May 2023

From the President... 

As I mentioned last month, I recently read Photography, The Definitive Visual History by Thomas Ang. He wrote that during the period of 1850 to 1879, photography had not only spread around the globe, but leapt forward in terms of technical development. It was also the time that travel photography and the traveling photographer was born.

Inventive photographers, chemists, and instrument-makers produced myriad ways to improve the speed, quality, and clarity of images. Numerous improvements made the camera more portable and quicker to use, yet sufficiently durable to use outside the studio. Improvements to lenses made them smaller, lighter, faster, cheaper, and better. Scientists improved the sensitivity of photographic materials with such innovations as pieces of curved glass to make panoramas.

Yet there were problems on the artistic and creative front. Photographers bickered among themselves and were harried by the fine-art establishment, which was reeling from the impact of the impressionists. Some photographers urged a union with the art establishment, and others argued for severance.

During this time professional photographers enjoyed the spoils of an industry that had not yet been invaded by amateurs. Some packed capacious bags and left the debates behind, heading for distant lands that promised them new subjects to photograph. They created a new being, the travel photographer, whose worth was judged by the quality of the pictures he or she brought home. Others carved out a new role for photography, launching enduring projects to document everything – life, the planet, and even the universe. Others were deaf to criticism and heeded their own creative instincts, exploring the endless fascinating possibilities of their craft.

It was during this era that the world was introduced to panorama, lunar images, heavy skies, agitated seas, and architectural archives. Photography reached China shortly after 1839.The first pictures of Australia were seen as early as 1841. Gustave Flaubert journeyed through Egypt to Turkey via Palestine and Syria from 1849 to 1851 using the calotype (paper-negative) process.

The traveling photographer searched for objects of curiosity. The exotic, the eastern, and above all the different – in forms of people, buildings, and artifacts from lands far from the salons of Europe.

During these times, the world was able to see photos of the once mighty Maya civilization, Yosemite, Canyon de Chelly in Arizona, the summit of Mont Blanc, Indigenous Americans, Japanese sumo wrestlers, and the photography of war. The Crimean War (1853-1856) was a baptism of fire for photographers.

During the summer months numerous photography club members become traveling photographers, venturing to faraway places to photograph memories, to see places that have been on their bucket list, or to return home to visit family and photograph old friends, new family members, and loved ones. One thing is for sure, they will travel lighter and with more versatile cameras than ever before. Some will only have a phone camera, but with results never imagined in the mid 1800’s.

And we will see the results of their travels in the Travelogue and Showtime presentations. Those who call Green Valley home year-round will be documenting their own memories from here or from their summer adventures.

When we are together again in the fall, the wall enclosing the large classroom should be built (we never give up) and the Photography Club will be a better place to help make you a better photographer.

Travel safely, and stay focused, as so should your camera be.

Danny Valenzuela, President

Leading Your Club Into the Future

Three new directors, Kevin Hanna, Debra Sanders and Kirk Hively, along with three returning directors, Gene Komaromi, Linda Gregory and Danny Valenzuela, were unanimously elected to serve on the Club's Board of Directors by the membership at the Club's annual membership meeting on April 20th prior to the Speaker Series presentation. They join the remaining six board directors whose terms will expire next year.

Following the Speaker Series presentation, the new board then held their last meeting of the season and Kevin May was appointed to replace Holly Chorba who asked to resign prior to her term expiring next year. A complete list of the new Board of Directors with their contact information can be found here.

The new board also elected the following officers to serve for the next season:

• Danny Valenzuela - President
• Todd Taylor - Vice President
• Tom Parker - Secretary
• Kevin Hanna - Treasurer

Board meetings will resume in the fall. Members are welcome and encouraged to attend. Check the Club Calendar for the date of the meetings and attend in-person at the Club, or register to receive the Zoom link to attend remotely.

Summer Hours Starting May 1st

Starting May 1st the Club will switch to summer hours, 9:00 am to 12:00 pm, Monday through Friday. Also note that the Club will be closed on May 29th in observance of Memorial Day.

