A R C H I V E S
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past events
2018 San Francisco Bay Flyway Festival
Marbled godwits come in for a landing -- Carolyn Younger photo
Several NVPS members -- Gary Sampson, Chris Sauer and Carolyn Younger -- entered the annual “Bay Area Wetlands to Ridgetops” Art Show held during the 2018 San Francisco Bay Flyway Festival, in early February. The free event, held on Mare Island in Vallejo, celebrates the migration through San Francisco Bay of more than 1 million shorebirds and hundreds of thousands of ducks, geese, hawks, songbirds and other wildlife at the peak of migration.
In the North Bay, much of the wildlife habitat is off-limits except during the three-day Flyway Festival which includes guided and self-guided birdwatching outings along the five-county “north shore” of San Francisco Bay, as well as a Wildlife Expo Hall with live presentations and booths set up by artisans, non-profits and governmental agencies. Also featured at the festival were a silent auction, kids activities and lots of local and regional venues open for tours on Mare Island and beyond.
In the North Bay, much of the wildlife habitat is off-limits except during the three-day Flyway Festival which includes guided and self-guided birdwatching outings along the five-county “north shore” of San Francisco Bay, as well as a Wildlife Expo Hall with live presentations and booths set up by artisans, non-profits and governmental agencies. Also featured at the festival were a silent auction, kids activities and lots of local and regional venues open for tours on Mare Island and beyond.
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Tulip poplar by Angie Johnson was one of a collection of images by NVPS photographers on exhibit at the Gallery at the Yountville Community Center.
Yountville Arts and the Napa Valley Photographic Society presented "In Our Mind's Eye" at the Yountville Community Center Gallery through mid-May.
The show featured the images of Angela C. Johnson, Elizabeth Bush, Karen Noyes, Ann Seronello, Joseph T. Sinclair, Irena Mills, Lanny Johnson, Michael Schaer, Constance Reid, Rhoda Stewart and Chris Sauer. Additional information on the NVPS Shows and Member Exhibits page.
The show featured the images of Angela C. Johnson, Elizabeth Bush, Karen Noyes, Ann Seronello, Joseph T. Sinclair, Irena Mills, Lanny Johnson, Michael Schaer, Constance Reid, Rhoda Stewart and Chris Sauer. Additional information on the NVPS Shows and Member Exhibits page.
christmas 2015
The NVPS holiday party was held in early December at Cedar Gables on Coombs Street. The potluck-style meal included ham and turkey and of course, salmon especially prepared by George Bartolome.
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NVPS Annual business meeting (Elections)
The NVPS annual business meeting, Monday, June 22, included a review of the annual budget 2014 - 2015 and a presentation of the 2015 - 2016 budget by Treasurer, Brian Kearney.
Members voted in the slate of NVPS officers which includes: President, Suzanne Conner; Vice President, Natalie Syverson; George Bartolome, Secretary and Brian Kearney, Treasurer; and discussed Appointed Board and Committee positions.
Phil Venable agreed to fill the vacant Program Chair slot.
There currently are openings on the board for Education Director and/or Workshop Organizer. This is an opportunity for those who enjoy learning and sharing sharing knowledge. These functions are designed to foster members’ ongoing education by offering workshops as well as interesting and current articles. These are rewarding opportunities and an important part of NVPS membership.
Those interested or with questions should contact Natalie Syverson.
Although there was no guest speaker for the June monthly meeting, NVPS member Carol Mills made an informative presentation based on her research into infrared photography and provided a number of tips as well as stunning visual examples of her most recent infrared images.
Members voted in the slate of NVPS officers which includes: President, Suzanne Conner; Vice President, Natalie Syverson; George Bartolome, Secretary and Brian Kearney, Treasurer; and discussed Appointed Board and Committee positions.
Phil Venable agreed to fill the vacant Program Chair slot.
There currently are openings on the board for Education Director and/or Workshop Organizer. This is an opportunity for those who enjoy learning and sharing sharing knowledge. These functions are designed to foster members’ ongoing education by offering workshops as well as interesting and current articles. These are rewarding opportunities and an important part of NVPS membership.
Those interested or with questions should contact Natalie Syverson.
Although there was no guest speaker for the June monthly meeting, NVPS member Carol Mills made an informative presentation based on her research into infrared photography and provided a number of tips as well as stunning visual examples of her most recent infrared images.
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MAY PICNIC 2015
The annual potluck picnic was held May 24 at the Yountville Veterans Park on Washington Street on the south side of town. All four bocce courts with shaded tables were reserved for us. The NVPS Board provided paper plates, cups, napkins and plastic utensils, NVPS members provided the eclectic, and tasty, menu.
