Bill's on vacation.

Bill Millhouser
2017-2018 NVPS President

Board of Directors

A full list of all current NVPS Board members and their club contact information also can be found at: http://nvps.org/home/?page_id=23

Monthly Program

February 6th: Food Photography with Renée Comet

Renée Comet is a noted advertising photographer specializing in food and still life photography. Whatever the subject, her visual treatment can best be described as uncomplicated, fluid, and elegant.

Her distinctive work has appeared in advertising, packaging, cookbooks, stamps, and digital libraries. Some of her clients include: The Food Network, PopCorners, Glutino, Marriott International, Australian Lamb, Itoen Tea, Ritz-Carlton, U.S. Postal Service, USDA, Butterball Turkeys, The Washington Post, Choice Hotels, and American Diabetes Association.

Ms. Comet has a particular passion for photographing cookbooks. Over the years she has photographed more than 75 popular cookbooks, including: Extreme Brownies, The Founding Farmers Cookbook, Olive Oil, Sea Salt & Pepper, The New Jewish Cookbook, Sizzle and Smoke, ADA Comfort Food Cookbook, and Dining with the Washingtons from Mount Vernon.

Renée says: “Before we eat that….
I am a visual problem solver. My goal is to create and image that you want to eat, a place you want to be, evoke emotion, and tell a story. It is creating a world by bringing together lighting, textures, and composition.

I will share images that I shoot for myself. How simple is beautiful, how these images inspire my commercial work and how they are a practice in seeing and observing.”

Examples of Renée’s work:

Monthly Programs for 2018

The VP for Programs for 2017-2018 is Willa Siegel.

Education & Training

February 13th: I'll Fix It in Post with Mike Whalen

Photography has undergone a revolution in the last 20 years. Digital cameras produce images that can be processed with powerful software right in our personal computers and cell phones. Digital post-processing is now just as much a part of the creative process as composing the shot and snapping the shutter. In fact, post-image-processing opens a whole new world of creative possibilities that is well worth your time investment. It also provides a means to give our images their own unique look and make them stand out in an ever-growing sea of photos.

This presentation highlights some examples of post-processing and will be in two parts: Part 1 will show “before-and-after” processed images with a brief explanation of how each was done. These examples will show the benefits of simple corrections, removing distractions, combining images, and applying artistic filters and distortions to the images. Part 2 will be a live demonstration on how to use two of Lightroom’s powerful development tools (the Adjustment Brush, and Transform) to make enhancements and corrections. If there is time, removing annoying distractions with Photoshop will also be demonstrated.

Mike Whalen
As a teen, Mike learned a few photography basics from his father, a photographer and artist. In 2002, he became interested in photography and purchased his first digital camera - a Kodak "point-and-shoot". However, it wasn’t until 2006, when he purchased a basic Canon DSLR, that he began to see the potential of this “new” technology.

In 2009, Mike joined NVPS. Here, he met many talented people, happy to share their photographic knowledge. This was another turning point. At NVPS, he served on many board positions including President in 2013. From competing in many NVPS competitions, he received numerous annual awards including, “Photographer-of-the-Year”, “Color-Print-of-the-Year” and “Image-of-the-Year” at various times. In recent years, he also scored three cover shots on the Spring editions of Washington Gardener Magazine. 

He has also won “People’s Choice award in 2016 for his photo, “Charleston Plantation” at the annual “Nature Visions” photo expo. Mike donates his time regularly, as a pet photographer for the Fairfax County Animal Shelter and, volunteers as an event photographer for the National Ovarian Cancer Coalition’s annual race-walk.

His inspiration comes from seeing the great works of his peers and images on popular photo websites.  He thanks you for inviting him to speak and hopes you enjoy the presentation.

Examples of Mike's work:

Education and Training Programs for 2018

The Education and Training Coordinator for 2017-2018 is Ron Taylor.

Competition

February 20th: Judging by Roy Sewall

Roy Sewall spent most of his youth in India, Pakistan, Indonesia, and the Philippines; his State Department family’s home base was the Washington, D.C., area. Roy has a BS in Physics from Case Institute of Technology in Cleveland and a MS in Engineering Science from Penn State. He returned permanently to the Washington area in 1969 and worked for several major technology corporations for over 30 years.

