The Focal Point Official Newsletter of the LINN AREA PHOTO CLUB August Vol. 9, No. 8

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1 Official Newsletter of the LINN AREA PHOTO CLUB - Vol. 9, No. 8 DOES IT HAVE TO BE REAL? by, Ken Boardrow Seriously. Sometimes not always but sometimes you can play with settings in Lightroom and Photoshop and end up with an end result that looks good. This photo is a good example. I took this shot this past winter on an overcast and very dreary day. The natural color... if you can call it that... had more grays and blacks. And to be honest, I like this series in its natural colors as well. But, when I imported them into Lightroom, and just to amuse myself, I started playing with some settings... mostly the white balance... and came up with this. I will admit that I was a bit surprised at my reaction. I liked it. It has a warmer, yet surreal, feel to it. At the same time, it doesn't really have any pretense of being real or natural. One of my earliest blog posts has a lake scene in Michigan where I shot the same scene during a foggy sunrise with several different white balances in the camera. The natural color was yellow-ish. Others were blue, purple, and so on. They were all great, yet for different reasons. Maybe I ll have to post that whole series to show what a simple thing like different white balances can do to a shot. Experimentation. Give it a try! Article & Photos Ken Boardrow

2 July LAPC Meeting Recap by Cherie Flint (primarily)& Ken Boardrow (minimally), but mostly Cherie Flint Regular Meeting Wickiup Hill Outdoor Learning Center, Toddville IA Sunday, July 8, :30pm Monthly Contest Theme: Sun The July meeting took place at Wickiup Learning Center on July 8th, There were 46 people in attendance. President Bob Randklev started the meeting by welcoming new members and visitors. The following people introduced themselves to the club New Members: Chris Davey uses a Canon T3 and enjoys photographing family, landscape, and wildlife. Joe Mlodzik uses a Canon camera and enjoys taking images of his family and fine art. Pam Olson 1 st Place Monthly Photo Contest: The monthly contest theme was Sun. There were a total of 24 entries. 1st place was Pam Olson (24 votes) 2nd place was Dean Travers (22 votes) 3rd place was Tim McAdam (15 votes) Showcase Photographer: Neale Cornelius Neale uses the following equipment Canon 60D with kit mm kit lens Canon mm USM with lens hood Canon 10-22mm wide angle lens Canon 50mm f1.8 macro lens Flashes: 1230 ex and Canon 580 ex 2 Battery grip with external AC charger Tripod 5 in 1 Reflector Rainbow Strap that connect to tripod screw and has additional storage in strap Memory I5 card (see notes below) This card has build-in Wifi which automatically uploads to your devices linked to your hot spot. Geotags the images. You are able to choose what type of file you want saved to device. You can program it to send jpeg files to the ipad and RAW files to the main computer Offers an online backup service for $5.00/mo Cost around $80.00 per card. Page 2 of 14

3 July LAPC Meeting Recap (Continued) Monthly presentation: Tony Sedore and HDR Tony Sedore was the guest speaker for July. He specializes in creating amazing High Dynamic Range images, also known as HDR. You can check out some of his work at his Flickr site: HDR (High Dynamic Range) is a technique that combines the image information from three or more exposures into one image that contains the maximum possible detail throughout the whole range of light. HDR allows you to create images that contain the detail in the scene as your eyes saw them including the details in both the shadow areas and well as the brightly lit areas. What to shoot: There is no limitation regarding what you can shoot to create a good HDR photo. For best results look for scenes that contain both heavy shadows and bright high lights. Take note that the slightest movement of your camera between the shots will cause blur in the final image. Setting your camera on Auto Exposure Bracketing and using a shutter release is highly recommended. Try to avoid a scene that contains the slightest movement. The goal is to take the three source images that match each other exactly. If your shots contain tree leaves moving in the breeze, or a boat slightly rocking at a dock, it will result in a slight blur when the images are blended together. Bracketing Tip from Ken: For Canon camera users If you use the timer function the camera will fire off all three bracketed shots in quick succession without you having to do anything extra. This is very helpful even when using a remote-release. This will not eliminate the downside of slight movement, but it can help minimize it. I presume other camera brands most likely do the same thing. Your mileage may vary. Tools needed: A camera that allows you to control the exposure setting Tripod A remote shutter release (optional, but recommended) An HDR program such as Photomatix, or a RAW editing program such as Aperture, Lightroom, or Photoshop. Tony has the following recommendations for shooting HDR: Look for details in the image. Lots of contrast makes the best HDR. Clouds are your friend. When shooting wildlife, use Photomatix Pro ( ) to freeze the movement and get rid of the ghosting. Continued Next Page Page 3 of 14

