Bay Area Photo Club

I was doing what a good part-time webmaster does, which is troll for news on our members to post on the website.  I guess I get a kick out of seeing our members do well in other venues and endeavors they undertake outside of our normal club functions.  I firmly believe that is how you grow as a photographer. 

I consider the club environment as a springboard to bigger and better things.  It gives you a basis to develop your skills and to also fellowship with like minded people, people who enjoy photography as a craft or just for viewing.  I guess that's why I enjoy volunteering my time to the club and everyone in it. 

Part of that involves time looking at everyones blogs and websites on a daily basis.  I'm looking for interesting stories and events in our member's lives that involve their photography.

That long introduction brings me to Peter Janecke, a long time member.  Peter stays pretty low key about his photography.  He's not into thumping his chest to show everyone what he has done or how many awards he has garnered outside of the club.  That kind of leaves me to my own devices, hence perusing the member blogs and websites.

Peter has three images that have been accepted into the Galveston Art League, Summer Juried Exhibition, 2009.  The exhibition runs June 27 to July 27, 2009 at 2117A Postoffice Street, Galveston.  I have posted his images below so you can link to them for a better view. 

    Barrington Farm House            Barrington Farm Barn             Wooden Boats

Congratulations to Peter for his acceptances!

Doug Haass

BAPC VP and Program Director            

The club met at Walter Hall Park in League City on Saturday June 27th at 7:00pm.  The agenda for the evening was the use of off-camera flash.  We had 16 members, along with some family members, who came along to participate in the event.

There were 5 volunteer models who willingly placed themselves in front of our cameras for about 1-1/2 hours of non-stop shooting.  I want to thank each one of them for making our field trip such a success.  We couldn't have done it without them.

I also want to thank Steve Schuenke and Larry Patrick for providing their personal equipment for our use.  They also unselfishly shared the knowledge they have attained through much trial and error of their own. 

For myself, I have always loved landscapes, nature and wildlife photography.  I like to look at all kinds of photography but have never had the skill, in my opinion, to shoot good portraits.  After using the few tools required for off-camera flash at the event on Saturday I can safely say I will try to improve those skills.  I was very pleased with the shots taken with the simple setup Steve and Larry use.

The weather actually cooperated with us and was not unbearably hot.  The lighting was fantastic and we were able to take advantage of the golden hour as the sun slowly set in the west.

I want to thank all the members who attended.  It was great seeing the turnout and level of participation throughout the evening.  I'm sure you were able to take away some excellent techniques to use in your own family photos and events.

Lastly, I would like to thank Bob Dempsey for setting up another wonderful trip for us.  He too provided his equipment and the knowledge gained over the years while shooting portraits.

If you would like to see some of the photos taken during the field trip that evening go to the block titled Walter Hall Park Field Trip and click on the photo.

Doug Haass

BAPC VP and Program Director

Tuesday night, member Larry Patrick showed a Body of Work to the club membership and visitors.  He had 20 photos to present (21 if you include the photo of his new grandson).  His theme was street and portrait photography and he wowed the crowd with his exceptional photos.

His whole intent was to show what could be accomplished with a single flash (SB-800) and a softbox.  Larry allowed members and visitors to browse the assembled photos at their leisure before he started his presentation.  In his eyes this would lead them to ask questions about the technique used to obtain such great detail and exposure using limited equipment. 

As he started discussing individual photos hands went up in the audience, and Larry took the time to answer each and every one of them.  The audience of 40 stayed until the end of his presentation.  They continued to ask questions about certain photos well after we started taking everything down for the night.  I think Larry made his point and hopefully stoked a fire in several attendees that night.

Thanks again for a great presentation.

Doug Haass

BAPC VP and Program Director

I ran across this you tube video of the American West.  It uses time lapse photography to show what the west has to offer in the ways of city life and grand vistas of the west.  Take few minutes to watch it.  It's very well done and includes a sound track.