April 2010 Meeting Notes

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

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

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

35 Powerful Photos

Flickr Beginner Group

Flickr Point and Shoot Group

Flickr Nashville Group

Portrait Guide

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

Free tips!

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

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