Monday, February 26, 2018

NECCC2018 PRECONFERENCE WORKSHOPS AND IMAGE CRITIQUES/REVIEWS

PRECONFERENCE WORKSHOPS AND IMAGE CRITIQUES/REVIEWS
This is your chance for three hours of hands-on learning! 
Friday, July 13 (9am–Noon) – Workshops and Image Critiques will run concurrently. You can only attend one.
Please go to www.neccc.org/p/2018-conference.html for more informatio



PRE-CONFERENCE IMAGE CRITIQUE These Image Critiques will run concurrently with the pre-conference workshops, so you cannot attend both. One of the special opportunities available to NECCC conference attendees is a one-on-one evaluation of your photographs by an experienced, accomplished New England photographer. Come and have up to 15 images (prints and/or digital) reviewed by one of New England’s top photographers. The cost is $41.20 per 40-minute session. Image Critiques will be by NECCC-affiliated photographers Bill Barnett, APSA, AFIAP, MNEC; Jake Mosser, HonPSA, EPSA, HonNEC, and Sarah Musumeci, MNEC. Participants can discuss their work on an individual basis.  If you sign up for this service, a confirmation form will be sent to you by June 22nd from Susan Mosser (s.jmosser@comcast.net). You must return the form by June 28th. You will then be contacted via e-mail with the time slot and reviewer to whom you have been assigned. The critiques at the NECCC Summer Conference provide an opportunity to receive knowledgeable feedback. Why not try it?

#1 “Quick 10 Minute Workflows in Adobe Photoshop CC for Nature Photographers” Hector D. Astorga (TX) Sponsored by Santa Clara Ranch Tired of spending hours in the computer working on your images?  In this on-hands workshop we will show you how to create great images using quick 10-minute workflows in Adobe Photoshop CC using Adobe Bridge, Camera Raw, Photoshop CC to produce great images in little time. Note - this workshop will NOT cover Lightroom. Prerequisites: Have Photoshop CC pre-loaded/activated on their laptops and know how to open and save files. Those who prefer to use Photoshop CS6 may still participate but need to understand that some features covered in the class may be different between CC and CS6. For all skill levels.

#2 "Innovative Night Techniques: Beyond the Milky Way” Mark Bowie (MA) Sponsored by ADKPI This workshop will be divided into three sections, "Innovative Night Imagery: Beyond the Milky Way", followed by a live demonstration on processing night images and then the remainder of the time devoted to hands-on post-processing session. Images will be provided for each student to practice processing techniques. Students may also bring their own images. Examples might include the Milky Way, multiple exposures for reducing noise and for creating star trails/circles, and time-lapse sequences. Mark will go in-depth on strategies for: Photographing the landscape in relation to the stars, moon, northern lights, and other celestial objects, determining night exposures, focusing in the dark, combining separate exposures for the night sky and the landscape, Shooting and stacking multiple exposures to expand depth of field and reduce noise, Painting with artificial light, Processing night images with Lightroom, Photoshop, StarStax, and Starry Landscape Stacker. Prerequisites: Students should bring a laptop with Lightroom, Photoshop, StarStax (free), and Starry Landscape Stacker (Mac only). Having the software is not mandatory; students can watch Mark demonstrate.  For all skill levels.

#3 “Digital Artistry with Photoshop” Ella Carlson (MA) To create composites in Adobe Photoshop is to be able to create worlds limited only by one’s imagination. The art of combining multiple images into a cohesive art piece is complex and fascinating. Join award winning digital artist Ella Putney Carlson for a three-hour workshop full of tips and techniques for making great composites using Photoshop. From concept to completion, Ella will touch on the elements of successful compositing including selections, lighting, color and texture as well as sharing many of her favorite techniques and shortcuts to make your workflow faster. Prerequisites: Participants will be expected to have Photoshop CS6 or CC pre-loaded and activated on their laptops and know how to open and save files. For intermediate to advanced skill levels.

#4 “The Joy of Selective Focus” Kathleen Clemons (ME) Sponsored by Lensbaby Learn how to use your Lensbaby or just come and try out some Lensbaby lenses! Learn how to control your Sweet Spot and how to See in a New Way. Selective focus is Kathleen’s favorite way to make photographs, she is a big fan of blur! Topics for this session will include focal length and lens choices, aperture selection and how to use blur correctly when using very shallow depth of field, and critical focus techniques essential to this technique. Prerequisites: Bring your camera with LensBaby lens/lenses (hand-held) and/or borrow Lensbaby lenses (Velvet, Twist, Composer, lenses etc.) from our sponsor Lensbaby Whether you recently purchased a new Lensbaby, are thinking about getting one, or your Lensbaby is unopened or sitting in a closet this class is for you. For all skill levels. Note: Participants will likely go outside to use the lenses, so you must be able to walk and stand for several hours.

