Tuesday, November 11, 2008

Agenda for Meeting on Nov. 20, 2008

Here's the agenda for our upcoming meeting on Thursday, Nov. 20, 2008:

7:00 - 7:15 : Announcements, Introduction of new members/guests, Member News

7:15 - 7:40 : Discussion Topics: Exhibition opportunities; Year-end social event; Open club executive positions for 2009

7:40- 8:30:
 Knowledge Share -  Introduction to HDR Photography - Carol Watson

8:30 - 9:00: Formal critiques. This month's Volunteer Critic: TBD. Topic: Recent Work. Don't forget to send your 3 critique images (jpg 800 pixels wide) by Tuesday, November 18th via email to: hcphotoclub@gmail.com. View the critique process here:
http://hillcountryphotographyclub.blogspot.com/2008/02/new-critique-process.html

Location: Merrill Gardens in San Marcos. Map and directions available on our club website.

Saturday, October 11, 2008

Agenda for Meeting on Oct. 16, 2008

The meeting of the Hill Country Photography Club will be on our regular third Thursday, October 16th at 7:00 pm at Virtual Backgrounds Demonstration and Learning Center located at 101 Uhland Road, Suite # 206.  101 Uhland Road is the large building right next to the railroad tracks with the antique train cars parked next to the building.  Members can part in front since there will be no one else using the building at that time, so don't worry about the "One Hour" parking spaces.  Go in the front door and walk straight back to almost the end of the hall and the Demonstration and Learning Center will be on the right side.  Jim Wilson will be your host and talk with you and give an overview of the different Virtual Backgrounds Systems that are available and how they can be used.  Jim will also have a Virtual Backgrounds System set up for members to actually use and take images of each other.  There will be refreshments available too! 

Tuesday, September 9, 2008

Agenda for Meeting on Sep. 18, 2008

Here's the agenda for our upcoming meeting on Thursday, Sep. 18, 2008:

7:00 - 7:15 : Announcements, Introduction of new members/guests, Member News

7:15 - 7:40 : Web Sites of the Month - we'll visit member-recommended web site resources. Don't forget to recommend your favorite website!

7:40- 8:30:
 Guest Speaker -  Dan Gauthier - 3D Stereo Photography

8:30 - 9:00: Formal critiques. This month's Volunteer Critic: TBD. Topic: Textures and Texture Overlays. Don't forget to send your 3 critique images (jpg 800 pixels wide) by Tuesday, September 16th via email to: hcphotoclub@gmail.com. View the new critique process here:
http://hillcountryphotographyclub.blogspot.com/2008/02/new-critique-process.html

Location: Merrill Gardens in San Marcos. Map and directions available on our club website.

About the Guest Speaker - Dan Gauthier
Dan's presentation will explore the artistic importance of 3-D stereo imagery and it's history. Several forms of 3-D stereo imagery will be used to both entertain and inform about this fascinating visual art.

Monday, August 11, 2008

Agenda for Meeting on August 21, 2008

Here's the agenda for our upcoming meeting on Thursday, August 21, 2008:

7:00 - 7:15 : Announcements, Introduction of new members/guests, Member News

7:15 - 7:40 :
Web Sites of the Month - we'll visit member-recommended web site resources. Don't forget to recommend your favorite website!

7:40- 8:30:
Knowledge Share - Carol Watson - Photoshop Tricks

8:30 - 9:00: Formal critiques. This month's Volunteer Critic: TBD. Topic: Recent Work. Don't forget to send your 3 critique images (jpg 800 pixels wide) by Tuesday, August 19th via email to: hcphotoclub@gmail.com. View the new critique process here:
http://hillcountryphotographyclub.blogspot.com/2008/02/new-critique-process.html

Location: Merrill Gardens in San Marcos. Map and directions available on our club website.

Shootabout: Blanco County Fair and Rodeo

This weekend will be an opportunity to shoot images from a carnival and rodeo at the Blanco Country Fair and Rodeo this coming weekend (Aug. 14-17). More information can be found on the chamber web site.

If you plan on attending, sign up by adding a comment with your name and the dates you plan on attending the fair. If you want to join a car pool for transportation to the event, mention this in your comment.

To add a comment, just press the underlined comments link near the little pencil icon at the bottom of this entry.

