The Focal Point Official Newsletter of the Linn Area Photo Club March 2012 - Vol. 9, No. 3
An Early Spring? Maybe? Please?
Since we have had virtually no winter at all… could we maybe have an early and unusually nice spring to make up for it? And I mean a GOOD early spring! You know, none of that in-between stuff where everything looks lifeless and dead for over a month. Would be a nice change of pace, don'tcha think?
Locally, we have had very little snow this year, in a relative sense. It's just insane. These are what California winter days are like. Not that I'm complaining, mind you, I just want to know what to expect so I can plan accordingly.
So, what to shoot? Everything outside looks dull and dingy. Maybe I should go buy some flowers and shoot some indoor stuff. That could work. I’ve seen that some members have been working on water drops and splashes. Very nice. I don’t have the patience for the water drop stuff, though.
Then there's that photo processing that is backed-up and never gets done. I really need to sit down in front of the computer and finish processing all those photos from previous shoots that are sitting on my hard drive collecting "cyber dust".
*sigh* That’s a toughie… and kind of hard to explain. I don't necessarily ‘dislike’ photo processing. I do get excited when it is done. But... there's always a 'but', isn’t there?... it is kind of tedious. Ok, very tedious.
Article & Photo © Ken Boardrow The Focal Point March 2012
February Recap
Regular Meeting Wickiup Hill Outdoor Learning Center, Toddville IA Sunday, February 12, 2012 Monthly contest theme: “Green”
Wow! Talk about a full meeting. And I don’t mean full with people… though it was that as well.
First off, Ryan Taylor gave a fantastic presentation regarding money making opportunities. I won’t even begin to try and recap as there was so much, plus Cherie Flint gives an outstanding rundown later in the newsletter in the Meeting Minutes.
The monthly contest theme was “Green”. Steve Thompson took first place, with Bill Coulson in second place, and Lynn Reihman in third place.
We had a Showcase Photographer, Nicole Dernell-Ruhlow, who showed us some great photos and explained a little about
*what* and *why* certain things appeal to her, AND we got to © Steve Thompson – 1st Place peek into Bill Coulson’s bag. It’s always great to hear perspectives, from other members, and see how differently other members do things and/or what equipment they find useful. It’s a great way to expand our own perspectives as they cause to us consider more than what came to us naturally.
Now is the time to start thinking about the
Iowa State Fair Photography Contest
Deadlines are just around the corner…
June 16 & 17 – (No late entries accepted.) Photography - delivery of photos and entry form to the Cultural Center on the Fairgrounds Mailed entries must be postmarked May 28 - June 9 http://www.iowastatefair.org/competition/entry - deadlines/ © Lynn Reihman – 3rd Place www.linnareaphotoclub.org Page 2
The Focal Point March 2012
Upcoming Events
Regular Meeting Wickiup Hill Outdoor Learning Center, Toddville IA Sunday, March 11, 2012 – 1:30pm to 4:00pm(ish) Monthly contest theme: “Signs”
Bill Coulson and Lynn Reihman will teach us the benefits of using Flickr. For those of you unfamiliar with Flickr, it is an image and video hosting website. Many people also use it to host photos for their blogs, and so on. If you would like to familiarize yourself with Flickr before the meeting, their website address is… http://www.flickr.com
Rae Lowenberg will be our Showcase Photographer and Doug Shaffer & Tim McAdam will let us root through their equipment bags.
Our monthly contest for this month will be “Signs”. Again, as was mentioned last month regarding ‘green’, ‘signs’ could mean many different things to many different people. Is it just a photo of a sign? Those are good. Or, maybe a photo of something or somebody else that is giving a sign? For you guys, maybe your mother-in-law’s “death glare” is a ‘sign’ for you to be quiet…. so capture that image!!! As always, while thinking “outside the box” is good, and will push you to be a more creative and better photographer, what the judges think is the final say when it comes to a contest.
LAPC Sponsors (In no particular order…)
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The Focal Point March 2012
(More) Upcoming Events
Canon Explorers of Light Seminar with Clay Blackmore Cedar Valley Bible Church Auditorium 3636 Cottage Grove Avenue SE, Cedar Rapids Saturday, March 24, 2012 – 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
It’s almost here. Later this month. Time for another Canon Explorers of Light photography seminar. This year our guest and presenter will be professional wedding and portrait photographer Clay Blackmore.