#5 "My Backyard - 3 C's Colorful, Creative, Conceptual" Keynote speaker and Canon Explorer of Light Darell Gulin (WA) Sponsored by Canon. Darrell says that "I travel the world but 40% of my sales always are things from my home/backyard photography." Without leaving my home, year in and year out I generate images that account for up to 40% of my annual sales.  I will share some of these images and how they were created.  Doing set-ups, techniques, equipment, flash, macro, lighting, backgrounds and more. Some subjects that will be covered will be Feathers, Rocks (Agates), Butterflies, Beetles, Garden, Flowers. Come and learn about ways to take dramatic photograph and make money without having to travel the world. Bring your appetite to learn and your questions; leave with a better understanding of creating images that are Colorful, Creative and Conceptual – and hopefully create currency for you! For all skill levels.

#6 “Photograph Birds of Prey and Raptors” Ken Hubbard (NY) Sponsored by Tamron Ken will assist you and give you advice on lenses, light, composition, exposure and depth of field while you are using (your own or a borrowed) Tamron lenses and shooting portraits of the birds. You will also learn about shutter speed, auto focusing modes, focusing tips and more. During the shoot you’ll be able to try out the latest Tamron lenses! Note that this workshop will be outside, weather permitting (with a backup inside location). Prerequisites: Bring your camera. The fee for the Raptor workshop is $97.85 (including the 3% UMASS admin. fee). For all skill levels, but please note that you must be able to walk to and stand during this three-hour workshop. 20 participants max

#7 “Macro Water Droplet Workshop” Don Komarechka (Ontario, Canada) Step into a world of photography that most artists consider magical. Photographing refracted images within water droplets reveals not only the beauty of simple physics, but it opens the creative doors to unlimited possibilities in macro photography. This hands-on workshop will explore some of the smallest subjects that photography has to offer and is open to anyone of any skill level. Expect it to be challenging, but you will walk away with images you’d be proud to share. Prerequisites: Bring any photographic gear you have to “get close”. Macro lenses, close-up filters and extension tubes work great. You will also need to use flash or have a VERY bright flashlight. For pop-up on camera flash bring an empty Pringles can and you’ve got the necessary tools to make it work perfectly for you. Tripods are optional. “I shoot all of my images without a tripod. Whether or not you bring a tripod, I’ll be encouraging you – at least once – to attempt the shots handheld. With the right technique, it’s easier than you think!” For all skill levels. 24 participants max

#8 “Portraits Unplugged: Natural Lighting Techniques with Models at the Graffiti Wall” Bobbi Lane and Lee Varis (MA) Sponsored by Fujifilm Photograph models at the Graffiti Wall using natural light, as this workshop is all about natural light, nothing technical or mechanical. Everyone has natural light available, learn how to find and manipulate it with reflectors and diffusers. Come and explore how the qualities of light contribute to the feeling of the portrait. These masters know how to work with all kinds of light, come and learn! Check out www.bobbilane.com/Personal/Portraits-Unplugged/45. Please note we will move this location for inclement weather. Prerequisites: dSLR or mirrorless camera 24-105mm type lens (a 70-200mm is a good too but you must be able to hand-hold it for three hours). Bring a diffuser/reflector if you have one. For all skill levels. Note: You must be able to walk to and stand during for this three-hour workshop. 20 participants max

#9 "From Capture to Print" Jim LaSala (NJ) Sponsored by Moab This hands-on workshop involves learning all of the aspects of an image from capture to print and having full control of how we want our images to be viewed. We will cover: Using available light, Post processing, Lightroom, Photoshop, Plugins, Printing on Moab's Fine Art Papers and Understanding ICC Profile. Participants will leave with a BW print of their own. Prerequisites: laptop computer with Photoshop CS6 or CC, Lightroom, and Topaz BW Effects installed. This Pre-conference workshop is for all skill levels. For all skill levels. 12 participants max


#11 “Take Control of your Lightroom Workflow” Rob Sylvan (NH) Sponsored by Wacom. The bedrock of any Lightroom workflow is being in total control of your catalog, your photos, and any associated preview caches, templates, and presets. Come and learn the fundamentals. This workshop will cover the Library and Develop modules where you manage, keyword, edit and enhance your images. Learn how to quickly and easily import, organize, edit, rate, and enhance your images, and how to efficiently with synchronized settings and presets. Prerequisites: laptop computer with Adobe Lightroom Classic installed. FYI, this workshop also would apply to Lightroom LR6 users. For all skill levels.

#12 “Creative Editing Techniques in Lightroom” Betty Wiley (MA) Take your image editing to the next level by going beyond the basics of Lightroom. Learn various creative editing techniques including the creation of dramatic lighting, selectively adding color and punch, adding a grunge or edgy look, creating black and white with selective color, using the range masking feature, as well as the use of split toning and much more. Prepare to be amazed by what Lightroom can do! Betty will provide images and you will watch her and then do the same techniques. Prerequisites: Students should have Lightroom (preferably Adobe Lightroom Classic, but LR5/LR6 users will also get a lot out of this workshop) running on their laptops. Skill level: basic LR experience as we will focus on intermediate editing techniques to create more unique looks and effects than can be achieved by just using the basic editing sliders. You may choose to share a computer and look on with a friend or just come and take notes if you learn better without your computer. For intermediate skill levels.

