Madison Photo Group

How to Give a Good Photo Critique

2011-06-14T13:09:00.000-07:00

Learn how to help others become better photographers! Read the article HERE

Madison Photo Group - Winter Photo Contest

2011-03-23T08:22:00.000-07:00

Welcome to the MPG Winter Photo Contest voting site. Each photo is numbered at the top. Select your three favorites and leave them in a comment. Example - #1, #3, #5. You can use your Google account to log in and post your favorites or you can pick your three and email them to me at barrybd11@gmail.com Thanks for voting! Enjoy.

Voting is open through April.

February 2011

2011-01-27T12:59:00.000-08:00

Our meeting will be in the Fellowship Hall to accommodate some hands on practice with our topic for the evening. I'm tight lipped about the topic, but I can say, "Bring your camera and be ready to use it!"

Don't forget the photo topic is "Doors" as chosen by Carol. The winner for February gets to pick the next topic!

September 2010

2010-09-14T12:19:00.000-07:00

"Jelly Fish on the Move" - Rosemary Grand

September Gathering Itinerary

Help Portrait - 9/25/2010 trial run - time TBD

hosts, registration, admin help
snacks, hospitality
hair, make up

Chihuly Pics

In Motion Pics

October Photo Project - "Altered Perspective" - usual subjects from unusual perspectives

Hands on - mini lightbox

Moving into year 3 of the Madison Photo Group

going "public" - advertise, promote, etc
funding
photo project team - pick topics
special guests
think about it - talk more at next meeting

9775?

August 10, 2010

2010-08-10T11:49:00.000-07:00

Castle Heights - by Rosemary Grand

Theme: The Blue Hour

Madison Photo Group - August 10

1. Saving your photos for the web

resize
boost
sharpen
save

2. Blue Hour photos

3. Determine a date for the Chihuly @ Cheekwood trip

4. Discuss a calendar project

5. Winter Photo Contest - Dec-Jan

6. Photo topic for Aug-Sept - IN MOTION

July 2010 Gathering

2010-07-13T11:44:00.000-07:00

July Gathering Notes:

PhotoTalk Topic - color management:
Whether you are snapping a quick photo of your pet or a more intentional capture of your newborn child, getting the photo is only one step in the process of creating a great photo. Three color management areas to be aware of are:

your camera setting - vibrancy, contrast, exposure compensation, white balance, ISO settings

your computer monitor and your editing software settings

---links for more info on monitor calibration:

http://www.wikihow.com/Calibrate-Your-Monitor

http://www.imaging-resource.com/ARTS/MONCAL/CALIBRATE.HTM

http://www.photofriday.com/calibrate.php

your printer's settings - home printing or outsourced

Group Photos for June/July - red, white and blue

Group Photo Project for July/August - The Blue Hour - pre-sunrise or post-sunset

Discuss a group excursion

April 2010 Meeting Notes

2010-04-14T12:09:00.001-07:00

How to critique and comment on photo images*

1. Scan the photo closely

- take a close look at the image

- look at the details

2. Look at the photo in general

- Ask yourself, "When I look at this image I feel......?"

- What kind of emotional response does this image raise in you?

- What is this photo about?

3. Technical points

- Is this photo technically okay? Ex. dust, focus, color, contrast, etc.

4. Artistic points

- Is the crop good?

- Would color or B&W be better?

- Is there good balance in the image?

5. Good points

- What I really like about this image is.... (detailed)

6. Points worth improving

- 1 or 2 specific points that could be improved in the image

* Acquired from a post on Deviant Art

Field Trip

The Hendersonville Cruise In starts this Friday, April 16, 6-9pm at the Glenbrook Shopping Center. Go to www.hendersonvillecruisein.com for more info

Theme for April-May: Transportation

The image voted #1 by the group will be awarded a camera tripod

This month's winning image:

Congratulation to Carol S. - our April 2010 winner!

March/April Project

2010-03-11T12:25:00.000-08:00

Spring is springing...the days are getting longer...it's time to get out and shoot!

A brief recap of our March meeting notes:

Landscape photography

sweeping view of land/city/skyline/buildings/water/sky - you get the idea
a good landscape photo needs to have some foreground interest such as flowers, rocks, fences, etc - but the main subject is the landscape
strive for a generous depth-of-field
use the normal composition guidelines - a quick refresher HERE

Nature photography

animals to minerals...
get in close - fill the frame
if using a point and shoot, experiment with the different modes your camera offers
look for details and interest

Your project is to choose landscape or nature and then stretch yourself! Oh...and for the photo selected as "best" by the photo group, the prize is a tripod!!!

If you need a reminder on how to upload photos to the flickr account, send me an email.

Also if you run across interesting photo related sites that you think we could benefit from, let me know and we'll get the word out.

Here is a good learning site - HERE

See you on April 14th!~ Barry

Instructions for Feb-March photos

2010-02-18T10:21:00.000-08:00

Our photo project consists of capturing subjects that can fit on a 3x5 index card.

the subject must fit within the boundaries of the card but the card does not have to be in the photo, it only serves as a template for the size
examples: figurines, jewelry, trinkets, cupcakes, hardware, marbles
the subject matter may be any height
work to accentuate the shape, size, colors
remember that the general rules of composition apply to all photos, large or small!
have fun
there will be an award for the most creative entry

Must see photos that tell a story

2010-01-12T11:11:00.000-08:00

35 Powerful Photos

Flickr Beginner Group

Flickr Point and Shoot Group

Flickr Nashville Group

Portrait Guide

2010-01-06T14:57:00.000-08:00

If you are interested in better portraits, check out this eBOOK

Free tips!

2009-11-04T05:18:00.000-08:00

If you are looking to take your photography to a new level then the Practical Photography website is for you! The videos and advice section is great on both the technical and the creative sides. You can get the magazine at B & N, BAM and other stores for $11.50 or use the website.

Visit PhotoAnswers online and brush up on your English accent!

If you are using Picnik to edit your pics on Flickr, go HERE for a few video tutorials.

November 10 Meeting

2009-11-03T17:00:00.000-08:00

Just a reminder that the photo contest deadline is Nov. 10 (our next meeting!)
After all the submissions are in, we will vote for the winner. In case you forgot the winner receives Adobe Photoshop Elements 6. While it is not the latest version, it is powerful enough to fuel your creativeness!

To enter the contest you must submit four photos:

1. A Jack-O-Lantern
2. Fall leaves
3. Hay
4. A photo taken at 7:22pm - we can tell when you upload to flickr : )

Details on voting will be covered at the meeting.

Also, we will plan our trip to the Lane Motor Museum in Nashville.

If you have a friend interested in photography, tell them about the group. Friends and guests are always welcome!

And remember....Have fun...Take better pictures!

Barry

Meeting for September 08, 2009

2009-09-08T11:23:00.000-07:00

The plans for the September 09 meeting include:

Fix my pix - how to use the internet to improve your pictures

flauntr

dumpr

psykopaint

picnik

Classwork - show off your latest shots!

- http://www.flickr.com/photos/24291766@N08/

Sept/Oct Theme - to be determined

Photogroup 08.11.09

2009-08-11T09:38:00.000-07:00

Lot's o'links for our meeting on August/09.

Night photography

Photography Basics (MPG Links Archive)

Learning from the Masters

Safe searching is recommended before visiting the links in the following sites. Read the description of the photographer's work before visiting their photos!!!
Finding famous photographers
More famous photographers

Group trip to the Nashville City Cemetery - time TBD

August Photogroup Meeting

2009-07-28T15:15:00.000-07:00

August Photo Group Meeting will be here soon. The photo assignment for the month is your choice - a self-portrait or any subject of your choice. Our learning topic is to be determined...by YOU! What would you like to learn more about? Color? Exposure? Composition? Editing? Leave your suggestions in a comment or message me.

Camera Kit 4 sale

2009-06-07T19:58:00.000-07:00

Looking for a great camera at a reasonable price? My Nikon D40 is for sale. Here is the link to my craigslist ad - HERE. It is in excellent condition and is the perfect step up from a point & shoot. Leave a comment if you need more information. Thx- Barry

UPDATE: Put my camera on Craigslist Sunday, sold it Monday for the asking price! Congrats to Amanda in Murfreesboro. Happy shooting!

Tools of the Season

2009-04-14T18:48:00.000-07:00

April 2009 Photo Group Award
Pauline Midgett

Class notes for 03.12.09

2009-03-12T07:45:00.000-07:00

Do you know your rights and responsibilities as a photographer? Here are some links to help you out...

Legal Rights of Photographers

The Photographer's Right

Learning from our mistakes - self-critique of our work

Review the REDS HERE

Assignment for next month - TOOLS. Butcher, baker, candlestick maker - we all have tools that are a part of our life. Let's see your PC, your mixer...shovels...meters...if it helps you do your job show it to us!

Class Notes for February 10, 2009

2009-02-10T11:47:00.001-08:00

This month we journey over to the technical side of thing, giving our attention to the oft overlooked White-Balance settings on our camera.

If you would like to explore WB in more detail, here are some links:

1. Class example photos - HERE

2. Class example more indepth theory and background - HERE

This month our photo theme is red. Upload 2-4 of your favorite reds before the March meeting!

My favorite photo mag

2009-02-06T08:49:00.000-08:00

Digital Photo Magazine is great! Every month it is packed with skill building helps, creative inspiration and even a CD with teaching resources related to Photoshop and Photoshop Elements.

You can purchase it at Books a Million and Barnes & Noble for $11.99. Yes, that is a lot for a magazine, but it is shipped from the UK! But, you get the CD and if you register online there are tons of video lessons for free.

Recent online lessons include: Using flash on a sunny day, white balance, composition and many, many more. You don't have to buy the magazine to access the online material, just register.

Here's the link to the magazine - HERE

Let me know what you think about it.

Photogroup Meeting - January 2009

2009-01-13T11:38:00.000-08:00

All the links and more from our 01.09 meeting

Digital Photography School - Tips for stunning portrait photography

Flickr - class photostream

Metro Nashville Continuing Ed classes (pdf) HERE

Gary Voland - 365 project HERE

Books mentioned:

The Digital Photography Book - by Scott Kelby HERE

Understanding Exposure - by Bryan Peterson HERE

Upcoming photogroup assignments

2008-12-17T14:22:00.000-08:00

For our January '09 gathering plan on sharing holiday photos. It can be anything Christmas related. Add 3-4 of your favorites to the flickr site. If you don't have the login info, leave your contact info in a post or private message - barrybd11[at]gmail[dot] com

February 10, 2009 - start planning now! Photo topic - waist up portraits of people in black & white! Oh yea! This will be F - U - N!

Pop Photograpy Magazine

2008-12-17T11:06:00.000-08:00

Pop Photo is one of my favorite photography magazines. Each year they publish the year's best from their competition.

You can learn a lot about composure and composition by studying the chosen works!

Here's the link to the winners!

Merry Christmas
Barry

563!

2008-09-26T19:01:00.000-07:00

I just checked the stats on the Madison Photo Group's Flickr account - almost 600 views in the few short months its been available! And that number does not include the members of the photo group that log in to view our photos.

If you are a contributor, congratulations! Your work has attracted viewers. You can drive more exposure for your pictures by "tagging" them with descriptive labels. When someone searches on FLick, it is these tags that are referenced. You can also add value to the sight by leaving comments on the pictures that you view. Encouragement, accolades and even constructive criticism helps us on our quest to "take better pictures and have fun!"

Keep up the great work. Capture Madison. Invite someone to the October Photo Group meeting.

Take pictures. Have fun.

Capture Madison Project

2008-09-23T13:02:00.001-07:00

The Capture Madison Project is open to anyone and everyone! You do not have to be a member or attender to get involved! Our goal is to have 8 - 12 great photos to mount and display in the Common Grounds Cafe. Get your camera and have fun!

Note the change of deadline to November 11 which is the same date for our photo group meeting. If you have questions about the project feel free to leave them in a comment or send a private message to: barry[at]madisonfirst[dot]com

Happy exploring! Click the "Group Photos" tab at the top of the blog and see some Capture work that has already been submitted.

Capture Madison

2008-09-16T17:47:00.001-07:00

Get out and capture what makes Madison...Madison!

People - Events - Buildings
Activities - Arts - Celebrations
Nature - News - Interesting

The top rated photos will be on display in the Common Grounds Cafe at Madison First Baptist. The deadline for submissions is October 31.

If you have questions, leave them in a comment and we'll get you going!

Now go! Take pictures and have fun.

Regular photo-groupers - We're advertising our next meeting in October on the sign! Expect some new faces : ) Shout out to Mrs. Pauline for the great Madison Bowling Lanes picture.

Homework for for October meeting

2008-09-09T10:44:00.000-07:00

So...you have taken an okay photo, but something is missing. Maybe what it needs is a little corrective work. For October's meeting you need to open the barn photo "Barn for class" on our photostream. Once opened, use the PICNIC editing option to make it better. Crop, color, etc to improve the photo.

When you have completed your adjustments:

If you save on regular Picnic
1. Click the Blue save box at the top
2. A SAVE THIS PHOTO box opens
3. Put your initials in the title box
4. VERY IMPORTANT - select SAVE AS A NEW COPY
5. Click the option at the bottom of the box

If you save on the Picnic.com site there is one difference.
1. Click the Save & Share tab at the top of the menu bar.
2. Follow #'s 2-5 above.

"Interesting" for class discussion

2008-09-09T09:18:00.000-07:00

Next Meeting!

2008-09-07T17:19:00.001-07:00

Join us Tuesday, Sept. 9 at 6:30 in the Cafe of Madison First Baptist Church. Our meeting will center on discovering what elements of a photograph moves us. What is it that makes us feel good, interested, excited, lonely or whatever. Once we move beyond point and shoot, photography becomes art and art touches something within us! That is what we are aiming for.

Join us this week.

Next Group Meeting

2008-07-17T16:13:00.000-07:00

Hope you are working on the theme for August. Our next meeting will be on the 12th and we'll have our first "PRIZE", voted on by the group for the best "details" picture. Get busy.

DETAILS! Get in close...no get in a little closer...you're almost there...there! Get in and capture the details.

Here's a vacation pic to get you going!

Next meeting of the Madison Photo Group

2008-07-05T07:59:00.000-07:00

Just a reminder that our next gathering is Tuesday, July 8. As always, friends and guests are welcome! Upload 2 - 4 pictures with an architecture theme.

Cast your vote

2008-06-28T19:11:00.000-07:00

Head over to Capture Music City and vote for Mrs. Pauline's awesome photo! Go HERE and show her some love!!!

Photo Contest and ideas

2008-06-09T08:11:00.001-07:00

The Nashville Tennessean is running a photo contest on capturing Nashville. Here's your chance to shine! Go HERE

The site is also worth browsing for ideas, especially on the higher rated submissions.

bd

Let's hear from you!

2008-05-26T13:47:00.001-07:00

Our next Madison Photo Group meeting is a few weeks away. Take a moment and leave a comment about what you are learning as you are striving to take better pictures. What have you tried that worked or didn't work. Have you found a great place to take some shots? Tell us about it! Do you have how or why questions about photography? Go ahead! Ask away....

AND to give you time to think about it - the theme for June-July is architecture.

Yes, it is intentionally broad! If you are interested in a morning or evening trip downtown to take some shots, let me know at the next meeting on June 10.

Leave your responses in a comment.

A couple of pics from the National Cemetary in Madison

2008-05-21T07:46:00.001-07:00

On Memorial Day weekend...
we remember!

Photos worth viewing!

2008-05-19T17:03:00.000-07:00

I recently came across the Popular Photography magazine website. They have an annual photo contest and you can stretch your imagination by viewing the winners! The site - HERE

First meeting

2008-04-09T11:33:00.000-07:00

Our first meeting went well! Don't get bogged down in the details, worrying about uploading or editing. I can help. For this month, just give your attention to taking pictures and having the main subject NOT in the center of your picture. If it helps remind you, when you are composing your picture, remember a tic-tac-toe grid. Try to get your subject in the general area of where the lines cross.

I'm looking forward to seeing your creativity unleashed through your photos! Just let me know if you need help uploading 2-4 best shots.

Finally, if you need a refresher about the lesson, follow the link in the sidebar to Jodie Coston's online class. We looked over lesson one. If it all seems to overwhelm you, here is another site that is easy to follow - HERE!

Oh...one last thing. HAVE FUN!

Welcome

2008-04-05T12:36:00.000-07:00

My name is Barry and I'll be leading this group. I'm no expert by any means but together we can learn the ins and outs of good photography.

The vision for the Madison Photo Group is simple - to have fun while learning how to take better pictures! Join us when you can.