Lowe House Office Display - Reminder

Capital Holiday

Photo by E Colby Munger

The deadline for submissions to the DPCA Display at the Lowe Office Building Anne Arundel County Delegation Room is December 1st, just two days away. Pick your best pictures of scenes in Anna Arundel County and email them to ExhibitionLHOB@digitalphotoclub.us . Also remember to send your check for $5 per picture submitted per the instructions below. You can bring your check to the meeting Monday night.

This is a prestigious display in our state capital. It's a opportunity to show off our club and our talented members. I hope everyone will enter. The specific instructions are repeated below for your convenience.

Here are all the details you need to participate:

• Theme: Pictures are to be of City or Anna Arundel County scenes.
• Size of Photographs:- 11 x 14, 16 x 20, 24 x 30 or 24 x 36 (NOTE: new size added) These dimensions are for the image only. The matting and frame are in addition to the size of the photograph.
• Mat:- White in Color, consistent in size appropriate for picture
• Frame:- Simple Black Frame
• Submission Fee:- Fee of $5.00 per picture submitted. Limit of 6 pictures. (NOTE: This does not guarantee being accepted).
• Photo Deadline: - All photos must be submitted on-line by December 1, 2008. Email your entries to: ExhibitionLHOB@digitalphotoclub.us
• Fee Deadline: - Submission fee must also be received by Dec 1, 2008 (payment can be made at
Dec 1 photography club meeting provided photographs have already been submitted). Send check(payable to Digital Photography Club of Annapolis) to Ms. Jan Sheehan, 8 Cove of Cork Lane, Annapolis, Md. 21401.
• Great Juror:-Anne Sherwood*
• Right reserved not to accept work whose appearance is not consistent with the image submitted.

On-Line Submission Details:

Email images to: ExhibitionLHOB@digitalphotoclub.us
Submission must be JPEG image files. Any size is acceptable but it is recommended that you resize to 1024 pixels (largest side) to keep file size reasonable.
Include the following information with each image:

1. Name of Photographer
2. Email Address
3. Name of Piece (i.e. Sunflowers)
4. Price
5. Size of Print Dimensions

Important Dates:

• Submit pictures on line by December 1
• Submit payment by December 1
• Jurying first week in December
• Notification to photographers by December 8.
• Drop off of Pictures Ready for Hanging January 10, 2009

For More Information:

• General Questions to: Sandy Huberfeld email - Huberfelds@aol.com
• Technical Questions to: Suzanne Joiner email - suzannealane@hotmail.com

*About the Juror:

We are very fortunate to have Anne Sherwood as Juror. Her work regularly appears in National Geographic Adventure, New York Times and Smithsonian. She has won National Press Photographer Assoc. Accolades, and Society of Prof Journalists awards.

I hope to see your pictures hanging in this display and look forward to seeing everyone at the meeting on Monday. Hope you had a great Thanksgiving holiday.

Colby

Reminder - "Color" Challenge Deadline Monday, 24 November

Photo by Carol McGonegal

I hope everyone has been taking pictures for the "Color" Challenge! There are only four days until the submission deadline. We have been getting some really nice images as you can see from Carol's entry above. Submit your entries by Monday, November 23rd. The challenge images will be reviewed by Dick Bond at our meeting December 1st. See the details below.

Challenge - "Colors"

In color photography colors are a significant in the overall effect a picture has on the viewer. Vivid colors in combination their complimentary colors can provide the subject of pictures alone. But, the best use of color in all of our compositions make for the most evocative pictures. Color unrealistically over saturated or causing an overall color cast to a picture can easily diminish the desired effect. It just seemed appropriate as peak color arrives in nature at this time of year in Maryland that we see your interpretations for this challenge. I look forward to the entries.
Our first challenge had 83 images. Overall most people were pleased with the last challenge. I mentioned that the process was an experiment in progress. After getting lots of feedback, I would like to refine the format for challenges as we continue the experiment in discovering the best we can do for the club members. First, the challenge went longer than our endurance so we will still take 3 entries but I would like the submitters to rank them in the order of priority by number them 1 through 3 in the filename. The goal for next challenge will be to have about 60 images reviewed. So if we get over subscribed I will reduce the number for each submission from 3 to 2.

