The Woodstock Camera Club

Poster by Ruth Ann Rule

March 7th, 2010 | Category: Uncategorized | Leave a comment

The deadline for the Photo Art Contest is fast approaching.

So be sure to take one of your photos and make a piece of fine art with it

using Photoshop or any other program you wish.

Something you would be proud to hang on your wall.

Entry forms were available at the last club meeting, but if you missed yours, I

forwarded a pdf file to all club members.

The deadline for the Photo Art Contest is March 17th.

The Wilson Johnston Memorial Trophy is waiting to have your name engraved on it,

so let’s have some fun!

Linda Feick

Communication Chair

WCC

March 7th, 2010 | Category: Uncategorized | Leave a comment

We just finished our “Abandonned” contest results night with the entries displayed on the big screen.  No more trying to view an 8″ by 10″ picture from 20 ft away.

We will continue to judge the entries from prints.  There are issues to consider when using a digital display for judging. The main issue is that colours differ on each display when using the same file.

Thanks to those members that made it happen.  It is a lot of work but it improves the program and I believe it is well worth the effort.

Thanks again,

Bob

March 5th, 2010 | Category: Uncategorized | Leave a comment

I want to know more about my camera.  I want to learn how to take better pictures.  I want to learn how to use Photoshop.

Unfortunately there is no magic pill, needle or scientific invention that will magically put knowledge into your brain.  Learning can be a difficult process in that it requires work to obtain and retain. People can tell you how to do things, how things work, and work you through the steps required to do some task.  Did you hear correctly? How good was the teacher? How long will you retain that new knowledge?  Have you learned what you wanted to know?  Often you will retain the new knowledge for only a short period of time unless you take steps to reinforce and enhance the information.  Many of us take notes, further discuss it or experiment with the process.  With photography and computers I experiment and practice. 

I have been playing with photo editing programs for the last 15 years or so.  When I hear of a new way of doing something, I try it out.  Am I an expert? No.  Am I comfortable editing my pictures? Yes. Am I willing to try new techniques? Yes, because I take the time to experiment and refine the knowledge I have gained.  Is it fun?  Most definitely, because it is a challenge that I have to work through.  When I succeed it feels good and well worth the effort.  Success is a sweet reward.

When we have lectures at the club and I hear a topic that interests me, I go home and try it out. Sometimes I’m told to make a change to my camera settings, for example adjust the white balance. If I don’t know what that means I have to dig out the camera manual and read that particular topic. Then I put the manual way for the next time, but I keep it handy.  I learn a little bit more each time I go through this process.  I reinforce that learning through experimentation and practice.

Now if only I could use that technique on the guitar I’ve had for 45 years and still can’t play.  I guess that requires more time and practice than I am willing to devote.  Photography is more rewarding to me.

February 21st, 2010 | Category: Uncategorized | Leave a comment

Yes you can make money from photography.  Dave Chidley a freelance photographer from Wardsville attended our 3 Feb meeting and he survives on his photography skills.

He didn’t come to tell us how to make money, he came to tell us what to do to take pictures of people, especially strangers.  His approach was light, entertaining and thought provoking.  The secret to start taking people photographs is to “get to know them first.”  Introduce yourself and then ask questions to show interest in your subject. Dave explained that he talks to the people to learn about them and let them know about himself.  You have to be open and honest, sensitive to their needs.  Once you have taken those steps it is amazing how well a photographic shoot can go.  The effort you take shows them they are important and special in some way.  The photography skills are up to you but always be ready and have your camera ready.

Dave also talked about an organization worth investigating with many examples of people in emotional situations.  Photo Sensitive Connections has many examples of people photography.  Go to images and click oh a word printed on the picture. Be prepared for some emotional stories.  Those pictures are a means for family to remember and cherish their loved ones.  For those who do not photograph people, maybe you should reconsider.

ON A DIFFERENT NOTE.

