The Winding but Not Long Road

Volume 3-10 June 2015

IN THIS ISSUE The Winding but Not Long Road The Winding but Not Long Road 1 Competition Results 2 Mike Cassidy, VPS President Congrats New Board Members 2 Quote of the Month 2 Well, this column feels like it is due sooner than I expected. This will be my last as You are invited 3 President of the Vienna Photographic Society. It has been an amazing two years June’s Speaker 4 which started with no meeting June’s Judge 4 room and no website that anyone Joe Miller Exhibit 5 could manage. Through the talent Nature Visions News 7 and effort of the Vice Presidents, May’s Field Trip Reports 8 Directors and members of our PSA Report 10 ‘Society,’ we have developed a very Visit to Truck Graveyard 12 flexible relationship with the 2015-2016 Themes 13 managers our new home and a Portfolio Project Update 15 website that is supporting VPS Board 16 numerous activities, forum and How We Select Our Judges 16 competitions beyond the monthly Bits and Pieces 17 judged competitions. Member News 17 While we do not have hundreds of Things to Interest Photographers 18 members, we do have folks who know each other, work together, compete and win Resource Center 21 national recognition. We were well represented in Nature Visions, Photographic Membership Form 22 Society of America and Joe Miller’s Abstract Competition along with other specialty Support Network Form 23 photographic competitions.

VPS is a member of I am reluctant to mention names here for fear of leaving someone out. And saying ‘you know who you are’ is just not enough. The club has always been a situation where many hands make light work and what you get out of an organization like VPS is always rewarded by what you put in. Thank you to everyone who has made and continues to make the Vienna Photographic Society a success.

We are in good hands with the incoming Board of Directors lead by David Heagy

who takes over July 1. The Board will include many people returning in the same or

VPS meets on the 1st, 3rd, new positions and new members. Please give them your support in the coming year and 4th Wednesdays Sept and think about adding your talents to the mix. A returning former member thru June at the Oakton mentioned to me the major increase in photography related activities VPS is into at Elementary School. this time. Please express your interests by starting a program with other members. Check website calendar for Thanks for a great two years as president. Now I can sit further back in the room at any date changes. meetings. Vpsva.org

Volume 3-10 Focal Points June 2015 Competition Results

May 13, 2015 The judge for the evening was Wayne Wolfersburger. Advanced Digital - 23 entries 1st Cattle Egret Kathy Swoboda 2nd Lorton Walk Mike Cassidy Congratulations to the incoming Board of Directors 3rd Through the Curves Sharon Connolly of the Vienna Photographic Society who were HM Colorful Cafe Chairs Patricia Deege unanimously elected at the last meeting. They will take office July 1, 2015. Please congratulate and HM I’ve Got It Gloria Spellman thank these new officers who will be leading HM Precision Flying David Heagy activities in the coming year. Novice Digital – 14 entries Mike Cassidy, VPS President 1st Stamen Dancing Debbie Newell President David Heagy 2nd Underneath Lori Saunders First VP David Kepley 3rd Tulip in the Rain Urscia Mahring Secretary Vacant HM Sunflower Waking Up Gwen Bowden Treasurer Burgess Levin VP, Speakers Julie Cochran Monthly Theme – Lighthouses – 24 entries VP Competition Judges Gwen Bowden 1st Delaware Bay Lighthouse Gloria Spellman VP Competitions Loma Mier 2nd View from Old Cape Henry VP Exhibits Vacant Lighthouse Kathy Swoboda VP Communications Gloria Spellman VP Forums Morton Friedman 3rd Montauk Light Mary Jane Fish VP Field Trips Dennis Tarnay & HM Lighthouse Light Sherry Beyers George Silvas Jr HM Abandoned NovaScotia VP Program Operations George Silvas, Jr Lighthouse George Silvas Nature Visions Rep. Martin Fish HM Pemaquid Point in a Puddle Mort Friedman Monthly Theme –Town of Vienna –14 entries 1st Freeman Store Kathy Swoboda Quote of the Month 2nd Freeman Store Guitarist John Padbury “People from a planet without flowers 3rd Vienna VFD Craig Beyers would think we must be mad with joy the HM Nottoway Snowy Playground Patricia Deege whole time to have such things about us” Prints - 11 entries Iris Murdock 1st Virgin River Gold Phil Kronenberg

2nd Springtime in Charleston Mary Jane Fish 3rd Double Tulip Bloom Kathleen Furey

Volume 3-10 Focal Points June 2015 You Are Invited To the VPS End-of-Year Potluck Dinner and Competition

Date: Wednesday, June 17th Time: 6:30 PM – ‘til Location: Our Lady of Good Counsel Catholic Church

8601 Wolftrap Road Vienna, Virginia

See all the winners from this year’s competitions – print and digital Come and get to know your fellow club members in a relaxed social setting Bring your spouse, significant other, or guest $10.00 per adult 

Everyone is asked to bring a potluck dish to this event. VPS will furnish drinks (beer, wine and sodas) and paper products.

Directions: From the Capital Beltway take exit number 46A, Route 123 South, Tysons Corner. Travel south on Route 123 approximately 2 miles. Turn left onto Niblick Drive. Follow Niblick Drive until the street ends at the entrance to Our Lady of Good Counsel campus. Traveling North on Route 123 (Maple Avenue) through the Town of Vienna from Fairfax or Oakton - turn right onto Niblick Drive. Follow Niblick Drive until the street ends at the entrance to Our Lady of Good Counsel campus.

The Church and DeSales Hall are on the left behind the bell tower.

