June 2026

From the President...

Summer is almost upon us and I’m sure that everyone is making plans for things to do.  Whether it is spending time with family and friends, taking  some short trips to various places or getting away from Arizona for a few months, we are all staying busy.

GVR is going to be holding a new event this fall.  They are calling it “The One Big Event.”  It will start with Oktoberfest on October 17th and continue through November 21st.  Your photography club has decided that we will have an active participation in this program.  We are planning to hold a photography contest, so we are looking for both photos and videos.  This contest will be open to not only club members, but also all GVR members.  Some of us met for an initial planning session this week and we will be working on fine tuning the details in the next several days.  Our plan is to have entries submitted digitally and we will be creating email addresses for each category (video and still).  We will also be showing videos during those weeks that club members have submitted to Showtime.  Those videos will be shown at either the West Center or Desert Hills for all GVR members to view.  It is a perfect way to showcase the club.

Speaking of traveling, since we had Roger Naylor at our Speaker Series in March, I’m going to be selecting places to see in Arizona from a couple of his books.  For those of us staying in the state, maybe we can hit them this summer and for those of you that come back in the fall, they may be places you want to check out.

Flagstaff:  With an elevation of 7,000 feet above sea level, Flagstaff is the perfect place to go and cool off for the summer.  The town got its name following a flag-raising ceremony marking the nation’s centennial.  Settlers picked out a tall pine tree and trimmed its branches to attach a flag to the top.  So, what better place to go visit to celebrate this year’s 250th birthday of our country.  This city of 77,000 is located in Coconino County, which is the second largest county in the United States.  One place to check out is the redbrick Santa Fe train depot located on Route 66 in the middle of town.

A fun fact about Arizona.  We played the longest poker game in history.  It took place at the Bird Cage Theatre in Tombstone.  It had a $1,000 buy-in and ran continuously for 8 years, 5 months, and 3 days.  The Bird Cage Theatre also had a higher body count than the OK Corral.  At least 26 people are thought to have died on the floor of the Bird Cage.  It stayed open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.  It was a combination theater, saloon, gambling hall, and brothel.  That is some business model.

That is all for now.  Look for more information to be coming to your email as we get things worked out for the photography contest.

“Adopt the pace of nature: her secret is patience.” Ralph Waldo Emerson

Kim Holmes, President

GVR Centers' Photo Exhibits 

Be sure to stop by the club and the GVR centers to check out the beautiful photos!

If you have questions please contact Kirk Hively, kehively@yahoo.com (520-349-5593) or Julie Howard (402-202-4423).

Kirk Hively, Exhibits Coordinator

Keep Our Facebook Page in Mind

As many members take off for different locations and vacation spots, be sure to submit your photos to the Facebook page for others to enjoy. Submit to suready@yahoo.com.

Sue Ready, Facebook Coordinator

Photo of the Month

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

As fall gets closer, we ’re wrapping up classes and SIGs to keep things going after our quick refresher this spring. Linda Gregory is thrilled to offer the Basic Camera class again, along with her Photoshop Elements class. Thanks, Linda! Therese McClain will be back to lead the On Assignment SIG, and we ’re so glad to have her. Both were a hit, and we ’re eager to keep getting better with your support.

The SIG moderators are busy updating their websites with new class descriptions and outlining their future plans. They should be all set for the fall season!

We are also finishing the final touches with the new program of welcoming new members with a more personalized tour of our facility and getting more people to become familiarized with what is available at the club. Hopefully, we will expand to offer current members the same program.

Please feel free to reach out to me at (jgardner65@comcast.net).

Don't Stop Learning!

Jim Gardner, Education Chair

Library News

Center for Creative Photography

During summer break with fewer students on campus and easier parking, it is a good time to visit the Center for Creative Photography on the University of Arizona campus.  Photographer Ansel Adams met with UA President John Schaefer and in 1975 the Center opened — Adams’ photos are part of the 270 archived collections. CCP is recognized as one of the world’s finest academic art museums and education facilities for the history of photography.

Before visiting, you might like to prepare for the visit by looking at the Ansel Adams books in the Photography Club Library. There is a collection of books on his techniques as well as books on his stunning black and white photographs.

The Center is located at 1030 N Olive Road. Summer hours may vary, so phoning ahead is suggested at (520) 621-7968.

Take time to enjoy the art of other photographers.

Becky McCreary, Librarian

Oops!

It never fails.  No matter how many times you review what's been written and no matter how many proofreaders you have, some error or omission always finds its way into the newsletter. In this case, it was huge mistake. 

Linda Gregory was inadvertently left off the list of recipients for the Club's Champion award.

Congratulations, Linda, for your selection by our members to be honored as a Champion, and our sincerest apologies for not including you in last month's Newsletter. -ed

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 Board of Directors meetings. The next Board meeting will be held October 12, 2026.  Check the Club Calendar for meeting specifics 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.

Need help with your digital camera, smartphone camera, slide/print scanning, photo printing or a photo editing software application? Photography Club Volunteer Helpers are available to help. Log in to the club’s website. Click on the three bars at the far right of the home page menu bar and select Volunteer Helpers. Once you've found a helper, scroll down to see their contact email listed. Help is just a few clicks away.

Showtime

As our nation approaches its 250th anniversary, this is the perfect moment to step outside with your camera and help capture history in the making. From small‑town parades to quiet moments of reflection, from community celebrations to the landscapes that have shaped our story, every photo and video becomes part of a shared legacy. Don’t just watch this milestone go by — document it. Show future generations what America looked like, felt like, and celebrated like at 250 years. Your lens can help tell the story of who we are and where we’re headed.

