Through The Darkroom Door August/September 2006

A PUBLICATION OF CLEVELAND PHOTOGRAPHIC SOCIETY

Since 1887

IIInIn this Is Issuesuesue: Article - Photographing at the Beach, Mony Caron Members Info - August, September, and October Schedule - CPS Past and up Coming Events - Contests, Exhibits, Workshops

Photographs: Featuring Maria Kaiser, Kathy Nelson, Sanaa Diab, and Joe Polevoi Members Travel - Isabel “Bel” Martins – Bottom of the Grand Canyon CPS Photo School: Fall ClassClasseseseses “Fundamentals of Good Photography” and Digital Work Shop, and more

Photo by Kathy Nelson: Cleveland Terminal Tower

CPS – www.clevelandphoto.org

Through the Darkroom Door Schedule ©2006 Cleveland Photographic Society, an affiliate of Photographic Society of America. August 2006 9543 Broadview Road. Broadview Heights, OH, 44147 04 –Nature Competition Correspondence address: CPS 8 – Board Meeting – CPS members only PO Box 766

Northfield, OH - 44067 11 – No Meeting All Rights Reserved. All photographs herein are protected by copyright law and may not be reproduced without the 18 – Flowers in Stereo – Jim Kunkel express written consent of the photographers. 25 – No Meeting Editor: Isabel Martins [email protected] CPS Officers: 26 – Saturday Open House -1 to 4pm President: Ron Wilson

Vice-President: Max Aynik 27 – Sunday Open House – 1 to 4 pm Treasurer: Brenda Gemeiner Secretary: Jill Stanphill

September 2006 October 2006

01 – No Meeting 06 – Nature Competition

12 – Board Meeting – Members only 10 – Presentation: Digital Imaging

15 – Pictorial Competition 20 – Creative Competition

18 – Presentation: Using Light 27 – Business Meeting + New Members Orientation

22 – People Competition

29 – Presentation: Creative Lighting

Notes from the Editor

Here is one more edition of the I continue to emphasize the need for all the members to Through The Darkroom Door, contribute with info and ideas, not forgetting the which we are proud to bring to feedback on the DD Newsletter you members of CPS and other is important to it continue to grow as a communication clubs as well. canal between CPS members and other camera clubs as Once again I’d like to thank an outlet for members work, and as a source of updated those who bring input to our info on photography related matters as well. newsletter keeping it alive. Isabel “Bel” Martins

CPS INFO AND UPCOMING EVENTS

Please support your club and help us grow! Contact Barb Pennington at: [email protected]

Film Slides Show for the Open House Help Needed We are going to have a slide show at the Open House, we We need members to provide some goodies like desserts need your slides. Please bring up to 6 slides each any and/or snacks. Whether both days or just one would be subject. We need them by August 18th at the club or great. Contact Max at [email protected] . August 23. Contact Bert to arrange for pick up. Digital Photos Needed Photographs Donation Deadline to send your digital photos to Rob is August 21 Our Annual Open House is an opportunity for us to [email protected] . Don’t miss the opportunity to show showcase the talent and expertise of our members, who work. have excelled through the educational benefits of the club. Prints Needed In conjunction with various activities, there will be a Want to show off some of your work? Matted and Photographic (or Chinese Auction). mounted photos. No frames. You can bring your bring Participants can bid on the items displayed. Now! We them down on Aug. 18 th , regular meeting day, or just need your donation of any size matted or framed bring your prints the day of the Open House before photograph or related "new" photographic item to make 1pm. Contact Max to confirm your participation: it successful... We have one meeting before the event, [email protected] . Friday August 18 th , Stereo In Flowers Presentation.

CPS NEWS

EVENTS CPS JUDGES APPRECIATION DAY

Photo By Max Aynik

Photos on this page by Bill Trent The first judge’s appreciation day picnic last Jul 15 th , summer schedules, we might consider having it in was a success! The weather was perfect and the food was September so more could attend. Thank you to all who great. The double chocolate cake worded "Judge This" helped put the picnic together. We were able to enjoy the was enjoyed by all. Ten judges attended and it gave the time setting up together and even had some time to sit members a chance to get better acquainted. On and talk. competition nights we all know that there really isn't enough time to have a good conversation and get to Jane Costlow know them. Next year, to accommodate the judges busy

MEMBER’S ACHIVIEMENT

CPS Wins at Cuyahoga Valley National Park

The Cuyahoga Valley Photographic Society held its annual Photography Contest in July. Photos had to be taken in the National Park. Barb Pennington won First Place in the People – Activities in the Park category and Ron Wilson won two Honorable Mentions . The show is on display at the Happy Days Visitor Center through August 18 th . The winners will then be hung at the Blue Heron Bookstore in Peninsula.

Isabel “Bel” Martins , Darkroom Door editor, has been accepted to Cleveland Art Festival to be held at the Galleria on Sep. 16 th and 17 th , Cleveland downtown. Everybody is welcome to stop by her booth and check out her work. Travel, nature, closes up, and such.

Ron Wilson is in the exhibit Female Figure in Art Show at Gallery 324 in the Galleria. Until August 26.

CPS INFO

COMPETITION RESULTS UP DATES

NATURE COMPETITION - B&W PRINTS NAME 8/4/06 10/6/06 12/1/06 3/9/07 Acc. Pnts. Mary Rynes 5 5 Ron Wilson 4 4 Ed Rynes 4 4

NATURE COMPETITION - COLOR PRINTS NAME 8/4/06 10/6/06 12/1/06 3/9/07 Acc. Pnts. Ed Rynes 8 8 Mary Rynes 8 8 Sanaa Diab 8 8 Chris Dixon 8 8 Arlan Heiser 7 7 Jim Kunkle 5 5 Ron Wilson 5 5 Joe Marella 4 4 Tom Fleming 4 4 Vic Evcic 3 3 Bill Trent 3 3 Barb Pennington 3 3 Diane Funk 3 3

NATURE COMPETITION - SLIDES NAME 8/4/06 10/6/06 12/1/06 3/9/07 Acc. Pnts. Joe Marella 9 9 Jill Stanphill 7 7 Elain Kukral 6 6

PEOPLE COMPETITION - SLIDES NAME 7/7/06 9/22/06 11/10/06 1/26/07 Acc. Pnts Jill Stamphill 9 9 Cliff Eller 5 5 Joe Polevoi 4 4 Bert Klein 4 4

PEOPLE COMPETION-B&W PRINTS NAME 7/7/06 9/22/06 11/10/06 1/26/07 Acc. Pnts Tom Fleming 9 9 Ed Rynes 5 5

PEOPLE COMPETION-COLOR PRINTS NAME 7/7/06 9/22/06 11/10/06 1/26/07 Acc. Pnts. Ed Rynes 7 7 Ron Wilson 7 7 Sanaa Diab 5 5 Tom Fleming 4 4 Jim Kunkle 4 4 Maria Kaiser 4 4 Barb Pennington 4 4 Jill Stamphill 3 3 Mary Rynes 2 2 Vic Evcic 2 2

MEMBER’S SHOWCASE

Year End Competition winner People category photos, by Sanna Diab. Aya in her Traditional Costume (photo on the right) won 2005/2006 Best People Commercial Color Print.

By Maria Kaiser By Kathy Nelson

Photograph and article requirements to post on The Darkroom Door newsletter: In order to keep the newsletter a small file, make sure to use 72DPIs only, and save it as JPEG compression of no greater than 8 in Photoshop. Not greater than 100kb in size. If your photograph is intended to be a front page, it should be cropped 8 x 10. Otherwise, use 4 x 6 cropping for “general purpose picture”, and 5 x 7 for Showcase section. You should have model release if your photographs show recognizable people. Articles size at your criteria. If not appropriate in size or subject, the editor will contact you to review your work. Deadline is the 15th of each month, but you can send your “no perishable work” any time, all the time, so it can be used in any future issue. Rules subject to change.