CONFERENCE IMAGE REVIEWS Friday 1pm-4:30pm, Saturday 8:30am-4:30pm, Sunday 8:30-12:30. The is a NEW service for the 73rd Annual NECCC conference where Conference Presenters will evaluate your photographs. This is your opportunity to have up to 15 images (prints and/or digital) reviewed by one of North America’s top photographers. The cost is $66.95 per 25-30-minute session. Image Reviews NECCC conference presenters such as Kathleen Clemons, Mark Bowie, John Slonina, Lee Varis, Bobbi Lane, Jennifer King, Jim LaSala, Denise Silva, Ella Carlson, Ira Block, Mandy Lea, Cusi Taylor, Hector Astorga, Betty Wiley, etc. Participants will work with a presenter on an individual basis. Come and hear suggestions to allow you to grow as a photographer. If you sign up for this service, a confirmation form will be sent to you by June 22nd by Tom Cuchara (tlcbam@comcast.net). You must return the form by June 28th. You will then be contacted via e-mail with the time slot and reviewer to whom you have been assigned.  28 participants max

Wednesday, February 21, 2018

PSA PID competition on March 18.

Hi Lisa,

The Housatonic Camera Club is Judging the PSA PID competition on March 18th

Can this jpeg promo be put on the blog?

Thanks,
Bert Schmitz


conference trade show free to public Saturday March 25th

conference trade show free to public


There is Something  for everyone at FocusNY 2018

13 speakers, print competition, parties, shoot-out and much more at the PPSNYS FocusNY convention at the beautiful Villa Roma Resort in Callicoon, NY

Focus NY 2018 promises to be a new, bold step in the right direction for all of us. The theme "Illumination!" isn’t just a photographic term. It’s about turning the lights on in our work, our marketing, our membership and our hearts. The Heart is most important. Without heart, none of the rest makes sense or matters. It’s the core of what we do - capturing emotion in light, dark and color... with proper illumination, of course.

 March 24 to 26, 2018 at the beautiful Villa Roma Resort in New York’s Catskill Mountains. We can’t wait to see you there! Click Here to Register today! https://www.eventbrite.com/e/focusny-2018-tickets-39527744548




Binghamton Club Sponsoring a Photography Seminar

Binghamton Club Sponsoring a Photography Seminar

In early April, the Two Rivers Photography Club (TRPC) in Binghamton, NY, will be presenting a lecture and workshop by nationally known nature photographer, Roman Kurywczak. Topics at the Saturday, April 7, session include techniques and hints in photographing wildlife, night-time scenes, and macro images. On Sunday, April 8, Mr. Kurywczak will conduct two hands-on workshops in close-up photography of plants and flowers.

The Saturday session takes place from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. at the DoubleTree Hotel on Water Street in Binghamton, and the Sunday workshops, one from 9:30 a.m. to noon, and the second one from 1:00 p.m. to 3:30 p.m, will take place in partnership with Tioga Gardens at 2217 State Route 17C in Owego.

Cost of the lecture/instruction event, which includes lunch,  is $50.00 for TRPC member and students and $60.00 for non-members. The Sunday workshop (either the morning or the afternoon sessions) costs $45.00 for TRPC members and students and $55.00 for non-members.  There is a $10.00 discount if attending both the lecture and one of the workshops. After March 30, the Saturday session will cost $65.00 for all attendees, including walk-ins.

To register, go to 2rpc.com, and click on the “2018 Annual Seminar Form” line to download a form.

Walk-in registrations and sign-ins will be at 8:30 a.m. at the DoubleTree.

Don Costello
Two Rivers Photography Club
607-238-1653
shdcos@aol.com

Professional Photographers Association of RI is holding our 65th annual convention

Good Evening Lisa,

The Professional Photographers Association of RI is holding our 65th annual convention March 2nd, 3rd & 4th at the Radisson Hotel in Warwick.  We’d love to have members of your group join us for a weekend of education and networking!
Join us on FB at https://www.facebook.com/ProfessionalPhotographersRhodeIsland/

Saturday, March 3rd FREE to All!
With Registration
Rick Hydren…………………….. “What I Wished I’d Known Sooner” about photographing real estate
TRADE SHOW & Lunch………Shop, Network & grab a bite
Gene Hutnak…………………“Keeping It Simple” with Gene’s niche products that families can count on to
recreate a consistent look even when children are photographed years apart.
Awards Program…………… Join us to cheer the award-winning photographers and get to know our judges &
members
President’s Suite…………… Here’s your chance to network with other photographers in a relaxed atmosphere.
This is where you make personal connections with others in your industry!



Thank you and let me know if I can do anything for you!
Debbi
Deb Bettencourt
Board Member
Professional Photographers Assoc. of RI
Deb@DebBettencourtPhotography.com
508.761.5220

Hunt’s Photo Adventures.