The second significant change is the elimination for the next challenge of having merit categories using 4 and 5 stars. We got mixed reviews both loving it and hating it. The challenge allows us to bring in experts from the outside to provide positive critique and recommendations for improving our photography. I found the reviewer to be distracted by having to think about the quantification of merit. On the other hand it would be great to have the reviewer identify those pictures found outstanding and explain why they were so effective. So.... I will ask the reviewer to make sure he or she is positive in recommended improvements and explicit in recognizing the outstanding images and the qualities that make them so. I will be looking forward to feedback from you after we try this format too.

Here is the critical information:

• Challenge Subject – Colors
• Up to 3 Pictures to be taken between October 20 and November 24, 2008
• Three JPEG image files (any size or resize to 1024pixels maximum on a side to keep the file size reasonable)
• Rename the files with your name and a sequence number in priority order (i.e., john-smith-1, john-smith-2, john-smith-3)
• Challenge Review Date – December 1, 2008
• Submission Due Date – November 24, 2008
• Email Images to: challenge@digitalphotoclub.us
• All images will be posted in a special challenge web gallery on the club website- If you don't want your pictures in the club website gallery put the phrase "Don't publish my pictures on the club website" in your submission email.

The challenge will make for a fun meeting December 1st. Hope to see you there. Thanks.

Colby

Conowingo Dam Saturday, Showcase Monday

Eagle at Conowingo Dam

by E Colby Munger

Conowingo Dam Field Trip

The weather looks great for our photo outing this Saturday, November 1st at Conomwingo Dam. Matt Korbelak will be there from 8-11am. The parking lot at the dam is only about 100 yards long so you will be able to find everyone. Click on http://www.digitalphotoclub.net/pdf/conowingoDam.pdf for driving directions. All the action can be shot right from the parking lot. The picture above was taken right from the parking lot. The eagles fish the river right in front of you and often use the parking lot trees for a place to finish their meal. You won't be disappointed. I unfortunately have a conflict but join Matt for a great shooting opportunity.

Showcase - Monday, November 3rd

I have just reviewed the pictures submitted for the showcase and this showcase is by far the best selection of pictures I have seen submitted. Come see what your fellow members are taking and hear their comments on where and how their pictures were taken. We will start of with Dan Beigel on "Putting a Body of Work Together." You can read more about his talk and background on Don's blog at http://dpcaprograms.blogspot.com/.

Sandy Huberfeld will also be outlining the club's plans for exhibitions. The exhibition committee has done a great job on putting together opportunities for club members exhibit their photographic art. Come hear all about it Monday.

This Monday Matt Korbelak will also be conducting the meeting and showcase. At a board meeting last night we decided to rotate conducting the meetings through your officers and volunteers so you can get to know all of us.

Look forward to seeing you Monday. Thanks.

Colby

Showcase and Challenge - The Latest News

Mirror Lake, Lake Placid, New York

By E Colby Munger

This posting discusses a showcase for our next meeting and the opening of a new challenge - "Colors." So keep reading.

For our next meeting on November 3rd we will have a showcase. Our last two showcases have been a hit. All of us has learned from the members commenting on their own images. The deadline for submission is Monday, October 27th. That's just a few days away so find three more of your best and email them in. The meeting will start with a talk by professional photographer, Dan Beigel on "Creating a Body of Work." This is part of new initiative where volunteers provide members a portfolio review if they are interested. More on this initiative will be posted next on this blog.....stay tuned.


Showcase Submission Procedures:

• Up to three JPEG image files (any size or resize to 1024pixels maximum on a side to keep the file size reasonable
• Rename the files with your name and a sequence number (i.e., john-smith-1, john-smith-2, john-smith-3)
• Email files to showcase@digitalphotoclub.us by Monday, October 27th (Don't be late)
  - If you don't want your pictures in the club website gallery put the phrase "Don't publish my pictures on the club website" in your submission email.

