# UCSD Photography Interest Group > UCSD Retirement Association ## Posts - [June 2023 Theme Travel: Sharon](https://ucsdphoto.group/2023/06/bergun-switzerland/) - [June 2023 Theme Travel: Gary](https://ucsdphoto.group/2023/06/alabama-hills-arch/) - [June 2023 Theme Travel: Barbara](https://ucsdphoto.group/2023/06/shelter-island-osprey/) - [June 2023 Theme Travel: John](https://ucsdphoto.group/2023/06/botswana-elephant/) - [June 2023 Theme Travel: Jerry](https://ucsdphoto.group/2023/06/basque-del-apache/) - [Aug 12th Perseid Meteor Shower](https://ucsdphoto.group/2023/06/aug-12th-perseid-meteor-shower/): I know Joshua Tree in August is 100°F during the day but the Perseid Meteor Shower is August 12-13 from 10pm to sunrise. At night, the temperature is a comfortable 70-80°F. It’s a unique opportunity to photograph the meteor shower with the Milky Way. The meteor shower is Saturday night August 12 until Sunday morning. There’s no moon that night and the Milky Way will be visible all night. Best viewing is in Joshua Tree National Park starting at 10pm until 5am the next morning. Perseid Meteor Shower Joshua Tree Instagram Post - [May 17 2023 Meeting Theme - 'Abstract'](https://ucsdphoto.group/2023/06/may-17-2023-meeting-theme-abstract/): The theme for May’s Photography Interest Group proposed by Cathy was ‘Unusual View or Abstract of a Common Household Item‘. Since I was traveling, John hosted the meeting. Only three members participated and here are photos from Cathy & Sharon: Cathy Presmyk Sharon Soroko - [Valmik (Mikky) Bhargava](https://ucsdphoto.group/2023/04/valmik-mikky-bhargava/) - [Sharon Soroko](https://ucsdphoto.group/2023/04/sharon-soroko/): May 17 2023 Theme ‘Abstract’ For Apr 19 2023 Theme ‘Eyes’ - [San Diego Fair - Photography](https://ucsdphoto.group/2023/04/san-diego-fair-photography/): The San Diego Fair is a great venue to showcase your photography. The deadline for submissions was Apr 17 2023 at 11:59pm. This was open to everyone and had a variety of categories including cell phone photography. For more info go to: There are two One-Day Photo Shootout Contests: Same State and Local Rules apply - [Carlsbad Flower Fields Are Blooming!](https://ucsdphoto.group/2023/04/carlsbad-flower-fields-are-blooming/): It’s that time of year – visit the Carlsbad Flower Fields. Activities Calendar through May 14th Mother’s Day Ongoing Specials (Starting March 6th) Mondays – With the purchase of one adult or one senior/military, you receive one child’s ticket free (ages 3-10) Tuesdays & Wednesdays – Between 1:00pm-4:00pm, receive $2 off adults, seniors/military and children tickets For more info & to buy an advanced ticket online: Buy a Timed Entry Ticket (click the link) - [Apr 19 2023: Photo Theme - 'Eyes'](https://ucsdphoto.group/2023/04/apr-19-2023-meeting-photo-theme-eyes/): This month’s photography theme is ‘eyes’ proposed by Gary Wellwood. Photos from members submitted this month will be displayed here: Cathy Presmyk Sharon Soroko Gary Wellwood Jim Wilkinson - [Photography Interest Group Interests Survey](https://ucsdphoto.group/2023/04/photography-interest-group-interests-survey/): I joined the UCSD Photography Interest Group in 2019 when I retired from UCSD-SIO. When I first joined, we’d meet on campus but the pandemic changed everything. I put together this survey to find out what the members of the group are most interested in. We haven’t discussed much except day-to-day things like travel plans and sharing our photos. But I am curious if there is more we can do as a group, in addition to sharing our photos. - [Meet-up Location Survey](https://ucsdphoto.group/2023/04/member-survey/): The pandemic changed the format of our monthly meetings and meet-ups. I am curious if people want to maintain the current monthly Zoom meeting format or are ready for more. For me, the Zoom meetings are a great way to get-together that doesn’t require I drive somewhere. But I enjoy our in-person get-togethers and want to plan some meet-ups and outings. Please review some ideas proposed below and rank them by dragging them in order of preference: - [HEIC to JPG Conversion](https://ucsdphoto.group/2023/03/heic-to-jpg-conversion/): The latest Apple iPhone camera format has a more efficient algorithm for storing image information in less space. Unfortunately, unless you work regularly in the Apple environment – MacBook, IPad, IPhone – the format may be unviewable. These are hopefully temporary growing-pain for this new efficient image format as more and more photography programs accept the new format. In the meantime, there are several workarounds to work with or convert HEIC to JPG: then click the … in the upper right corner and ‘save as’ then select ‘jpg’. This is easy but if you are doing more than one photo, you’ll […] - [Mar 2023 Theme: Opportunistic](https://ucsdphoto.group/2023/03/mar-2023-theme-opportunistic/): The theme for March is Opportunistic.  