Roy’s interest in photography evolved from extensive travel in six continents. In 2001, he started his transition to full-time photographer. He always found the Washington area to be one of the most photogenic locations in the world. Roy’s first photography book, Our Potomac, from Great Falls through Washington, D.C., was published in 2005; it was inspired by his affection for hiking and bicycling along the river and the adjacent Chesapeake and Ohio (C&O) Canal. The book has led to numerous lecture and slide show engagements with local organizations, and established him as one of the leading photographers of the Potomac River and C&O Canal.

In 2007, Roy became the first Chair of the Board of Directors for the C&O Canal Trust, a non-profit friends group for the National Park Service. From 2013 - 2016 he was a member of the Board of Directors of the Potomac Riverkeeper. Roy has done extensive photography work for river- and C&O Canal-related government and non-profit organizations, as well as private and commercial clients. 

Roy’s second book, Great Falls and Mather Gorge, was published in 2009. In addition, he was a guest on WETA’s TV program Great Views of Washington, D.C., the lead photographer in the Best of D.C. 2009 publication, in the feature articles in the 2009/2010 D.C. and 2012/2013 Virginia Where Guestbooks, the lead still photographer in The Nature Conservancy’s 2011 video The Potomac Gorge, and a featured guest on Montgomery Community Media TV in 2012.

Roy is also president of the North Bethesda Camera Club.

After completing Great Falls and Mather Gorge, Roy turned to the creation of large fine art prints.  He has developed diverse bodies of work for exhibitions that include unusual foreign and domestic landscapes, old European architecture, historical re-enactment, and abstracts. In addition, he offers both private and group instruction to novice and intermediate photographers, and in 2014 became an instructor for the Capital Photography Center.

But his foremost passion is his ongoing project called “Mysterra” - illusions that conveys mystery, fantasy, and whimsy.
http://www.roysewallphotography.com

Competition Themes for 2017-2018

The theme for the remainder of this 2017-2018 season is:

• The American Experience –Americans at Work - March 2018:
  For this month's themed contest, show us your best photos of Americans at Work. This may be of a single person, or multiple people, at work. The person or persons and the work being performed must both be clearly evident in the photo. Let’s showcase Americans at Work by demonstrating their emotions, determination, strength and pride!

Competition Themes for 2018-2019

• Geometry:
  Images where the predominant elements are geometric shapes — circles, squares, rectangles, triangles, etc. The compositional elements may be specific [subject-based], such as a wall with a door and doorknob and windows, or implied [design-based], where the photographer searches for designs, such as rectangles, circles, etc. without concern for the names of the objects. For example, subject-based could consider a scene with land, ocean and sky, whereas, design-based could see the same scene as three rectangles of different tones and sizes.
•  Reflections:
  Images which include reflections in water, buildings, mirrors, glass or any other reflective material.
•  Trains, Planes, Automobiles, and Trucks:
  Images of these subjects can be of new or old ones—ones in mint condition or in a state of ruin. Photos can be of the entire vehicle or parts, such as hood ornaments. Subjects can be in motion or at rest.

Competition Judges for 2018

January Competition Results

Digital - Class 1
1st Place – Tana Ebbole – Winter on the Potomac
2nd Place – Joseph Gaul – Jumping Dolphins
3rd Place – John Murray – Zermat Steeple
HM – Joan Barker – Leaf Veins

Digital – Class 2
1st Place – David Crooks - Sunset
2nd Place – Willa Siegel – Flying Saucers Everywhere
3rd Place – Kieulan Nguyen – Peruvian Lily
HM – Ron Taylor – Holding On

Digital – Class 3
1st Place – Judy Guenther – All Lined Up
2nd Place – Judy McGuire – Pentagon 9-11 Memorial
3rd Place – Clark Barker – Checking the Wash
HM – Kevin Egan - George

Color Prints – Class 1
1st Place – Julie Konzelman – Young Actor Headshot
2nd Place – John Olsen – Great Blue Heron

Color Prints – Class 2
1st Place – Ron Taylor – Does This Fur Make Me Look Fat
2nd Place – Philip Winters – Boat Reflection