Volume 3-10 Focal Points June 2015 June’s Speaker - Essdras M Suarez Photographers Association awards and multiple Thomas Pulitzer Prizewinner Photographer Lowell awards from the Society of American Travel Writers Foundation...among other awards. Essdras Suarez is an award- On the personal front, Essdras is originally from Panama, winning photojournalist who has been married for 23 years and is the founder of worked at the Denver Rocky visYoga™: An ever- evolving physical conditioning system Mountain News from May 1995 which incorporates principles of power yoga, martial arts, through December 2001 and isometrics, stretching and relaxation. then Boston Globe from January 2002 until October 2014. He has covered the second Iraq war, conflict in Haiti, aftermath of the tsunamis in the Far East and the evacuation from Gaza among other international news stories. Nationally he has covered stories including the Boston Marathon bombing, the Newton Elementary School shooting, the Columbine shooting and the space shuttle Columbia disaster. His favorite quote is from St. Augustine: “The world is a book and those who don’t travel have only read one Essdras was an adjunct page.” professor at Boston University in 2013. He has taught at www.essdrasmuarez.com the Maine Media Workshops and College. He has been a [email protected] featured speaker at Boston University, MIT, Wellesley College, Northeastern University and University of Florida. June’s Judge - Mary Louise Ravese He has taught workshops in the US, Canada, Costa Rica, El Mary Louise Ravese is Salvador, Ecuador, Puerto Rico, Cuba, St. Kitts, St. Barts, our judge for the end of Kenya, Tanzania and the Republic of Panama. year competition. Mary Louise is founder and owner of Bella Vista Photography in Waterford, VA. She specializes in nature and travel photography from locations across the world. Her favorite subject matter includes country landscapes and nature close-ups. She draws inspiration from a variety of In addition to the 2014 Spot New Pulitzer, received as visual arts to produce photographs part of his Editorial Staff coverage of the Boston often described as "painterly". Marathon bombing, and the 2000 Spot New Pulitzer, Mary Louise’s fine art photography is in received part of the news staff coverage of the Columbine private, university and corporate shooting, Essdras has also received multiple Boston Press

Volume 3-10 Focal Points June 2015 collections in over 30 states and is exhibited nationally Fifth Annual Joseph Miller Juried Abstract through art shows, galleries and shops. Her images have Photography Exhibit been used in calendars, magazines, books and websites including various projects with National Geographic Out of the 466 images submitted to this exhibit, VPS maps. entered 82 of which the following were juried into Joe Miller’s Abstract Exhibit. Some of these have been honored with a Special Merit Award. Those members are: Name Image

Caroline Stevens – Into the Void

Carla Steckley – Garden Impressions Won a Special Merit Award

David Biehler – Mary Louise is a regular speaker and competition judge Europa Sunrise for photography clubs in the Mid Atlantic. She also enjoys Won a teaching on a wide range of topics related to nature, Special travel and creative photography. She leads classes and Merit field workshops ranging from one day seminars in the Award Mid-Atlantic region to multi-day workshops at a variety of

locations across the US and abroad. Locally her work is available for sale at the Arts in the Village Gallery in Leesburg, VA. David Kepley – The Hot Box Mary Louise has two workshops in the area:

Flower Photography Workshop (Water Lilies and Lotus Blossoms) Saturday June 27, 2015 Noon - 6 pm Dennis Tarnay Jr – Bella Vista Photography Studio Basilica 15750 Brookhill Court Waterford, VA 20197 Sunday June 28, 2015 6:30 am - 11 am Kenilworth Aquatic Gardens 1550 Anacostia Avenue N.E. Washington D.C. 20019 Gloria Spellman – Colorful Twirl I want to apologize for any photos overlooked. Some of Website: www.BellaVistaPhotography.com you submitted you own photos, but Martin took the ones Email: [email protected] not submitted by the owner.

David Heagy

Volume 3-10 Focal Points June 2015

Dan Feighery – Crinkle Lee Falcon – Tumble

Dan Feigher – RGB Arches

Loma Mier – Hot Wired

Jean Feighery – Jigsaw

Lori Saunders –

Empty Places

Jo Leir –

Seeing You

Michael Cassidy – Bowling Reflections John Padbury – Beezle

Michael Cassidy – Waves and Weeds

Kathleen Furey –

Circle Within Frames

Morton Friedman – Odd Duck

Volume 3-10 Focal Points June 2015 Nature Visions News By Martin Fish Patricia Deege – The judges for the 2015 Nature Visions Photo Expo Flames (NVPE) have been selected. They are: Justin Black, Cory Hilz, and Bill and Linda Lane (working as a team) for the

Nature Exhibit; and Karen Akerson for the Photo Arts Exhibit (the new name of the Fine Arts Exhibit.) Bios and website links will be available on the Nature Visions Philip Kronenberg – website at http://naturevisions.org. Hot Impulse Year before last, NVPE voted in the NIH Camera Club as a new member. This year, we are pleased to announce that

North Bethesda Camera Club has been added, bringing Philip Kronenberg – our member organizations to eight. Moon Gulp The tentative calendar for the Expo looks like: Won Special Saturday August 25 – Online uploads begin Merit Wednesday September 23 – Online uploads end Award

Thursday September 24 – Friday October 9 – Judging period Saturday October 10 – Wednesday October 14 – Renee Loeffler – Statistics Collection and Analysis Lightning Strikes Wednesday October 14 – Announcement of juried images

Wednesday November 4 – Collection of juried images ends Renee Loeffler – Thursday November 5 – Sunday November 8 – Study in Green and Blue Club review of matted prints for quality of matting and conformity with exhibit rules (e.g., width of mat borders and thickness of foamcore

backing) Friday November 13 – Clubs deliver prints to Sharon Connolly – Bouquet of exhibits Feathers Sunday November 15 – Clubs pick up prints from exhibits I will put these dates in the VPS calendar and also send out an email to all members as the schedule gets firmed up. Urscia Mahring – Use your summer to look over (or take) your nature Natural Worlds images, select your best, and get them ready for the digital upload. Martin Fish

Volume 3-10 Focal Points June 2015 Field Trip to MD Covered Bridges drove to Ruddy Bridge and found more people fishing as by Dennis Tarnay, Jr., et al well as bicyclists enjoying the George S, Julie and Mike C, and Dennis T met at Vienna tranquil byway Metro to go on the May 16, 2015 field trip to the of the driving Maryland Covered Bridges driving tour. George S left tour. George S, early while Julie C, Mike C, and Dennis T car pooled Julie and Mike together. Eventually Lisette B met Julie and Mike C and C, and Dennis T Dennis T at Utica Bridge. went to the Mountain Gate Family Restaurant; Lisette B went to visit some family in the area. Julie and Mike C, and Dennis T went to Cunningham Falls State Park to photograph the waterfalls. Dennis Field trip to Maryland’s Covered Bridges The day started early with a Starbucks in the cup holder and a quick stop at the Vienna Metro in case anyone needed a ride. Then it was on to the Utica Mills covered bridge a little over an hour away. The bridge was small In addition to the outside and inside of the bridges, there with limited parking. So, after a few photos, Loya Station were some wild flowers and cows to photograph. Park, a small well-kept park with ample parking, was the next destination and where our group joined up. The overall esthetics was much better here and one could envision families spending the day with burgers and potato salad on the menu.

The five of us finally gathered as a group at Loya Bridge.

The outside structure of the bridge, indeed for all three bridges visited, consisted of reddish planks with stone walls at the entrances. The only differences being the interior supporting structure or trusses which was different in all three. A fair sized stream bordered one side of the park and flowed under the bridge across a While there, a family showed up wading in the stream in few small rapids. The search of crawdads while others were fishing. Then we

Volume 3-10 Focal Points June 2015 stream was full of suckers, small carp and two ladies with pleasant day tooling around the MD countryside. long scoops and buckets in pursuit of succulent crawfish for lunch. With only three in the bucket they still had more to catch.

George Lisette and I finished shooting so we ventured on the Roddy Bridge. Roddy was not much different than the The covered bridges field trip was a beautiful day. I will others but we did catch bikers cycling thru the bridge. have to learn the trick to taking Still early in the day, we decided to venture on to the good covered bridge images. abandoned Catoctin Iron Furnace, one of three in the Interestingly cars use all the ones we visited. I was happy to see my area that produced pig iron from 1776 to 1903. first Bluebird of the season at the second bridge. Too bad they fly away and lucky the covered bridges don't. George had the great idea of also visiting Cactoctin Furnace which was fascinating and a good photo opportunity. He showed me how

to take HDR images. Now I must learn how to process them. The field trips this year and Next stop was Thurmont’s Mountain Gate Restaurant to the Library of where Dennis, Julie, Mike met and I had a plain but filling Congress have been a lunch. On the trip home I was forced to slam on the real joy. Lisette Brisebois brakes to watch the 20 ft. tall Transformers that seemed to be coming across the field in my direction. A U-turn Vienna Photographic Society Field Trip to into a parking lot brought me to Lawyers Farm with its Covered Bridges of Fredrick, Md. Transformers made from truck parts, cars made from Hello. My name is Kimba. No I'm not a white lion. I am a other cars and a light armored vehicle made from who Sony a6000 mirrorless DSLR camera. Why Kimba? No knows what. A read of the posted info sign said that the idea. Ask Julie C. I belong to her. But enough about me. items were built by John Lawyer and that from Sep to Nov It was a crisp but sunny morning on May 16, 2015. We all every year his farm was the location of a large corn maze, met at the Vienna metro station parking lot at the a pumpkin gun ridiculous hour of 7:00 A friggin M. We bring Julie C., shooting Dennis T., Michael C., and his two cameras, Schizo and competition and Phrenic. Since it was just the three humans at Metro, we other family all piled into Michael C’s car and since Dennis T festivities. Most apparently knew somewhat where to go, he drove. For certainly this is a the first time in a long time, Michael got the opportunity future destination to enjoy the scenery. But all he saw was the inside of his of its own. That eyelids. After a few U-turns we arrived at the first stop finished off a

Volume 3-10 Focal Points June 2015 covered bridge where we met Lisette B, and cows. After decided it was time to head for home. Michael C. drove. a time of shooting different angles and dodging cars, and For reasons known only to him, he put Schizo on the cows that were trying to clean lenses, we headed off to dashboard and recorded the drive home. We dropped bridge number 2. Dennis T. at the Metro and went home. We met George S. Julie C. learned that trying to put filter 'A' onto lens 'B' is futile. Michael C. brought out Schizo and did some video and still shots. There were people wading and/or fishing in the creek, stream, body of water that flowed under the bridge. After that, Lisette B. and George S. set out to places I forget. So Dennis T, Julie and Michael C. found our way to bridge number three. I'd like to thank Dennis T. for driving to the bridges and providing ideas for personal trips for Julie and Michael. Join us in September on our next trip to who knows where. Kimba

Following bridge #3, we headed to lunch. Thankfully Michael C. left Schizo and Phrenic in the car, and I went in PSA Report: with Julie C. Following a pretty filling meal we headed out We now await the results of the final competition of the to Cunningham Falls. It was a bit of a hike, but the 2014-2015 season. VPS has had a strong showing in the boardwalk style terrain made for a manageable walk. open category (Projected Image Division) of the interclub Despite the multiple signs stating to stay OFF the rocks, competition of the Photographic Society of America. We there were were very fortunate to have a judge who spent time many carefully reviewing our entries, making excellent people on selections and even contributing critiques. said rocks. Children Next year we hope to expand our participation to AND adults! categories possibly including nature, travel and After about photojournalism. Anyone with any suggestions, an hour or questions, or interest in helping run the competitions so we please contact me.

Volume 3-10 Focal Points June 2015 Here are the critiques of the final set of images from our 3. "Amalfi Contemplation" by Phil Kronenberg: I do judge: wonder if this was posed, but whatever? The man's expression is reflected by the dog's. I like all the subtle elements in the picture such as the flowers above his head, the newspaper on the table, the 1. "Springtime in Charleston" by Mary Jane Fish: This window on the image has a feeling of lushness without going overboard. right which is There is good depth to the image by having the hanging balanced by the moss in the foreground, the trees at the water's edge and vine on the left, the stool at the one-third location and then finally the color in the background bushes. I feel a lot the spacing of the dog from the bottom of the picture. of movement because the trees on the right are leaning There are just many small elements that work together. and give a sense of anticipation.

4. "Heart of the Poppy" by Cindy Madden: I get the impression that the maker spent time and effort on setting up and composing this image. There is wonderful depth of field. The petal edge on the lower right corner exiting exactly at the corner adds to my appreciation. It creates movement and separates this shot from other

static flower shots. The small turned petal at the bottom 2. "Tiny Star" by Kathleen Furey: There is no doubt where edge re-enforces the action. I particularly like the lime the viewer is directed to look first. My eye then goes to green against the orange. the subordinate players in this composition. They are all interesting in and of themselves. Even with all the circular actions nothing takes you out of the picture. The color and sharpness are excellent.

