Hill Country Photography Club

Agenda for meeting on January 19, 2012

2012-01-03T16:23:00.000-08:00

Our next meeting is on Thursday, January 19th. Please mark your calendars!

7:00 - 7:45: Introduction of New Members/Guests, Announcements, Member News, Club Business

2012 Dues, $12, Checks payable to "Hill Country Photography Club".
Officer Elections - I'll send a separate email about this.
Meeting and activity planning - I'd like to gather input about what topics you'd like to see during our programs and what activities the club can undertake. Please give this some thought and share your ideas!

7:45 - 8:15: Presentation - Cell Phoneography - Winifred Simon

8:15 - 9:00: Image Reviews - Topic: Recent Work.
Don't forget to send your 2 review images (jpg 800 pixels wide) by Tuesday, January 17th via email to: hcphotoclub@gmail.com.

Reminder about our image review process:
When we display your image we'll ask you to select one of these reviews:

Critique- You have specific questions you'd like to ask about your image andyou want feedback from the other photographers at the meeting. Comeprepared with your questions.
Show and Tell - You'd simply like to share information about this image with us such as technique or location.

December Field Trip & Dinner/Social

2011-11-23T16:37:00.001-08:00

As we discussed at the last meeting,

our December meeting will be a Field Trip & Dinner/Social, on Saturday, December 3rd.

Please join us for a fantastic wrap-up to a fantastic year!

We'll start at the Wittliff Collections at 2:30 pm, on the 7th floor of Alkek Library on Texas State campus. Free admission.

http://www.thewittliffcollections.txstate.edu/exhibitions-events/exhibitions/current.html

How to get there: http://www.library.txstate.edu/about/driving-directions.html

NOTE: Garages No. 1 and 2 are free on weekends

From there we'll go down the street to Palmers Restaurant, http://www.palmerstexas.com/

After dinner, we'll go to Sights and Sounds of Christmas, http://www.sights-n-sounds.org/ for some night time shooting!

Sight and Sounds parking: http://www.sights-n-sounds.org/transportation/ ($4 admission per person)

Please RSVP to hcphotoclub@gmail.com by Thursday, December 1st, so we know how many to expect at Palmers.

I hope to see you there!

Agenda for meeting on November 17, 2011

2011-11-02T07:10:00.000-07:00

Our next meeting is on Thursday, November 17th. Please mark your calendars!

7:00 - 7:30: Introduction of New Members/Guests, Announcements, Member News.
7:30 - 8:15: Guest Speaker - Barbra Riley
8:15 - 9:00: Image Reviews - Topic: Recent Work.
Don't forget to send your 2 review images (jpg 800 pixels wide) by Tuesday, November 15th via email to: hcphotoclub@gmail.com.

Reminder about our image review process:
When we display your image we'll ask you to select one of these reviews:

Critique- You have specific questions you'd like to ask about your image andyou want feedback from the other photographers at the meeting. Comeprepared with your questions.

Show and Tell - You'd simply like to share information about this image with us such as technique or location.

About our Speaker: Barbra Riley

Barbra Riley was born in Brooklyn, and raised outside of New York City in White Plains, New York. She studied at the School of Visual Arts in New York City and California State University, Sacramento where she received her BA and MA in Art.

For four years after graduation, Barbra ran her own art and design studio in New York City. She designed, photographed, and worked with printers and bookbinders on commercial projects while she continued to produce and exhibit her own water-media paintings, hand-colored photographs and works on paper.

In 1978 she accepted a teaching position at what was then Corpus Christi State University, now Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi. While teaching at A&M-CC, she continued with graduate study at the University of Texas-Austin in the department of Photojournalism. In addition to teaching classes in photography, design and watercolor painting at Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi, Barbra developed the digital curriculum in photography and commercial design for the Art Department, curated exhibitions for the Weil Gallery, conducted workshops in historical photographic processes, bookbinding and watercolor painting and led classes and workshops abroad. She has also contributed to articles about teaching photography for Photo*Letter, published by the Texas Photographic Society and Wildlife in Focus III, Coastal Bend Wildlife Habitat Education Program.

Barbra's photographs and paintings have been widely exhibited for more than 30 years. She has been included in exhibitions at the National Museum of Women in the Arts, Washington, D.C., Santa Barbara Museum of Art and Laguna Beach Museum of Art, California. In Texas, she has exhibited at the Museum of Fine Arts in Houston, Houston Center for Photography, Laguna Gloria Museum in Austin, Abilene Fine Arts Museum, and The Art Museum of South Texas as well as dozens of universities, art galleries and alternative art exhibition spaces. Currently, 18 large painted photographs by Barbra are featured in the new AT&T Center Collection of Art in San Antonio.

Locally, art work by Barbra is in the permanent collections of the Art Museum of South Texas, Matthews & Branscomb, 1st Community Bank, Bank of America and the Bell Library at Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi. Her black and white photographs of Europe line the walls in Jason’s Deli at five locations in South Texas. Elsewhere in Texas, her work resides in numerous permanent collections including the Museum of Fine Arts in Houston, The Dallas Museum of Art, the Harry Ransom Center at UT Austin, Goldman Sachs and Southwestern Bell in Dallas, Merrill Lynch and Texas Instruments in Houston, and the AT&T Center and Republic National Bank, San Antonio. Nationally, she is represented in the corporate collections of Chase Manhattan Bank, New York City and Price Waterhouse, Los Angeles.

Agenda for meeting on October 20, 2011

2011-10-16T16:18:00.001-07:00

Our next meeting is on Thursday, October 20th. Please mark your calendars!

7:00 - 7:30: Introduction of New Members/Guests, Announcements, Member News.
7:30 - 8:15: Guest Speaker - Laurence Parent

8:15 - 9:00: Image Reviews - Topic: Blue. What does that mean? Well, blue is a color, a mood, a musical note, at least. Be creative! What is your interpretation of blue? Don't forget to send your 2 review images (jpg 800 pixels wide) by Tuesday, October 18th via email to: hcphotoclub@gmail.com.

Reminder about our image review process:
When we display your image we'll ask you to select one of these reviews:

Critique- You have specific questions you'd like to ask about your image andyou want feedback from the other photographers at the meeting. Comeprepared with your questions.
Show and Tell - You'd simply like to share information about this image with us such as technique or location.

Laurence Parent was born in New Mexico and raised in several southwestern states, primarily New Mexico. After receiving a petroleum engineering degree at the University of Texas at Austin in 1981, he practiced engineering for six years before becoming a full-time freelance photographer and writer specializing in landscape, travel, and nature subjects. His love of the outdoors was inspired by his parents, Hiram and Annette Parent, who took him on numerous hiking and camping trips when he was young. Because his father was a National Park Service ranger, he grew up in some of America's most beautiful places. Among other tasks, Laurence's father did photo work for the National Park Service and occasional freelance jobs on the side. His mother periodically wrote magazine articles, often on travel subjects. Although Laurence had no conscious desire to photograph and write until he was already a practicing engineer, as he grew older he was drawn to the photographic profession by his love of the outdoors and a desire to work for himself.

