June 2022

From the President...

It’s summertime and life has slowed down in Green Valley and at the Camera Club. But the hiatus of field trips, Showtime, Travelogue, Speaker Series, and other events doesn’t mean everything is at a standstill. On the contrary, monitors are manning the club so that those who stay in Green Valley for the summer still have access to club computers, printers, scanners, and some Special Interest Group (SIG) meetings.

Recent space allocation decisions being made by GVR may have a significant impact on the Camera Club. Notably, one that has an affect on us is the decision to move the Computer Club from its space on the first level, to the Kino Room on the second level, next to the camera club. This is significant. The Computer Club is being moved from a space of about 4,200 sq. ft. to the Kino Room which is less than 1,000 sq. ft.

While this is significant and impactful for them, what could it mean for us? For one thing, we will no longer have use of the Kino Room if needed for our meetings and events. We need to do some analysis of how this impacts the Camera Club. We may want to consider at least three things:

1. Can we collaborate with the Computer Club to help each other, since they      will be a close neighbor?

2. How do we use our space to get the maximum and most efficient use of          our equipment?

3. Could we possibly redesign some of our area to gain additional space for        classes and meetings? This would provide space we would not have to          ask permission to use.

I have established a Design Review Study Committee to consider these questions and others as they may develop. This committee will consist of key members of the Camera Club who have historical knowledge of what has been tried in the past, and those who have a vested interest in having access to adequate meeting space if we were to redesign our existing space. This process will also consider the equipment we make available to our membership and where this equipment will be physically situated in the club. This committee will certainly include board members, SIG leaders, event leaders, monitors, and mat room users at a minimum.

I plan to have an initial meeting of this committee sometime in June. Because some members who will be asked to be a part of this process are gone for the summer, I am hoping they can participate via Zoom.

Since we plan to begin the fall with more in-person events it is important that we start this review process as soon as possible. So, if I ask you to help us in this process, please consider doing so. Times are changing, and we must be ready to manage what lies ahead for our club.

Stay cool and safe. As always, I will keep you updated as things develop.

Danny Valenzuela, President

Photo of the Month

The June Photo of the Month is by Sharon Hayworth, a beautiful Vermilion-Flycatcher. Congratulations, Sharon.

The Photo of the Month is chosen from the Photo of the Week series published on the Club's Facebook page each Wednesday. Keep sending the best of your work to Judith Pollard at jmp7741@gmail.com so we may continue to showcase the refined capabilities of the GVR Camera Club members.

Lazy Summer at the

Library

The lazy summer months are a great time to catch up on looking into those photography questions you've wanted to find out about, but never had the time to do it. The Camera Club library is open and ready for you to take advantage of to help you out.

On the other hand, if you have photography books you wish to donate, please set them on top of the refrigerator at the club. Your contribution will enrich the library for all members.

And as always, please remember to check your bookshelves for any Camera Club library books that you may have borrowed and return them.

Please contact me if you have questions.

Becky McCreary, Librarian

Summer is here, many members have retreated north and Camera Club activities have gone on hold. Even so, wherever you spend your summer, you can still satisfy your interest in becoming a better photographer by taking advantage of some on-line activity.

If you’re looking for a good basic photography class, there are several online on the Udemy website. They offer some excellent classes at $15.00 or so. One of my favorites is the one on basic Android and iPhone photography, which you can find here.

Creative Live has some excellent courses that use sound pedagogical techniques. They are more expensive than the Udemy classes, but have greater depth. At specific times you can watch the “Live” classes for free.

YouTube is another repository of photographic instruction. You may have to wade through multiple videos to find instructional gold, but it’s worth the effort. Just search on a photographic topic and start watching.

Don’t let your photographic educational interests lay dormant during the summer. Find alternative learning experiences online to stay involved and learn a new trick or two.

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

Closed for the Season

Thanks to all of you who shared your Travelogue presentations this year. They were all well received by a record number of member viewers in spite of, and even because of, the remote presentations brought on by the pandemic. Even so, we all look forward to resuming in-person presentations next season, while also providing remote viewing as well.

I encourage you to get out and photograph your spring and summer adventures so that they may be shared on Travelogue next season.

And remember, 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

Closed for the Season

Thanks for your participation in and viewing of this season's Showtime presentations. You can expect another great Showtime season starting in December. In the meantime think about putting a show together yourself for all to see next season.

Chuck Hill, Showtime Coordinator

Speaker Series

Closed for the Season

As we look toward next season, who knows what fall will bring…No more Covid? New mask mandate? Zoom meetings, in-person meetings, hybrid meetings? Whatever befalls, we’ll be looking to keep you informed and entertained with speakers in the field of photography. 

