Meeting: Zoom

Our judge is Holly Stones:

"Holly Rose Stones is a British artist working with self portraiture, set design, prop making, sculpture and video. Holly’s work explores mental health, personal experiences and human interaction within nature, challenging her introspective view of the self and female form. Her latest project ‘The Colour Project’ explores surreal, bold and monochromatic worlds. She is using one colour at a time to make a series of props and sets, using the ideas from her dreams to create the self portrait series. Holly creates behind the scenes videos on her Instagram, TikTok & YouTube and has a growing community online."

https://www.hollyrosestones.com/

Location: Zoom

Tonight’s program is a video presentation. We will start the video at 7:15 PM

The Heart of the Photograph Summary

A compelling photograph is more than visual. It's visceral. We don't only see it, we feel it. It's more than just focusing our lenses, it's also focusing the attention of those who will experience our photographs. Great gear helps, but what about the other tools? What about juxtaposition and mystery, story, mood, depth, and energy? What about the power of a great moment? And when it comes to gear, is it enough that we have all the tools, like great optics, or should we be developing a sensitivity to the unique ways in which different focal lengths amplify the feeling of a scene when used well?

The Heart of the Photograph is an inspiring presentation about these very ideas, and it will change the way you make your photographs and reignite the spark if it has cooled off.

Photographer and best-selling author David duChemin has taught this amazing craft on all seven continents, and has appeared on stages for companies like Amazon and Apple to teach the human side of this craft. With over 35 years experience making photographs, his calling is to help photographers make photographs that are more than just sharp and well-exposed. David teaches how to make photographs that light a spark in people, that communicate clearly, that captivate imaginations and grab the attention and hearts of the people who will see them. As an international workshop leader and author of best-selling books like Within The Frame and The Soul of the Camera (both published in over a dozen languages), he’s taught students this incredible craft on all seven continents. David's lecture will inspire you to go deeper with your craft and find greater joy—and freedom!—in the exploration of your vision.

We will not be meeting this evening.

Happy Thursday to all, we will not be meeting this evening due to shooting Wednesday night at GHDT's 'Down on the Bayou' dress rehearsal.  Hoped you made it last night!

Competition Photo Turn In

February, 2025 topic:  Self Portrait

Self-portraits and Selfies are distinct forms of photographic self-representation, each with its own creative approaches and techniques.

Self-portraits, our February topic, are typically more thoughtful, planned, and artistic representations of oneself, while selfies are often spontaneous, casual snapshots taken with smartphones for social media.

Creative Ways to Take Self-Portraits

1. Use Reflections: Incorporate mirrors, water, or other reflective surfaces to create unique compositions.

2. Play with Lighting: Experiment with dramatic lighting, such as low-key setups or directional light, to sculpt features and create mood.

3. Incorporate Motion: Use slow shutter speeds to capture motion blur, adding dynamism to your images.

4. Focus on Details: Create intimate portraits by focusing on specific body parts or unique physical traits.

5. Utilize Props: Express your personality or tell a story by incorporating meaningful objects into your composition.

6. Experiment with Angles: Try shooting from unusual perspectives to create visually interesting self-portraits.

7. Create Double Exposures: Combine multiple exposures for abstract and artistic results.

8. Explore Locations: Use different environments to inspire and enhance your self-portraits.

Technical Tips

1. Use a tripod and remote shutter release for stability and ease of shooting.

2. Experiment with aperture settings:
   Wider apertures (lower f-numbers) for shallow depth of field
   Narrower apertures (higher f-numbers) for more wiggle room with focus

3. Use the camera's self-timer or a remote control to give yourself time to pose.

4. For dramatic portraits, position yourself at an angle to a soft light source.

5. Experiment with different focal lengths to achieve various effects and perspectives.

6. Consider using a narrower aperture to ensure sharp focus, especially when shooting alone.

7. Use creative lighting sources like phone screens, laptops, or flashlights for unique effects.

Useful Reference:

• https://shotkit.com/self-portrait-photography/

  https://www.reddit.com/r/photography/comments/wdluiv/tips_for_self_portrait_photography/