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CHRISTMAS 2013
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past NVPS guests
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MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 28, 2015
JAN LIGHTFOOT
LESS IS MORE
Guest speaker Jan Lightfoot remembers clearly that her love of photography became an enduring passion when she was in the fourth grade and carried a Brownie camera with her on a field trip to a California Mission. Now retired after 18 years of self-employment, photography continues to fascinate her. "It has helped to define who I am today," she says. "Photography is what drives me to seek adventures near and far."
Although never formally trained, she has always been involved with photography in one form or another. After high school, she joined the Idaho Statesman newspaper photography staff, and also worked in custom color printing labs both in Idaho and California. Later she became a Certified Photographic Counselor through PMA and manager of Wentling’s Camera in Walnut Creek while raising her two daughters. During this time, she also taught photography classes and conducted field trips. In 2012, she had her first solo gallery showing at Viewpoint Photographic Gallery in Sacramento and has received numerous awards through competitions and juried shows.
"My images tend to reflect a long association with classic and traditional compositions, having adopted a “less is more” vision. I try to incorporate this philosophy in everything I shoot. Searching for the essence of the subject, or that ephemeral quality that is not always obvious, is what I strive to capture; and in doing so, to create that connection with the viewer that touches them on an emotional level. "
She is currently the organizer for Exploring Photography, an online photography Meetup group with more than 1,000 members. She is also a member of the Sierra Camera Club and the Gold Rush Chapter of PSA, and has judged local and international competitions.
Examples of Lightfoot's photographic portfolios can be seen at www.janlightfoot.com
Although never formally trained, she has always been involved with photography in one form or another. After high school, she joined the Idaho Statesman newspaper photography staff, and also worked in custom color printing labs both in Idaho and California. Later she became a Certified Photographic Counselor through PMA and manager of Wentling’s Camera in Walnut Creek while raising her two daughters. During this time, she also taught photography classes and conducted field trips. In 2012, she had her first solo gallery showing at Viewpoint Photographic Gallery in Sacramento and has received numerous awards through competitions and juried shows.
"My images tend to reflect a long association with classic and traditional compositions, having adopted a “less is more” vision. I try to incorporate this philosophy in everything I shoot. Searching for the essence of the subject, or that ephemeral quality that is not always obvious, is what I strive to capture; and in doing so, to create that connection with the viewer that touches them on an emotional level. "
She is currently the organizer for Exploring Photography, an online photography Meetup group with more than 1,000 members. She is also a member of the Sierra Camera Club and the Gold Rush Chapter of PSA, and has judged local and international competitions.
Examples of Lightfoot's photographic portfolios can be seen at www.janlightfoot.com
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Monday, JULY 27, 2015
Teri Sandison
using light: natural or artificial
Teri Sandison, who considers light one of the most valuable of a photographer's tools, presented a thoughtful discussion on the value of light and its place in her commercial as well as fine art photography. The professional photographer has photographed more than 60 cookbooks, earned a Who’s Who of Cooking Platinum Plate award as Best Food Photographer in 1989 and the IACP nomination for Best Food Photography in 1990 as well as a James Beard Award nomination in 1995. Her love for Asian travel was sparked nearly 30 years ago but it wasn’t until 2011 that Sandison exhibited her Korean "Sacred Sites and Ancient Wisdom" images. In 2013 her first solo exhibit featuring this body of work was held at Robert Mondavi Winery.
Visit www.terisandison.com
Visit www.terisandison.com
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February 26, 2015
Susan and Neil Silverman
‘TRAVEL IS OUR BAG—CAMERA BAG'
A presentation on elevating creativity and technique for travel photography
Susan and Neil Silverman forever seek "the Image, the Light and the Moment” through their camera lens. Together they teach workshops, photograph a multitude of subject matter: people, nature, landscape, weddings, special events, travel, commercial and industrial sites. Visit www.silvermansphotography.com
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JANUARY 22, 2015
DAVID ROBERTSON
BLACK AND WHITE PHOTOGRAPHY
DAVID ROBERTSON
BLACK AND WHITE PHOTOGRAPHY
David Robertson has concentrated on light as a separate component of a completed image. While strong composition is critical to a completed print, the quality of the light is what separates the competent print from a special print. David discussed the use of Silver Efex Pro as part of his presentation. Visit www.dlrobertsonphotography.com
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November 20, 2014
Brent Lindstrom
Fiber Optic Photography
Brent Lindstrom has perfected the art of "painting" with light, using fiber optics. With his technique, products take on a unique appearance. Each element on the set is lit separately, making it possible to control the focus of attention like never before. His imagery comes directly from the camera, each shot is a visually arresting work of art distinct from all others that use standard lighting.