Clay’s Bio Clay Blackmore is one of the true innovators in the Brief Outline of the Seminar on March 24, 2012 world of wedding photography and portraiture and Session 1: Class begins with a teaching slide show one of the most passionate photographers in the to warm up the audience. Clay has slides that are country. Working out of Washington, DC, very detailed and educational. There will be posing Blackmore’s style blends the beauty and and lighting demonstration during the morning timelessness of classical portraiture with session. This will focus on the fundamentals of spontaneity and appeal of photojournalism. Clay’s photographing individuals, couples and groups. portraits are simple, direct, and yet make powerful Back to a slide show to see how these basics can statements. create magnificent portraits.
A celebrity and society favorite, Blackmore’s clients Session 2: How to Photograph Everyone. Clay will include such luminaries as Tiger Woods, Forrest guide you step-by-step on tips for photographing women, men, children, toddlers, high school Whitaker, Jenna Elfman, Maria Sharapova, and seniors, and additional demonstrations with large corporate entities as diverse as the PGA and USGA group posing. We’ll also take time to start a light to political inaugural balls. discussion on DSLR film making.
One of only a few Canon Explorers of Light, Lunch Blackmore lectures all over the world and was selected for the first satellite broadcast of Session 3: Window light, talking cover and working “Wedding 2000”. Clay is also an instructor for with strobes inside and out using slides to Disney photographics. Blackmore’s latest creation, demonstrate how to create big portraits with small a coffee table book entitled Extraordinary Women, lights. We’ll roll out 4 Canon 580 flashes and create Fantasies Revealed has been a great success. He portraits with live models. retains membership in the elite Cameracraftsmen Session 4: Post-production, fine art applications of America and a Board position at the and output, together with motivation and how to Metropolitan Visual Arts Center in Rockville, MD. run a business. www.linnareaphotoclub.org Page 4
The Focal Point March 2012
(More) Upcoming Events (Continued)
Canon Explorers of Light Workshop with Clay Blackmore
Sunday, March 25, 2012
A Day with Clay The day after the seminar is when you get your Master Series chance for some hands-on training with Clay Sunday, March 25, 2012 himself. Check out the box to the left for more information. Below are some samples of Clay’s Master the fundamentals with one of the most work… respected names in the business. Innovative portraits don’t just happen, they are created. Clay can take you step-by-step through a methodical approach to making the perfect portrait every time. Learn to bat a 1.000! With the 1, 2, 3 approach, each photographer will find a new way of working.
This is a “bring your camera” event! You will be taking pictures with Clay’s refinements right over your shoulder. This is your chance to get a road that you can travel on for years to come. No more trial-and-error method. This is education the way it should be… no short cuts, no disappointments.
Cost of "A Day with Clay" is $199. Class size will be limited. Registration and additional information can be found at http://linnareaphotoclub.org/event- registration/?ee=12
All Photos this page © Clay Blackmore. www.linnareaphotoclub.org Page 5
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LAPC Member Websites
Paul Adams – Paul Adams Fotography http://www.adams-foto.com
Ken Boardrow - Iowa Landscape Photography http://www.iowalandscapephotography.com or http://www/iowa-photo.com
Gary Hamer – Gary Hamer Nature Photography http://HamerNaturePhotos.com/
Robert Allen Hill – RAllenHill Photography http://rallenhill.com/
Bob Lancaster – Wildflowers Photography http://www.wildflowersphotography.com
Bob Randklev – Bob Randklev Photography http://www.bobfoto.com
Lori Seals – Lori A. Seals Photography © Ken Boardrow http://loriasealsphotography.zenfolio.com
Contest Rules
Monthly LAPC Contest Rules 1. Competitors must be members of the Linn Area Photo Club and must have paid their dues. 2. Entries must be in print form. There will be one (1) category, which will be published in advance. Entries may be either color or black-and-white. 3. Three (3) winning entries will be selected. Only the 1st Place winner will receive a prize. 4. Each entry must be the original work of the competitor and must have been taken within the previous two (2) years, and cannot have been a prior LAPC (monthly or annual) contest winner. 5. Each competitor may submit up to two (2) photos in each monthly contest. 6. Minimum print size is 5”x7”. Maximum print size is 11”x14”. 7. All prints must be no larger than 11”x14”. Prints may be mounted and matted, but it is not a requirement. Maximum 11”x14” size includes matting, if applicable. Prints must not be framed. 8. All prints must have competitor’s name and image title clearly printed on the back of the mount in the bottom right corner with a prominent arrow indicating the “up” orientation. 9. Members must be present to participate. 10. Nude photos are not eligible. www.linnareaphotoclub.org Page 6
The Focal Point March 2012
February 12, 2012, Meeting Minutes By Cherie Flint
The February meeting took place at Wickiup Learning Center on February 12th, 2012. There were 58 people in attendance. Vice-President, Bob Lancaster started the meeting by welcoming new members and visitors. The following people introduced themselves to the club: • Gary Siegle shoots with a Nikon Camera • Dave Markham uses both a Nikon and a Canon camera and enjoys photographing wildlife. • Rocky Dales uses a Canon camera and likes photographing wildlife.
