50th Anniversary 1975-2025
Location: Zoom
Are you all set for photographing fireworks over Independence Day?
Join PVCC club member Bill Bubenzer as he walks us through the process from beginning to end:
What gear do you need?
Preparing your gear before the shoot
Setting up the right at the right location
Camera settings
Bonus: Can I do all this with my phone?
Get your phones and cameras ready for a fun and creative scavenger hunt in Carmel.
We will be shooting in teams around the Carmel City Center and/or Midtown (TBD). A length of time will be provided with a list of items to find and photograph. At the end of the time limit we will be meeting back at Focus On and sharing as a team our photos. Prizes will be awarded.
No meeting tonight. See you at the Indiana State Fair gathering tomorrow night!
It's State Fair Time! Jen's favorite time of the year!
Join us with a visit to the Indiana Arts Building Photography Gallery at 6:00 pm to view all the amazing photographs submitted by fellow Hoosiers....and to see how we did in the 2025 Photo Club Competition. Fingers crossed we can once again obtain the "Best Club of 2025"!
For anyone interested, Bill and Jen traditionally get food before the photo exhibit. Corn on the cob, steak sandwich, and elephant ears...YUM! Jen will post a FB notice for anyone who wants to meet up.
Bring your cameras as many of us will stay to shoot the iconic State Fair Sign and lots of the amusement area.
Sixteen years ago, Stu left his professional fundraising career in Cincinnati behind and retired to Putnam County. With the freedom from this change, he could cast aside many inhibitions and focus on creating things to satisfy himself and others. Those things included a nine-year path as a weaver on hard shell gourds, which he exhibited with his partner Marla Helton, and sold at art fairs throughout the Midwest.
“Through it all there has been my love of photography. From 1975 to 2005, I always kept a wet darkroom for printmaking. It was a monastic-type experience where I paid my dues and learned how to create classic black and white prints. Thankfully, the digital age came along, and I said goodbye to noxious chemicals. My photographic interests are varied, but my greatest thrills come from photographing the Milky Way and the night sky. Ninety-eight percent of photographers are daytime practitioners. For me, I’ll take the night!”
Meeting: Zoom
Club information and photo share. Bring your questions and photos!
Share 5 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, cool night of beautiful photos.
According to PVCC Bylaws, a nominating committee shall be established by the President at the last meeting in April.
Nominations shall be presented to the club at the first meeting in June.
Nominations may be accepted from the floor, with the prior concurrence of the nominee. The election shall be the third meeting in June.
Current 2025-26 Officer Nominations:
President: Paul Schoon
Vice President- Jonesy
Secretary- Mark Sachs
Treasurer- Bill Bubenzer
Current 2025-26 Committee Chair Appointments:
Competitions: Jay van Santen and Charles Yang
Field Trips: Jonesy
Historian/ Librarian: Eric Schoch
Membership: Sara Browning
Programs: Mike Pariso
Website: Bill Bubenzer
(photo by Bill Bubenzer)
SPECIAL NOTE:
Please turn in digital files of the images, on June 5, 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).
JOIN US FOR A PRIVATE SHOWING AT RAY SKILLMAN CLASSIC CARS
Ray Skillman Classic Cars in Greenwood, IN treats the needs of each individual customer with paramount concern. We know that you have high expectations, and as a car dealer we enjoy the challenge of meeting and exceeding those standards each and every time. Allow us to demonstrate our commitment to excellence!
CORRECTED ADDRESS LINK: https://maps.app.goo.gl/temfL5zHvLQmWjuNA
According to PVCC Bylaws, a nominating committee shall be established by the President at the last meeting in April.
Nominations shall be presented to the club at the first meeting in June.
The bylaws state nominations may be accepted from the floor, with the prior concurrence of the nominee. The election shall be the third meeting in June.
Since we are not meeting in person June 5, please email your nominations to President Jonesy at president@photoventure.org
Current 2025-26 Officer Nominations:
President: Paul Schoon
Vice President- Jonesy
Secretary- Mark Sachs
Treasurer- Bill Bubenzer
Current 2025-26 Committee Chair Appointments:
Competitions: Jay van Santen and Charles Yang
Field Trips: Jonesy
Historian/ Librarian: Eric Schoch
Membership: Sara Browning
Programs: Mike Pariso
Website: Bill Bubenzer
We will not be meeting this evening. Please be safe and enjoy your holiday weekend!
THIS EVENT HAS BEEN CANCELLED
Join us for a picture-perfect evening at the Benjamin Harrison Presidential Site. If you missed their Garden Party on Sunday, then here is to 2nd chances. The historic gardens will be in full bloom - including Indiana's state flower (and Jen's), the peony.
If you want, bring some cheese and crackers to share for an impromptu picnic. Bring your own drink. We will have plates and napkins. Bring a chair also.
Photographers are encouraged to share their images with us on social media. Don’t miss this chance to capture a stunning piece of history!
Thanks!