Everyone wishing to participate can submit one photo that was an unplanned shot that worked out well. For instance, you are out shooting flowers in Borrego Springs a big horn sheep shows up or, you are driving down the road and a rainbow appears.  Basically, a photo opportunity that was unplanned. This month’s meeting is only an hour so members are asked to only share one image to fit the time frame. Additional photos can be posted here if you have more than one image you’d like to share.Since I was not hosting, I did not receive the […] - [21 Feb 2023: Anza-Borrego Wildflowers](https://ucsdphoto.group/2023/02/21-feb-2023-anza-borrego-wildflowers/): With the unusually wet winter in Southern California, the potential for an extra-special bloom of wildflowers in our local deserts is high. Wanting to try my Nikkor 105mm Macro lens, we spent a few days camping in Borrego Springs in Anza-Borrego State Park.This is my first trip specifically to view wildflowers and I have no frame of reference to know how much is normal. But there were large patches, particularly of desert verbena, in several areas. Our main drive was on Di Giorgio Road till it ends into Coyote Canyon. We drove another mile up the dirt road before turning around. […] - [Discussion](https://ucsdphoto.group/2023/02/discussion/): Advantages – - [Kim SignoretPaar](https://ucsdphoto.group/2023/02/kim-signoretpaar/): FlickrPro – https://www.flickr.com/photos/41191185@N04/ - [Karen Andrews](https://ucsdphoto.group/2023/02/karen-andrews/) - [John Leighton](https://ucsdphoto.group/2023/02/john-leighton/) - [Norm Olson](https://ucsdphoto.group/2023/02/norm-olson/): Flickr – https://www.flickr.com/photos/98705528@N05/ - [Gary Wellwood](https://ucsdphoto.group/2023/02/gary-wellwood/): For more of Gary’s photos, go to flickr: https://www.flickr.com/photos/193268803@N03/ For Apr 19 2023 Theme ‘Eyes’ - [Jim Wilkinson](https://ucsdphoto.group/2023/02/jim-wilkinson/): For Apr 19 2023 Theme ‘Eyes’ Jim Wilkinson joined the UCSD Retirement Association Photography Interest Group in 2019 when he retired after working 39yr at Scripps Institution of Oceanography. Most of his career he worked for the California Cooperative Oceanic Fisheries Investigations (CalCOFI; calcofi.org) as a seagoing oceanographer and programmer/analyst.Since retiring, when not helping with his grandkids, he and wife Carol, travel in their travel trailer around the Western US. Flickr – https://www.flickr.com/photos/187679885@N03/ Instagram – @foto.ikigai Photo Website – www.fotoikigai.com RV Travel Journal – www.smallwanders.net - [Jerry Vaughn](https://ucsdphoto.group/2023/02/jerry-vaughn/): Flickr – https://www.flickr.com/photos/187544510@N06/ - [Cathy Presmyk](https://ucsdphoto.group/2023/02/cathy-presmyk/): Flickr – https://www.flickr.com/photos/191492375@N08/ For May 17 2023 Theme ‘Abstract’ For Apr 19 2023 Theme ‘Eyes’ - [Barbara Lowe](https://ucsdphoto.group/2023/02/barbara-lowe/): Flickr – https://www.flickr.com/photos/128451159@N07/ - [Free or Cheap State Park Passes](https://ucsdphoto.group/2023/02/free-or-cheap-state-park-passes/): Getting into state park is getting more expensive but if you plan ahead, you can get in for free. - [2023 Superbloom?](https://ucsdphoto.group/2023/02/superbloom/): This winter has been particularly rainy in California and Western USA. But did it happen too early in the season to create conditions necessary for a ‘superbloom’ event. The are websites watching and logging visits to Anza-Borrego and Death Valley, monitoring bloom events. Here are some of their links: Anza-Borrego Wild Flowers Status Weblinks: Death Valley - [Masking in Lightroom & Adobe Camera Raw](https://ucsdphoto.group/2023/02/masking-in-lightroom-adobe-camera-raw/): Lightroom and Adobe Camera Raw have features that allow masking of photographic