Color Prints – Class 3
1st Place – Clark Barker – Seaside Village
2nd Place – Alan Goldstein - Anna
3rd Place – Amie Tannenbaum – Sun & Sea Flower

Monochrome Prints – Class 1
1st Place – Len Johnson – Tangled Tree Roots

Monochrome Prints – Class 2
No Awards

Monochrome Prints – Class 3
1st Place – Tom Brett – Meet My Cousin
2nd Place – Bill Corbett – Today’s Catch
3rd Place – Georgette Grossman – Wrecking Ball

First Place Winners

Class 1 Digital Tana Ebole Winter on the Potomac
Class 2 Digital David Crooks Sunset	Class 3 Digital Judy Guenther All Lined Up
Class 1 Color Print Julie Konzelman Young Actor Headshot	Class 2 Color Print Ron Taylor Does This Fur Make Me Look Fat?
Class 3 Color Print Clark Barker Seaside Village
Class 1 Monochrome Len Johnson Tangled Tree Roots	Class 3 Monochrome Tom Brett Meet My Cousin

The Co-VPs Competition for 2017-2018 are Stan Bysshe and Chuck Campbell (competitions@nvps.org)

Competition Image Use

The NVPS Website has a gallery of past Competition winning images at http://nvps.org/gallery/v/competitions/. If your image placed first, second, third or received an honorable mention in a club competition, it is eligible for this gallery.  Images are not posted automatically, you must specifically provide consent for your image to be included in the gallery.

To have your winning image included in the gallery, email editor "at" nvps.org and provide the following information:

Your name
Image Category (digital, color print, monochrome print)
Image Class (1, 2, or 3)
Competition Date

Digital Winners: When you upload your image for the competition, you can check the box to grant permission for it to be posted if it wins.  

Print Winners: send a digital version of your print, sized as if it were for digital competition.

The FotoFax newsletter is usually finalized during the weekend immediately following the monthly club competitions.  If your image is a first place winner and you send it in before the Friday following competition, your image will be forwarded to the editor for inclusion in FotoFax.  If you have not provided permission before that deadline, another winning entry may be used.

Forum

February 27th: Iceland with David Heagy

David Heagy’s father helped him buy a Rolleiflex 2.8E Twin Lens Reflex camera while David was in high school (He still has it). David’s dad showed him how to take basic pictures, develop, and print my photographs.

David learned the technical side of photography at the Rochester Institute of Technology but he never had any training in composition. Typical class assignments were to make instant processing chemicals, figure out how to develop film on the moon, take an eight-hour exposure, and use photography and a record turntable to make a copper circuit board.

In the Marine Corps David worked in a combat photography center at Camp Lejeune, N.C. For  41 years he worked with a team to design, build, and operate satellite imaging  systems. This included being responsible for the image quality of national imaging and display systems.

His favorite type of photography is shooting while traveling on a bike and hiking. This involves architecture, people, and landscapes. His trip to Iceland was on the way to Slovakia and Hungary.

The Forum Coordinator for 2017-2018 is Kirk Johnson.

Upcoming Forum Presentations:

      * This Forum will be structured as Education and Training due to the subject matter.

Members Gallery

February 27th: Digital by Joy Brathwaite;
                           Prints by Jim Williams

Joy Brathwaite

Currently, Joy shoots with a Nikon 750, primarily using the 24 – 70mm/f4 to photograph flowers when not photographing events.

Whether photographing flowers or events, Joy enjoys taking images that are vibrant, energetic and colorful. Going forward, Joy is looking forward to working with her portrait and event clients to capture all their essence and precious moments.

Over the last few years, Joy has taken several trips out west to Texas, New Mexico, Arizona, Montana, and South Dakota. The West offers such wonderful diverse and amazing geography, making it a treat to photograph. This presentation is a collection of the images from those trips. (Joy's portrait by John St. Hilaire)

Examples of Joy's work:

Solitude is the state of being alone without being lonely, a reflective state where one can often learn the most about oneself.  For me it is a restorative, peaceful and necessary place where I feel attuned to everything around me.  Photography is the vehicle that helps me best experience solitude and allows me to express that private world.