Jen
Join us for an evening with Ellie Sophia Brown - Pet Photographer
From Ellie’s website:
I am still coming to terms with losing my heart dog Sweet Pea, she’s the one pictured to my left. We all miss her, but Jett pictured to my right, hasn’t been the same since. At thirteen his own medical problems crept up as soon as we lost her, and only months later we almost lost him too. I can’t even explain the emotional turmoil I was in while rushing him to the same animal hospital I had driven Sweet Pea to. Even more painful was when they kept him for emergency surgery and told me to go home, alone. The reality of driving away by myself a second time was devastating. My pets are my children and along with my human child, I fiercely protect them, nurture them and love them. As I continue to grieve for Sweet Pea, I am thankful Jett did come home that day, but it got me thinking…
Photography is a second career for me. I worked for two decades in the fields of mental health and counseling, and I have to admit I used to believe that my career change was a selfish one. One that prioritized my own joy over helping others. However no amount of therapy I once provided ever brought the same joy I now capture. No condolences ever offered the same peace as a perfectly captured moment. I always thought I had left behind my more meaningful career path, but when I wiped away the tears as I picked up Jett that day after his surgery, I came to the realization that maybe I was wrong. My images of Sweet Pea are all I have left, and as I anxiously awaited news of Jett I stared at his eyes looking back at me from one of my favorite photographs. I have the unique privilege of providing that, of offering that treasured gift, and I think it might be the most valuable thing I have ever done.
Zoom Meeting
So you’re in Paris for the first time. And Paris is hosting the Olympics. The City of Light, or the Games of the XXXIII Olympiad? Why not both?
Photo Venture member Eric Schoch will take us through his and his wife’s 10 great and exhausting days of cafes, sports arenas and museums in Paris last August.
According to PVCC Bylaws, a nominating committee shall be established by the President at the last meeting in April.
Nominations shall be presented to the club at the first meeting in June.
Nominations may be accepted from the floor, with the prior concurrence of the nominee. The election shall be the third meeting in June.
Zoom Meeting
Join us tonight to learn more about Roller Derby and how to capture some amazing photos. To prepare for our Saturday, May 3rd field trip to the Naptown Roller Derby Bout. Our guest speaker, Fire Anne Brimstone (Jennifer Spence) and Tom Klubens who will be sharing her knowledge of the game and tips on shooting it. We will be covering some of the following:
The rules, positions, gear, hit zones and the game in general.
What are some of the key moments to look for and what to shoot.
Fan & photographer etiquette during the bout.
And maybe some camera tips.
Check your calendars to see if you can attend the bout on Sat, May 3rd. The bout has a $10 ticket fee but it is well worth the money!
Join us for an evening with Grace Hollars:
My name is Grace. I have an endless amount of energy and I know how to use it to my advantage. I am extremely passionate, quirky, and edgy — a constant burst of joy.
Dream Job: Wonder Woman (superpowers only functional behind a camera)
Current Occupation: Visual Journalist for the Indianapolis Star — USA Today Network (not quite Wonder Woman, but close enough)
For any questions about hiring please feel free to email or text at any time.
Portfolio: www.gracehollars.photography
Email: gracehollarsthephotog@gmail.com
Phone number: 765-749-6827
Instagram: @_gracehollars
Experience
Current position: Visual Journalist (Sports Specialist) at The Indianapolis Star — A USA Today Network. Visual team for USA Today Sports Olympics coverage. Photographed 2020 Tokyo Summer Olympics for USA Today Sports. 2019-present.
Student Photographer, Ball State Creative Services & Communications; Muncie, IN — 2018-2019
Richmond Times-Dispatch; Richmond, VA. 2018 Summer Photo Intern
Olympics Photographer: 2016 Summer Olympics, Rio De Janeiro, Brazil & 2018 Winter Olympics, PyeongChang, South Korea for Ball State at the Games
Photographer, Daily News; Muncie, IN — 2016-2018
Photography Intern, The Star Press; Muncie, IN — Summer of 2013
John will discuss how he approaches editorial assignments, from working with Photo Editors to lighting, rapport with subjects, composition, concepts, etc.
John Bragg is a graduate of the University of Dayton where he majored in Photography.
John started out his career as a photography assistant working for various photographers in Indianapolis and around the country. After a few years of assisting, he struck out on his own and went into business for himself.
John has photographed for clients like Honda, NCAA, GMC, Adidas, Sports Illustrated, Newsweek, Indianapolis Monthly, Muscle & Fitness Hers, USA Weekend, Parade, Redbook and Golf Magazine.
John has a passion for European travel and takes an annual trip to Europe to satisfy his wanderlust. To date, he has visited Europe over 30 times to document the architecture, landscapes, culture and people.
His work can be found at www.johnbragg.com and he can be found on Instagram at @johnbraggphotos as well as @johnbraggphotography.
Location: Zoom
We will have an opportunity to learn more about 300 Cameras for 300 Kids from Dennis Jarrett, Next Generation Initiative
We believe photography enables a young person to see their world in a different light, figuratively and literally. Something magical can happen when they place their eyes behind the lens of a camera.
Empowering 100 Kids with Cameras every year
Our mission is simple: to provide 100 deserving kids with cameras each year, fostering creativity, self-expression, and the development of important life skills. Through the lens of a camera, they can tell their stories, document their journeys, and explore the world around them in an entirely new way.
