Monthly meeting report for September 8 2011

Meeting Notes of September 8, 2011

To all DPI-SIG members and other interested parties:

A sincere welcome to our five new members!

Mike Collins, Jamie Edgar, Niccole Haschak, Francis McKeen, Michael Soulard

Our monthly theme slide show producer, Jeff Bilyeau, did his production of our theme photos based on “T W I L I G H T”. As always, Jeff found the appropriate early evening music for this theme. We had 17 members submit 104 photos. Even if you aren’t in Naples, your photos will be shown at the meeting and will eventually appear on the web-site’s page of slideshows. Don’t forget to rename and resize your monthly theme photos! http://www.dpi-sig.org.

Eric Hansen reminded the audience of the FCCC Conference scheduled for March 23, 24 & 25, 2012, to be held at the Naples Hilton Hotel. This three-day event will host world-class speakers and members from the 50 camera clubs throughout the state of Florida. Soon, you will be able to register online for the conference: http://www.f3c.org.

Don’t wait until the last minute to submit your photos for the FCCC 3rd Tri-Annual Competition. Online submissions are being accepted NOW with a deadline of September 30, 2011. We need more of our members competing with the 50 other clubs in Florida. It’s time to dig through your photographs and submit four entries to the competition. All the rules and regulations are on the web site: f3c.org.

The deadline for the FCCC Print Competition is fast approaching. Mount your 16×20″ or 11×14″ print on a 16×20″ foam core or mount board. FCCC is picking up the mailing costs. Peggy Farren, DPI-SIG Print Competition Coordinator to the FCCC, will mail the prints from our camera club to the competition. If you didn’t bring your prints to the meeting, you can deliver them to Peggy’s house no later than October 3. Contact her at: NaplesPortraits@gmail.com for the address.

If you have any questions about the print competition, please contact Carmen Schettino, FCCC Print Competition Director: schettino@comcast.net and/or check f3c.org for information.

Nic Provenzo, Art Show Director, reported that the Bonita Art Show is still pending. Nic donated his photo “Bailar De Bella Artes” (remember the dancers in mid-air?) to the Marco Island Center for the Arts for permanent display. This photo was a favorite of the new director when she saw it hanging at the “Art of Photography” show.

Nic is also working on getting the Broadway Palm Dinner Theater Art Show plans formulated. Along those lines, he and Damaris Gonzalez will be holding a framing and matting workshop. Between now and the next meeting, find an old frame you want to use. Nic finds frames at consignment shops, thrift shops, garage sales, etc. Then, have a print made to fit the mat in the picture frame. The date, time and place for this workshop will be given at the October meeting. This workshop will help give DPI-SIG members a good number of finished pieces for the art show.

Nancy Garrison won a 2nd Place award ribbon for her photo “Z Buns” for the current juried show “Fins, Fur & Feathers” at the Marco Island Center for the Arts. Some of you might remember this photo from our own competition – the zebras behinds! The exhibition will remain hanging through September 28 and can be viewed on Tuesdays through Fridays from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at the Marco Island Center for the Arts at 1010 Winterberry Drive, Marco Island. There is a FREE reception scheduled for September 13, 2011 from 5:30 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.

The newly formed Lightroom Users Group, met for the fourth time at Peggy Farren’s Photography Naples studio in August. Some of the topics covered were adjustment brush, spot removal, gradient tool, histogram, etc. You will be receiving an email for the next meeting which will be held on Thursday, September 22, 2011 at 6 p.m. This discussion group is for members only and, due to limited space, is on a first-come basis. You will need to respond to the email you receive no earlier than noon on Tuesday, September 20.

In an effort to get more people to join the Naples Zoo, Larry Richardson has promised a special guided tour for DPI-SIG members who are ALSO members of the Naples Zoo. There is a special pass available for $79.95 for a yearly family membership and you can join online at Naples Zoo at Caribbean Gardens web site: napleszoo.com. Larry has conducted two workshops and hopes to do more at the Naples Zoo. Watch for announcements in the coming months. Reminder: All information on DPI-SIG outings is posted on our website at: dpi-sig.org.

Les Schwartz, Outing Director, is planning an outing for Wednesday, September 21, 2011, at the Naples Pier at sunset. Meet at the pier, no later than 6:30 p.m. This outing is a makeup for the one that was canceled. From the pier, the group can move to the Tin City & Gordon River Bridge areas to capture the twilight colors or just stay at the pier. If you are planning on attending this outing, please RSVP Les at: dpi-outing@naples.net. If you are interested in a bite to eat before the outing, Les plans to meet at the Naples Pub at 5:00 p.m. Let him know if you plan on joining him at the Pub, so he can make reservations. It’s a 6-minute walk from the Naples Pub to the Naples Pier.

