The guest speaker at the Monday, June3 meeting of the Connecticut Valley Camera Club (CVCC) will be professional photographer George Fellner, who will give a talk titled, “ Pictures at an Exhibition: A Mindset for Creative Photography.” 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.
About the presentation: This program explores the characteristics and attributes that make a photograph successful. While there are numerous categories and genres of subject material, there are nonetheless certain common denominators that can be implemented for making a good photograph. One can determine a preferred genre as well as a theme that relates to a personal frame of reference for creating a body of work. Specifically, there is a set of criteria that can be defined as objectives. For example, an image should have impact and possess a certain attraction that is both compelling as well as captivating for the viewer. A creative expression that is unique and imaginative, helping to convey a message is paramount for a photograph that is intended to leave a lasting impression. Furthermore, drama and emotion have the propensity to affect the viewer’s experience. The elements of composition certainly are a part of the equation, as well as the technical understanding of proper lighting, color balance, resolution, detail, contrast, tonal gradation, among other specific aspects.
Through a discussion of concepts, strategies, and process, George Fellner presents a mindset for creative photography. His use of visual examples helps to illustrate the positive and negative aspects of a photograph in a descriptive and revealing manner. The intent is to provide an understanding of what makes a photograph creative and what is involved in judging images in a photo show. Ultimately, as photographers, we all strive to learn what works for Pictures at an Exhibition.
About the speaker: As a photographer and architect, George Fellner is committed to a dual life-path involving visual discovery and design, relating to both the natural and built environments. He has been presenting photography programs to camera clubs, art guilds, professional organizations, historical societies, community groups, and schools since 2004. His subjects include landscape, architecture, travel, and elements of nature. George received his Bachelor of Architecture degree from Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, and his Master of Architecture degree from the University of Florida. Now, with over 30 years as principal of Fellner Architects, he continues to utilize his design sensitivities for creative photography.
George’s photographs have been published in books, journals, magazines, newspapers, and travel guides. INK Publications magazine (Feb 2013) featured the article Photographer George Fellner: Architect for Body and Spirit. The book Artists’ Homes and Studios (2015) by E. Ashley Rooney features George’s studio, art, and creative process. He wrote and published his first book Imaginary Realms: The Visual Language of Stones and Crystals (2016). His latest book Essence of Architecture in East Haddam: Expressions of a Connecticut River Town is being published in May of 2019. George’s work has been exhibited in art galleries and museums, both in group shows and solo shows. A series of his images are exhibited in permanent art collections at the Yale School of Medicine, the Jackson Laboratory at the University of Connecticut, and the NYC offices for Nature Genetics, an international science journal.
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 .
Mary Fiorelli, Program Chair
CVCC