Volume 3-10 Focal Points June 2015 Visit to Truck Graveyard By Martin Fish The Road Runner Photography Tours went to a truck graveyard on May 16. This is a truck garage and repair shop that has collected a large number of old trucks and autos, including firetrucks, road maintenance and farm equipment, and some old metal signs.

5. "First Crocus" by Urscia Mahring: The monochrome technique works well because you are not distracted by color. Your eye just follows the gentle curves into the center. I especially enjoy the textures. The composition and vignetting keeps your eye inside the picture space. There is just the right range of darks to light tones. About half of the collection is in the open air, rusting away, but some are in open garages. These are still exposed to the elements. Across the road is a gated area (Don Rosenberger had a key) with more trucks lined up. The day was hot and we were there from 2:00 to 4:00, the worst time to be photographing. There was an earlier 6. "Pickachu" by Dennis Tarnay: First of all, the cat's eye Road Runner group which got there at 9:00 and had much catches the viewer’s eye and holds it. I then notice the better light. Don had to warn everyone that ticks are a sharp whiskers closest to me. Having the whiskers on the problem, so Mary Jane and I sprayed ourselves well with other side soft adds depth to the image. I find it repellant. interesting that the lone eyebrow curves into the face Among the and adds impact to the portrait. things I photographed Submitted by Kathy Swoboda, PSA Representative were hood [email protected] ornaments and truck logos, a car with a smashed front end, and many, many trucks, broken truck windows, and truck equipment

Volume 3-10 Focal Points June 2015 (don’t ask me what they were.) After about an hour into Themes for 2015-2016 the two-hour visit, Mary Jane and I threw in the towel (figuratively – I wish we had a towel.) The voting for next year’s themes is complete. Next competition year we will continue to have two themes I just wish I could have spent more time there. Don each night. Members may enter one, both or neither. promises a visit in the fall. Thirty-two people voted on the 132 suggestions for the Here is my side of the story: 13 new themes. This year two of our competition nights A couple of miles outside the small town if Columbia, were unable to be held, therefore three themes from Virginia there exists a truck farm – and I mean trucks. those nights will be repeated next year. They are Doors, Every brand of truck I have ever heard of and many I had Still Life and Extreme Close-up/Macro. Explanations for not were there basking the in the smoldering sunlight. them are included below but they are the same as was distributed this year. The fourth theme from one of this year’s cancelled competitions, Abstracts, was critiqued by the judge online, so was not automatically repeated for next year. The dates for the themes will be determined later. The persons in charge of obtaining speakers and the field trip coordinators attempt to have programs or events that relate to the themes and the person who acquires judges tries to get judges with a particular interest in a theme or themes.

We wandered around all the trucks trying to get good The monthly themes are listed below with some shots in spite of guidelines. In general, the themed subject does not have the harsh light. to be the only element in the image but it must be the Once home I tried major figurative element and the focus of the image. Use some different of creativity and imagination is encouraged. The final effects on the arbiter of whether a submitted image meets the theme is images. This the judge for the evening. seems to be a fun The themes are listed in no particular order below. thing to do in the Monochrome – Images must be in one color or shades cool of air conditioning. of one color. For the purposes of this competition, the Logos and signs were everywhere. theme includes black and white (or grayscale) but also includes images containing tones of a single color, such as green, and may range through green and white and green and black. For black and white photographs, sepia, rose tint and other similar color casts are acceptable. This year we had a theme of Black and White which had a much narrower definition so this theme is broader.

Abstracts in Nature – Last year we had the broader theme of just Abstracts. This is a much narrower theme. The definition of Abstract comes from two sources on the web. “1) In abstract art, the artist uses a visual I do want to go again. Mary Jane language of shapes, forms, lines and colors to interpret a subject-matter, without necessarily providing the viewer

Volume 3-10 Focal Points June 2015 with a recognizable visual reference point. 2) cropping, no lightening in the shadows or darkening Abstraction indicates a departure from reality in depiction highlights or other “tweaks” are acceptable. of imagery in art. This departure from accurate Working with their Hands – This is self-explanatory. It representation can be slight, partial, or complete”. In this must be a person using their hands on some task. competition, only the first definition will apply. The subject must be found in nature and may not be Silhouettes – According to Wikipedia, “A silhouette is manipulated from its natural form. For example, just part the image of a person, animal, object or scene of a butterfly wing or a reflection in water may form the represented as a solid shape of a single color, usually image and it is unclear from where the image was taken black, its edges matching the outline of the subject. The or what the image is. It is not acceptable to then take interior of a silhouette is featureless, and the whole is that image and apply distortions or filters in post typically presented on a light background. The silhouette processing that changes the image so it is completely differs from an outline which depicts the edge of an unrecognizable from the original image. There should be object in a linear form, while a silhouette appears as a no departure from reality in the final image. solid shape”.

Wildlife - This includes all non-domesticated plants, Neglect/Decay – Last year we had the theme animals, and other organisms. Originally the term only abandoned which included items or persons who had referred to animals but scientists have expanded the been left behind, not necessarily in a decayed state. For definition to include plants. To avoid controversy the this theme, the item can be decayed (or person theme will include any animal or plant that is generally neglected) but not necessarily be abandoned. An old considered wild even though someone might be able to house in poor shape but still inhabited can meet the find an example of it having been domesticated. For criteria while it would not have been acceptable for last example, a dandelion would year’s theme. Poor urban or rural areas would fit in be an acceptable subject but a perfectly with this theme. rose would not. For this Modes of Transportation – This theme is fairly self- theme, the subject or subjects explanatory. Let your of the image must be in a non- creativity shine through captive or non-cultivated setting. Images of captive here. Remember walking, animals in zoos or aquariums are not acceptable even swimming and flying are a though the animal species is considered “wild”. The idea form of transportation - it here is to capture your subjects in a “free” setting. does not have to be Weather – Obviously photographs taken of fog, snow or mechanical. rain can show the weather as it is happening. This theme Flowers – This is another self-explanatory theme. These will also include images as a result of weather. Images can include the flower pictures that do not meet the showing the destruction wreaked by a tornado, dry criteria for wildlife! cracked earth, puddles or icicles would be acceptable. Images of incipient weather, such as darkening storm Night – The last time Night was a theme for VPS there clouds, are also acceptable. was a controversy over the definition of “night” and whether it included twilight (defined as the light from the Images straight from the camera – Since most of our sky between full night and sunrise or between sunset and cameras capture images in formats other than jpegs full night produced by diffusion of sunlight through the and/or in large sizes, it will be necessary for the images to atmosphere and its dust). For the purposes of this be converted to jpegs and re-sampled to meet the competition, night will be defined as the period of time requirements of our projection between sunset (sun below the horizon) and sunrise (sun software. This is the only post below the horizon). Therefore, twilight can be considered processing manipulation that is as meeting this theme. Tips on doing night photography acceptable for this theme. No