• https://desireesydow.com/blog/masters-of-self-expression-self-portrait-photography-artists-to-get-inspired-by

Citations:

[1] https://www.reddit.com/r/photography/comments/15ss9yh/any_tips_on_self_portraits/

[2] https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/psychology/articles/10.3389/fpsyg.2017.00245/full

[3] https://www.katiekaars.com/journal/how-to-take-a-self-portrait-with-a-dslr

[4] https://blog.depositphotos.com/self-portrait-ideas.html

[5] https://www.loredanadenicola.com/post/the-difference-between-selfie-and-self-portrait

[6] https://clicklovegrow.com/how-to-look-great-in-your-self-portraits/

[7] https://www.nyip.edu/photo-articles/photography-tutorials/tips-for-creative-self-portraits

[8] https://www.diyphotography.net/differences-selfies-self-portraits/

[9] https://shotkit.com/self-portrait-photography/

[10] https://www.getty.edu/news/whats-the-difference-between-a-selfie-and-a-self-portrait/

[11] https://www.reddit.com/r/photography/comments/wdluiv/tips_for_self_portrait_photography/

Click here for the listing of upcoming competitions

Please plan on arriving around 5:45 PM to set up for this dress rehearsal shoot

We just got word this is NOT a dress rehearsal. Not a good opportunity to get photos that Gregory can use, but you are welcome view the performance if you want to check out lighting and scenes you want to photograph. Please plan on arriving around 10:30 AM

Student dancers will not be at this rehearsal.

Meeting Location: Zoom

Back by popular demand we are going to have our fun member photo share.  Everyone picks out 3- 5 of the following: your favorites, ones that need assistance, or ones that you found from years ago and you finally worked on.  Anything goes...it's your time to shine and show!  We will determine your time allowance at start of meeting depending on how many want to share.

Also please share any Tips & Tricks you might have found in 2024 to kick off 2025. Marc says he has a really good one to share. 

Meeting: Zoom

Larkin Fourkiller is a professional nature and wildlife photographer.

He takes pictures of eagles, bison, hummingbirds, landscapes, and fox. He travels the world including; Florida, California, North Carolina, Indiana, Colorado and more.

Larkin works in and with several fields, including; interior designers, publications, educational centers, wildlife centers, Cherokee language and culture, senior citizens communities and more. Larkin is a professional Keynote speaker in photography, nature and wildlife, and Cherokee and Native Culture.

https://www.facebook.com/p/Larkin-Fourkiller-Cherokee-Culture-100064095602668/
Indigenous in the News with Photographer Larkin Fourkiller 12/09/2024

Meeting: Zoom

Our judge is Stone Peng

Stone Peng is a Grand Rapids, Michigan-USA based national and international award-winning photographer.  Stone Peng’s work has been presented in numerous publications throughout the USA.  Stone Peng's photos are in public and private collections throughout West Michigan, the United States and beyond.  You can also see Stone Peng's photos at www.stonepeng.com.

Artist bio

• M.S. Master of Science, Western Michigan University, Kalamazoo, MI. 1990 -1991

• B.S. Bachelor of Science, Chinese Culture University, Taipei, Taiwan, 1980-1984

Facebook:

www.facebook.com/stone.peng.9

Instagram:

www.instagram.com/stone_peng

I have been taking photos since the early 1990’s. I try to catch the moment of beauty, when dramatic displays of color and light shine in the landscape. Every landscape has its own life and different meaning, depending on the viewer’s mood. I try to catch the emotional feeling at specific moments in landscapes. Professor Biq told me “If you put your heart at peace and involve yourself in nature, you can feel that nature is your friend and realize nature’s life cycle and beauty.” I hope that you can see through my photos express the feelings I had when taking them.

Sophia Doell, 62, of Noblesville, passed away on Saturday, December 28, 2024 at Riverview Health in Noblesville. She was born on July 20, 1962 in Bangkok, Thailand.

