Wednesday, Mar. 11th, 7:30 p.m.
McLeanCommunity Center
Alan Sislen -- Panoramas = Artistic Vision + Technical Skills
Definition of Panos
Why Shoot Panos?
Before You Press the Shutter Release
Composition of Panos
Tripods, Rails, L-Brackets, Leveling
Lens Choices - Use of PC and Tilt/Shift lenses
Determining Nodal Point(s)
Handholding
Setting Camera Controls - Exposure/Focusing/White Balance
Pressing the Shutter Release
Post Shooting - Stitching using Photoshop CS3 and CS4
Automated Programs - Photoshop/Elements/Panorama Factory/Panorama Maker
Alan Sislen has been an avid photographer for more than 35 years. His passion is landscape photography in color, black and white and infrared, and he has photographed extensively in the United States, France, Italy, Canada, England, New Zealand and Iceland.
Although his equipment might be "state-of-the-art," Alan's style and technique are traditional. Digital manipulation is kept to a minimum. The boundaries of his digital processing are confined to what the masters of the "wet" darkroom were able to do, or aspired to do. Today, the computer and modern tools allow far greater precision than was ever imagined in the traditional darkroom and Alan takes advantage of these tools to process and present his work.
Alan has studied with well-known British landscape photographer Charlie Waite, former National Geographic photographer Bruce Dale, wildlife enthusiast Moose Peterson, former photojournalist Michael Reichmann, digital expert Thom Hogan, fine art photographer Vincent Versace, photographic artist and Photoshop master John Paul Caponigro, Photoshop expert Eliot Cohen, fine art photographer Charles Cramer and color management and printing expert Bill Atkinson. Alan’s work has been selected for many jurored shows and exhibits and he has received numerous awards for his fine art photography.
Alan's work can be seen in his studio in Bethesda, Maryland, at his studio in VisArts in Rockville, Maryland and at Multiple Exposures Gallery in Alexandria, Virginia. / President’s Message
Note that we’ve made a switch in Alan Sislen’s announced topic. There was a growing impression that more Panorama information might be of more interest to more members. We’ll still try to get a couple tips from Alan on Infrared photography as well.
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Congratulations to all our ribbon winners from last month’s Competition. Results follow on p. 3. Our guest judge was Ellis Rosenberg.
Final Meadowlark news:
It’s almost here. The Meadowlark2009 Nature Photography Expo is March 7 & 8. Volunteers are still needed. Especially for those who have images judged into the exhibition or who have done well in these exhibitions, be sure to help out by volunteering. Contact our Meadowlark coordinator Bill Prosser at or 703-821-2670.
Keynote speaker -- Bruce Dale -- The Making of Images -- BAD Ideas behind Good Photographs:
Bruce A Dale (BAD) will show highlights of his career in photography and share some of the lessons he has learned. With over 2,000 photos published in National Geographic Magazine, his work ranges from a 6 month trip with Gypsies overland between England and India to high-tech holographic images. He’ll include a selection of work during the past year in Tasmania and a provocative selection of images taken in the last few months with a shirt pocket camera in New Orleans, The American Southwest and Europe.
More information on Meadowlark is in the next section, especially concerning the volunteer activities needed, the Keynote address, and the Sat. night reception.
Upcoming area events include:
Meadowlark – lots of information in this newsletter on next page
Smithsonian Photo Contest begins Mar.2 Smithsonian.com/photocontest
Corey Hilz location workshops
Joseph Rossbach Photography
Bill Folsom workshops at Meadowlark,
Biotrek Adventure Travels with Sunny Reynolds
Christine Kent Bowles,
Horizon Creativity Workshops,
Ace Photo classes,
And, as always, be sure to check out the Northern Virginia Association of Camera Clubs (NOVACC) events, field trips, and workshops listed on p. 4. The NOVACC Web site is at:
Meadowlark Photography Exhibition information:
The Meadowlark 2009 Nature Photography Expo will soon be here (March 7 & 8).
Meadowlark Keynote speaker – Bruce Dale, Friday, March 6 keynote dinner.
The Making of Images -- BAD Ideas behind Good Photographs:
Bruce A Dale (BAD) will show highlights of his career in photography and share some of the lessons he has learned. With over 2,000 photos published in National Geographic Magazine, his work ranges from a 6 month trip with Gypsies overland between England and India to high-tech holographic images. He’ll include a selection of work during the past year in Tasmania and a provocative selection of images taken in the last few months with a shirt pocket camera in New Orleans, The American Southwest and Europe.