“Solitude bears the same relation to the mind that sleep does to the body.  It affords it the necessary opportunities for repose and recovery” - William G Simms

Jim Williams discovered photography in the early 1970s.  He extensively used an Olympus OM2 SLR and spent a few years with a Cambo 4x5 medium format camera.  He developed his own film and prints and all of his work was in black and white.  Some of his best memories are of late nights in the darkroom with other photographers (and a six pack of beer) bringing their images to life.

Jim was lucky enough to have some great teachers.  He studied photography at Glen Echo, where he also served as an assistant to Robin Moyer (who started the photography program at Glen Echo).  He later attended the Center for Photographic Studies in Louisville, Ky., which was founded and run by CJ Pressma.  Finally, some photography coursework at Northern Virginia Community College and the Corcoran School of Art rounded out his photography education.  Jim had featured spreads in the George Mason University literary magazine and had photos displayed in a number of photo exhibits and competitions.

Jim’s photography stagnated from the 1980s until around 2010, while he focused on his career as a Data Architect and Analyst and his family.  Once the age of digital photography started to mature Jim was able to regain his love for photography, even without access to a darkroom.  He started in digital photography with the Fuji X100 and currently uses a Fuji X-T2.

While it may seem like an odd combination, Jim’s favorite photographers from his film days were Walker Evans and Ralph Eugene Meatyard.  His photography usually incorporates his passion for solitude, with no people or animals in the photos.  His aim is to create an image that reflects the feelings he experienced while viewing the subject.  His experience behind the camera is usually as important to him as the final image he creates.  Jim also enjoys exploring textures, light and shadow, patterns and reflections.  He likes to bend the rules (which often earns him a quick dismissal by club judges ). He loves negative space, he likes to place subjects along the edges and in the corners, he enjoys high contrast and defocusing his subjects, and playing with camera movement.

Examples of Jim’s work:

Bone Tree
The Lookout	Tidal Pool
Little Blue House

Member's Gallery presentations for 2018

The Member's Gallery Coordinator for this 2016-2017 is Laurie Kuyk.

Field Trips

February 17th: B&O Museum, Baltimore

Located among Baltimore City's historic southwest neighborhoods, at the original site of the historic Mt. Clare Shops, the B&O Railroad Museum is recognized universally as the birthplace of American railroading. A National Historic Landmark, Affiliate of the Smithsonian Museum, and independent educational resource, the B&O Railroad Museum collects, preserves and interprets artifacts related to early American railroading, particularly the Baltimore & Ohio, Chesapeake & Ohio, Western Maryland, and other mid-Atlantic railroads. Nearly 200 pieces of locomotives and rolling stock provide a continuum of railroad technology history from 1830 through the present day, and hundreds of thousands of small artifacts provide a unique glimpse of railroading through tools, exquisite time-pieces, fine art, presentation silver, uniforms, furniture, and personal memorabilia. Additionally, an extensive collection of scale models and toy trains illustrate America's long fascination with trains and railroading. And the grounds of the Museum encompass significant historic structures, many of which are restored as well as bridges, earthworks, and archaeological resources.

The museum offers both indoor and outdoor photo opportunities, a benefit given the unpredictable weather that February brings to the region. The museum is tripod friendly but lighting may be challenging inside.

We’ll meet at the entrance when the museum opens at 10 a.m. The museum is located at 901 West Pratt Street, Baltimore. Admission is $20 for adults, and $17 for seniors (over 60). There is free parking for visitors. Travel time is about an hour from Dunn Loring, and we’ll have lunch at the nearby Inner Harbor.

Sign-up sheets will be at the meetings in February.

Please email us for questions and to let us know that you will be going: field-trips@nvps.org

Field Trip Coordinators for 2017-2018 are Jim and Jerri McDermott

Membership

2018 Membership Dues

We now have NVPS business cards for you to hand out. Stop by the membership table and pick some up to keep in your camera bag! They are FREE for you to spread the word about our club.  Be sure to write your name on the back of the cards that you hand out; let’s see who brings in the most prospects!

Remember, in order to participate in the monthly competitions your membership dues must be current.

