June 2023

From the President... 

I have some very good news to convey this month. The funding request we submitted for completion of our club redesign was approved by the GVR Board on May 24th. The request was in the amount of $36,000, which will pay for the classroom wall and doors, the update needed for the HVAC system and some electrical work.

I will be meeting with the contractor to do a walk-thru and get more information on when he will begin the work. I am sure it will require club closure at some point, so I will keep you apprised.

After ten months it is finally coming to a conclusion. A big thank you to Board members who had a vision, and to the Design Review Committee members who patiently stayed with it from the initial recommendation to the changes we had to make, and now finally to completion soon! Thank you all!

And now, more from Photography, The Definitive Visual History by Thomas Ang. I have just completed the period from 1880 to 1914, and it is fascinating reading.

During this time, technical advancements made photographic materials and procedures simpler. Photography became a means of capturing people’s transient expressions. Anything that previously required lengthy written descriptions could be recorded in a second: things like wingbeats of a bird, and a horse’s gait.

This was the age of the amateur. Photographers were enjoying a newfound confidence in their usefulness. In the late 19th century photographers won some battles with classicism and the fine-arts establishment. This era brought the roll film and cheap mass-produced small cameras. Almost overnight a new kind of amateur photographer who did not require a darkroom became popular. These amateurs were responsible for creating the new photography – the snapshot.

In this period, picture motion was established. There were three ways to record movement. The first was a movement that was implied by a blur during exposure as a result of the subject, the camera or both moving. The second method involved utilizing an extremely brief exposure to stop or freeze the movement. The third was created by renowned French physiologist Eadweard Muybridge, whose primary research interests were movement and flight. He used multiple exposures on a single shot to record different stages of movement on a single negative.

During this period photography entered the realm of science. Photographs were used for recording medical records, and the X-ray was a development from photography as well. Through the telescope, astronomers, who relied on precise precision for star positions, could now map the heavens and measure brightness.

Forensic photography was also born during this period. The use of photos as visual evidence by the police, particularly photos of crime scenes, helped enhance the investigative process.

The late 19th century saw a wide range of applications for photography. So many more that I will discuss them in next month’s newsletter.

Danny Valenzuela, President

Tucson Photo Hangout

Club member Jim Lehmann and a few friends got together and started an independent group for photographers interested in actively practicing and learning more about the genres of Street Photography, capturing scenes or individuals in the moment; Architectural Photography, capturing the design of buildings, bridges and other structures in an aesthetically pleasing way; and other ‘in city’ genres. The group meets in Tucson and calls itself Tucson Photo Hangout. They describe the group as follows on their Facebook page.

“This group is set up for those who live around Tucson or SE Arizona. Our intent is to be a group of active photographers who are encouraged to meet-up and take street/social/ architectural etc. photos in Tucson, Arizona. We will try to meet up on various Saturdays (morning) or perhaps on other occasional days of the week depending on events etc. We can even meet up 'just to talk' about photography from time to time as well.”

The group held two events in May and their next event, scheduled for June 3, is a Mercado San Augustin photo walk. Jim is also planning another Tucson Second Saturday event for June 10th at 5:00 pm. They meet in the open courtyard in front of the Joel Valdez Library at 100 N Stone Avenue. You can contact Jim Lehmann for more information about the group and future events. And check out their Facebook page to see some of their work.

Tom Parker, Photo Op Coordinator

Looking for Vacation Photos

I know summer is a time for relaxing, laying back, vacations and those sorts of things. But while laying back or on vacation, you can help me and the Club demonstrate the degree of photographic expertise that you have, promote the benefits your Club has to offer and have fun along the way by doing what you do well, taking photos and then sending them to me for posting on the Club’s Facebook page.

Our members have lots of photographic talent. Let’s show it off. Have fun with your camera this summer and send me your vacation photos.

Sue Ready, Facebook Coordinator

Member Photo Exhibits Ongoing

Exhibited work at the West Center and Canoa Hills will remain on the walls through summer and into fall. If you want your work back before then please contact Kirk Hively, Exhibits Coordinator.

Photo of the Month

The June Photo of the Month is by Diane Marr, catching the multiple blooms on a huge Saguaro she found in the Saguaro forest on South Abrego Blvd.