Events, Exhibitions, Contests, Classes, and Workshops

••• WOOD DUCK FESTIVAL at the North Chagrin ••• Hocking Hills Workshops – workshops starting Reservation, in Mayfield Village. Contest, exhibits on Sep. 14th - and more. Call for more info 216-635-3275. www.theoldbear.com/workshops.html ••• PHOTOPLUS EXPO, November 2 to 4, New York ••• photographers. Entries from June 24th through City www.photoplusexpo.com/ppe/index.jsp, a July 9. www.cvps.org/contest06.html huge photography event, including, exhibitions, seminars, etc. ••• The Nature Workshops – Oct 5 to 8, Michigan’s ••• Popular Photography & Imaging Annual Upper Peninsula. www.natureworkshops.com th Reader's Picture Contest – deadline is Sep.16 . ••• Outdoor Photographer Magazine brings “Top http://www.popphoto.com/photocontests/2318/pop Pro Share Their Secrets” to Detroit, Oct 21 and ular-photography-imaging-annual-readers-picture- 22. Sponsored by Nikon. Photographers Bruce contest.html Dale and Frans Lanting. ••• American Photo Images of the Year Competition http://www.opseminar.com . 2006 – Deadline is Sep 16 . ••• 2006 Digital Photo Tour in Cleveland – Oct. http://www.popphoto.com/photocontests/2179/am 17th. Advanced registration $ 50.00. Sponsored by erican-photo-images-of-the-year-competition- Canon. More info at www.zuckertapptour.com 2006-call-for-entries.html ••• International Conference of Photography. ••• Nikonians United! 2006/2007 Nikon Photo Photographic Society of America - Baltimore-MD, Contest International. Entries from Sep 1st to Sep 3-9-2006. http://psa-conference.org/psa- Nov 30th 2006. Theme: At the Heart Of the Image. conference/index.html http://nikonimaging.com/global/activity/npci/npci20 06-2007/index.htm

OTHER CAMERA CLUBS EVENTS

* Western Reserve Photographic Society is more information, please email Debbie Bice at promoting a hands-on event. It will be on Sunday, [email protected] September 24, a PHOTO AFFAIR at Penitentiary * Wilderness Center Photo Club brings Brenda Glen Nature Center in Kirtland. There will be a Tharp (Travel and Nature photographer). small fee and registration will be required, although Seminar Oct 21 st . Wilmot-OH. walk-ins will also be taken. It is going to be a full www.wildernesscenter.org/Clubs/naturephotocl day of hands on photography stations. More details ub.html to follow, we are still working on the "schedule". Check their web site for more info: * Cuyahoga Valley Photographic Society www.wrps-photo.coms.ph Autumn Nature Photography Workshop. F all color in the Cuyahoga Valley National Park with * Warren Photographic Society will be holding Tom Blagden ( www.larryulrich.com/stock.html ). their first meeting of the season on September 14, October 26-29. Fee: $450 (Includes admission to 2006. We welcome all visitors to attend. The club public slide presentation on Saturday evening). will be judging our club members slides to Intermediate to advanced. More info at determine what will be sent to PSA for Color Slide www.cvps.com or call 330-657-2909. Public slide and Travel Slide. We will also have a slide review of presentation by Tom Blagden Sat., Oct 28, 7- our first seasons assignment "Summer Activities" 9pm at Happy Days Visitor Center, Peninsula. Everyone including non-club members are invited Admission $ 5 CVPS members with card, $ 7 non- to attend and participate in the assignment. For members.

Check This Out

Members that would like to share information or tips on any photography could submit to Isabel via [email protected]

STOCK PHOTOGRAPHY – Check these websites if you are interested in sell your photographs using stock photography companies. www.istock.co m, www.shutterstock.com , www.bigstockphoto.co m, www.dreamstime.co m, www.canstockphoto.co m, www.gimmestockphoto.co m, www.123royaltyfree.co m, http://pro.corbis.com , www.fotolia.com

Photographers - worth to take a look at their website Rod Planck - www.rodplanck.com Fred Miranda - www.fredmiranda.com John Fielder - www.johnfielder.com Brenda Tharp - www.brendatharp.com

Magazines Shutterbug Magazine DigitalPhotoProMagazine www.digitalphotopro.com www.shutterbug.com Nikon World - www.nikonworld.com Outdoor Photographer monthly Magazine National Geographic (and National Geographic www.outdoorphotography.com Travele r) Popular Photography – www.popphoto.com www.nationalgeographic.com – magazine articles, PDN http://www.pdnonline.com/pdn/index.jsp and photo expeditions AmericanPhoto http://www.popphoto.com/americanphoto