In addition, mark your calendar for the American Heart Association’s Heart Walk outing scheduled for November 5. Our camera club has photographed this Heart Walk for the AHA for several years. Last year, we couldn’t help because the FCCC convention was held at the same time. This is a most worthy non-profit endeavor for DPI-SIG. Specific time will be announced later from Les. Reminder: All information on DPI-SIG outings is posted on our website at: dpi-sig.org.

According to Harold Kurzman, the DPI-SIG 3rd Tri-Annual Competition had 75-80% of the 100+ photos submitted in the Advanced Category. Harold introduced Dennis Goodman, the judge for this competition. Dennis went over the winners’ photos and gave his suggestions to make ALL photos better. The following members won ribbons for this competition:

Blue Ribbon – Advanced Color

Les Ford – Crab Floats

Marilyn Nagy – Fisherman

Marilyn Nagy – Pelican at Sunset

Art David – Buci News

Nic Provenzo – Lotus Flower

Chuck McKinney – Pioneer Spirit

Chuck McKinney – Water Lily

Gordon Campbell – Sunset Fishermen

Yellow Ribbon – Advanced Color

Les Ford – City Bug

Sonny Saunders – His Majesty

Marilyn Nagy – Lotus

Ben Carp – Island Sunrise

Art David – Leo

Laura DePamphilis – Pretty in Pink

Laura DePamphilis – Making the Shot

Bob Melin – Mirror Lake

John Sulouff – Pelican Landing

Gordon Campbell – Wings Over Black Water

Blue Ribbon – Advanced Monochrome

Mike McGuire – Mountain Church

Yellow Ribbon – Advanced Monochrome

Damaris Gonzalez – Almost Gone

Kevin Cabral – Mother and Child

Blue Ribbon – Beginner Color

Jennifer Brinkman – Nature’s Peace and Flow

Gary Gersh – Butterfly

Yellow Ribbon – Beginner Color

Jennifer Semro – Egret Waiting

Jennifer Semro – Hallowed Ground

Blue Ribbon – Beginner Monochrome

Jennifer Brinkman – Reverence

“Aerial Photography” was the subject of Warren Barber’s air show presentation that he attended earlier this year at the 38th Annual Sun ‘N Fun International Fly-in & Expo held in Lakeland, Florida. Plan ahead for next year’s event to be held March 27 to April 1, 2012. www.sun-n-fun.org. Warren also mentioned the Florida International Air Show to be held on March 25 & 25, 2012, which will feature the Blue Angels. This air show is held at the Charlotte County Airport in Punta Gorda. www.floridaairshow.com.

R. L. Caron had another one of his eagle pictures published in the Naples Daily News. The photo was of a fledgling in the nest. R. L. does photography for the Audubon Society and follows the eagles religiously.

The next Photography Round Table discussion for members will be this coming Thursday, September 15, 2011 at 6 p.m. Location is 5029 Tamiami Trail East in the Village Falls complex. Space is limited. Please send your reservation, after you receive your email invitation, to: dpi-sig@naples.net.

This month’s Glossary term: ” Histogram”

Histogram is a feature that reflects the tonal value of a photographed image. It offers the ability to compare where the tones in an image will reside in a digital form, compared to where they are in real life. The histogram offers the best visual to determine if the camera exposure is correct and has the maximum dynamic range. The histogram is one of the most important features at your disposal in digital imaging, not only at the time of capture, but also while editing an image.

Last month’s Glossary term: ” Flare”

Lens flare is created when non-image forming light enters the lens and subsequently hits the camera’s digital sensor. This often appears as a characteristic polygonal shape, with sides which depend on the shape of the lens diaphragm. It can lower the overall contrast of a photograph significantly and is often an undesired artifact. However, some types of flare may actually enhance the artistic meaning of a photo. Understanding lens flare can help you use it ­ or avoid it ­ in a way which best suits how you wish to portray the final image. The use of a proper Lens hoods can reduce this effect.

Please check the glossary on our web site for more digital photography terms!

Damaris Gonzalez reported that the “Beat The Heat” fundraiser with Kowiachobee Animal Preserve and Tropical Smoothie Cafe, held on August 28, 2011, was a huge success with over 200 people attending. She would like to sincerely thank the photographers who showed up, on very short notice, to take pictures of the event: Nic Provenzo, Jennifer Semro, Bill Hodges, Mike Dike, and Bob Melin. Damaris said they spent over two hours capturing smiling faces interacting with some of the more photogenic animals at the preserve. www.kowia.com

Next month’s theme is: “Weathered, Cracked, Rusted, Bleached” Members are eligible to submit 6 pictures or a 2 minute video to: dpi-theme@naples.net. Please follow the procedure for renaming and resizing photos. Refer to: dpi-sig.org and click on “Topic of the Month”. Please follow these guidelines: Use your name only and the order number you want the images shown. Title is NOT needed! E.g., John Doe_01, John Doe_02, etc. Theme topics for the entire year are listed on our web site.