Volume 3-10 Focal Points June 2015 can be found at http://digital-photography- limited to the handle or a knocker. The door does not school.com/night-photography/. need to be the only element in the picture frame but it should be a key element. A door in a garden wall is Signs – This theme has a more narrow definition that acceptable but a gate is NOT considered a door. most of our themes. Signs are being defined as “a notice, bearing While all of the themes are optional, members are a name, direction, warning, news or encouraged to attempt to participate in the theme advertisement, that is displayed or categories. Frequently the tendency is to take the same posted for public view”. While signs images again and again. Trying to capture an image for a can have other definitions, such as theme will motivate you to experiment with new subjects “any object, action, event, pattern, etc., that conveys a and ideas. meaning”, (for example, thunder clouds as a sign of In addition to the two themes each competition night impending rain, signing for a deaf person, a robin as a sign there is an Open (any subject except pornography) of spring, musical notation, etc.) this theme will be category divided by Advanced and Novice classes. Theme limited to the first definition. The sign or signs do not competitions do NOT differentiate by classes, i.e., novice have to be the only element in the image but it should be and advanced photographers will continue to compete a major element. together. Emotions/Feelings – This theme can include people or If you have any questions, please contact Joan Axilbund at animals expressing an emotion, such as anger or love, or [email protected] an image that evokes an emotion or feeling, such as humor or sadness. This is a theme in which imagination Portfolio Project Update can run rampant. On Wednesday, May 27th, during the monthly forum, the Portfolio Projects were presented for their final time. Still Life – According to Wikipedia, “Still life photography There were seven portfolios in all. They were well is the depiction of inanimate subject matter, most received by our reviewer, Ginger Werz-Petricka, and the typically a small grouping of objects.” At audience members as well, and I have had several http://photography.tutsplus.com/tutorials/10-tips-to-get- members tell me they would like to try to do a portfolio started-with-still-life-photography--photo-8278 are some next year. good tips and ideas for this theme. Ginger has been the coordinator of the NVPS Portfolio Project for the past 4 years and helped me in getting this Extreme Close-up/Macro – Macro is defined as project started at VPS. extreme close-up photography of very small subjects, in which the size of the subject in the photograph is greater Here is what Ginger had to say: than life size. To completely adhere to the strict “Thanks so much. I really enjoyed seeing the images last definition of macro photography would require the use of night, they are all of exceptional quality. I think you have a macro lens or close-up lenses. In order to be more an excellent start to the project and I think that overall the people who participated got the concept very well. inclusive, the definition for this theme is just extreme With a few tweaks to artist statements and some minor close up of a small object with the emphasis on extreme. editing everyone has the start of a very strong and Thus, an image of an alligator’s head, while only a small cohesive collection of images. I think everyone should part of the alligator, is not acceptable but an image of one continue to add to these and they will have gallery worthy tooth will be. presentations.

Doors – Doors can be interior or I was just thinking this morning that we get a calendar exterior, open or closed. A doorway, every year from Merrifield Garden Center and the images i.e., an entry between rooms which does are never as good as the ones I saw last night. Even if not have a permanent way to close, is someone offered their images to Merrifield in exchange also acceptable. The entire door does for credit in the calendar just think what good exposure that would give them. I wonder if Meadowlark or another not need to be in the image; it can be park would be interested in a celebration of peonies for

Volume 3-10 Focal Points June 2015 spring or lotus flowers for July or encouragement to feed &&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&& your local birds for a winter display. Put together a narrative on the subject and offer the images. And I How we select our competition judges definitely see your Victorian houses in the lobbies of real estate offices. Hearing comments about your photographs from an accomplished photographer can be an excellent way to Everyone needs to be working on printing these and improve your photography. Each year, after the new having them ready to show a prospective client. themes are announced, we try to match a judge’s Thank you so much for asking me to come and review the expertise to the themes. For example, we don’t want an portfolios, my congratulations to everyone for a job well expert in street photography critiquing our abstract done, photos. Ginger The candidates come from several sources—the list of I would like to thank our five participants for getting this judges and speakers at Northern Virginia Alliance of project up and running. They were Julie Cochran, David Biehler, David Kepley, Gloria Spellman, and Mary Jane Camera Clubs (NVACC.org), suggestions from members, Fish. attending meetings at other clubs and events like Nature Visions, and the surveys we send you after each speaker I think that everyone has at least one portfolio amongst their images. You just need to look and see if you have a and competition. Sometimes judges may not be available repeating object or theme and collect these images to see for our meeting days, or now charge a fee for their time how they play together. and travel expense. Anyone interested in participating next year should send The judge surveys focus on how well the judge gave you an email to [email protected] to show their useful comments for improving your photography, and interest. who you suggest for speakers and judges. The results are Mary Jane Fish sorted by your experience level to make sure the judge’s VPS Board Members comments meet the needs of novice and advanced. We also use your comments to tell the judges what kinds of President Mike Cassidy [email protected] critique you want. For example, one of the survey First VP Lou Coglianese [email protected] questions is “How well did the judge tell you how the Secretary Urscia Mahring [email protected] image could be improved, and not try to be too kind?” Treasurer Burgess Levin [email protected] VP-Speakers Lee Falcon [email protected] Your survey comments indicate that sometimes members VP-Judges David Heagy [email protected] want judges who are fine art photographers and other VP-Comp. Joan Axilbund [email protected] times ones who are working photographers. This leads to Digital Proj. Lou Coglianese [email protected] having professional photographers who specialize in food, VP Exhibits Erica Everhart [email protected] architecture, and photojournalism. They may not have as VP Mem Com Michael Cassidy Temp much experience with judging fine art photographs, but PSA Rep Kathy Swoboda [email protected] they bring their experience with having to please editors Focal Points Mary Jane Fish [email protected] for national level publications. These working Dir Publicity Andrew Wone [email protected] photographers may say things like “Where is my eye Membership Mike Cochran [email protected] supposed to go?” or “This is a nice photo of an ordinary Dir Website Gloria Spellman [email protected] bird, but it needs something to make it interesting.” It VP Forums Mort Friedman [email protected] may sound harsh compared to judges who don’t want to VP Field Trips Dennis Tarnay [email protected] hurt our feelings and say “This is a nice photo, I like it. The VP Operations George Silvas [email protected] eyes are sharp”. Social Events Martin Fish [email protected] Among our judges I’ve noticed another distinction. Some Gift Cards Julie Cochran [email protected] emphasize the technical criteria for composition, like not 50/50 Raffle Julie Cochran [email protected] placing the subject in the center. Other judges start with Nat.Vis.Rep. Tom Shevock [email protected] the emotional impact, and may add comments about the

