February• 2013
Volume 30 • Issue 2
Louisiana Photographic Society (LPS) • P.O. Box 83834 • Baton Rouge, LA 70884 • Website: laphotosociety.com
Louisiana Photographic Society meets on the third Thursday of each month at the
Baton Rouge Garden Center 7950 Independence Blvd. Baton Rouge, LA Across from Louisiana State Police Headquarters
Visitors are always welcome! Membership dues are $25/year Each additional family member $5/year
FEBRUARY EVENTS February 21, 2013 7:00 pm Monthly Meeting Print competition theme: Print— Photojournalism February 2, 2013 Field Trip “Rods” Car Show 10 am Holiday Inn, Airline@I-10
MARCH EVENTS March 23, 2013 9:30 am—3:00 pm Camera Basics Class Jones Creek Library FUTURE EVENTS Tentative May 18th Photoshop Elements by Jay Patel July 20th
President's Message I will be the presenter in February speaking on the topic of digital image conversion to black and white. In preparation for the talk, I want to discuss setting your exposure for best results. Exposure control is very important for all photography but I think especially so for B&W. The meters in our cameras will expose for the average of the scene to be 18% gray or neutral gray. If you use a spot meter, you can specify what part of your image you want to be neutral gray. Compensation control allows you to adjust your meter so that the brightness of the image is increased or decreased usually in steps of 1/3 of a stop. The Zone System developed by Ansil Adams divided the values of light to dark or pure white to pure black into 9 steps each separated by one f-stop. Neutral gray is Zone V, so setting your meter compensation to + 1 would result in all of the neutral colors to move from Zone V to Zone VI and make the image more over exposed. Any scene with high variations from light to dark requires that you choose between exposing for the lights and losing shadow detail or exposing for shadow detail and blowing out the highlights. One way around this is to take several images at different exposures and then combine them together using HDR software. This allows us to do something that Ansil Adams could never do and that is use the full 9 zones in his Zone System. If you are not able to make multiple exposures or don't have HDR software, be sure to expose for the highlights. It is more pleasing to have less shadow detail than to have blown out highlights. I usually set my meter compensation to -0.7 stops to get more highlight detail and better color saturation. Also, keep in mind, shooting in RAW allows for post processing to +/- 2 stops in exposure correction. Shooting in jpg allows for very little exposure adjustments. Try out these suggestions and see what you think of the results. I hope you start looking for images to convert to B&W and enter more in the monthly competitions. -Gene Bachman
TBD
November 9th TBD
The mission of LPS is to advance and promote the art of photography in the River Parishes of South Louisiana.
S peaker’s C orner LPS Focus · Page 2 · February 2013
January
Guest speaker Ken Wilson holds a bubble level during his talk on the importance of using a tripod for steady shots at the January 17 meeting. Wilson, a past LPS president, also authored a new book on Louisiana wildflowers. (Photo by
Some 75 photo enthusiasts attended the first LPS meeting of 2013 on January 17, one of the largest turnouts in recent memory. The club attracts beginners to professionals. (Photo by Mark Claesgens.)
Mark Claesgens.)
February
Conversion of Digital Images to B&W Prints by Gene Bachman
I originally joined LPS in 1982 and competed in 35mm slides, mostly Kodachrome, until about 1987 when other interests demanded more of my time. I rejoined LPS in 2005 about the time that I started using digital photographic equipment. I found that working with digital images was much less time
consuming than the hours of darkroom work needed to produce acceptable results. Any image could be converted from color to B&W, so the possibilities for monochrome images was greatly expanded. I still had B&W negatives from my old days of shooting film, but these could be scanned into the computer and adjusted as digital images too. I enjoy the artistic freedom of working in monochrome. There are no right and wrong ways to manipulate the image, only personal choice for how you want the final image to appear. In color, much less latitude is available. I feel that this freedom allows me to express myself much more and has resulted in being awarded LPS B&W Photographer of the Year for the years of 2007, 2009, 2010, 2011, and 2012.
