2023 Monthly Presentations
All Monthly Presentations on the day and time listed below by
Zoom unless otherwise noted.
This schedule is still a work in
progress so check back often for updates. This schedule past Marchis
tentative.
Send an email to
cvpsphotos@gmail.com to get the link for any zoom presentation.
Date |
Speaker |
Topic |
January 18, 2023 7:00 p.m.
by Zoom |
Jim McCormac
 |
Conservation Photography - Connecting the Masses with
Nature
“A picture is worth a thousand
words” goes the famous adage, and it’s especially true in this
technologically and graphically driven age. Photography is an
effective vehicle to illustrate the beauty and intricacy of
Nature, expose people to new facets of natural history, and by
extension promote an interest in conservation. Photographic
imagery has revolutionized survey protocols, as evidenced by
massive data repositories such as iNaturalist, and greatly
reduced the need for physical collections of specimens.
Effective imagery can bring the Lilliputian details of a
gnat-ogre to bear for all to see, expose the suave allure of a
cedar waxwing, or preserve the gloriousness of a Lake Erie
sunset. This pictorial talk will explore the ways in which
imagery can be used to promote and document Nature. Needless to
say, the program is full of interesting natural history
photography.
Jim worked for the Ohio Department of Natural Resources
for 31 years as a botanist, and later specializing in wildlife
diversity projects, especially involving birds. He has authored
or coauthored six books, including Birds of
Ohio (Lone Pine 2004); and
Wild Ohio: The Best of Our Natural Heritage
(Kent State University Press 2009). The latter won the 2010
Ohioana Book award. He is a coauthor of the Ohio Breeding Bird
Atlas II book. His new book, Gardening for
Moths in the Midwest, is in press and
should appear in Spring 2022. Jim writes a column,
Nature, for the Columbus Dispatch,
and regularly publishes a natural history blog. He has written
numerous articles in a variety of publications, and has
delivered hundreds of presentations throughout the eastern
United States. He was named 2015 Conservation Communicator of
the Year by the Ohio League of Sportsmen. Jim is an avid
photographer, shooting a range of natural history subjects. He
has had hundreds of photos published in various forums.
|
February 22, 2023
7:00 p.m. by Zoom |
Jennifer King
 |
The Fine art of Black & White Photography
Dive in to a fine art
approach to black and white photography through visualization
and light. Jennifer King will talk about approaching your
photography differently, to see light and shadow as you refine
your composition and techniques. Different processing methods
will be reviewed to bring your image to life.
Jennifer is an internationally acclaimed landscape and fine art
photographer with a passion for teaching and inspiring
photographers around the world. She draws on her fine art and
design background to bring an artistic approach to nature
photography. Jennifer is honored to be a Moab by Legion Master
Photographer, Singh-Ray Filters Ambassador, and one of the
premier black and white photographers in the country. She is
recognized as 1 of 15 Amazing Women to Follow by 500px and is
the Founder of Photographers for the Fight Against Breast Cancer
(www.pfabc.org),
an industry-wide organization bringing together the biggest
names in photography to raise money for breast cancer research.
You can find her photography, tutorials and interviews in
Outdoor Photographer Magazine, Outdoor Photography Guide, Camera
in the Wild, Photography Talk, VIA Magazine, Smoky Mountains
Journal of Photography, Wild Planet, and more!
See Jennifer's work at www.jenniferkingphoto.com |
March 14, 2023, 7:00 p.m. in person at Happy Days |
Park Ranger Ryan Trimbath
 |
Flora and Fauna of the CVNP
Join us for an evening of
rediscovering our own back yard through the guidance of one who
knows it better than all of us – Cuyahoga Valley National Park
ranger and biologist Ryan Trimbath.
Ryan will use his intimate knowledge of the park and its flora
and fauna to cause us to open our eyes to our Park in new ways.
As it will be March, Ryan will be able to tell us about the
spring ephemerals—when and where to expect which spring
wildflowers will bloom. A passionate birder, Ryan also will talk
about the birds reappearing in our park.
Importantly, Ryan will give us insight into our own behavior –
how we humans can behave ethically in the park so as not to
disturb its native inhabitants as we witness and photograph
their beauty.
Don’t miss this in-person presentation at Happy Days.
|
April 26, 2023 7:00 p.m. by Zoom |
Scott Keys
 |
|
Three
Keys to Bird Photography
Join
us when Scott Keys explains the three important
principles he applies to all his
avian photography:
-
Light
-
Perspective
-
Environment
To reinforce these discussion points, he will
share nearly 100 images of the birds he has
photographed over the years. Be prepared to be
inspired!
A birder and outdoor enthusiast, even though
Scott’s work is focused on avian photography
he enjoys all wildlife. He resides in the Lehigh
Valley, Pennsylvania.
Spending hundreds of hours a year in the field,
Scott has become a prominent bird photographer
with a large social media presence, which he
uses as a platform to share his photography as
well as to educate and entertain. He is a
contributing photographer to several
publications and host of the YouTube channel,
Wildlife Inspired. Using principles of natural
light, engagement, and a focus on the
environment, he has photographed hundreds of
bird species locally and across the United
States. His current passion is incorporating
native plants and habitats into his avian work.
Learn more at www.skeysimages.com.
You can also see his work on Instagram
www.instagram.com/skeysimages/ and
check out his educational YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@WildlifeInspired
|
|
|
May 17 2023
7:00 p.m. by Zoom |
Michele Sons
  |
The Art of Fog
Join us as
Michele Sons presents “The Art of Fog,” a 60-minute exploration
of the artistic potential of fog, including a survey of the
different types of fog, tools and techniques available for
finding fog and case studies that teach out real-life examples
of shooting in fog. She will speak about shooting tips,
composition tips, and post-processing suggestions.
Michele is the 2022 New River Gorge
Creative-in-Residence photographer, a fine art landscape and
nature photographer, writer and educator.
Michele’s photographs have been featured
in the National Geographic Beautiful Landscapes 2018, 2019 and
2020 calendars, and in group and solo museum and gallery
exhibitions.
Additionally, her work is highlighted in numerous local and
regional publications, as well as on websites including Outdoor
Photographer, Lensbaby and Small Scenes. Her client list
includes The Wilderness Society, Great Smoky Mountains
Association, Eastern National and The Appalachian Trail
Conservancy to name a few.
Michele is a member of Nature First,
which supports the protection and preservation of the world’s
natural and wild places through inspiring, educating and uniting
everyone making photographs and videos in nature.
Learn more about Michele’s work:
www.michelesonsphotography.com
https://www.facebook.com/MicheleSonsPhotography/
https://www.instagram.com/michelesonsphotography/
|
June 13, 2023
7:00 p.m. by Zoom |
David Swindler
 |
Photographing the Great Southwest: Locations, Planning, and
Techniques
David will inspire you to photograph the desert as he shares
some of his favorite locations, planning tips, and photographic
techniques. The Southwest is also ideal for capturing the
dark night skies – especially during the Milky Way season!
Always an avid outdoorsman, David first picked up photography
to share his outdoor adventures with others. In 2014, he left
his day job as a chemical engineer to follow his true passion.
He has traveled to some of the most remote regions of the world
and has extensive experience photographing a wide variety of
subjects and conditions.
David finds great satisfaction in helping others learn
photography. He
explains “I love photography! Ever since I was a young child,
I’ve had a strong connection to the natural world. Photography
enables me to share with others the beauties of nature I am
privileged to behold. I love traveling, and exploring. It
doesn’t matter whether I’m in the nearby mountains [of Kanab,
UT]
or in exotic locales overseas - there are always amazing images
to capture and share.”
David has been recognized by International Photography Awards,
Siena International Photo Awards, Sony World Photography Awards,
International Landscape Photographer of the Year, and National
Geographic, among others.
Visit https://www.flickr.com/photos/dswindler/ to
see his work |
July 19 2023, 7:00 p.m. live at Happy Days |
PechaKutcha |
PechaKucha Night Returns
Join us as CVPS
members use a 20-by-20 format (20 slides, 20 seconds per slide)
to share multiple, fast-paced, themed portfolios.
|
August 17 2023 7:00 p.m. by Zoom |
Sapna Reddy
 |
Creating Compelling Landscapes from Around the World
Sapna Reddy is a nature/landscape photographer based in Northern
California. She is currently pursuing dual careers as a doctor
and a photographer. As a radiologist she analyzes images in an
attempt to establish diagnosis and achieve cure. As a
photographer she creates images that celebrate the immense
beauty of nature and enhance personal wellbeing by
establishing a strong and lasting connection with the great
outdoors.
Her
presentation will focus on analyzing and understanding what is
required to go beyond the postcard and create compelling visual
stories. Selecting locations, what to look for in the field,
techniques to create unique images and how to render a personal
interpretation of the landscape before you.