Sophie received her Bachelor's Degree from UCLA in 1987 and was studying Cyber Security at Ivy Tech. She enjoyed photography, singing, music, camping, playing board games with friends, and get-togethers. Sophie has enjoyed being a pet owner to many animals of all shapes and sizes. She adopted everyone into her family. 

She is survived by her husband, Paul Doell; mother, Amy Lim; children, Gawain Doell, Tristan Doell, Bekah (Josiah) Barker, Gareth Doell, Lydia (Evan) Quinn, and Frederick Doell; one grandchild; and brothers, Mark (Punna) Lim and Anthony (Joy) Lim.

Services will be held at 1:00 pm on Monday, January 13, 2025 at Randall & Roberts Funeral Center, 1685 Westfield Road in Noblesville. Visitation will be from 11:00 am to the time of service at the funeral home. Burial will be at Oaklawn Memorial Gardens in Indianapolis. 

Condolences: www.randallroberts.com

To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Sophia Doell, please visit our flower store.

Meeting Location: Zoom

Join PVCC members Mat Gerdenich and Valerie Jackson as they share photos from their separate trips through Greece.

Mat will take us through his trip through Athens, a cruise through the Greek Islands and Turkey, then back to Athens.

I am Valerie Jackson, a retired radiologist who recently moved back to Indianapolis after 10 years in Tucson, Arizona. I was a PVCC member for several years before I moved away. I love travel, bird, and landscape photography. Several times a year I travel with small groups of other amateur photographers led by former National Geographic photographers. The photo critiques on these trips have been incredibly helpful in improving my photography.

Greece: In October, 2024, I went to Athens and Santorini with a small group of photographers, led by Joe McNally.

Spain/Morocco: In September, 2024, I joined a small group of photographers for a trip through southern Spain and northern Morocco. Our travels included Madrid, Seville, Ronda and some small towns in Spain, as well as Tangier, Tetouan, and Chefchaouen (the "Blue City") in Morocco.

Competition Photo Turn In

January Judge for Leading Lines: Stone Peng. 
https://stonepeng.com/home

Photography of "Lines: Leading, Symmetry, Geometric" is a powerful technique used to create visually compelling and dynamic images.

This approach utilizes various types of lines and geometric shapes to guide the viewer's eye, create balance, and add depth to compositions.

1. Leading Lines
Draw the viewer's attention to a specific point of interest in the image. They create a sense of depth and perspective, guiding the eye through the photograph.

 Examples:

• Roads or paths leading to a distant point

• Railway tracks converging on the horizon

• Staircases directing the eye upward

• Rivers or streams winding through a landscape

• Architectural elements like bridges or hallways

2. Symmetry
Creates a sense of balance and harmony in photographs found in both natural and man-made subjects.

Examples:

• Reflections in still water, creating perfect horizontal symmetry- Architectural facades with balanced elements on either side

• Portraits with the subject centered in the frame

• Radial symmetry in flowers or circular structures

3. Geometric Shapes
Incorporating geometric shapes in photography adds structure and visual interest to images.

Examples:

• Triangular compositions in landscapes or architecture

• Circular elements like arches or domes

• Rectangular frames within the image, such as windows or doorways

• Repeating patterns in tile work or building facades

• The golden ratio or rule of thirds grid overlaid on compositions[1]

Tips for Capturing Lines, Symmetry, and Geometric Shapes

• Look for natural leading lines in landscapes and urban environments.

• Use reflections to create symmetrical compositions.

• Experiment with different angles and perspectives to emphasize geometric shapes.

• Pay attention to architectural details for symmetry and patterns.

• Incorporate the rule of thirds alongside leading lines for balanced compositions.

• Use long exposures to create smooth, continuous lines in moving subjects like water or traffic.

