Filtering by: Competitions
Competition: "Silhouettes"
May
16
7:00 PM19:00

Competition: "Silhouettes"

Members Only
Zoom

This month’s topic is “Silhouette”

The art of photography of silhouettes involves capturing subjects in front of a light source, ensuring the subject is underexposed, thus creating striking images with bold outlines against bright backgrounds.

Artful Approaches to Capture Silhouettes:

1. Positioning: Place your subject in front of the light source to create a clear outline.
2. Background: Opt for detailed, bright backgrounds to enhance the silhouette effect.
3. Camera Settings: Adjust settings to underexpose the subject and focus on shapes rather than details.
4. Filters: Use UV filters for specific settings like beach or desert scenes to enhance the silhouette effect.

For more unique image examples and inspiration, you can explore websites like:

https://www.fotor.com/features/silhouette-maker/

https://skylum.com/blog/silhouette-photography-the-art-of-capturing-cool-silhouettes

https://www.format.com/magazine/resources/photography/silhouette-photography

https://www.adorama.com/alc/silhouette-photography/

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

https://smallscenes.com/blog/photographing-silhouettes-in-nature-treasure-lurking-in-the-shadows#:~:text=Silhouettes%20can%20be%20used%20to,might%20not%20be%20that%20interesting

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WEEKLY MEETING: PRINT SELECTION-INDIANA STATE FAIR
Jun
20
7:00 PM19:00

WEEKLY MEETING: PRINT SELECTION-INDIANA STATE FAIR

(photo by Bill Bubenzer)

SPECIAL NOTE:

Please turn in digital files of the images, on June 6, that you will submit in print form for the Indiana State Fair Club Competition on June 20. You can submit them to pvcccontest@gmail.com If you have any questions, please reach out to Jay van Saten at jay@vscwebgroup.com

Location: Indianapolis Art Center

We’ll gather at 7 pm for informal discussion and then start the formal meeting at 7:30.

Bring your print entries to this meeting

Members will select 5 images, which will then be submitted as a Club entry this year. Members can submit 4 prints of their choice for this competition.

Any member image submitted for competition during the previous 10 months shall be eligible. The image need not have been previously placed to be eligible.

The re-editing and processing of entries is permitted, especially if in response to suggestions made by competition judges. Prints may be re-mounted and/or re-printed.

Or, members can submit new photos in print format for selection.

Previously submitted Indiana State Fair Entry photos are not eligible for selection and will not be considered for entry per the State Fair's rules.

Please bring to the June 13 meeting your prints (8x10" to 16x20" in size).

Members will vote on their choices for the 5 slots, and all submissions must be from different members.

The "top five" selections will be asked to send digital files to the Club competition email address. Eric Schoch has graciously agreed to print and mount all images.

Visit our Competition Rules page for the latest information

Click here for the 2024 Indiana State Fair Entry Book

Our online meetings are limited to paid members, who receive a Zoom link via email each week. If you would like a temporary pass to attend a meeting, contact one of our officers.

WHILE YOU ARE HERE, GO AHEAD AND DOWNLOAD OUR WAIVER OF LIABILITY FORM (REQUIRED FOR ALL FIELD TRIPS).

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Competition Images Due: “Silhouette”
May
2
12:01 AM00:01

Competition Images Due: “Silhouette”

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

This month’s topic is “Silhouette”

The art of photography of silhouettes involves capturing subjects in front of a light source, ensuring the subject is underexposed, thus creating striking images with bold outlines against bright backgrounds.

Artful Approaches to Capture Silhouettes:

1. Positioning: Place your subject in front of the light source to create a clear outline.

2. Background: Opt for detailed, bright backgrounds to enhance the silhouette effect.

3. Camera Settings: Adjust settings to underexpose the subject and focus on shapes rather than details.

4. Filters: Use UV filters for specific settings like beach or desert scenes to enhance the silhouette effect.

For more unique image examples and inspiration, you can explore websites like:

https://www.fotor.com/features/silhouette-maker/

https://skylum.com/blog/silhouette-photography-the-art-of-capturing-cool-silhouettes

https://www.format.com/magazine/resources/photography/silhouette-photography

https://www.adorama.com/alc/silhouette-photography/

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

https://smallscenes.com/blog/photographing-silhouettes-in-nature-treasure-lurking-in-the-shadows#:~:text=Silhouettes%20can%20be%20used%20to,might%20not%20be%20that%20interesting

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Competition: "Macro/Closeup"
Apr
18
7:00 PM19:00

Competition: "Macro/Closeup"

Members Only
Zoom

April Topic: Closeup/Macro

Our judge is Chris Whonsetler:

My full name is Christopher Robert Whonsetler, friends call me Chris and children in Guatemala call me WhonPhoto. Take your pick. I am a freelance photographer based in Indianapolis and available worldwide. I’m a fairly sarcastic, down to earth kind of guy with big ideas & ambitions.