Laurence travels all over the United States and to other countries in pursuit of exceptional images. He has gathered stock from 52 states and provinces and several other countries. He typically spends up to half of the year on the road. Through patience and planning, he tries to capture his photographic subjects at the perfect moment of light and weather. He hopes that the photographs produced by his efforts will inspire people to protect our world's beautiful natural and historical heritage.

To get the best possible image quality, Laurence specializes in large-format 4x5 images of the natural and human landscape. He also uses a 35mm camera to capture images that are impossible to get with a 4x5, such as outdoor sports. In recent years he has begun to collaborate with his wife, Patricia Caperton Parent, on book and magazine projects. Laurence and Patricia make their home in the Austin, Texas area.

Agenda for meeting on September 15, 2011

2011-09-11T18:36:00.000-07:00

Our next meeting is on Thursday, September 15th. Please mark your calendars!

7:00 - 7:30: Introduction of New Members/Guests, Announcements, Member News.

7:30 - 8:15: Member Share - Topic: "Photo Books" - Here's a chance to show off your photo books and share your experience making them with the club. Please bring one or two of your books and tell us what publisher you used and what you liked or disliked about the process. If you're interested in making your own book, this is one meeting you don't want to miss!

8:15 - 9:00: Image Reviews - Topic: Recent Work. Don't forget to send your 2 review images (jpg 800 pixels wide) by Tuesday, September 13th via email to: hcphotoclub@gmail.com.

Reminder about our image review process:
When we display your image we'll ask you to select one of these reviews:

Critique- You have specific questions you'd like to ask about your image andyou want feedback from the other photographers at the meeting. Comeprepared with your questions.
Show and Tell - You'd simply like to share information about this image with us such as technique or location.

Agenda for meeting on July 21 2011

2011-07-14T19:36:00.001-07:00

Our next meeting is on Thursday, July 21st. Please mark your calendars!

Please note - we are NOT meeting at our regular time or location. Due to time constraints we will not have a critique session.

6:00 - 6:20: Gather and mingle time.

6:20 - 6:30: Introduction of New Members/Guests, Announcements, Member News.

6:30 - 8:00: Guest Speakers - Jann Alexander & Thomas Hilton will put on a great program for photographers with their Epson Pro 9900 printing on demand and their fabulous presentation space with the Vanishing Austin photography series on exhibit and several Macs, an iPad and our wall-mounted 58" HDTV that's Mac-driven and internet-connected for slideshows, keynotes and portfolio reviews.

Meeting Location: Austin Details Art + Photo, 106 East 8th (at Congress) in Austin. Parking is limited, so carpooling is strongly encouraged.

About our Speakers: Jann Alexander & Thomas Hamilton

Jann Alexander, founder and director of Austin Details Art + Photo and CoCreate, is a fine artist with a photography emphasis. A former award-winning art director for international advertising and editorial accounts, she’s found inspiration since moving to Austin in 2004 with her Vanishing Austin photography series.

Thomas Jack Hilton is an artist, photographer, technology enthusiast and teacher. He holds a BFA from Texas State University and an MFA from the University at Albany, both in studio art.

About Austin Details Art + Photo

We’re a unique visual arts events space and gallery in downtown Austin where art meets tech. And art enthusiasts and art creators connect. Where fine artists, photographers, art supporters, art collectors, designers and anyone with a passion for creativity can meet, mingle, learn, share, buy, sell, collect, connect. In addition to bridging the gap between collectors and creators, we offer a variety of services for Central Texas art makers, photographers and designers.

Call For Entries - HCPC Members-Only Exhibit - "Round & Round"

2011-07-14T19:35:00.000-07:00

Here are the details for submitting entries for the Hill Country Photography Club Member's Exhibit - Round & Round, which will run alongside the Naturescapes exhibit in the Walkers' Gallery at the San Marcos Marcos Activity Center. This Call for Entries is limited to current Hill Country Photography Club paying members. The Juror will be Art Arizpe.

The exhibit will run from September 10th to November 4th, 2011. We will need approximately 30 images for the exhibit. We may use more, depending on the sizes of the images selected.

Deadline to submit images: Monday, August 8th at midnight!

Theme:
Round & Round: This exhibition will feature images that feature the concept of "round" - circles, circular motion, round objects, cycles, spinning, loops. Literal or metaphorical! Be creative! Images must be family-friendly.

Process for Participation:

Select up to 5 images for submission. Images chosen should be consistent with the theme.
Digital images must be high quality jpeg measuring 800 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 Monday, August 8th, 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 4 images for consideration, but you want to only exhibit 2, then no more than 2 images may be selected from your group of images.
You will be notified by August 15th as to which images have been accepted for the exhibit. Specific information regarding the images will be requested at that time.

I look forward to seeing your images! Good luck!

2011-06-09T18:27:00.000-07:00

Our next meeting is on Thursday, June 16th. Please mark your calendars!

7:00 - 7:30: Introduction of New Members/Guests, Announcements, Member News.

7:30 - 8:15: Guest Speaker - D. Clarke Evans, "Game Day with D. Clarke Evans," photographer for the San Antonio Spurs. Clarke's presentation will cover shooting a game, the setup required and camera positions for getting certain shots. He will share some of his favorite images from each setup.

8:15 - 9:00: Image Reviews - Topic: Recent Work. Don't forget to send your 2 review images (jpg 800 pixels wide) by Tuesday, June 14th via email to: hcphotoclub@gmail.com.

Reminder about our image review process:
When we display your image we'll ask you to select one of these reviews:

Critique - You have specific questions you'd like to ask about your image and you want feedback from the other photographers at the meeting. Come prepared with your questions.
Show and Tell - You'd simply like to share information about this image with us such as technique or location.

More about the new image review process here:
http://hillcountryphotographyclub.blogspot.com/2010/02/new-image-review-process.html

Meeting Location: Horizon Bay in San Marcos. Map and directions available on our club website.

About our Speaker: D. Clarke Evans

D. Clarke Evans, a commercial photographer living in San Antonio, Texas, is recognized for his architectural, sports, and corporate photography. He is the official photographer of the San Antonio Spurs and is also President of the Texas Photographic Society (TPS), a non-profit national photographic organization of over 1,200 members from 48 states and 11 countries. Among its programs, TPS sponsors workshops, lectures, juried competitions, and a collectors print program.

Clarke has a Master of Arts degree from Texas Tech University and a Bachelor of Arts degree from Brooks Institute School of Photographic Arts and Science located in Santa Barbara, California.

Agenda for meeting on May 19, 2011

2011-05-08T17:22:00.000-07:00

Our next meeting is on Thursday, May 19th. Please mark your calendars!

7:00 - 7:30: Introduction of New Members/Guests, Announcements, Member News.

7:30 - 8:15: Guest Speaker - Carolyn Whiteside, Topic: "Carolyn's African Photo Safari"-- presentation will include tips on planning, equipment used, and photos from 4 wildlife preserves.

8:15 - 9:00: Image Reviews - Topic: Before and After. Don't forget to send your 2 pairs of review images (jpg 800 pixels wide) by Tuesday, May 17th via email to: hcphotoclub@gmail.com.

Reminder about our image review process:
When we display your image we'll ask you to select one of these reviews:

Critique - You have specific questions you'd like to ask about your image and you want feedback from the other photographers at the meeting. Come prepared with your questions.
Show and Tell - You'd simply like to share information about this image with us such as technique or location.