Membership dues are at half-price for the remainder of the 2018 Society year (until 1 May 2018):

There are three forms of payment. Checks and cash are preferred by NVPS:

• Check: make out your check to NVPS. Complete and print out the Membership Application (http://nvps.org/home/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/NVPS_application_2015-2016.pdf). Please either mail both to our Treasurer, Tom Brett, 4216WynnwoodDr, Annandale, VA 22003 or bring your membership application and check to a meeting.
• Cash: Complete and print out the Membership Application (NVPS Membership Application 2017-2018 ) with your current information and pay our Membership Coordinators (Kacy Turner or Judy Graham) or our Treasurer (Tom Brett) at any future meeting.
• PayPal: use the link on our website: http://nvps.org/home/?page_id=114. Please note that NVPS must pay a fee for this method of payment!

Questions, please email membership at membership@nvps.org.
We look forward to seeing you at upcoming club meetings and events!

Stay Connected with NVPS

Email: If you are not already receiving NVPS emails, there are two ways you can sign up to join the list. Click on the following link and sign up by entering your name and email address. Click on join the list. http://nvps.org/home/?page_id=31. Or you may stop by the Membership desk at the next meeting and they will be happy to assist you. It's important to note, you will receive an "opt-in" email from nvps.org. If you do not receive it, check your spam folder. Please respond to this email within 72 hours or the verification link will expire.

Facebook: If you are on Facebook, please join the NVPS private group. Search on Northern Virginia Photographic Society Social Group and request to join. Members post everything from their photos to interesting articles on photography to requests for recommendations. You will find the group informative and fun!

Kacy Turner
Membership Coordinator

Announcements

Notice: The information about workshops and events not sponsored by or affiliated with NVPS are provided as an informational courtesy to Members. Individuals should review the detailed rules and conditions for contests and gallery shows to determine what impact entering an image has on the photographer's rights and ownership of the submitted images. Review the descriptions of workshops to see whether participation in a particular workshop would actually meet your personal learning goals. NVPS attempts to screen events for legitimacy and quality; however NVPS does not recommend these events and cannot assume responsibility for their ultimate quality. We recommend due diligence and encourage you to share your experience with other club members.

Members' News:

Georgette Grossman

Georgette Grossman had her image, Workshop at Monticello (below) juried into an exhibition this January at the Art League Gallery, 105 North Union St., Alexandria. The show was juried by Ephraim Rubenstein. It will be on display until February 1.

The Art League Gallery holds monthly juried exhibits and special exhibits including solo artists, student shows, and the Patrons' Show. Exhibits are free and open to the public. All artists can become members and submit work to our monthly exhibits, juried by noted fine art professionals from throughout the Washington area and beyond.

Judy and Wayne Guenther

The Guenthers, Judy and Wayne, were juried in to two shows in January. 

Wayne and Judy Guenther both had an image selected for the Maryland Federation of Art “Focal Point” Exhibit which will be on display at the Circle Gallery in Annapolis, MD, Jan 25-Feb 4. The show which was juried by Adam Davies examines the artistic use of all digital media. Judy’s piece is Chimneys and Wayne’s piece is Swing It.

Judy Guenther Chimneys

Wayne Guenther Swing It

Wayne and Judy both had images selected for the Art League’s January 2018 all media show judged by Ephraim Rubenstein which will be on display until February 4 in Old Town Alexandria. Wayne’s selected image is Gridlocked and Judy’s is The Smoker.

Wayne Guenther Gridlocked

Judy Guenther The Smoker

Judy and Wayne were also juried into the Maryland Federation of Art “Winter Member Show 2018” exhibition at the Circle Gallery, 18 State Street, Annapolis, which was on display until January 20. The juror was Kim Banister, Director of Julio Fine Arts Gallery at Loyola University in Baltimore. Judy's The Ribbon was judged the winner in the photography category.

