chuck reviews the website.
Membership in the Capital City Camera Club is open to anyone having an interest in photography regardless of skill level. The Club offers members an opportunity to learn more about their hobby or craft and to share individual photographic knowledge or experiences with other members. We are an active group, with bi-monthly competitions, programs, and monthly field trips to places that offer us the chance to photograph things of interest. The Club, which currently has around 50 members, meets on the second Monday of each month at the Eastmont Baptist Church, 4505 Atlanta Highway at 7:00 p.m.
Interested in increasing your knowledge of Photography in 2008? Consider the following: Rocky Mountain School of Photography:
We are excited to be headed your way again! For 2008, recognizing that digital technology and photography are inseparable; we have combined the best aspects of our Digital and Photo Weekends into one comprehensive experience. Get the latest photography instruction that’s appropriate for both the digital and film shooter. Spend two days learning in a relaxed but information-filled weekend with three of our best instructors. The event will be held at the Doubletree Club Hotel at the Atlanta Airport. See www.rmsp.com for detailed information. ATLANTA, GA January 26-27, 2008 One-day Price: $109 Two-day Price: $169
New York Institute of Photography
Whether you want to become a professional photographer or simply enhance your basic skills, New York Institute of Photography, the world’s largest photography school can help you. Instruction by respected real-life photographers combined with our online magazine and featured tips provide an unparalleled level of support to guide you through the amazing landscape of traditional or digital photography.
Auburn University Montgomery Photography Certificate Certificate Program
New students may enter the Photography Certificate Program in either the Fall or Spring semester. Summer course offerings are electives only. The AUM Photography Certificate Program is an excellent means to develop your talents as a professional photographer or a serious hobbyist. The program is designed for those who work in commercial photography, marketing, public relations, or graphic design. Non-certificate students are welcome to take individual courses, providing prerequisites are met. To earn the certificate, you must complete three core courses totaling 40 hours of classroom instruction, and an additional 24 hours of elective courses. Photography I is an introduction to 35mm film and digital photography and requires that you have a removable lens camera. (8 sessions) Photography II allows you to use what you learned in Photography I with an emphasis on location shoots and studio lighting. (Prerequisite: Photography I). (7 sessions) Image Processing teaches you to get the most out of your digital camera. Learn to transfer images to your computer and to make basic adjustments with the photo manipulation software, Photoshop Elements. Format images for e-mailing or printing, adjust your monitor and printer for the highest quality images, and correct flaws in images from your camera or scanner. (5 sessions) $179 is the fee for each Photography core class. MONTGOMERY LOCATION 911-A Photography I Jan. 14-Mar 10 (M) 6:00-8:00 p.m. Paul Robertson, Jr. Location: North Room, 10th Floor, Library Tower, AUM 912-A Photography II Mar. 17-Apr. 28 (M) 6:00-8:00 p.m. Paul Robertson, Jr. Location: North Room, 10th Floor, Library Tower, AUM 913-A Image Processing Feb. 6-Mar. 5 (W) 6:00-8:00 p.m. Stacy Klinkhammer Location: 205 Goodwyn Hall, AUM PRATTVILLE LOCATION 911-P Photography I Jan. 14-Mar 3 (M) 6:00-8:00 p.m. Barry Chrietzberg Location: Cultural Arts Center 203 W. 4th Street, Prattville 912-P Photography II Mar. 10-Apr. 21(M) 6:00-8:00 p.m. Barry Chrietzberg Location: Cultural Arts Center 203 W. 4th Street, Prattville
Places I’ve Seen: Patagonia
Special Awards and Recognition
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Barbara Bryan
ongratulations to Barbara for winning the Capital City Camera’s Club’s December on-line competition! There were seven entries in December’s competition. Members were allowed to choose the photo they thought was best by voting on-line, which ended up in a three way tie between “Stairway to the Stars . . . RSA Tower”, “Window Dressing” and “Christmas Pollen”. The three images involved in the tie were voted upon at the January meeting by club members who were present. Barbara’s image, “Stairway to the Stars . . . RSA Tower, received the most votes. All pictures can be viewed on the club website in the gallery section. Congrats again to Barbara for a job well done!