LPS Focus 路 Page 3 路 February 2013
FIELD TRIP
I will be presenting my workflow for B&W images all the way from importing RAW files from the camera to printing the B&W prints. I primarily use Lightroom 4 for color to B&W conversions and adjustments, Photomatix Pro for HDR, and Photoshop CS5 for anything that I can't do in Lightroom and Photomatix. I use QuadToneRIP for printing B&W images. I will cover use of Develop Presets in Lightroom and how to construct and save your own Presets. For those who don't use Lightroom, I will briefly discuss how to convert images to B&W in Photoshop CS5 and Photoshop Elements 11. I hope that my talk will result in more participation from the membership in the B&W prints competitions.
"RODS" Car Show; Rambling Oldies of Denham Springs (Depending on Weather): Expect 150-250 Hot Rods and Old Cars from LA, TX, MS, AR, OH, PA WHEN: Saturday, February 2, 2013 WHERE: Holiday Inn, Airline Highway & I-10 TIME: Most cars will be in place by 10AM VENDORS: Food, T-Shirts, Car Parts WEATHER: AM: 49 deg; High: 67 deg; 10% rain Ken Wilson Field Trip Guy
LPS Focus 路 Page 4 路 February 2013
ne th i l ad r y 8 e D ua br e F
LPS Coates Guest House Exhibit April 2013
LPS members are strongly encouraged to submit images for consideration for this juried exhibit. The
exhibits at the Coates House have a strong following and this is an incredible opportunity for our members to have their work seen by the arts community.
Please email up to 5 images to dbcoates@cox.net Images should be 800 pixels on the long side and no more than 300k. Images should be in no later than February 8th. If you have any questions please call or email Kathy Reeves at 667-9946 or exhibitcoordinator@laphotosociety.com
February 2013 Monthly Competition Medium: Print Theme: Photojournalism Thursday, February 21, 2013 Competitions are open to LPS members in good standing, who may submit two images each month according to the requirements laid out in the LPS Monthly Competition documents found on the website: http://www.laphotosociety.com/monthlycompetition.php Photojournalism entries shall consist of pictures or sequences with informative content and emotional impact, including human interest, documentary and spot news. The journalistic value of the photograph shall be considered over pictorial quality. In the interest of credibility, photographs which misrepresent the truth, such as manipulation to alter the subject matter, or situations which are set up for the purpose of photography, are unacceptable in Photojournalism competition. No elements may be moved, cloned, added, deleted, rearranged, combined or changed in any way that affects the integrity of the image content. No manipulation or modification is permitted except resizing, cropping, selective lightening or darkening, and restoration of original color of the scene. No special effect filters can be added or applied either before or after image creation, and any sharpening must appear natural.
2013
Monthly Competition Schedule Month
Medium
Theme
January
Digital Projection
Open Theme
February
Prints
Photojournalism
March
Digital Projection
Open Theme
April
Prints
Open Theme
May
Digital Projection
4 Seasons
June
Prints
Open Theme
July
Digital Projection
Open Theme
August
Prints
Patterns in Nature
September
Digital Projection
Open Theme
October
Prints
Photos from LPS Field Trips
November
Digital Projection
Past Presidents Choice
December
No Competition
Christmas Party
Winter, Spring, Summer, Fall
io at
March 23, 2013
Ed
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By: Jay Patel
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Camera Basics Workshop
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LPS Focus · Page 5 · February 2013
The Camera Basics Workshop will be held at the Jones Creek Library from 9:30 AM to 3:00 PM on March 23, 2013. During the morning session we will cover the technical aspects of
digital cameras. Most cameras take good images using program (P) setting, however under unusual conditions such as fast moving subjects or low light conditions program setting may not provide good quality images consistently. Cameras also come with many other settings besides program so as to create high quality images under unusual conditions. This knowledge will allow you to get the most out of your camera by fully utilizing its capabilities. We will review all camera settings to understand their capabilities and then learn how to choose appropriate camera settings suitable for the shooting environment. Be sure to bring your camera, accessories and manual so we can familiarize you with key camera settings and how to adjust them. We will break for lunch around 11:30 AM and return for the afternoon session. During the second half of the workshop we will cover the camera accessories such as lenses, flashes, tripods, monopods and filters. Please bring your camera accessories so we can address any questions or concerns you may have. If time permits we will review how to manage the digital images through uploading, processing and storing them on our computer and other storage media. The workshop is free and open to general public and LPS members. The space is limited and it is necessary to register by sending an email to the LPS Education Coordinator at educationcoordinator@laphotosociety.com.
