Author: jrwilkinson

19 Aug 2026 Themes Perfectly Imperfect, Motion, Emotions: Jim

Comic-Con is a San Diego institution and photographing people around the convention center can make for great street photography. Jim braved the chaos for the 1st time this year and shared a few moments.
One of Jim’s favorite things about photography, is the camera’s ability to freeze and blur time. In-camera movement, panning, and slow-shutter photography are perennial favorite styles.
Panning is challenging but when done properly, but can result in unique images.
Photographing a non-moving subject amongst the fast moving is another fascinating & challenging style.
Jim did not share any Emotions-themed photos but photos with motion blur might be Perfectly Imperfect.
He caught an afternoon when Bruce Parker, Oceanside Trenchcoat Guy, was walking north of the Oceanside Pier. If you are unfamiliar with the retired mail carrier. He protects himself year-round from the sun by wearing a long, black trenchcoat. Many people unfamiliar with his routine, especially when he walks into the surf. Tourists stare and sometimes dial for help thinking there’s something wrong. He is very friendly and loves talking to people. He has a cult following. So if you see him, don’t hesitate to talk to him or take his photo.

19 Aug 2026 Themes Perfectly Imperfect, Motion, Emotions: Cathy

Cathy is a member of the San Diego Poly Photos group and is very active with her camera. Much of what she does for that group is often shared with our group. It’s educational and enlightening to hear some of the feedback she gets from professional judges regarding many of the photos she share with us – critiques on technique, composition, and post-processing. We aren’t nearly as focused on compositional rules or technical perfection but more on creative expression.
The last three images are a post-processing exercise in improving an “imperfect” iPhone15 image.
Racehorse training & workouts can be photographed early in the morning on race days.
Cathy used the Slow Shutter app on her iPhone to create the clover ICM image.

15 Jul 2026 Zoom Meeting Minutes

This is the Zoom AI’s summary of our meeting. The photo sharing portion does not seem to be covered. Perhaps when I start sharing my screen, the auto-note taking is reset. I’ll try to turn it back on next time.

Key Outcomes

The group reviewed Barb’s fair-entry photos, discussed smart telescope technology (Seestar), and shared experiences from the county fair — including the overcrowded awards ceremony and judging dynamics. Barb earned four ribbons total, including two third-place finishes and honorable mentions. The meeting also covered practical tips on astrophotography gear and fair logistics.


Decisions Made

  • Seestar smart telescope recommended for astrophotography beginners: easier target-finding, built-in light pollution filter, travel-friendly at ~2 lbs. 12
  • Planetary photography not ideal with Seestar S30/S50 (wide-field); better results use video stacking; longer focal-length models are in development. 3
  • Awards ceremony attendance deemed not worth repeating due to overcrowding; preference shifted to arriving early, skipping the ceremony, and viewing the gallery independently. 45
  • Duplicate photo entries: judges typically eliminate one if two near-identical images are submitted. 67

Photo Review — Barb’s Fair Entries

  • Convergence (Japan) — Black & white cityscape; Honorable Mention 8
  • Velodrome mechanical shot — Taken at club outing; entered in All Things Mechanical; texture and grain added in post; feedback advised keeping the dark bottom crop 910
  • Hush Cathedral (Kyoto misty hike) — Trees & Plants category; notable for all-day misty rain conditions 11
  • Living Echoes (Mount Fuji reflection) — 3rd place, Trees & Plants; refined via club feedback 12
  • GoPro fair ride shot — Background blacked out in Lightroom; 3rd place, Fair category 1213
  • Museum ladder/waterscape — Feedback: straightened ladder curve, removed stringy cloud; entered in Waterscapes; Honorable Mention 14
  • Japanese tree preservation (Karaoke/Kara pines) — Slight overexposure noted; Honorable Mention 1516

Fair Logistics & Judging Notes

  • Awards night was severely overcrowded two years running; attendees passed out in the room. 417
  • Alternative strategy: arrive early, skip ceremony, view gallery with wine — no crowd, same experience. 5
  • Parking/shuttle issues on July 3rd caused 2–3 hour delays; remote lots (La Jolla High, Torrey Pines) recommended. 1718
  • Visual fatigue sets in with too many entries; impact diluted after viewing hundreds of photos. 18
  • Judge critiques (when attended) provide useful per-image feedback, even if overall winner logic remains opaque. 19

Open Questions

  • Whether Gary will get a Seestar after seeing his friend’s results 320
  • Best post-processing approach to darken the sky in Barb’s pine tree image (AI masking in Lightroom suggested as possible solution) 16

Action Items

  • Gary: Request sample photos from friend who owns a Seestar 20
  • James: Queue Mickey’s falconry photos for review at next meeting (missed due to social engagement) 21
  • James: Review John’s photos next after Barb’s 8

This is the Zoom AI’s summary of our meeting. The photo sharing portion does not seem to be covered. Perhaps when I start sharing my screen, the auto-note taking is reset. I’ll try to turn it back on next time.

15 Jul 2026 Themes 4th of July/America’s 250th: John

John shared some 4th of July/America’s 250th parade photos from Bristol, RI. The parade participants marched in wilting summer upper 90º heat (+100º heat index).
Bristol Rhode Island hosts America’s oldest continuous Fourth of July celebration, which began in 1785. The nearly two-week event spans from Flag Day on June 14 to July 4, featuring concerts, a parade, and fireworks.
John splits his time as docent between the Star of India Maritime Museum in San Diego and the Herreshoff Marine Museum in Bristol.

15 Jul 2026 Themes Portfolio Project: Barb

Barb shared more architectural photos to add to her portfolio. Architectural photos are often great subjects for black&white so she’s exploring DXO Nik Collection’s Silver Efex post-processing. Stay tuned for black&white versions of the color photos if she likes the results.