A complete list of Hunt’s Photo Adventures.can be found at http://edu.huntsphoto.com/hunts-photo-adventures/ 
We often get questions about what is and what is not included on these trips. General information pertaining to that is listed at the top of that link, but if you have any questions, feel free to follow up with me. More than happy to help!


Paul Nelson
Education Coordinator
Hunt's Photo & Video
781-462-2368
pnelson@huntsphoto.com
HuntsEducation.com

Tuesday, February 20, 2018

NECCC Winter 2018 Electronic Interclub Competition

NECCC Winter 2018 Electronic Interclub Competition. Results (full report and galleries) posted here  http://www.neccc.org/p/interclub-competition.html

The Winter 2018 competition, hosted by the Whaling City Camera Club, was held on Thursday, February 8, 2018 at The First Congregational Church, Center Street, Fairhaven, MA. The competition was directed by chairman Joan-Marie Proulx (Vice-President of the Whaling City Camera Club) with assistance provided by Suzanne McDonald, Pat Bethel, Mary-Ann Cole and Sally Erickson Forty-two clubs participated in the Pictorial section (22 from Class A and 20 from Class B) and forty clubs participated in the Nature section (17 from Class A and 23 from Class B). Thanks are extended to the Whaling City Camera Club for hosting this second competition of the 2017-18 season.

The judges for the competition were:
• Ray Guillette, HonNEC. Past President of the Stony Brook Camera Club, Honorary Member of
the Photographic Soc. of RI, Past President and Honorary Member of NECCC.
• James Pennypacker. Juried member of the Cape Cod Art Center and Plymouth Art Guild.
• David Cuddy. Former photography editor for the Standard Times.




Sunday, February 18, 2018

CT Valley Camera Club Hosts Acclaimed Photographer and Writer Chris Nicholson at Mar. 5 Talk on Photographing National Parks

CT Valley Camera Club Hosts Acclaimed Photographer and Writer Chris Nicholson at Mar. 5 Talk on Photographing National Parks

AREAWIDE: The guest speaker at the Monday, Mar. 5 meeting of the Connecticut Valley Camera Club (CVCC) will be the acclaimed photographer and author Chris Nicholson, who will give a presentation titled "Photographing National Parks."  The meeting will be held at 7 p.m. at the Lymes’ Senior Center, 26 Town Woods Rd., Old Lyme, Conn. All are welcome.

Chris Nicholson is a photographer and writer based in southern Connecticut and New York City. Formerly a magazine editor for ten years, he has worked on a freelance basis since 2004, with his camerawork focused primarily on the travel and sports genres. His writing and photographs have been published in over 30 magazines and several books.

Nicholson works in a primarily conservative style, believing that ideal composition is simple, strong and powerful. He has covered locations in Australia and throughout the continental United States (especially in New England, which he considers to be one of the most aesthetically unique regions of America).

Throughout his career he has studied the American national parks. Whether for assignments, publishing projects or personal work, Nicholson travels to national parks several times per year for photography. Over the past two decades he has paid particular attention to Acadia, Everglades, Grand Teton, Great Smoky Mountains, Olympic, Shenandoah and Yellowstone, visiting and photographing those seven a combined 26 times.

About the Connecticut Valley Camera Club (CVCC): The CVCC is dedicated to offering its membership the opportunity to become better photographers. The group offers a variety of presentations and interactive workshops to help members expand their technical and creative skills. Photographers of all levels of experience are welcomed.  The club draws members from up and down the river, from Middletown to Old Saybrook; from East Hampton to Old Lyme; and along the shoreline from Guilford to Gales Ferry. For more information, visit the club’s website at https://ctvalleycameraclub.smugmug.com. CVCC meeting dates, speakers/topics, and other notices are also published on the club’s Facebook page at http://www.facebook.com/CTValleyCameraClubPage.

2nd Creative Photography Conference May 19-20, 2018

2nd Creative Photography Conference May 19-20, 2018
Southbridge Hotel & Conference Center Southbridge, MA


CAP Ron Rosenstock May 5th

Put May 5, 2018, on your calendar and plan to attend the CAP Spring Dinner & Program featuring Ron Rosenstock and his program "Photography as a Spiritual Experience." The dinner and program will be held at the Crystal Ballroom, 44 Maynard Street, Middletown, CT, beginning at 5 p.m.
Click for a flyer containing all the details including the menu, a description of Ron's program, and a registration form. The cost is $32 per person if you register by April 15 or $37 if you register closer to the event.


Study the art and science of photography, in a warm, friendly environment – with some of the best in the industry… a retreat for the mind and soul.

Study the art and science of photography, in a warm, friendly environment – with some of the best in the industry… a retreat for the mind and soul.

New England’s best photographic education for photographers. You will be inspired to continue to improve your art. Study the art and science of photography, in a warm, friendly environment – with some of the best in the industry… a retreat for the mind and soul.  Join us and see for yourself.

NEIPP 2018 will take place April 8 through April 12, at the beautiful Resort and Conference Center at Hyannis, 35 Scudder Avenue, Hyannis, MA 02601.

