Tuesday, March 24, 2020

Conference Workshops at the 2020 NECCC photography conference

Conference Workshops 
$52 before June 26th ($62 after) Pre-registration required. Class sizes are limited; Register Early!
Find out more and register at www.NECCCPhotoConference.org


CW1     Image Review by Conference Speaker ~45 minutes. Have up to 15 images reviewed by one of North America’s top photographers who will provide feedback and help you grow as a photographer. An email to pick your top three reviewers will be sent to you by 6/21 (due back 6/28). You will likely get your 1st/2nd choice; Time slot/reviewer will be emailed to you.


CW2*     Jackie Kramer (FL) Artistic Floral Post-Processing Techniques (laptops*) Friday 12:30-3:15pm All skill levels. Watch how you can take a good image & make it stellar using a variety of editing techniques ranging from a short five-minute Lightroom edit to a composite in Photoshop. Guaranteed to ensure your creative juices flow long after your initial captures in the field as you upload & edit later at your computer. You will walk away expanding the universe of potential images and broadening your vision.

CW3*  Clifford Pickett (NY) Lightroom Post-Processing Magic (laptops*) Saturday 12:30-3pm A Foundational Masterclass on Leveraging the Full Power of Lightroom Using A Visual Roadmap. This class is very different than others you have taken. Lightroom is a powerful tool but the most powerful tool available to you as a photographer is knowledge. Have you ever wondered what actually makes an image better and why? Come gain that knowledge. Clifford will share his Visual Roadmap, a framework for understanding & applying the various tools available in LR. Basically, when you look at your photo, you’ll know what to do & how to do it. Most photographers, even those who have been using LR for a while, have no idea of the real power under the hood. Whether you’re a total beginner or advanced, you’re going to walk away knowing how to do things you never knew of or thought about before, that you didn’t even know was possible inside LR. We’re going to go way beyond just what the sliders do here! All skill levels.

* For CW2 and CW3 You may share a laptop with a friend or just come and /follow along. If you bring your laptop, you are expected to have the following software pre-installed. Kramer; Lightroom and Photoshop CS6 or PS CC; Pickett: Lightoom



CW4    George Fellner (CT) -- Imaginary Realms: Macro Photography of Stones & Crystals (Optimizing Depth of Field in Photography). Hands-on with PS demo. Friday 12:30-3:30 The realities of depth of field may pose limitations for certain types of photography. 3-Dimensional subjects, particularly in macro photography (also in landscape and architectural scenes), are challenging with regard to establishing sharp focus throughout. Focus stacking involves taking a series of photos at multiple focus points which are combined in post-processing into a single optimized depth of field image. Bring camera, macro lens, tripod, shutter release cable. Skill Level:  intermediate

CW5       Mark Bowie, ANEC (MA) (ADKPI)NIGHT Photo Shoot Bring your camera Fri 10pm 
                  Sat 10pm opens after Friday fills

CW6       Susan Magnano (NY) NIGHT Light Painting Portraits Bring your camera Fri 10pm 
                 Sat 10pm open after Friday fills

CW9    Scott Kelby (FL) How to critique your own work Friday 6:30-7:30pm. Scott shares his tools for evaluating photographs across a wide variety of genres. This class was born from Scott’s experience hosting blind photo critiques on the Grid, where he discovered that many submitted photos suffer from a range of technical issues that every photographer should be trying to avoid. Gain a strong foundation in understanding the technical problems we all encounter, whether you are shooting landscapes, portraits, sports, travel, or in the studio, and learn how to use that information to evaluate the photos you plan to share with the world. By the end of this class you’ll have a new way to see your photos, and new tools to help you curate a portfolio of your strongest work.


Workshops CW10-14 Pre-registration required No charge if registered before June 26th ($62 after)


CW10        George Fellner (CT) Architectural Photo Walkabout Sunday 10am

CW11-13  Marc Farb ANEC (NY) Models & Fast Lenses Outside; Sigma loaners 
                  CW11 Fri 2:15pm 
                  CW12 Sat 2pm 
                  CW13 Sat 3:30pm

CW14      Lou & Todd Nettelhorst (IL) Sun8:30-12:30 Clinic: Designing your Photographs Using the Building Blocks of Visual Design This four-hour clinic has 3 parts: INFORM (presentation), PRACTICE (hands-on macro shoot) & FEEDBACK (image review). You will learn to design images, not just take them, using visual design building blocks. The Clinic enhances your awareness of subjects, taps into your creativity & teaches you to see differently, as you practice what you learn, & receive gentle, but honest feedback. It might just change your photographic life! Freeman Patterson’s Visual Design Workshops inspired the content, used with permission.