Carolyn grew up in rural Oklahoma with 3 older brothers and lots of farm animals, including a pet Brahma bull. She always had a special interest in animals and their behavior.

She studied education at Oklahoma State University, and taught at the high school level for 20 years before retiring. Carolyn and her husband, Bobby, both enjoy camping and traveling. Carolyn renewed her interest in photography as a way to entertain herself in retirement. After seeing her wildlife and nature images, local wildlife artist Wade Butler encouraged her to show and sell her work.

Carolyn is now a regular exhibitor at Gruene Market Days, Oysterfest in Fulton, The Official Texas Arts and Crafts Fair in Kerrville, and The Annual 4th of July Rockport Art Festival. She has won numerous awards, and has images published in Texas Parks and Wildlife and Hill Country Magazine. She also has images in an Embassy Suites in San Antonio, and the Gruene River Restaurant in Gruene.

Carolyn recently took a trip of a lifetime to Africa and will share the preparation for the safari and some of the special images that she captured in Kenya and Tanzania for the May meeting.

Agenda for meeting on April 21, 2011

2011-04-07T07:04:00.000-07:00

7:00 - 7:30 : Announcements, Introduction of new members/guests, Member News

7:30 - 8:15: Guest Speaker - Quest Couch, CEO and Co-founder of LumiQuest

8:15 - 9:00: Image Reviews - Topic: Nature. Don't forget to send your 2 review images (jpg 800 pixels wide) by Tuesday, April 19th via email to: hcphotoclub@gmail.com.

Reminder about our image review process:
When we display your image we'll ask you to select one of these reviews:

Critique - You have specific questions you'd like to ask about your image and you want feedback from the other photographers at the meeting. Come prepared with your questions.
Show and Tell - You'd simply like to share information about this image with us such as technique or location.

More about the new image review process here:
http://hillcountryphotographyclub.blogspot.com/2010/02/new-image-review-proc ess.html

Meeting Location: Horizon Bay (formerly Merrill Gardens) in San Marcos. Map and directions available on our club website.

About our Speaker: Quest Couch
While in graduate school Quest served as assistant to, and was inspired by Rod Whitaker (pen name Trevanian), Radio, Television and Film Departmental Chair and author. Whitaker also introduced Quest to then CBS anchor Walter Cronkite. Later, Quest would write a script for Cronkite documenting the Lower Pecos Indians of Texas. The presentation was narrated by KENS TV anchor Chris Marrou. Over two decades, Quest Productions would produce and Marrou would narrate over 30 films/videos/presentations for a long list of clients. Subjects ranged from children with Muscular Dystrophy to captains of industry, including three presidents of the United States, photographed for political advertising legend Lionel Sosa.

Quest’s career in photography and related activities has spanned nearly four decades. The varied projects and assignments included work for an eclectic clientele^.The challenges of moving quickly and setting up fast while making quality images resulted in the his development of the LumiQuest line of photographic accessories. He continues to shoot and develop new accessories for today’s digital photographer.

Quest co-founded Lumiquest in 1987. The company is headquartered in New Braunfels and produces a line of light modifiers and other photographic accessories.

Agenda for meeting on March 17, 2011

2011-03-09T18:25:00.000-08:00

Here's the agenda for the meeting:

7:00 - 7:30 : Announcements, Introduction of new members/guests, Member News

7:30 - 8:15: Software Demonstration - Carol Serur & Art Arizpe will demonstrate tools from the onOne Perfect Photo Suite.

8:15 - 9:00: Image Reviews - Topic: Recent Work. Don't forget to send your 2 review images (jpg 800 pixels wide) by Tuesday, March 15th via email to: hcphotoclub@gmail.com.

Note: At the February meeting, Steve Hix suggested the "Parking Lot Challenge" as our critique topic, but since I didn't get the reminder out with enough time for everyone to try the Challenge, I decided to critique recent work at this meeting instead. If you do have Challenge images, then please send them in, but feel free to submit your recent work also.

Reminder about our image review process:
When we display your image we'll ask you to select one of these reviews:

Critique - You have specific questions you'd like to ask about your image and you want feedback from the other photographers at the meeting. Come prepared with your questions.
Show and Tell - You'd simply like to share information about this image with us such as technique or location.

Agenda for meeting on February 10, 2011

2011-02-02T16:03:00.000-08:00

As we discussed at our last meeting, we need to reschedule our regular monthly meeting because two of our members, Carol Serur and Winifred Simon, have an opening reception at the Bob Bullock Texas State History Museum for Arte en la Charrería on our regular meeting night. Congratulations to Carol and Winifred!

Here's the agenda for the meeting:

7:00 - 7:30 : Announcements, Introduction of new members/guests, Member News

7:30 - 8:15: Guest Speaker - Steve Hix
8:15 - 9:00: Image Reviews - Topic: Recent Work. Don't forget to send your 2 review images (jpg 800 pixels wide) by Tuesday, February 8th via email to: hcphotoclub@gmail.com.

Reminder about our image review process:
When we display your image we'll ask you to select one of these reviews:

Critique - You have specific questions you'd like to ask about your image and you want feedback from the other photographers at the meeting. Come prepared with your questions.
Show and Tell - You'd simply like to share information about this image with us such as technique or location.

More about the new image review process here:
http://hillcountryphotographyclub.blogspot.com/2010/02/new-image-review-proc ess.html

Meeting Location: Horizon Bay (formerly Merrill Gardens) in San Marcos. Map and directions available on our club website.

About our Speaker: Steve Hix
Steve Hix had his first one-man show in 1974 and went on to show in galleries in Carmel, Albuquerque, New York, London and Paris during that decade. He worked in motion film and finally commercial still photography starting in 1981. He continued producing fine art photography parallel to his commercial career since then.

For three decades Steve has produced advertising campaigns taking him to over seventy countries while working with the top ad agencies in the world and nearly 400 of the Fortune 500. He has changed specialties four times in his career including, special effects, landscapes, lifestyle and stock. In 2004 he started the stock agency, Somos, and soon partnered with Veer and then Corbis before selling his half to Corbis in 2009.

His photography has been showcased in Photo District News, Graphis, Print and Archive. Communication Arts Magazine published a twelve-page article about Steve in 1993 showcasing much of his fine art photography. He has won dozens of international awards for his work, most recently a Lucie Award in 2010.
Over the past four decades Steve has lived and worked in Kansas City, San Francisco, Los Angeles and now resides in Austin. He currently serves on the board of advisors of the Austin Art Institute photography department and is producing a book on the Great Sand Dunes National Park, where he now sells posters and note cards.

REMINDER: Annual club membership fees are due: $12 annual dues plus add an additional donation to the equipment fund (recommendation is at least $10) to purchase an LCD projector for the club.

Kate Breakey Exhibit, Painted Light

2011-01-30T15:09:00.000-08:00

The club has arranged a tour of the Kate Breakey exhibit, Painted Light, at the Wittliff Collections Gallery at Texas State University. The tour is scheduled for Wednesday, February 2nd, at 7pm.

You may find more info here. Beverley Fondren, the development officer for the Gallery, as well as Carla Ellard, the Photography Gallery Curator, will meet with us.