NEIPP isn't just about going to class and listening to a famous photographer tell you about how "they did it".  You will spend your days learning how you can do it!  Hands-on in the classroom and on location, intense and elightening instruction and developing a style all your own.  You will be given tools, tips and ideas to perfect your art.

Look Who is Coming to NEIPP -- Check Out Class Details Here!

Grab a full copy of NEIPP's Program Guide. Don't miss out. NEIPP offers professional photography education for everyone. You don't have to be a pro to go!

Saturday, February 17, 2018

IMAGE CRITIQUES/REVIEWS at the 2018 NECCC photography conference

IMAGE CRITIQUES/REVIEWS

Please go to www.neccc.org/p/2018-conference.html for more information

One of the special opportunities available to attendees at the NECCC Conference is a one-on-one evaluation of your photographs by an experienced, accomplished New England photographer.

How do they work? You bring 15 images or perhaps a few more in case time is available. The images may be prints and/or digital. Prints are laid out on a table for review. The reviewer loads digital images from a memory stick into a computer and examines them using a program such as Lightroom. You and the reviewer then carefully examine each image. The reviewer offers suggestions on how you might improve the composition, technical quality or other aspects of each image. She/he will also consider your images as a group. You will also be able to ask questions regarding tools, techniques, selecting images, judging, etc.

Why do I need this? Creative people don’t have absolute standards against which they can measure their work. Much of its value depends on how well it connects with another viewer. When you look at your own images, you remember the special experiences you had when you captured them or how hard you had to work. The person critiquing your images is only looking at the final versions and will probably see them differently than you do. All creative people, not just photographers, have a variety of ways to receive feedback. Writers rely on editors to help them improve while speakers depend on audience reactions. Musicians attend master classes to refine their technique guided by an experienced performer. We all need help from mentors to improve our craft. The critiques at the NECCC Summer Conference provide an opportunity to receive knowledgeable feedback. Why not try it?

PRE-CONFERENCE IMAGE CRITIQUE These Image Critiques will run concurrently with the pre-conference workshops, so you cannot attend both. One of the special opportunities available to NECCC conference attendees is a one-on-one evaluation of your photographs by an experienced, accomplished New England photographer. Come and have up to 15 images (prints and/or digital) reviewed by one of New England’s top photographers. The cost is $41.20 per 40-minute session. Image Critiques will be by NECCC-affiliated photographers Bill Barnett, APSA, AFIAP, MNEC; Jake Mosser, HonPSA, EPSA, HonNEC, and Sarah Musumeci, MNEC. Participants can discuss their work on an individual basis.  If you sign up for this service, a confirmation form will be sent to you by June 22nd from Susan Mosser (s.jmosser@comcast.net). You must return the form by June 28th. You will then be contacted via e-mail with the time slot and reviewer to whom you have been assigned. The critiques at the NECCC Summer Conference provide an opportunity to receive knowledgeable feedback. Why not try it?

CONFERENCE IMAGE REVIEWS Friday 1pm-4:30pm, Saturday 8:30am-4:30pm, Sunday 8:30-12:30. The is a NEW service for the 73rd Annual NECCC conference where Conference Presenters will evaluate your photographs. This is your opportunity to have up to 15 images (prints and/or digital) reviewed by one of North America’s top photographers. The cost is $66.95 per 25-30-minute session. Image Reviews NECCC conference presenters such as Kathleen Clemons, Mark Bowie, John Slonina, Lee Varis, Bobbi Lane, Jennifer King, Jim LaSala, Denise Silva, Ella Carlson, Ira Block, Mandy Lea, Cusi Taylor, Hector Astorga, Betty Wiley, etc. Participants will work with a presenter on an individual basis. Come and hear suggestions to allow you to grow as a photographer. If you sign up for this service, a confirmation form will be sent to you by June 22nd by Tom Cuchara (tlcbam@comcast.net). You must return the form by June 28th. You will then be contacted via e-mail with the time slot and reviewer to whom you have been assigned.  28 participants max

PRE-CONFERENCE IMAGE CRITIQUE Friday, July 14 (9 am - Noon) Workshops and Image Critiques will run concurrently, so you cannot attend both.
Susan Mosser, HonPSA, HonNEC (s.jmosser@comcast.net) will contact people that signed up for image critique with information as to the location and details.


This is your opportunity to have up to 15 images (prints and/or digital) reviewed by one of New England’s top photographers/judges. The cost is $41.20 per 40 minute session. Participants can discuss their work on an individual basis. If you sign up for this service, a confirmation form will be sent to you by June 23rd. You must return the form by June 29th. You will then be contacted via e-mail with the time slot and reviewer to whom you have been assigned. Please note this activity takes place at the same time as the other preconference workshops. If paying by check write a separate check.