Featured Websites Photography Basics: http://www.stepbystep-photography.com/courses/photography-basics-course Camera Shooting Modes: http://www.stepbystep-photography.com/courses/camera-shooting-modes-course
One of the best photography tips shared with me was... Each month we will publish “One of the best photography tips shared with me was…” To get us started Debra Babin supplied the first one. You may submit your tips for consideration to educationcoordinator@laphotosociety.com "Take the shot you first see, then take one closer, and another closer still. Many times the closest one turns out best." Slideshow Viewing Tip... Slide shows on the Internet, like the LPS gallery page, require "Flash Player" on your PC for viewing. If you are using the Safari web browser on iPad, you will possibly get a blank screen. If this is the case, try using a different web browser app such as "Puffin".
E
LPS Focus · Page 6 · February 2013
S
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Gulf States Camera Club Council 2013 Convention Jackson, MS | April 25 - 28 2013 http://www.gsconvention2013.com/home.html
The Gulf States Camera Club Council's 2013 convention is being held on April 25-28 in Jackson, Mississippi. Join us for great photography and the unrivaled hospitality that the historic city of Jackson offers. In addition to participating in a variety of photo tours in Jackson and its surrounding areas, our line-up of speakers, workshops, and sponsors will bring you the latest in photographic training, technique, and gear. Plan to join us for a weekend filled with photography and good times. Speakers include: Ed Heaton who is a published and awardwinning professional photographer and educator residing in Chester County, Pennsylvania who specializes in landscape, nature and travel photography. For close to a decade, Ed has conducted workshops, seminars, and classes on an ongoing basis. Ed’s passion for the outdoors is truly reflected in his photography. Beneath the meditative solitude of his images lie an extraordinary awareness of composition and technique. It is a vision that Ed has developed through years of experience as a professional photographer. Ken Hubbard who is the Field Services Manager for Tamron. He is responsible for the company’s events, including Tamron’s popular consumer workshop series. Ken has had nationwide gallery showings of his portrait and landscape photography and teaches enthusiasts how to take better photos at numerous events. Hazel Meredith is involved with the photographic community on local, regional and national levels. Her photos have won many awards and competitions in the past few years
in both local club competitions and international salons. She has over 125 acceptances in PSAsanctioned exhibitions, and she has also received four bronze stars and one silver star for her journalistic efforts. Robert O'Toole, an award winning professional photographer, as a BBC/Shell Wildlife "Photographer of the Year" competition award winner and the American Bald Eagle Foundation "Photographer of the Year" for 2008. Ken Sklute, of Tempe, AZ., has been working with his passions of photographing people and drag racing for 32 years. Ken has succeeded in his photography career by being named Photographer of the Year a total of 25 times between Arizona, New York, and California. Hal Wallar is an award winning photographer who has had a lifelong interest in photography and art. His photographic pursuits have ranged from fine art to technical photography and he has served as an author, presenter, and judge in regards to photographic topics.
LPS Focus · Page 7 · February 2013
GSCCC
Monthly Competition
March’s GSCCC competition category for digital projection is Pictorial (color and black & white ) and Photojournalism; the prints category is Photojournalism. The requirements are listed below. Our club recently judged a competition and we know our members have photographs worthy of entering. Please bring your prints to the meeting this month. Theresa Low will collect your prints. Please email your digital submissions to Gene Bachman. Refer to the GSCCC website for more specific information. In the Pictorial category, anything goes. It is ok to manipulate the image. Realism is not a requirement.
