November 30 Meeting

Well the first challenge is now behind us, and I must say that the quality of images shows just how much talent we have in the club. For those who did not attend the opening of the clubs juried show at Bella Photo Art & Framing Gallery in Edgewater you missed a great evening. Over 60 people attended the opening and were treated to great images and enlightening conversations. We all want to thank our juror J.D. Cantu for a fine job, as well as his insights and encouragement. If you have not yet stopped by to see your club members images please do so soon. These images would make great gifts for the holidays, and remember that 15% of the sales go to Maryland Hall for the Creative Arts in support of their visual arts programs.

Our next meeting on November 30th promises to be very informative. The guest speaker is both a still photographer and videographer with many years of experience in both mediums. Tom Sullivan will be giving us a look into the new world of still digital cameras with HD video features. You will learn not only what they can do, but also what you need to be aware of as this new mix of high technology becomes even more commonplace.

Toms has worked in the zoo and conservation field for over thirty years. Tom started his professional photography career in Key Largo, Florida working in underwater photography for the Steven Frinks School of Underwater Photography. After returning to the Washington/Baltimore area he began working with the Smithsonian National Zoological Park and it was here that Tom developed his skills in the fine art of zoo photography. His images have appeared in several national underwater magazines and The National Zoos publications. In 1984 Tom was offered an opportunity to photograph, display and design the underwater graphics exhibit in the new wing of the National Aquarium in Washington.

In 1987 Tom formed his own production company, dealing mainly with zoo research and conservation. He has provided numerous video clips for the three major local television stations, as well as CBS and NBC on a national level. Tom has worked on several documentaries for PBS and has had a project accepted by National Geographic films. Tom has also been a presenter at several International Zoological and Conservation Conferences around the country on photographic and video applications in field and zoo research.

In keeping with the photographic theme of the animal kingdom, Mr Sullivan was one of the Baltimore Orioles Baseball Teams photographers for over 12 years. He continued his sports photography as photographer for the Washington Capitals, Washington Wizards/Bullets and the Baltimore Ravens. He also has done commercial work for numerous national corporations.

His expertise brings great insight into this new mix of still and video imagery in the world of digital products.

We will also be having a panel of members discussing "Whats in the Bag". A look at what some of us feel are important things to have in your gadget bag when going on a photographic outing.

Don't miss this great evening of insight and learning.

Nov. 13th Exhibit and Nov. 16th Meeting

Well here we are ready to have our first exhibit of the year and our first challenge. We now have almost all of the images here at Bella Photo Art & Framing Gallery and are getting ready to hang the show. The images in this show will let the Annapolis area know that we have some very good photo artist in the region, and the club can be proud that they are members. Make sure you plan on attending the opening on Friday night the 13th from 6 until 9PM. Get a chance to meet and speak to our jurist J.D. Cantu. Food and beverages will be served so come hungry and thirsty.

Monday nights meeting will be the action challenge and we have a reviewer lined up that will bring a professionals view to the art of action photography. Leslie Billman's work in sports photography has earned her a position with a wire service specializing in Tennis photography. Her work has been used by the USGA in their magazine. She also enjoys shooting candid portraits of children and pets and she has developed a large collection of micro-photography from the world of nature. Her works have been published nationally and locally her work has been displayed at the Cheasapeake Photo Gallery here in Annapolis. Plan on attending Mondays meeting and meet this local, nationally recognized photographer.

We will also have a presentation on back lighting and fill flash photography and a presentation by Mat Korbelak on the field trip to the animal shelter a few weeks back.

Hope to see you all on both Friday night at Bella Photo Art & Framing Gallery and at the meeting Monday evening.