“Stairway to the Stars...RSA Tower”
Share Your Sources
A space in the newsletter will be reserved for you to share your sources with other club members. Let’s help each other out and create a referral list for sources that we received good service from, reliable source for equipment or source for photoshop filters, etc.
(A Region of Chile and Argentina)
Photos of people are often good from anywhere and everywhere in the world. With regard to landscapes, with or without wildlife, it helps to have some natural beauty with which to work. I have photographed Mount Everest from an airplane as it pierced majestically through the clouds, and filmed black rhino from the back of an elephant several hours a day for nearly a week in the grasslands of southern Nepal. I have snapped photos of the pyramids in several places on two occasions (1998 and 2000), and scenes from the top of Mount Sinai in Egypt (The locals only call it Moses Mountain). I spent several rolls of film just before and after the sun peeked over the highest edge of the Grand Canyon in the U.S. I have burned film from one end of Norway to the other, especially in the beautiful Lofoten Islands / Vestfjord Straits area on its western coast. All of the locations were breathtaking places. However, if God made a more awesome place on this earth than where I am right now, in Patagonia, specifically the glaciers scattered around Beagle Canal, he saved it for just himself to see. Of the fifty-plus countries I have photographed, nothing even comes close to this place in beauty, in my opinion. This morning at daybreak, October 31, 2006, I sit here, sipping strong, hot coffee, as the ship eases through the Beagle and Murray Channels, in what is very early spring in this part of the world. The temperature hovers at 30 degrees F. I am popping photo after photo of pure sublime beauty. I am aware that I just turned 66 years old. It would have been a shame for me to have missed all this, considering how much I love this kind of place. If my photos do not do it justice, I have only myself to blame. The scenery is here! (An aside) Actually, it is very easy to blow great photo opportunities. Six years ago I took 180 shots (5 rolls of 36 slides per roll) from a shallow- submerged submarine in the Red Sea- one of the premier underwater coral and wildlife spots in the world- and not one photo was really a “keeper”. That keeps me humble with regard to my skills.
Frank Heatherly
Club Members: It’s your turn! Submit your travel story and pictures next month!
I
recently had the fun experience of getting my driver’s license renewed. After spending the morning making sure every hair was in place and the makeup was just right, I went to get my driver’s license, just knowing it was going to be a great picture and one I could proudly display to the police officer if I got pulled over for speeding. Boy, was I wrong. What I received was a picture that was depressingly horrible and I hope to never have to pull out of my wallet for any reason. This got me to thinking about something else. Hoping to take a cruise in March, I started checking passport requirements. The law has recently changed regarding this issue, so if you are planning to travel out of country, you might want to start reading up on it. I traveled out of country with the military but never on my own as a civilian so I don’t have a passport. Which brings up another issue: Is this going to be a horrible picture too? Using my tripod and lights, I can take my own picture, but there are strict rules that must be followed in order for the picture to be accepted. Please access the website below for a complete guide or if you have problems, let me know and I’ll email the pdf to you. http://travel.state.gov/passport/guide/guide_2081.html
Passport Photo Review Constance Westover, Snapshots Editor
U.S. Passport & U.S. Visa Photography Guidelines for Producing High Quality Photographs for U.S.Travel Documents Technological advances have changed the way passport and visa photos may be taken and the way that the U.S. Department of State processes the photos. This brochure is to help photographers ensure that: • Customers are accurately represented and • Photos are free of common defects that cause delays
*This pdf was emailed to members in January 2008.
Head Position & Background • Head should be positioned directly facing the camera • Photo should capture from slightly above top of hair to middle of chest • Eyes should be open and looking at the camera
The brochure is designed to unfold into a small, wall-mountable poster, useful as a practical, professional reference. Please take the time to become familiar with the information provided. With your help producing good quality photos for U.S. passports and U.S. visas, the Department of State can process the applications efficiently. As a result, we will both have satisfied customers!