Announcements: Annual membership fee of $25.00 is due. The benefit of the membership is that you are eligible to compete in the monthly and yearly photo contest. Get discounts from our sponsors: Photo Pro, Porter’s, Art Cellar, and Kyle’s Framing & Gallery.
Upcoming Events: March 11th, 2012 Monthly Meeting Presentation Topic: The benefits of Flickr presented by Bill Coulsen and Lynn Riehman Bill suggested to members to set up a LAPC group on Flickr to share images and open up discussions. Bill volunteered to be the group administrator. Check it out at: http://www.flickr.com/groups/1927028@N23/ Photo Contest: Signs Showcase Photographer: Roe Lowenberg What’s in your bag? Doug Shaffer and Tim McAdam
March 17th, 2012 9:00AM-4:00 PM From Capture to “WOW” Photography & Photoshop Seminar Host: Peoria Camera Club Who: Ben Willmore, presenter Where: Illinois Central College Performing Arts Center One College Drive, East Peoria, IL Cost: $75.00 pre-registration before March 10th, 2012, or $85.00 at the Door Resister online at www.peoriacameraclub.com
March 24, 2012 Canon Explorers of Light Seminar with Clay Blackmore Where: Cedar Valley Bible Church Auditorium 3636 Cottage Grove Ave SE, Cedar Rapids IA Time: 9:30 AM to 4:30 PM Cost: Seminar is free. Option catered box lunch for $9.00 Volunteers and models needed. Please email Bob Lancaster ( [email protected] ) for more information. www.linnareaphotoclub.org Page 7
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February 12, 2012, Meeting Minutes (Continued)
March 25, 2012 Day with Clay Master Series Where: Wickiup Learning Center 10260 Morris Hills Road, Toddville, IA 52302 Time: 9:00 am to 5:00 pm Cost: $199.00 Online registration is required. Models are needed. Please email Bob Lancaster ( [email protected] ) for more information.
Upcoming Photo Opportunities: Cedar Rapids Amateur Astronomers Public Observing Events open to the public • March 24, 7:30 p.m. The Aurora Presenter: Professor Craig Kletzing, The University of Iowa • April 14, 8 p.m. Topic to be determined Presenter: Dr. Bill Peterson, The University of Iowa
Monthly Presentation: Club member, Ryan Taylor, lead the monthly presentation. The topic was “How Make Money with your Photography?” Ryan Taylor works at Rockwell Collins. He is also owner of Red Curtin Photo Booth. He has paid for all of his equipment from sales from his photography. To see more of his work go to www.ryantaylorphotography.com
Ryan discussed the basics for running a photography business like knowing the supply and demand. You need to ask yourself is the demand being met. Establish a business © Ryan Taylor contract. You can find examples online. Contracts are used to layout the terms and conditions and the expectations of both parties. Contract also establishes the photo rights of the images sold. Ryan also brought up the topic of insurance to protect against lawsuits, minor medical expenses and damage to equipment.