images. Masking is essentially ‘dodging’ and ‘burning’ your digital image, only supercharged. In addition to lightening or darkening areas of your photo, masking allows you to change much more, like saturation and contrast.One of the best recent features is ‘intersecting masks‘ – the combining of more than one mask to resolve specific elements in a photo, like petals, leaves, or particular color. Applying A MaskBy applying a mask, the photographer can manipulate specific areas or objects in an image to emphasize and eliminate elements. Both Lightroom and Adobe Camera […] - [Tutorial: Adding Bokeh w/ Photoshop 2022-2023](https://ucsdphoto.group/2022/05/tutorial-adding-bokeh-w-photoshop-2022-2023/): I love bokeh and when shooting with my micro 4/3 Olympus or Panasonic camera, bokeh isn’t as good. Adobe Photoshop 2023 (& 2022) have include ‘neural filters’ – artificial intelligence filters – that can recognize and auto-select (auto-mask) the main subject. The amount of blur is a slider that can really add a nice bokeh effect to soften a background. The latest version is excellent at simulating depth-of-field – making the plane of the subject sharp. This works with any photo you can import & edit in Photoshop so any camera format – micro 4/3, APS-C, Full-Frame, iPhone. - [Apr 20 2022 Theme: Motion](https://ucsdphoto.group/2022/04/apr-20-2022-theme-motion/): April’s photo assignment for the Photography Interest Group is MOTION.Since I was not hosting, I did not receive the portfolio other members shared. So this page is meant to be a reminder of the monthly theme. Note: this website was a new idea proposed & setup by Jim Wilkinson so early content was primarily a mock-up to demonstrate the website’s potential. Jim Wilkinson - [Sept 15 2021 Theme: Texture](https://ucsdphoto.group/2021/09/may-18-2021-theme-texture/): This month’s UCSD PhIG’s photography theme is TEXTURE: Jim Wilkinson - [Aug 18 2021 Theme: Color](https://ucsdphoto.group/2021/08/aug-18-2021-theme-color/): UCSD Photography Interest Group meeting photo theme this month is COLOR. Members were asked to shoot & share photos that fit the theme. Jim Wilkinson - [June 2023 Theme Travel: Jim](https://ucsdphoto.group/2021/01/road-to-the-north-rim/): Carlsbad Flower Fields Are Blooming! Free (w/admission) Canon Workshop Apr 16th - [19 June 2024 "How I'd Edit" & Architecture: Gary](https://ucsdphoto.group/2024/06/19-june-2024-how-id-edit-architecture-gary/): Gary’s been busy re-landscaping his backyard and fortunately he’s come across some spontaneous image opportunities. Which are often harder than planned images. He only had two this month and they weren’t theme-related but any great shots are always welcome. - [19 June 2024 "How I'd Edit" & Architecture: Jim](https://ucsdphoto.group/2024/06/19-june-2024-how-id-edit-architecture-jim/): Jim enjoys using Lightroom and Photoshop along with other digital darkroom tools to bring out the best in an image. Practicing processing Milky Way images taken during his recent trip to Yosemite. He’s been learning how to use Starnet++ and StarXterminator with Siril to separate the Milky Way nebula from the stars. This allows the Milky Way to be processed independently from the stars, as separate layers.For architectural photography, Jim watched a few tutorials on how to convert architectural images into ‘fine art black&white’. So many of the images he shared this month, were black&white high contrast, dark sky images. - [19 June 2024 "How I'd Edit" & Architecture: Jerry](https://ucsdphoto.group/2024/06/19-june-2024-how-id-edit-architecture-jerry/): Jerry focused on how he’d edit the other member’s unprocessed images. He’s got great Photoshop skills and is able to bring out the best in the images. Here are the several images he processed from raw to final: - [19 June 2024 Architecture Theme](https://ucsdphoto.group/2024/06/19-june-2024-architecture-theme/): A second theme for June’s Photography Interest Group meeting was Architecture. Since some of the participants do not dabble in post-processing very much. An architecture theme was proposed because a Harbor Drive pedestrian bridge meet-up was proposed. Unfortunately, that didn’t happen, but here are the images that were shared: Cathy Gary got some great shots while re-landscaping his backyard. Heather shared images from a recent trip to Idaho State Penitentiary museum. Jerry