Schools of Photography New York Institute of Photography - CPS Photo School – Fall Classes starting on Sept. www.nyip.com - distance education school; 11. www.clevelandphoto.org Subscribe for monthly tips about photography: Rocky Mountain School of Photography - [email protected] www.rmsp.com – summer intensives and weekend Ohio Institute of Photography - www.oipt.com workshops Better Photo - www.betterphoto.com – distance education

Miscellaneous season for best photographs on certain places. Have A new website by Bob Kulon that was set up for used it and it’s very accurate. Northeast Ohio photographers. The site has a discussion forum for area photographers to discuss Calendars and Greeting Cards - various photography topics. It also lists weekly www.photographersedge.com shoots where area photographers can get together informally to shoot various photographic subjects. Photo Slides Process Recent shoots have been a sunrise, skyline shoot of Epson – Oklahoma – good price for slides process. Cleveland and a Parade of Sails shoot of the Tall Also turn them into digital file high resolution on CD Ships. The site also encourages local camera clubs to (3072 x 2048), 300 DPIs. www.eppersonphoto.com post upcoming events. www.neoshoots.com . News sent by Ron Skinner. When ordering you have to mention those dimensions. Make a digital file from mounted slides Photo Travel Guides - www.phototraveler.com – $ 1.19 each – reasonable quality. brings detailed info on places, time, routes, and

Just in case you need a model release here is one to make copies: Model Release

I hereby consent that the photographs taken and presented by (photographer’s name), doing business as (if a using a different name), may be used by his/her for the purpose of display, portfolio, advertising, to publish or commercialize on newspapers, magazines, website or any publication to promote her studio or name. I also agree that the images can be used without additional compensation to the undersigned. I am of legal age and have the right to contract in my own name. This release shall be binding upon me and my heirs, legal representatives, and assigns. I have read this model release and fully understand the contents thereof. Date: ______E-mail: ______Name: ______Age______Address: ______City/State/ZIP code: ______

Signature: ______If under 18, check the option below, since a parent or legal guardian’s signature is required.

The model is a minor: I have the legal authority to grant these permissions and I accept all the responsibilities for such. Date: ______E-mail: ______Name: ______Age______Address: ______City/State/ZIP code: ______Minor’s name and date of birth: ______

______Father or mother/guardian’s name and signature

Member’s Digital Creative Gallery

Digital Creations by Joe Polevoi

Don’t bother me with rules. God in Bryce Canyon

CPS – Photo School – www.clevelandphoto.org

2006 Photography Courses

Digital Imaging Workshop

This course describes how to improve your photos on your computer. Explanations and demonstrations will be made using Photoshop Elements . The non-technical presentations will help you learn fundamental skills of photo editing. Learn how to improve any photo, save a problem photo, turn a good photo into a prize winner, and print your own enlargements. Some of the topics covered include Cropping, Sizing Adding contrast Retouching Brightening, Darkening Adjusting color Printing Techniques described are intended to be simple, quick and easy. Some experience with digital photo imaging would be helpful. This course is targeted for novice to intermediate photographers. The fee for this three week course is $150. Classes will be held on three consecutive Saturdays starting October 14, 2006. (Lunch included.)

Fundamentals of Good Photography

This course will help you get better photos from your digital or film camera. You will learn how to use all the features of your camera to get better family and vacation pictures, as well as great pictures of the subjects you like to shoot. Some of the topics covered include: Composition Portraiture Proper exposure Lenses and equipment Close-up Flash Portraiture Night Photography And much more.

Homework assignments are given so you can practice the techniques explained. Optional field trips are planned so you have an opportunity to photograph with the instructors. The course ends with a viewing and commentary on each student’s work. This course is intended for novice to intermediate photographers with a digital or film camera that has adjustable shutter speeds and f-stops. The fee for this ten week course is $150. Classes will be held on Monday evenings starting September 11, 2006.