I will never be able to see enough of the world, I am always thinking about my next trip. A bit of a coffee snob, my favorite beans come from a friend's family plantation in Guatemala. I love to cook, am jealous of great painters and musicians, and most importantly love my wife Stephanie and three boys Grayson, Calvin and Sawyer with all my heart! My interest in photography started in late middle school after my mother encouraged me to take photos in 4H. I fell in love. 

My love for photography grew through High School and eventually through College. Since graduation, I’ve been doing the solo freelance thing around the world. Photography is my way of revealing the way I see the world. Although photographers capture what already exists, how we choose to capture our subject matter stems from our personalities, and it is very evident in the images I create.

My goals as a photographer are to connect with businesses and help visually brand who they are, what they do, and where they do it. I love working with business owners who aren’t afraid of doing things a little unorthodox. Together we will create images that scream your message and populate your marketing & advertising with the personality of your business.

Learn more about Chris by visiting his website



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 effectively.
•  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

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Competition Images Due: “Macro/CloseUp”
Apr
4
12:01 AM00:01

Competition Images Due: “Macro/CloseUp”

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

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Competition Results:  “Curves” (PRINT FORMAT)
Mar
21
7:00 PM19:00

Competition Results: “Curves” (PRINT FORMAT)

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.

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Competition Images Due: “Curves” PRINT COMPETITION
Mar
7
12:01 AM00:01

Competition Images Due: “Curves” PRINT COMPETITION

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.

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Competition: "Barbie" (Or Oversaturated Colors)
Feb
15
7:00 PM19:00

Competition: "Barbie" (Or Oversaturated Colors)

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/.

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Competition Images Due: “Barbie (or oversaturated colors)”
Feb
1
12:01 AM00:01

Competition Images Due: “Barbie (or oversaturated colors)”

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/.

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Competition: Artificial Intelligence in Imaging
Jan
18
7:00 PM19:00

Competition: Artificial Intelligence in Imaging

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:

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:

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

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Competition Images Due: "Artificial Intelligence in Imaging"
Jan
4
12:01 AM00:01

Competition Images Due: "Artificial Intelligence in Imaging"

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:

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:

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

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Competition Results: "A Picture's Worth a Thousand Words"
Nov
16
7:00 PM19:00

Competition Results: "A Picture's Worth a Thousand Words"

MEETING: Zoom

We’ll gather at 7 pm for informal discussion and then start the formal meeting at 7:30, for monthly competition results.

This month’s topic is "A Picture’s Worth a Thousand Words"

The goal is telling a story, or perhaps suggesting a story, through one image.

Our judge, Jennifer McClure, has developed a photographic style of story-telling. Feel free to visit her web site for more insight into her style and how she approaches it. www.jennifermcclure.com.

Jennifer McClure is a fine art photographer based in New York City. She uses the camera to ask and answer questions. Her work is about longing, solitude, and an ambivalent yearning for connection. She often uses herself and her experiences as subject matter to explore the creation of personal mythology and the agency of identity.

After an early start, Jennifer returned to photography in 2001, taking classes at the School of Visual Arts and the International Center of Photography. In between, she acquired a B.A. in English Theory and Literature and began a long career in restaurants. Most of her projects today incorporate her love of literature; one series was inspired by a short story, another includes photos of transformative texts, still another draws titles from a long-form poem.

