Zoom Meeting
Members Only

Join us for an evening of learning with Joe Reardon:

Joe Reardon is a Master Photographer born and raised in Boston, Massachusetts. His passion for photography began while in his teens when his dad presented him with a 35mm camera that he had won at a local tavern poker game. From the moment he saw his first images he knew that photography would be his voice in the world. Joe pursued formal photography training as a military photographer in the US Navy and graduating from the New England School of Photography. Joe’s work has afforded him the unique opportunity to travel the world and to capture the essence of nature everywhere he has visited.

Joe regularly leads workshops locally, nationally, and internationally. He has produced numerous videos for Topaz Labs over the years and currently also teaches individuals and groups in post process editing.

Members Only

FABLES AND FOLKLORE

The Tarkington

Join GHDT for the highly anticipated return of the popular PINOCCHIO!  In Executive Artistic Director Gregory Hancock’s adaptation of PINOCCHIO, the lonely Geppetto, an inventor of “Steampunk” dolls and robots, longs for a real human child which results in consequential adventure.  Two World Premieres created by Mr. Hancock will also be performed.  GOLEM, drawn from Czech folklore is the story of a clay golem created by a rabbi to protect the Jewish ghetto of Prague from persecution.  And the final tale featuring original music by GHDT collaborator and composer Cory Gabel, XOCHITL AND HUITZILIN will tell the Aztec story of young love, separation and reunification.

The deadline for turning in Competition images is Thursday, April 4. Check the website for the latest details

This month’s topic is “Macro/CloseUp”

April Topic: Closeup/Macro

Macro photography involves taking close-up pictures of small subjects, making them appear life-sized, or larger in the final image. It's ideal for capturing tiny wonders like insects, dewdrops, or the intricate details of a flower at a real scale of 1:1 to 10:1, ie, the size of the subject on the camera sensor is as large as, or larger than, its size in real life

To capture compelling macro photographs, consider the following artistic approaches:

•  Focus on Detail: Macro photography allows you to capture intricate details that are not visible to the naked eye, such as the texture of a leaf or the patterns on an insect's wings
.

•  Play with Depth of Field: A shallow depth of field can isolate your subject, making it stand out against a blurred background
.

•  Experiment with Lighting: Proper lighting can enhance the textures and colors of your subject. Natural light is often preferred, but diffusers and artificial light sources can also be used effectively3
.

•  Change Your Perspective: Try shooting from different angles to find unique compositions. For example, photographing a subject from below can provide a fresh perspective.

•  Add Elements: Introducing elements like water droplets can add visual interest to your macro shots.

•  Use Manual Focus: Autofocus may struggle with the fine details in macro photography, so manual focusing can help you achieve the desired sharpness
.

•  Be Patient: Macro photography often requires waiting for the perfect moment, especially when dealing with moving subjects like insects.

Close-up photography focuses a larger portion of the subject compared to the background but the magnification is less than life size (1:1). It's well-suited for portraits focusing on facial features, capturing textures of food, or showcasing the details of a piece of jewelry. which can include any photo that shows the subject in more detail than usual.

Here are some Tips on capturing captivating close-up images:

• Light plays a starring role: Lighting is crucial for highlighting textures, patterns, and tiny details. Experiment with natural light, diffusers, or artificial lighting to create dramatic effects.

• Shallow depth of field: This technique throws the background out of focus, drawing the viewer's eye right to your close-up subject. Achieve this with a wide aperture (low f-number) on your lens.

• Find unique angles and perspectives: Don't be afraid to get down low, tilt your camera, or explore unconventional angles. This can add a fresh perspective to a familiar subject.

• Abstract interpretations: Close-up shots can be used to create abstract compositions by focusing on textures, shapes, and patterns. Let the viewer use their imagination to interpret the image.

This month’s topic includes images taken using both of the approaches.

Resourceful Websites with Macro/Closeup Photography Samples:

https://www.naturephotographers.network/articles/the-changing-face-of-macro-photography/

https://www.thephotoargus.com/beautiful-examples-of-macro-photography/

https://youtu.be/VWW0Q2ozVH8

MEMBERS ONLY

Join us for an evening of macro photography, featuring our own members!