About Our Faculty…

Maria Kaiser Artist, Creative and nature Varina Hinkle Professional stock photography photographer Bert Klein School Director, Instructor Kolman Rosenberg Photo Journalist photographer Max Aynik Portrait photographer Ron Wilson Published in magazines, book Joe Polevoi Art Director, Photoshop specialist Diane Funk Artist, Art teacher

For information contact:

Fred Reingold 216-529-1134 [email protected] Elaine Kukral 216-524-5434 [email protected] Bert Klein 216-941-9485 [email protected]

Class sizes are limited so

SIGN UP TODAY

CPS Courses ––– Fall 2006 Fundamentals and Digital Imaging ( Schedules subject to change )

Fundamentals of Good Photography - $150.00 (For film and digital cameras with adjustable f-stops and shutter speeds) Mondays 7:30 PM to about 9:45 PM Berthold Klein – Director (216-941-9485) Topic Description Date

September 11 Introduction; Camera Bring camera, unloaded, and its instruction manual Familiarization September 18 Lenses Selecting and using common lenses September 25 Exposure Understanding shutter speeds and f-stops to obtain correct exposure

October 2 Composition Add impact and interest to your pictures through good composition October 9 Close-up Photography How to create great close-up pictures. Learn all the automatic camera functions Automatic Cameras October 16 Flash Understanding flash units, techniques, etc. Bring camera, flash unit if you have one & its instruction manual Field trip ( optional) Class field trips to practice the skills you have learned and help you understand your Sunday, Sunday 9:30 Am equipment.

October 15 October 23 Photo Tips General photo tips; Night & low light photography. Night Photography October 30 Basic Portraiture Posing & lighting for better people pictures Bring camera with 400 ISO film Field trip ( optional) Class field trips to practice the skills you have learned and help you understand your Saturday, Saturday 9:30 Am equipment. November 4 November 6 Intro to Digital Cameras The special features of digital cameras, their limitations & benefits. Introduction to Digital Photo creation & enhancement with the computer, filters, techniques, & special effects Creative Photography November 13 Review Course review & critique of student’s photography

Date Topic Description October 14 Introduction Digital photography, file types, file management, workflow. Introduction to Photoshop / Elements

Image adjustments Basic photo editing, cropping, color, brightness/contrast, levels, histograms October 21 Selections Isolating part of the photo for adjustments using marquee tools, lassos, magic wand; saving and recalling selections.

Layers What are layers? Advantages of adjustment layers, burning and dodging. October 28 Creativity Filters, text, combining images

Retouching, printing Removing unwanted elements, sizing, sharpening, output.

The Cleveland Photographic Society Inc.

CPS was formed in 1887 and has operated promote interest in photography, as an continuously since. The organization currently avocation and recreation, and to further cordial has more than 90 members and is one of the relations among its members. Our newsletter is few anywhere to have its own permanent Through the Darkroom Door . It contains club clubroom. The objectives of the society are to news items, schedules and highlights of upcoming events, competition results. It also There are several categories of photographic contains “how-to” articles by experienced club competition, each is held on a different Friday writers and occasional stories about members. evening: We invite you to visit us on any Friday night Nature – People – Pictorial – Creative. when there is a scheduled meeting to find out Occasionally, additional competitions are what our programs and competitions are like. scheduled for special subject categories such as The meetings are open to all guests and there is Photojournalism, Photo Travel, Pets, Art in no charge to attend. Meetings are held almost Nature, and others. every Friday night. We are located on the City CPS also sponsors many other events for of Broadview Heights campus (see maps above). members such as special showings, workshops, Clubroom opens at 7:30 PM. Our students social activities, and field trips to provide ideas, receive a free membership for four months opportunities, and inspiration. . Types of photographs that may be entered Dues for individual members are $54 per include: year. For couples it is $81 and junior members (under 18) it is $36. Color Prints, Black & White Prints, and Slides .

Application for Enrollment Make check payable to CPS . Mail to: CPS c/o Bill Trent __ Fundamentals of Good Photography ($150.00) 3420 Tullamore Road __ Digital Imaging Workshop ($150.00) Cleveland Heights OH 44118

Full Name (Please type or print plainly) ______

Address ______

City, State, Zip ______

Home Phone ______

E-mail ______

How did you learn of this course? ______

Course fees must be paid in full by the first class. Partial payments cannot be accepted. Registration includes a 4 month membership in the Cleveland Photographic Society. Refunds for withdrawal will be honored if they are requested by notifying the school director during the first week of class. A withdrawal fee of $10.00 will be deducted from the refund. The refunding process usually takes three to four weeks. Cleveland Photographic Society is a not for profit corporation and the purpose of these classes is to increase interest and enjoyment of photography.