Saturday, August 2, 2008

Members Only Exhibit at Walker's Gallery - Call For Entries

See below the details for submitting to the Walker's Gallery Exhibit - World in Motion which will run alongside the Naturescapes exhibit in San Marcos. This Call for Entries is for current Hill Country Photography Club paying members. Jurors will be Carol Watson and Joseph Walsh.

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The exhibit will run from September 5th to October 31st. We will need approximately 30 images for the exhibit. We may use more, depending on the sizes of the images selected. Each club member wishing to participate will be able to have at least one image in the exhibit. Participation will be limited to paid HCPC members. Visit our website for instructions on how to join: www.hcphotoclub.org.

Deadline to submit images: Tuesday, August 12th midnight!

Theme:
World In Motion: People, places and things in motion -- slow exposures, pan shots, actions shots. Anything goes - from dancers to cars to rivers. Images must be family friendly.

Process for Participation:
  • Select up to six images for submission. Images chosen should be consistent with the theme.
  • Digital images must be high quality jpeg measuring 600 pixels on the longest dimension at resolution of 72 ppi.
  • Digital files should be named with the last name, underscore, first name, underscore image number (e.g., jones_john_1.jpeg)
  • Email image titles, frame size, sale price and files to hcphotoclub@gmail.com by Tuesday, August 12th, midnight. Make sure that the image numbers correspond with the image information in your email.
Sample of image information:
1 - Blue Window, 20x16 (horizontal), $125
2 - Orange Gate, 16x20 (vertical), $125

  • Let me know how many images you are willing to place in the exhibit. this will be considered as a commitment on your part to provide the images. For example you submit 6 images for consideration, but you want to only exhibit 3, then only 3 images will be selected from your group of six.
  • You will be notified by August 16th as to which of your images have been accepted for the exhibit. Specific information regarding the images will be requested at that time.

Images selected for exhibition:
  • Exhibition quality prints must be received at City of San Marcos Parks and Recreation Department, 401 E. Hopkins, San Marcos, TX 78666 no later than 5:00 pm, Friday, August 29th, 2007.
  • Prints should be mounted, matted and framed; wired ready to hang; and labeled on the back with the name of the photographer and title of the image. We recommend at least a two-inch mat border on each side of the print and a simple frame. There are no restrictions on mat color or on framing materials or color.
  • The screw eyes for hanging should be as close to the top of the frame as possible so that the picture will not lean out from the wall when it is hung. You do not need to provide wire for hanging.
  • The outside dimensions of the frame must be at least 8"x10" and no more than 30" in any dimension.
  • Photographers will pay a 30% sales commission for prints sold during the exhibition, which will be used to help defray exhibition costs.
  • You may retrieve your work from the San Marcos Activities Center at 501 E. Hopkins between 9:00 am and 6:00 pm on Saturday, November 1st. If you prefer to have your entry mailed or shipped to you, you must provide a prepaid, pre-addressed shipping case.
  • Warning: any work without a prepaid, pre-addressed shipping case that is not picked up on time will be sold, with the proceeds going to benefit the San Marcos Area Arts Council.

Wednesday, July 9, 2008

Agenda for Meeting on July 17, 2008

Here's the agenda for our upcoming meeting on Thursday, July 17, 2008:

7:00 - 7:15 : Announcements, Introduction of new members/guests, Member News

7:15 - 7:35 :
Web Sites of the Month - we'll visit member-recommended web site resources. Don't forget to recommend your favorite website!

7:35 - 8:20:
Guest Speaker - George Krause

8:20 - 9:00: Formal critiques. This month's Volunteer Critic: TBD. Topic: Unique Perspectives. Don't forget to send your critique images (jpg 800 pixels wide) by Tuesday, July 15th via email to: hcphotoclub@gmail.com. View the new critique process here:
http://hillcountryphotographyclub.blogspot.com/2008/02/new-critique-process.html

Location: Merrill Gardens in San Marcos. Map and directions available on our club website.

About this month's speaker: George Krause
George Krause was born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania in 1937 and received his training at the Philadelphia College of Art. He received the first Prix de Rome and the first Fulbright/Hays grant ever awarded to a photographer, two Guggenheim fellowships and three grants from the National Endowment for the Arts.

