Barbara shared a autumn themed falling leaf photo and some great surfing action. Great photos of any theme are welcome during our meetings.
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18 Sep 2024 Themes: Fall, AppArt, Artificial Light
Our September 18th photography interest group meeting followed a September 17th moonrise outing. Although it was a little quick to post-process photos from that shoot. Some members had a few quickly edited images to share. Plus the discussion before photo-sharing was pretty much taken up by discussion on how to be successful at photographing the full-moon.
It is a little early for Fall photos but many of us have autumn images in our archives. Heather just got back from a 6wk roadtrip to Alaska so she saw the seasons already changing. She had recent Fall color photos to share.
Using iPhone apps to convert photos to paintings was a discussion last month. So this month, people were able to share images they generated using different phone apps: Brushstroke, BeCasso, WaterLogue, Reflect, and Snapseed are represented.
Artificial Light were photos taken under anything but sunlight/moonlight. I was hoping to take some night photos with neon but ended up sharing photos taken at TeamLabs Tokyo. An immersive art installation in Japan. Here are the photos shared:
Barbara
Cathy
Gary
Heather
Jim
18 Sep 2024 Themes Fall, AppArt, Artificial Light: Jim
Since I setup the themes, I tried to represent and share at least one image that fits. The hardest was artificial light – I hoped to get out and photograph some neon nightscapes but it didn’t happen. I did photograph some shows at night and dusted off my Panasonic point-n-shoot. It’s the only type of camera that is allowed in concert or show venues other than cell phones. Cell phones do a great job but to have an equivalent 500m lens helps get some tighter-in shots. Unfortunately, the slower lens aperature is not great for capturing fast action like Olympic gymnasts. But overall, I am happy with the results especially after post-processing noise-reduction.
I also included some AppArt photos: Brushstroke and Waterlogue are the apps I play with. Photo purist would balk at their use but I consider myself more of a visual artist. I’ll use whatever tools and software are available to me. One exception – completely AI-created images – that’s where I draw the line.
Other artificial light images are photos taken in Tokyo’s TeamLabs immersive/interactive art installations. The lighting effects were phenomenal and the photos cannot do them justice. This is a must-visit if you are in Tokyo.
Jim used the iPhone app Brushstroke to apply a illustration-style effect for his photos.
Sept 17 2024 Moon Rise Meetup
September 17th will be a full supermoon rising right after sunset. Weather-permitting, hopefully we’ll have a clear view of Univ of San Diego’s Immaculata Church Dome & Steeple . A photo taken by Stephen Bay posted on Instagram is our inspiration.
We are hoping to capture similar images from Ski Beach or Fiesta Island on Mission Bay. According to the Photographer’s Ephemeris, Ski Beach on Mission Bay San Diego should be the right angle to photograph the moon rising over USD. Moonrise is 6:51pm; sunset is 6:51pm so the light conditions could be optimal.
Mission Bay Park on Fiesta Island could be a better location depending on weather and lens focal range.
I will arrive early, if possible, to scout the view and can update participants on which spot is more favorable. There should be plenty of space for everyone to setup their tripods. I hope to see you on Sept 17th.
21 Aug 2024 Beach & Summer Theme: Jerry
Jerry shared some recent photos taken at Sunset Cliffs in La Jolla. He visited the shoreline when the clouds caught a wonderful sunset. Including pelicans definitely elevated the images from just beautiful snapshots. It reminds me to always be patient and watch for unexpected or unplanned elements to make a good shot great.
21 Aug 2024 Beach & Summer Theme: Cathy
Cathy did a beach walk-about, people-watching with her camera. La Jolla Shores can be crowded and she used her long lens’ perspective to emphasize the density of people enjoying the sun, sand, and ocean. She also shared a wonderful fireworks photo of Sea World’s short summertime fireworks show. Fireworks photography is always a challenge and she got a great shot. Here are the photos she shared:
21 Aug 2024 Beach & Summer Theme: Jim
I have been struggling to be motivated to take photos lately. The monthly meetings are actually motivation for me to make an effort to take my camera out. Without my usual travels lately, I’ve felt less interested in photographing locally. That’s a mistake. Fortunately a lack of theme-related images in my archives for this month’s “summer/beach” motivated me to bring my camera during a beach walk. People-watching at the beach can be fascinating with such a diverse crowd. Trying to catch moments with your camera is fun and challenging. Here are a few of my recent favorites:
21 Aug 2024 Theme: Beach & Summer
Appropriate themes for an August Photography Interest Group meeting, Beach and Summer photos were shared. Living in Southern California, it’s not difficult to find subjects that fit the theme. BUT with everyone’s busy summer schedules, it can be hard to schedule time to take photos. An “EDC” (every day carry) camera is often suggested by avid photographers so I try to bring a small camera everywhere I go. Everyone has a cell phone camera so the need for an EDC camera is lessened. But I still prefer a small zoom lens camera that I can take ‘grab shots’ when something catches my attention. Cathy and I did a beach ‘walk-about’ and looked for interesting moments. Barbara always carries her Olympus camera when she walks. The beach can be a really fascinating place to people watch. Here are the photos shared, most fit the theme or are close enough.
Barbara – shared an awesome surfer photo and pelicans at La Jolla Cove from early in the year.
Cathy – shared photos from a beach walk-about and summer fireworks from Sea World
Gary – shared some photos of his boat in Mission Bay and photos converted to watercolor-style paintings using the Waterlogue iPhone app. He also talked about astrophotography using the Seestar astrophotography camera. Images from that camera are copyrighted so I did not post them here.
Jerry – shared some great shots from Sunset Cliffs during a recent beautiful summer sunset.
Jim – shared photos taken during a recent beach visit with his grandson. Always a great place to catch photos that capture the summer theme and people watch.
21 Aug 2024 Beach & Summer Theme: Barbara
Barbara did not have many images to share this meeting but the three images she shared were great. A surfer at the decisive moment, and pelicans on a ocean palette of colors. Here are her photos:
21 Aug 2024 Beach & Summer Theme: Gary
Gary spend a lot of time outdoors and on the water. Much of his photography is focused on his trips and travels, even locally. He has a 17ft skiff he’s renovated and uses regularly around San Diego Bay. He shared photos of his beloved boat on the shoreline of San Diego Bay. Additionally, he’s been experimenting with an iPhone app, Waterlogue, that converts photos into watercolor images. He’s been really happy with the result and how easy the app is to use. Here are the photos he shared: