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July 2025

From the President... 

I would hazard to guess that many of us do not know much about the history of photography. It is something that we just ventured into at some point in our lives. Maybe we really didn’t get hooked until we got that convenient little “camera” that fits in our pocket. Anyway, we are now part of a large club that loves to take photos. So here is a little bit of history.

The word photography is derived from the Greek photos (light) and graphein (to draw) and it was first used in the 1830’s. The forerunner of the camera was the camera abscura, a dark chamber or room with a hole (later a lens) in one wall, through which images of objects outside the room were projected on the opposite wall. Exposure times were quite long. In about 1835, Louis-Jacques Mande Daguerre discovers that a latent image forms on a plate of iodized silver and that it can be “developed” and made visible by exposure to mercury vapor. Exposure times went from eight hours to 30 minutes. Unfortunately, the results were not permanent. When exposed to light, the unexposed areas of silver darkened until you could no longer see the image. By 1837 Daguerre was able to fix the images permanently by using a solution of table salt to dissolve the unexposed silver iodide. Thus came the name of a new process, Daguerreotype. Enough history for this newsletter.

Some club news: By popular request and a huge show of hands at the last meeting, Showtime and Travelogue will now be held in the afternoons at Desert Hills instead of in the evenings. As always, those programs, along with the Speaker Series, will start in November.

Save the date: Our annual club membership meeting/social will be held on Tuesday, April 7, 2026. We will also be celebrating the 50th birthday of the club. I’m still looking for those pictures of past field trips/events, you know, people, places, things, etc. Please help us out.

Lastly, this month’s photo challenge: I invite members from Wisconsin and Minnesota to submit photos to Sue Ready for the Facebook page and to Ron Stein for the large TV.

Until next time,

Kim Holmes, President

Keep Our Facebook Page in Mind

Thanks to all those members who submitted their spring and field trip photos for the Facebook page. During the summer, don't forget to send in your vacation photos.  

Be sure to send me your favorite photos so I can post them in Facebook. Those photos are also where I get to choose the Photo of the Month featured  in the newsletter each month. Your photo could be chosen next!

Sue Ready, Facebook Coordinator

Photo of the Month

The July Photo of the Month is by Jack Maddox, a photo collage from his Faces of Tombstone Series.

Jack explains, "These photos were all taken at Tombstone at various events such as Helldorado Days, Wyatt Earp Days, etc. I call these photos my Faces of Tombstone Series as they were all taken at Tombstone. I find that I get the best pictures by taking photos of people who are unaware that they are being photographed.  When most people pose for a photo, they don't look natural, so I try to sneak up on them.

“I used a Nikon D500 with a 50 to 200 mm zoom lens. This lens combination works well in the crowds of folks at the Tombstone events. My photos are edited with Photoshop Elements 2025. I may use two or three different background layers to achieve the desired effect. Frequently, when I am at Tombstone, I take pictures of the old buildings to use as backgrounds for my portraits. Most of the time at Tombstone during various events, there are lots of unwanted people and things in the background. This is where digital textures and pictures of various Tombstone landmarks come in handy to create an interesting background for my portrait photos. Using brushes to blend a new background can give a ghostly effect where the old background fades out around the subject. (see the third photo from the left in the bottom row.)”

Congratulations, Jack!



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

The last time I was straightening books in the Photography Club Library, the monitor on duty said, “We are really lucky to have such a nice variety of books.” I agreed. Indeed, our collection is representative of the diverse interests of the Club members. The book donations and books checked out reflect that.

Photography is still basic: subject, composition, lighting, and technique. But it is evolving with the times and photographers are using filters, programs, and apps to produce more creative works. I would like to add books to the Library that will give photographers ideas and techniques for creating art. If you have ideas, please contact me.

Happy 4th of July and stay cool!

Becky McCreary, Librarian

This Month's Club Activities

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.