Portfolio Reviewers:
1.      Bill Barnett, APSA, GMPSA, MNEC- Proficient in both Mac or PC, and Photo editing. International Exhibition competitor, print maker. Extremely knowledgeable in all aspects of Photography- Photo Travel, landscapes, informal portraits, street scenes, cityscapes are his main subject matter. Judges throughout New England.
2.      Sarah Musumeci, MNEC - Proficient in both Mac or PC, and Photo editing. Has own Photo Business shooting Bed and Breakfast inns. Photographs still life’s, portraits, scenics, architecture. Teaches and judges throughout New England. Print maker.
3.      Jake Mosser, HonPSA, EPSA, HonNEC- PC user only, International Exhibition Competitor, Print maker, Photographs anything but primarily nature, macro, sports, street photography, landscapes.       Teaches on Nature photography and basics in photography. Judges throughout New England

From Image Reviewer Sarah Musumeci, MNEC “Being a portfolio reviewer is my favorite activity at the NECCC conference – year after year! Like a child having a great tutor, a good reviewer takes the level of the presented work and drives it up a giant step. The reviewer begins a few weeks before the conference by familiarizing himself/herself with the attendees/subject's personal work. This information has been passed to the reviewer via the conference chair people - well before the actual conference weekend. And then during the session, the reviewer presents to the attendee, thoughtful and organized, step by step, suggestions on how to improve his/her work. Also, there is plenty of time to point out the strengths and talents seen in the attendee's portfolio.  This is an important part of growth - as building blocks and through a simple confidence boost in one's abilities!

One of the reasons that I think the portfolio reviews are beneficial, Is due to the personal nature of the review itself. It would take months and months - if not years - at a camera club to get this kind of personal attention and close-up scrutiny over an image. Judges have a limited time on competition night, often with hundreds of images on which they must focus and comment. And maybe only one or two belong to any one person. During a review at NECCC a reviewer may speak about 20 or 25 personal images- each in detail. Often too, the attendee will begin to see 'negative patterns' that need attention, but may not be seen otherwise unless looked at in groupings. One thing that NECCC attendees may not understand, is that they don't need a "fancy portfolio". Several people who have not had their portfolio's reviewed mentioned to me that they did not do it because they didn't have a 'portfolio'. This review session just involves bringing a series of photographs (print and/or digital) to get feedback on. “

One of the reviewer’s (Jacob Mosser, HonPSA, EPSA, HonNEC) approach to the review is to look at a participants entire submitted work to get a sense of the photographer’s style and interests before rushing in and applying the standard critiques. He lets them explain what they were trying to achieve with each image. Then, where and when appropriate, he offers suggestions to improve their work and their photographic vision, not only with a critique of the work, but also offering tips and how-tos along with where to go for certain photos to improve their photographic experience. This is a great private learning experience personalized to fit your individual needs and questions. We had one attendee who signed up for the reviews three years in a row asking for the same reviewer each time and every year she listened to the comments, asked questions and worked to improve her work. Each year the reviewer saw great improvement in her images, taking her from a Class B competition/photographer to a Class AA.
 “This was the first time I took advantage of the portfolio review.  Bill was extremely helpful.  I learned a great deal, and will happily do the review again.  Worth every penny and then some.  Am in the process of editing the prints I brought in for review in light of Bill's suggestions.  He was right!!!  Each suggestion that I have incorporated has definitely strengthened the image.  Now I just need to remember all that goodness in new photos. ;-) Blessings, Alice “


“My portfolio review was with Sarah Musumeci. I wasn't quite sure what the expectations were prior to the review and spent quite a bit of time deciding whether to go print or digital with my portfolio and what size prints would be appropriate. I decided to bring 16x20-ish mounted prints prepared as I would for a competition to give Sarah an idea of my ability as a printer as well as a photographer. It worked out well for the kind of work I do. Sarah is, of course, a very accomplished and successful professional photographer and seemed to be a good match for me, as she does many kinds of photography, including architectural photography and still life photography, which are my main photographic interests, at least at the moment. Our time together was warm and friendly from the very beginning and the time flew by, so much so that she generously ended up giving me an extra half hour of her time. She affirmed many of the strengths of my work, but also made constructive criticisms, such as keeping things simple and keeping all aspects of a still life in character. She also shared some hidden features she knew about in Photoshop with me and suggested checking out Corel Painter as a software tool. Finally, she suggested checking out tilt and shift lenses and moving up to full frame. I have followed her advice to move up to full frame, but I am still a little intimidated by the cost of Nikon tilt and shift lenses and have not made that move yet. For me, the portfolio review was a great experience and left me feeling validated, with a renewed enthusiasm for making photographs.  Here is a link to the images that were in my portfolio: https://adobe.ly/2wf38jw Charles”

Come join us at a Macro, Closeup, Creative photo setup workshop

Come join us at a Macro, Closeup, Creative photo setup workshop
Saturday, February 24, 2018 12-4

Come join us a Photo Hi-Jinx (photo setup) Workshop. All sorts of photographic opportunities: 
Flowers, Feathers, Fruit, Still life, Double polarizers, Water droplets with flowers in them, etc.

Bring your camera, tripod, cable release, polarizer (if hyou have one), LED light -- We purchase our Gear from Hunts Photo. A pdf file containing links to the gear and software that we use, as well as discounts, can be downloaded here: http://tinyurl.com/cuchara-gear 

Please feel free to ask Tom and me questions about your camera, exposures, etc.