Here are directions to the gallery, and the 3 parking lots...however, only the first one, LBJSC (LBJ Student Center) parking lot will be available for us to park that night. If you're on IH-35, you will take exit 206 and head west. I strongly suggest you carpool because there is a charge and parking is always tricky on campus.

I hope to see you there!

Also, please remember that our February monthly meeting will be a week early, on the 10th. Please watch your email for more info.

Agenda for meeting on January 20, 2011

2011-01-10T19:07:00.000-08:00

Here's the agenda for our upcoming meeting on Thursday, January 20, 2011:

7:00 - 7:30 : Announcements, Introduction of new members/guests, Member News

7:30- 8:00: Business Meeting - Election of 2011 Club Executives

8:00 - 9:00: Image Reviews - Topic: Before and After. Don't forget to send your 2 pairs of review images (jpg 800 pixels wide) by Tuesday, January 18th via email to: hcphotoclub@gmail.com.

NOTE: We have a new image review process:
When we display your image we'll ask you to select one of these reviews:

Critique - You have specific questions you'd like to ask about your image and you want feedback from the other photographers at the meeting. Come prepared with your questions.
Show and Tell - You'd simply like to share information about this image with us such as technique or location.

Agenda for meeting on November 18, 2010

2010-11-10T06:59:00.000-08:00

Here's the agenda for our upcoming meeting on Thursday, November 18, 2010

7:00 - 7:30 : Announcements, Introduction of new members/guests, Member News and Club Business

7:30- 8:15: Guest Speaker - Steve Hopson, Street and Music Photography

8:15 - 9:00: Image Reviews - Topic: Before and After. Don't forget to send your 2 pairs of review images (jpg 800 pixels wide) by Tuesday, November 16th via email to: hcphotoclub@gmail.com.

NOTE: We have a new image review process:
When we display your image we'll ask you to select one of these reviews:

Critique - You have specific questions you'd like to ask about your image and you want feedback from the other photographers at the meeting. Come prepared with your questions.
Show and Tell - You'd simply like to share information about this image with us such as technique or location.

More about the new image review process here:
http://hillcountryphotographyclub.blogspot.com/2010/02/new-image-review-proc ess.html

Meeting Location: Horizon Bay (formerly Merrill Gardens) in San Marcos. Map and directions available on our club website.

About our Speaker: Steve Hopson

Steve Hopson began photography with a High School graduation present camera from his parents (a Pentax Spotmatic). Within a few days, he found himself at the base of an Interstate overpass in Houston trying to make the concrete columns look like Roman ruins. Within a few years, he found himself taking Art Photography from Garry Winogrand at UT Austin. Now, many years later, Steve has explored most genres of photography with special emphasis on portraits, landscape, street photography, macro, travel, and music photography. His commercial clients include Rolling Stone, Budweiser, MSNBC, C3 Presents, Transmission Entertainment, Microsoft, J. Walter Thompson, and TBG Partners. His work has been exhibited as part of the New American Talent show in the Arthouse at Jones Center and other museums, and he regularly contributes photo essays to Austinist.com. Steve holds a Bachelor of Science from UT Austin in Radio, Television and Film and a Master of Public Administration degree from Texas State University, and is currently employed as a Policy Analyst for the Texas Sunset Commission. Steve doesn't think that there will ever be another photographer as great as Henri Cartier-Bresson, but that doesn't stop him from giving it his best shot.

Agenda for meeting on October 21, 2010

2010-10-13T19:36:00.000-07:00

Here's the agenda for our upcoming meeting on Thursday, October 21, 2010

7:00 - 7:30 : Announcements, Introduction of new members/guests, Member News and Club Business

7:20- 8:10: Knowledge Share - Carol Watson, What I Learned at Photoshop World

8:10 - 9:00: Image Reviews - Topic: Recent Work. Don't forget to send your 2 review images (jpg 800 pixels wide) by Tuesday, October 19th via email to: hcphotoclub@gmail.com.

NOTE: We have a new image review process:
When we display your image we'll ask you to select one of these reviews:

Critique - You have specific questions you'd like to ask about your image and you want feedback from the other photographers at the meeting. Come prepared with your questions.
Show and Tell - You'd simply like to share information about this image with us such as technique or location.

Agenda for meeting on August 19, 2010

2010-08-11T19:28:00.000-07:00

Here's the agenda for our upcoming meeting on Thursday, August 19th, 2010

7:00 - 7:30 : Announcements, Introduction of new members/guests, Member News

7:30- 8:20: Knowledge Share - Ask The Experts - submit your questions about anything related to photography and our experienced photographers will provide answers. Submit your questions in advance by going to this website:
http://www.zoomerang.com/Survey/WEB22B2W2T4X9Z

8:20 - 9:00: Image Reviews - Topic: Before and After. Don't forget to send your 2 pairs of review images (jpg 800 pixels wide) by Tuesday, August 17th via email to: hcphotoclub@gmail.com.

NOTE: We have a new image review process:
When we display your image we'll ask you to select one of these reviews:

Critique - You have specific questions you'd like to ask about your image and you want feedback from the other photographers at the meeting. Come prepared with your questions.
Show and Tell - You'd simply like to share information about this image with us such as technique or location.

Agenda for meeting on July 22, 2010

2010-07-09T07:45:00.000-07:00

Here's the agenda for our upcoming meeting on Thursday, July 22, 2010

7:00 - 7:20 : Announcements, Introduction of new members/guests, Member News

7:20- 8:10: Guest Speaker - Tami Bone, Photographer: Ordinary Beauty, Everyday Humanity

8:10 - 9:00: Image Reviews - Topic: Recent Work. Don't forget to send your 2 review images (jpg 800 pixels wide) by Tuesday, July 20th via email to: hcphotoclub@gmail.com.

NOTE: We have a new image review process:
When we display your image we'll ask you to select one of these reviews:

Critique - You have specific questions you'd like to ask about your image and you want feedback from the other photographers at the meeting. Come prepared with your questions.
Show and Tell - You'd simply like to share information about this image with us such as technique or location.

Agenda for meeting on June 17, 2010

2010-06-10T19:22:00.000-07:00

Here's the agenda for our upcoming meeting on Thursday, June 17th, 2010

7:00 - 7:20 : Announcements, Introduction of new members/guests, Member News

7:20- 8:15: Knowledge Share - Lightroom 3 - Carol Watson

8:15 - 9:00: Image Reviews - Topic: Before and After. Don't forget to send your 2 pairs of review images (jpg 800 pixels wide) by Tuesday, June 15th via email to: hcphotoclub@gmail.com.

NOTE: We have a new image review process:
When we display your image we'll ask you to select one of these reviews:

Critique - You have specific questions you'd like to ask about your image and you want feedback from the other photographers at the meeting. Come prepared with your questions.
Show and Tell - You'd simply like to share information about this image with us such as technique or location.

Agenda for meeting on May 20, 2010

2010-05-13T18:15:00.000-07:00

Here's the agenda for our upcoming meeting on Thursday, May 20th, 2010

7:00 - 7:20 : Announcements, Introduction of new members/guests, Member News

7:20- 8:20: Knowledge Share - Lucy Durfee - Portraits: Posing and Lighting

8:20 - 9:00: Image Reviews - Topic: Recent Work. Don't forget to send your 2 review images (jpg 800 pixels wide) by Tuesday, May 18th via email to: hcphotoclub@gmail.com.

