I believe that the world around us mirrors what we see in ourselves…beauty, simplicity, complexity, and responsibility. Nature is a part of us and reflects who we are.
Michelle Valberg
We are entering into one of my favorite times of the year—the fall to winter transition. Change can be hard, but change is necessary for creativity and our evolution as photographers. Change gives us the opportunity to build resilience, shifting how we look and see with the shifting of the sun and light into winter mode. The landscapes change and show us another facet previously hidden by green leaves and sun–cast shadows. Wildlife changes their activities and give us a view into another season of their day–to–day lives. The shifting sun creates angled shadows on architecture that may only be captured at this time of year.
As photographers this change can be filled with potential, but sometimes it may not feel that way. We may be tempted to move into hibernation with our cameras as the temperatures and daylight drop, and seemingly our potential for making photos.
Just as wildlife may slow down, rest, and prepare for emerging in the spring, we too can use this time to build our photography reserves and skills. NVPS has a rich fall and winter lineup of activities both online and in person to fuel our learning.
November starts off with Programs on Zoom with Frank Van Riper sharing how he photographs in a foreign country. NVPS member Kimxuan Nguyen will inspire us with an Education & Training session about long exposure photography at the Fire hall.
November also brings our first of three in–person competitions with print and digital images with judge Sandy Croan. The month ends at the Fire hall with Member’s Galleries by John Olsen (Journey to the Subcontinent of India) and Jim Sinsheimer (Illinois Forest Preserves), and a Member’s Forum by Wayne Wolfersberger (Yellowstone 98). There is also an opportunity to join in a Field Trip to Great Falls, MD.
Looking ahead, December brings us our first of three themed competitions—Motion. You can read a description of the theme on the website, along with more information about each of these learning opportunities.
Taking inspiration from the quote by photographer Michelle Valberg, as we move through this season, how you can reflect your vision and creativity in your photos?