A crucial step to selling your photographs is to build a portfolio. If you need subject matter for your portfolio, Ryan suggested offering to photograph family members, friends and charities for free. When creating a website Ryan had the following suggestions. Do not include flash software or music. Most people who are looking for a photographer do the research at work. Having music play while they are www.linnareaphotoclub.org Page 8
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February 12, 2012, Meeting Minutes (Continued) looking at your website will turn a potential customer away. Limit your gallery to 20 to 30 images and show diversity. To sell prints through your web site use Zenfolio or Smugmug.
Marketing exposure is important in selling your photographs Focus on your target market Use Facebook, Google+, Flickr Use a blog like WordPress Shoot, Shoot and continue to Shoot, word of mouth is your best marketing tool. Free sites like www.gatheringguide.com, www.weddingwire.com and www.craigslist.com Ryan does not feel that print advertising is not cost effective. It is too expensive for what you get in return. Think about giving away the digitals Branding.
Next, Ryan discussed the different types of photography businesses and the advantages and disadvantages.
Portrait Photography Advantage: high demand, flexible hours, can get by with basic equipment Disadvantage: odd hours, weather issues, have to deal with people Things to think about: Sell prints or digitals? Charge a sitting fee, give away the digitals How many photos per shoot? Ryan suggests around 20 images per sitting. If shooting a wedding charge for the day.
Photojournalism Magazines and newspapers are an unstable market right now. Pay is based on publication Photo rights go to the publisher Equipment can get expensive especially if shooting sports. Ideas to get started: shoot local sports team Pick your favorite hobby and shoot for hobby magazine
Commercial photography Globally-Ebay, Etsy, Corporate advertising Locally-Real Estate, Small Business Advertising and web design. Get started by networking. www.linnareaphotoclub.org Page 9
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February 12, 2012, Meeting Minutes (Continued)
Event Photography Photograph charities, birthday parties, corporate events. Advantage: networking leads to more events Disadvantage: usually low light environments
Wedding Photography Advantage: There is a good demand and low supply Get started by being a 2nd photographer. Equipment needed: 2 camera bodies, 2 lenses and 2 external flashes.
Art Photography Moderate demand with high supply Selling online does not work Sell locally has a moderate financial risk. Initial investment is the price of print, matt and frame Possible Markets: local coffee shops and Farmers Markets
Stock photography High demand with extremely high supply Pay is good. Terms vary ranging from Royalty free to limited rights Disadvantages: approval process can be difficult and boring, meeting criteria can be challenging Sites are looking for the following: people, food, places, concepts, multicultural diversity Popular stock photography sites include www.shutterstock.com www.gettyimages.com www.istockphoto.com www.dreamstime.com www.flickr.com links with Google search. There is a British New Agencies that searches Google for images and contact the photographer. But it is recommended that you read the terms carefully before committing to anything.
Check out the Linn Area Photo Club Website http://www.linnareaphotoclub.org
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February 12, 2012, Meeting Minutes (Continued)
Other ideas to make money Create a Blog Write an E-book Become a class instructor or develop photography workshops Sports photographers-create a Zenfolio/SmugMug account to share and sell photographs through the online site. Create a Calendar-link with a charity to the printing and publishing. It is a good marketing exchange Print Post cards Enter photography contests-compare the cost of the prints to the prize money.
The best way to sell you photography is through networking. The advantages to networking include gathering inspiration, marketing, and motivation. To help with networking use Social network sites like Facebook® and Google+, Flickr®. Another way to network is to join photo clubs and other organizations
Suggested websites and books to develop your photography business: Portfolio development Smugmug: www.smugmug.com Zenfolio: http://www.zenfolio.com Commercial photographer, Alex Koloskov, has YouTube videos to show how he shoots his shots. http://www.koloskov.com/ Wedding photography book: Captured by the Light: The Essential Guide to Creating Extraordinary Wedding Photography by David Zinser Learn what not to do with you stock photography by checking out www.badstockart.com
Monthly Photo Contest The monthly contest theme for February was “Green”. There were a total of 30 entries. 1st place was Steve Thompson with 23 votes. 2nd place was Bill Coulson with 17 votes. 3rd place was Lynn Reihman with 16 votes.