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

Preparing for Next Season

To quote Carlos Santana from his song "Smooth":

“Man, it’s a hot one,

Like seven inches from the midday sun”

It's too hot for us and our equipment to be outside. Even you northerners are experiencing the 90’s, but it’s really the humidity that gets you.

Thus, making it the perfect time to be indoors on our computers making videos for this season's Showtime and Travelogue. Now is a perfect time for all you snowbirds to work on your “My Home Town” video that I will show in February. Please try to keep it to a 4 to 5 minute video. To quote our great leader Kevin: “Keep them wanting more.”

OK, time to get back to work on my video editing. But first, after an almost unanimous vote at our last annual club membership meeting, we are moving all SHOWTIME and Travelogue programs to the afternoon instead of in the evening. We will still be at Desert Hills and hopefully the equipment will work this year. Both programs will start at 2:00 pm.

Our SHOWTIME schedule will be:

Nov 4th, Dec 2nd, Jan 6th, Feb 3rd, Mar 3rd and April 7th

I’m looking forward to seeing you at Showtime!

Todd F Taylor, Showtime Host


Travelogue

Returning in November

We are looking forward to starting up again in the fall. Our hope is to create thematic adventures. Of course this will depend on the travel videos you send to us. What do you have for us?  Road Trips?  How about African Safaris?  Have you been on any recent cruises?  What other countries have you visited?  We are looking forward to receiving your travel videos and putting together GREAT presentations for us all! Videos will ideally be less than 20 minutes each with a little bit of wiggle room.


Please send your travel videos free via WeTransfer.com or Filemail.com to me at  sherrie.LCBG@gmail.com as soon as possible. Anne and I are eager to receive them and assemble them into spectacular shows.  

Our fall season will begin in November. We look forward to seeing you then, but please send your videos now.

Thank you so much!!

Sherrie Lee Lucia & Anne Karakatsoulis

Travelogue Co-Coordinators


Speaker Series

A Summer Surprise!

Going Batty:

The Exciting Night Life of Bats!


Presented by: Karen Krebs

It’s a Surprise! We have a summer Speaker Series event. Let's go batty with Karen Krebs!

Friday, July 18 at 2:00pm

Las Campanas Center - Agave Room

Karen Krebs worked at the Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum for more than 26 years, and now works as an independent contractor for the National Park Service. She has studied birds and mammals of Arizona and the Sonoran Desert with an emphasis on bats and birds. Karen has researched bats in the United States and Mexico for more than 45 years. She trains biologists on the proper protocol for handling and studying bats. Karen regularly carries out workshops and presentations on bats and birds to groups, schools, festivals, and organizations in the southwest and Mexico. She has written articles, books, and manuals for bats, birds, and the desert.

Learn about this exciting and unique nocturnal mammal and its success as a predator and pollinator. Arizona has 29 species of bats. Bats are an important part of our ecosystems and deserve our respect and admiration. Echolocation allows a bat to fly in total darkness to locate, chase, and capture flying insects. Bridges and other human structures are important roost habitats for many species of bats. Nectar bats visit and pollinate columnar cacti and succulents in our area.

Karen's presentation will also be an excellent introduction event for the recently announced Sunset with the Bats field trips the following week. Check out the details and register for one of the four scheduled trips here.

But even if you're not going on one of the field trips, join us for an interesting and exciting lecture on bats!

Kim Holmes, Speaker Series Coordinator


Field Trips

The knee is finally working, just a little slower than I would like.


This month we have gone batty! We set up four field trips to photograph bats leaving their roosting sites on July 21st through July 24th. Note, these are separate identical trips, so you can sign up for one or all four if you want, just remember you must register to attend.

Not coincidentally, on July 18th we will have a special summer Speakers Series event with Conservation Biologist Karen Krebs, Arizona’s own “Bat Lady”. The Speaker Series is open to all GVR members, but the field trips are open to Photography Club member only.