How Showcases Work

The goal of the Showcase is to have members submit three pictures of any subject or subjects of their choice and have them projected in a slide show at a meeting. The pictures can have been taken at anytime. Each member's three images will be displayed in order and the photographer will be asked by the moderator if they would like to comment on their pictures. Each contributor will have up to one minute total to discuss their images. There is no requirement to speak but all of us would like to hear the background behind your pictures, why you selected them and what you might have learned in taking the pictures. Though your commentary is encouraged it is totally up to each contributor.

New Challenge - "Colors"

In color photography colors are a significant in the overall effect a picture has on the viewer. Vivid colors in combination their complimentary colors can provide the subject of pictures alone. But, the best use of color in all of our compositions make for the most evocative pictures. Color unrealistically over saturated or causing an overall color cast to a picture can easily diminish the desired effect. It just seemed appropriate as peak color arrives in nature at this time of year in Maryland that we see your interpretations for this challenge. I look forward to the entries.

Our first challenge had 83 images. Overall most people were pleased with the last challenge. I mentioned that the process was an experiment in progress. After getting lots of feedback, I would like to refine the format for challenges as we continue the experiment in discovering the best we can do for the club members. First, the challenge went longer than our endurance so we will still take 3 entries but I would like the submitters to rank them in the order of priority by number them 1 through 3 in the filename. The goal for next challenge will be to have about 60 images reviewed. So if we get over subscribed I will reduce the number for each submission from 3 to 2.

The second significant change is the elimination for the next challenge of having merit categories using 4 and 5 stars. We got mixed reviews both loving it and hating it. The challenge allows us to bring in experts from the outside to provide positive critique and recommendations for improving our photography. I found the reviewer to be distracted by having to think about the quantification of merit. On the other hand it would be great to have the reviewer identify those pictures found outstanding and explain why they were so effective. So.... I will ask the reviewer to make sure he or she is positive in recommended improvements and explicit in recognizing the outstanding images and the qualities that make them so. I will be looking forward to feedback from you after we try this format too.

Here is the critical information:

• Challenge Subject – Colors
• Up to 3 Pictures to be taken between October 20 and November 24, 2008
• Three JPEG image files (any size or resize to 1024pixels maximum on a side to keep the file size reasonable)
• Rename the files with your name and a sequence number in priority order (i.e., john-smith-1, john-smith-2, john-smith-3)
• Challenge Review Date – December 1, 2008
• Submission Due Date – November 24, 2008
• Email Images to: challenge@digitalphotoclub.us
• All images will be posted in a special challenge web gallery on the club website
  - If you don't want your pictures in the club website gallery put the phrase "Don't publish my pictures on the club website" in your submission email.

I want to thank everyone for their feedback on challenges. I also want to acknowledge the kind words the board and I have received on the efforts so far this year. It's a good club because of great members and volunteers. Thanks.

Colby

Challenge - October - Submit Pictures Now!!!

Picture by

Annettte Uroskie

Our first challenge of the year is coming to a close and it's time to get your pictures in. The deadline for submissions is Monday, October 13th. The challenge will be shown and reviewed at our meeting Monday, October 20th. The submissions so far look great as you can see from Annette's submission above.

Here is the critical information:

• Challenge Subject – Shadows
• Up to 3 Pictures to be taken between September 9 and October 13, 2008
• Challenge Review Date – October 20, 2008
• Submission Due Date – October 13, 2008
• Email Images to: challenge@digitalphotoclub.us
• Recognition Categories
  - 5 Star – Excellence Category – Images judged to be superior in every way
  - 4 Star – Merit Category – Images judged to be highly effective but some room for improvement
• 4 and 5 star images will be posted in a special challenge web gallery on the club website- If you don't want your pictures in the club website gallery put the phrase "Don't publish my pictures on the club website" in your submission email.

Please note that the email address for challenge submissions is different that for showcases. To read about this challenge in more detail click link on the link below for my previous posting:

http://dpcapresidentscorner.blogspot.com/2008/09/first-challenge-shadows-starts.html

I look forward to seeing your entries. Thanks.

Colby

Showcase - October 6th - Submit Pics Now!!!

Fall Flowers

Photo by Jack McKim

Our second showcase is October 6, 2008 and the submission deadline is Monday, September 29th. So don't procrastinate any longer. Some really nice images are coming in as you can see from the nice example above from Jack McKim. We really want to see what you have been up to. I am repeating parts of an earlier blog on how showcases work so you don't have to dig back to figure it out.

Submission Procedures:

• Up to three JPEG image files (any size or resize to 1024pixels maximum on a side to keep the file size reasonable)
• Rename the files with your name and a sequence number (i.e., john-smith-1, john-smith-2, john-smith-3)
• Email files to showcase@digitalphotoclub.us by Monday, September 29th(Don't be late)
  - If you don't want your pictures in the club website gallery put the phrase "Don't publish my pictures on the club website" in your submission email.

How Showcases Work

The goal of the Showcase is to have members submit three pictures of any subject or subjects of their choice and have them projected in a slide show at a meeting. The pictures can have been taken at anytime. Each member's three images will be displayed in order and the photographer will be asked by the moderator if they would like to comment on their pictures. Each contributor will have up to one minute total to discuss their images. There is no requirement to speak but all of us would like to hear the background behind your pictures, why you selected them and what you might have learned in taking the pictures. Though your commentary is encouraged it is totally up to each contributor.

You may notice that there are a couple of changes in our procedures. We need to have all images collected by the Monday the week before the scheduled showcase. This will allow the moderator to assemble the digital slide show in advance of the meeting and insure time to notify contributors if there is error in their submission. At this time late submissions will be deferred to the next showcase.

A second change is that there is a thirty minute social period before the programed start of the meeting. Come as early 6:30PM and you will soon see the Showcase slide show in automatic loop after the projector and laptop have been set up. The scheduled program will start punctually at 7:00PM.

The last change will be that after the live showcase, a web gallery will be posted on the club website with all the pictures in the showcase unless an individual contributor requested otherwise. This gives everyone an opportunity to show their best work on the web. This gallery will be up within a couple of days after the showcase meeting.

A Warning About Web Galleries

Images posted on web galleries are subject to being copied and used inappropriately by others and without the photographer's permission . After discussion we have taken some steps to ameliorate this problem by using an Adobe Flash gallery and downsizing the pictures to 800 pixels on a side before posting. These measures are only an inconvenience to pirates. The fact is anyone with the will can digitally scrape an image off a screen. I can say that I have personally decided that posting my own images at small scale. To me it is worth the benefits from sharing. Everyone should make their own decision about the risk versus the reward and decide whether to post or not.

Double Check

We want to make sure that everyone's picture makes into the show. Check the following when you email your pics.

1. You should Receive an automatic email reply:
   
   “Your email was received. If you attached images to the email they were also received. Unless you requested to not post your pictures in a club website gallery your pictures will be included on the club website. If you have second thoughts about the web gallery or have other questions please email me at president@digitalphotoclub.us
   
   Thanks for participating!
   
   This is an automatically created response. Please don't reply to this message. We will contact you if there is any issue with your submission. Thanks.”
   
2. You should Receive a second short personal email during the week before the showcase or challenge when I add the pictures to the slide show.
   
3. If 1 and/or 2 don’t happen email me at: president@digitalphotoclub.us

The last showcase was a lot of fun. I hope we have lots of new participants along with another set of pics from those that participated in the last showcase. It is a great learning experience. Join us.

Colby

Lots of Opportunities in the Next Few Days

Blue Footed Booby

By Carol McGonegal

Reminder - Next Meeting is Monday, September 22, 2008 from 6:30 PM-9PM, Room 308, Maryland Hall for the Creative Arts, Annapolis

Our speaker Monday is Tom Bowden talking on "Photography and the Long Lens." His work is incredible. To go along with this talk a number of members will be participating in a "Table Topic" on how their own cameras and lens have performed photographing wildlife. Carol took the picture above with a Leica V-LUX 1 as an example from a kit that will be shown. This session will be informal with equipment shown and questions answered on all the pros and cons. For more on Tom's talk check out Don Dement's blog:

http://dpcaprograms.blogspot.com/

While there read down in the blog about his workshop this weekend with Mike Kellog. It includes a photo field trip and print making. Looks like a great learning opportunity.