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September 25, 2014
Ron Rogers
auto settings get respect
The Dark Side - low light or night photography.
Ron Rogers' topic was how to use your camera’s automated controls. The emphasis was on the exposure features people will find on less expensive and medium priced cameras and how to use them effectively. Ron use a number of visual illustrations and image examples to get the information across. This was not for the more advanced camera users although everyone appeared to enjoy the review. Ron taught and coordinated the Photography Department at Napa Valley College for 25 years. Currently he is the president of the Apple User Group in Napa and continues to teach Mac computer courses at NVC. He serves as a judge for various photographic groups and competitions in the greater Bay Area. He is also a freelance commercial photographer emphasizing product and portraiture. He enjoys travel, writing and publishing and has been an active exhibitor in fine art photography for more than 35 years.
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August 28, 2014
Jim Stamates
Seek the Unique
“The study, the observation, and the photograph are second to the well being of the subject” ...Jim Stamates
For more than 30 years Jim Stamates, of Low Impact Wildlife Photography, has been producing stunning images of Natural History, Wildlife, and Landscapes for publication and advertising world wide. A quarter of a million of his photographic prints have been sold through Galleries, Gift Shops and to collectors across the globe.
Jim majored in photography in the late sixties and after a short stint as a commercial photographer in San Francisco where he photographed Janice Joplin, The Jefferson Airplane, and Richie Havens among others, he married and moved to Lake Tahoe. Surrounded by nature in the high Sierra's he focused his talents on the photography and preservation of wild lives and wild lands.
Because of his “low impact” philosophy, Jim was chosen by the National Wildlife Service to document the nesting of the American White Pelican on Pyramid Lake, NV. It was the first time that anyone had been allowed to place a blind at the nesting site and stay overnight on Anaho Island National Wildlife Refuge, which is closed to the public. From this unique experience, Jim created an educational audio-visual presentation called “Pelicans of Pyramid” which has been enjoyed by numerous groups, including the Audubon Society, Nature Conservancy, and visitors to the Stillwater/Fallon National Wildlife Refuge. For Jim, respect for wildlife takes precedence over “getting the shot.” His philosophy is rewarded by a unique intimacy with his subjects. Dedicated to the proper and ethical behavior toward nature, Jim champions his “low impact field techniques” through his In The RhythmTM Tours and Workshops that emphasize the well being of the subject while getting 'into' natural rhythms.
Jim has been highly commended by the Natural History Museum, London, England through the prestigious Wildlife Photographer of the Year Competition. His award winning images have been published in over 30 countries and in countless magazines, advertisements, and books.. His fine art prints are sought after worldwide and are hanging in homes, offices, and galleries throughout the U.S, Japan, Australia, and Europe.
He also guides tours to Alaska, The Rockies, Costa Rica and gives numerous FunShopsTM on wildlife and nature photography as well as marketing for artists and photographers. He lectures on "The Theory of Rhythms" to groups and corporations.
For more than 30 years Jim Stamates, of Low Impact Wildlife Photography, has been producing stunning images of Natural History, Wildlife, and Landscapes for publication and advertising world wide. A quarter of a million of his photographic prints have been sold through Galleries, Gift Shops and to collectors across the globe.
Jim majored in photography in the late sixties and after a short stint as a commercial photographer in San Francisco where he photographed Janice Joplin, The Jefferson Airplane, and Richie Havens among others, he married and moved to Lake Tahoe. Surrounded by nature in the high Sierra's he focused his talents on the photography and preservation of wild lives and wild lands.
Because of his “low impact” philosophy, Jim was chosen by the National Wildlife Service to document the nesting of the American White Pelican on Pyramid Lake, NV. It was the first time that anyone had been allowed to place a blind at the nesting site and stay overnight on Anaho Island National Wildlife Refuge, which is closed to the public. From this unique experience, Jim created an educational audio-visual presentation called “Pelicans of Pyramid” which has been enjoyed by numerous groups, including the Audubon Society, Nature Conservancy, and visitors to the Stillwater/Fallon National Wildlife Refuge. For Jim, respect for wildlife takes precedence over “getting the shot.” His philosophy is rewarded by a unique intimacy with his subjects. Dedicated to the proper and ethical behavior toward nature, Jim champions his “low impact field techniques” through his In The RhythmTM Tours and Workshops that emphasize the well being of the subject while getting 'into' natural rhythms.
