[image1_left]With Brent Paull

Over 70 Lancaster Photography Association members enjoyed viewing incredible wildlife photographs taken by Brent Paull.  19 members had dinner earlier in the day with Brent at the Greenhouse restaurant in Lancaster.

[image2_right]Bears, Deer, Elk, Fox, Geese, Wolverine, Buffalo, Owl, Bobcat, Eagle, Hummingbird, etc. etc. were all in the show. In addition, Brent went to great detail to explain how he got the shots. He described many of their habits and ways to be ready for the animal’s next movement. As Brent explained, knowing your subject and its habits is just as important as the photography equipment, settings, etc.

Brent does over 85 safari workshops each year in the western United States. You can view his many fantastic images and see his upcoming safari schedule on his website www.amwestphoto.com. You can also be a part of his Facebook fans at www.facebook.com/brent.paull.

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[image1_left]Presented by Bill Debley

Bill Debley’s website is www.beyondwideopen.com and the title gives you only a hint of what was presented Tuesday night (11/25) at the Greenhouse Café. It’s safe to say our LPA members were treated to photography that they had not seen before.

[image2_right]Bill not only showed us some creative abstract images that brought “wows” from the audience but he showed us how it was done. Bill’s engineering background was apparent as he explained some complicated qualities of light but yet his tools for created the images were simple to understand and inexpensive.

Images created with Spirography, Domes, Burning Steel Wool (at the beach only) and Refraction were amazing… most of which our members can create on their own.

The final segment of the evening was on Refractory photography. Bill is a pioneer in this area of photography. The overly simplified explanation of which is to take photos of light refracting through an object with the camera without a lens. Go to Bill’s website for a better understanding.

[image1_left]Presented by Mathew Tekulsky

LPA members and their guests were treated to beautiful images of birds and butterflies taken in California as well as other exotic locations. In addition, Mathew Tekulsky offered photos and explanations of how he got those stunning images.  The presentation gave our members specific techniques, camera settings and equipment needed to capture our own bird/butterfly images.

Mathew’s knowledge of his craft was apparent as he critiqued dozens of images submitted by LPA members.  His comments included identification of the birds and butterflies. His critiques were thorough and based on the standards of how the image would be judged for potential publishing.

[image2_right]Many members purchased autographed copies of his book… Backyard Bird Photography: How to Attract Birds to Your Home and Create Beautiful Photographs

New releases coming in Spring 2015

The Art of Hummingbird Gardening: Turning Your Garden, Window Box, or Backyard into a Beautiful Home for Hummingbirds – April 2015

The Art of Butterfly Gardening: Turn Your Garden, Window Box or Backyard into a Beautiful Home for Butterflies – April 2015

More information is available at www.mathewtekulsky.com.

Presented by Kurtiss Humphrey

Amazing time lapse videos and “how to” explanations were the enjoyed by all that attended our workshop. 40+ LPA members and their guests viewed numerous videos that Kurtiss created…highlighted by a time lapse video of a hot air balloons taking off from Lake Havasu City.

For those wanting the specific method for capturing these delightful images, Kurtiss reviewed the following:

1. Tools… Camera, Tripod, Intervalometer
2. Settings
   1. ISO
   2. Aperture
   3. Shutter Speed
   4. Focus
   5. White Balance
3. Other Issues of Interest
   1. Motion Blur
   2. File size
   3. Interval length
   4. Battery power
   5. Image resolution

In addition, a time lapse calculation chart was available for easy reference. It details specific frame intervals and event duration for specific events such as moving traffic, sunsets, clouds, stars, growing plants and construction projects.

Thanks to Kurtiss for unraveling what could be a challenging photography project.

The judges have spoken and it’s thumbs up for the images viewed at our critique workshop. LPA members viewed 25+ images and made their opinions known. LPA members from all skill levels were present and eager to offer their critique of the images. Everything from composition, exposure, shutter speed, aperture, etc came into play.

As part of the critique of the images that were submitted by LPA members, our “judges” used their best critiquing etiquette being sure to offer positive comments as well as constructive suggestions. Comments like “in my opinion” and “to my eye” were the common place. With the varying opinions came the understanding of how subjective photography critiques can be.

The bonus for the evening’s attendees was ice cream with yummy toppings. Thanks to Sue Liberto and Holly Peskin for picking up the goodies and performing the host duties for our members.

Over 50 members enjoyed a “hands on” experience at our Macro Photography workshop. Photography stations were set up all around the Senior Center giving everyone a chance to photography a variety of small things. Marbles, pine cones, nails, flowers, toy cars, pencils, straws, peacock feathers and variety of interesting items were available as subjects in the photographer’s compositions.

Noella Ballenger was our guest speaker and “macro” coach for the evening. She presented a beautiful slide show that stimulated the member’s creativity as well as gave them macro photography tips. Noella has been our guest several times in the past as a judge as well as teacher. She has traveled the world photographing the most pristine and spectacular locations. She has been published extensively and her work is displayed throughout California.  You can view her website at www.noellaballenger.com, or email her at Noella1B@aol.com.

Thanks to all the brought lighting stations, props and snacks for our members.

Check out members' images in the gallery

A large crowd was in attendance as Lewis Kemper, a member of the Canon Explorer of Light, presented a workshop on “Light, Color and Composition: Tips to improve your photographs”.
Over 100 attendees from a far as Thousand Oaks, San Fernando Valley, Santa Clarita and Tehachapi enjoyed beautiful images from around the world. In addition, visitors from Palmdale senior center and the Antelope Valley Photographers enjoyed the presentation.

Flash Photography Basics, presented by Julie Sutton
January 28th, 2014

Julie Sutton, a long time portrait and wedding photographer in the Antelope Valley, taught 35+ members of the LPA how to “tame the beast in your flash”. Julie’s studio is located in the downtown boulevard area of Lancaster. Named AV’s Best Photographer by the residents of the Antelope Valley for 10 years demonstrates the quality of her work.
Julie and her assistant Tanya covered the basics of on camera flash. For many of our members, the specific issues covered will open up new opportunities in their photography. Here’s a brief listing of the topics covered: