HAPPY NEW YEAR!

It is hard for me to believe that 10 years have passed since we all worried about whether our computers would explode when the date changed from 1999 to 2000 (Y2K). Harder still to wrap my head around is how much photography has changed since then. For some, the changes have been very difficult and not necessarily welcomed. For others, the advent of digital has opened all kinds of new doors as well as creating a groundswell of interest. Clearly, membership in photo clubs has grown significantly as more and more people are buying digital cameras, taking classes and workshops, learning software programs, etc. The advent of digital has also created much discussion and ethical dilemmas concerning the question "what is a photograph?"

Ask ten people what they would consider a photograph and what, if any limits should be placed on manipulation and you will get ten different answers. When does a photograph stop being a photograph? Just look at the different judges and speakers we have had and you can see the variation in personal tastes and interpretations. Like politics or religion, I don't think there are right or wrong answers in this photography debate. As individuals, we decide our own interpretation, our own styles and our own personal vision. 

For me, I respect and am fascinated with all genres of photography from film/darkroom, monochrome/color, different effects from lenses (fisheye, lensbaby), computer manipulation with software and plug-ins, printing on different mediums (paper, wood, metal) etc. I love the "art" of photography and the ability to be creative or to simply document a scene or moment in time. To me, these are very exciting times. I also think that these are times when tolerance, open-mindedness and respect of differing opinions are paramount.  

As a club, NVPS has an obligation to try to meet the needs of its members. This is not an easy task given the diversity of ages, skill levels, and personal visions. We have seen a huge increase in all things digital; and that increase constantly challenges us to reassess our equipment, competition rules, programs, workshops/education and training, etc. 

I've been thoroughly pleased with the Board and our many volunteers this year. They've all been doing a terrific job that has made mine so much easier. Thank you, thank you, thank you!  The Board will be having its mid-year meeting at the end of January. We will be discussing what we will be doing for the rest of the year, rules changes, purchases needed, etc. If you have any suggestions please talk to the appropriate Board member or to me.

We will also be starting to look at the leadership and volunteers for 2010-2011. Please consider letting me know in person at one of the meetings or via email if you are interested in volunteering now or next year. 

I wish you and yours a happy, healthy New Year.

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