• Practice minimalism to highlight geometric shapes and symmetry

Useful Reference:

• https://www.imaginated.com/photography/composition/styles/geometry-in-photography/

• https://skylum.com/blog/symmetry-in-photography-the-ultimate-guide

• https://1x.com/magazine/permalink/9600

• https://digital-photography-school.com/how-to-break-the-rules-with-a-central-composition/

  Leading Photographers and their work in this Field

• Michael Kenna: Known for his minimalist, geometric black and white landscapes. Website: https://www.michaelkenna.com/

• Hiroshi Sugimoto: Famous for his long-exposure seascapes with strong horizontal lines. Website: https://www.sugimotohiroshi.com/

• Andreas Gursky: Renowned for his large-format architecture and landscape photographs with strong geometric elements. Website: https://www.andreasgursky.com/

• Sebastião Salgado: Master of black and white photography, often incorporating strong leading lines in his documentary work. Website: https://www.amazonasimages.com/

• Fan Ho: Late photographer known for his use of light, shadow, and geometric compositions in street photography. Website: https://www.fanho-forgetmenot.com/

• Olivo Barbieri: Italian photographer famous for his tilt-shift cityscapes with strong geometric patterns. Website: https://www.olivobarbieri.it/

•  Edward Burtynsky: Canadian photographer known for his large-format images of industrial landscapes with striking geometric patterns. Website: https://www.edwardburtynsky.com/

Click here for the listing of upcoming competitions

The club will provide lasagna and drinks; please bring a side dish or dessert to share. If you want to participate in the VERY fun and riotous print exchange, bring a gift wrapped, 8x10 or larger matted print but don't put a name on the package.

Plus ones can also participate in the photo exchange. They may bring their own print or steal one from their partner....depending on who is the better photographer!! 🙂 🙂

Hope you'll join us for an always enjoyable evening!

Registration deadline is December 9

Click here to RSVP

Members Only

"Dress rehearsal for WINTERFEST at The Florence are Dec 4 and 11 at 6:30PM. We would prefer photographers on the 4th, so we can promote quickly.

The 11th would be before the second weekend of performances. But welcome either the 4th or 11th."

Please note, these are Wednesday evenings. As always, come early to set up. This will replace our regular Thursday meeting on the 5th.

Members Only

"Dress rehearsal for WINTERFEST at The Florence are Dec 4 and 11 at 6:30PM. We would prefer photographers on the 4th, so we can promote quickly.

The 11th would be before the second weekend of performances. But welcome either the 4th or 11th."

Please note, these are Wednesday evenings. As always, come early to set up. This will replace our regular Thursday meeting on the 5th.

Happy Thanksgiving to all, we will not be meeting this evening. See you next week at the Gregory Hancock Dance Theatre: Winterfest

Meeting: Zoom

Our judge is Lois Talley

https://photographybylois.com/
LoisJTalley@gmail. Com
Photography By Lois 
7 Lowell Ct.
Brownsburg, IN 46112

BIO:
I have been composing photos since age 17 & doing photography for hire for over 25 years.  What started out as a passionate hobby somewhere along the way took on a life of its own. 

My background in art was a great source of education in lighting & composition while my time as a petite model helped with posing skills.

 I have worked hard over many years to hone my photography skills and continue to enjoy “stretching” myself to learn new skills through workshops, meetings and photographic competitions.  I enjoy being a member of IPPG (Indianapolis Professional Photographers Guild) & PPA (Professional Photographers of America) 

Through Professional Photographers of America, I was awarded my Master of Photography degree --

Earned through education and print competition merits earned through International Photographic Competition. 

Meeting: Zoom

It has been awhile since we have had a club photo share!

After lots of FB and Insta stalking on my part, I know you all have been traveling to amazing locations and shooting at the many great club field trips.

Now we hope for you to share them with us in person so we can not only see, but also hear about your amazing trip or adventure!

Share 5-10 of your favorite photos to share with the group.  We will determine that night how many we can share once we know how many of you pulled photos to share.

Looking forward to a relaxed night of beautiful photos.

Save the date!

The Indianapolis Monumental Marathon passes by the house of Mat Gerdenich at 4521 N. Illinois Street on Saturday Nov 9 at about the 17 mile mark. Mat's house can be used as a home base. However due to the road closures club members will not be able to drive to Mat's house. Members will need to park outside the course and hike to my house and along the course. Estimating the 1st runners will be in the area at approximately 9 AM. More detailed times and maps will be coming soon. Call Mat at 317.601.0983 with questions.