WANTED TO BUY: Gordon Campbell is looking for an older Nikon DSLR, like a D50, that has life in it and is sitting on a shelf. Maybe you have such a camera that you would like to sell CHEAP! Gordon needs it as a backup camera and would use it occasionally for shooting for the newspaper. Call him: (239) 776-4743.

COMPETITIONS & EXHIBITIONS

Physicians Regional Healthcare System at Pine Ridge Road has a “Florida Untamed Exhibition” on view through November 14, 2011, featuring color photography by DPI-SIG member, Dennis Goodman. The exhibit is located on the 2nd floor balcony. The exhibit was organized by the von Liebig Art Center.

Art David reported that The Naples Art Association’s “Small Works Show” is scheduled for October 19, 2011. Two entries are allowed, 60″ overall and you must be a member of the Naples Art Association to participate. $75.00 individual membership; $150.00 family membership. www.naplesart.org/.

According to Larry Richardson, it’s FREE admission to the First Annual Florida Panther Festival to be held at the North Collier Regional Park on Livingston Road, October 29, 2011 from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

Costco International Photo Contest 2011: “Give Us Your Best Shot” is the theme for this year’s competition. You must be a member of Costco. Prizes are awarded in the form of a Costco Cash Card. Deadline to submit photos is September 30, 2011. For all the rules and entry form: http://www.costcophotocontest.com.

The 24th Annual “Ding” Darling Days Amateur Nature Photography Contest is underway. Deadline for submission is 4 p.m. on September 15, 2011. Photos must be taken at J.N. “Ding” Darling NWR and have been taken within 2 years of entry date. For contest rules and entry form, log on to www.dingdarlingsociety.org and click on “Photo Contest”.

The Friends of the Six Mile Slough Preserve are having a 2011 Friends Photography Contest. Photos must have been taken at the Slough. Categories are: Animals, Plants, Open and Altered photographs. Photos may be submitted from November 1, 2011 through February 1, 2012. Contest rules and complete details will be available next month at their website: www.sloughpreserve.org.

PHOTOGRAPHY WORKSHOPS & CLASSES

Don’t forget to check Peggy Farren’s classes, guided tours and events: http://www.photographynaples.com/. Her classes range from the beginner to the advanced photographer’s needs.

September 15 DSLR Beginner Workshop

September 21 Studio Model Shoot

September 25 Location Model Shoot

September 27 – October 4 – Maine Fall Foliage Photo Workshop

October 1 – Free Worldwide Photowalk – Naples

October 2 – Free Worldwide Photowalk – Ft. Myers

October 19 – Studio Model Shoot

Please note: classes sell out quickly – don’t procrastinate! Sign up now! There are discounts on class prices for early registration. (239) 263-7001. Check her web site for directions, prices, and class descriptions.

Carmen Schettino, Master Photographer, announced his next photo workshop trip to Jekyll Island, GA and Charleston, SC on November 9-12, 2011. Jeff Brown will again do the honors with Photoshop processing assistance. Carmen will also be conducting two workshops in Sarasota on lighting, both in the studio and outdoors, on September 19 and September 26. Contact Carmen, if you’re interested in these workshops: (941) 356-9229.

Gordon Campbell, instructor and published Naples photographer, will be teaching the following classes/workshops:

Oct. 18-20,2011; 8:30 – 11:30 a.m.: Rookery Bay – “Nature Photography Made Simple”. Classroom time supported by a slide show followed by shooting outdoors on the property. As a bonus, the outdoor session on the 20th will be at Tiger Tail Lagoon. Optional digital processing class with Elements on 10/21, also from 8:30-11:30 am. Learn to optimize and finish outdoor photos with Elements. Contact Gordon for more details: (239) 776-4743. View his blog & download his complimentary E Book on Photography in SWFL http://www.swfloutdoorphotography.com/; see his photography at http://photos.swfloutdoorphotography.com/

MISCELLANEOUS:

In the American Photo Magazine, Sept/Oct 2011 issue, several photo journalists documented the 9/11 disaster.

Steve McCurry said, “The record of photography is what allows us to understand the world. This was something that absolutely had to be documented.”

John Botte said, “I spent almost 1,100 hours on that pile between September 11 and December 31. In three and a half months, I only shot 56 rolls of film, most of them in the first 48 hours, when that smoke was thick and heavy and 2,000-degree vapor was pouring from the pile. The beams were so hot, you couldn’t stand in one place or the rubber on your boots would start to melt.”