Bruce Dale has produced over two thousand published photographs in National Geographic during his travels in over 75 countries. Recognitions include twice named Magazine Photographer of the Year, 1989 White House Photographer of the Year, and honors for his digital work from the Smithsonian Institution. In addition to many other awards, one of his photographs now journeys beyond the solar system on board NASA's Voyager Spacecraft as testimony about planet Earth. His versatility ranges from anthropological studies of Gypsies and American Mountain People, to highly technical work such as mounting remote cameras on the vertical stabilizer of a jumbo jet to make in-flight photos. A half dozen stories in China, Bats, Roadrunners, a book on the American Southwest, and a splendid collection of landscape images contribute to his portfolio. In 2007, National Geographic published a collection of his infrared photography at Arlington National cemetery and panoramas from recent work in India.
Bruce’s lecture will include highlights from his career at National Geographic with stories behind the photographs. How do you capture on camera what you see with your eyes? He’ll try and show you. He’ll explain where ideas come from and how to prepare yourself for those serendipitous moments that make the best pictures.
Fairfax County Gov. Center exhibit, associated with promoting Meadowlark Photo Expo (through April 4, 2009):
Images that have been juried into the Meadowlark Exhibition from among the various clubs are being displayed at the FairfaxGovernmentCenter. It’s too late to get in, but it’s an opportunity to view the photos at the GovernmentCenter.
Volunteers needed:
Volunteers for the Exhibition: Please remember all members who have images judged into the exhibition are expected to volunteer time to support the club's assignments. Those of you who are not selected into the exhibition or who do not enter images, please volunteer any way. It is a grand event and needs lots of volunteer help to make it a
success. We all benefit from a successful exhibition.
We need volunteers for:
Friday Keynote: 1 volunteer - Will Haubert.
Saturday 7 AM Speaker Tent Chair Set up: at least three volunteers = Punit Sinha, Tony Hathaway, Tom Mangan
Saturday 7 AM MPC Table with juried pictures set up: 2 volunteers needed -Melanie Kershaw? Minnie Gallman?
Saturday Club Table 9 -11 AM: 1 volunteer - Sue Teunis?
Saturday Club Table 11 AM - 1 PM: 1 volunteer - Jan Ponder?
Sunday Club Table 10 -11:30 AM: 1 volunteer - Marty Kendall?
Sunday Club Table 11:30 AM - 1 PM: 1 volunteer - Gloria Freund?
Sunday 4:30 PM Chair take down: 3 volunteers at least - Bruce Copping
? - where the question marks are, Bill needs confirmations that they can make the volunteer time.
And others can still be a big help. Please give a few minutes of your time. For more information, please contact Bill Prosser, MPC Exhibits Coordinator ( or (703) 821-2670).
Expo reception Sat. night: Numbers for this year's reception will be much more limited due to stricter fire regulations. All those who have images juried into the Expo are invited to attend the reception. Please call the Meadowlark Desk and leave your name, club affiliation, phone number, and if you are bringing a guest. Please do so promptly. 703-255-3631, ext. 0.
After Feb. 26th, if there is space remaining, all those who entered images, and anyone who has volunteered their help, may call to be included in the reception. After March 1st, space remaining, any club member may call to be included in the reception.
If you have any questions contact Bill Prosser ( or 703-821-2670).
McLean Photo Club
2-11-09
Competition Results
Judge: Ellis Rosenberg
Novice Monochrome5 Entries
First Place:Will HaubertAspen Detail
Second Place: Will HaubertRio Maggiore
Novice Color10 Entries
First Place:Loraine ChickoringEvening Stroll
Second Place: Will HaubertPrepared for Winter
Third Place:Will HaubertKolbCanyon in Autumn
Advanced Monochrome6 Entries
First Place:Margaret HuddyLincoln’s View
Second Place: Ursy PotterZander Triangle
Advaned Color31 Entries
First Place:Punit SinhaPyramidLake Suset
Second Place: Gloria Freund Partners for Life
Third Place:PunitSinhaMammoth Hot Springs
Hon. MentionUrsy PotterSunset on the Pacific
Hon. MentionUrsy PotterLet’s Eat
Hon. MentionPunitSinhaLakeMoran
Hon. MentionTom ManganBurning Bright
Hon. MentionTom ManganBehind the Sunset
No Slide competition
* Will Haubert was promoted to “Advanced”
Note from Barbara Bowles (formerly Barbara Carey):
I was member for 7 years and I moved to Santa FeNew Mexico to do my art.
Do you remember me blonde, we use to have alot of meetings at Ronnie Straws. I changed my name back to my maiden name Barbara Bowles I use to go by Barbara Carey. I learned a lot at the photo club meetings and competitions.
I am having a one woman show of my photographs at The Booth Western Art Museum in Georgia outside Atlanta. I have been working really hard on my photography the past 7 years, I have my own gallery in Santa Fe check it out
How are you doing? Please send my regards to the other members of the club who may remember me and if you come to Santa Fe let me know!
Northern Virginia Alliance of Camera Clubs (NOVACC)
March 2009 programs of the affiliated clubs
(As a member of the McLean Photography Club you may attend any of the listed activities
Loudoun Photography Club
Contact: Mary Austin-Keller ator 703-435-8907
Website:
Meetings: The George Washington University Virginia Campus, Ashburn (see website for directions )
Program: Thursday, March 12: “Low Light and Night Photography” with Ian Plant
Competition: Thursday, March 26: “Nature”
Field Trip: TBD – Check website or Yahoo Group for more info.
McLean Photography Club
Contact: Bruce Copping at (703) 264-8873 or
Website: .
Meetings:Held on the 2nd Wed. at 7:30 pm (meet & greet at 7:15 pm), at the McLeanCommunity Center, or as indicated.
Program: Wed. March 11, 7:30 p.m. Alan Sislen -- Panoramas = Artistic Vision + Technical Skills
Composition of panoramas, Tripods, Rails, L-Brackets, Leveling, Lens Choices - Use of PC and Tilt/Shift lenses, Determining Nodal Point(s), Setting Camera Controls - Exposure/Focusing/White Balance
Post Shooting - Stitching using Photoshop CS3 and CS4
Automated Programs - Photoshop/Elements/Panorama Factory/Panorama Maker
Competition: May 13
Northern Virginia Photographic Society
Contact: Tom Brett at 703-642-1595 or
Website:
Meetings: Held at 7:30 pm at Dunn Loring Fire Station, 2148 Gallows Rd., Dunn Loring, Va.
Program:March 3rd, Michael Borek, his photography primarily focuses on old, delapidated structures in which he is looking for poetic juxtaposition and real atmosphere.
Competition: March 17th, Judy Switt
Forum and Members Gallery: March 24th, Corey Hilz, Local Photo Gems – favorite locations in the Washington DC area
Workshops, Education and Training: Mar 10, 2009, Night Photography with Gary Silverstein
Field Trips: April 2nd - 5th, Charleston SC, contact Gerry Abbott, gerry.abbott "at" cox.net, 703.967.9677 (mobile)
Reston Photographic Society
Contact: Ellis Rosenberg at 703-855-4008 or
Website:
Meetings: Held the 3rd Monday of the month 7:30-9:30 pm at the Reston Community Center – Hunters Woods.
Program:On March 16th we will have a presentation on wedding and boudoir photography by professional photographer Thuy Dong (Tweety)
Vienna Photographic Society
Contact:Mary Jane Fish at (703) 281-9743 or or Mike Stevens at 703-619-1605 or
Website:
Meetings:Held on the 1st and 3rd Wed. at 7:30 pm in the main lecture hall of the ThoreauMiddle School, 2505 Cedar Lane, Vienna, VA.
Program: Wednesday, March 4 @ 7:30pm… Paul Simmons shows us how to create quality digital slide shows with his tutorial on ProShow Gold
Competition:Wednesday, March 18 @ 7:30pm… open (unthemed) competition with Cory Hilz as the judge.
Field Trip:Saturday, March 28… day trip to PatapscoState Park and Ellicott City (MD)
Forum: Wednesday, March 25 @ 7:30pm… Dave Biehler presenting a lecture/demo on “Using Lightroom”
Upcoming exhibitions, workshops, events:
Smithsonian Photo Contest
Begins March2 (to December 1). Go to Smithsonian.com/photocontestfor the rules, other contest info and to submit your photos. March 2 isalso the day 50 finalists are announced from the just concluded 6thcontest and readers are invited to vote for their favorites. Get shooting!
Location Photography Workshops with Corey Hilz
Join Corey Hilz to photograph in a great location at a beautiful time of year, receive personal attention in the field and learn how you can make your photographs even better. Location workshops allow Corey to spend more time assisting participants and answering questions while out photographing. The workshops also include critiques and presentations on composition, creative techniques, image editing, software and more.