NOTE: We have a new image review process:
When we display your image we'll ask you to select one of these reviews:

Critique - You have specific questions you'd like to ask about your image and you want feedback from the other photographers at the meeting. Come prepared with your questions.
Show and Tell - You'd simply like to share information about this image with us such as technique or location.

Agenda for meeting on April 22, 2010

2010-04-16T14:14:00.000-07:00

Here's the agenda for our upcoming meeting on Thursday, April 22nd, 2010

7:00 - 7:20 : Announcements, Introduction of new members/guests, Member News

7:20- 8:20: Gadget and Gear Day - Bring your favorite gadgets and gear whether its cool cameras, lenses, filters, flashes, accessories etc. to show your fellow club members!

8:20 - 9:00: Image Reviews - Topic: Before and After. Don't forget to send your 2 pairs of review images (jpg 800 pixels wide) by Tuesday, April 20th via email to: hcphotoclub@gmail.com.

NOTE: We have a new image review process:
When we display your image we'll ask you to select one of these reviews:

Critique - You have specific questions you'd like to ask about your image and you want feedback from the other photographers at the meeting. Come prepared with your questions.
Show and Tell - You'd simply like to share information about this image with us such as technique or location.

National Geographic Photographer teaching workshop in Austin at very low cost!

2010-04-16T14:09:00.000-07:00

Raul Touzon, the Nat Geo photographer is coming to Austin next week and has offered to give a 3 day workshop called “Sharpen Your Photo Skills” for the incredibly low price of $200 per person. Due to a planning error, he ended up with air tickets to Austin but no job booked so he’s going to come down anyway and just try to cover his costs, hence the really low price (he usually charges around $700 for the workshop).

It will take place Thursday evening, April 22nd through the following Sunday lunchtime. If you or anyone you know is interested, please contact Dave Wilson via email (dave@davewilsonphotography.com) and He’ll pass on further details. We need to get 7 or 8 people to sign up to make this work and currently have 4 definites and 2 tentatives so it looks pretty likely that the class will go ahead. Obviously time is of the essence since we need a go/no-go decision by the weekend.

Wimberley Valley Art League Fine Art Photography Workshop

2010-04-16T14:07:00.000-07:00

Sign up Now for WVAL's First
Fine Art Photography Workshop!
April 26-28, $265, limited to 14 participants

WVAL is proud to sponsor this workshop by prominent Austin professional photographer and teacher, Chris Dietz. The workshop starts each day from Chris' studio in Driftwood and operates on the following schedule: Monday, 11:00 am to 6:00 pm, Tuesday, 1:00 pm to 7:00 pm and Wednesday, 3:00 pm to 10:00 pm. Each day is a dynamic combination of classroom study and critique with a subsequent field trip to photogenic locations selected by Chris. The third day includes one of Chris' photography specialties: night light painting photography under the moon. Our own Bob Cook took a previous night light painting workshop with Chris and will be attending this one. I've attached some of Bob's pictures wherein he put to work what he learned.

More information about the workshop is available on the Fizbin Photography website. For the full details of the workshop, please download the 3 page synopsis. You can also check out Chris' website to learn more about him: www.fizbinphotography.com.

To sign up, please send a deposit of $125 to Betty Rhodes, 206 Crestview, Wimberley, 78626.

Dave Wilson Workshop on HDR

2010-04-16T14:02:00.000-07:00

When Dave talked at Hill Country Photography Club last month, he mentioned that he was in the process of planning an HDR workshop and promised to forward details once the plans progressed to the point where he was signing people up. He's now got to that point. The workshop will be on Saturday, June 19th at the soon-to-opened Dragonfly Gallery a couple of blocks north of Precision Camera in Austin.

You can find more details at http://www.davewilsonphotography.com/workshops .

Free Photo Expo Coming to Austin in May!

2010-03-24T07:50:00.001-07:00

Just Announced
AUSTIN PHOTO EXPO 2010 - May 15 & 16

What is Austin Photo Expo?
This is Austin’s largest gathering of photographic manufacturers in one place for two days only.
Check out the expo demo floor for all the new cameras, lenses, and accessories. Representatives will be on hand to explain how their products work best for you.

And don’t miss out on the FREE lectures. Each lecture should cost you at least $30, but this week-end all of them are free. Check out the great line-up under the speaker’s button. Learn tips on how to take better portraits, nature shots, macro, lighting techniques and more. There are three rooms for seminars, and they are on a first come first seated basis.

CONTACT INFO@AUSTINPHOTOEXPO.COM
TO GET INFO ON UPDATES.

Website: http://www.austinphotoexpo.com/index.htm

Agenda for meeting on March 18, 2010

2010-03-07T17:00:00.000-08:00

Here's the agenda for our upcoming meeting on Thursday, March 18th, 2010

7:00 - 7:20 : Announcements, Introduction of new members/guests, Member News

7:20- 8:10: Guest Speaker - Dave Wilson - HDR Photography

8:10 - 9:00: Image Reviews - Topic: Recent Work (or Challenge Work from last meeting). Don't forget to send your 2 review images (jpg 800 pixels wide) by Tuesday, Mar. 16th via email to: hcphotoclub@gmail.com.

NOTE: We have a new image review process:
When we display your image we'll ask you to select one of these reviews:

Critique - You have specific questions you'd like to ask about your image and you want feedback from the other photographers at the meeting. Come prepared with your questions.
Show and Tell - You'd simply like to share information about this image with us such as technique or location.

Agenda for meeting on February 18, 2010

2010-02-13T16:07:00.000-08:00

Here's the agenda for our upcoming meeting on Thursday, February 18th, 2010

7:00 - 7:20 : Announcements, Introduction of new members/guests, Member News

7:20- 8:10: Knowledge Share - Carol Watson - 12 Ways to Challenge Yourself

8:10 - 9:00: Image Reviews - Topic: Before and After. Don't forget to send your 2 pairs of review images (jpg 800 pixels wide) by Tuesday, Feb. 16th via email to: hcphotoclub@gmail.com.

NOTE: We have a new image review process:
When we display your image we'll ask you to select one of these reviews:

Critique - You have specific questions you'd like to ask about your image and you want feedback from the other photographers at the meeting. Come prepared with your questions.
Show and Tell - You'd simply like to share information about this image with us such as technique or location.

New Image Review Process

2010-02-13T15:18:00.000-08:00

About the new image review process:

When we display your image we'll ask you to select one of these reviews:

Critique - You have specific questions you'd like to ask about your image and you want feedback from the other photographers at the meeting.
Show and Tell - You'd simply like to share information about this image with us such as technique or location.

Images submitted for review will be projected on a screen via a digital projector. To have your digital images included in the review:

Select your 2 images based on the Topic for the month (see agenda).
Resize your images to 800 pixels wide on the long side.
Save as a jpg file and name your file so that it begins with your initials.
Email your images as attachments to this address: hcphotoclub@gmail.com
Deadline to submit images for critique is the Tuesday prior to our meeting date.
If you want critique comments, please come prepared with questions you'd like answered. Look at the PPA criteria below for ideas on things you might want us to provide feedback on for your image. For example: What do you think about the composition? Should I have cropped it? What do you think about the lighting?