Krause's photographs are in major museum collections including the Museum of Modern Art in New York, the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston, The Philadelphia Museum of Art, and the Bibliothèque Nationale in Paris. In 1993 he was honored as the Texas Artist of the Year.

He recently retired from the University of Houston where he created the photography program and now lives in Wimberley, Texas.


Sunday, July 6, 2008

Naturescapes competition deadline nearing!

Hi everyone,

This is a gentle reminder that the Naturescapes deadline will be here in two weeks, on July 21st. This year you may enter up to 8 photos made anywhere in Hays county, and there are no restrictive categories. You may enter online, by mail or in-person. Complete information is available at http://hcphotoclub.org/naturescapes.html.

Naturescapes is cosponsored by the Hill Country Photography Club and the San Marcos Greenbelt Alliance. We're very pleased that this year's juror is renowned landscape photographer Laurence Parent.

During the past 3 competitions club members have done very well, winning a good share of the awards. I hope that we have a repeat this year.

I look forward to seeing your entries.

Thanks,
Herb Smith

Naturescapes Coordinator
Hill Country Photography Club
http://hcphotoclub.org
512-847-2006

Monday, June 2, 2008

Agenda for Meeting on June 19, 2008

Here's the agenda for our upcoming meeting on Thursday, June 19, 2008:

7:00 - 7:15 : Announcements, Introduction of new members/guests, Member News

7:15 - 7:35 :
Web Sites of the Month - we'll visit member-recommended web site resources. Don't forget to recommend your favorite website!

7:35 - 8:20:
Guest Speaker - David Keenan - Topic: Street Photography and Toy Cameras

8:20 - 9:00: Formal critiques. This month's Volunteer Critic: TBD. Topic: Reflections. Don't forget to send your critique images (jpg 800 pixels wide) by Tuesday, June 17 via email to: hcphotoclub@gmail.com. View the new critique process here:
http://hillcountryphotographyclub.blogspot.com/2008/02/new-critique-process.html

Location: Merrill Gardens in San Marcos. Map and directions available on our club website.

About this month's speaker: David Keenan



David Lykes Keenan (Dave) is a fine art and documentary photographer residing in Austin, Texas.

He was born in 1954 outside of Detroit, grew up in Michigan and North Carolina, and graduated college from Michigan State University in 1976 with a degree in computer science. Through his high school years, he dreamed of being a newspaper sports photographer for one the Detroit dailies. This aspiration faded as his college education progressed and career opportunities in the emerging high-tech sector presented themselves.

After a fairly long and relatively successful run as a software entrepreneur, four years ago he embarked on a path to reinvent himself as a fine art/documentary photographer. Since then, Dave’s projects have included street photography throughout western and central Europe (particularly in Italy and the Czech Republic); New York City street panoramics; a photo essay on the war ravaged Croatian city of Vukovar (featured in a gallery show during the Fotoseptiembre 2007 International Photography Festival); month long frame-a-day projects in Austin; an ongoing Picture A Week (PAW) project now well into its second year; an exploration of color infrared pinhole photography; and most recently a dive into photographic freedom offered by Lomography – photography with simple, toy cameras where vision is emphasized over technology.

Dave straddles the traditional and digital photography realms. He prefers film cameras but has embraced the process of digital print making. He finds the appeal of vintage Nikon and Leica cameras almost irresistible.

He actively seeks additional avenues to expand his photographic experience and portfolio, and to share his vision with appreciative eyes.

David's website:
http://www.david-keenan.com/

Web Resources for the month of May

Here's the web resources that we discussed during our May meeting:

For those interested in submitting their images to sell as micro-stock photography:
http://submit.shutterstock.com/

Luminous Landscape, a site devoted to the art of landscape, nature and documentary photography
using digital as well as traditional image processing techniques:
http://luminous-landscape.com

Site to download free Photoshop actions:
http://www.atncentral.com/download.htm

Let us know about your favorite web resources at our next meeting!

Thursday, May 8, 2008

Agenda for Meeting on May 15, 2008

Here's the agenda for our upcoming meeting on Thursday, May 15, 2008:

7:00 - 7:15 : Announcements, Introduction of new members/guests, Member News

7:15 - 7:45 :
Web Sites of the Month - we'll visit member-recommended web site resources. Don't forget to recommend your favorite website!