4 July LAPC Meeting Recap (Continued) Tony has the following recommendations for shooting HDR (Continued): Shoot in jpeg, if you use RAW the file becomes too large. Remember you want to have at least three differently exposed images of the same scene. One image should underexposed by 1 f-stop, another should be exposed properly and the third should be overexposed by 1 f-stop. On bright sunny days, it is recommended that the underexposed and overexposed images are by 2 f-stops under and over. Create three to five images. Camera settings: use manual focus to keep the point of focus the same. Use aperture priority. If using handheld, use high speed continuous shooting, with auto exposure bracketing. Increase your shutter speed and bump your ISO to up 800. Remember high ISO creates more noise in your image. LAPC Members Selected for Display at the 2012 Iowa State Fair Photo Salon There were over 5000 images entered into this year contest. 568 images have been selected by the judges for display. The following club members have been selected for the 2012 Photo Salon Karen Bradley Nicole Dernelle-Ruhlow (2) Larry Guilds Ann Jorgensen (2) Bob Klemme Isabella Korwell (3) Bob Lancaster Kelly Lancaster Kelly Oxley (2) Sherry Schons Ellen Smith Sally Strah Daren Swartzendruber Dean Traver Jay Watkins The Iowa State Fair will be open from Thursday, August 9 th to Sunday, August 19 th. 2012, of course. Be sure to take a trip down for some fun and to see some great photos from your fellow club members. Announcements: Master Class Software: Attendees of the Masters Class with Clay Blackmore need to get with Bob Lancaster to pick up your free software if you have not received it yet. Colorado Exhibit Photos: Colorado Exhibit photos are back. They can be picked up from Bob Lancaster Canon Explorer s of Light: The Club is looking into having Jennifer Wu as the guest speaker. Right now we are working on finalizing the time that works best with her schedule. Her work can be viewed at Page 4 of 14

5 Upcoming LAPC Meetings The Focal Point Regular Meeting Wickiup Hill Outdoor Learning Center, Toddville IA Sunday, August 12, :30pm Monthly Contest Theme: Humor Monthly Presentation: Photoshop CS5 tips, tricks, and hints Showcase photographer: To be determined What s in your bag?: To be determined Regular Meeting Wickiup Hill Outdoor Learning Center, Toddville IA Sunday, October 14, :30pm Monthly Contest Theme: Patterns Regular Meeting Sunday, September 9, :30pm Monthly Contest Theme: Texture Location to be Determined Regular Meeting Wickiup Hill Outdoor Learning Center, Toddville IA Sunday, November 11, :30pm Monthly Contest Theme: n/a Monthly Presentation: High Dynamic Range (HDR) Photography Showcase photographer: To be determined What s in your bag?: To be determined LAPC Sponsors (in no particular order) Page 5 of 14

6 Upcoming Misc. Announcements & Non-LAPC Events Photo Opportunities: Habitat for Humanities: Where: 320 7th St SW, Cedar Rapids When: 9 Saturdays June 23-August 25 What: Photographers are needed to document the building of the house by women. LAPC contact: Pam Olson Information: Photo studio space is available for use: Contact Neale Cornelius at snapmyphoto@gmail.com for more details. Tim McAdam Bicklehaupt Arboretum: Where: 340 South 14th St, Clinton Iowa Time: open dawn to dusk For more information go to Enter their photo contest entries are due by August 31, 2012 Reihman Gardens at Iowa State University: If there is enough interest, the club is willing to set up a possible photo shoot. The club would have to rent the facility. If you are interested in a possible photo shoot Bob Lancaster at: vice-president@linnareaphotoclub.org Ryan Taylor Minnesota Renaissance Festival: August 18th-Sept 30th Weekends Where: Shakapee, MN 2 miles south of Hwy 169 and Hwy 41 Cost: $21.95/adult at the gate 18.95/adult in advance For more information visit their website at: Page 6 of 14