2009 Workshop Schedule:
Charleston, South Carolina: April 2-5
St. Michaels, Maryland: June 4-7
Ireland: June 23 - July 3
Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Tennessee: September 17-20
Canaan Valley, West Virginia: October 8-11
China: October 20 - November 3
You can find details about these workshops other learning opportunities at
Feel free to contact Corey Hilz with any questions: or 703.473.4618
Bill Folsom workshops at Meadowlark
Goto to see Bill Folsom classes dealing with the key elements of photography. Introductory classes are offered aimed at beginners; those classes provide a very gentle overview of all aspects of photography in a 1 to 2 hour lecture. Intermediate classes help beginners to understand the basics of photography (lighting, equipment, composition) and are also helpful to those who wish to become better photographers. Some of the advanced classes can also be taken by beginners once they have some experience in photography. Advanced techniques, such as understanding aperture, shutter speed, and exposure are useful for those who wish to advance beyond the "point-and-shoot" style of photography. If the weather cooperates, classes frequently head outside to photograph in the Gardens for an hour or so after each class.
William B. Folsom Photography, Inc.
7600 Tremayne Place, #104
McLean, VA22102
cell: 571-213-8696
Joseph Rossbach Photography Workshops
-- Web site
443-603-2384
-- samples of Joe's photos
-- schedule of workshops
and introducing Mountain Trail Photo - a brand new website for photographers
Joe is part of a new website, Mountain Trail Photo ( Mountain Trail Photo is your one-stop source for nature photography inspiration, education, and exploration. There you will find image galleries from the Mountain Trail Photo Team (which is made up of some of the nation's most talented nature photographers); how-to articles and trip reports; information on nature photography workshops; and links to purchase team members' books and calendars. Also, Mountain Trail Photo holds regular nature photography contests, giving participants the opportunity to win prizes and discounts on workshops, and to have their images displayed on the site. With regular updates -- including recent images, blog entries, and new articles every month -- there's always something new to discover at Mountain Trail Photo. Whether you are an avid nature photographer looking to sharpen your skills, or just someone who likes looking at beautiful photographs, this is the site for you!
Christine Kent Bowles:
Please visit the Specialty Workshop area of Christine’swebsite at: or e-mail Christine at
Smithsonian classes:
The Smithsonian has many photography and digital media classes and events going on:
An example of one of the classes:
Working with Digital Cameras:
This hands-on workshop covers topics such as obtaining a good exposure using various shooting modes; making exposure adjustments on an image that is too light or dark; controlling color and tone as files are captured; understanding resolution, picture quality, and file formats such as JPEG and RAW; transferring files to the computer; and organizing files with a browser.
Meli Mathis
The Smithsonian Associates
Public Affairs Intern
202-633-8671
WashingtonSchool of Photography
4850 Rugby Ave., Bethesda, MD20814
301-654-1998
WSP has workshops and professional programs in nature photography, digital specialties (like Photoshop), film
photography, studio lighting, fine art photography, gallery events, and more.
Biotrek Adventure Travels
Sunny Reynolds, Director
81 Main Street, Warrenton, VA20186USA * (540) 349-0040
E-mail:
Bella Vista Photography Workshops
Mary Louise Ravese
(540) 882-9354
Ace Photo classes
Ace Photo
44710 Cape Ct.
Suite 122
Ashburn , VA , 20147United States
703-430-3333
Horizon Creativity Workshops:
2008 Workshops (eligiblefor discount)
Travel - CecilCounty (ChesapeakeCity, Oct. 31-Nov. 2)
Nature: Blackwater Wildlife Refuge (Nov. 6-9...Waiting list only)
The Canon Experience (ChesapeakeCity Nov. 13-16) (2 spaces left)
Camera Basics (ChesapeakeCity, Nov. 7) (2 spaces left)
Creative Vision (ChesapeakeCity, Nov. 8-9)
Documentary (ChesapeakeCity, Nov 7-9)
Weddings (ChesapeakeCity, Nov 13-16) (2 spaces left)
Flash Magic (ChesapeakeCity, Nov. 22-23)
Editing Your Images (ChesapeakeCity, Dec. 6)
Steve Gottlieb
Director, Horizon Workshops
98 Bohemia Ave. PO Box 9
Chesapeake City, MD21915
410 885-2433
Virginia Photo Safaris
Nov 29 - Conowingo Dam, Md - Full day safari
Dec 13 - Bombay Hook NWR - Smyrna, De - 1/2 day safari
Meadowlark 2009:
2009 People's Choice Contest:
The theme is Ponds and Wetlands. This includes scenes of wetlands and ponds, as well as plants and wildlife at these locations. Photos must be taken in the Mid-Atlantic region (New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, West Virginia, Delaware, Maryland, Virginia and WashingtonDC). No hand of man is allowed.