We will have several displays set up where we can practice shooting macro:
- John Toksoy will show us his techniques for shooting insects,
- Scott Kinzie will talk about background choices,
- Colleen Sizemore will demonstrate her macro style.
- In addition, Jonesy will have his photobox and
- Ron Shimanek will discuss using extension tubes and diopters in lieu of a macro lens.

One of the best ways to learn is by doing! So come to play and bring your camera, tripod, macro lens (if you have one) and any other accessories you use. If you want to practice with your speedlight(s) or ring flash, bring that along as well. Let’s learn from each other.

Reminder - our monthly competition images for “Macro/Close Up” are due April 4; this might be your chance to get that award winning shot

Join us for a special access field trip to the National Model Aviation Museum, located in Muncie Indiana.

This is a private opening for our club. The cost is $8.00 per person and they only accept cash (they will not be open to the public and will not have access to their credit card readers)

The museum is closed to public in March. However, we will be the guests of museum director Michael Smith

Place: National Model Aviation Museum
Address: 5151 E Memorial Dr, Muncie IN 47302

Date: March 23, 2024

Time: 10:30 AM - 1:00 PM

Museum info at: www.modelaircraft.org/museum/museum-info

Members Only
Meeting at the IAC

The March competition/critique Topic is “Curves” (PRINT FORMAT). Please consult our page https://photoventure.org/how-to-enter-competitions for print competition specifics.

Curves are more than just lines with softer edges. They are visual magnets that draw the viewer’s eye through the frame, creating a sense of depth and dynamism, and draw our attention to specific points within the frame. Curves add a touch of the unexpected, breaking the monotony of straight lines and captivating the viewer’s attention.

Using curves effectively can create powerful compositional magic. The graceful sway of a winding road, winding rivers or undulating sand dunes, the sensual arch of a dancer’s back, the mesmerizing spiral of a seashell – all embody the alluring theme of curves and invite a deeper exploration of the image. Their inherent fluidity evokes emotions like grace, sensuality, and even mystery, adding a layer of intrigue to the captured scene.

In short, curves are more than just shapes – they are visual stories waiting to be told.

https://skylum.com/blog/guide-for-curved-lines-photography
https://digital-photography-school.com/composing-with-curves/
https://www.nyfa.edu/student-resources/how-to-compose-with-curves/

Our judge is Greg Mitchell: Retired Professional Photographer 

“If the photographer is interested in the people in front of his lens, and if he is compassionate, it’s already a lot. The instrument is not the camera but the photographer.”
— Eve Arnold 

I started my photography journey while attending elementary school in Muncie Indiana.  My father was our family shutterbug, and I can say my first influence on the art form.  At that time, using his Yashica 35mm camera, most of my images were of family vacations and members of our family. I developed my first roll of film and used a darkroom kit that he purchased from the Sears & Roebuck catalog while in elementary school.  Moving along, I did some photography for high school.

After college and moving to Indianapolis, I embraced the world of photography and have engaged in and seen the changes over the years. I started a part time job at Post Photo in North Delaware, later worked at David Camera Repair on Rockville Road. Then, I accepted the offer of a position at Robert’s Distributors. My growing wedding shooting interfered with Saturday workdays. So, I opened a commercial studio in Irvington to complement that. However, the business side of the storefront was something unfamiliar to me, and I closed the studio with no regrets.

I became a contract photographer for an upscale photography studio and did wedding and event photography for over twenty years. I did official photography for all construction on the Indianapolis Victory Field baseball stadium. I became the official photographer for the Indiana House of Representatives for twenty years.  During these times I was also an instructor for Continuing Education in photography for IUPUI.  I've judged and critiqued local photography clubs and at the Greenfield Riley Days Photography competition for the last five years.

But through it all, I've never lost the excitement and feelings of hearing that shutter sound and “hoping” I've captured that moment in time.

Members Only

Zoom Meeting

Images from another intrepid traveler! This time Jen Spence with share her iphonography skills from her recent trip to the UK. Enjoy the beautiful architecture, quaint locales and stunning landscapes all captured with the new iphone 15. Get shooting tips for your next great adventure.

