Our competitions are our favorite events, and the one on March 17 should be very interesting. We’ll go back to our normal time of 6:30 PM, meeting in the Fellowship Hall, below the main sanctuary. You are always invited to the WOW dinner at 5:45 PM in the gym (suggested contribution of $4).
The theme is Abstract Photography: a concept that does not reflect a concrete object, but denotes a quality, an emotion or idea. Below are just a few examples, but abstract can be almost anything . . . this one should be lots of fun.
Please limit the photos to those taken in the last two years. As always we are able to enter three photos in color, back and white or an artistic treatment. They should be 8x10 or larger, matted or not matted. Also, remember to mark the orientation of the photo by writing “top” on the top side.
Future Competitions are listed below:
Macro in May (a very close-up view of a subject)
3 Photo in a Theme in July (3 photos framed in a mat, or in a collage or montage that have a common idea in style or story theme)
Metamorphosis (State of Change) in September (the image denotes change such as water melting of metal flowing)
Our Camera Fest meeting on Feb. 17 was very interesting.
Jim showed us his long Tamron 500mm lenses, but emphasized that the lens he uses most is his new 18 to 200 stabilized Canon zoom. He had some nice pictures to show what he’s done with the various lenses. He advised us to always carry a spare battery (and not to forget the charger).
Hannah showed us her new “fish-eye” lens, and showed us some interesting photos, including a neat 360 degree “stop motion” panorama. Her “fish-eye” fits on her consumer camera, and part of it doubles as a macro lens.
Lynn showed us her Canon equipment and some really nice sports photos. She relies on a 300mm zoom for many of her sports photos. She bought her camera in 2005, and says she hasn’t replaced it, because she still takes great picture with it. Lynn is our club winningest competition photographer. Waldy showed Lynn how to use her new macro, diopter attachment. We should see some interesting photos for the Macro competition in May.
Waldy spoke about consumer cameras and the better “enthusiast-level” DSLR’s that provide better performance and quality. He emphasized how careful editing improves pictures made with his inexpensive consumer camera that he took on a rafting trip. He kept it in a Ziploc bag until he needed to shoot.
Things we learned:
- Zoom lenses provide convenience, especially the 18 to 200 zoom.
- Since the 18 to 200 is so versatile folks might be better off just buying the camera body and adding an 18 –200 zoom. Some of the primary manufacturers’ lenses are expensive, but there are more economical ones by Tamron, Sigma, Tokina and Quantarey (probably made by Tamron). Stabilization is a big plus, but it cost more.
- View through the camera (brightness & eye relief), speed of focus, live-view, remote flash, low noise at high ISO, video, size and weight are a few of the factors to consider when choosing a camera.
Choose wisely, because once you start buying accessories for your camera (flash, other lenses, filters, etc), the cost of switching to another brand can be painfully expensive.
As Waldy is fond of saying, shoot, shoot, shoot . . . learn to edit photos, and enjoy this wonderful hobby we call photography.
Waldy
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