"This photo was taken with my Nikon Z50 mirrorless camera with a Nikkor Z MC 105mm f/2.8 VR S lens. I shot this at f/5.6 1/1000 at 100 ISO on May 18, 2023."

Congratulations, Diane.

The Photo of the Month is chosen from new and archived photos submitted to Sue Ready, the Club's Facebook Coordinator. Keep sending the best of your work to Sue at suready@yahoo.com so we may continue to showcase the refined capabilities of GVR Photography Club members. Photos should be submitted in .jpg format and please include its title and location. -ed

Library News

Now that the library is open and the changes are complete, I want to express my thanks to those who made the book shelves more accessible by raising them, and for the little red chair for members to use while browsing our collection. And thank you for your patience as I remove old/outdated/damaged books and re-catalog and assign numbers to the remaining books.

Note that if a book has a number on the spine, use that when signing out a book — you do not have to write the title. Soon all the books will have numbers.

Here are three more of the new books I’ve added recently. Come in to check out our updated collection.

And a reminder to those who are leaving for the summer, please return borrowed books to the library before leaving.

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.

Gene Komaromi, Education Chair

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 for the latest information on all club activities. Photography Club members are also welcome and encouraged to attend the Club’s monthly Board of Directors meetings. Check the Club Calendar for the date of the meeting and attend in-person at the Club, or remotely by registering using this link. The Board is always interested in comments and new ideas from the members.

Travelogue

Closed for the Season

As many of you will be traveling this summer, I encourage all our members, especially those who haven't tried to make a Travelogue, to photograph your adventures. Creating a Travelogue video is fun and rewarding, not only to share with others, but to preserve your travel memories. Check out the Multimedia SIG's Software Resources on the Club's website for guidance on how to make a video. If you have questions please contact me at 970-596-1505 or email me here.

Paul McCreary, Travelogue Coordinator

Showtime

Closed for the Season

SHOWTIME is now on ‘snooze’ until December. It was a great SHOWTIME season. Thanks for your attendance and special thanks to those contributing programs for the events. Between now and December gives you plenty of time to gather some of your photos and videos, add some music, and turn it into a short program for others to enjoy.

Use Windows Photos or iMovie to assemble the photos and add music of your choice. Need help?? Try coming to the Multimedia Special Interest Group that meets regularly on Monday mornings. We'd love to meet you and show you how it's done.

Chuck Hill, Showtime Coordinator

Speaker Series

Closed for the Season

Speaker Series will resume in the fall. Look for future notices of our presentations planned for next season.

Deb Sanders, Speaker Series Coordinator

Field Trips

Summer is here, vacations have started, and here’s hoping everyone’s trip back to their home away from Green Valley was a safe and enjoyable one!

For our full-time residents, we have a trip to the Linda McCartney Photography Exhibit in July and a backstage tour at the Fabulous Fox Theatre in August.

I also want to remind you that the Field Trip Committee meeting will be on June 7th at 10:00 am at the Club and via Zoom. Please join us if you have ideas of places to visit or would be willing to lead a field trip. The number and success of our field trips depends entirely on the number of people who step up to lead the trips!

You can always find the latest information and register for future field trips, as well as the Field Trip Committee meetings, here. And please contact me if you if you plan to join the June 7th meeting via Zoom so we may provide you the appropriate link.

Thank you for your support and have a wonderful summer! 

 Monica E. Parker, Field Trip Facilitator

Photo Opportunities

Arizona State Museum

• Ongoing, Tuesdays thru Saturdays, 10:00 am to 4:00 pm - Fees vary.
• 1013 East University Boulevard, Tucson, AZ
• Find more information here.

Titan Missile Museum

• Ongoing, Thursdays to Mondays, 9:45 am to 5:00 pm – Fees vary.
• 1580 W Duval Mine Road, Green Valley, AZ
• Find more information here.

Tour of Historic Canoa Ranch

• Ongoing, Saturdays in June, 8:30 am to 10:00 am - $5.00, registration required.
• Historic Canoa Ranch, 5375 South I-19 Frontage Road, Green Valley, AZ
• Find more information here.

Summer Safari Nights at Reid Park Zoo

• Ongoing, Saturdays in June, 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm – Fees vary.
• Reid Park Zoo, 3400 Zoo Court, Tucson, AZ
• Find more information here.

Colossal Cave Mountain Park

• Ongoing Daily, 8:00 am to 4:00 pm – Fees vary.
• 16721 East Old Spanish Trail, Vail, AZ
• Find more information here.

