Cover Photo: “Eaves and Windows” by Wendy Kates
Winner of the 2008, 2011, and 2012 PSA Henricks Award for best newsletter!
Contents
KEY EVENTS
Mar 1 – Speaker Night (7:30 p.m.)
Mar 8 – Competition night: Open (7:30 p.m.)
Mar 15 – A Closer Focus meeting (7:30 p.m.)
Mar 17 – 
Field Trip to Fells Point & Federal Hill, Baltimore ( 10:00 a.m.)
Mar 22 – Board Meeting (7:30 p.m.)
If Montgomery County Schools close due to inclement weather, SSCC meetings and outings will be cancelled. See montgomeryschoolsmd.org for closure information.
SSCC member submissions for the Cable Release should be directed to Editor, Cable Release, at cablereleaseeditor@ssccphotography.org. More information is available in the SSCC Member Handbook: 2017-2018 Member Handbook
© 2018 Silver Spring Camera Club and its contributors. All contents of the Cable Release are copyright protected. No material herein may be reproduced in any manner without the written permission of the Editor, Author, or Photographer.
MEETINGS AND FIELD TRIPS
MEETING LOCATION
Silver Spring United Methodist Church
8900 Georgia Ave.
Silver Spring, MD
Click for details
LESTER PICKER TO SPEAK ON BLACK & WHITE PHOTOGRAPHY – MARCH 1
Lester Picker has won the prestigious Canada Northern Lights Award for Best Travel Photography. He is a Moab Master Photographer, and his print workshops are supported by Moab and Canon.
Les believes that black and white photography is the most difficult of all. Stripped of the distractions of color, a black and white image must have drama, emotion, texture, or wonderful tonality to be effective.
NEW: See this link for information on the mounting board Les demonstrated: (read more) 
COMPETITION COLUMN
The competition on March 8 will be the Open theme:
In open competitions, free rein is given to the choices the photographer makes in the creation of the submitted image. Images of any and all subjects or themes, created using any photographic or post-processing methods or techniques, are acceptable. The images are evaluated based upon the judge’s general assessment of their creativity, emotional and/or intellectual impact, aesthetic beauty, uniqueness of subject, and technical skill. The judge need not assign any specific weight to any single attribute of the image.
Please be mindful that electronic submissions for projected images must be received no later than 11:59 p.m. on March 1st, Speaker Night. The images should be emailed to: SSCCphotography@yahoo.com. (One important detail – In order to participate in the competition, you must have paid the club’s annual dues before the competition.)
To learn the nitty gritty about the competitions, and for the definition of each of the competition topics, please refer to the Member Handbook and/or 2017-18 Competition Topic Definitions (both of which are accessible from the SSCC website):
- March – Open
- April – Architecture Photography
- May – Monochrome Photography
- June – End of Year Competition (special rules apply)
As always, if you have any questions about the competitions, please feel free to contact Larry Gold at competition@ssccphotography.org.
DON JOHNSON TO JUDGE OUR OPEN COMPETITION – MARCH 8
Don Johnson’s images have appeared in many well known publications such as Popular Photography. His award-winning photos for Zoo and Aquariums were featured at the Smithsonian Institution’s National Museum of Natural History for a full year. Don has won a number of awards in both local and national photography competitions. He is the former President of the Frederick Camera Clique as well as the Gaithersburg Camera Club, and is an active member of the FONZ Photography Club.
A CLOSER FOCUS – MARCH 15
An opportunity to share ideas, images, questions, and inspirations
Half an hour will be an open forum discussing issues at hand. There will also be half an hour for 10 minute presentations by members. This is always a great evening of sharing and learning. What topics would you like to explore? Topics are very wide ranging, such as photo book reviews, an aspect of your own photography that you’d like to share, reviews or discussion of gallery shows, photo gear, software, etc. Or bring a gadget to share.
For March we will include the following:
- The general discussion topic is Photography as Art or Craft. Please think about it and bring your ideas.
- Picture assignment: bring several of your photos that you consider as “Art” or “Not Art”.
- Dave Powell will talk a bit about assembling and sequencing multiple photos in preparation for the upcoming portfolio review, building a website, or preparing for a show.
- We will continue showing the features of the new Photoshop CC 2018 and Lightroom Classic.
- The Exposure Triangle
- In our February meeting Tanya Riseman completed her third leg of the Three Legs of Exposure with Shutter Speed, where motion was blurred or frozen! She presented ISO in December, and Aperture in January (with a memorable use of spaghetti to illustrate light rays). These presentations can be found here:
- (Dec) ISO presentation
- (Jan) Aperture presentation
- (Feb) Shutter Speed presentation
- Tanya will finish her newbie series on the exposure triangle with: “Bringing it all Together, Reciprocity with Cans of Tuna.” This involves the merits and trade-offs in selecting combinations of shutter speed, aperture, and ISO settings for achieving proper exposure and artistic effect.