• Eyeglasses should be worn if normally used by the subject • Glare on eyeglasses can usually be avoided with a slight upward or downward tilt of the head • Background should be plain white or off-white • Include headpieces if worn daily for religious purposes; they should not obscure or cast shadows on the eyes or any other part of the face Head Not Facing Camera
Head Facing Camera
Glare on Glasses
No Glare on Glasses
Background Not Plain
Plain Background
The Department of State travel information web site (http://travel.state.gov) contains further technical information on passport and visa photograph preparation requirements.
February Field Trip
Montgomery Zoo
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he Capital City Camera Club’s February 16th field trip will be to the Montgomery Zoo. Club members will meet at the zoo at a time specified at the February meeting. Club field trips are always fun, but it’s a blast when a lot of members participate. If you haven’t been on a club field trip before, this will be a great opportunity as it close to home. So, please make plans to go!
These photos were taken during a 2007 Capital City Camera Club field trip to the Montgomery Zoo.
2007 Zo o Field Tr ip
Pa rt ic ip an ts
LOCATION The Zoo is located south off Northern Blvd. between Lower Wetumpka Road and Coliseum Blvd. Access to the Zoo is available from either Northern Blvd, Vandiver Blvd, or Fairground Road. ADMISSION The Montgomery Zoo is open year round with the exception of Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day* and New Years Day. The zoo opens at 9:00 am and closes at 5:00 pm. The last ticket is sold at 4:30 and the major animal exhibits begin going in to their enclosures for the night. • Children 2 and under - FREE • Children ages 3-12 Zoo only -- $5.00 | Museum only -- $4.00 | Combo -- $8.00 • Adults Zoo only -- $8.00 | Museum only -- $6.00 | Combo -- $12.00 • Sr. Citizens Zoo only -- $5.00 | Museum only -- $4.00 | Combo -- $8.00 Group discounts, Senior Citizen, AAA and Military discounts are available. Handicap Access The Montgomery Zoo is handicap accessible. In addition, wheelchairs are available at the Zoofari Gift Shop on a first come, first serve basis. Please see someone at the admissions window inside the gift shop for assistance.
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“Reg al R ap to r” Ca rl Saun de rs
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Stroller Rentals Stroller rentals are available at the Zoofari Gift Shop. Strollers are available on a first come, first serve basis. Single stroller rentals are $5.00 with a $5.00 deposit and double strollers are $7.00 with a $5.00 deposit. TRAIN RIDES While a walk through the zoo is a wonderful way to spend an afternoon, a train ride can add a little touch of excitement! The zoo offers a miniature train that guest may ride for an adventure around the zoo for $2.00.
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ZOO Residents include over 500 animals from five different continents, all housed in natural, barrier-free habitats. The Zoo spans over 40 beautifully landscaped acres, offering you a magnificent view of exotic wildlife and endangered species. By leisurely stroll, or with a ride on the miniature train, the Montgomery Zoo is a sight to see! MANN MUSEUM And while you are visiting the Zoo, don’t forget about the Mann Museum. The museum hosts over 275 exhibits of wildlife, various fresh and saltwater fish, reptiles and insects that are found in North America. It also houses over 70 exhibits that are mounted in life size. The museum displays are unique in that the visitor can view the exhibit from three sides, under special lighting. Visitors also have the opportunity to hear natural sounds of the many North American animals.
REFRESHMENTS - CONCESSIONS At The Overlook Café you can enjoy hot dogs, hamburgers, sandwiches and a drink. Or you can sit for a moment and enjoy a tasty ice cream. In addition, kiosks are located throughout the zoo which house drink machines and snack machines for your convenience. GENERAL INFORMATION AND QUESTIONS Call [334] 240-4900 The Montgomery Zoo | Mann Museum 2301 Coliseum Parkway Montgomery, AL 36110
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January On-Line Competition “ABSTRACT” Enter by January 31. (Members Only) Visit wwww.photoclub.org to review the 2008 competition rules!
February Club Competition held at our February 11th meeting. “Old Buildings” and “Open” Membership required to enter photos. The public and anyone interested in photography is invited to view the competition.