Thursday, December 27, 2018

Michael Milicia, Professional Nature Photographer, to speak at CT Valley Camera Club Meeting, January 7, 2019

Michael Milicia, Professional Nature Photographer, to speak at CT Valley Camera Club Meeting, January 7, 2019.

The guest speaker at the Monday, January 7, 2019 meeting of the Connecticut Valley Camera Club (CVCC) will be professional nature photographer Michael Milicia. He will give a presentation titled, “Focus on Sharpness”. The meeting will be held at 7 p.m. at the Lymes’ Senior Center, 26 Town Woods Rd., Old Lyme, Conn. All are welcome. There is no admission charge.

Capturing fine detail is often a critical element of a successful image. This presentation will explore a variety of tools and techniques which help to maximize image sharpness.  We will take an in depth look at the many features and tuning options of today’s autofocus (AF) systems and how to best take advantage of them. Other topics will include live view AF, mirrorless AF, back button focus, tripods and heads, long lens technique, handholding, and microfocus adjustment.

Milicia’s love of the outdoors is rooted in his time growing up in the rolling hills of rural Western Pennsylvania. After earning a Computer Science degree at Carnegie-Mellon University, he embarked on a 27 year career as a Software Engineer which included stints at IBM, Digital Equipment Corporation, and Hewlett-Packard, as well as graduate studies at Syracuse University and Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute. In 2005, I left the software industry to pursue a second career as a Nature Photographer specializing in birds and wildlife.

I strive to create images that include an artistic element and have an aesthetic appeal that transcends their role as natural history documentation.  I am motivated by a love of nature, a fascination with wildlife, and the never-ending challenge of finding that perfect combination of good light, cooperative subject, attractive setting, and beautiful background that allows me to create an artistically pleasing image.

My passion for photography is rivaled only by my passion for teaching photography. During my years as a Software Engineer, I was continually faced with the need to analyze complex subjects and break them down in a well organized, step by step manner that made them easier to understand and communicate. I find that this approach also works quite well when teaching the technical aspects of photography. I enjoy teaching at all levels, whether it is helping beginners get acquainted with the world of digital photography or helping more experienced photographers take their images to the next level.

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 Mystic. 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 www.facebook.com/CTValleyCameraClubPage.

Contact: Mary Fiorelli, ctvalleycameraclubprograms@gmail.com