Volume 3-10 Focal Points June 2015 technical. Perhaps we need judges of both types to learn their comments during the meeting, but by phone or more about improving our abilities to see, photograph, Skype? and edit. Since competitions are an important way to learn how to So, here’s the dilemma. We want to please all members improve, I believe we should be open to occasionally of the club who have different preferences about what trying new judges and techniques, consider paying more they want to hear. The differences are not usually due to for an out of area judge, and tolerate judges who are not experience level. exactly what we prefer, because other members may strongly like their style of critiquing. For example, from one of last year’s survey for one judge, David Heagy your survey responses included conflicting comments: Novice comments: “Have more judges of this caliber.” Bits and Pieces “This judge was efficient, knowledgeable, and came with a distinct perspective. His comments were on target with ********************************************************* his point of view. I liked the honesty“. Member News “If he is brought back, I'm leaving the club.” Carla Steckley will be the judge for PhotoArt, the annual “This judge did not dumb down his judgment just because photography show sponsored by the League of Reston we are a little amateur photo club. It was the most useful Artists, June 1-29 2015 at the JoAnne Rose Gallery at and respectful critique I have experienced.” Reston's Lake Anne. The reception is Sunday June 7, 2:00- 4:00pm. The public is welcome. Advanced comments: She also received a special merit award for "Garden “This is the worst judge in years, not educational or Impressions" at the reception for the 5th Annual Joe inspirational. Brutal and inconsistent.” Miller Abstract Exhibit held May 3rd. “It was refreshing to get a different perspective to Her body of work with trees was recently juried into the Glenview Mansion Gallery in Rockville, MD. for 2016. photography from his perspective. Not everything has to be "fine art" or nature.”

Expert comments: Patricia Deege did get an image juried into Joe Miller's “This judge did not mince words with his critiques. exhibit and has two currently hanging in the Vienna Arts Sometimes a bit harsh, but that is the way we learn. Most Society show at their Pleasant Street gallery. They are judges try to point out flaws but in general are too kind “Clifton Railcar Vintage” and “Issuing a Challenge.” and we don't learn from the mistakes.” “This is a refreshing break from the death spiral of irrelevant club judging as distinguished from situations where photographs are being used in the real world.” So, what should we do? Limit our judge selections to only ones who want to be kind and not hurt our feelings, and ones who are local and may not charge for their “I also hope to have three more at the Joe Anne Rose expenses? Should we stick to our favorites and not try Gallery with LRA for the month of June. Carla will be the someone new who has high qualifications in one of our judge for that one.” themes, but not much experience with judging. Or, should we try a Photographic Society of America judge who will preview the images at our website and provide

Volume 3-10 Focal Points June 2015 Things of Interest to Photographers Wadsworth, who have all made impressive contributions to the arts in Virginia. The exhibition is free and runs Sunday, June 14th through Jul 26. See the artists' work here.

This exhibition is the first in an initiative to expand the exposure of Fellowship recipients’ artwork across the Commonwealth as part of VMFA’s Statewide program, which shares VMFA’s programs and exhibitions with partner institutions across Virginia.

The Elegance CALL FOR ENTRIES 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Sponsored by: 2015 JUDGED PHOTOGRAPHY SHOW XCoal Energy & Resources M & T Bank, Cleveland Brothers, Midlantic Machinery GOOD EYE More than 70 of the world's finest collector cars from August 2nd - August 29th all eras displayed through the formal gardens at The Hotel Hershey. Sponsored by the

Sunday, June 14th Vienna Arts Society Art Center http://theeleganceathershey.com/event/schedule-of- 115 Pleasant Street, NW, Vienna, VA 22180 events/ (703) 319-3971 Meadowlark Opens Early for Photographers JUDGE: Matthew G. Schmidt Meadowlark will open at 6:00 a.m. on June 20, July 25, Matthew is a photography enthusiast with a strong attraction and August 23, 2015. Regular admission prices apply. to abstract two-dimensional art. He has spent years developing techniques that he uses to express his vision through 6 and under are free photography. In his copious free time Matthew is involved in a 7 - 17 are $2.50 each variety of photography-related ventures. He judges at camera 18 - 54 are $5.00 each clubs throughout the greater metropolitan area and speaks on 55 & over are $2.50 subjects ranging from software use to visual design. In his professional life Matthew is a systems engineer specializing in communications networks. To see Matthew's

work check out his website: http://www.loreleistudios.com. Statewide Exhibition OPEN TO ALL: Cash Awards: 1st, 2nd and 3rd VMFA Fellowship Program: 75th Anniversary Place Winners Opens May 23 PRE-REGISTRATION: $5 per piece for VAS Members, $7 per In recognition of the 75th anniversary of the VMFA piece for Non-members. Fellowship program this year, an exhibition featuring the work of three past VMFA Fellowship recipients will open DEADLINE: Submissions must be postmarked by Monday, July at Workhouse Arts Center in Lorton, Va., on May 23. 28. Send registration form along with a check payable to: Vienna Arts Society, c/o Kelly Rankin at 11610 Foxclove Rd, Entitled VMFA Fellowship Program 75th Anniversary Reston, VA 20191, Ph: 571-446-9421 Exhibition at the Workhouse, the exhibition will include [email protected]. the work of Pam Sutherland, Fiona Ross, and Kendra

Volume 3-10 Focal Points June 2015 DELIVERY: Saturday, August 1, between the hours of 10am- 7300 MacArthur Boulevard 12pm at the VAS Art Center. Please join us for the Awards Glen Echo, MD Reception, Saturday, August 8, 4:00 to 6:00 pm. The show will Hours: Saturdays 1-4 PM and Sundays 1-8 PM be hung in the Vienna Arts Society Art Center during the month of August, closing Saturday August 29. The Center will be open www.glenechophotoworks.org to the public for viewing during normal business hours Tuesday- Saturday, 10am-4pm.