Jim has been highly commended by the Natural History Museum, London, England through the prestigious Wildlife Photographer of the Year Competition. His award winning images have been published in over 30 countries and in countless magazines, advertisements, and books.. His fine art prints are sought after worldwide and are hanging in homes, offices, and galleries throughout the U.S, Japan, Australia, and Europe.
He also guides tours to Alaska, The Rockies, Costa Rica and gives numerous FunShopsTM on wildlife and nature photography as well as marketing for artists and photographers. He lectures on "The Theory of Rhythms" to groups and corporations.
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July 24, 2014
Ann Trinca
Cell Phone Camera Photography
Ann Trinca is a local photographer, curator, and arts advocate. Over the past decade living in the Napa Valley she has founded a feminist art zine, established two pop-up gallery spaces, and staged several art-centric events. Professionally, Ann has more than 14 years experience working with art organizations such as Yerba Buena Center for the Arts in San Francisco, Bedford Gallery in Walnut Creek, and di Rosa in Napa. As a photographer, she likes to explore themes of decay, spirituality, and human interaction. She has traveled to Indonesia, Argentina, Myanmar, and Mexico in search of moments that express her fascination with light, color, and the absurd.
Ann provided an overview of what's happening in the world of cell phone photography from her perspective as an enthusiast and curator. She presented some of her favorite iPhoneographers and Instagrammers and discussed her recent experiences curating two shows of cell phone images. Ann will also cover some of the popular apps and editing techniques available to the cell phone curious.
(For the critique, participants were encouraged to experiment with Hipstamatic, Instagram, Camera+ or editing apps such as Aviary or Snapseed.)
Ann provided an overview of what's happening in the world of cell phone photography from her perspective as an enthusiast and curator. She presented some of her favorite iPhoneographers and Instagrammers and discussed her recent experiences curating two shows of cell phone images. Ann will also cover some of the popular apps and editing techniques available to the cell phone curious.
(For the critique, participants were encouraged to experiment with Hipstamatic, Instagram, Camera+ or editing apps such as Aviary or Snapseed.)
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June 26, 2014
NVPS Annual Business Meeting/Member
Image Presentations
After the NVPS business meeting, several members will display 10 of their images, and give an oral presentation to accompany their images. Each photographer will get one minute and 40 seconds to present their work, making for a rapid fire presentation. It's a new format and should provide some interesting presentations.
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April 24, 2014
Terry Nathan, UC Davis
Composition
Terry Nathan is a professor in the Art/Science Fusion and Atmospheric Science Programs at the University of California, Davis, where he teaches “Photography: Bridging Art and Science,” as well as several courses on atmospheric fluid mechanics. Terry teaches “Lighting and Composition” at the Davis Art Center, “Principles of Composition” at the Viewpoint Photographic Art Center in Sacramento, and Landscape Photography workshops at Sorensen’s near Lake Tahoe. He was also the principal grantee and co-organizer of the 2009 UC Davis Centennial Colloquium, “The Consilience of Art and Science.” Terry has served as portfolio reviewer, juror and judge for art exhibitions, and has been an invited speaker at several photography symposia. Most recently, Terry was an invited speaker at the 21st Annual “Shooting the West Photography Symposium” held in Winnemucca Nevada and was a pre-performance lecturer at the Mondavi Center for the Performing Arts, where he spoke on renowned twentieth-century photographer Mike Disfarmer. Terry was an invited speaker and workshop instructor at the 2009 “Shooting West Texas Photography Symposium,” which was held at Sul Ross State University in Alpine, Texas. Terry also was an invited speaker at the 2010 American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS) Meeting at Southern Oregon University, where he spoke on "Art and Science: Bridging the Two Cultures through Photography." And Terry was the first W.D. Smithers Lecturer at Sul Ross State University during September 2010, when he spoke on "Mediating the Art-Science Dialogue through Photography."
Terry’s photographic work spans landscape, architecture, documentary, and art/science fusion. His work has been shown in numerous juried exhibitions and he has published in a variety of international magazines and other print and electronic media. His recent images and articles have appeared in Sierra Heritage, Nature Photographer,Sacramento Magazine, Black and White, Weatherwise, The Remodeler’s Journal, and Architectural Stone and Landscape Design Magazine. Terry’s fine art photographic work is represented by the Appel Gallery in Sacramento, California.
Terry’s photographic work spans landscape, architecture, documentary, and art/science fusion. His work has been shown in numerous juried exhibitions and he has published in a variety of international magazines and other print and electronic media. His recent images and articles have appeared in Sierra Heritage, Nature Photographer,Sacramento Magazine, Black and White, Weatherwise, The Remodeler’s Journal, and Architectural Stone and Landscape Design Magazine. Terry’s fine art photographic work is represented by the Appel Gallery in Sacramento, California.