We'll look to our more advanced photographers to serve as volunteer critics for the meetings.

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.

Agenda for Meeting on January 21, 2010

2010-01-10T13:21:00.000-08:00

Here's the agenda for our upcoming meeting on Thursday, January 21, 2010

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

7:15 - 7:30 : Discuss Member Survey results

7:30- 8:10: Knowledge Share - Carol Watson - What I Learned at the Photoshop World Conference

8:20 - 9:00: Formal critiques. Topic: Recent Work. Don't forget to send your 2 critique images (jpg 800 pixels wide) by Tuesday, Jan. 19th via email to: hcphotoclub@gmail.com. View the new critique process here:
http://hillcountryphotographyclub.blogspot.com/2008/02/new-critique-p rocess.html

Location: Horizon Bay (formerly Merrill Gardens) in San Marcos. Map and directions available on our club website.

REMEMBER to bring your 2010 memberships dues to the meeting!

Agenda for meeting on November 12, 2009

2009-11-02T18:48:00.000-08:00

Here's the agenda for our upcoming meeting on Thursday, Nov. 12, 2009

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

7:15 - 7:30 : Collect nominations for club executive positions (including president)

7:30- 8:10: Guest Speaker - Jules Alexander - Infrared Photography

8:20 - 9:00: Formal critiques. Topic: Recent Work. Don't forget to send your 2 critique images (jpg 800 pixels wide) by Tuesday, Nov. 10th via email to: hcphotoclub@gmail.com. View the new critique process here:
http://hillcountryphotographyclub.blogspot.com/2008/02/new-critique-p rocess.html

Location: Horizon Bay (formerly Merrill Gardens) in San Marcos. Map and directions available on our club website.

ABOUT OUR SPEAKER

Jules G. Alexander:

Born in Chattanooga, Tennessee, Jules took pictures from aged 10 on an Argus TLR until, at around 15 years old, he discovered music. Later he moved to Los Angeles and after a stint in the US Navy became a professional musician founding and playing with the band "The Association" for around 28 years. He continued shooting for the first several years with the band where he found Infrared Photography. His camera and gear was stolen and he stopped shooting until he discovered digital photography. He began shooting again in about 1985 and has done so since. Jules has also founded web discussion groups dedicated to infrared photography.

2009-09-07T12:54:00.000-07:00

Here's the agenda for our upcoming meeting on Thursday, Sep. 17, 2009

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

7:15 - 7:30 : Share website resources

7:30- 8:10: Club future planning and Open Q&A

(Guest Speaker - Jules Alexander - Infrared Photography POSTPONED to future meeting)

8:20 - 9:00: Formal critiques. Topic: Recent Work. Don't forget to send your 2 critique images (jpg 800 pixels wide) by Tuesday, Sep. 15th via email to: hcphotoclub@gmail.com. View the new critique process here:
http://hillcountryphotographyclub.blogspot.com/2008/02/new-critique-p rocess.html

Location: Horizon Bay (formerly Merrill Gardens) in San Marcos. Map and directions available on our club website.

ABOUT OUR SPEAKER

Jules G. Alexander:

Born in Chattanooga, Tennessee, Jules took pictures from aged 10 on an Argus TLR till at around 15 years old he discovered music Later he moved to Los Angeles and after a stint in the US Navy became a professional musician founding and playing with the band "The Association" for around 28 years. He continued shooting for the first several years with the band where he found Infrared Photography. His camera and gear was stolen and he stopped shooting until he found digital photography and began shooting again in about 1985 and have done so since. Jules has founded web discussion groups dedicated to infrared photography.

Agenda for meeting on August 20, 2009

2009-08-14T14:51:00.000-07:00

Here's the agenda for our upcoming meeting on Thursday, August 20, 2009

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

7:15- 8:15: DVD Viewing - National Geographic - The Photographers - Get to know the unforgettable people behind the cameras. And find out what it's like to travel, explore and "get the shot" on assignment with the celebrated photographers of National Geographic.

8:20 - 9:00: Formal critiques. Topic: Summer Scenes. Don't forget to send your 2 critique images (jpg 800 pixels wide) by Tuesday, Aug. 18th via email to: hcphotoclub@gmail.com. View the new critique process here:
http://hillcountryphotographyclub.blogspot.com/2008/02/new-critique-p rocess.html

Location: Horizon Bay (formerly Merrill Gardens) in San Marcos. Map and directions available on our club website.

2009-07-10T08:31:00.000-07:00

Here's the agenda for our upcoming meeting on Thursday, July 16, 2009

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

7:15 - 7:30 : Web Sites of the Month - we'll visit member-recommended web site resources. Don't forget to recommend your favorite website!

7:30- 8:15: Knowledge Share - Topic: Adobe Lightroom - Lightroom users should come prepared to share their favorite features or a technique.

8:20 - 9:00: Formal critiques. Topic: Recent Work. Don't forget to send your 2 critique images (jpg 800 pixels wide) by Tuesday, July 14 via email to: hcphotoclub@gmail.com. View the new critique process here:
http://hillcountryphotographyclub.blogspot.com/2008/02/new-critique-p rocess.html

Location: Horizon Bay (formerly Merrill Gardens) in San Marcos. Map and directions available on our club website.

Agenda for meeting on June 18, 2009

2009-06-12T14:30:00.000-07:00

Here's the agenda for our upcoming meeting on Thursday, June 18, 2009

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

7:15 - 7:30 : Web Sites of the Month - we'll visit member-recommended web site resources. Don't forget to recommend your favorite website!

7:30- 8:15: Guest Speakers - Amanda Stahl and Glynda Hatfield

8:15 - 9:15: Formal critiques. Topic: Before and After pairs. Don't forget to send your 2 pairs of critique images (jpg 800 pixels wide) by Tuesday, June 16 via email to: hcphotoclub@gmail.com. View the new critique process here:
http://hillcountryphotographyclub.blogspot.com/2008/02/n ew-critique-p rocess.html

Location: Horizon Bay (formerly Merrill Gardens) in San Marcos. Map and directions available on our club website.

About our Speakers:

Amanda Stahl writes "When it came time to choose a major for college, much to my parents delight, I decided on accounting. After graduating for Lamar University in Beaumont, I sat for and passed the examination to become a Certified Public Accountant. Photography was always a part of my life, but only for vacation and family pictures. It was not until some twenty or so years later, that I felt the need to take photography more seriously. As a result of this love for photography and making images, I have entered many juried photographic exhibits over the past ten years. During that time, I have been accepted into more than fifty juried exhibits in Oklahoma, New Mexico, New York, Florida and numerous locations in Texas. Jurors such as Roy Flukinger, Clint Willour, Bill Witliff, Christoper James, Harvery Stein, Stephen Perloff, Wendy Watriss and D.J. Stout are among those who have chosen my work. Images in these exhibits have earned numerous awards, grants and inclusion in private and institutional collections. My images have also appeared in many group exhibits around Central Texas and one solo exhibit in Austin. Portions of several of my bodies of work have been printed in Borderland: Texas Poetry Review, Shots Magazine, AVAANTI 10 and Black and White Photography magazine."