Photoshop Elements SIG This Summer

Linda Gregory's Photoshop Elements Special Interest Group will continue meeting throughout the summer months at its regular time, 9:30 to 11:00 am on Thursdays. Meetings will be in person at the club. 

Linda demonstrates the use of simple Photoshop tools to enhance member’s photographs and welcomes beginners as well as experienced users to learn new techniques. Join the fun and learn a few tricks to improve your photos.

Call Out for Facebook Photo Submissions

Have you checked out the Photography Club’s Facebook Page lately? If not, you may be surprised to see recent postings of the club’s activities, especially the March 23 video posting of a trainload of GVR Photography Club members at the Gadsden-Pacific Division Toy Train Operating Museum in Tucson. It was a field trip to remember!

There are also several collections of photos members have submitted. Not only is this a great way to display the creativity and talent of our members to the world, the more photos we post, the more we show others and prospective members what the club is all about.

You too can put together a collection of some of your favorite photos, whether it’s one, two or a series of shots to submit for posting on the Club’s Facebook Page. We’re looking for your best spring and vacation photos to post, or for a collection that you put together from your digital files. Send them to me at suready@yahoo.com with a short description including a title and location.

Thank you.

Sue Ready, Facebook Coordinator

Member Photo Exhibits Ongoing

New board member Kirk Hively has accepted the position of Photo Exhibits Coordinator and Julie Howard will continue in a supporting role as she has done in the past.

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 May Photo of the Month is by Sam Schaen. This beautiful photo of the Milky Way was taken on March 24 at Canoa Preserve Park at 4:00 am during a club field trip with a Nikon Z6 II mirrorless camera and a Nikon 20mm f/1.8 lens. Congratulations, Sam.

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 quickly approaching. If you listen carefully, you can hear a whooshing sound. That’s the sound of all of the snowbirds leaving Green Valley. As a result, activities at the Photography Club may be a bit limited during the summer, but most Special Interest Groups meet year-round.

I recently dusted off my grandmother’s old crystal ball and consulted the tea leaves to look into next season. The fall holds some interesting promises for members. First, we’ll be forming a new Special Interest Group called Shooters. This group will plan special photo sessions, some studio, some special locations, and other specialized sessions. We’ll firm up all the details in November, but you may well want to become a Shooter.

We are also hopefully going to resurrect the old Digital Photo Special Interest Group. We have a volunteer to facilitate that SIG, but we held off until fall for a start date due to all the Club remodeling and scheduling chaos.

We will also be offering some pre-made commercial classes. I’m visualizing a Pet Photography Class in that old crystal ball. Watch future Newsletter articles for updated information so you can register for new offerings. Have a safe summer and take a lot of photographs.

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

Thanks to all our presenters for a great collection of Travelogues this season. I encourage all our members who haven't tried to make a Travelogue to take advantage of your travels this summer and 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

As I end my tenure as Speaker Series Coordinator for the Photography Club, I want to express my thanks for the numerous Speaker Series contributions and past support from our members! Whether you helped find a speaker, were a speaker, organized venues, brought snacks, wrote or distributed PR, set up, ran the ZOOM link, ran the in-house equipment, added announcements, communicated with the membership or were an appreciative audience member, you added an essential ingredient! Again, thank you all!

Speaker Series will resume in the fall, coordinated by Deb Sanders. Please join me then in welcoming Deb as the new Speaker Series Coordinator.

Happy Trails,

Holly Chorba, Speaker Series Coordinator

Field Trips

In previous years, this Field Trip article in the May Newsletter would start off by saying this has been a great year and we’ll see everyone in the fall. But this year we’re changing that!

We are in the process of setting up two summer season field trips for our full-time residents, a trip to see the Linda McCartney Photography Exhibit in July, and a trip for a backstage tour at the fabulous Fox Theatre in August. And we are working on more that hopefully will be arranged in between vacation time periods.

I also want to remind you that the Field Trip Committee will be meeting on May 3rd at 10:00 am at the Club. We will be setting up the nature trips for next season as well as planning as many regular trips as we can. Please join us if you have ideas of places to visit. But more importantly, if you would be willing to lead a field trip, please, please come. The number and success of our field trips depends entirely on the number of members who step up to lead the trips!