Photojournalism entries shall consist of pictures or sequences with informative content and emotional impact, including human interest, documentary and spot news. The journalistic value of the photograph shall be considered over pictorial quality. In the interest of credibility, photographs which misrepresent the truth, such as manipulation to alter the subject matter, or situations which are set up for the purpose of photography, are unacceptable in Photojournalism competition. No elements may be moved, cloned, added, deleted, rearranged, combined or changed in any way that affects the integrity of the image content. No manipulation or modification is permitted except resizing, cropping, selective lightening or darkening, and restoration of original color of the scene. No special effect filters can be added or applied either before or after image creation, and any sharpening must appear natural.
Print, slide, or digital sequences may be entered by placing more than one picture in a single image. Competing club rules for Prints 1. Pictorial, Nature, and Photojournalism prints must be no larger than 16”x 20”, either mounted or unmounted. For a mounted print, the mounting board should be no larger than 20”x 24”. There is no minimum size. Prints may be printed commercially or self printed. 2. Each print must be identified with a title, a number (1, 2, 3, or 4), the maker’s name, and the name of the club. 3. The number on the image must correspond with the number listed on the Entry Form, which must accompany each club’s entry. The Louisiana Photographic Society is a member of the Gulf States Camera Club Convention along with 35 clubs from Louisiana, Mississippi, New Mexico, Oklahoma, and Texas. This regional competition has a competition for prints and digital images for most months in the year.
LPS Focus · Page 8 · February 2013
THE ART OF SEEING CREATIVELY — an interactive photography workshop
“The Tripod” Dede Lusk, Beverly Coates, and Toni Goss will facilitate.
Develop your photographic vision
Stretch your creative boundaries
Break the rut of boring photographs
Saturday, April 27, 2013 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Burden Conference Center 4560 Essen Lane • Baton Rouge $55 Admission includes lunch
Print registration form at www.burdenhorticulturesociety.com For more information call 225-763-3990
LPS Focus 路 Page 9 路 February 2013
Congratulations! John Gallagher
Horses in the Badlands, South Dakota was published in Cowboys & Indians magazine, February-March 2013. This is the second year John has had an image chosen for publication in Cowboys & Indians magazine.
Membership Drive Our Membership drive continues. Please remember to pay your dues and to invite your friends and colleagues to our meeting and encourage them to join us this year. Our membership roster will be updated after the March meeting. To continue to be eligible for fieldtrips and competitions and receive the newsletter, you must be current on your dues. We added 11 new members at last meeting. The membership form is at the end of the newsletter.