If you would be willing to go on short notice “pop up” trips, for example, a trip to photograph thunderstorms, a meteor shower, or other unexpected events, I am compiling a list of members to contact for those events. If you would like to be included, please email me at mparker582@aol.com.

Denise LeCount-O’Brien has set up a trip to Tumacácori in August for the Firefly display. If certain environmental factors align, the fireflies will blink in unison. There are very few locations in the United State where this amazing display occurs, and we are very fortunate that Tumacácori is one of them! Denise has been in touch with the Park Rangers and will be kept apprised when this occurrence will happen. This means that it will be one of those short-notice announcements. Watch for the notification and announcement which could be any time after August 1st. You will have to register in the usual manner.

Thank you for your continued support!

As always, for questions or comments, email me at mparker582@aol.com or text (618) 304-1164.

 Monica E. Parker, Field Trip Facilitator


Photo Opportunities

There are several celebrations taking place in July for you to enjoy.


Check out the 4th of July Stars and Stripes parade and fireworks in Sahuarita, the Garlic Festival in Dragoon, the National Day of the Cowboy at Empire Ranch or the Southwest Wings Birding and Nature Festival in Sierra Vista. Take advantage of Presidio San Agustin Museum morning walking tours. Enjoy cool evening events at Old Tucson, the Mescal Movie Set, or the Pima Air and Space Museum & Tucson Military Vehicle Museum. Go underground at Kartchner Caverns, Colossal Cave, or the Titan Missile Museum. All great reasons to get out and have fun with your camera, smartphone or other digital device.

Again, as a reminder if you missed it, registration is open for the Tucson Bird Alliance’s (formerly the Tucson Audubon Society) Southeast Arizona Birding Festival to be held August 6 to August 10. Many of the events sell out early. Find more information here.

      Finally, don’t forget about Historic Canoa Ranch. Pima County has been slow to announce upcoming events -- always after our newsletter goes to press -- but there’s usually something happening at the Ranch. Check for “Upcoming Special Events” here. 

      Colossal Cave Mountain Park

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

      Southern Arizona Heritage and Visitor Center

      • Ongoing 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.

        The Mini Time Machine Museum of Miniatures

        • Ongoing Tuesdays to Sundays, 9:00 am to 4:00 pm – $15
        • 4455 East Camp Lowell Drive, Tucson, AZ
        • Find more information here.

            Titan Missile Museum

            • Ongoing Thursdays to Mondays, 9:45 am to 5:00 pm – Prices vary
            • On-line reservations required
            • 1580 West Duval Mine Road, Green Valley, AZ
            • Find more information here.

            First Thursday at the Tucson Museum of Art

            • Jul 3, 5:00 pm to 8:00 pm – Pay what you wish, reservations required
            • Tucson Museum of Art and Historic Block, 140 North Main Avenue, Tucson, AZ
            • Find more information here.

              Sahuarita Stars & Stripes

              • Jul 4, 5:00 pm to 9:00 pm – Free
              • Anamax Park, 17501 South Camino De Las Quintas, Sahuarita, AZ
              • Find more information here.

              Mainly Murals Walking Tour

              • Jul 5, 8:00 am to 10:00 am – $35, registration required
              • Presidio San Agustin Museum, 196 North Court Avenue, Tucson, AZ
              • Find more information here.

              Hummingbird Banding at the San Pedro House

              • Jul 5, 12, 19 & 24; 4:00 pm to 6:00 pm – Free
              • San Pedro House Visitor Center, 9800 East Highway 90, Sierra Vista, AZ
              • Find more information here.

              Turquoise Trail Walking Tour

              • Jul 12, 7:00 am to 9:30 am – $35, registration required
              • Presidio San Agustin Museum, 196 North Court Avenue, Tucson, AZ
              • Find more information here.

                Saguaro Sunset Night Market

                • Jul 12, 6:00 pm to 9:30 pm - Free
                • Old Tucson, 201 South Kinney Road, Tucson, AZ
                • Find more information here.

