Program

Former NVPS president and award winning photographer, Mike Whalen, will share ten in-camera and post-processing techniques he has learned over the years which he believes can produce compelling images. Simple techniques such as making sharp images to more advanced subjects (such as multi-layering in Photoshop) will be described. Lots of photo examples will be included with brief explanations of how and where the results were obtained. The final examples will include some of Mike’s favorite subjects: people from various countries and cultures doing what they do best – being themselves. His presentation will include the following topics:

• How to Take Tack-Sharp Images
• The Creative Use of Blur
• The Exciting Miniature World of Macro and Close-Up Photography
• “Color” as a Compositional Element
• Shooting Night Photography
• Unique Opportunities Created by Weather
• A Cornucopia of Post-Processing Effects – Before and After Examples
• Aging Photos (in the computer)
• HDR and Tone Mapping – Produce Dramatic and Gritty Effects
• Timing, People and Street Photography – Being Ready to Capture the Moment

Biography

Mike is a former engineer who has been learning the art-of-photography for the last 9 years. As a teen, he learned a few SLR camera tips from his father, a graphic artist. However, it wasn’t until 2006 (when he purchased his first digital SLR camera), that he became fully engaged.

Mike has served numerous positions since joining NVPS in 2009, including his current job as Co-Coordinator of Field-Trips, and past positions as President, Co-VP of Competitions, and Assistant Webmaster. He has received several NVPS annual awards including, Photographer-of-the-Year, Color Print of the Year and the Ollie-Fife Award for Image of the Year.

He loves to photograph all kinds of subjects in both color and black & white, and he is comfortable with the entire photographic process from composition, exposure, post-processing, printing and framing. His inspiration comes from seeing the great works of his peers as well as those shown on popular photographic websites.