SHOW CLOSING: All unsold artwork must be picked up Monday, August 31; between the hours of 10am to 12pm. Any piece not picked up will incur a $10/piece/day handling fee.

STANDARDS: This is a judged show. All pieces submitted and meeting the following standards will be displayed. Some photographs will receive awards by the judge.

 All forms of photography of size and weight easily handled by one person are acceptable. PEACE, LOVE & PHOTOGRAPHY SINCE 2006  Work depicting nudes, weapons, or drugs and drug- MISSION Our mission is to celebrate the vision of related items will not be accepted.  Works must be suitably framed. Frames must be extraordinary photographers, ignite conversations about secure and mats must be clean and well cut. Framed critical issues, and foster the next generation of artists. artwork must have framing wire attached. NO SAW TOOTH HANGERS. VISION As a nonprofit organization, LOOK3 challenges  Works printed on canvas must be framed or covered in assumptions about photography by presenting diverse museum wrap canvas, meaning no staples on the sides work by a variety of artists, developing innovative of the canvas frame. Framing wire must be attached. educational initiatives, and offering immersive  Size limit 18” x 24” (OR 432 square inches) finished community events. size. Diptychs and/or pieces over the limit will be considered multiple pieces. The Festival features exhibitions and talks with legendary  Limit: three (3) artworks per participant will be photographers as well as outdoor projections, events, accepted. In addition, each participant is welcome to submit THREE (3) bin pieces with label attached to the and workshops. All events at LOOK3 are located along back listing: artist, title, and price. Please include a 3x5 Charlottesville's historic pedestrian corridor known as the card listing the artist, title, and price for our records. Downtown Mall. Bin pieces must not include copies of works entered/hanging in the show. WORKS will take place on Friday, June 12th  All photography is welcome. Please label works as and Saturday June 13th Traditional (i.e., minor color correction, sharpening and cropping is permitted), Digitally Manipulated (i.e., rearranging picture components, combining two or A celebrated outdoor projection event in the heart of the more images, or extreme color changes), or Silver- LOOK3 Festival, WORKS showcases evening projections in Gelatin print. the Charlottesville Pavilion. Presenting the most vital and innovative photography projects today, these Friday and HIDDEN DISTRICT Saturday evening projections present a dynamic cross- section of international work from photojournalism to Photo Essays by Steven Marks fine art. Audiences have a chance to experience diverse June 5 - July 12, 2015 visual essays, and established and emerging Opening Reception and Artist Talk photographers have the rare opportunity to express an Friday, June 5, 2015* - 6:00 - 8:00 PM entire project to a large audience free from typical *Join us for the opening reception and enjoy Glen commercial constraints. Echo Park's "Art Walk in the Park" as well! Photoworks Gallery @ Glen Echo Park

Volume 3-10 Focal Points June 2015 Time and a creative spirit are long part of Nature The Jamestown (NY) Audubon Society Photography Day. On Monday, June 15, here's a chance would appreciate your sharing the following to open your work week in an especially creative style. information with your photo club members: Invite family and friends to join you that day. Inspiration can be close by--maybe a park, garden, or trail. 2015 Nature If you teach, ask your students to read about the Photography Contest experiences of nature photographers--legends of the past and today. As you plan for June 15, visit a library, website,

Cash Prizes! or bookstore to find background on nature photography. Adult and Youth Divisions Landscapes, Plants, Wildlife Categories Get ready to be inspired.

Submission deadline: June 30, 2015 Photo club members: Remind your colleagues about Nature Photography Day and how images have been used www.jasphotocontest.com to protect the natural world. If you have a website or [email protected] blog, spread the news there, too. (716) 569-2345 Plus, NANPA is hosting two separate events on All submissions must be made online. Facebook.

$10/photo to enter contest. 1. The Nature Photography Day Member Event is back, and so is our page on Facebook! Take images on June 15,

and upload one for the event section. Nature Photography Day: 10 Years of Creativity 2. New this year on NANPA's Facebook Group Page: a special photo contest sponsored by Tamron, Red River Paper, Hunt's and NANPA. Monday, June 15, celebrates the 10th anniversary of Nature Photography Day. Give yourself a present. Explore For details, visit the natural world: you and your camera. See where your www.nanpa.org/nature_photography_day.php photography takes you! June 15: So much to see. Butterfly, bird, flower, tree. We've been promoting this special day through local and national media, and through you! With members' help, NANPA's news about June 15 now reaches millions of people worldwide.

Volume 3-10 Focal Points June 2015 Resource Center This is a space to look for workshops, classes and other tips for the photographer in you. Please send in any resources that you have tried and would like recommend to your fellow VPS members. Instruction and workshops: With Steve Gottlieb: www.horizonworkshops.com. With Nikhil Bahl: www.NikhilBahl.com With Capital Photography Center: http://www.capitalphotographycenter.com/ With Corey Hilz: http://coreyhilz.com With Tony Sweet: http://tonysweet.com/ With Josh Taylor: http://joshuataylorphotography.com http://joshuataylorphotography.com/blog With Bill and Linda Lane: http://www.lanephotoworkshops.com/ For Photoworks Classes: www.glenechophotoworks.org For Infrared workshops with The New Life Photos Workshop: http://www.newlifephotos.com Freeman Patterson/Andre Gallant: www.freemanpatterson.com.