Glynda Hatfield's series, A Time Left Behind, captures our abandoned childhoods. The images were taken in an overgrown, deserted playground between Ruidoso and Cloudcroft, N.M. In her biographical statement, Hatfield writes that "what an individual sees of the world comes from our own background, experiences, taste, and attitude. What we really see is defined by our feelings, memories, emotions, and intuitive senses. Hi Ho Silver, Away, 2003, is a perfect example of why, despite having a Holga, an incredible handmade pinhole, and a half-dozen Polaroid cameras, I am not a photographer". Mature technique, experience, and altered view are the only way to create such a captivating image.

Agenda for meeting on May 21, 2009

2009-05-12T18:48:00.000-07:00

Here's the agenda for our upcoming meeting on Thursday, May 21, 2009

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

7:15 - 7:30 : Web Sites of the Month - we'll visit member-recommended web site resources. Don't forget to recommend your favorite website!

7:30- 8:15: Guest Speaker - James F. Bland, Commercial Photographer

8:15 - 9:00: Formal critiques. Topic: Recent Work. Don't forget to send your 2 critique images (jpg 800 pixels wide) by Tuesday, May 19 via email to: hcphotoclub@gmail.com. View the new critique process here:
http://hillcountryphotographyclub.blogspot.com/2008/02/new-critique-p rocess.html

Location: Horizon Bay (formerly Merrill Gardens) in San Marcos. Map and directions available on our club website.

About our Speaker - James F. Bland

James is a commercial corporate photographer for Industrial, Maritime, Technology, and Military segments. If you're looking for tattoos and piercings, move on, nothing to see here. If you're looking for an experienced, rock steady, reliable, responsible, creative adult, your search has ended. The name is Bland, James Bland - shaken, not stirred.

While not taking a direct route to photography, James has been involved in imaging science, design, chemistry, and photography his whole life. Graduating with honors as an Ensign from the United States Naval Academy in 1978, he went on to a successful career in nuclear submarines, where he was responsible for the ship's weapon, sonar, and imaging systems. James earned two Navy Achievement Medals and was a part of special operations that were awarded a Navy Unit Citation and three Meritorious Unit Citations. In 1980 he bought his first 35mm SLR camera, a Canon AE-1.

In 1984, James started a 17 year career with GE Space Systems, supporting digital imaging satellites and the associated ground systems. Capitalizing on his technical background, he later led the marketing design of analog X-ray and computed tomography (CT) diagnostic imaging systems, directing the start up of factories in Beijing, China and Budapest, Hungary. In 2001, at CPS Innovations, James directed the marketing and engineering project teams to bring a new type of hybrid CT/ Nuclear camera to market, the PET/CT (Positron Emission Tomography, named Time magazine’s Invention of the Year 2000).

James has operated James Frederick Bland photography since 2005, teaching photographic expeditions and developing commercial clients.

James has won one award from American Airlines for images created in the Hong Kong SAR ( Dec 2004); was published in Cowboys and Indians as a contest finalist (EOS 1V / March2006) and has an image included in a PhotoFlex product catalog. James conducts business out of Austin, TX and is a Founding member of the Austin Center for Photography. James also maintains memberships with the Texas Photographic Society, Metropolitan Breakfast Club, Austin Chamber of Commerce, PPA, and ASMP.

Agenda for meeting on April 16, 2009

2009-04-07T19:13:00.000-07:00

Here's the agenda for our upcoming meeting on Thursday, April 16, 2009

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: Knowledge Share - Carol Watson - Introduction to Layers and Masks in Photoshop

8:20 - 9:00: Formal critiques. Topic: Before and After Pairs - Images straight from the camera and the same image after enhancements or transformations. Don't forget to send your 2 pairs of critique images (jpg 800 pixels wide) by Tuesday, April 14 via email to: hcphotoclub@gmail.com. View the new critique process here:
http://hillcountryphotographyclub.blogspot.com/2008/02/new-critique-p rocess.html

Location: Horizon Bay (formerly Merrill Gardens) in San Marcos. Map and directions available on our club website.

Hill Country Alliance Photo Contest

2009-04-07T08:59:00.000-07:00

Ranchers Welcome Photographers

$500 bonus added to Hill Country Alliance Photo Contest

Austin (April 6, 2009) – Spring is bursting out all over the Hill Country. It’s a great time to capture that winning photograph and enter the Third Annual Hill Country Alliance Photography Contest. Take your photo on a Texas Hill Country Nature Photography Alliance (THCNPA) member ranch for a chance to win a $500 bonus award.

The Texas Hill Country Nature Photography Alliance (THCNPA) is a group of ranchers offering up their ranches to guests for nature photography and tourism. Most of the ranches have several established photography sites with food and water to attract wildlife, with one or more professionally established photo blinds carefully situated for optimal photographic opportunities. Many also offer overnight accommodations, allowing guests the chance to enjoy magnificent hill country scenery, and special encounters with critters, in privacy.

For the second year, THCNPA is offering $500 prize that may be split by the HCA Photo Contest winner(s) of either category 2 - “Working the Land: gardening, agriculture, ranching, farming; or category 4 - “Natural treasures: wildlife, plants, springs, parks, rivers, special places in nature,” provided the winning photo(s) were created on one of the Alliance member properties.

Any photographer who wants to photograph on one of the five member ranches needs to make an advance reservation for $100 per person, a $25 savings off the regular fee. To learn more about each ranch and to make a reservation go to www.hillcountryphoto.org.

This year’s theme for the Hill Country Alliance (HCA) Photo Contest is Celebrating the Treasures of the Hill Country. The judges for this year’s contest are: Rusty Yates, contemporary fine art photographer; Carter Smith, executive director of the Texas Parks and Wildlife; and Kevin Vandivier, photographer and owner of Alpha Omega Photographic Gallery.

Thirteen winning photographs will appear in the HCA 2010 Hill Country Calendar, and a cash prize of $250 will be offered in each the four categories:

1. Hill Country people: individuals, children and families

2. Working the land: gardening, agriculture, ranching, farming

3. Hill Country enterprise: wineries, tourism, festivals, towns

4. Natural treasures: wildlife, plants, springs, parks, rivers, special places in nature

For more details and to enter the contest, visit www.hillcountryalliance.org.

The Hill Country Alliance is a non-profit organization whose purpose is to raise public awareness and build community support around the need to preserve the natural resources and heritage of the Central Texas Hill Country. Please see the HCA website (www.hillcountryalliance.org) for the latest news and events, and to learn more about our initiatives and how you can contribute to our activities.

Agenda for meeting on March 19, 2009

2009-03-09T18:35:00.000-07:00

Here's the agenda for our upcoming meeting on Thursday, March 19, 2009

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 - Rusty Yates - Photographer

8:30 - 9:00: Formal critiques. Topic: Recent Work. Don't forget to send your 3 critique images (jpg 800 pixels wide) by Tuesday, March 17th via email to: hcphotoclub@gmail.com. View the new critique process here:
http://hillcountryphotographyclub.blogspot.com/2008/02/new-critique-p rocess.html

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

About the Guest Speaker - Rusty Yates

Rusty Yates has been exploring the natural world since childhood. His interest in photography started while living and working on a cattle ranch, shooting his herd for informational and promotional purposes. He soon became passionate about making art through photography. His curiosity and sense of adventure have taken him around the world in pursuit of this passion. Rusty's work has appeared in numerous magazines, livestock publications and advertisements. A featured photographer in both Texas Highways Magazine and Texas Parks and Wildlife Magazine he has received awards from the International Regional Magazine Association and National ADDY awards. His work has appeared in numerous galleries and exhibitions and is in several private collections.