CNO Financial Indianapolis Monumental Marathon, Half Marathon, & 5K

Approximate Race Start Schedule, subject to change:

● 7:58 a.m. ET – Wheelchair Race Start
● 8:00 a.m. ET – Marathon and Half Marathon Elites and Wave A
● 8:05 a.m. ET – Marathon and Half Marathon Wave B
● 8:10 a.m. ET – Marathon and Half Marathon Wave C
● 8:15 a.m. ET – Marathon and Half Marathon Wave D
● 8:20 a.m. ET – Marathon and Half Marathon Wave E
● 8:35 a.m. ET – 5K Race Start

Meeting: Zoom

In early August, our own Vernon “Jonesy” Jones went to Churchill, Canada on a photographic workshop.

The four photographers and two professionals met in Winnipeg, staying overnight, and then flew to Churchill.

Jonesy will do a short history and share photos and stories of the trip.

Judge is Lois Talley

https://photographybylois.com/
LoisJTalley@gmail. Com
Photography By Lois 
7 Lowell Ct.
Brownsburg, IN 46112

BIO:

I have been composing photos since age 17 & doing photography for hire for over 25 years.  What started out as a passionate hobby somewhere along the way took on a life of its own. 

My background in art was a great source of education in lighting & composition while my time as a petite model helped with posing skills.

 I have worked hard over many years to hone my photography skills and continue to enjoy “stretching” myself to learn new skills through workshops, meetings and photographic competitions.  I enjoy being a member of IPPG (Indianapolis Professional Photographers Guild) & PPA (Professional Photographers of America) 

Through Professional Photographers of America, I was awarded my Master of Photography degree --

Earned through education and print competition merits earned through International Photographic Competition. 

TOPIC: MINIMALIST

Minimalist photography is an approach that emphasizes simplicity, focusing on just the essential elements of a composition to create powerful and impactful images.

 Here's how to approach minimalist photography:

•  Simplify the Composition: Strip away unnecessary elements to focus on the core subject.

•  Embrace Negative Space: Use empty areas to draw attention to your subject and create balance.

•  Focus on Strong Subjects: Choose subjects that can stand alone and captivate viewers.

•  Utilize Color Thoughtfully: Work with a limited color palette or consider black and white to enhance simplicity.

•  Pay Attention to Composition: Use techniques like the Rule of Thirds to create visually appealing images.

•  Experiment with Lighting: Use light and shadow to add depth and emphasize your subject.

•  Explore Textures and Details: Highlight interesting patterns or surfaces in your minimalist compositions.

•  Use a Wide-Angle Lens: This can help capture expansive negative space in landscape shots.

•  Consider Long Exposures: Smooth out elements like water or clouds for a more minimalist effect.

 Useful websites for inspiration:

 https://121clicks.com/?s=minimalist

 Selected Key Global Minimalist Photographers

1. 1. Michael Kenna (UK/USA): Known for black and white landscapes with long exposures. Website: www.michaelkenna.com Also Francesco Libassi (Italy) https://www.francescolibassi.com/bwportfolio

2.  Fan Ho (China/Hong Kong): Renowned for minimalist street photography. Website: www.fanho-forgetmenot.com

3. Hengki Koentjoro (Indonesia): Focuses on minimalist seascapes and landscapes in black and white. Website: www.hengki-koentjoro.com

4. Alan Schaller (UK) https://alanschaller.com/streetphotography

5. Natalie Christensen (USA): Creates minimalist urban landscapes focusing on color and shadow. Website: www.nataliechristensenphoto.com

6. Saul Leiter (USA):

7. Nina Papiore (Germany): https://121clicks.com/inspirations/minimalism-black-and-white-photography-by-nina-papiorek#:~:text=Nina%20Papiorek%2C%20a%20German%20photographer,stark%20simplicity%20with%20profound%20depth.