7:45 - 8:15:
Knowledge Share: Photoshop Actions - Carol Watson

8:15 - 9:15:
Formal critiques. This month's Volunteer Critic: TBD. Topic: Animals and Wildlife. Don't forget to send your critique images (jpg 800 pixels wide) by Tuesday, May 13 via email to: hcphotoclub@gmail.com. View the new critique process here:
http://hillcountryphotographyclub.blogspot.com/2008/02/new-critique-process.html

Location: Merrill Gardens in San Marcos. Map and directions available on our club website.

Shootabout: Fredericksburg Pow-Wow

Photo club members interested in cultural and documentary photography are encouraged to meet up for a Shootabout at the Fredericksburg Pow-Wow. The event takes place May 11-13, 2008. More information about the event can be found on their website.

If you plan on attending, sign up by adding a comment with your name and the dates you plan on attending the Pow Wow. If you want to join a car pool for transportation to the event, mention this in your comment.

To add a comment, just press the underlined comments link near the little pencil icon at the bottom of this entry.

Shootabout: Blanco Lavender Festival

Photographers interested in florals and landscapes are encouraged to attend the Blanco Lavender Festival being held June 14 and 15, 2008. More information can be found on their website.

If you plan on attending, sign up by adding a comment with your name and the dates you plan on attending the festival. If you want to join a car pool for transportation to the event, mention this in your comment.

To add a comment, just press the underlined comments link near the little pencil icon at the bottom of this entry.

Shootabout: Blanco Classic Car Show

Photographers who are interested in vintage and classic cars are encouraged to attend the Blanco Classic Car Show being held on Saturday, May 17, 2008. More information can be found on their website.

If you plan on attending, sign up by adding a comment with your name. If you want to join a car pool for transportation to the event, mention this in your comment.

To add a comment, just press the underlined comments link near the little pencil icon at the bottom of this entry.

Monday, April 7, 2008

Agenda for Meeting on April 17, 2008

Here's the agenda for our upcoming meeting on Thursday, April 17, 2008:

7:00 - 7:15 : Announcements, Introduction of new members/guests, Member News

7:15 - 7:40 :
Web Sites of the Month - we'll visit member-recommended web site resources. Don't forget to recommend your favorite website!

7:40 - 8:20:
Speaker: Joseph Walsh will show his portfolio and discuss his work. See his bio below.

8:20 - 9:00:
Formal critiques. This month's Volunteer Critic: Herb Smith. Topic: Wildflowers and Florals. Don't forget to send your critique images (jpg 800 pixels wide) by Tuesday, April 15 by email to: hcphotoclub@gmail.com. View the new critique process here:
http://hillcountryphotographyclub.blogspot.com/2008/02/new-critique-process.html

Location: Merrill Gardens in San Marcos. Map and directions available on our club website.

About Our Guest Speaker: Joseph Walsh

Joseph Walsh attended Brooks Institute of Photographic Arts and Sciences in Santa Barbara, CA. He holds a Bachelor degree in English and a Master of Art in Photography from Goddard College, Plainfield,Vermont.He recently retired after 30 years teaching photography at Amarillo College and West Texas A&M University.

His work has been traditional medium and large format B&W landscape and documentary. Of late he has been working exclusively in the digital realm.

Walsh and his wife Sally live in Blanco County where everyday he is inspired by the variety and beauty of Central Texas.



Wednesday, March 12, 2008

Agenda for meeting on March 20, 2008

Here's the agenda for our upcoming meeting on Thursday, March 20, 2008:

7:00 - 7:15 : Announcements, Introduction of new members/guests, Member News

7:15 - 7:40 :
Web Sites of the Month - we'll visit member-recommended web site resources. Don't forget to recommend your favorite website!

7:40 - 8:20:
Introduction to Lightzone - demonstrated by Carol Watson

8:20 - 9:00:
Formal critiques. This month's Volunteer Critic: Liz Lautner. Topic: The Personalities of Trees. Don't forget to send your critique images (jpg 800 pixels wide) by Tuesday, March 18 by email to: hcphotoclub@gmail.com. View the new critique process here:
http://hillcountryphotographyclub.blogspot.com/2008/02/new-critique-process.html

Location: Merrill Gardens in San Marcos. Map and directions available on our club website.