Sapna’s
images, which are widely published, have also been used to
transform the walls of Kaiser medical centers in the Bay Area
and create an ambience of healing.
She has conducted both
national and international photography workshops and is
currently developing the landscape photography learning module
for Lightroom academy for Adobe.
Go to Sapna’s website to see for yourself why CVPS is
very excited to have Sapna share her outstanding work and
knowledge with us.
www.spanareddy.com
https://www.instagram.com/sapnareddy/
|
August 30, 2023 7:00 p.m. by Zoom |
Member Show |
Member Show & Critique
Members of
the Cuyahoga Valley Photo Society are invited to submit up to
three images to be critiqued by expert photographers for a
virtual members show. There is no restriction on the date or
location of the photographs. Please email your images to cvpsmemberphotos@gmail.com by
Saturday, Aug. 26th, 11:59pm to be included in the
critique on August 30th. To view the
requirements for images submitted, visit the Photo Society’s
gallery web page.
|
September 20, 2023 by Zoom |
Clare Kaczmarek
  |
Preserving Autumn Beauty
Southwestern
Pennsylvania photographer Clare Kaczmarek shoots
landscapes almost exclusively and will share advice on how we
too can preserve the beauty of the seasons, especially autumn.
Her goal is simply to try to photographically preserve some of
the beauty
she encounters and to share it with others.
Clare, who has been shooting for about 30 years, has not had any
formal training, although she was tutored for several years by a
professional. She
shot slide film – Kodachrome 64 and Fujichrome Velvia 50 (she
noted: the greens were incredible!) And while she misses those
films, Clare admitted that she felt freed when digital cameras
were born – no more trying to be economical with using and
processing the film.
She is most interested in photographing sunrises, fog,
reflections and moving water - especially waterfalls and has won
numerous awards with her landscapes. Among them:
·
Photograph of the Year, 2013, Westmoreland
Art Nationals
·
First Place in the Landscape Division, 2020, 2021 and 2022 Go
Laurel Highlands (Laurel Highlands Visitors Bureau) Photo
Contest
·
Third Place in the Landscape Division, 2013 Laurel Highlands
Visitors Bureau Photo Contest
·
Cover Photo of the March/April, 2018 and November/December, 2021
issues of Pennsylvania Magazine
See Clare’s beauty-filled work here:
https://www.flickr.com/photos/59798467@N02/
|
October4, 2023 |
Dave Watkins
 |
Preparing for the Eclipse
If you plan to photograph or
just view next April’s solar eclipse,
you will not want to miss the Photo
Society’s in-person October program.
Dave Watkins of Norton, a photographer
with 20 years of experience, will focus
on what to expect during the solar
eclipse on April 8, 2024. Of
course, no presentation on the sun is
complete without explaining how to view
or photograph it safely. For
photographers, Dave will recommend
appropriate camera gear and any special
preparations needed.
During an eclipse, there are such
unusual visual effects as the crescent
shadows and shadow bands just before and
after totality. The diamond ring and
Bailey's beads are short-lived effects
that are reserved for capturing with
your camera. Dave will discuss what
occurs before and after the four contact
points of the eclipse. And you will
learn about solar prominences, the
chromosphere, and the corona.
Dave’s photographic interests range from
snowflakes to distant galaxies, insects,
birds, reptiles, and mammals, sunrises
and sunsets, plants and wildflowers. He
has been shooting astrophotography (deep
space objects like galaxies and nebula,
also planets and the sun) for 11 years.
In 2019, he had a roll-off roof personal
observatory built on his property.
You can view Dave’s remarkable 2017
solar eclipse photos and many other
collections on his website gallery page
at: http://www.watware.com/photogallery/gallery.php.
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November 15, 2023 |
2023 Contest awards |
2023 Contest awards
Awards will be presented on Wednesday, November
15, 2023, live
at Happy Days Lodge. The slideshow of all the entries will
start about 6:45 and the Awards Program will begin at 7:00 p.m.
We hope all CVPS members will attend to see the presentation and
discussion of the winning images.
|
December 13, 2023 |
|
Holiday Party |
|
|
Program Committee:
Steve Ash -
ash@uakron.edu
Kris Brown -
kwbrown@neo.rr.com
Bob Davis -
davisrcmj@msn.com
Jean Krusinski -
jlkphotog@gmail.com
Jeneen Rieser - Jeneenrieser@gmail.com
Bindiganavale
Vijayaraman (Vijay) -
bsv@uakron.edu
If you have ideas for future programs, please pass them on to
one of the committee members |
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