Article: Contributor

Photographing at the Beach

By Moni Caron

I love the sea. And the sand beach. They have been Both the sea and the sand beach reflect a lot of light, part of my life for many years. For having so much like a mirror. You blink for a second, before your fun in going to the beach, I am very concerned in eyes get used to so much light and realize all the making from this theme special pictures. details in shadow, light, close or far. Unfortunately, the theme beach, destiny of many The film, though, understands the light in “stops”. It vacations, is one of the most misunderstood in needs some minimum and some maximum amount of photography. light to have an adequate exposure, not too bright, not Thousands of times, I’ve seen people complaining too dark. The film understands these “stops” of light about how awful were their pictures and how wonderful it was when they took the pictures. There are some common, repetitive mistakes, and there’s not just one “guilty” for that. Let’s check some problems and fix them. First, I would like you to think about the camera you have. What kind is it? A single lens camera? A point- and-shoot camera? A very modern or a simple “just press the button” type? If you have a point-and-shoot, automatic camera with auto-focus or the simple one with pop-up, built-in flash, where you have no control at all, you have to know how these cameras “understand” the light and in a perfect match between its diaphragm and shutter. (please!!!), don’t forget to read the manual! In case one of these two variables is not in perfect

match, you can have too much light or not enough The film is a very nice technologic piece of light. It is a pity, but the film still can’t be as perfect chemistry, but it has its limitation. Once you put it as your eyes and can’t catch the richness of details in inside your camera, it will record the image under light and shadow as good as you. certain circumstances, and one of these is the kind of If we can compare, the film can “see” a difference of camera you use. five stops of light, while our eyes can see 16 stops of Without control over your camera, you’re tight to light. what the camera was “programmed” to do. And most When you are at the beach, with all that shining sun, cameras, actually the majority of the cameras sold in the film tends to “understand” that there’s too much dealers, are point-and-shoot or more ordinary ones. light there and try to compensate, recording an So what do you do? Buy another expensive camera? exposure that usually is too dark. No! Not at impulse, at least. Try to watch around: look for the direction of

sunlight and avoid being against the sun. If you can, You’re likely to have good pictures with the camera use the sidelight or front light to enlighten your you own: you just need to know it better. subject. Watch the direction of the shadows, Before a scene at the beach, we usually have a very especially close to noon, when there are deep harsh light with heavy shadows. shadows that can be no flattering at all. In case you have an single lens reflex (SLR) camera The machines are set up to the most used films in the with controls over your exposure (and know how to lab and although dealers and labs have been trained use them), take the metering and open up 1 to 1 ½ to change this set up every time you put a different stops from the metering your camera gives you. This film on them, most simply don’t. Also, if chemistry is will give you an exposure able to capture the scene as old, it can change the color, contrast and bright of you see. In doubt, bracket, that is, make one picture your pictures. A good example is when you receive a with the metering your camera gives you and re- picture whose people’s skin looks like “Hulk” or too shoot with an exposure opened up from 1 to 1 ½ red. stops, to guarantee a good shoot.

Second, I would like you to remember that in a bright day at the beach, you pay attention to the film you are going to use. Avoid ISO 400 and up in these days. You don’t need them. The better options are ISO 100 and ISO 200, both less grainy and more appropriate to give you vibrant, colorful results and nice enlargements. Third, I would like to tell you that there’s something else you can do to improve your pictures at the beach: use the flash! IT may sound strange at first, but if you use a flash to enlighten your foreground When you go to the lab to have your film developed (usually people), you are not going to influence the and processed, tell them you were at the beach and light in your background (the flash does not reach that it was too sunny (in case it was). They will large distances) and you minimize the harsh shadow understand and will try to “correct” what the film of the sun in people’s face. captured in order to give you a better chance to have Forth, and a relief for you, I would like to remark that the picture you actually saw. the majority of dreadful pictures you look at when Remember that you can, and should, ask your lab for you pick them up at the lab are not your fault! Notice reprints if you’re not satisfied with the results. They I am not talking about composition in photography! I know when they are wrong and usually will do it free am talking about the too bright or too dark, or if you ask them. fainting pictures. Labs are responsible for about 80% Last, but not least, keep your memory fresh and try to of most under or overexposed pictures for mass think about all these tips first! market. @Moni Caron – Colorado Springs, CO, based black and white portrait photographer. www.monicaron.com [email protected]

