February 2023

From the President...

One of my daughters gifted me a book for Christmas; Photography, The Definitive Visual History, authored by Tom Ang. According to Ang, the history of photography can be traced back to 1825. Sir John Herschel (1792-1871) was the powerhouse behind the early days of photography. He replaced the awkward phrase “photogenic drawing” with “photography.”

Why is this important? Because we have changed our name from GVR Camera Club to GVR Photography Club. Otherwise, our new name would have been GVR Photogenic Drawing Club! Whew, we dodged that bullet by about 200 years.

The name change has been approved by you, the membership, and has been signed off by GVR. Thank you for your overwhelming support.

The club redesign plan is moving forward. Still slow but moving forward. The room where our computers are housed has been painted to minimize glare on the monitors, and Sconce lights have been installed to further assist in reducing glare while you process your photographs.

Room names have also changed. The Digital Darkroom has been renamed the Photo Lab. The small meeting room is now the Ansel Adams Room, and the large classroom is still the Classroom. Someday we may rename that one as well.

We still await the cost estimate and construction of the wall for the Classroom. But in the meantime, other work is planned. Once the wall is constructed, GVR has agreed to paint the club and carpet will be installed. Linda Gregory and Pam Kale, who are color experts, have selected Tawny Amber as the color for the new wall where the slide show television will be mounted. This color is a shade of terra cotta that resembles our desert sunsets. The rest of the club (except the Photo Lab) will be painted Birchwood, a taupe wall color. Both colors compliment the new carpet, Artist II 859 Composer. I will try to have a sample of the carpet available at the club should anyone want to see it.

While the painting will start as soon as the wall is complete, the carpet will be delayed until April or May, when activity and attendance slows down at the club. This way we will have minimal disruptions. Additionally, the re-carpeting of the Fitness Center and new Glass Arts space will also be scheduled at that time so all three projects will be completed at the same time.

Finally, the Mat/Frame Room will be opening the week of February 6th. Look for an email from me in the next few days with more specific information about the operations of the Mat/Frame room.

My message to you in the January 2022 newsletter began with the title of a Bob Dylan song, The Times They Are a Changing. I wrote about the changes affecting the club during the Covid crisis. This time the changes are about how we are making the club a more effective and efficient operation to better serve you, the members. And, we have gone from live events to Zoom events and now, we are getting back to more live events. That is positive change.

The Board of Directors hope your next visit to the club will be a pleasant and eventful one.

Danny Valenzuela, President

Photo of the Month

The February Photo of the Month is by Jack Sharrock titled Little Bee-eater. Jack took this spectacular shot at the Okavango Delta in northern Botswana, known for its lush animal habitat . Congratulations, Jack.

The Photo of the Month is chosen from new and archived photos submitted by current and former members. Keep sending the best of your work to Judith Pollard at jmp7741@gmail.com so we may continue to showcase the refined capabilities of GVR Photography Club members. -ed

New Additions at the Library

There are two new additions to the Photography Club Library! A magazine rack in which publications are handy for members to read while visiting the club and the little red chair on which to rest while browsing the book shelves.

If you have magazines that you would like to donate, please set them on top of the refrigerator at the club. They should be photography-related and not older than January 2021.

Thanks for looking over and checking out the many books that we have available to aid you in your Photography Club classes and SIGS and your own photography adventures. If you hear of a good book that we might consider buying for the Library, or have questions about the Library, please let me know.

Becky McCreary, Librarian

It’s February, and love is in the air at the GVR Photography Club, with members hopefully falling in love with all the educational activities the Club offers. The Club provides a multitude of opportunities to learn. But the “Bread and Butter” learning activities for members are offered in the Club’s SIGs or Special Interest Groups.

One of the most popular SIGs is Multimedia. A typical Multimedia SIG meeting lasts about one hour and members can share videos that they have put together and get feedback and constructive suggestions on ways that they can improve their videos. The group also helps work on issues members might have with various image and video editing software. Besides all of that, Multimedia SIG members also have a lot of fun and laughs, so please visit the SIG on Monday Mornings at 10:00 AM in the Club’s Lecture Room.

Do you want to turn that iPhone photo into a work of art? Visit the Studio and Fine Art SIG to find out how. Explore new techniques and broaden your skills with several editing programs. Currently, the meetings are Online via ZOOM, register on the website to get the links.

The Club hosts a Black and White SIG. Wendell Werner is the moderator. The SIG meets every Tuesday @ 1:30 pm. The meeting is live in the Photography Club and via Zoom. You might ask, “Why black and white images when even the basic point-and-shoot digital cameras can produce very good color photographs?” The answer is there are some images that have more visual impact when rendered in black and white. These images are those which use the interplay between light and shadows to emphasize texture or shapes within the composition. Typically, the photographs shown at the B&W SIG have been produced as color images in a digital camera and converted to black and white using one or more of the popular photo editing software packages.