Wednesday, February 27, 2008

Critique Assignment Themes

Submit your ideas for our monthly assignment themes. Simply add your idea as a comment to this entry.

We'll chose from the themes submitted and publish the schedule of critique assignment themes for the rest of the year so you have plenty of time to work on the future assignments.

March's critique assignment theme is: "The Personalities of Trees".

Web Resources of the Month for February

Here's the two web resources that we discussed during our February meeting:

Social bookmarking site:
http://del.icio.us/

The Radiant Vista photography community:
http://www.radiantvista.com/

Let us know about your favorite web resources at our next meeting!

Wednesday, February 13, 2008

Agenda for Meeting on February 21, 2008

Here's the agenda for our upcoming meeting on Thursday, February 21, 2008:

7:00 - 7:15 : Announcements, Introduction of new members/guests, Member News

7:15 - 8:15 :
DVD Showing (on the big screen) - "Extraordinary Visions" by well-known photographer, Dewitt Jones

8:15 - 8:30:
Web Sites of the Month - we'll visit member-recommended web site resources

8:30 - 9:00:
Formal critiques. Topic: Year in Review - Bring your best three images from 2007

Location: Merrill Gardens in San Marcos. Map and directions available on our club website.

New Critique Process

About the new formalized critique process:
The critiques will be provided this month by Lucy Durfee and Carol Watson. Critique images will be projected on a screen via a digital projector. To have your digital images included in the critique:
  1. Select your 2 images based on the Topic for the month (see agenda).
  2. Resize your images to 800 pixels wide on the long side.
  3. Save as a jpg file and name your file so that it begins with your initials.
  4. Email your images as attachments to this address: hcphotoclub@gmail.com
  5. Deadline to submit images for critique is the Tuesday prior to our meeting date.
We'll be looking for some of our more advanced photographers to serve as volunteer critics for next month's meeting.

Critique Criteria:
Based on PPA judging criteria.

Twelve elements have been defined as necessary for the success of an art piece or image. Any image,
art piece or photograph will reveal some measure of all twelve elements, while a visually
superior example will reveal obvious consideration of each one. They are:

1. Impact is the sense one gets upon viewing an image for the first time. Compelling images
evoke laughter, sadness, anger, pride, wonder or another intense emotion.

2. Creativity is the external expression of the imagination of the maker by using the medium to
convey an idea, message or thought.

3. Style is defined in a number of ways as it applies to a creative image. It might be defined by a
specific genre or simply be recognizable as the characteristics of how a specific artist applies light
to a subject. It can impact an image in a positive manner when the subject matter and the style are
appropriate for each other, or it can have a negative effect when they are at odds.

4. Composition is important to the design of an image, bringing all of the visual elements
together in concert to express the purpose of the image. Proper composition holds the viewer in
the image and prompts the viewer to look where the creator intends. Effective composition can be pleasing or disturbing, depending on the intent of the image maker.

5. Print Presentation affects an image by giving it a finished look. The mats and borders used
should support and enhance the image, not distract from it.

6. Center of Interest is the point or points on the image where the maker wants the viewer to
stop as they view the image. There can be primary and secondary centers of interest.
Occasionally there will be no specific center of interest, when the entire scene collectively serves
as the center of interest.

7. Lighting—the use and control of light—refers to how dimension, shape and roundness are
defined in an image. Whether the light applied to an image is manmade or natural, proper use of it should enhance an image.

8. Subject Matter should always be appropriate to the story being told in an image.

9. Color Balance supplies harmony to an image. An image in which the tones work together,
effectively supporting the image, can enhance its emotional appeal. Color balance is not always
harmonious and can be used to evoke diverse feelings for effect.

10. Technical excellence is the print quality of the image itself as it is presented for viewing.
Sharpness, exposure, printing, mounting and correct color all speak to the qualities of the physical print.

11. Technique is the approach used to create the image. Printing, lighting, posing, film choice,
paper selection and more are part of the technique applied to an image.

12. Story Telling refers to the image’s ability to evoke imagination. One beautiful thing about art is that each viewer might collect his own message or read her own story in an image.

Welcome to the Hill Country Photography Club Web Journal

Check back here for meeting agendas, meeting notes and event information as they develop. This web journal provides members the chance to post comments, questions and photographs!