Members Only

Join us for an evening with photographer Eileen Cote as she shares elements of posing and connecting with your subjects.

A note from Eileen:

I’m looking forward to speaking with everyone at Photo Venture. It’s my first home when it comes to my photography family.

I was inspired by so many in this amazing group of photographers to take my photography from a hobbyist to a professional.

I joined PPA and entered their competitions. By doing this and working the print judging within the surrounding states also attending yearly classes, I was educated on what I needed to look for when capturing an image to make it look its best instead of overshooting and hoping for the best.

I have won several awards: Kodak Gallery Awards, Fuji Masterpiece Awards, earned my Master of Photography Degree, Photographic Craftsman and I am Certified. These goals were earned for my own validation.

I am excited to share some posing tips and lens selections, and their purpose, to help fine tune your images

Just a reminder, we have a board meeting, Thursday, March 7, 6 PM at Focus On. Officers and Committee chairs - be ready to represent

The deadline for turning in Competition images is Thursday, March 7. Check the website for the latest details

This month’s topic is “Curves” This is a PRINT competition. Please consult our page https://photoventure.org/how-to-enter-competitions for print competition specifics

Curves are more than just lines with softer edges. They are visual magnets that draw the viewer’s eye through the frame, creating a sense of depth and dynamism, and draw our attention to specific points within the frame. Curves add a touch of the unexpected, breaking the monotony of straight lines and captivating the viewer’s attention.

Using curves effectively can create powerful compositional magic. The graceful sway of a winding road, winding rivers or undulating sand dunes, the sensual arch of a dancer’s back, the mesmerizing spiral of a seashell – all embody the alluring theme of curves and invite a deeper exploration of the image. Their inherent fluidity evokes emotions like grace, sensuality, and even mystery, adding a layer of intrigue to the captured scene.

In short, curves are more than just shapes – they are visual stories waiting to be told.

https://skylum.com/blog/guide-for-curved-lines-photography
https://digital-photography-school.com/composing-with-curves/
https://www.nyfa.edu/student-resources/how-to-compose-with-curves/

“If the photographer is interested in the people in front of his lens, and if he is compassionate, it’s already a lot. The instrument is not the camera but the photographer.” — Eve Arnold

Our judge is Greg Mitchell, Retired Professional Photographer::
I started my photography journey while attending elementary school in Muncie Indiana. My father was our family shutterbug, and I can say my first influence on the art form. At that time, using his Yashica 35mm camera, most of my images were of family vacations and members of our family. I developed my first roll of film and used a darkroom kit that he purchased from the Sears & Roebuck catalog while in elementary school. Moving along, I did some photography for high school.

After college and moving to Indianapolis, I embraced the world of photography and have engaged in and seen the changes over the years. I started a part time job at Post Photo in North Delaware, later worked at David Camera Repair on Rockville Road. Then, I accepted the offer of a position at Robert’s Distributors. My growing wedding shooting interfered with Saturday workdays. So, I opened a commercial studio in Irvington to complement that. However, the business side of the storefront was something unfamiliar to me, and I closed the studio with no regrets.

I became a contract photographer for an upscale photography studio and did wedding and event photography for over twenty years. I did official photography for all construction on the Indianapolis Victory Field baseball stadium. I became the official photographer for the Indiana House of Representatives for twenty years. During these times I was also an instructor for Continuing Education in photography for IUPUI. I've judged and critiqued local photography clubs and at the Greenfield Riley Days Photography competition for the last five years.

But through it all, I've never lost the excitement and feelings of hearing that shutter sound and “hoping” I've captured that moment in time.

Members Only

On the afternoon of April 8, 2024, a total solar eclipse – the first since the Great American Eclipse in 2017 and the last until August 2044 – will arc across the southern half of Indiana from southwest to northeast.

Leap Day falls on Thursday this year, and we have an exciting program to prepare us for shooting the solar eclipse.