7 Upcoming Misc. Announcements & Non-LAPC Events (Continued) Photo Opportunities (Continued): Native American Cultural Day: Where: Wickiup Learning Center When: August 25th, :30-4:00 What: They would like to extend an invite to any active LAPC members (free admission) to take photos of the event, in exchange to use the photos for marketing or advertising. Information: Area/Events/3859/Native-American-Cultural-Day.aspx Coggon Wine Tasting Event: Where: Coggon, Iowa When: September 22, 2012 What: Photo display and judging with cash prizes Information: Contact Doug Shaffer at doug- if you wish to participate in displaying your photographs. LAPC Classifieds Lynn Reihman Canon 200mm f2.8 II: Club member Mike Stark is selling a Canon 200mm f2.8 vii lens. Included with the lens is the original box, manual, hood, and caps. Price: $ If interested, you can contact Mike at iprintms@gmail.com Canon PowerShot A95: Club member Ken Boardrow is selling a Canon PowerShot A95 point & shoot digital camera. Included with the camera is the blank warranty card and manual. Price: $ Questions and inquiries should be directed to Ken at kdboard@yahoo.com Canon Tripod Mount Ring B(B): Club member Ken Boardrow is selling a Canon Tripod Mount Ring B(B). Very hard to find. This lens mount ring will fit the following Canon lenses (according to B&H website): EF 100mm f/2.8 Macro USM, MP-E65mm f/2.8 EF, and 180mm f/3.5l Macro USM. Price: $ Questions and inquiries should be directed to Ken at kdboard@yahoo.com Page 7 of 14

8 No Excuses: Copyright Lawyer Talks To Photographers by Larry Zerner, from Pictureline As a copyright lawyer for the past 20 years, I ve spoken to a lot of photographers whose work has been infringed. And because I m a copyright lawyer, I m always encouraging photographers to register their photographs with the U.S. Copyright Office. Yet, so often when speaking to photographers, I hear a litany of excuses over why they can t register the photographs with the copyright office. It s too expensive. It s too difficult. Copyright protection exists upon creation, so I can wait until after the infringement to register the photo. All of these excuses are not only wrong, but they are potentially costing the photographer tens of thousands of dollars. This article will explain why registering your photos with the Copyright Office has never been easier. And how a registration could mean the difference between getting rich, or getting ripped-off. Partial Eclipse, by Matt Kuhns EXCUSE #1 IT S TOO EXPENSIVE Many photographers are under the mistaken impression that every photograph has to be registered separately. At $35 a pop, that would add up really quickly. But that is just not true. Using Form GR/PPH/CON, a photographer can register up to 750 published photographs for the $35 fee. The requirements are that (a) all the photographs are by the same photographer (if an employer for hire is named as author, only one photographer s work can be included); (b) all the photographs are published in the same calendar year; and (c) all the photographs have the same copyright claimant. If you would like to register more than 750 photographs, you can still do so with a single filing fee using Form VA if you identify the date of publication for each photograph on the images deposited with the application. EXCUSE #2 IT S TOO DIFFICULT Anyone who says that registration is too difficult simply hasn t done it. It can be time consuming at times, but if you know your name, address, citizenship, and the year of creation of the photos, you have the intelligence to register your photos with the copyright office. The Copyright Office has a number of circulars that explain how to fill out the form, including a few specifically addressed to photographers. And the Copyright Office is currently allowing, on a trial basis, electronic registration of groups of published photographs. To be eligible for this trial, call the Visual Arts Division at (202) Continued Next Page Page 8 of 14

9 No Excuses: Copyright Lawyer Talks To Photographers Death Valley, by Matt Kuhns (Continued) One thing you should be aware of. The Copyright Office makes a distinction between published and unpublished works. A work is considered published not only if it was distributed to the public, but also if the photographer distributed copies to a group of people for purposes of further distribution or public display. This is important for paparazzi photographers who might immediately send out a group of photos to various magazines or websites for purchase. Even if all of them are not used, they can all be considered published. EXCUSE #3 I CAN WAIT UNTIL AFTER THE INFRINGEMENT TO REGISTER THE PHOTO. It is true that the photographer owns the copyright immediately upon creation. But as a practical matter, registration is imperative if you want to be able to sue someone for infringing your work. That is because the Copyright Act gives the photographer different forms of relief, depending on whether the photo was registered at the time of the infringement (or within 90 days of the photo s publication). If a registered work is infringed, the photographer can claim statutory damages of up to $30,000, and up to $150,000 if willful infringement is proved. The photographer can also recover his attorney s fees, which easily add up to tens of thousands of dollars. But if the photographer did not register the photo before the infringement (or within 90 days of publication), then he can only recover his actual damages, plus any profits of the Defendant attributable to the infringement. Let s take a hypothetical case and see how that plays out. Mary, an aspiring nature photographer, posts photographs of her trip to the Grand Canyon on her blog. One of her photos is taken by an unscrupulous ad agency, and used in the background for a series of travel brochures. SCENARIO #1 MARY DID NOT REGISTER THE PHOTOGRAPH If Mary wants to sue, all she could get would be her actual damages Because Mary is not yet an established photographer, her best sale to date was for $1,000. So, if she sued, the most she could get Continued Next Page Page 9 of 14