Club Field Trip Saturday, September 20, 2008

Matt Korbelak will be facilitating a photo shoot at the Columbia Grand Prix Showjumping. This is an outstanding opportunity for action photography. Learn more at the following link:

http://www.digitalphotoclub.net/pdf/fieldTrips.pdf

Another Weekend Opportunity

I received a call from Desiree Scherini with the Annapolis Annual Outdoor Painting Competition. Starting yesterday and running through Sunday painters will be all over town and she said that they would love us to take pictures. Here is the link about this event:

http://www.paintannapolis.com

If you take some good shots contact her by email at dscherini@hotmail.com . There is also a reception Sunday in Maryland Hall.

I hope to see everyone at the Monday meeting. We will be trying out a new public address system and projector. And, no one should be bored this weekend.... lots to do and the weather forcast looks perfect.

The First Challenge - "Shadows" Starts September 9

Two Trees

By E Colby Munger

This is embarrassing. I have had to post one of my own pictures for this posting. We are kicking off our first challenge this year and I need to get this posting out right away. The topic is "Shadows."

Shadows are called luminous edges when distinguishing them from edges caused by forms. The human eyes generally ignores shadows because we rarely trip over them when walking. In pictures both forms and shadows become important to the result and are both significant elements in composition. So join us in this challenge. Become sensitive to the shadows and enter images where shadows help make the picture.

Here is the critical information:

• Challenge Subject – Shadows
• Up to 3 Pictures to be taken between September 9 and October 13, 2008
• Challenge Review Date – October 20, 2008
• Submission Due Date – October 13, 2008
• Email Images to: challenge@digitalphotoclub.us
• Recognition Categories
  - 5 Star – Excellence Category – Images judged to be superior in every way
  - 4 Star – Merit Category – Images judged to be highly effective but some room for improvement
• 4 and 5 star images will be posted in a special challenge web gallery on the club website
  - If you don't want your pictures in the club website gallery put the phrase "Don't publish my pictures on the club website" in your submission email.
  

How Challenges Work

A "challenge" provides an opportunity to focus on specific subjects or photographic goals that will hopefully provide a learning experience for participants. The pictures must be taken after the announcement of the challenge. In "showcases" each member gets to show off some of their best and share what they learned from the experience. In a "challenge" we ask a reviewer skilled in photography and art to provide positive feedback and pointers to each submitter so they and other members can learn from the review.

Though not a competition, this year, we are asking our reviewers to categorize noteworthy pictures by distinguishing those images that have merit or are excellent based on the reviewer's judgement. Those images that are meritorious are highly effective but could be improved in some in some way. Those judged excellent are deemed outstanding in every way. All images that are placed in one of these categories will be posted on the website in a challenge gallery to recognize the member's achievement.

Submission Procedures:

• Three JPEG image files (any size or resize to 1024pixels maximum on a side to keep the file size reasonable)
• Rename the files with your name and a sequence number (i.e., john-smith-1, john-smith-2, john-smith-3)
• Email files to challenge@digitalphotoclub.us by Monday October 13th (Don't be late)
• If you don't want your pictures in the club website gallery put the phrase "Don't publish my pictures on the club website" in your submission email.

A Warning About Web Galleries

I have repeated this warning from a previous blog posting. Images posted on web galleries are subject to being copied and used inappropriately by others and without the photographer's permission. After discussion we have taken some steps to ameliorate this problem by using an Adobe Flash gallery and downsizing the pictures to 800 pixels on a side before posting. These measures are only an inconvenience to pirates. The fact is anyone with the will can digitally scrape an image off a screen. I can say that I have personally decided that posting my own images at small scale. To me it is worth the benefits from sharing. Everyone should make their own decision about the risk versus the reward and decide whether to post or not.

I am excited to see your entries. The pictures in the first showcase knocked my socks off. Thanks.

Colby

Showcase September 8th - Submit Now!!!