Lenses: a regular 24-105 kit lens works well, bring a macro lens if you have one, bring macro filters if you have them, bring extension tubes if you have them, bring a 75-300/70-200 lens if you have one, if you do not have a macro lens you can put an extension tube on your 75-300 type lens instead.

Hope you can join us ! ** You must pre-register, no walkins that day :-(

Tanzania – The Great Migration – Photo Safari August 21 – August 30, 2018

I am announcing my 2018 Tanzania Great Migration Photo Safari.

Tanzania – The Great Migration – Photo Safari August 21 – August 30, 2018


This is a trip of a lifetime for 10 of you to observe and photograph The Great Migration in Tanzania this coming August. More than 1 million wildebeest and over 200,000 zebra migrate from The Serengeti in Tanzania to the Maasai Mara in Kenya – crossing the Mara River at the risk of meeting their demise in the jaws of a Nile crocodile. This is the GREATEST wildlife spectacle on earth and we put you in the middle of it and we put you there in comfort!
Not only will you observe the migration but you have excellent prospects at photographing every other awesome animal there is to photograph in Tanzania – giraffe, cape buffalo, leopard, cheetah, rhino, lion, elephant, birds galore, monkeys, hippo, waterbuck, mongoose, baboon, crocs, serval cat(maybe), gazelle, topi, wildebeest zebra, and many, many more. Here is a PDF with all the details or you can go to my web at https://shivverma.com/tanzania-the-great-migration-photo-safari/

Please do contact me if you have any questions.

Best regards,
Shiv



Friday, February 16, 2018

Recharge, Reconnect, Learn, and Be Inspired at NECCC 2018

Recharge, Reconnect, Learn, and Be Inspired at NECCC 2018
Register to attend July 13th 14th 15th 2018 
 http://www.neccc.org/p/2018-conference.html
Registration goes live in early March



Plus 12 pre-conference workshops and LOTS of hands-on and photo-ops sessions!
NATURE
Making Better Nature Photographs
      Hector Astorga (TX) (Sponsored by Santa Clara Ranch)
My Approach to Nature Photography Contests
      Hector Astorga (TX) (Sponsored by Santa Clara Ranch)
Multiple Exposures for Maximum Landscapes
 Mark Bowie (MA) (Sponsored by ADKPI.org)
Macro Photography: Little Worlds Lots of Wonder
       David FitzSimmons (OH) (Sponsored by Sigma)
From Your Backyard to the Grand Canyon
       Ken Hubbard (NY) (Sponsored by Tamron)
Waterscapes: Techniques for Photographing Water
        Mandy Lea (Nomad) (Sponsored by Nikon)
Photographing America’s National Parks
         Jennifer King (NC)
Photographing Acadia National Park
      Colleen Miniuk-Sperry (AZ)
Wild About Wildflowers & Macro Photography
      Colleen Miniuk-Sperry (AZ)
Aurora Photography
      Denise Silva (VA)
Unleash Your Landscape Photography
      John Slonina (MA)

CREATIVITY
Envision: The Art of Seeing Creatively
     Mark Bowie (MA) (Sponsored by ADKPI.org)
The Art of Flower Portraiture
     Kathleen Clemons (ME) (sponsored by Lensbaby)
The Painterly Photograph
    Kathleen Clemons (ME) (Sponsored by Lensbaby)
Frozen Flowers
    Mo Devlin (PA)
Photo Composition: Learn How Fundamental Design Principles Can Help You Create Better Photos
    Jennifer King (NC)
The Unseen World: Ultraviolet Photography
   Don Komarechka (Ontario, Canada)
Creative Long Exposure
    Denise Silva (VA)

PORTRAIT/PT/PJ
Tips for Documentary Photographers - Taking World Class Cultural Images
 Ira Block (NY) (Sponsored by Sony)
Sports and Fast Action Photography: Getting Better Images
Marc Farb (NY) (Sponsored by Sigma)
Contemporary Children's Portrait Photography
 Tamara Lackey (CA) (Sponsored by Nikon, On1, Imagely)
Portraits with Flash: Simple and Effective
 Bobbi Lane & Lee Varis (MA) (Sponsored by Fujifilm)
Working on the Street: How to Capture the Whole Story
 Jim LaSala (NJ) (Sponsored by Maob) 

DIGITAL
Photoshop Tips and Tricks
    Ella Carlson (MA)
Editing a Light Painted Image
   Jose Leiva (ME)
Sensor Cleaning 101
   Jenn Sherry (MA) (Sponsored by Delkin)
Improve Your Workflow with Wacom Tablets
    Rob Sylvan (NH) (Sponsored by Wacom)
Lightroom Q & A
    Rob Sylvan (NH) (Sponsored by Wacom)
Photoshop Tips to Make Your Travel Photos Pop
    Lee Varis (MA) (Sponsored by Fujifilm)
Portrait Retouching for the Artistically Challenged
    Lee Varis (MA) (Sponsored by Fujifilm)
Get Creative with Lightroom
   Betty Wiley (MA)