Find out more and register at www.NECCCPhotoConference.org

Sunday, March 15, 2020

Looking for something creative while sequestered? The 2020 Westchester International Competition is accepting entries.

Looking for something creative while sequestered?

The 2020 Westchester International Competition is accepting entries. Time is running short, competition closes on April 4th.  Use this link: https://cccw.clubexpress.com/... to see the rules and enter the competition.

This competition is recognized by the Photographic Society of America (PSA), and accepted images are eligible for PSA Star Ratings.  We very much look forward to your participation this year.

We have 3 divisions, PID Color, Monochrome and Nature.  You may enter 4 images in each division, for only $8 each.

If you have any questions, please contact Bunny Solomon at 4bunnysolomon@gmail.com.


Friday, March 13, 2020

75th annual NECCC Photography conference and COVID-19


We want to give you an update regarding the 75th Annual NECCC Photography Conference as it relates to the COVID pandemic.

At this time, we have still have our reservation with UMass in anticipation of the 75th Annual NECCC Photography Conference July 17, 18, 19th. However, circumstances are constantly changing and we will continue to work with UMass Amherst to follow Massachusetts, CDC and WHO guidelines regarding COVID-19 and everyone will be notified if plans change. We care a great deal about the well being of attendees, but please realize that the conference is not until July, over 4 months away, and at this time, the NECCC conference continues as planned.

We do encourage you to register as usual for the 75th Annual NECCC photo conference -- and note that registration so far has been going on and that pre-conference workshops and conference workshops and  photo walks are filling up.

Please know that if UMass cancels conferences due to this coronavirus pandemic continuing into the summer, you will receive a FULL REFUND for the registration and fees that you have paid.

Lisa and Tom Cuchara, 2020 conference chairs, the NECCC Board and UMass conference services

http://necccphotoconference.org


Wednesday, March 11, 2020

NECCC Pre-Conference Workshop #10 - Camera and Photo Basics: Mode, Aperture, Shutter Speed, Composition

Please notify your members that we have created a special pre-conference workshop for beginners this year. You can read more about it here: http://necccphotoconference.org/10-camera-basics/

Remind them that as part of the conference registration process, attendees can select an optional pre-conference workshop. Workshop class sizes are limited, so early registration is recommended.

NECCC Photography Conference

Pre-Conference Workshop



Are you new to photography?
Do you want to take better photos?

Now is the time move beyond your camera’s “auto” setting 
and create photos that look the way you want them to!

Hands-on Workshop
A new learning style
Camera skills
Multiple mini-sessions with instruction and hands-on practice. Everyone will go away with an understanding of how to create better photos.
Often, “basics” workshops focus on the camera buttons and not the goal of capturing better photos. Instead, this workshop focuses on capturing better photos in everyday situations.


Along the way, you will learn a lot about your camera settings and how to better leverage camera capabilities to create better results.







Situations and photo styles we will practice in this workshop 
lead by Chane Cullens

Landscape Photos   -   Focusing
  • Choosing what should be in focus and how much should be in focus
  • Focus point selection – where is the sharpest spot
  • Focus range (aperture) – how much should be in focus
  • Avoid camera shake – holding your camera steady
  • Directing your viewers – using composition techniques
Action Photos   -   Motion
  • Deciding to freeze or blur the action
  • Capturing motion (shutter speed) – putting you in control of the look
  • Focus tracking – letting your camera change focus as the subject moves
  • Leaving room ahead of the motion – using composition techniques
  • Drive mode – high-speed continuous shooting
Family Photos   -   Lighting
  • Where lighting is often poor and eliminating distractions in your photo is key for moving the result from OK to great
  • Lighting options – metering mode, exposure compensation, altering light sources – what should be dark (underexposed) or bright (overexposed)
  • Light sensitivity (ISO) – adding light by changing camera settings
  • Perspective – changing your point of view to improve results
  • Arranging people – subtle changes to improve composition
Camera Smarts   -   Intelligence
  • Using the built-in intelligent camera modes
  • Auto (A) – guarantees a great exposure, not necessarily a great photo
  • Portrait – blurs the background to make the subject stand out
  • Landscape – everything in focus from near to far
  • Close-up – make small things, appear large
  • Sports – for a moving subject, a running person or from a moving car
  • P – Program – like Auto, except the flash does not pop-up
New England’s Top Photography Conference --75th NECCC Photography Conference
July 17-19 2020 Amherst, MA     -----     Register at NECCCPhotoConference.org
Limited Capacity - Register Early for Pre-Conference Workshops