Practicing His Hunting Skills
by Bill Miles

Bill took this great shot of a fox pup jumping about. Now it's time for you to email your showcase submissions to showcase@digitalphotoclub.us . You can submit up to three pictures. Come to the meeting to see the best from your fellow members.

-REMINDER-

Only five more days to get your pictures in!

Deadline for submissions is Monday, September 1st. If you received this notice by email and want to learn more about our first meeting on September 8th and showcase procedures click on the link below:

http://dpcapresidentscorner.blogspot.com/

Look forward to seeing you and to having a great year.

Colby

Welcome Back Showcase

Heron with Fish
By Chris Edwards

Welcome back from the Digital Photo Club of Annapolis summer hiatus and welcome to the first Presidents Corner BLOG posting. Because this is a camera club blog it would be crazy not to have a picture in the posting. The picture above is from member and Membership Director, Chris Edwards. I will be looking for other member photos to post in the future.

The First Fall Meeting - September 8, 2008

Location: Maryland Hall for the Creative Arts, Room 308
Annapolis, MD
http://www.mdhallarts.org/generalinfo/mapdirections.html
Time: Social time: 6:30PM - 7:00PM
Program: 7:00PM - 9:00PM
Program: Welcome Back Showcase followed by Tech Talk and Webwalk

Many of us have been taking pictures during the summer holidays and this first Showcase will provide an opportunity of members to share their best with other members. Your new board has been working over the summer to improve procedures for many of the clubs functions. You will find below specific submission instructions for this showcase plus a discussion of the general purpose and procedures for our showcases. I look forward to everyone participating.

Welcome Back Showcase

Don't Procrastinate - Submit Pictures Today!!!!

Submission Procedures:

• Three JPEG image files (any size or resize to 1024pixels maximum on a side to keep the file size reasonable)
• Rename the files with your name and a sequence number (i.e., john-smith-1, john-smith-2, john-smith-3)
• Email files to showcase@digitalphotoclub.us by Monday September 1st (Don't be late)
• If you don't want your pictures in the club website gallery put the phrase "Don't publish my pictures on the club website" in your submission email.

How Showcases Work

The goal of the Showcase is to have members submit three pictures of any subject or subjects of their choice and have them projected in a slide show at a meeting. The pictures can have been taken at anytime. Each member's three images will be displayed in order and the photographer will be asked by the moderator if they would like to comment on their pictures. Each contributor will have up to one minute total to discuss their images. There is no requirement to speak but all of us would like to hear the background behind your pictures, why you selected them and what you might have learned in taking the pictures. Though your commentary is encouraged it is totally up to each contributor.

You may notice that there are a couple of changes in our procedures. We need to have all images collected by the Monday the week before the scheduled showcase. This will allow the moderator to assemble the digital slide show in advance of the meeting and insure time to notify contributors if there is error in their submission. At this time late submissions will be deferred to the next showcase.

A second change is that there is a thirty minute social period before the programed start of the meeting. Come as early 6:30PM and you will soon see the Showcase slide show in automatic loop after the projector and laptop have been set up. The scheduled program will start punctually at 7:00PM.

The last change will be that after the live showcase, a web gallery will be posted on the club website with all the pictures in the showcase unless an individual contributor requested otherwise. This gives everyone an opportunity to show their best work on the web. This gallery will be up within a couple of days after the showcase meeting.

A Warning About Web Galleries

Images posted on web galleries are subject to being copied and used inappropriately by others and without the photographer's permission . After discussion we have taken some steps to ameliorate this problem by using an Adobe Flash gallery and downsizing the pictures to 800 pixels on a side before posting. These measures are only an inconvenience to pirates. The fact is anyone with the will can digitally scrape an image off a screen. I can say that I have personally decided that posting my own images at small scale. To me it is worth the benefits from sharing. Everyone should make their own decision about the risk versus the reward and decide whether to post or not.

The Great Experiment

Digital photography and this club is in it's formative years. Your officers this year will try new approaches. Please talk to any of us about how we are doing. Showcases and other core features of the club are sure to change and get better with your help. You can also comment on the blog or email me at president@digitalphotoclub.us

I am looking forward to seeing all of you.

Colby