Jennifer was a 2019 and 2017 Critical Mass Top 50 finalist and twice received the Arthur Griffin Legacy Award from the Griffin Museum of Photography's Juried Exhibitions. Her first book, You Who Never Arrived, was published as one of nine Peanut Press Portfolios in 2020. She was awarded CENTER's Editor's Choice by Susan White of Vanity Fair in 2013 and has been exhibited in numerous shows across the country. Her work has been featured in publications such as National Geographic, Vogue, GUP, The New Republic, Lenscratch, Feature Shoot, L'Oeil de la Photographie, The Photo Review, Dwell, Adbusters, and PDN. Lectures include the School of Visual Arts i3: Images, Ideas, Inspiration series, Fotofusion, FIT, NY Photo Salon and Columbia Teachers College. She has taught workshops for Leica Akademie, International Center of Photography, Los Angeles Center of Photography, PDN's PhotoPlus Expo, the Maine Media Workshops, the Griffin Museum, and Fotofusion. She was a thesis reviewer and advisor for the Masters Programs at both the School of Visual Arts and New Hampshire Institute of Art. She founded the Women's Photo Alliance in 2015.

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Competition Images Due: "Picture is Worth a Thousand Words"
Nov
2
12:01 AM00:01

Competition Images Due: "Picture is Worth a Thousand Words"

The deadline for turning in Competition images is Thursday, November 2. Check the website for the latest details

This month’s topic is "A Picture’s Worth a Thousand Words"

The goal is telling a story, or perhaps suggesting a story, through one image.

Our judge, Jennifer McClure, has developed a photographic style of story-telling. Feel free to visit her web site for more insight into her style and how she approaches it. www.jennifermcclure.com.

Jennifer McClure is a fine art photographer based in New York City. She uses the camera to ask and answer questions. Her work is about longing, solitude, and an ambivalent yearning for connection. She often uses herself and her experiences as subject matter to explore the creation of personal mythology and the agency of identity.

After an early start, Jennifer returned to photography in 2001, taking classes at the School of Visual Arts and the International Center of Photography. In between, she acquired a B.A. in English Theory and Literature and began a long career in restaurants. Most of her projects today incorporate her love of literature; one series was inspired by a short story, another includes photos of transformative texts, still another draws titles from a long-form poem.

Jennifer was a 2019 and 2017 Critical Mass Top 50 finalist and twice received the Arthur Griffin Legacy Award from the Griffin Museum of Photography's Juried Exhibitions. Her first book, You Who Never Arrived, was published as one of nine Peanut Press Portfolios in 2020. She was awarded CENTER's Editor's Choice by Susan White of Vanity Fair in 2013 and has been exhibited in numerous shows across the country. Her work has been featured in publications such as National Geographic, Vogue, GUP, The New Republic, Lenscratch, Feature Shoot, L'Oeil de la Photographie, The Photo Review, Dwell, Adbusters, and PDN. Lectures include the School of Visual Arts i3: Images, Ideas, Inspiration series, Fotofusion, FIT, NY Photo Salon and Columbia Teachers College. She has taught workshops for Leica Akademie, International Center of Photography, Los Angeles Center of Photography, PDN's PhotoPlus Expo, the Maine Media Workshops, the Griffin Museum, and Fotofusion. She was a thesis reviewer and advisor for the Masters Programs at both the School of Visual Arts and New Hampshire Institute of Art. She founded the Women's Photo Alliance in 2015.

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Competition Results: "The Urban Landscape"
Oct
19
7:00 PM19:00

Competition Results: "The Urban Landscape"

MEETING: Zoom

We’ll gather at 7 pm for informal discussion and then start the formal meeting at 7:30, for monthly competition results.

This month’s topic is "The Urban Landscape"

Our judge will be Marcel Fouch:

Marcel Fouch has been a professional musician for over 30 years with a love for photography. When the pandemic hit he decided to step back and focus on photography as a way to stay creative.

He is based in Chicago. His photographic work is mainly street photography focused on black and white images. Shadows and light are his main focus making many of his photographs feel like memories. A lot of his work has a theme of isolation, something everyone was feeling during the Pandemic and a feeling that continues for some today.

Marcel was chosen as the first Featured Artist for Roberts Camera Gallery in July, so you may have become acquainted with his work.

Check out his portfolio on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mfhotos/.

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Competition Images Due: "The Urban Landscape"
Oct
5
12:01 AM00:01

Competition Images Due: "The Urban Landscape"

The deadline for turning in Competition images is Thursday, October 5. Check the website for the latest details

Marcel Fouch -- our judge for October’s competition “The Urban Landscape” -- has been a professional musician for over 30 years with a love for photography. When the pandemic hit he decided to step back and focus on photography as a way to stay creative.