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March 27, 2014
Jim Klein
Viewpoint Gallery
Project Photography
"As photographers, we would like to make that one great image while out and about. But, the truth is, many great photographs were taken as a part of a series on one subject, a photographic project. Such projects may take months to research, shoot, and post-process, but focusing on a single subject forces the photographer to deeply understand and interact with the subject in emotional and factual ways so he/she can accurately and creatively describe its essence in photographic images. Photographing in project style pushes the photographer past the superficiality of first impressions toward fresh, honest and more complex interpretations of the subject, and it should increase opportunities for shows. We’ll see how some of the master photographers used this method in some of their best work, and how we as less famous photographers can inject new motivation and energy into our work."
(The critique theme is images conveying ideas or emotions that are meaningful to the photographer.)
(The critique theme is images conveying ideas or emotions that are meaningful to the photographer.)
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february 27, 2014
MEMBERS OF THE NVPS
Tech Tips
Mini Training Sessions will consist of four presenters, 20 minutes each, followed by a five-minute Q&A.
Presenters:
“The Mechanics of Photography” – presented by Brian Kearney.
Subjects include: What is “Auto”, Aperture priority, Shutter priority, Meter settings, Focusing settings, Auto ISO, etc. --and when and why certain settings should be used. The information will apply to all cameras but is biased towards DSLRs.
“Workflow from the Camera to Post Processing” – presented by Phil Venable.
Subjects include import into Lightroom, categorizing and keywords, minor adjustments, then export to Photoshop Elements for finishing touches and resizing.
“Introductions to Photoshop Layers with applications to Portrait Retouching” – presented by Victor M. Samuel.
Subjects include: Very Basics of What Layers are and How Layers Operate,
Basic/Common Edits Using Layers on Portraits
“Techniques and Applications of Flash Photography” – presented by Suzanne Conner.
Subjects include basic and selected advanced flash features and their practical use. She will tether a camera via Lightroom to illustrate various camera settings and how the addition of flash affects the photos.
(There was no critique for this presentation.)
Presenters:
“The Mechanics of Photography” – presented by Brian Kearney.
Subjects include: What is “Auto”, Aperture priority, Shutter priority, Meter settings, Focusing settings, Auto ISO, etc. --and when and why certain settings should be used. The information will apply to all cameras but is biased towards DSLRs.
“Workflow from the Camera to Post Processing” – presented by Phil Venable.
Subjects include import into Lightroom, categorizing and keywords, minor adjustments, then export to Photoshop Elements for finishing touches and resizing.
“Introductions to Photoshop Layers with applications to Portrait Retouching” – presented by Victor M. Samuel.
Subjects include: Very Basics of What Layers are and How Layers Operate,
Basic/Common Edits Using Layers on Portraits
“Techniques and Applications of Flash Photography” – presented by Suzanne Conner.
Subjects include basic and selected advanced flash features and their practical use. She will tether a camera via Lightroom to illustrate various camera settings and how the addition of flash affects the photos.
(There was no critique for this presentation.)
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todd pickering
2014
Todd Pickering, a popular guest speaker, received his Bachelor of Fine Arts from the San Francisco Art Institute where he concentrated on landscape photography and sculpture. Travels have taken him from above the Arctic Circle in Norway to the rainforests in Hawaii and the jungles of Sri Lanka. Nowadays you can find him walking the Point Reyes region on the Marin County coast where he currently leads workshops at his Still Point Studio in Pt. Reyes Station. He has been photographing in and around Point Reyes for the past 30 years and says his love for the region gets down to the nuances of the land: the blackberry, the creek, the redwood, the light , the smells.
One of Pickering's projects is the Point Reyes Center for Photography which he started as a place for people to gather who share the same love of photography and the land. The center is an evolving experiment, he says, and one he envisions taking many forms -- from education, to photography shows, to sales. His plan is to bring photographic educators from outside the area to help infuse new ideas and techniques.
Examples of Pickering's photography can been seen at http://toddpickering.weebly.com
One of Pickering's projects is the Point Reyes Center for Photography which he started as a place for people to gather who share the same love of photography and the land. The center is an evolving experiment, he says, and one he envisions taking many forms -- from education, to photography shows, to sales. His plan is to bring photographic educators from outside the area to help infuse new ideas and techniques.
Examples of Pickering's photography can been seen at http://toddpickering.weebly.com
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