10 No Excuses: Copyright Lawyer Talks To Photographers (Continued) would be $1,000 (or possibly some small multiple of that). But because her attorney wants $10,000 to file the case, it doesn t make economic sense for her to file the lawsuit. It will cost her more than she would ever recover. ArchAngel, by Matt Kuhns Although, in theory Mary could also obtain the profits of the infringer related to use of the photograph, the reality is that proving those profits would be very expensive, and would almost certainly cost more in expert s fees and attorney s fees, then she would ever recover. As a result, Mary does not file a lawsuit and end up recovering nothing. SCENARIO #2 MARY DID REGISTER THE PHOTOGRAPH In this case, Mary can now seek statutory damages for willful infringement. And she can obtain attorney s fees in the lawsuit. She hires a lawyer (who is now willing to work on a contingency fee basis). The lawyer writes a letter to the advertising agency. A little back and forth and the matter is settled for $20,000 a few weeks later. Not a fortune, but a nice payday for the use of one photograph. Now obviously, this scenario is just an example and the results will change depending on a number of factors. But, as a general rule, the $35 spent on registering your photos with the Copyright Office will be the best money you ever spent.!!! Needed!!! Your newsletter needs photos! From you our members for random inclusion. This is your club and your newsletter. Show off your work! End of Article Be sure to check out the Linn Area Photo Club website: Page 10 of 14

11 Monthly Contest 1. Eligibility: a) Competitors must be members in good standing of Linn Area Photo Club (LAPC), and have paid their dues (at time of judging). b) Must be present during contest to participate 2. Entry format: a) Entries must be in print form only. b) No restriction regarding print paper. Glossy, matte, metallic, canvas, etc., are all acceptable. c) Entries may be either color or black & white. d) Entries must be the original work of the competitor, and must have been taken within two (2) years. e) Entries cannot have been a previous LAPC Monthly or Annual Contest winner. f) Minimum size: 8 x10. Maximum size 11 x14 (including matting, if applicable) g) Entries may be mounted, but it is not a requirement. h) Matting is optional. i) Entries can NOT be framed or include any type of covering. j) All entries must have the competitor s name, image title, and an arrow indicating the up orientation on the back in the lower righthand corner. Information must be legible. k) Entrant s name, photo title, date, and any other text cannot appear on the front of the photo. l) No collages. m) Any photo may be disqualified by the Contest Rules Committee if deemed inappropriate and/or not meeting any rule or requirement n) Nude photos are not eligible. LAPC Contest Rules The Focal Point Annual Contest 1. Eligibility: a) Competitors must be members in good standing of Linn Area Photo Club (LAPC), and have paid their dues (at time of judging). b) Must be present during contest to participate. c) Photos must be submitted by the predetermined time. Late entries will NOT be accepted. 2. Entry format: a) Entries must be in print form only. b) No restriction regarding print paper. Glossy, matte, metallic, canvas, etc., are all acceptable. c) Entries may be either color or black & white in any category, unless specifically restricted. d) Entries must be the original work of the competitor, and must have been taken within five (5) years. e) Entries cannot have been a previous LAPC Annual Contest winner (1 st, 2 nd, or 3 rd Place). Entries may have been a previous LAPC Monthly Contest winner. f) Photos may be any size up to, and including, 11 x14 (including matting, if applicable)*. g) All photos must be mounted on 11 x14 foam core that is at least 1/8 thick. h) Matting is optional. i) Entries can NOT be framed or include any type of covering. j) All entries must have the competitor s name, image title, category, and an arrow indicating the up orientation on the back in the lower right-hand corner. Information must be legible. k) Entrant s name, photo title, date, and any other text cannot appear on the front of the photo. l) No collages. m) Any photo may be disqualified by the Contest Rules Committee if deemed inappropriate and/or not meeting any rule or requirement n) Nude photos are not eligible. *- See Panorama Category for panorama size criteria. Continued next page Page 11 of 14

