February 2022

From the President...

Greetings, fellow club members.

Change is all around us. We change our minds, we change the way we feel, we change how we see the world, and we change how we do things. At the camera club we have been changing the way we do things. One thing is sure, it will be necessary to continue changing as we try to manage in a continuously changing world due to Covid-19 and its variants.

Change does not just happen automatically. It happens because people want to make something different happen. They want to have a voice in how things that affect them operate. They want to be part of the solution.

Your Board of Directors have been willing to change how we operate and try new things to keep us relevant in today’s environment. We have been fortunate that we have had more successes than failures. If we do not change how we do things to keep the club relevant for you, then our long-term sustainability will be in doubt.

One more change is coming for sure; the make up of your Board of Directors. Yes, in April we will have elections of Board members. Convincing members to seek a seat on the board has been difficult in the past, and I suspect it will be difficult again this year. If, in the past, you decided to stay away from serving on the board, then I ask you to consider changing your mind. We need innovative ideas, and new minds to help us navigate into the future. Take this opportunity to be a voice in your camera club, to change the narrative and to create a sustainable future for our club.

Please contact me if you have an interest or any questions about becoming a board member. I will do my best to answer your questions and hopefully convince you, or change your mind, if you have any doubts.

Danny Valenzuela, President

Morning Only Club Hours through October

The Covid-19 pandemic continues to affect in-person attendance at the club, which has averaged just about two members per day. With no end to the pandemic in sight, the board has decided to continue the club hours of 9:00 am to 12:00 pm, Monday through Friday, through October of 2022.

Even so, participation online via Zoom in The Big Winter Class, SIGs, Field Trips, Speaker Series, Travelogue and Showtime has continued to exceed all expectations. Take advantage of these activities as we look forward to expanded availability of the club facilities next season.

Call for Member Photos to Exhibit

The GVR Camera Club has a long standing tradition of exhibiting its member’s photographs in all the GVR Centers, as well as in a number of commercial locations throughout Green Valley. Sue Ready and Julie Howard have recently assumed responsibility to coordinate this activity and are asking members to contact them if they would want to exhibit their work.

This exhibit program provides recognition not only for the photographer or artist, but for the Club as well, and is an excellent opportunity for members to display their best work. Sue or Julie would love to hear from you if you would like to show off your talents.

Contact Sue Ready at suready@yahoo.com or call her at 612-240-2818.

Contact Julie Howard at juliannhoward@gmail.com or call her at 402-202-4423.

Remembering Don Spear

From Gene Komaromi:

I joined the GVR Camera Club in the mid-ninety's. With about 40 members the club had a small club-room in the East Center. Behind the club-room there was a wet darkroom for film and prints.  Meetings with ten or more attending were held in the auditorium. The Club president was Bill Popejoy.

That same year, a tall distinguished gentleman named Don Spear joined the club. At one of our early meetings he leaned over to me and said “They have some old fashioned equipment here, no one has a digital camera.” Well Don had a Cannon Digital SLR and he let me use it to shoot a few shots on a field trip to the Pima Air Museum. Don, I and Bill Popejoy became the first digital adapters in the club.

One night Don shot some macro shots of little torn and curled pieces of paper, which he printed as B&W enlargements. He submitted the pictures to the Annual Tubac Art Show and won first place, the first photographer to do so. He was instrumental in elevating club photography to an accepted art level. Don enjoyed a book written by William Mortenson, called A Command to Look, and gave lectures on it.

Don was also the driving force behind Showtime. Three of us presented the first night it was held, and a regular Club activity was born. Don was also an avid bicyclist and shot a lot of cycling photographs. Many were arranged in multimedia presentations.

We learned this past month that Don passed away recently. I’m hoping that the Green Valley Recreation Camera Club can remember him as a friend, a club founder and a skilled photographer. We’ll miss you, Don…

From Linda Gregory:

As a fairly new member of the camera club, I remember seeing a beautiful slideshow created by Don using only three or four photos. The way he moved through each photo focusing on various parts of each image was breathtaking. And, of course, the music was perfect. At that moment I thought, "I really want to learn how to do that." Don inspired my creativity in so many ways. I am grateful. And yes, Don, you have been, and will be, missed.