“Speakers We Have Heard 2013-2014.” Chris Spielmann, September speaker – Architecture/Interiors [email protected] www.spielmannstudio.com Eliot Cohen, October speaker – Landscape and Lightroom www.eliotcohen.com www.facebook.com/eliotcohenphotography Don Rosenberger, November Speaker – Landscape and Night www.donrosenberger.com and www.roadrunnerphotographytours.com. www.Facebook.com/DonRosenbergerPhotography. Irene Sacilotto, December speaker – Wildlife Photography www.ospreyphoto.com www.facebook.com/IreneSacilotto. Corey Hilz, January speaker – Travel Photography Website and blog: http://coreyhilz.com Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/CoreyHilzPhoto Matthew Schmidt, February Speaker – Close Up Photography Website: www.loreleistudios.com Contact: [email protected] Frank Van Riper, March Speaker – Travel Photography www.GVRphoto.com www.talkingphotography.com Will Schermerhorn, April Speaker, Director of Web Products [email protected] Denise Silva, May Speaker – Composition Road Runner Photography Tours (http://www.roadrunnerphotographytours.com/). Also see http://denisesilvaphotography.com/ Brandon Kopp, June Speaker – Places to Shoot in DC http://brandonkopp.smugmug.com/Location/DC/ and https://www.flickr.com/photos/brandonkopp/

Volume 3-10 Focal Points June 2015 VPS MEMBERSHIP APPLICATION: JULY 2014 through JUNE 2015

Mail this Application and your check (Payable to: “VPS”) or cash to: VPS, P.O. Box 1212, Vienna, VA 22183-1212 or hand the payment and application form during any VPS meeting to: Michael Cochran, Membership Director or Burgess Levin, Treasurer

I am □ a New Member OR □ Renewing I have been a VPS member since the year (______)

First Name ______Middle Initial ____ Last Name ______

Street Address ______City-State-Zip ______

Home Phone _____ - ______Work Phone _____ - ______Cell _____ - ______

Email ______

NOTE: To receive the VPS Newsletter FOCAL POINTS and other membership messages, you must provide a unique and valid email address. FOCAL POINTS is distributed by email or on the club website as a PDF file. You will need an installed copy of Adobe Acrobat Reader on your computer to open it.

PRIVACY

Membership records are maintained by the Membership Director. Periodically, the records are distributed to members as a spreadsheet or are available on the website to club members only. Note that VPS will not provide member information to persons or organizations outside the club. Members may opt to restrict distribution to other members of their personal information as follows. Please check one of the two options below which will govern distribution or display of your records to other members:

INCLUDE ___ my name, phone number, home and email addresses on member lists.

DO NOT INCLUDE ___ my phone number, home and email addresses on member lists.

DUES PAYMENT I have enclosed ( ) my check or ( ) cash for:

( ) $40 for a Single Membership ( ) $20 for non-renewing members joining after January 31, 2015

( ) $60 for a Family Membership *Please Make Separate Application and Use Unique Email for Each Member*

( ) $30 non-renewing Family Members joining after January 31 ( ) $15 for a Student Membership (age 18 or under) VPS Liability & Publicity Release

In consideration of being given the opportunity to participate in a Vienna Photographic Society (VPS) field trip or other event, I acknowledge, agree and represent that I understand the nature of field trips and other VPS activities, and that I am qualified, in good health and in proper physical condition to participate in such field trips and activities. I fully understand that field trips and other VPS activities are conducted in different environments, and that, accordingly, my photography equipment and I may be exposed to dangers and hazards both natural and man-made. I fully accept and assume all risks and all responsibility for losses, costs, and damages I incur as a result of my participation in VPS field trips or other activities. I hereby release, discharge, and covenant not to sue VPS, its officers, directors, agents, independent contractors, volunteers, members and sponsors.

ADDITIONALLY, I authorize the use of any images submitted to VPS for use by VPS solely for publicity activities such as websites or brochures.

Acceptance of terms of VPS Liability Release (If under 18, parent or guardian must sign):

PRINTED NAME______Signature ______Date ______

PARENT NAME______Signature ______Date ______

Volume 3-10 Focal Points June 2015 PARTICIPATION IN VPS SUPPORT NETWORK

VPS has established a Support Network of members who wish to contribute a few hours each month to assist in VPS program activities, including providing assistance to VPS officers. The Support Network is mentored by the First Vice President of the Vienna Photographic Society.

Are you interested in being listed as a member of the VPS Support Network? ( ) Yes ( ) No

If Yes, please indicate in what areas you might volunteer to help us (a VPS officer will follow up by email):

( ) WILLING TO HELP WHERE NEEDED

( ) PUBLICITY: Providing publicity and information to the community about VPS

( ) INSTRUCTION DEVELOPMENT: Development of ideas for hands-on instructional programs like Forums

( ) FIELD TRIPS: Planning and arranging field trips

( ) AUDIO-VISUAL SUPPORT: ( ) Helping set up projection equipment at meetings.

( ) Learn to operate the projection program for competitions.

( ) SPEAKER PROGRAM: Help with planning guest speaker visits

( ) GREETING: Greeting new members and guests

( ) HISTORIAN: Assist in preparing historical documents about VPS activities

( ) TABLE SETUP: Help with setup for monthly photographic competitions

( ) COMPETITION JUDGING: Help with selection and planning of judges activity in monthly competitions

( ) PRINT HANDLING: Assist in passing prints during monthly competitions

( ) NATURE VISIONS EXPO: Help VPS Rep with the annual regional Nature Visions Photo Expo, Nov 11th-13th

( ) EDITORIAL HELP: Help by assisting Editor with editing/production of monthly newsletter

( ) ARTICLE DEVELOPMENT: Writing, soliciting or editing articles for monthly newsletter working with the Editor

( ) PHOTO DISPLAY: Help with planning and arranging member photo displays and external Exhibitions

( ) WEBMASTER ASSISTANCE: Help with assistance to VPS Webmaster

( ) PARTY ASSISTANCE: Help setting up parties and social events

PLEASE PROVIDE THE FOLLOWING INFORMATION FOR USE BY THE FIRST VICE PRESIDENT: (Please print)

NAME: ______

E-mail: ______

Telephone Number: ______

Questions: Contact Lou Coglianese, [email protected] or 703-449-9541