Todd Maisel said, “As photojournalists, we have a mission to keep history alive. If you don’t learn from history, you repeat it. ……I would never in my whole life want to ever have to go through 9/11 again. ……But if it did happen – I’d be there. That’s just my mission.”

ANNOUNCEMENTS:

THE NEXT DPI-SIG MEETING WILL BE THURSDAY, OCTOBER 13, 2011 AT 7 P.M.

at Edison State College in Building J, at the Conference Center.

NOTICE: Due to the increase in our rental contract with Edison State College, our membership dues have been raised to $30.00 per year as of July 1, 2011. You will be notified by email when your dues need to be paid. We request that you also continue to make a rent donation, at each meeting, in the receptacle provided at the entry table to help offset the cost. Many thanks to all who contribute each month.

Very special thanks to a DPI-SIG member who donated $100.00 to our club. He wishes to remain anonymous but encourages other members to donate to our great camera club. He said he has learned so much about photography and is most grateful for the opportunity to belong to our group. Note: Donations to DPI-SIG are tax deductible.

Do you know of any family, friends, co-workers, or anyone with an interest in photography? Please feel free to bring them to a meeting and encourage them to join us! Most of our new members are referrals. Remember to use our DPI-SIG business cards to invite potential members to our meetings.

Reminder: All Meeting Previews and Meeting Notes are posted on the website: http://www.dpi-sig.org/breaking-news.

Reminder: If you want information posted on these Meeting Notes, you must give the information in writing, either at the meeting, or by email before or immediately after the meeting to Betty Saunders , saunders@naples.net.

A RECAP OF IMPORTANT DATES…MARK YOUR CALENDAR!

September 15 – Round Table discussion @ 6 p.m., by reservation only

September 21 – DPI-SIG Outing at Naples Pier

September 22 – Lightroom Users Group @ 6 p.m., by reservation only

September 30 – Deadline to submit photos to FCCC 3rd Annual Competition

October 3, 2011 – deadline to submit photos for FCCC Print Competition

October 11 – Deadline to submit Monthly Theme photos “Weathered, Cracked, Rusted, Bleached”

October 13 – DPI-SIG Meeting @ 7 p.m., Building J, Conference Center

Betty Saunders (For Sonny Saunders & Bill Coakley)

A special thanks to all our volunteers:

Jeff Bilyeau: Monthly Theme Slide Show Producer

Christine Cook: DPI-SIG Representative to FCCC

Pam Costa: Public Relations Director

Art David: Liaison, Naples Art Association

Laura DePamphilis: Coordinator, Volunteer Photographers for Non-Profit Organizations

Peggy Farren: DPI-SIG Print Competition Coordinator to FCCC

Nancy Garrison – Liaison, Art League of Marco Island

Tim Gibbons – Meeting Photographer

Damaris Gonzalez – Assistant, Monthly Theme Slide Show Producer Assistant

Eric Hansen: 2010, 2012 FCCC Convention Chairman

Mark Helfgott – Sound Consultant

Harold Kurzman: Club Competition Director

Nic Provenzo – Art Show Director

Betty Saunders: Membership Registrar

Les Schwartz: Outing Director

Sonny Saunders: Co-Founder

Bill Coakley: Co-Founder; Webmaster

Remember, our camera club functions because of our volunteers. Please let us know what you are willing to do to help keep this a very active, thriving, energetic and fun group of photographers!

And, very special thanks to Edison State College for the use of their great facility.

DPI-SIG Website: https://dpi-sig.org

The following email addresses are for use by club members:

dpi-compete@naples.net For members to email entries for DPI-SIG competitions

http://www.f3c.org FCCC Web site

dpi-theme@naples.net For members to email images for Monthly Theme shows

dpi-outing@naples.net For members to email pictures from Outings

dpi-pr@naples.net For members to send Publicity/Promotion items to the dpi publicity director

dpi-npphoto@naples.net For members to photograph Non-Profit Organization events

dpi-sig@naples.net For members (or anyone) to send anything to the Club Founders

dpi-artshow@naples.net For members to contact the Art Show Director

DPI-SIG is a special interest group of the Naples Free-Net, Inc., a 501c3 non-profit organization providing education and internet services to over 4,000 registered members and the public at-large. The Naples Free-Net is entirely run by volunteers and the only remaining Free-Net in the country.

DPI-SIG meetings are held, unless published otherwise, at 7 p.m. each second Thursday of the month at the Conference Center, Building J, of Edison State College, Lely Campus. Turn west onto Lely Cultural Drive, at the first traffic light south of Rattlesnake Hammock Road on Route 951 (Collier Blvd.).