Our own Cindy Breneman will discuss the gear and settings needed to shoot this special event. So bring your camera gear to compare and ask questions. Cindy will help you get prepared for the big shoot! Click here to download her presentation and click here for her handouts.

MEMBERS ONLY

Meeting via Zoom

Learn how to use Photopills from our own Michael Jack!

Photopills is an “ALL IN ONE APP”

No matter the type of photography you love: Landscape, Milky Way, Moon, Sunrise, Sunset, Architecture, Star Trails, Drone, Meteor Showers, Solar eclipse, Lunar Eclipse, Time lapse, Wedding, Portrait or Travel...

PhotoPills is your photography planning app. It helps you PLAN your photos ahead of time… So you’re always at the right place at the right time to capture the best photo possible.

Members Only
Zoom

The February competition/critique Topic is "Barbie" (Or Oversaturated Colors)

Could you term the competition "Hypercolor" with the following description?

Hypercolor photography takes viewers’ imagination on a vibrant journey beyond the visible spectrum, amplifying colors into surreal landscapes and electrifying portraits….etc.

This artistic style embraces approaches like the use of infrared conversion and colored gel filters. Infrared conversion transforms cameras to capture near-infrared light, bathing foliage in fiery oranges and rendering skin with an ethereal, otherworldly glow. Alternatively, colored gel filters, manipulation of visible light, saturating landscapes and portraits with unnatural, electric hues to create a neon dreamscape effect. Post processing also can be used to create hypersaturated renderings of everyday scenes.

The recent popular movie ‘Barbie’ has explored many possibilities of the use of hypercolor to communicate the sensual and surreal scenes. Hypercolor photography invites viewers to reimagine the world through a prism of pure, unapologetic color.

Judge: Kenneth Keifer
Since before his days as a high school yearbook photographer, Ken Keifer, has loved photography...the art, the craft, the science, the colors, geometry, emotion, play of light and shadows, recording a special moment in time and space....everything about it! Photography is a passion of Ken's that helps satisfy his God-given creative drive. Ken loves what Ansel Adams, arguably the greatest landscape photographer ever, once said, "Sometimes I get to places just when God's ready to have somebody click the shutter." Ken, a frequent speaker and judge at camera clubs and artist groups, is consistently ranked one of Indiana's best photographers. He recently topped a list of "5 Best Landscape Photographers of Indianapolis" by PeerSpace and has previously been named one of Indiana's Top Ten Photographers by the Indianapolis Professional Photographers Guild. In addition to a couple of 2023 US postage stamps, his award-winning work has been featured by USA Today, CNN Travel, Pure Michigan, Visit Indiana, many websites, international television shows, books, travel guides and maps, calendars, concerts and music videos, airports, businesses, thousands of offices and private homes, and in churches in all fifty states and around the world.

Kenneth's website is https://kennethkeifer.smugmug.com/.

Worlds Greatest Hobby on Tour- Model Trains
Location: Indiana State Fairgrounds- Expo Hall (meet at the show entrance)
Date & Time: Sunday February 11 - 11AM - 2PM

Can (John) Toksoy is handling this field trip. If you have questions, please call him at 317-445-6303 or email him at Cantoksoy@outlook.com

For those of you who wants to share a ride, I can pick 4 people at Lowes parking lot located at 6002 N. Rural Road. It is on Keystone and south of 62st street. Please be there at the latest 10:25am. I will start driving to the State Fairgrounds at 10:30. Anyone who wants to share a ride, please respond to this communication indicating that you will be there for me to pick you up. If no responses to this message, I will not be there to pick you up.