Hind site is 20/20.  I thought I would take my camera that night but then left it at home.  We had a surprise presenter. Ruth Doya Murray, a member, presented her slide show of wild turkeys.  The way she presented it was definitely worth a photograph.  The presentation was announced and Ruth walked to the front camouflaged as a turkey.  You had to see it to believe it.  The membership had tears of laughter from her introduction.  The slide show was excellent; pictures of the birds covering four seasons.  The picture at right is one from the last news letter where Ruth won 2nd place.

February 6th, 2010 | Category: Uncategorized | Leave a comment

The message came out, ”trip to Rockwood Conservation Area”, Sunday January 31, 2010. The weather did not look promising, there was little warning about the trip, but it was a chance to get together with friends. Eight of us decided to make the trip. We met at the Quality Inn and headed out at 9:05.

It was a cold and a light snow was falling but we had a blast. The pictures, at least mine, were not too great. The snow left a lot of dandruff type spots on my pictures and the sky was grey leaving my pictures almost black and white.

Those were minimal issues. The important result was that we had fun and laughs and got to experiment with our cameras and different settings. I also learned to take along warmer mittens.

I had seen pictures from Rockwood before but they only included the mill. There is a river with a couple of dams for photo opportunities.  There is a trail that wanders beside the river.

I found some interesting rock formations visible from the water which was fortunately frozen. The park has a unique geological history that has left it with glacial bluffs, potholes and caves.

As I am posting this note I just realized I should have read the previous post “Just because it is cold out there……..” prior to going.

Will we go back, a definite yes, maybe when it is warmer.

BoB

January 31st, 2010 | Category: Uncategorized | Leave a comment

I can’t help but wonder about a camera club that doesn’t have any pictures on their site.  I found this picture of Ralph’s so I added it after getting his permission.

BoB

January 21st, 2010 | Category: Uncategorized | Leave a comment

Last night we were enjoying our guest speaker so much we ran out of time for these announcements.

1. Only one week left for your Challenge submission.

2. Next meeting is the date for the second contest (abandoned) entries.  A digital copy of should accompany the print for results night.  The print is required for judging and “member’s choice” award.

3. We have finished the second Element’s course and are wondering if there is enough interest to put on a third course.

4. We have again volunteered to take pictures at the “Relay for Life” in June and will be looking for volunteers again this year.

BoB                                            

January 21st, 2010 | Category: Program | Leave a comment

Here are some tips for Winter Photography from Jerry Cornell.  I copied them from the November Newsletter.

1. There seem to be too many gray skies during the winter. Use a graduated filter to colour the sky while leaving the foreground natural.
2. When photographing wildlife in snow, the best way to reduce contrast is to use a fill flash (not always possible though).
3. Get prepared the night before and have everything at your fingertips. You become slower in cold weather and it is much harder to do the simplest movement with layers of clothing and gloves.
4. The sunlight during the early morning and late afternoon offers unique photography opportunities due to the reflections and colours. Get an early start and you will be rewarded.
5. Look for the contrasting lines and objects that appear when the snow does not completely cover the landscape. Place yourself in multiple positions to find the most dynamic photograph. Don’t forget to add some colour to the photograph as it will create a dramatic effect with the white snow.
6. Night photography can be accomplished from the light of the moon. The landscape lights up under the light of the moon and the reflection of the snow.
7. To reduce some sky in the photograph, position yourself at a higher location and look down.
8. Look for the birds. If it is snowing, use a slow shutter speed for the snow to add an interesting effect. Keep in mind, though, that it is a hard combination of wildlife and a slow shutter speed.
9. Fool your light meter.  Your camera’s light meter uses a gray scale for average picture-taking conditions and wants to read white snow as a light gray. If your camera has a spot meter function—sometimes shown as a rectangle with a center dot—use it to pre-focus on a non-white object. If you can, overexpose snow pictures by one or two f/stops. With a digital camera, increase the exposure value by +1.0 or more. Or, just move in close to remove background snow from your shot.

Now you just have to get out to try them out

BoB

January 12th, 2010 | Category: Uncategorized | Leave a comment