Members Travel

The Bottom of the Grand Canyon – What an adventure! By Isabel “Bel” Martins

Along a narrow trail, sometimes 5 feet wide, joined me in this little madness. Both of us had tried sometimes much less, flanked by escarpments, we to encourage one another since the decision making. followed the edge of cliffs. After inhaling dust and We rode the mules along the 11 mile-long squeezing through very high rocks, narrow paths and path of the steep slope, going from 7000 feet above tiny tunnels, we stared at, methaporically and plainly sea level on the top, to 2400 feet at the base. Some speaking, the immense and grand Grand Canyon, technical information and stories helped to pass which was right below our eyes and below the paws time… of the well trained, but not always obedient, mules. Another oasis, and then Colorado River Pure air mixed with trail dust and then, soon, waved at us, indicating that it was coming closer. The it was possible to find out why cowboys wear that view is spine-chilling for people who are afraid of bandanna covering nose and mouth. The throat was water, especially seen from that height, squeezed dry and the continuous sunshine provided uncovered between a rocky wall and the river bank, in an even parts of our skin with a deep suntan. Long sleeves narrower way of accentuated curves. It looked like and hats, just like what people wear in African the mule was not going to make it. Three hours deserts, are rather necessary, as well as a lot of water seemed to be 10 because of the anxiety to arrive, to compensate for dryness. under scalding and unforgiving sun. Fear, almost desperation, as we went down the first three hundred feet. How frightening! How thrilling! What am I doing here? Whose idea was it anyways? Some of us felt like giving up, but the desire to continue was even stronger. Later, a little more relaxed, controlling the animal and the situation got easier.... After a two-hour measured ride on the back of the mule, we stopped at an oasis with a lot of green, shadow and fresh water. At this point, the troting of the mules and the roughness of the way could be felt in the urban cowboys’ legs. In spite of that, there were still three At last, Fantom Ranch comes into sight. The more hours to go in order to reach the bottom, to place is an assemblage of rustic cabins, a rustic touch the ground of that gigantic and legendary hole, public square, an amphitheater, a restroom, and a formed by the movement of tectonic plates, millions cantina, of course! Could anyone imagine if there of years ago, today inhabited by Havasupai Indians. wasn’t any place for the cowboys to drink something? The promise of good dinner and cold beer later on, as well as refreshing waters of the Bright In the middle of the forest that borders the Angel Creek and the emerald green waters of river, out of the blue, my name was pronounced out Colorado River, arouses enthusiasm, but there is still loud. Isabel!!! Wow, soon I could recognize friends a long way to go. Some people faint, some die when that I had made in a previous trip to another they get down there. The reasons are various, but the American national park. Making new friends is one descent itself is not one of them, in spite of being a of the best things of a trip or adventure. great challenge for people who are afraid of heights and large animals. We took a small plastic bag out the guide’s backpack. Inside the bag, there were, in fact, only essential belongings for the two-day trip. Trinkets and extra dresses were out of the question. My friend named it "bag of humbleness". Facing 130ºF, according to the thermometer exposed to the sun, or 107ºF in the shade, having few cloths and personal items, in a pretty hard weather condition like that, we struggled just like cowboys did in the past. Fortunately, dry air helped to keep us physically sound. The Grand Canyon, seen from the back of Superb dinner, cold beer and the air this animal, seems to be even bigger to amazed and conditioner of the cantina helped to keep the integrity almost tired eyes of the make-believe cowboys. I was of our body and souls. The least tired ones got one of them, along with my friend, Silvana, who together and told their stories, and then later, we gathered to see the sunset by Colorado River. Visitors river again, narrow when we looked at it from that kept on arriving on foot, experienced or height. Despite that, it was possible to start taking inexperienced hikers. In my opinion, they must have pictures. I was also able to drink water from the been out of their minds. In spite of the fact that I canteen without being necessary to ask the guide to enjoy walking, I would never walk down by myself, stop, which was something hard to imagine the day let alone climb back. before. I could control Gizmo, my male mule, sweet and obedient. It behaved very well, quite the opposite Without the interference of urban lights, the of Silvana’s mule, Dam, which was very lazy. sky was deep blue, with an abundant number of stars.