Admission prices went up to $15 per person and Parking is $10 per car. Event organizer will let 5 of us free. If we are more than five, we will share the cost of entry equally. If 10 people shows up the cost for each will be ((10 - 5) * 15) / 10 = $7.50 Hope to see you on Sunday

The Owner and President of the event accepted our invitation to photograph the event

We have 5 free passes and we believe we can get a few more. If not, participants will equally share the cost of entry - Probably $2-$6 per person if more than 5 participants

Entry fee is $11 per person and parking $10 per car - As we have done in the past, we can car pool and bring the parking cost down

GOAL: Capture the event from different views

1. Layouts of the train tracks

2. Trains themselves, either in motion or stationary. Capture the details of engines, cars and other components

3. Take pictures of People attending the show, including the exhibitors and vistors

4. Vendors: Photograph the vendor booths selling model train-related items such as tracks, engines, and accessories

5. Signage: Take pictures of the signs and banners that advertise the show and provide information about the exhibits. Capture unique designs and colors of the signage

Click here if we don’t have a waiver from you in the last two years

THE WILD WILD WEST

The Florence

GHDT brings the American Old West into the black-box cabaret setting for a fun theatrical experience giving a nod to the Western movies of old Hollywood.  Complete with cowboys, gunslingers, bandits, townsfolk, lawmen and saloon girls, this interactive performance will feature renowned music from popular TV and movie Westerns with costumes of yesteryear.

With spring and summer approaching, some of our thoughts may turn to entering photography competitions and shows, such as the annual Indiana State Fair competition.

At Thursday’s meeting, longtime Photo Venture member Eric Schoch will discuss Printing for Competitions.

The presentation will focus on producing quality prints, and on producing successful prints. Eric has received multiple awards at the fair and other competitions over the years, and last summer printed the images for the club’s state fair entry, which won first place in the club competition.

Click here to download Eric’s presentation

About Eric:

”I am a lens-based visual artist exploring shapes, line, color and tone in images of the city and the countryside, and in portraits, presented in various levels of abstraction.

I am self-taught in photography, and have been influenced by workshops and seminars with John Paul Caponigro in Maine, Sam Abell on Whidbey Island, Wash., Art Wolfe in the Blue Ridge Mountains and the Olympic Peninsula, and Thom Hogan in Patagonia and South Africa.

I have shown work at the Indiana Landmarks Center, Five Seasons Studio and M10 Studio in Indianapolis, the Clark Gallery at the Honeywell Center in Wabash, Ind., the Opera House Gallery of Contemporary Art in Delphi, Ind., and in Black and White magazine. I am a member of the Full Circle Nine artist cooperative in Indianapolis.”

You can view Eric’s work at https://www.ericschochphotography.com/index

THE WILD WILD WEST

The Florence

GHDT brings the American Old West into the black-box cabaret setting for a fun theatrical experience giving a nod to the Western movies of old Hollywood.  Complete with cowboys, gunslingers, bandits, townsfolk, lawmen and saloon girls, this interactive performance will feature renowned music from popular TV and movie Westerns with costumes of yesteryear.

MEMBER ONLY

Join us for an evening of film photography, with local photographer Steve Brokaw

Steve is a professional portrait, beauty and fashion photographer based in Indianapolis / Carmel, IN, USA.

His focus is commercial & editorial fashion, beauty and portraits / headshots. He collaborates with photography / HMUA Emmy Elle at Studio E in Carmel, IN (a north-side suburb of Indianapolis).

Studio E is located at: 1030 South Rangeline Rd, Suite 230, Carmel, IN 46032

Steve is active on social media. If you want to follow him or see what's going on he is most active on Instagram and Twitter.

Click here to visit his main website
Click here to visit his blog
Click here to visit his Instagram film page

View Steve’s PowerPoint presentation

The deadline for turning in Competition images is Thursday, February 1. Check the website for the latest details

This month’s topic is “Barbie (or oversaturated colors)”

Could you term the competition "Hypercolor" with the following description?

Hypercolor photography takes viewers’ imagination on a vibrant journey beyond the visible spectrum, amplifying colors into surreal landscapes and electrifying portraits….etc.

This artistic style embraces approaches like the use of infrared conversion and colored gel filters. Infrared conversion transforms cameras to capture near-infrared light, bathing foliage in fiery oranges and rendering skin with an ethereal, otherworldly glow. Alternatively, colored gel filters, manipulation of visible light, saturating landscapes and portraits with unnatural, electric hues to create a neon dreamscape effect. Post processing also can be used to create hypersaturated renderings of everyday scenes.