For information about the 300 Cameras For 300 Kids program, download our program overview
The Next Generation Initiative is a 501(c)3 organization designed to enable the next generation of media professionals to be successful.
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!
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 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.
Happy Holidays to all, we will not be meeting on the December 19th through January 2nd. See you at our next meeting on January 9th, 2025
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
Happy Thanksgiving to all, we will not be meeting this evening. See you next week at the Gregory Hancock Dance Theatre: Winterfest
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.
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.
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
WELCOME FALL! It's that time of the year for shooting fall foliage. Hopefully it will be a beautiful evening with some color change starting at beautiful Holliday park. It is a shoot whatever you want night! The ruins, gardens, playgrounds, hike down to the river. Might see if I know a family or two who might like some family fall photos to practice those amazing park portraits. Please come with some fun ideas.
Time: Early arrival 5:00 pm and Group Meet Up at 5:30 pm
Parking: West Parking lot by the park ruins. Right off Springmill Rd. at the front of the park.
After the great presentation shared by Charles Yang, we are now going to put his personal approaches to the test! Bring your best camera/lens to get close and personal to Monument Circle and it's spirit. Pick one lens and stick with it! You don't need that large gear bag with stuff you will never use. Lets really see what your view of Indianapolis looks like.
You can spend some time on Instagram, or Google and see what others shoot to get a feel for what appeals to you. People - candid or portrait. Architectural details. Reflections. Chance encounters and Random incidents. Shadows. Black & White or Color. So many options!
Time: Early arrival 5:30 pm and Group Meet Up at 6:00 pm
Parking: Street Parking Meters
Meet up: South Side of Monument Circle on the steps.
Join us for an evening with our own Charles Yang!
Charles Yang was a Neuroscientist who turned socio-cultural street photographer. His passion for photography began in his teen when his father gave him his old camera, along with a subscription of National Geographic magazine.
Always having a camera on his side, Charles has framed moments in life among diverse cultures during his international academic and biopharmaceutical scientific career paths over the last 5 decades while living and working globally, including Hong Kong, England, Canada, USA, and China.
In 2019, just before COVID hit, Charles took an early retirement to pursuit his other passion – Global Travel Street Photography. Not able to fulfill his plans during COVID, Charles used the lockdown period to sort through his extensive image archives to self-publish two photographic monographs, entitled: "Shanghai: the Pre-COVID Soul of The City (2020-2017)", "On Reading: From Analogue To Digital. And more recently, “Under The Moroccan Winter Sun”. These 3 books are now available to the public on the shelves of the Indianapolis Public Library.
Charles had held solo exhibition of his color and monochrome prints in Darkroom Revelation Gallery (CCIC), and joint print exhibitions with Lesley Ackman in Harrison Art Center, Garfield Park Art Center. Each of Charles’ photographs invites and lures viewers to immerse themselves in his thought-provoking moments frozen in time.
In his upcoming in-person talk at Photo Venture Camera Club, Charles is going to share his personal approaches to the Art and Craft of his Street Photography by illustrating with examples from some of his past and current work.
Meeting: Zoom
Our speaker this evening is wildlife photographer David Johnston, from Tennessee. Click here to see some of his work!
I started my journey in photography in 2004 when I took a film photography course in high school. It was an amazing experience to shoot with film and then bring those images to life in the darkroom. There is definitely an enormous difference in film and digital photography. Film cameras taught how to get my light correct in-camera as best possible.
However, it was in 2010 that I really became obsessed with photography after I got my first DSLR camera. I decided to put all of my energy into photography to make it my life career. I knew I couldn’t quit my full-time job right away, but I could hustle with photography on the side until I could do photography full-time.
In 2014 I started my first blog and podcast called Photography Roundtable. I had a good run with the podcast and it enabled me to meet some of my best photography friends, teach, and run photography workshops in national parks in the United States.
In 2017 my wife and I had a major life change. We moved to Haiti to become missionaries. My wife runs maternal health programs and I help with logistics and I frequently find myself being her ambulance driver. Even in Haiti I still wanted to do photography and teach in some way. So, I turned to YouTube to share my landscape photography ideas and techniques for people to learn for free.
In 2019, we made the difficult decision to return to our home state of Tennessee which is where we live now. I’m passionate about helping people improve their nature photography with online video. Video content on YouTube, post-processing courses, and video tutorials are my favorite ways of helping people with their photography. One of my favorite ways of talking about landscape photography is through my podcast called The Landscape Photography Show.
Join us for an evening with David Van Deman as we explore “headshots with a twist”
Share Your Story:
In the digital world, your headshot is typically the first time another person will see who you are. Being professional but approachable is critical, and those standards vary based on your personality and your industry. Van Deman Photography marries reality with ideals through combining photo shoots with Photoshop. The result is a unique opportunity to share your personal style and how you wish to be seen. David has a firm belief that photo shoots should be fun and considers his headshot sessions a success when you are laughing and having a good time throughout.
We will have a couple models, so bring your camera.
If you’re late getting there, give Jen (317-289-3614) a call to come unlock the door