He is based in Chicago. His photographic work is mainly street photography focused on black and white images. Shadows and light are his main focus making many of his photographs feel like memories. A lot of his work has a theme of isolation, something everyone was feeling during the Pandemic and a feeling that continues for some today.

Marcel was chosen as the first Featured Artist for Roberts Camera Gallery in July, so you may have become acquainted with his work.

Check out his portfolio on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mfhotos/.

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Competition Results: "The View From Above"
Sep
21
7:00 PM19:00

Competition Results: "The View From Above"

MEETING: Zoom

We’ll gather at 7 pm for informal discussion and then start the formal meeting at 7:30, for monthly competition results.

This month’s topic is "The View From Above"

Our judge will be James Brosher:

I’m a Bloomington, Indiana-based photographer specializing in editorial, commercial, drone and wedding photography in the American Midwest. My day job is making pictures for Indiana University. Previously, I was a staff photographer at the South Bend Tribune and Wyoming Tribune Eagle.

A native Hoosier, I grew up in Dunkirk, Indiana, a small glass factory town of 2,600 people in the east central region of the state. I’m an Eagle Scout and a two-time Indiana College Photographer of the Year (2010, 2011).

My professional memberships include the National Press Photographers Association, Indiana News Photographers Association and the University Photographers’ Association of America.

When I’m not pushing buttons and turning aperture rings, I enjoy spending time with my wife, my two daughters and our cat. I’m an avid cyclist, classic film buff, craft beer fan and vinyl collector.

My website is: https://www.brosher.com

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Competition Results: "In /Out of Focus: Using Focus as a Compositional Device"
Aug
17
7:00 PM19:00

Competition Results: "In /Out of Focus: Using Focus as a Compositional Device"

MEETING: Zoom

We’ll gather at 7 pm for informal discussion and then start the formal meeting at 7:30, for monthly competition results.

This month’s topic is "In /Out of Focus: Using Focus as a Compositional Device"

The topic is using focus – elements "In and Out of Focus" – as a compositional technique to emphasize, de-emphasize aspects of a scene. We’re not looking at fully out of focus images – that is distinctly different. Another term that is somewhat related includes – bokeh – a current trend with the fast maximum aperture lenses available to us today.

To achieve the desired effect, there are several factors at work:

  • Using a wide maximum aperture on your lens,

  • Using a normal to telephoto lens rather than a wide angle lens (typically).

  • Maximizing the distance between the subject and background/foreground.

You may find other techniques that will help you achieve a sharp subject, and an out of focus foreground or background.

Douglas Dubler, a New Yorker, has an extensive photographic career (now in his 70s), studying with Ansel Adams, having shot for European Vogue with 100s of cover images and close collaboration with companies in the fashion and cosmetic industries.

He has turned to more personal projects, and promoting a book just published on flower photography. We are hoping to schedule a program session with him.

You can review his work on the following websites.

https://www.instagram.com/douglasdubler/?hl=en
https://xposure.ae/douglas-dubler/
https://www.douglasdubler3.com

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Competition Results: High Key/Low Key
Jul
20
7:00 PM19:00

Competition Results: High Key/Low Key

MEETING: Zoom

We’ll gather at 7 pm for informal discussion and then start the formal meeting at 7:30, for monthly competition results.

This month’s topic is "High Key/Low Key".

Jane Postiglione is based in California, and sends this statement of her experience in photography and, in particular, judging:

"As you may know, I have been judging photography since 2016 for camera clubs, exhibits and local galleries. I started shooting film as a youngster and then more seriously during my undergraduate years in Art and Design at Pratt Institute in NYC followed by graduate work in film, video for educational purposes at San Francisco State University."

Jane's website is located at: https://photographybypost.com, and this may inform you as to why she is an appropriate judge for this competition.

For resources on the topic, see:
https://www.photoworkout.com/high-key-photography/
https://www.iphotography.com/blog/low-key-photography/

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Competition Images Due: "High Key/Low Key"
Jul
6
12:01 AM00:01

Competition Images Due: "High Key/Low Key"

The deadline for turning in Competition images is Thursday, July 6. Check the website for the latest details

Our judge is Jane Postiglione.