First Thursdays at the Tucson Museum of Art

• Jun 1, 5:00 pm to 8:00 pm – Pay what you wish, reservation required.
• Tucson Museum of Art and Historic Block, 140 North Main Avenue, Tucson, AZ
• Find more information here.

Tucson Photo Hangout - Mercado San Agustin photo walk

• Jun 3, 8:00 am - Free
• Mercado San Agustin, 100 S Avenida del Convento, Tucson, AZ
• Find more information here.

Mainly Murals Walking Tour

• Jun 3, 8:00 am to 10:00 am – $25, registration required.
• Presidio San Agustin Museum, 196 North Court Avenue, Tucson, AZ
• Find more information here.

Hummingbird Banding at the San Pedro House

• Jun 3, 4:00 pm to 6:00 pm – Free.
• San Pedro House Visitor Center, 9800 East Highway 90, Sierra Vista, AZ
• Find more information here.

Willcox Ranching Heritage Festival

• Jun 9-10, times and events vary – Free.
• Railroad Park, 130 North Railroad Avenue, Willcox, AZ
• Find more information here.

Turquoise Trail Guided Walking Tours

• Jun 10, 8:00 am to 10:30 am – $25, registration required.
• Presidio San Agustin Museum, 196 North Court Avenue, Tucson, AZ
• Find more information here.

Second Sundaze - Family Day at TMA

• Jun 11, 10:00 am to 5:00 pm – Pay what you wish, reservation required.
• Tucson Museum of Art and Historic Block, 140 North Main Avenue, Tucson, AZ
• Find more information here.

Ted DeGrazia’s Birthday

• Jun 14, 10:00 am to 4:00 pm - Free.
• DeGrazia Gallery in the Sun Museum, 6300 North Swan, Tucson, AZ
• Find more information here.

Barrio Viejo (Old Neighborhood) Walking Tour

• Jun 17, 5:30 pm to 7:00 pm – $25, registration required.
• El Tiradito Wishing Shrine, 418 South Main Avenue, Tucson, AZ
• Find more information here.

White Mountains Balloon Festival

• Jun 23-25, Early morning and late afternoon/evening events – Free.
• Mtn. Meadows Recreation Complex, 1101 South Woodland Road, Lakeside, AZ
• Find more information here.

Tombstone 30th Cast Reunion

• Jun 23-25, 10:00 am to 4:00 pm - Free.
• Wyatt Earp’s Oriental Saloon and Theater, Tombstone, AZ
• Find more information here.

Public Art and Murals Walking Tour

• Jun 24, 8:00 am to 10:00 am – $25, registration required.
• Presidio San Agustin Museum, 196 North Court Avenue, Tucson, AZ
• Find more information here.

Dia de San Juan: Splash Fest

• Jun 24, 1-3 pm - Free.
• Tumacacori National Historical Park - Courtyard Garden
• 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 educational. Any member of the Photography Club is welcome to attend any of the SIGs.

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

Photoshop/Lightroom SIG

Field Trip SIG

Photoshop Elements SIG

Wildlife 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 Photography 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 three hours.

Contact: gvrcameramonitors@gmail.com for more information.

Photography Items

Wanted

or

For Sale

All items:

• May be placed only by current, past or families of past members.
  
• Must be for used photography related equipment.
  
• Must include your name, or the name of the past member, and contact information.
• Should be submitted to neilwicai@gmail.com.
• Must be placed by the 25th of the month prior to the month of listing.
• Will run for one month, but may be resubmitted up to three times to be listed again.

GVR Photography Club

The GVR Photography Club is one of the largest photography clubs in the U.S. with over 600 active members. Regardless of your skill level, you'll have fun honing your skills in taking, editing, and presenting photos and videos. Share your photographic passion with others. Take FREE courses and join our Special Interest Groups to get the most from your digital camera, smartphone, action camera, or drone. Learn the ins and outs of post-processing software. Use our state-of-the-art equipment to digitize and edit photos, slides, and videos. Go on Club Field Trips to practice your photographic skills. Exhibit your photos/videos at our Showtime and Travelogue events. Come make friends and photographs!

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  gvrphotographyclub@gmail.com. 

Neil Wicai, Newsletter Editor - neilwicai@gmail.com - 575-224-1238