12 Monthly Contest 3. Entries, Prizes, & Judging: a) Each competitor may submit up to two (2) photos in each monthly contest. b) Three (3) winning entries (1 st, 2 nd, & 3 rd Place) will be selected. c) Only the First Place winner will receive a prize. d) Contest will be judged by a vote of LAPC members. LAPC Contest Rules (Continued) Continued next page See next page for Annual Contest categories Annual Contest 3. Entries, Prizes, & Judging: a) Each competitor may submit up to two (2) photos in each category, with an overall total of eight (8) maximum submissions for the entire contest. Does not include club-selected theme category. b) Three (3) winning entries (1 st, 2 nd & 3 rd Place), along with up to three (3) Honorable Mention entries, will be selected, per category. c) Only the three winning entries (1 st, 2 nd, & 3 rd Place) in each category, as well as Best of Show, will receive a prize. Competitors may win up to two (2) awards/prizes in each category. d) The same photo may not be entered into more than one (1) category. e) Best of Show Award will be selected from amongst the1st Place winners in all categories (except Annual Club-Selected Theme category), and be awarded in addition to the 1st Place Award for that category. f) The Annual Contest will be judged by a preselected judge or judges. g) Judge(s) and/or Contest Rules Committee members reserve the right to move photos to other categories if category choice is deemed inappropriate. Photo will be disqualified if appropriate category already has maximum number of competitor entries. Ken Boardrow Page 12 of 14

13 1. People and Portraits LAPC Contest Rules (Continued) Defined as individuals or groups of people as the primary focus of the photo. 2. Black and White Any permissible subject is allowed. No color photos allowed. 3. Animals Domestic, captive, or wild. Includes mammals, birds, reptiles, fish, etc. Does not include insects (see Macro / Close-Up category). 4. Landscape / Scenery Photos that focus on natural settings. 5. Macro / Close-Up Macro/Close-up of any permissible subject. Includes insects. 6. Architecture Photos where man-made permanent structures are the theme (i.e.; buildings, bridges, dams, architectural elements, etc.). 7. Panoramic Defined as capture of images with elongated fields of view. Any permissible subject is allowed. Minimum size: 6 on the shorter measurement Minimum aspect ratio: 2:1 Continued next column Annual Contest Categories 7. Panoramic (Continued) All mounting, framing, etc., requirements and/or restrictions apply unless specifically noted otherwise here. 8. Computer Enhanced / Manipulated Anything obviously and overtly unnatural and manipulated in the computer and/or darkroom (i.e.; selective coloring, unnatural-looking HDR, etc.). Any permissible subject is allowed. 9. Anything Goes Images that do not fit any of the above categories, but are otherwise not restricted (i.e.: collages, nude, etc.). Does not include computer enhanced or panoramas. 10. Annual Club-Selected Theme Theme to be decided by LAPC members each year. (2012 Theme: Country Roads ) One (1) entry per person. To be judged as a Member s Choice. One (1) vote per member (one chip). 1 st Place only shall be awarded. Not eligible for Best of Show Award. Winner will receive one (1) year s paid membership to LAPC for the next year. About the Linn Area Photo Club The Linn Area Photo Club (LAPC) was established in November 2003 in order to bring together individuals in the greater Linn County, Iowa, area who are interested in acquiring and developing an appreciation of the art and techniques of photography. Dues are $25 for new memberships and renewals. Monthly meetings are normally held at 1:30pm the second Sunday of the month at Wickiup Hill Outdoor Learning Center in Toddville. (See Calendar of Events for details) Club membership is open to photographers of all skill levels. Members participate in a variety of educational programs, field trips, and photo shoots. There is an informal monthly theme contest and an annual club contest that drew over 90 entries in its first year. Members range from beginners to professionals and use both digital and traditional photographic technology. LAPC is a great place to meet and learn from other photo enthusiasts. Contact Information Linn Area Photo Club PO Box 676, Marion, IA Website: membership@linnareaphotoclub.org Page 13 of 14

14 2012 LAPC Elected Officers The Focal Point Office Name Telephone President Bob Randklev (319) Vice-President Bob Lancaster (319) Secretary Cherie Flint (319) Treasurer David Byrnes (319) LAPC Appointed Officers and Committees Office Name Telephone Activities David Byrnes (319) Barb Plotz Membership David Byrnes Kris Hoeger (319) (319) Newsletter Ken Boardrow (319) Public Relations Ken Boardrow (319) PSA/N4C Rep. Bob Lancaster (319) Webmaster Bob Randklev (319) LAPC Contests & Contest Rules Ken Boardrow Doug Hoeger Doug Shaffer Programs & Photo Competitions Exhibits & Outside Photo Competitions Rick Young Ann Jorgensen Ken Boardrow Bob Lancaster Karla McMurrin (319) Deadline for submissions to The Focal Point is the 28 th of each month for the next month s newsletter. The Focal Point will be published by approximately the 5th day of each month. 2012, Linn Area Photo Club You cannot depend on your eyes if your imagination is out of focus Mark Twain Page 14 of 14