Photo of the Month

The February Photo of the Month is by Denise O'Brian, titled Elk Man, a good example of creatively assembled photo illustration photography, producing a visualization with a surreal, dream like quality. Congratulations, Denise.

The Photo of the Month is chosen from the Photo of the Day series published on the Club's Facebook page from the 26th of the previous month to the 25th of last month. Keep sending the best of your work to Judith Pollard at jmp7741@gmail.com.

Check Out an Ansel Adams Book

Ansel Adams, an icon of black and white photography, would celebrate his 120th birthday February 20. He was born in San Francisco in 1902 and died in Monterey in 1984. Contributing to the clarity and depth of his images is a result of image-making called Zone System, which he developed with portrait photographer Fred Archer.

Our monthly library display will be Ansel Adams books. Even though some were published years ago, there is plenty of photography information and inspiration in the books.

Do you know that Adams was among the founders in 1975 of the Center for Creative Photography (CCP) on the University of Arizona Campus? In 1989 the CCP, which is dedicated to photography as an art form, relocated to its current 55,000-square-foot location, a part of the University's Fine Arts Complex at 1030 N. Olive Rd. If you have not been there, it is a must-visit for photographers!

The Camera Club library shelves are full of photography related books for members to borrow. Books may be checked out for three (3) weeks and renewed another three weeks if no one is waiting for the book.  We also have older magazines to enjoy. Stop by and browse the shelves!

Also, if you have books that were checked out before we closed for Covid-19, please return them to the library. Please contact me if you have questions.

Becky McCreary, Librarian

Finally the GVR Camera Club had a bit of success in hosting some hybrid SIG sessions. The Multimedia SIG is hosting hybrid meetings on the 2^nd and 4^th Mondays at 10:00 AM. On the 1^st and 3^rd Monday of the month the SIG is meeting in person. Kudos to the Multimedia SIG.

We have a relatively new SIG, Hit Me with Your Best Shot, meeting on Friday mornings at 10:00 AM. Pat Caniff is the facilitator. Put up to 5 of your digital photos on your desktop to share for comments from other SIG members via ZOOM. (Assistance will be provided with ZOOM,) You can even just attend and share the camaraderie without sharing photos. Register for the SIG at the Club’s website to get sign-in information.

Although Covid has limited in person activities at the Club, the action has moved online. Take a look at the Club Calendar and join in anything that interests you.

The GVR Camera Club is always looking for more instructional activities, Let me know if you have a photographic skill to share.

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 here for the latest information on all club activities.

Travelogue

Monday, 2/21 at 7:00 pm

This month's travelogue will show three beautiful presentations. Join us via Zoom.

The North

by Larry Springford

Dia de la Muertos

by Kathryn Engle

Silver City, NM

by Sarah Warnes

Find more information and register to join this presentation on the Club's website here or via your Travelogue e-blast announcement. The Zoom link to attend will be provided in your confirmation email after you register.

If you have a program to share, drop off your thumb drive with a .mov or .mpeg4 show in the Travelogue Drop Box located outside the Camera Club door, or email it to me at traveloguecc@gmail.com.

Paul McCreary, Travelogue Coordinator

Showtime

Monday 2/7 at 7:00 pm

What a fantastic program coming up with Showtime in February via Zoom.  You are treated to old cars, how to snorkel in the BVIs (could be British Virgin Islands?), a Gammons Gulch field trip and much, much more!  Don’t miss it.

• Amado Car Show – Kevin May
• Who Let the Dogs Out – Chuck Gremel
• Down in the Canyonlands (teaser) – Bryan and Susan Lavender
• Gammons Gulch – Chuck Hill
• Snorkeling in the BVIs – Todd Taylor
• VROOM VROOM – Rich O'neal
• Lions Thanksgiving – Gene Komaromi
• A Splash of  Color – Barb Woolard
• Sunrises and Sunsets – Bob Puttock

Find more information and register to join this presentation on the Club's website here or via your Travelogue e-blast announcement. The Zoom link to attend will be provided in your confirmation email after you register.

Chuck Hill, Showtime Coordinator

Speaker Series

Thursday, 2/17 at 2:00 pm

Ted Fleming

Photographing People:

Why Not?