                Sunset Historical Film Tour at the Mescal Movie Set

                • Jul 12, 6:30 pm and 7:00 pm – $20, Reservations required
                • Mescal Movie Set, 1538 North Mescal Road, Benson, AZ
                • Find more information here.

                Night Ops at Pima Air and Space & Tucson Military Vehicle Museums

                • Jul 12 & 26, 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.

                Second SundAZe at the Tucson Museum of Art

                • Jul 13, 10:00 am to 5:00 pm – Pay what you wish, reservations required
                • Tucson Museum of Art and Historic Block, 140 North Main Avenue, Tucson, AZ
                • Find more information here.

                Barrio Viejo Walking Tour

                • Jul 13 & 27, 9:00 am to 11:00 am – $35, pre-registration required
                • Rosenda Perez Park, 424 South Main Avenue, Tucson, AZ
                • Find more information here and here.

                Vigilante Sunday

                • Jul 13 & 27, 12:30 pm to 3:00 pm - Free
                • 311 East Allen Street, Tombstone, AZ
                • Find more information here and here.

                  Public Art & Murals Walking Tour

                  • Jul 19, 8:00 am to 10:00 am – $35, pre-registration required
                  • Presidio San Agustin Museum, 196 North Court Avenue, Tucson, AZ
                  • Find more information here.

                  Kartchner Caverns Photo Tour

                  • Jul 19, 4:30 pm to 7:00 pm – $175, registration required
                  • Kartchner Caverns State Park, 9 miles south of Benson, AZ on Highway 90
                  • Find more information here.

                      National Day of the Cowboy

                      • Jul 26, 8:00 am to 1:00 pm – Free ($10/vehicle parking donation requested)
                      • Empire Ranch, East Empire Ranch Road, Sonoita, AZ
                      • Find more information here.

                      Bull Riding in Tombstone

                      • Jul 26, 7:00 pm to 9:00 pm, pre-show at 6:00 pm - $15
                      • Shoot-Out Arena, 365 South 3rd Street, Tombstone, AZ
                      • Find more information here.

                      16th Annual Garlic Festival

                      • Jul 26 & 27, 10:00 am to 4:00 pm – $10 parking pass
                      • Triangle T Historic Ranch, 4190 Dragoon Road, Dragoon, AZ
                      • Find more information here.

                        Murals & More of the 4th Avenue District

                        • Jul 27, 9:00 am to 10:30 am – $35, pre-registration required
                        • Corbett’s, 340 North 6th Avenue, Tucson, AZ
                        • Find more information here.

                                          Southwest Wings 2025 Summer Festival - Free Program

                                          • Jul 30 to Aug 2, times vary - Free
                                          • Fairfield Inn and Suites, 3855 El Mercado Loop, Sierra Vista, AZ
                                          • Find more information here.

                                          Southwest Wings Summer Birding and Nature Festival

                                          • Jul 30 to Aug 2 - times and costs vary, registration required
                                          • The Mall at Sierra Vista, 2200 El Mercado Loop, Sierra Vista, 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.

                                          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

                                          For Sale

                                          Manfrotto MKC3-H01 Compact Tripod

                                          4 leg extensions

                                          Price: Free to any Photography Club member

                                          Contact Nancy Martin at nancytmartin@aol.com or 520-207-0406

                                          Empire Samson ST-2 Tripod

                                          2 leg extensions

                                          Price: Free to any Photography Club member

                                          Contact Nancy Martin at nancytmartin@aol.com or 520-207-0406

                                          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.

                                          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 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. 

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


                                          The GVR Photography Club is located in the Recreation Village of Santa Rita Springs.
                                          921 West Via Rio Fuerte, Green Valley, AZ 85622 
                                          Phone 520-648-1315

                                          If you have any questions or concerns please call the above number during business hours or email us at: gvrphotographyclub@gmail.com

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