These photographers demonstrate the power of minimalism across various subjects and styles, from landscapes to architecture and street photography.

Happy Halloween to all, we will not be meeting this evening. See you next week on Zoom for Jonesy’s Church Hill Polar Bear presentation

WE JUST RECIEVED WORD (10/22/2024) THAT THIS EVENT HAS BEEN CANCELED- THE IAC WILL LET US KNOW ABOUT FUTURE EVENTS

Photo + Digital Event at the Indy Art Center

The Indy Art Center presents ‘Indy Captures’ in partnership with Robert’s Camera and North Indy Magazine.

Let’s bring together the Indianapolis Photo + Digital Community for a night of learning, networking, and creative exploration!

Enjoy our Photo + Digital Studios, where you can attend a live shoot by professional photographers. (Lighting and shooting space will be provided.) Learn more about professional-grade printing from our Artist-In-Residence – Kevin Raber.

This event is FREE and open to the public!

Members Only

A note from Gregory:

Photographers - I hope you will join us for the opening of our season. We will have our final dress rehearsal on Thursday, October 24 at 6:30 at The Tarkington. The performance features the premiere of BEYOND THESE GATES THE LAND GROANS, plus THE VISIT and THE SEVEN DEADLY SINS. We also have a dress rehearsal on Wednesday, October 23 at 6:30 if you want to watch without your camera to get an idea of what you would like to capture on Thursday.

Meeting: Zoom

Our judge for the evening is Joe Vondersaar:

BFA Visual Communications, Ball State University, 1981. Past member ASMP OVC, served as Board Member and Education Liaison. Twenty one years, WMPhotographic Services, Commercial and Fine Art photography. 2003 to present, SRAM/Zipp Speed Weaponry dual roles, product photography 2003 to retired 2021, presently Facility Operations Maintenance Manager.

Joe Vondersaar Photographs, Est, 1991, Indianapolis Arts Council Creative Renewal Fellowship Award Winner, 2001. Producer of traditional landscape imagery conveyed in museum grade archival prints, collected publicly and privately. Active participant in the Arts and Art Fair business. Special attention to imaging for Charitable photographic events and the Cycling industry.

• https://www.joevondersaarphotographs.com/

• https://www.joevondersaarphotographs.com/Fine-Art-visions

• https://www.joevondersaarphotographs.com/Momentum-Indy-2024

• https://www.joevondersaarphotographs.com/The Distinguished-Gentlemans-Ride-2024

• https://www.joevondersaarphotographs.com/Lake-Superior-Provincial-Park
  

Adults $15.00
Seniors $10.00

“After a three-year hiatus, we had a successful return of the Indianapolis Scottish Highland Games and Festival last year! The SSI Board of Trustees along with the Scottish Foundation of Indianapolis are happy to announce that the 2024 Indianapolis Highland Scottish Games & Festival will be officially back this year. The event will be taking place on October 12th.”

Highland Athletics
Caber, sheaf, hammer, stone put, weight-over-bar -- the heavy events are what make Highland athletics unique. These events originated from great gatherings held by Highland clans in medieval times where chieftans selected their strongest warriors to compete and inspire others. Some say the games may have even pre-dated Scotland itself!

Entertainment
Pipe bands, traditional and modern celtic bands, dancers, and a talented cast of actors presenting the Scottish Royal Court - all working in concert to bring a lively cultural experience ye'll nae be forgettin.

The tastes
Guests who are of legal age are welcome to come learn about (and sample) fine Scottish whisky. Take in the stories of distilleries and learn about how Scotland's famous Uisge Beatha (water of life) is made and how it may be best enjoyed - with all your friends from the Scottish Society of Indianapolis of course!

The Location
This year, the Indianapolis Scottish Highland Games and Festival will be at the Marion County Fairgrounds. Guests and participants will find ample parking, comfortable facilities, all the food and beverages we love, and plenty of space for showing off just how bonny your knees look in that kilt - and if you dont' have a kilt, you'll find no shortage of suppliers and information to get yourself fully kitted out!

Click here for more information