- In our February meeting Tanya Riseman completed her third leg of the Three Legs of Exposure with Shutter Speed, where motion was blurred or frozen! She presented ISO in December, and Aperture in January (with a memorable use of spaghetti to illustrate light rays). These presentations can be found here:
Future topics include: portfolio reviews, compositional strength, HDR, abstract images, or anything else photographic you want to bring to the table. This is an opportunity for you to provide input to the SSCC experience.
If you would like to be on the agenda, please email me at:
davidwesleypowell@gmail.com
FIELD TRIP: FELLS POINT AND FEDERAL HILL IN BALTIMORE – MARCH 17
On Saturday, March 17, St. Patrick’s Day, join SSCC’s lasses and laddies for a wee bit o’ photography in Baltimore at Fells Point and Federal Hill! Lunch either at an Irish pub in Fells Point or in Little Italy afterwards. (read more)
CLUB NEWS
SSCC PRESENTS PORTFOLIO REVIEW 2018
Back by popular demand SSCC will be holding another portfolio review of YOUR work at the Closer Focus meeting on April 19. We will have a group of accomplished photographers individually review your work. (read more)
BOARD MEETING
FIELD TRIP TO BASILICA OF THE NATIONAL SHRINE OF THE IMMACULATE CONCEPTION & THE FRANCISCAN MONASTERY
On February 17th, we had a great turn out for a double-header outing to the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception and the Franciscan Monastery in Washington D.C. In both visits, we were treated to a guided tour of the facilities and were allowed to use our tripods to capture steady images as the inside of the facilities was rather dark in places. We had a special treat at the National Shrine when our tour guide turned out to be David Zahren – the former weatherman for TV Channel 7 (ABC) news for 25 years. After the shoot, we met back at downtown Silver Spring for lunch at Pete’s New Haven Pizza.
– David Terao
FEATURES
KERNELS OF KOREN
When you think of the Olympics you usually think of athletes in top physical form performing feats of strength, agility and grace better than anyone else in the world. Among these athletes there are the best of the best that earn medals. However, outside the Olympic hype and spotlight the regular athletes of the world performing at an average to below average level are often forgotten. (read more)
LUMINAR FOR YOUR POST-PROCESSING?
In earlier meetings of A Closer Focus this year, David Terao showed us a relatively new image post-processing product called Luminar, an alternative to Lightroom. He showed us that Luminar does the same types of image adjustments as Lightroom, and in a manner that seems very familiar to us Lightroom users. He noted that it performed well for Mac users, but was a bit further behind for Windows.
When Adobe brought out its subscription-based model for Lightroom and Photoshop, many of us bristled at paying Adobe every … single … month. For others, a monthly subscription wasn’t deemed such a bad thing. It meant frequent updates and the latest software, and was actually less expensive than staying on top of the technology via routine upgrade purchases. However, for those who prefer to make a simple product purchase, Luminar 2018 may be the answer. Developed by Skylum (formerly Macphun), Luminar 2018 is a powerful piece of post-processing software that is available for a very reasonable cost ($69, or cheaper with discount codes – see reviews).
There are a number of reviews on the web. The current version of Luminar 2018 is 1.1.1, so look for that especially. Here is a review of version 1.0.2: skylum-luminar-2018-review, and one from across the pond: luminar-2018-review
The following blog shows Mac versus Windows functionality for version 1.1.1, and it seems clear that the Windows version, while capable, is still catching up to the Mac: luminar-2018-mac-windows-visual-comparison-guide
Competition is a very good thing, and Skylum appears to be committed to providing top-notch post processing at a cost cheaper than Lightroom, and no subscription. Stay tuned!
James Ragucci thought that fellow members who were interested in Luminar might enjoy the following blog Making Winter Images Pop with Luminar.
THE COMPLEXITIES OF IMAGE COPYRIGHT LAW
SSCC member Anne Golfer was on a Facebook photography website where they have ongoing discussions about the legalities involved in copyrighting photographs. The following article was shared, and has lots of good information about a very blurry line in the field with interesting real examples that include “sweat of the brow doctrine”, street photography, and images taken while trespassing! 10-cases-that-show-how-complicated-copyright-law-really-is
MARYLAND PHOTOGRAPHY ALLIANCE GALLERY SHOW AT MARYLAND HOUSE OF DELEGATES
After a successful run at the Columbia Art Center, the Maryland Photography Alliance’s (MPA) first gallery show is open to the public. Of the 72 exhibited photos, 11 are from SSCC members David Terao, My Phuong Nguyen, Michael Koren, Jim Turner, Michael Tran, Stephanie Banks, Nick Williams, Oliver (Pete) Morton, Sherman Edwards, Sue Green, and Wendy Kates.
The show is located in the lounge area of the State of Maryland House of Delegates building, which is located at 6 Bladen Street, Annapolis, MD 21401.
The gallery show will be on display until mid-April, 2018. The public hours of the Maryland House of Delegates are Monday through Friday, 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. You will need a photo ID to gain access to the building.
ODYSSEY OF LIGHT
The most exciting photography seminar ever is coming to Baltimore on Saturday, March 24.
National Geographic legend Bruce Dale and Nikon Ambassador Tamara Lackey are the presenters. Bruce will provide a fascinating presentation of favorite National Geographic photographs, video, and stories behind the lens. Following the free lunch, Tamara will conduct live portrait shooting with a studio, lighting, and volunteer models. She will share tips, techniques, posing, and post-processing expertise.
Because the Silver Spring Camera Club is a member of the MPA, your price is only $79!
In addition to great presentations, you will receive a $50 NPL Gift Card and Free Lunch.
For more information and to register go to: https://www.odysseyoflight.org/mpa
There is limited seating, so register today!
EIGHTH ANNUAL LIGHT AND CREATIVITY WORKSHOP
The Harrisburg Camera Club will hold its 8th Annual Light & Creativity Workshop, Saturday, April 7, 2018, from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. at the Central Penn College Conference Center, Enola PA.
There are four big name speakers, vendors, and included breakfast and lunch. (read more)
MEMBER ARTICLES
BRIEF RAMBLINGS — ONE – BY PETE MORTON
People’s reactions to photographs have always interested me. … Years ago, I would get irritated when I showed someone a photograph I was proud of and they said, “Wow, you must have a really good camera!” … read more
REVIEW OF SQUARESPACE WEB BUILDER FOR WEBSITES – BY TANYA RISEMAN
Squarespace has dozens of web site templates, covering personal, photography, art, business and e-commerce. What is very nice is that they are all designed to be “responsive”, i.e. automatically resizing and reshaping for computers, iPads and smartphones and also the font size you chose in your browser. (read more)
COMPETITION WINNERS
ANYTHING WASHINGTON D.C. – FEBRUARY 8
February’s competition was in the Anything Washington D.C. category. Jean-Pierre Ple was our judge that evening. There are four main categories: Novice Prints, Novice Projected (i.e. digital images), Advanced Prints, and Advanced Projected. Awards are given for first, second and third place, and honorable mentions – the number of awards depends on the total number of entries in the category.
ADVANCED PRINTS
- 1st Place: Kate Woodward – Tourist Respite
- 2nd Place: Oliver (Pete) Morton – Eyes on D.C.
- 3rd Place: Larry Gold – Monumental D.C.
- Honorable Mention Beth Koller – Sky Geometry
Advanced Print ~ Kate Woodward ~ Tourist Respite
NOVICE PRINTS
- 1st Place: Tanya Riseman – RESIST or DIode
- 2nd Place: Marc Auerbach – Ben’s Chili Bowl
- 3rd Place: Catherine Honigsberg – Cathedral Lights
ADVANCED PROJECTED
- 1st Place: Larry Gold – Resist
- 2nd Place: David Terao – Riding High
- 3rd Place: Bob Catlett – The Peace Building
- Honorable Mention: Nick Williams – Ark of the Arena
NOVICE PROJECTED
- 1st Place: Wendy Kates – Red, White and Blue
- 2nd Place: Andrew Rein – D.C. Jazz
- 3rd Place: Renee Schaefer – Vietnam Wall
- Honorable Mention: James Ragucci – Portrait of an Honest Man
Novice Projected ~ Wendy Kates ~ Red, White and Blue
This image is of Georgetown townhouses at dusk. I tried to capture the repeating architectural patterns in the townhouses, as well as contrast between the blue tones of the first townhouse and the adjacent red brick wall. I applied creative filters in post-processing (i.e., NIK Color Efex Pro and Topaz Simplify). Olympus OM-D-EM-1 mirrorless camera, Olympus 12–40mm f/2.8 PRO lens, ISO 200, 25mm, f/2.8, 1/30s.