GENERAL
Traditional Still Life Photography
   Charles Batchelder (CT)
Black and White Photography
    Geffrard Bourke (VA)
Create Fine Art Images from Historic Places and Rusty Things
   Lisa Cuchara, HonNEC (CT)
Selling Your Photography as Fine Art
   Peggy Farren (FL)
Grabbing the Brass Ring of Self-Publishing
    David FitzSimmons (OH) (Sponsored by Sigma)
Life as a Nomadic Photographer
    Mandy Lea (Nomad) (Sponsored by Nikon)
Frozen Magic: The Universe at Our Feet
   Don Komarechka (Ontario, Canada)
Painting with Light
   Jose Leiva (ME)
Clubs to Concerts – Shooting Live Performances
    Cusi Taylor (AZ) (Sponsored by Panasonic/Lumix)
Nikon Tips and Tricks for the Nikon DSLR's
    Bob Watts, ANEC (MA) (Sponsored by Nikon)

iPhone/SMARTphone
Capturing Photographs with Your Phone
    Melissa Fraser (MA)
Editing Apps for Your Phone
    Melissa Fraser (MA)
Lightroom Mobile for iPhone/Tablet
    Betty Wiley (MA)

Check out the 12 pre-conference sessions here 
Pre-conference Workshops and Events This is your chance for three hours of hands-on learning! 

THERE WILL BE LOTS OF HANDS-ON PHOTO OPPORTUNITIES AND INTERACTIVE SESSIONS

NEW THIS YEAR 
SPECIAL CONFERENCE PHOTO SHOOTS SATURDAY 2pm
Pre-registration required, see Registration Form each limited to 20 participants
Run concurrent with 2pm programs
PS1.  Special Character Model Photos Sessions
         (Models Sponsored by Sigma) Photograph people in character (Cosplay, Steampunk, Renaissance, etc.)
Constant Lighting Session led by Marc Farb
(Sponsored by Sigma)
PS2. Special Character Model Photos Sessions
 (Models Sponsored by Sigma) Photograph people in character (Cosplay, Steampunk, Renaissance, etc.)
Natural Light Session led by Jim LaSala
(Sponsored by Maob)
PS3. Lifestyle Portraiture Photo Session (Led by Tamara Lackey)
 (Sponsored by Nikon, On1, Imagely)
PS4. Sony Photo Walk with Ira Block (Sponsored by Sony)
PS5. iPhone/SmartPhone Hands-on
led by Melissa Fraser & Charles Needle
PS6. Photography with Neutral Density Filters with Denise Silva & Geffrard Bourke (bring your own ND filter or borrow one from Hunts Photo and Video)

DEMONSTRATIONS AND INTERACTIVE SESSIONS
Techniques for Real People Portraits (Demonstration)
        with Bobbi Lane & Lee Varis (Sponsored by Fujifilm)
Light Painting a Car with Jose Leiva (Demonstration)
Interactive Sessions: Audience participation: Bring your Camera
        1. The Importance of Perspective with Cusi Taylor (Sponsored by Panasonic/Lumix)
        2. Beyond the Snapshot with Colleen Miniuk-Sperry

PHOTO-OPS (Lower Level of Campus Center)
(Chris Germain, MNEC and Barbara Rozavsky, HonNEC)
        Main Room (CC169) may include glassware, black light, still life; Mylar reflections, underwater flowers and other subject matter. Bring your PC cord adaptor for electronic flash.

Special Sessions offered once throughout the weekend
Curious Critters: Capture Your Own Animal Portraits
David FitzSimmons (Sponsored by Sigma)
Photograph Raptors (Borrow a Tamron lens)
        (Friday 1-2pm only) (Sponsored by Tamron)
Snowflakes and Other Macro Setups Don Komarechka
Special Character Models (Sponsored by Sigma)
Table Top Abstract Photography Peggy Farren
Still Life Charles Batchelder
Frozen Flowers Mo Devlin
Photograph flowers Kathleen Clemons (Borrow a Lensbaby lens) (Sponsored by Lensbaby)

FEMALE MODEL PHOTOGRAPHY
Lower Level of Campus Center (Skip Hoyt, MNEC)
There will be monitored female model sets Saturday and Sunday. Indoors each photographer may photograph the model in three poses over a maximum time of two minutes. There will be different lighting set-ups in the model rooms on the lower level of the Campus Center. In the outdoor sets, also monitored but un-timed, the model will pose starting at one end of the group of photographers through to the end of the group and then start over. The model will make eye contact with each photographer and move to the next photographer. The locations will be at the pond, the Campus Center Concourse (under the hotel overhang-3rd floor) and at the church. 

VENDORS, VENDORS, VENDORS 
VISIT THEM ON THE LOWER LEVEL OF THE CAMPUS CENTER
More than 30 vendors with great products
Hunts Photo and Video will open 2 hours early on Friday with great bargains and early bird specials (Hunts Photo and Video will open Friday 10am, other vendors’ opening times on Friday may vary)