Ted Fleming is an award-winning ecologist who worked at the University of Miami for 30 years. He is the author/co-author/editor of 10 science-based books, three of which focus on Sonoran Desert organisms. In retirement, he has concentrated on photography and photo art. His images have appeared in several solo shows in Tucson venues. Examples of his photography can be seen at www.tedflemingphotography.com.

This program naturally follows January’s program on Street Photography because it focuses on people as a creative subject in photography and photo art. Many photographers seem to be reluctant to photograph non-relatives. Ted explains how he has overcome this fear and the fun he has had photographing people. He focuses on where to photograph people, how to approach people before photographing them, and the results of his photo art based on people from around the world.

Find more information and register to join this presentation on the Club's website here or via your Travelogue e-blast announcement. The Zoom link to attend will be provided in your confirmation email after you register.

Holly Chorba, Speaker Series Coordinator

Field Trips

2021/2022 Season

Join the group, meet some new friends and add to the fun. Find more information and register for one or more of the field trips here or with the links in one of our Field Trip e-blasts.

Bird/Nature Trips

02/08/22 – El Rio Preserve (Marana) - 1 opening
02/22/22 – Lakeside Park / Lincoln Park / Atterbury Wash - 5 openings
03/08/22 – Paton Center for Hummingbirds - Wait list only
03/22/22 – Tubac Bridge / Anza Trail / Hawk Watch - 2 openings
04/05/22 – Madera Canyon Santa Rita Lodge for Hummingbirds - 4 openings

Tucson Windows and Doors Trips

02/09/22-| This is a walking tour of several blocks. You will be exploring the

03/08/22-| area on either side of the Tucson Convention Center, a favorite

04/12/22-| area for both artists and photographers. Always a fun trip.

Special Interest and Outright Fun Trips

02/12/22 – Presidio San Augustin de Tucson & Mission Garden -Wait list only

03/15/22 – Bisbee by Bus - 5 more openings

03/19/22 – Equine Voices Horse Sanctuary and Rescue - Lots of openings

Photo Opportunities

February brings an exciting list of photo opportunities to take advantage of and enjoy. Trains, gems, raptors, rodeo, Indian art – Oh my! Get out, get creative, and have fun!

Gadsden-Pacific Division Toy Train Operating Museum

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

22nd Street Mineral, Fossil, Gem & Jewelry Show

• Ongoing thru Feb. 13, 10:00 am to 6:00 pm daily - Free
• 600 W 22nd St. - Enter via S Freeway Service Rd. at 993 S Freeway, Tucson, AZ
• Find more information here.

Raptor Free Flight

• Ongoing thru Apr. 10 - 10:00 am daily except Wednesdays - Admission fees vary.
• Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum, 2021 N Kinney Road, Tucson, AZ.
• Find more information here.

American Indian Art Expo

• Ongoing thru Feb. 14, 10:00 am to 5:00 pm daily – Free
• 2830 Ranch, 2830 Thrasher Ave, Tucson, AZ
• Find more information here.

Tucson Gem and Mineral Show®

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

Tombstone Vigilante Days

• Feb. 19 to Feb. 20, 10:30 am to 3:00 pm - Free
• Downtown Tombstone, 311 E Allen Street, Tombstone, AZ
• Find more information here.

La Fiesta de los Vaqueros – Tucson Rodeo

• Feb. 19 to Feb. 27, Check website for all event schedules – Ticket prices vary
• Tucson Rodeo Grounds, 4823 S. 6th Ave, Tucson, AZ
• Find more information here.

Southwest American Indian Collector’s Expo

• Feb. 25 to Feb. 27, 10:00 am to 5:00 pm – Free
• 2830 Ranch, 2830 Thrasher Ave, 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 Camera Club is welcome to attend any of the SIGs. Most all are meeting only via Zoom.

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

Hit Me with Your Best Shot SIG

Photoshop/Lightroom SIG

Field Trip SIG

Photoshop Elements SIG

Bird Photography SIG

Rebel Rousers 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 Camera 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 an hour.

Contact: gvrcameramonitors@gmail.com for more information.

Green Valley Recreation Camera Club

The GVR Camera Club was established in the early 1970’s as one of many Green Valley Recreation organizations to serve its members and our community. Our main interest is photography, both still and video imaging. The Club has grown into one of the largest camera clubs in the country with over 750 active members.

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