"For as long as I can remember, I have been enamored by the natural world and the beauty within it. The play of light on the land has transfixed me since I was a child. I am attempting not only to interpret this beauty in a personal way but to also invoke an emotional response from the viewer. In addition to fulfilling a personal need to artistically express myself, my purpose, for making photographs is heightening awareness. Making photographs intensifies my experience of the world around me. If even only in a small way, my work brings awareness of the incredible beauty of our world and the need to be wise stewards of our natural resources - then I have been successful."

Schedule for Cafe on the Square Exhibitors

2009-02-19T11:59:00.000-08:00

Here's the proposed schedule for the next 8 months for Cafe on the Square exhibitors. The aim is to change the images out near the end of each month.

February:

Larry Alford

Rose Epps

March:

Lucy Durfee

Lois Schubert

April:

Crystal Bushacker

Elizabeth Lautner

May:

Kathy Williamson

Judy Nicholls

June:

Carol Watson

Benny Rice

July:

Jane Guerin

Phyllis Rummel

August:

Carol Serur

Wes Odell

September:
Tom Bender

October:
Jo Hunter

November:
Raena Wharton
Janice Knox

December:

Reminders will be provided at each club meeting along with an email.

Agenda for Meeting on February 19, 2009

2009-02-11T15:17:00.000-08:00

Here's the agenda for our upcoming meeting on Thursday, February 19, 2009

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 - Adolfo Isassi - Photographer

8:30 - 9:00: Formal critiques. Topic: Black and White Images. Don't forget to send your 3 critique images (jpg 800 pixels wide) by Tuesday, February 17th 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 - Adolfo Isassi
Adolfo Isassi has been taking snapshots since he got his Agfa-Matic for his 7th birthday, and photographs since he graduated from the Instituto Tecnologico de Monterrey in Mexico in 1985 with a major in architecture and a minor in graphic design. He has exhibited his work with the Austin Association of Visual Arts, Texas Documentary Photographers shows, the City of Austin Cultural Arts Division, PX3 De La Photographie Paris, and fine art galleries around Central Texas.

Johnson City Chamber of Commerce Wildflower Art Contest

2009-01-15T11:57:00.000-08:00

CALLING ALL ARTISTS!

The Chamber has extended the deadline for art entries for the 2009 WILDFLOWER FESTIVAL to Friday, January 23. The winning entry will receive $100.00.

Entries should convey our Hill Country Wildflowers. The winning entry will be reproduced in promotional materials to represent this year's Wildflower Festival.

Entries (any media, no larger than 16"x20") should be dropped off at the Visitors Center.

Please pass this email on to your artistic friends!

For additional information:

Susan Kirchman, Director: Kirchman Galleries

213 N Nugent (Courthouse Square) 305 E Main (Hwy 290W)

Johnson City, TX 78626 Johnson City, TX 78636

(830 868 9290) (512) 629 9376

email: susan@kirchmangallery.com snail-mail: PO Box 115

Photoshop 4 Creativity Tour - San Antonio

2009-01-15T11:45:00.000-08:00

Wednesday, February 18, 2009

Henry B. Gonzalez Convention Center
Room: 103
200 E. Market St
San Antonio, TX 78205
Phone: (210) 207-8500

At long last, you can spend a day with the photo realist genius of our times, Bert Monroy. While you may not be able to draw like Bert does (no one can, he's truly the master) in this seminar you'll be able to learn the techniques he's developed over the years to create realistic images that boggle the imagination.

It's the perfect seminar for Photoshop users, photographers and illustrators alike! Different from any seminar offered before, Bert will show you features that are underused and even overlooked by most people, yet powerful enough to make any imagined effect a reality.

More information here.

NANPA Texas Hill Country Regional Event

2009-01-15T11:42:00.000-08:00

North American Nature Photography Association
Texas Hill Country
April 16-19, 2009

Located in the heart of the beautiful Texas Hill Country, Fredericksburg is a historic German community. There are numerous sites for photography in the vicinity, including: Pedernales Falls State Park, Enchanted Rock State Park, the Lyndon B. Johnson National Historic Park, and beautiful private ranches set up for nature photography.

This event is being presented in partnership with the Texas Hill Country Nature Photography Alliance.

More information here.

Agenda for Meeting on Jan. 15, 2009

2009-01-07T17:34:00.001-08:00

Here's the agenda for our upcoming meeting on Thursday, Jan. 15, 2009:

7:00 - 7:20 : Announcements, Introduction of new members/guests, Member News

7:20 - 8:20 : DVD Viewing: National Geographic - The Photographers

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, January 13th 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.

About the DVD:

Find out what it's like to travel, explore and ''get the shot'' on assignment with the celebrated photographers of National Geographic. You'll hear the secrets of these remarkable men and women—the dangers they face, and the lives they lead for the love of their craft. And discover the remarkable talent required to take pictures that make history, as you gain a fascinating new perspective on the world through the eyes of The Photographers.

Agenda for Meeting on Nov. 20, 2008

2008-11-11T17:15:00.000-08:00

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.

Agenda for Meeting on Oct. 16, 2008

2008-10-11T17:33:00.000-07:00

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!

Agenda for Meeting on Sep. 18, 2008

2008-09-09T20:02:00.000-07:00

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.

Agenda for Meeting on August 21, 2008

2008-08-11T20:49:00.000-07:00

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

2008-08-11T19:03:00.000-07:00

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.

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

2008-08-02T11:37:00.000-07:00

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.

Agenda for Meeting on July 17, 2008

2008-07-09T20:35:00.000-07:00

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.

Naturescapes competition deadline nearing!

2008-07-06T11:21:00.000-07:00

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

Agenda for Meeting on June 19, 2008

2008-06-02T14:45:00.000-07:00

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

2008-06-02T14:00:00.000-07:00

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!

Agenda for Meeting on May 15, 2008

2008-05-08T20:00:00.000-07:00

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

2008-05-08T19:55:00.000-07:00

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

2008-05-08T19:52:00.000-07:00

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

2008-05-08T19:47:00.000-07:00

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.

Agenda for Meeting on April 17, 2008

2008-04-07T19:32:00.000-07:00

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.

Agenda for meeting on March 20, 2008

2008-03-12T14:51:00.000-07:00

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.

Critique Assignment Themes

2008-02-27T19:58:00.000-08:00

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

2008-02-27T19:27:00.000-08:00

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!

Agenda for Meeting on February 21, 2008

2008-02-13T16:21:00.001-08:00

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

2008-02-13T16:15:00.000-08:00

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:

Select your 2 images based on the Topic for the month (see agenda).
Resize your images to 800 pixels wide on the long side.
Save as a jpg file and name your file so that it begins with your initials.
Email your images as attachments to this address: hcphotoclub@gmail.com
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

2008-02-13T16:12:00.001-08:00

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!