Do you have a photo interest that you’d like to present, or one of another photographer that you know? Please email me to start exploring a possible Speaker Series presentation. I’d be happy to address your questions and concerns, and perhaps sign up you, or your likely speaker. 

Happy Trails to you, until we meet again!

Holly Chorba, Speaker Series Coordinator

Field Trips on Summer Break

It's never too early to start thinking about next season's field trips.  What past field trip did you enjoy the most?  Where would you like to go again?  What new places should we consider visiting?  The more input we have, the better we can serve you.  We are already getting some great ideas!  Please feel free to contact me with your suggestions.

Tucson Windows and Doors has always been a favorite field trip, thanks in large part to Wally Watson's leadership.  Wally is looking to pass the baton in the not-too-distant future, so we're looking for someone to volunteer to partner with Wally, learn from him, and ultimately take over as the Windows and Doors trip leader.   Please let me know if you'd like to be considered for this important and fun job.

Enjoy your summer!

Monica Parker, Field Trip Facilitator

Photo Opportunities

The heat is on in southern Arizona and even though the temperatures are peaking over 100 degrees, there are still some outdoor events to enjoy. Most notably, the Ranching Heritage Festival in Willcox, several Presidio San Agustin Museum morning walking tours, Summer Safari Nights at the Reid Park Zoo, and watching professional birders band hummingbirds at the San Pedro Riparian National Conservation Area. And If you’re up to a weekend getaway, there’s a hot air balloon festival later in the month near Pinetop, AZ.

We also found a few indoor and underground venues that you can enjoy and catch a break from the summer sun. Whether outdoors or in, all are great reasons to get out and have fun with your camera.

Finally as a heads up, registration for the August Tucson Audubon Society’s Southeast Arizona Birding Festival is already underway. Find more information here.

Colossal Cave Mountain Park

Free First Thursdays at the Tucson Museum of Art

• June 2, 5:00 pm to 8:00 pm – Free, Reservations required
• Tucson Museum of Art and Historic Block, 140 North Main Avenue, Tucson, AZ
• Find more information here.

1st Friday Culver's Cars and Custard

• June 3, 4:00 pm to dusk – Free
• Culver's, 18810 South Nogales Highway, Sahuarita, AZ
• Find more information here.

Willcox Ranching Heritage Festival

• June 3-5, Fri and Sat 10:00 am to 6:00 pm, Sun 10:00 am to noon – Free
• Railroad Avenue, Willcox, AZ
• Find more information here and here.

Mainly Murals Walking Tour

• June 4, 8:00 am to 10:00 am – $25, Registration required
• Presidio San Agustin Museum, 196 N. Court Avenue, Tucson, AZ
• Find more information here and here.

Hummingbird Banding at the San Pedro House

• June 4 and 25, 4:00 pm to 6:00 pm – Free
• San Pedro House Visitor Center, 9800 East Highway 90, Sierra Vista, AZ
• Find more information here.

Summer Safari Nights at Reid Park Zoo

• June 4, 11 and 25, 5:30 pm to 8:30 pm – Fees vary
• Reid Park Zoo, 3400 Zoo Court, Tucson, AZ
• Find more information here.

Tour of Historic Canoa Ranch

Turquoise Trail Guided Walking Tours

• June 11, 8:00 am to 10:30 am – $25, Registration required
• Presidio San Agustin Museum, 196 N. Court Avenue, Tucson, AZ
• Find more information here and here.

Second Sundaze at the Tucson Museum of Art

• June 12, 10:00 am to 5:00 pm – Free, Reservations required
• Tucson Museum of Art and Historic Block, 140 North Main Avenue, Tucson, AZ
• Find more information here.

Barrio Viejo (Old Neighborhood) Walking Tour

• June 18, 5:30 pm to 7:00 pm – $25, Registration required
• El Tiradito Wishing Shrine, 418 South Main Avenue, Tucson, AZ
• Find more information here and here.

White Mountains Balloon Festival

• June 24 to 26, Early morning and late afternoon/evening events – Free
• Mountain Meadows Recreation Complex, 1101 S Woodland Rd, Lakeside, AZ
• Find more information here.

Public Art & Murals Walking Tour

• June 25, 8:00 am to 10:00 am – $25, Registration required
• Presidio San Agustin Museum, 196 N. Court Avenue, Tucson, AZ
• Find more information here and 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

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, currently with 570 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