LPS Focus 路 Page 10 路 February 2013
The work of photographers Randy Roussel, Michael Cooper, and Tom Stigall was well-received by those attending showings at the gallery of the Coates Guest House on the evening of January 17 and the afternoon of January 20. The Guest House is opened by the owner, Beverly Coates, for exhibits of art work throughout the year. A local attorney, Randy Roussel believes that there are few places as special as Baton Rouge and South Louisiana. The abundance of diverse landscapes and wildlife are the inspiration for his photographs. These themes were wellrepresented in his work on display at the exhibit. Michael Cooper first discovered photography in 1991 when he purchased a Canon T60 with a 35-70 mm zoom lens. Photography soon became a passion for him, as well as an amazing personal and artistic journey that continues to this day. Cooper works in both black & white and color media. Tom Stigall is a retired psychologist whose approach to photography is guided by a desire to create images that are meaningful, not only for himself, but for others as well. He seeks to preserve images that will be experienced by the viewer as aesthetically pleasing, sympathetic and nurturing, awe-inspiring, or arresting. A good turnout was on hand for both showings. But the beautiful weather on Sunday afternoon was an added inducement for people to come out for the Camera Works exhibit. In attendance were friends, family, and Baton Rougeans interested in the arts. LPS President Gene Bachman and Mrs. Bachman and other LPS members were among those attending. Dulcimer music was provided by Helen Bankston, Peggy Broussard, and Marie Varnes. The Guest House is also the venue for the LPS juried show to be held in April. (Date to be announced.) Beverly Coates is accepting entries for that show now until February 8. More details can be found in another article in this issue of Focus and on the LPS website under Exhibits. That exhibit will be a wonderful opportunity to showcase the talent that we have in the club. -Photographs by Beverly Coates
The Coates Guest House Dede Lusk, Toni Goss, Beverly Coates
LPS Focus 路 Page 11 路 February 2013
Randy Roussel, Ted and Patty Terrell
Tom and Connie Stigall
Gene Bachman
Kimberly and Michael Cooper
A. J. Meek
Ben & Bettsie Miller with David Humphreys
Digital Projection Category A
W inners
LPS Focus 路 Page 12 路 February 2013
1st Place
Seeing the Light by David Hall
2nd Place
Afton Villa Driveway by Gene Bachman
Level A
Level A
LPS Focus 路 Page 13 路 February 2013
3rd Place
Looking for Breakfast by Paul Kavanaugh
Level A
1st HM
Le Beau Mansion by Ken Wilson
Level A
LPS Focus · Page 14 · February 2013
2ndHM
My Grandfather’s Barn by Linda Medine
Level A
3rd HM
Wings in the Night by Earl Arboneaux
Level A
W inners
LPS Focus 路 Page 15 路 February 2013
Digital Projection Category B
1st Place
2nd Place
Foggy Morning Flight by Renee Pierce
Waiting to Enter by Pat Beard
Level B
Level B
LPS Focus 路 Page 16 路 February 2013
3rd Place
1st HM
November Moon by Tony Thibodeaux
Wasp by Bridget Mayo
Level B
Level B
LPS Focus 路 Page 17 路 February 2013
Member Submissions Photographs by Linda Medine Bass Pro Shops, Denham Springs
On January 12, 2013 I went to the Livingston Parish Art Council for a LPS program that I thoroughly enjoyed. The program was over at 2:00. Elizabeth and I took our cameras as we wanted to go shooting for a few hours. It had been raining so much we didn't know where to go so Elizabeth said what about going to the Bass Pro Shop. When she first suggested Bass Pro Shop I thought what can you take pictures of there. Well, I have a few samples of the pictures that I took there. Bass Pro welcomes photographers. Enjoy.
LPS Focus 路 Page 18 路 February 2013
Photographs by Linda Medine Bass Pro Shops, Denham Springs
LPS Focus 路 Page 19 路 February 2013
Photographs by Linda Medine Bass Pro Shops, Denham Springs
LPS Focus · Page 20 · February 2013
Photographs by Linda Medine Bass Pro Shops, Denham Springs
LPS Members are encouraged to submit photographs and articles for inclusion in FOCUS, the Louisiana Photographic Society Newsletter. Items received up to 3 days before the end of the month will be included in the following month’s newsletter. Send your submissions to: newslettereditor@laphotosoci ety.com Please be sure to read the sizing guidelines before submitting.
LPS Focus 路 Page 21 路 February 2013
LPS OFFICERS President:
Gene Bachman president@laphotosociety.com
Vice President:
David Arbour vicepresident@laphotosociety.com
LPS COORDINATORS Digital Projection:
Monthly Competition:
Education:
Newsletter:
Donald Ewing dpcontestcoordinator@laphotosociety.com
Jay Patel/ Debra Babin
educationcoordinator@laphotosociety.com
Past President:
Equipment:
Secretary:
Exhibits:
Elizabeth Mangham pastpresident@laphotosociety.com
Cathy Smart secretary@laphotosociety.com
Treasurer:
Ray Totty treasurer@laphotosociety.com
David Howell equipmentcoordinator@laphotosociety.com
Kathy Reeves exhibitcoordinator@laphotosociety.com
Facebook:
Stephanie Ross facebookcoordinator@laphotosociety.com
Field Trips:
Ken Wilson fieldtripcoordinator@laphotosociety.com
Greeter/Name Tags:
Stephanie Ross facebookcoordinator@laphotsociety.com
Tommy Graner monthlycompetitioncoordinator@laphotosociety.com
Renee Pierce newslettereditor@laphotosociety.com
Programs:
Linda Medine programscoordinator@laphotosociety.com
Publicity:
Mark Claesgens & Barry Spears publicitycoordinator@laphotosociety.com
Refreshment: Position Open
Website:
David Arbour websitecoordinator@laphotsociety.com
Competition Review Chair: Gene Bachman president@laphotsociety.com
GSCCC Representatives: Louisiana Photographic Society is a member of the Gulf States Camera Club Council. The GSCCC Newsletter is available at:
Theresa Low & Gene Bachman GSCCCcoordinator@laphotsociety.com
Library:
Helen Haw librarycoordinator@laphotosociety.com
http://www.gulfstatesccc.org/html/ newsletters.html Find us on Facebook
http://www.gulfstatesccc.org/
http://www.psa-photo.org/
LPS Focus · Page 22 · February 2013
Membership Form Mail completed form and dues to:
Louisiana Photographic Society P.O. Box 83834 ,Baton Rouge, LA 70884-3834 www.laphotosociety.com MEMBER OF PHOTOGRAPHIC SOCIETY OF AMERICA AND GULF STATES CAMERA CLUB COUNCIL
WELCOME TO LOUISIANA PHOTOGRAPHIC SOCIETY LPS communicates to members through website, e-mail, and monthly meetings. All members are encouraged to visit the LPS website at www.laphotosociety.com for the latest on club news and events. The monthly newsletter “FOCUS” is available on the website on the first day of each month. Please provide an e-mail address below to receive club updates. If you do not receive e-mail communications after 30 days, notify LPS at treasurer@laphotosociety.com. Select one: [ ] Membership Renewal [ ] New Member – If you are a New Member, how did you learn about LPS: [ ] Current Member [ ] LPS Website [ ] Newspaper/Magazine [ ] Social Network [ ] Other______________ Select one: [
] Individual Membership $25.00/year [
] Student Membership $5.00/year–Must be a current student
Name _______________________________________________________
Date ______________________
Address __________________________________________ City _________________ State ____ Zip______ Home Phone (
__ )_______________________ Cell Phone (
__)_________________________
E-mail Address ___________________________________________________________________________ [
] Additional Family Member $5.00/year–ONLY available with the Individual Membership, not Student Membership
Name _______________________________________________________
Date ______________________
Mailing Address ____________________________________ City _________________ State ____ Zip______ Home Phone (
_ )________________________ Cell Phone (
__)_____________________________
E-mail Address ____________________________________________________________________________ SPECIFY FOCUS OF PHOTOGRAPHY:
SPECIFY AREA OF LEARNING INTEREST:
SPECIFY AREA OF INTEREST IN CLUB PARTICIPATION: [ ] Competition (set up, tally votes, present ribbons) [ ] Education (plan/teach, set up workshops and seminars) [ ] Equipment (store, transport, set up for LPS functions) [ ] Exhibits (explore locations, set up/take down exhibits) [ ] Field Trips (plan and arrange to photograph at various sites) [ ] Gulf States Camera Club Council (GSCCC liaison, collect and submit entries for GSCCC competition) [ ] Library (display and maintain materials, check-in/out)
[ ] Programs (plan speakers, make arrangements for speakers at monthly meetings) [ ] Projection (set up and operate equipment for digital projection competition) [ ] Publicity (publicize programs, meetings, events) [ ] Refreshments (plan and set up refreshments)
YOUR PARTICIPATION IS GREATLY APPRECIATED!