Discusson Group Notes October 16, 2009
First, a correction. The last two writeups are listed as October 3rd and 10th. These should have been 2nd and 9th. When you're retired time tends to lose some of its significance.
Seven, then eleven, and now four. It's a good thing I didn't go to Las Vegas last week.
Mary and I talked about the merits of Point and Shoot (P&S) cameras, Digital Single Lens Reflexs (DSLRs) set to Auto, and the difficulties in learning the more sophisticated photographic techniques.
Terri described her trip to Mary, including the play they attended which was Alfred Hitchcock's "39 Steps."
Terri brought in the book "Teach Yourself Visually, Photoshop Elements" for us to see. She said that this book makes learning Photoshop much easier. I passed around my book "Techniques of Photography by Available Light," by Colin Glanfield, a British writer. It was printed in 1986 and the author starts with a history of film and camera development from the perspective of low and available lighting. He talks about some of the techniques of getting interesting images with existing lighting including daylight, indoors, plays, foul weather, and more. He shows many examples, including the use of softening and star filters. This is one of the many good, and inexpensive, books I've found by scrounging through the thrift shops, used bookstores, and Friends of the Library sales.
Terri updated us on Bob Lyon's efforts to get a Photoshop class at the AV College.
I described my Lancaster Grand Prix experience and writeup. It started out as a serious photo shoot but, when I started looking at what I had, the silly stick hit me and I went for humor instead. There were several other photo club members out taking photos also so they can show the serious side of the races. http://www.glenn-olson.com/photos/blogs/lgp.htm
We discussed Panoramas, which is an upcoming March competition subject. Mary brought in the magazine "Digital Photographer," Issue 85, which shows some interesting panoramas. One of these is a 360 degree panorama printed in a circle. Terri pointed out that a panorama picture doesn't have to start with several photos stitched together, it can be one photo (typically wide angle) cropped to panorama shape. I forgot to mention it at the meeting but I've found some nice panorama frames (imported art works), sized large to small, that can be purchased and reused for less than $20. The better ones seem to be at the "Ross" and "Factory 2 U" stores near Ave K and the Freeway.
Lee showed us his new portfolio, which he's still filling. He had some great shots from their trip. One was an old red canoe floating next to a building in Peggy's Cove, Halifax. The colors match the Canadian scene and show the character of the locale. Another was of a solitary girl on Cavendish Beach, Prince Edward Island. The lighting and open spaces cast a meditative mood upon the scene.
Then we went back to a long discussion of the Grand Prix, the problems of the fence (which I overcame by climbing on garbage cans, street vents, and anything else that didn't move too fast), and how pleased the Mayor was with the event. I guess they're planning on doing it again next year.
I showed Mary my updated portfolio and we went into a discussion of judges and competitions, which completed the evening.
All photography related subjects are fair game and there's never a planned agenda. You can bring in your questions, your stories, your equipment, your photos (paper or digital), or even just yourself to sit, listen, and/or talk.
I would again like to extend a special invitation to both new members and the more expert members who would like to participate in these informal discussions.
You are welcome to visit the LPA forum and leave your comments......
Glenn Olson
Coordinator and Moderator
glenn@glenn-olson.com
816-8278