Rhonda Cullens, MNEC
NECCC VP of Publicity

Monday, March 9, 2020

NECCC Photography Conference IMAGE CRITIQUES/REVIEWS

NECCC Photography Conference IMAGE CRITIQUES/REVIEWS

Find out more and register at www.NECCCPhotoConference.org

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. Image Critiques will be by NECCC-affiliated photographers Bill Barnett, APSA, SMPSA AFIAP, HonNEC; 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 26th from Susan Mosser (s.jmosser@comcast.net). You must return the form by 7/1. You will then be contacted via e-mail with the time slot and reviewer to whom you have been assigned.

CONFERENCE IMAGE REVIEWS 
Friday and Saturday, 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. 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. You return the form and then you will be contacted via e-mail with the time slot and reviewer to whom you have been assigned. 

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 Conference provide an opportunity to receive knowledgeable feedback. Why not try it?

some testimonials from previous participants...

I am a beginner--have owned a camera for less than a year--and certainly don't have what I would call a "portfolio."  But I signed up for the review anyway.  Put some images on a USB. He made very useful suggestions and showed me how a couple of photos could be improved just by judicious cropping.  You don't have to be an experienced photographer, or have competition level photos to benefit from the image critique.  It was a very useful way to start the conference.

I could not have asked for a more cultural documentary photographer "rock star" than Ira Block. Not only is he a phenomenal photographer but a thoughtful teacher. Not all great shooters can instruct well. He is firm in his criticism while being cognizant of the student's emotional investment in the work. Having a photo walk with the same reviewer was a terrific added bonus because I could ask process questions in the field. (This was a bargain) as a 70-minute review with Ira is normally $250.00, so I truly appreciate his time and commitment to NECCC attendees.

My critique was wonderful She took her time to give me both positive feedback and some suggestions that would improve my images It certainly was a highlight of my conference experience Sarah puts you at ease immediately and builds your confidence with her positive feedback 😃 I would definitely sign up for the critique the next time I attend.

Find out more and register at www.NECCCPhotoConference.org

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 Conference provide an opportunity to receive knowledgeable feedback. Why not try it?

Portfolio Reviewers:
1.  Bill Barnett, APSA, SMPSA, GMPSA, HonNEC- 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 thatIi 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.  Charles”

Monday, March 2, 2020

NECCC 2020 CONFERENCE IMAGE REVIEWS

NECCC 2020 CONFERENCE IMAGE REVIEWS
More information and register www.NECCCPhotoConference.org

Friday and Saturday
Conference Image Review by Conference Speaker $62 (not available for registration after 6/21)

A Conference Presenter 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. NECCC conference presenters will work with you on an individual basis and provide suggestions to help you grow as a photographer. The cost is $62 per ~45-minute session. A confirmation form will be sent to you by June 21st (due back by June 28th). You will then be emailed with your time slot on Friday or Saturday & assigned reviewer.

some testimonials from previous participants...

I am a beginner--have owned a camera for less than a year--and certainly don't have what I would call a "portfolio."  But I signed up for the review anyway.  Put some images on a USB. He made very useful suggestions and showed me how a couple of photos could be improved just by judicious cropping.  You don't have to be an experienced photographer, or have competition level photos to benefit from the image critique.  It was a very useful way to start the conference.

I could not have asked for a more cultural documentary photographer "rock star" than Ira Block. Not only is he a phenomenal photographer but a thoughtful teacher. Not all great shooters can instruct well. He is firm in his criticism while being cognizant of the student's emotional investment in the work. Having a photo walk with the same reviewer was a terrific added bonus because I could ask process questions in the field. (This was a bargain) as a 70-minute review with Ira is normally $250.00, so I truly appreciate his time and commitment to NECCC attendees.

My critique was wonderful She took her time to give me both positive feedback and some suggestions that would improve my images It certainly was a highlight of my conference experience Sarah puts you at ease immediately and builds your confidence with her positive feedback 😃 I would definitely sign up for the critique the next time I attend.

Find out more and register at www.NECCCPhotoConference.org