Expositions/Competitions

Virginia Wildlife Photo Showcase

The annual photography showcase is offered as a way to celebrate the rich heritage of Virginia’s wildlife and natural resources and pay tribute to the mission of the Department of Game and Inland Fisheries. Published images from those submitted will appear in the July–August 2018 issue; other entries may appear in accompanying features (as part of that issue) and on our website to promote the mission of the agency and advertise future photography contests. Promotional usage rights must be available to Virginia Wildlife staff and to the Department’s webmaster. This year, the best submissions will be published in the following general categories but will not be judged:

• Virginia Fauna – native mammals (game and nongame), birds, insects, reptiles, and amphibians; underwater images of fish and aquatic life
• Virginia Landscapes & Flora – native plants, trees, flowers, and especially, scenic landscapes
• Textures & Patterns – abstract designs/patterns found in nature
• The Sporting Life – wildlife (game, nongame), hunting, fishing, boating, and paddling activities afield

How to Enter

1. The showcase is open to any photographer, amateur or professional, young and young at heart, including employees of the Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries.
2. Each photographer may enter up to three (3) digital images per category. Note that submissions will not be returned and PRINTS ARE NO LONGER ACCEPTED. If you prefer to submit your photos on a CD or DVD by mail, please see these instructions.
3. All entries must be identified by photographer name, city/state of residence, and daytime phone number in order to be published. Image location is helpful but not required.
4. All entries must have been taken in Virginia of plants and animals native to Virginia. We prefer that all photos of wild animals be taken in their natural habitat.
5. Digital images: Images submitted must have been shot at the highest resolution and size possible to meet publication requirements (native 240/300ppi). DO NOT overly sharpen, saturate, or color correct your images.
6. Submissions must be uploaded or postmarked by 5:00 p.m. on Monday, February 5, 2018 and the best entries will appear in the July–August 2018 issue of this magazine.

Submit Your Photos Online
https://www.dgif.virginia.gov/virginia-wildlife/photo-showcase-entry/

Photoworks Gallery: "Coffee and Critique " Show

One Sunday morning each month, photo enthusiasts of all sorts meet at Photoworks Gallery to share their work. Fueled by bagels and coffee, they join in lively conversation led by a Photoworks faculty member. Each participant, whether beginner or pro, has an opportunity to spread out prints on one of the big tables and receive thoughtful feedback and helpful suggestions. The popular, free event is a great way to meet others who are passionate about photography.

The artists exhibiting work in the show include: Bob Friedman, Willa Friedman, Kathryn Mohrman, Steve Greenberg, Beth Altman, David Mosher, David Scherbel, Val Makepeace, Julie Miller, Jim Palmer, Catiana Garcia-Kilroy, Louise Sabol, Susan Green, Diane Charnov, and Sandy Sugawara.

About Photoworks
Forty years ago, in a derelict building hidden among the abandoned amusement park rides of Glen Echo Park, four young photographers founded Photoworks with little more than a shared passion for the daily work of seeing, shooting, and printing images of lasting beauty and artistic integrity.  The day-to-day collaboration, creative dialogue, and informal mentoring that led those artists to successful careers as fine art and commercial photographers established the values of experimentation and collegiality that define Photoworks today.  Offering a diverse combination of educational programs, gallery exhibitions, and community initiatives, Photoworks is a vibrant and unique resource for student and professional photographers - an arts community in the very best sense of the word.

Photoworks offers photography classes for all ages. The gallery is open to the public Saturdays from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. and Sundays from 1pm to 7pm. Visit http://glenechophotoworks.org/ for more information.

Exhibition Opportunities

Announcements of workshops, exhibitions or contests are provided for information purposes only. There is no actual or implied endorsement by the Northern Virginia Photographic Society.

Eighth Annual Joseph Miller Abstract Photography Exhibit

May 5 – May 28, 2018

The Joseph Miller Center for the Photographic Arts takes great pride in announcing its eighth annual juried abstract exhibit. ALL interested photographers are invited to submit entries for this much anticipated spring event. Submissions to the First Annual JM Abstract Exhibit were limited to local NVACC-related clubs; however, over the years, because of the influence these exhibits have had in encouraging and promoting abstract photography and due to their reputation, recent JM Abstract Exhibits have been attracting entries from national as well as international photographic artists.

The Joseph Miller Center will begin accepting entries for the upcoming Eighth Annual Exhibit on Saturday, December 23, 2017.

The deadline for submissions will be Friday, February 23, 2018.
 
A detailed prospectus containing all relevant information regarding the exhibit can be found on the Northern Virginia Alliance of Camera Clubs website at nvacc.org