You can always register and find the latest information on future field trips and Field Trip Committee meetings here. And please contact me if you have questions, have an idea for a new trip or would like to lead a trip. Keep those great ideas coming for next season.

Patty, Sue, Lynn, and I thank you for your support!

 Monica E. Parker, Field Trip Facilitator

Photo Opportunities

Gadsden-Pacific Division Toy Train Operating Museum

• Ongoing Sundays through May 28, 1:00 to 4:00 pm – $5
• 3975 North Miller Avenue, Tucson, AZ
• Find more information here.

Pima Air and Space Museum

• Ongoing through May 31, 9:00 am to 5:00 pm – Ticket prices vary.
• 6000 East Valencia Road, Tucson, AZ
• Find more information here.

Butterfly Magic

• Ongoing thru May 31, 9:30 am to 3:00 pm – included with garden admission.
• Tucson Botanical Gardens, 2150 North Alvernon Way, Tucson, AZ
• Find more information here.

A Western Experience at Old Tucson

• Ongoing Thursdays through Sundays, 10:30 am to 5:00 pm – Ticket prices vary.
• Old Tucson, 201 Kinney Road, Tucson, AZ
• Find more information here.

First Thursdays at the Tucson Museum of Art

• May 4, 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.

1st Friday Culvers Cars & Custard

• May 5, 4:00 pm to 7:00 pm – Free.
• Culvers, 18810 South Nogales Highway, Sahuarita, AZ
• Find more information here.

Mainly Murals Walking Tour

• May 6, 8:00 am to 10:00 am – $25, registration required.
• Presidio San Agustin Museum, 196 North Court Avenue, Tucson, AZ
• Find more information here.

Sonoita Horse Races

• May 6 and 7, gates open at 10:00 am, post times and fees vary.
• Santa Cruz County Fair & Rodeo Association, 3142 South Highway 83, Sonoita, AZ
• Find more information here.

Turquoise Trail Guided Walking Tours

• May 13, 8:00 am to 10:30 am – $25, registration required
• Presidio San Agustin Museum, 196 North Court Avenue, Tucson, AZ
• Find more information here.

Asian Heritage Month Celebration

• May 13, 11:30 am to 2:30 pm – Free
• Tucson Mall, 4500 North Oracle Road, Tucson, AZ
• Find more information here.

Second Sundaze - Family Day at TMA

• May 14, 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.

Willcox Wine Festival - Spring 2023

• May 19 to 21, Fri 6:00 pm to 9:00 pm, Sat & Sun 11:00 am to 5:00 pm – Fees vary.
• 157 North Railroad Avenue, Willcox, AZ
• Find more information here.

Mariachi Festival and Wine Tasting

• May 20, 9:00 am to 7:00 pm - $20.00 per vehicle
• Patagonia Lake State Park, 400 Patagonia Lake Road, Nogales, AZ
• Find more information here.

San Ysidro Festival

• May 20, 8:00 am to 12:00 pm – free (donations accepted)
• Mission Garden, 946 West Mission Lane, Tucson, AZ
• Find more information here.

Public Art and Murals Walking Tour

• May 27, 8:00 am to 10:00 am – $25, registration required.
• Presidio San Agustin Museum, 196 North Court Avenue, Tucson, AZ
• Find more information here.

6th Annual Wine, Beer & Spirits Festival

• May 27, 12:00 pm to 7:00 pm – Free to enter the event venue.
• Veterans Memorial Park, 3105 East Fry Boulevard, Sierra Vista, AZ
• Find more information here.

Wyatt Earp Days 2023

• May 27 and  28, 10:00 am to 4:00 pm – Free.
• Downtown Tombstone, 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

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

Items for Sale

Canon PowerShot SX50 HS Camera

Includes operating manual, battery, charger, SD card and carrying case.

Price: $150.

Contact Mark Kelley at mkelley788@gmail.com or at (414) 999-7425.

Canon PowerShot SX60 HS Camera

Includes battery, charger, SD card and carrying case.

Price: $200.

Contact Mark Kelley at mkelley788@gmail.com or at (414) 999-7425.

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 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.

Green Valley Recreation 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