Jane is based in California, and sends this statement of her experience in photography and, in particular, judging:

"As you may know, I have been judging photography since 2016 for camera clubs, exhibits and local galleries. I started shooting film as a youngster and then more seriously during my undergraduate years in Art and Design at Pratt Institute in NYC followed by graduate work in film, video for educational purposes at San Francisco State University."

Jane's website is located at: https://photographybypost.com, and this may inform you as to why she is an appropriate judge for this competition.

For resources on the topic, see:
https://www.photoworkout.com/high-key-photography/
https://www.iphotography.com/blog/low-key-photography/

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Competition Results: After Dark
Jun
29
7:00 PM19:00

Competition Results: After Dark

MEETING: Zoom

Due to schedule issues with our judge, the May Competition Results has been moved to June 29, 2023. Turn in deadline has been extended two weeks to midnight 5/19/2023

We’ll gather via Zoom at 7 pm for informal discussion and then start the formal meeting at 7:30, for monthly competition results.

This month’s topic is "After Dark". "Photography" is a modern word construction literally meaning "writing with light". So, naturally, we gravitate to those times of the day when our sun illuminates -- giving ample light for a variety of imaging. But, that's only half of our 24 hour day. This topic encourages us to venture out and use creative techniques to capture existing natural and artificial light and their unexpected illumination of the world around us.

About our judge Karen Haberberg:

I am an NYC based photographer and published author specializing in portraiture and the documentation of the human condition.

Throughout my career, I have been drawn to unearthing with my lens, an authentic glimpse into a person’s way of life, their natural way of being. My intuition and ability to connect with my subjects comes from a sense of my own vulnerability, my allowing myself to be seen, as I am. I think it naturally draws my subjects to me as I hold space for them to best reveal their truest version of themselves.


Visit her website to learn more about Karen: karenhaberberg.com

Our online meetings are limited to paid members, who receive a Zoom link via email each week. If you would like a temporary pass to attend a meeting, contact one of our officers.

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WEEKLY MEETING: PRINT SELECTION-INDIANA STATE FAIR
Jun
15
7:00 PM19:00

WEEKLY MEETING: PRINT SELECTION-INDIANA STATE FAIR

(photo by Bill Bubenzer)

FYI-We received the following information from the IAC:

Weather permitting there will be a jazz concert in the Arts Park Thursday, so parking will fill up fast. Also, there will be a cash bar on the back portico, and we are welcome to purchase beer, wine, soda or water before your meeting.

Location: Indianapolis Art Center

We’ll gather at 7 pm for informal discussion and then start the formal meeting at 7:30.

Entries will be due at the meeting on June 15.

Members will select 5 images, which will then be submitted as a Club entry this year. Members can submit 4 prints of their choice for this competition.

Any member image submitted for competition during the previous 10 months shall be eligible. The image need not have been previously placed to be eligible.

The re-editing and processing of entries is permitted, especially if in response to suggestions made by competition judges. Prints may be re-mounted and/or re-printed.

Or, members can submit new photos in print format for selection.

Previously submitted Indiana State Fair Entry photos are not eligible for selection and will not be considered for entry per the State Fair's rules.

All member 1st place entries (Open and Topic) for the previous 10 monthly competitions are eligible for submission. If you do not wish to have your photo submitted for this competition let Jay know. All other winners will be printed for the member selection meeting.

Please bring to the June 15 meeting your prints (8x10" to 16x20" in size).

Members will vote on their choices for the 5 slots, and all submissions must be from different members.

The "top five" selections will be asked to send digital files to the Club competition email address. Eric Schoch has graciously agreed to print and mount all images.

Visit our Competition Rules page for the latest information

Click here for the 2023 Indiana State Fair Entry Book

Our online meetings are limited to paid members, who receive a Zoom link via email each week. If you would like a temporary pass to attend a meeting, contact one of our officers.

WHILE YOU ARE HERE, GO AHEAD AND DOWNLOAD OUR WAIVER OF LIABILITY FORM (REQUIRED FOR ALL FIELD TRIPS).

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Competition Results: The Color Green
Apr
20
7:00 PM19:00

Competition Results: The Color Green

MEETING: Zoom

We’ll gather at 7 pm for informal discussion and then start the formal meeting at 7:30, for monthly competition results.