Yes, there are stars in the sky of the United States! It The morning view of the bottom of that was something rare to see for people who live in big chasm had another kind of beauty that could be better cities, but it was necessary to go down the Grand enjoyed on the return. It was a lot steeper, but shorter Canyon, in order to be around pure nature again. and easier to overcome. After this gain of self-

confidence, I took many shots with my Nikon. Once The inner side of my thighs was still totally again, amazed before the Grand Canyon’s magnitude, sore due to the previous day. I could feel the shape of I started recording, with my camera, the inhospitable, the mule’s back, and I asked myself if and when it but ambiguously welcoming landscape of this place would go back to normal. Yet, it would still be that has great sentimental value for me. Many necessary to go back. stops, so that the animals, which were snorting all the

time, could catch their breath. Seeing the animals’ We had a big breakfast and prepared hard work I was forced to thank God for being ourselves psychologically to cope with the way back. human. However, something was certain - after some time, we gained more confidence in the animal. We were Once we, frightened mortals, were back to able to control curves better and mainly, we gained the top, we could thank for the opportunity of confidence in ourselves to control the situation as a experiencing this small adventure, for surviving whole. I could almost gallop. In spite of this excess unharmed and for facing the challenge of going to the of self confidence and joking aside, the way back bottom of the Grand Canyon. For me an adventure! started calmly, like some parts of Colorado river that © Jun 2006 we passed by. The bridge, the small tunnel and the

APPLICATION FOR MEMBERSHIP

CLEVELAND PHOTOGRAPHIC SOCIETY APPLICATION FOR MEMBERSHIP I am applying for membership in the Cleveland Photographic Society. If accepted, I agree to abide by the Society’s Constitution, by-laws and all regulations. Applications for membership are reviewed at the Board Meeting held on the second Tuesday each month. Name ______Nickname ______Address ______City, State, Zip ______Phone ______E-mail ______Employer or School ______Occupation or Major ______Referred to Cleveland Photographic Society by ______If you have attended any of the CPS schools, please check. ___ Fundamentals ___ Digital Workshop ___ Darkroom Are you currently a member of the Photographic Society of America? ______What are your principal photographic interests? Please check all that apply. ___ Pictorial ___ Nature ___ People ___ Scenic ___ Portraits ___ Travel ___ Sports ___ Photojournalism ___ Still Life ___ Creative ___ Digital ___ Black & White ___ Color Prints ___ Color slides One year’s dues (select one): ___ Single membership $54.00/yr $ ______Couple membership $81.00/yr $ ______Junior Member (under 18) $ 36.00/yr $ ______Total: $ ______Please mail this application with a check made out to the: Cleveland Photographic Society - PO Box 766 - Northfield, OH – 44067 – www.clevelandphoto.org

About CPS

The Cleveland Photographic Society The annual membership fee is $54 for individuals, $81 for couples, and $36 for junior members. The Cleveland Photographic Society (CPS) was formed in 1887 and has operated continuously since In addition to programs and competitions, CPS that time, making it the second oldest camera club in sponsors special showings, workshops, and field trips uninterrupted operation in North America. We are to provide ideas, opportunities and inspiration. We one of only a few clubs in the country to have our own also hold a number of social events and an annual permanent club room. These facilities allow CPS to auction. conduct Photo Schools every fall and spring, featuring sessions on fundamentals and digital techniques. This newsletter, Through The Darkroom Door, is printed and e-mailed to members, friends of CPS and Visitors are welcome to attend, at no charge, any other subscribers every month at no charge. For scheduled meeting to learn more about our programs members without email, a printed copy is mailed and competitions. Meetings are on Friday evenings at through the U.S. Postal Service. The e-mail version is 8:00 PM. in PDF format and is in color. To subscribe to this newsletter, please e-mail the editor, with your We are located at 9543 Broadview Road, Broadview request: Isabel Martins, [email protected] . Heights, OH 44147

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