The Showcase Photographer for February was Nicole Dernell-Ruhlow. Nicole uses a Pentax Camera. She enjoys photographing flowers and wild animals. The images that she showed the club included: macro photography of flowers, wild animals taken at Blank Zoo, Chicago, and Lincoln Park Zoo. Nicole does a wonderful job of capturing the emotion of the animal. She also enjoys photographing people and capturing the candid moments. She also showed up images that she had taken from her HDR class.
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February 12, 2012, Meeting Minutes (Continued)
What’s in your Bag? With Bill Coulson Bill is a nature and wildlife photographer. Listed below is the equipment that he uses.
Canon EOS 7D - Tamerac Low Flip Side 300 backpack - Monopod Canon 400 mm f5.6 Lens - 70-200 mm f2.8 lens - -50 mm f1.4 lens Tameron 24-270mm f2.8 lens - Tameron 90 mm Macro lens - -430x Speedlite Homemade light diffuser (instructions can be found on http://www.flickr.com/groups/1927028@N23/) 3 memory card 8GB - -Batteries for flash and camera - Lens cleaner Gels for flash - 72 mm infrared filter - Protection UV filter Off camera flash cord - Remote trigger - 1.4x tele-converter White balance/grey card - Bug spray - Wet wipes
About the Linn Area Photo Club The Linn Area Photo Club (LAPC) was established in November 2003 in order to bring together individuals in the greater Linn County, Iowa, area who are interested in acquiring and developing an appreciation of the art and techniques of photography. Dues are $25 for new memberships and renewals. Monthly meetings are normally held at 1:30pm the second Sunday of the month at Wickiup Hill Outdoor Learning Center in Toddville. (See Calendar of Events for details) Club membership is open to photographers of all skill levels. Members participate in a variety of educational programs, field trips, and photo shoots. There is an informal monthly theme contest and an annual club contest that drew over 90 entries in its first year. Members range from beginners to professionals and use both digital and traditional photographic technology. LAPC is a great place to meet and learn from other photo enthusiasts. Contact Information Linn Area Photo Club PO Box 676, Marion, IA 52302 Website: www.linnareaphotoclub.org - E-mail: [email protected]
We like to showcase our member’s winning contest photos, Showcase Photographer photos, and also random member photos. We ask that the following things be included when sending photos…
1) Please e-mail photos to [email protected] by the 28th of the month. 2) Please save photos as .jpgs and reduce to a maximum of 600 pixels on the long end. 3) Please include the purpose of the photo and place won (if applicable). 4) We recommend that you place a copyright notice on your photos, but this is personal choice and is up to you. It doesn’t need to be overwhelming or detracting from the photo itself. www.linnareaphotoclub.org Page 12
The Focal Point March 2012
2012 LAPC Elected Officers
Office Name Telephone E-Mail President Bob Randklev (319) 775-0045 [email protected] Vice-President Bob Lancaster (319) 297-7052 [email protected] Secretary Cherie Flint (319) 981-9965 [email protected] Treasurer David Byrnes (319) 363-4780 [email protected]
2012 LAPC Appointed Officers and Committees
Office Name Telephone E-Mail Activities David Byrnes (319) 363-4780 [email protected] Barb Plotz
Membership David Byrnes (319) 363-4780 [email protected] Kris Hoeger (319) 373-7866
Newsletter Ken Boardrow (319) 447-4247 [email protected]
Public Relations Ken Boardrow (319) 447-4247 [email protected]
PSA/N4C Rep. Bob Lancaster (319) 297-7052 [email protected]
Webmaster Bob Randklev (319) 775-0045 [email protected]
LAPC Contests & Ken Boardrow [email protected] Contest Rules Doug Hoeger Doug Shaffer
Programs & Photo Rick Young (319) 360-0060 Competitions Ann Jorgensen Ken Boardrow
Exhibits & Outside Bob Lancaster Photo Competitions Karla McMurrin
Deadline for submissions to The Focal Point is the 28th of each month for the next month’s newsletter. The Focal Point will be published by approximately the 5th day of each month. © 2012, Linn Area Photo Club
There will be times when you will be in the field without a camera. And, you will see the most glorious sunset or the most beautiful scene that you have ever witnessed. Don't be bitter because you can't record it. Sit down, drink it in, and enjoy it for what it is! ~DeGriff
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