Another popular SIG is the Club’s newly formed Astrophotography SIG. providing education and training on all aspects of amateur astronomy. David Kenney has volunteered to be the facilitator. Absolutely no experience is required, just abiding amazement at the beautiful universe available to us when we look up at the night sky. The Astrophotography SIG meets on Friday Mornings at 10:30 AM.

Birds are some of the most difficult creatures to photograph, but the Club has a SIG to help with that process. The Bird Photography SIG is designed for members who wish to improve their Bird Photography skills. The first half of the SIG will involve a discussion of topics related to different areas associated with bird photography. Topics and discussion may range from equipment, and shooting techniques, such as shutter speed, aperture, and ISO. The significance of habitat and the importance of composition will also be stressed. The second half will involve photo sharing. All attendees are encouraged to bring several images to share. The exchange of ideas addressing both positive components and possible alterations may improve the photos. The main focus is enhancing both the enjoyment and skills associated with bird photography. The Bird SIG meets on ZOOM on Wednesdays at 1:30 pm, with a link sent with registration.

One of the best ways to gain knowledge in photo editing is through the Club’s Photoshop Elements SIG. In this workshop participants have the option to send a few photos, with a description of what they want to be improved, in an Email to lsgregaz@gmail.com. Put "Elements SIG" in the subject line. Please submit no later than the day prior to the SIG. Linda Gregory demonstrates various methods of enhancing photographs using Elements. The participants are encouraged to contribute to this workshop by making their own suggestions. This workshop is for all levels of Elements users, from beginner through advanced. The Photoshop Elements SIG meets on Thursdays at 9:30 AM

Current and future SIG meetings are always listed on our website here where you can register and be welcomed to attend any of the SIG meetings. Check the website regularly as there are some new SIGs in the planning stage that may be offered soon.

Gene Komaromi, Education Chair

This Month's Club Activities

Jump to SIGs

Jump to Travelogue

Jump to Field Trips

Jump to Photo Ops

Jump to Showtime

Jump to Speaker Series

Check the Club Calendar for the latest information on all club activities. Camera Club members are also welcome and encouraged to attend the Club’s monthly Board of Directors meetings. Check the Club Calendar for the date of the meeting and attend in-person at the Club, or remotely by registering using this link. The Board is always interested in comments and new ideas from the members.

Travelogue

Tuesday, 2/14 at 7:00 pm

Grand European River Cruise - Part 2

Kirk Hively

Cappadocia, Turkey

Sherrie Lee Lucia

French Polynesian Adventure

Todd Taylor

A Trip to China

Arlene Meteyer

If you have a program to share, drop off your thumb drive with a .mov or .mpeg4 show of your adventure at the camera club. Leave them in the travelogue folder with brief information about your work. And if you have questions, please contact Paul McCreary at 970-596-1505 or email me here.

Paul McCreary, Travelogue Coordinator

Showtime

Monday, 2/6 at 7:00 pm

SHOWTIME is back again and the upcoming performance is on Monday, February 6 and will begin at 7:00 PM at the Desert Hills GVR Center. No, the center is not closed as was perhaps rumored before the January Showtime. Yes, there is construction going on, but the center remains totally open.

In January we had 30 plus members who came to the center and an additional 20 joined via zoom. Let’s see if we can increase the live audience this time.  We have plenty of seats at Desert Hills and a much larger screen as compared with the one on your computer.

And below is what you can look forward to enjoying on that large screen, or on your small screen via Zoom. And remember that SHOWTIME continues to have a well-respected reputation as the ‘Best Free Entertainment in Arizona’.

• The Bridges of Madison County – Kevin May
• Mescal – Linda Gregory et al.
• Sailing Class – Kirk Lively
• Welcome to AZ – Barb Woollard
• Yosemitie – Arlene Meteyer
• Idlewild – Gene Komaromi
• American Heartline – Linda Gregory
• Billy & Lucy Glimpses - Sherrie Lee Lucia
• Dangerous Dan McGrew – Anonymous Actors
• Taylor Family Business – Todd Taylor

If you can't make it to Desert Hills, make sure you register here and you'll get the Zoom link to view the show from wherever you are.

Thank you all for the great programs you have sent in for SHOWTIME. Keep up the good work. Take photos from your favorite field trip and make them into a slide show, or show us how you have spent your summer. Use Windows Photos or iMovie to assemble the photos and add music of your choice. Please contact me if you need help or have questions.