The recent popular movie ‘Barbie’ has explored many possibilities of the use of hypercolor to communicate the sensual and surreal scenes. Hypercolor photography invites viewers to reimagine the world through a prism of pure, unapologetic color.

Judge: Kenneth Keifer
Since before his days as a high school yearbook photographer, Ken Keifer, has loved photography...the art, the craft, the science, the colors, geometry, emotion, play of light and shadows, recording a special moment in time and space....everything about it! Photography is a passion of Ken's that helps satisfy his God-given creative drive. Ken loves what Ansel Adams, arguably the greatest landscape photographer ever, once said, "Sometimes I get to places just when God's ready to have somebody click the shutter." Ken, a frequent speaker and judge at camera clubs and artist groups, is consistently ranked one of Indiana's best photographers. He recently topped a list of "5 Best Landscape Photographers of Indianapolis" by PeerSpace and has previously been named one of Indiana's Top Ten Photographers by the Indianapolis Professional Photographers Guild. In addition to a couple of 2023 US postage stamps, his award-winning work has been featured by USA Today, CNN Travel, Pure Michigan, Visit Indiana, many websites, international television shows, books, travel guides and maps, calendars, concerts and music videos, airports, businesses, thousands of offices and private homes, and in churches in all fifty states and around the world.

Kenneth's website is https://kennethkeifer.smugmug.com/.

Members Only

Zoom Meeting

Vernon "Jonesy" Jones will enthrall us with images from his August photo adventures in Africa.

Listen in as he recounts days and weeks of stalking the wild beasts across the great continent with only his cameras for protection. From gorilla treks in Rwanda and Uganda to a safari in Kenya and Tanzania, witness the great wildlife photographer's finest captures while you sit comfortably (and safely) sipping a beverage.

For all our dance enthusiasts. This is a Wednesday afternoon event, member John C. shared the info

THE DRESS REHESAL HAS BEEN CANCELLED. CLICK HERE FOR THE LATEST DETAILS

View Venue Website

Click here to complete our waiver

Members Only
Zoom

The January competition/critique Topic is AI – Artificial Intelligence in Imaging. This is fully in the spirit of “Photo Venture"! So, for Topic entries, we have specific guidance – open entry rules remain the same.

Charles Ginsburg will be our judge with an online portfolio at charlie-g.smugmug.com. We strongly encourage you to see or review his September PVCC presentation at our website. Click here to download recordings of previous club meetings The password to access this page is jrifurofnvd

There are 2 methods to use AI for the competition for Topic entries:

1) AI enhancing of an existing image:

Resources:

• Artvy

• Deep Dream Generator

• Adobe Photoshop

In your entry, provide both the original and the processed, with BEFORE and AFTER noted after the title. Each before..after set will be tallied as one entry.


2) Generative AI which creates an image from a verbal description:

Resources:

• Image Creator from Microsoft Designer 

• Leonardo.Ai

• OpenAi

Use verbal descriptions to create images and continue to refine them by adding additional language. In your entry, also include the textual description you used to generate the image.After judging, we’ll have a discussion about your experience working with AI technology.

SUBMIT: Thursday, January 4, 2024, by midnight
RESULTS: Thursday, January 18, 2024, 7PM

The Indiana Historical Society is free on MLK day.

Let's gather at 10:00 AM in the main lobby (free parking on New York St) and wander through the exhibits. Last year the State Museum was also free so we can try for a two-fer! Weather permitting, we can stroll along the canal.

Both museums have a cafe to refresh your waning energy.

Next Stop, Ecuador! Meet Matt Williams and learn more about The Nature Conservancy, Indianapolis.

TNC is in the process of creating a series of photography trips that will go to some of the most biologically diverse locations in the world.

These will be photo safari type trips to locations specifically for their unique photo opportunities to capture shots of birds, animals, landscapes, macro subjects, astro photography, etc. The trips will also offer the opportunity to learn about the important conservation work The Nature Conservancy is doing in these geographies, meet with local staff, and tour interesting cultural and historical sites. Their next adventure is Ecuador, July 2024. Get your passport ready!