Todd F Taylor, Showtime Host

Travelogue

Are some of you traveling this summer - how about travel you've done this past year? Anne and I are sure eager to share your videos starting in November.  

I have a fun video from our recent trip to New Zealand which includes paragliding and so much more.  Let us know what you are up to!  You can contact us at sherrie.LCBG@gmail.com or daveandanne@msn.com.

And remember, some of the Travelogues are now available on YouTube. Search GVR Photography Club/Travelogue.

Thank you so much!

Sherrie Lee Lucia & Anne Karakatsoulis

Travelogue Co-Coordinators

Speaker Series

Field Trips

At our May meeting, the Field Trip Committee reviewed a list of 130 possible field trip opportunities as a first step in laying out our 2026-2027 field trip season. We eliminated ones where participation has been lacking or where photo opportunities are limited and still ended up with over 100 field trip possibilities. At our June meeting, we’ll pare down the list further to make it manageable, identify field trip leaders and set proposed dates for the upcoming season. From there, we’ll begin getting field trip announcements posted to the club’s website.

As I mentioned last month, since about 70 percent of GVR residents live here year-round we’ve been exploring field trip opportunities that would be good candidates for the summer months. Below are ones we’re planning to conduct between June and September. We’ll be posting announcements as soon as we finalize the details.

• Mini Time Machine Museum of Miniatures
• Odaiko Sonora Taiko Drums Behind-the-Scenes
• Paton Center for Hummingbirds – August to take advantage of bird migration
• Pima Air & Space Museum
• Santa Rita Lodge
• Skydive Arizona – September or October during a major skydiving event
• Summer Night Market at Old Tucson – late July, August or September
• Sunset at the Mescal Movie Set – late August or September
• Sunset with the Bats in Tucson and on Elephant Head Road - July and August
• Tucson Military Vehicle Museum
• Tucson Museum of Art
• University of Arizona Alfie Norville Gem & Mineral Museum

As always, we’re on the lookout for members who would like to become field trip leaders or help take care of the many behind-the-scenes tasks that help us make field trip administration look effortless (it certainly isn’t). Please let me know if you are interested.

Wishing everyone a fun summer and safe travels wherever your journeys may take you! 

Tom Parker, Field Trip Chair

Photo Opportunities

The heat is on in southern Arizona and even though the temperature may reach 100 degrees, there are still some outdoor events to check out including some evening events. We also found a few indoor and underground venues that you can enjoy while catching a break from the summer sun. Whether outdoors or in, all are great reasons to get out and have fun with your favorite digital device.

Registration is now open for the Southwest Wings Birding and Nature Festival in Sierra Vista, which will be held August 5-8. Many of the events sell out early. Find more information here. Additionally, registration for the Tucson Bird Alliance’s Southeast Arizona Birding Festival to be held August 12-16 is also underway. Learn more here.

Historic Canoa Ranch

• Dates, times, events and costs vary – registration may be required
• Historic Canoa Ranch, 5375 South I-19 Frontage Road, Green Valley, AZ
• Find more information here.

Triangle L Ranch Sculpture Park

• Open daily, dawn-to-dusk – Suggested donation $10/person or $20/carload
• Triangle L Ranch, 2805 North Triangle L Ranch Road, Oracle, AZ
• Find more information here.

Colossal Cave Mountain Park

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

Pima Air and Space Museum

• Ongoing thru Sept, 9:00 am to 3:00 pm – Ticket prices vary
• 6000 East Valencia Road, Tucson, AZ
• Find more information here.

Tucson Military Vehicle Museum

• Ongoing thru Sept, 9:00 am to 3:00 pm – Ticket prices vary
• 6000 East Valencia Road, Tucson, AZ
• Find more information here.

Southern Arizona Heritage and Visitor Center

• Daily, 10:00 am to 5:00 pm (Tours at 11:00 am and 2:00 pm) – Free
• Pima County Historic Courthouse, 115 North Church Avenue. Tucson, AZ

• Find more information here.

Titan Missile Museum

• Thursdays to Mondays, 9:45 am to 5:00 pm – prices vary, reservations recommended
• 1580 West Duval Mine Road, Green Valley, AZ
• Find more information here.

First Thursdays at the Tucson Museum of Art

• Jun 4, 5:00 pm to 8:00 pm – Pay what you wish
• Tucson Museum of Art and Historic Block, 140 North Main Avenue, Tucson, AZ
• Find more information here.

Night Ops at Pima Air and Space Museum, Tucson Military Vehicle Museum

• Jun 6 and 20, 5:00 pm to 8:30 pm – $15 (covers both museums)
• Pima Air and Space Museum, 6000 East Valencia Road, Tucson, AZ
• Find more information here.

Summer Night Markets

• Jun 6 and 27, 6:30 pm to 10:00 pm - Free
• Old Tucson, 201 South Kinney Road, Tucson, AZ
• Find more information here.

Ted DeGrazia’s Birthday

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

Vigilante Sunday

• Jun 14 and 28, 12:30 pm to 3:00 pm - Free
• 311 East Allen Street, Tombstone, 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 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

On Assignment SIG

Photoshop/Lightroom SIG

Canon R Series 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

Do you have any used photography equipment that you want to sell or are looking for to buy? List those items in the newsletter.

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 mparker582@aol.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 500 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 Photography 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. 

Monica Parker, Newsletter Editor 

mparker582@aol.com, 618-304-1164