Chuck Hill, Showtime Coordinator

Speaker Series

Thursday, 2/16 at 2:00 pm

Charles Schinner

How to Prepare to Photograph Alaskan Brown Bears

Have you always wanted to photograph brown bears in Alaska? The February Speaker Series presentation will assist you in getting ready to do so. Charles Schinner, Master and Craftsman Photographer and full time Tucson resident will present How to Prepare to Photograph Alaskan Brown Bears. Charles’ presentation will be from a wildlife photographer's perspective, not from a naturalist or biological view point and can apply to photographing any large animal in the Pacific Northwest, Canada and Alaska.

Join us in the Anza room for this live presentation. But if you can’t make it, register here to get the Zoom link to attend remotely.

Enjoy the present.

Holly Chorba, Speaker Series Coordinator

Field Trips

Swing Into Spring

Our February field trip schedule is heating up for us to swing into spring! Our trip to El Rio Preserve on the 7th is sold out. On the 15th we are having a Field Trip meeting for all prior leaders and guides, as well as those who would like to join in by leading future trips. Then on the 21st we are going to Ft. Lowell Park and other urban parks, followed by another trip to DeGrazia Gallery Studio and Grounds on the 22nd. The February schedule ends with a trip into the past with Tucson Windows and Doors on the 23rd.

And oh my, my, what a line-up of field trips coming up in March! We have the Mescal Movie Set on the 3rd, the Paton Center for Hummingbirds on the 7th, Gadsden-Pacific Toy Train Operating Museum—Behind-the-Scenes on the 9th, another behind-the-scenes tour at the Rodeo Parade Museum on the 15th, and the ever-popular Tubac/Anza Trail/Hawk Watch on the 21st! Also in the works but not finalized yet is a tour to the Ignite Neon Sign Art Museum on the 30th. And there is one change, the trip to Pena Blanca Lake is now scheduled for April 11th.

Remember, if you have suggestions on locations for future trips, be sure to contact me. We have gotten some great ideas from club members that are in the works. As soon as they are finalized, we will let you know.

Patty, Sue, Lynn, and I are looking forward to providing you a great 2023 Spring season!

 Monica E. Parker, Field Trip Facilitator

Photo Opportunities

22nd Street Mineral, Fossil, Gem & Jewelry Show

• Jan 26 to Feb 12, 10:00 am to 6:00 pm - Free
• 993 S Freeway, Tucson, AZ
• Find more information here.

American Indian Arts Exposition

• Ongoing through Feb 12, 10:00 am to 5:00 pm – Free
• 2830 Ranch, 2830 South Thrasher Avenue, Tucson, AZ
• Find more information here.

Gadsden-Pacific Division Toy Train Operating Museum

• Sundays from 1:00 to 4:00 pm – Admission $5
• 3975 N. Miller Ave, Tucson, AZ
• Find more information here.

20th Annual Wuertz Farm Gourd Festival

• Feb 3-5, Fri and Sat 9:00 am to 5:00 pm, Sun 10:00 am to 3:00 pm - $12
• Pinal Fairgrounds and Event Center, Casa Grande, AZ
• Find more information here.

12th Annual Arizona Balloon Classic

• Feb 3-5, Gates open Fri at 4:00 pm, Sat & Sun at 7:00 am - Fees vary
• Goodyear Ballpark, 1933 South Ballpark Way, Goodyear, AZ
• Find more information here.

La Encantada Fine Art Market

• Feb 4-5, Sat 10:00 am to 5:00 pm, Sun 11:00 am to 4:00 pm - Free
• La Encantada Shopping Center, 2905 E Skyline Drive Tucson, AZ
• Find more information here.

Rillito Park Horse Races

• Feb 4-Apr 2, Saturdays and Sundays, Gates open at 11:00 am – Fees vary
• Rillito Park Racetrack, 4502 North First Avenue, Tucson, AZ
• Find more information here.

35th Annual Arizona Renaissance Festival & Artisan Marketplace

• Feb 4-Apr 2, Saturdays and Sundays, 10:00 am to 6:00 pm – Fees vary
• 12601 East US Highway 60, Gold Canyon, AZ
• Find more information here.

64th Annual Tubac Festival of the Arts

• Feb 8-12, Wed-Sat 10:00 am to 5:00 pm, Sun 10:00 am to 4:00 pm - $10 parking
• Tubac, AZ
• Find more information here.

Tucson Gem and Mineral Show®

• Feb 9-12, Thurs-Sat 10:00 am to 6:00 pm, Sun 10:00 am to 4:00 pm – $13
• Tucson Convention Center, 260 South Church Avenue, Tucson, AZ
• Find more information here.