Matt’s career with The Nature Conservancy began in 1998 as a seasonal field assistant banding endangered birds and mapping their nesting habitat on the Fort Hood military base in central Texas as part of a joint project between the Conservancy and the Department of Defense. From there, he became the Preserve Manager for the Conservancy’s Texas City Prairie Preserve where he led habitat restoration efforts and worked closely with the Attwater’s Prairie Chicken Recovery Team to track the population of this critically endangered species.

Matt came to work for the Indiana Chapter in 2001 as the North-Central Indiana Land Steward. He became a burn boss and led prescribed fire and invasive species control efforts across more than a dozen Nature Conservancy properties in that part of the state.

Since 2015, Matt has served as the Director of Conservation Programs for the Indiana Chapter. In this role, he oversees the science, land acquisition, and land management work of the Chapter. He also is the past chair and current member of the Midwest Division Conservation Cabinet which is responsible for developing and reviewing many of the conservation strategies being implemented across the five states of the Midwest Division.

Matt is also an award-winning nature photographer and author. His works include Indiana State Parks: A Centennial Celebration which features Matt’s landscape photography of Indiana’s state parks. A more recent book, Endangered and Disappearing Birds of the Midwest, tells the story of forty bird species across the Midwest that are most in need of conservation efforts. The book won a silver medal in the 2018 Foreword Reviews Independent Book Awards competition, and a bronze medal in the 2019 Independent Publisher Book Awards- a competition involving books from nearly 2,500 different publishers from the United States, Canada, England, Australia, and several other countries. He was recently asked to write the forward for the re- release of the classic work The Birds of Indiana, featuring the life histories of many of the bird species of the state as well as the artwork of William Zimmerman. Matt’s photographs have appeared in several other books and national magazines, including Bird Watcher’s Digest and National Wildlife.

Matt, his wife Karyn, and their four children live in Crawfordsville, Indiana where they enjoy kayaking along Sugar Creek, hiking at Shades State Park, and serving in their local church.

Members Only

WAIT! Don't put away those Christmas lights just yet! Jen Spence will lead us for a portrait session using some creative lighting techniques. (See her recent post on the FB page.)

Mix these ideas with what we learned from Marc and Travis in recent meetings and practice for those creative images of your Valentine. Experiment with creative use of bokeh - regardless of how you pronounce it.

Feel free to bring some creative props and we will supplement with what Matt already has. Yes, of course, don't forget your camera and portrait lens. 

Just a reminder, we have a board meeting, Thursday, January 4, 6 PM at Focus On. Officers and Committee chairs - be ready to represent

The deadline for turning in Competition images is Thursday, January 4. Check the website for the latest details

This month’s topic is "Artificial Intelligence in Imaging"

The January competition/critique Topic is AI – Artificial Intelligence in Imaging. This is fully in the spirit of “Photo Venture"! So, for Topic entries, we have specific guidance – open entry rules remain the same.

Charles Ginsburg will be our judge with an online portfolio at charlie-g.smugmug.com. We strongly encourage you to see or review his September PVCC presentation at our website. Click here to download recordings of previous club meetings

There are 2 methods to use AI for the competition for Topic entries:

1) AI enhancing of an existing image:

Resources:

• Artvy

• Deep Dream Generator

• Adobe Photoshop

In your entry, provide both the original and the processed, with BEFORE and AFTER noted after the title. Each before..after set will be tallied as one entry.

2) Generative AI which creates an image from a verbal description:

Resources:

• Image Creator from Microsoft Designer 

• Leonardo.Ai

• OpenAi

Use verbal descriptions to create images and continue to refine them by adding additional language. In your entry, also include the textual description you used to generate the image.After judging, we’ll have a discussion about your experience working with AI technology.

SUBMIT: Thursday, January 4, 2024, by midnight
RESULTS: Thursday, January 18, 2024, 7PM

Photo by Scott Kinzie

Members Only - Zoom

For our last meeting of 2023, club members Scott Kinzie and Larry Lato will entertain us with images and tales from their recent visit to Michigan to document the Milky Way and beautiful lighthouses.

Their gallery of beautiful fall colors and night skies seem like a perfect ending to the year.