Our judge for this competition is Kevin Raber

This month’s topic is "The Color Green". We will be awash in Nature's abundance with a riot of colors, all stemming from the lush greens of plants coming back to life. The challenge is to be selective in using green as the subject of your image -- how does it express this abundance and coming to life of the time of year. Or, how does the color green otherwise inform your composition as a key element?

Literal presentations: 

Green as the predominant color or focal color in an image.

Figurative presentation

Green in its many associations -- Spring, Wealth, Luck, Clean energy etc..

Monochrome -- can be a monochrome image with green tint, monochrome with green as the only color, or a black and white image which suggests a literal or figurative significance of green.

Turn-in is usually the first Thursday of the month, judging 2 weeks later.

You must be a member in good standing to enter the monthly competitions.

Our online meetings are limited to paid members, who receive a Zoom link via email each week. If you would like a temporary pass to attend a meeting, contact one of our officers.

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Anderson Museum of Art: Call for Entries for the 2023 IN-Focus competition
Mar
17
to Mar 18

Anderson Museum of Art: Call for Entries for the 2023 IN-Focus competition

  • Anderson Museum of Art (map)
  • Google Calendar ICS

CALL FOR ENTRIES: Anderson Museum of Art has put out a Call for Entries for the 2023 IN-Focus competition.

Entries will be accepted March 17 & 18, the exhibit runs April 2 - May 27, 2023. For complete details and entry forms, go to http://www.andersonart.org/call-for-artists.

All photographers 18 and older living in Indiana are invited to enter our annual photography competition and exhibition, IN-Focus. Photographers can enter up to six photographs into seven categories: People, Nature/Scenic, Animal/Wildlife, Architecture, Photo Journalism, Digital Manipulation, Open.

This year's judge is PVCC club member Rick Pranitis!

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Competition Results: Landscapes
Mar
16
7:00 PM19:00

Competition Results: Landscapes

MEETING: Indianapolis Art Center

We’ll gather at 7 pm for informal discussion and then start the formal meeting at 7:30, for monthly competition results. This month’s topic is "Landscapes". This is a PRINT competition and we are meeting LIVE. Our judge will be our own Michael Jack!

Turn-in is usually the first Thursday of the month, judging 2 weeks later.

You must be a member in good standing to enter the monthly competitions.

Our online meetings are limited to paid members, who receive a Zoom link via email each week. If you would like a temporary pass to attend a meeting, contact one of our officers.

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Print Competition Images Due: "Landscape"
Mar
2
12:01 AM00:01

Print Competition Images Due: "Landscape"

The deadline for turning in Competition images is Thursday, March 2

As this will be a print rather than digital competition, entries will need to be delivered physically. Mounted images can be brought to the March 2 meeting at Focus On Studio. If this is not convenient, call Jay van Santen at 317-513-2825.

As for requirements for print competition entries, please review them on our site at: Click here for details

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Competition Results: Dance
Feb
16
7:00 PM19:00

Competition Results: Dance

ZOOM MEETING: MEMBERS ONLY

We’ll gather at 7 pm for informal discussion and then start the formal meeting at 7:30, for monthly competition results.

This month’s topic is "Dance" Our judge will be Lydia Moody:

“I have had a camera in my hand since I was in elementary school. My mom loved photos and cameras and shared that love with me from an early age. In addition to my love for taking photos, I grew up dancing from the age of 2, and also taught dance for several years. However, I lived in a small town in Indiana, so when I say I danced, it’s NOTHING like what you see from Gregory Hancock’s students or company members. However, I have the training to understand what the end goal is for legs, arm, feet etc when photographing dancers which really helps create nice photos for the dancers.”

Having 2 daughters that danced, it gave me a lot of opportunity to practice dance photography indoors, outdoors, on stage and for the last several years I’ve take all of the poster photos for GHDT as well as headshots and performance shots. I have also photographed weddings and newborns but due to a job in tech I don’t have time to do photography as a business any longer. I still have a few families that I photograph due to taking their kiddos pics from newborn, but my focus is on dance. It feels great to support the arts and be able to give back by capturing Gregory’s costumes and choreography along with the amazing dancers.

Turn-in is usually the first Thursday of the month, judging 2 weeks later.

You must be a member in good standing to enter the monthly competitions.

Our online meetings are limited to paid members, who receive a Zoom link via email each week. If you would like a temporary pass to attend a meeting, contact one of our officers.

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