Living History Day: Statehood Celebration

• Feb 11, 10:00 am to 2:00 pm – $10
• Presidio San Agustin Museum, 196 N. Court Avenue, Tucson, AZ
• Find more information here.

Studebaker Car Show at Historic Canoa Ranch

• Feb 11, 10:00 am to 2:00 pm – Free, donations welcome
• Historic Canoa Ranch, 5375 South I-19 Frontage Road, Green Valley, AZ
• Find more information here.

Cruise, BBQ & Blues Classic Car Show

• Feb 11, 10:00 am to 3:00 pm - $5
• Oro Valley Marketplace, 12155 North Oracle Road, Oro Valley, AZ
• Find more information here.

Tombstone Vigilante Days

• Feb 18-19, 10:30 am to 3:00 pm - Free
• Allen Street, Tombstone, AZ
• Find more information here.

La Fiesta de los Vaqueros – Tucson Rodeo

• Feb 18-26, events, times, and ticket prices vary
• Tucson Rodeo Grounds, 4823 South 6th Ave, Tucson AZ
• Find more information here.

Birding at the Zoo

• Feb 20, 9:15 am to 11:15 am – Free with paid admission, registration required
• Reid Park Zoo, 3400 Zoo Court, Tucson, AZ
• Find more information here.

Tucson Rodeo Parade

• Feb 23, Grandstand opens at 7:00 am - $10
• 4823 South 6th Avenue, Tucson, AZ
• Find more information here.

Southwest American Indian Collector’s Expo

• Feb 24-26, 10:00 am – 5:00 pm – Free
• 2830 Ranch, 2830 South Thrasher Ave, Tucson, AZ
• Find more information here.

Quilt Fiesta! 2023

• Feb 24-26, Fri-Sat 9:00 am to 5:00 pm, Sun 10:00 am to 4:00 pm - $10
• Old Pueblo Hall, Pima County Fairgrounds 11300 S. Houghton Rd, Tucson, AZ
• Find more information here.

The Linda McCartney Retrospective

• Feb 25-Aug 5, 10:00 am to 4:30 pm – Free
• Center for Creative Photography, 1030 North Olive Road. Tucson, AZ
• Find more information here.

We are always looking for recommendations for future photo opportunities. Please feel free to contact me If you have suggestions for upcoming events of interest.

Tom Parker, Photo Op Coordinator

Special Interest Groups are fun and informative. Any member of the Photography Club is welcome to attend any of the SIGs.

Click on any of the links listed to get more information on each one.

Multimedia SIG
Black and White SIG

Studio and Fine Art SIG

Astrophotography SIG

Photoshop/Lightroom SIG

Field Trip SIG

Photoshop Elements SIG

Bird Photography SIG

Monitor Notes

Monitors typically welcome and check in club members, answer the phone, and inform those seeking information about the Club. We are all indebted to the dedicated team of monitors who volunteer to keep the Photography Club open. Many thanks to all of you.

We are always looking for additional monitors. Help us provide all the benefits the Club offers to its members. As you take advantage of the Club's activities and its extensive digital processing equipment, consider sharing the effort in providing these services by volunteering as a monitor.  You are not expected to know how to use the equipment. Training takes about three hours.

Contact: gvrcameramonitors@gmail.com for more information.

Photography Items

Wanted

or

For Sale

There are no listings this month.

Do you have any used photography equipment that you want to sell or are looking for to buy? List those items in the newsletter.

All items:

• May be placed only by current, past or families of past members.
  
• Must be for used photography related equipment.
  
• Must include your name, or the name of the past member, and contact information.
• Should be submitted to neilwicai@gmail.com.
• Must be placed by the 25th of the month prior to the month of listing.
• Will run for one month, but may be resubmitted up to three times to be listed again.

Green Valley Recreation Photography Club

The GVR Photography Club is one of the largest photography clubs in the U.S. with over 600 active members. Regardless of your skill level, you'll have fun honing your skills in taking, editing, and presenting photos and videos. Share your photographic passion with others. Take FREE courses and join our Special Interest Groups to get the most from your digital camera, smartphone, action camera, or drone. Learn the ins and outs of post-processing software. Use our state-of-the-art equipment to digitize and edit photos, slides, and videos. Go on Club Field Trips to practice your photographic skills. Exhibit your photos/videos at our Showtime and Travelogue events. Come make friends and photographs!

The Club is located on the 2nd floor of the west wing at the Santa Rita Springs GVR Recreation Center. You may contact us at:

PO Box 1423, Green Valley, AZ 85622 or  gvrcameraclub@gmail.com. 

Neil Wicai, Newsletter Editor - neilwicai@gmail.com - 575-224-1238