CLASSES, CALLS FOR ENTRY, AND EXHIBITS
CLASSES AND WORKSHOPS
This month’s class list includes many courses on architecture, which is April’s competition theme. You might see particularly the online vendor Lynda.com (which offers a free 30-day trial subscription to all its courses) and various local photo workshops that visit buildings such as the Library of Congress, Union Station, and the Air & Space Museum. This month’s list also includes an all-day photo event, Harrisburg Camera Club’s 8th Annual Light and Creativity Workshop.
The class list includes sample photography courses and workshops from a variety of providers. There are three categories of classes:
- Classes and workshops in the D.C. area
- Online courses
- Multi-day photography trips to places within and beyond the United States.
Some of these begin or require registration early in the month. Please provide reviews of courses that you have taken! (read more)
CALLS FOR ENTRY
The following offers a number of competitions for your consideration this month. Some of these sources having standing calls for entry, and others are one-time calls. Some offer cash and prizes, and others don’t.
See the full Calls for Entry article here. (read more)
EXHIBITS AND EVENTS
U.S. BOTANIC GARDEN
Orchid Spectrum, February 23 – April 8
An annual exhibition of thousands of orchids.
MONTGOMERY COLLEGE MEDIA ARTS GALLERY
Photography Student Exhibition, March 19 – April 13
Featuring work of students in the Photography Program in the Media Arts & Technologies Department (Rockville Campus).
https://cms.montgomerycollege.edu/mediaartsgallery/
NEWSEUM
Pulitzer Prize Photographs Gallery – Permanent, Level 1
This gallery features the most comprehensive collection of Pulitzer Prize-winning photographs ever assembled, including photographs from every Pulitzer Prize-winning entry since 1942, when the award was first presented. The gallery is updated each year when new winners are announced in April.
Interactive touch screens in the gallery display more than 1,000 images and 15 hours of video and audio compiled from interviews with the prize-winning photographers.
MULTIPLE EXPOSURES GALLERY (TORPEDO FACTORY, ALEXANDRIA, VA)
- February 13 – March 25: E.E. McCollum, EMBRACE
- March 27 – May 6: Danny Conant
www.multipleexposuresgallery.com/exhibits/
The following museums are usually a good source of photography exhibits. These can be good locations for your own photographs too:
NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC
The National Geographic frequently has events related to photography. Check these out here: National Geographic Photography Events
- Day to Night: in the Field with Stephen Wilkes, February 13 – April 29
Photographer Stephen Wilkes is recognized around the world for his stunning image compositions of landscapes as they transition from day to night. Each of these dramatic images is meticulously crafted from more than 1,500 photographs taken from a fixed vantage point over the course of 15 to 30 hours, from sunrise to sunset. Stephen spent much of 2017 on assignment documenting bird migration routes for National Geographic magazine. This exhibition takes you into the field and behind the scenes, shining a light on the talent and dedication it takes to beautifully capture the passing of time.
- Birds of the Photo Ark, Joel Sartore, speaker, Tuesday, March 27
- From the Archive – Chasing Cherry Blossoms, Sara Manco, speaker, Thursday, March 29
THE NATIONAL GALLERY OF ART
Check out the current and upcoming exhibitions here:
- Sally Mann: A Thousand Crossings, March 4 – May 28
For more than forty years, Sally Mann has made experimental, elegiac, and hauntingly beautiful photographs that span a broad body of work including figure studies, still lifes, and landscapes. Some 115 photographs offer both a sweeping overview of Mann’s artistic achievement and a focused exploration on the continuing influence of the South on her work.
HIRSHHORN
Find current and upcoming exhibitions for the Hirshhorn:
WASHINGTON POST
Here is a link to the online Washington Post’s lists of D.C., Maryland, and Virginia photography-related exhibits and museums. I have found that the various photography-related exhibits appear in different parts of the online paper, making a simple search or link unreliable. You can search within
- Photography section: Photography
- Going Out Guide: Going Out Guide
- Art Section: Art
DEEP(ish) DIVE INTO THE ARCHIVES
This month, we provide the March, 2002 issue of the Cable Release for a view of our club’s past. You’ll see some current members’ names in this issue. This was the era when digital photography started its domination over the darkroom: “There will certainly come a day though when it will be difficult to tell one from the other and photographers will push image making far beyond anything George Eastman could have imagined”.
16 YEARS AGO
“It is my intention to present – through the medium of photography – intuitive observations of the natural world which may have meaning to the spectators”
– Ansel Adams
MPA MARCH/APRIL MEMBER CLUBS’ NEWS
See what other regional camera clubs are up to in news from the Maryland Photography Alliance: ( read more )
Take a look at what our sister camera club, the NIH Camera Club, has going on. Here is a link to their site. There you can find their newsletter, the Cameraderie.