focused on the “how I’d edit theme”, not architecture: Jim was inspired by recent tutorials on converting architectural images into high contrast black & white. BTW – Thufa’s ‘outhouse’, […] - [19 June 2024 "How I'd Edit Your Photo" Theme](https://ucsdphoto.group/2024/06/19-june-2024-how-id-edit-your-photo-theme/): Inspired by May’s meeting of “Before and After” where participants shared their straight-out-of-camera photos then their final processed images. This month’s “How I’d Edit Your Photo” participants edited other peoples images ‘their’ way. There were four images uploaded so here’s how the final edits from different members turned out: Here’s a photo Cathy took recently with snow on the mountains overlooking San Diego. Photo was taken from Point Loma Bayside Trail March 2023 after a recent snow storm in the local mountains. Gary submitted a photo from his friend Sarah. It’s a poignant story – this is the only photo she […] - [Tutorial: Processing Starry Images](https://ucsdphoto.group/2024/05/processing-starry-images/): I recently learned of some tools that aide in the processing of astrophotography images. An Adobe Photoshop or PixInsight plugin called StarXterminator (by RC-Astro; $60 w/ 30day free trial) or the free command-line executable Starnet++. Either of these programs allow you to eliminate the stars from your photograph. Why would that be useful? Because you end up with a starless Milky Way/Nebula layer and stars layer that you can process separately. This allows you to apply photo enhancements to the Milky Way (or Nebula) without affecting the stars and vice-versa. You can tone down the stars so they are less distracting […] - [June 2024 Photos-To-Edit](https://ucsdphoto.group/2024/05/june-2024-photos-to-edit/): Photos to edit will be added here when received. Please note that these jpgs are linked to the Google Drive high-resolution raw files (as dng). Click the raw image to download – note these may be ~55mb. From Gary - [15 May 2024 Before/After Theme: Jerry](https://ucsdphoto.group/2024/05/15-may-2024-before-after-theme-jerry/): Jerry shared an eclectic variety of wonderful before and after images, some new some older. Birds, epic landscapes, action and portraiture show his skills in post-processing primarily using Photoshop. - [15 May 2024 Before/After Theme: Jim](https://ucsdphoto.group/2024/05/15-may-2024-before-after-theme-jim/): Jim shared recent images from his April trip to Yosemite with fellow photographer Gary. Here are his before and after images. He did some astrophotography of the Milky Way over Half Dome that he is still editing. But included below are two sets of initial edits. - [15 May 2024 Before/After Theme: Gary](https://ucsdphoto.group/2024/05/15-may-2024-before-after-theme-gary/): Gary shared mainly final edited images although he discussed the post-processing steps of images from his recent Yosemite trip. He also photographed the new Osprey pair nesting at Shelter Island. It took his several trips to get the right conditions for his favorite keepers. - [15 May 2024 Before/After Theme: Cathy](https://ucsdphoto.group/2024/05/15-may-2024-before-after-theme-cathy/): Cathy uses a Canon camera and iPhone for her photography. Post-processing is done in Lightroom and Photoshop. Cathy’s been experimenting with Photoshop 2024’s AI generative fill tool to improve composition. She also used Lightroom’s masking and overall image tools to bring out specific details or remove unwanted elements. - [15 May 2024 Before/After Theme](https://ucsdphoto.group/2024/05/15-may-2024-before-after-theme/): When sharing photographs during our Zoom meeting, much of the discussion involves image processing. Some critiques and suggestions involve the different perspectives of some participants visual aesthetic. This difference is what make sharing photographs an interesting pursuit and can be educational. With this in mind, this month’s theme was Before/After. Participants could share their straight-out-of-camera – before – and their final image – after. It’s interesting and educational to hear the photographer’s thought and image process, resulting in their end product. Some participants did not show photos this week so here are the Before/After sets shared at the meeting: Cathy Jerry […] - [Meeting Minutes 2024](https://ucsdphoto.group/2024/05/meeting-minutes/) - [17 Apr 2024 Eclipse/Street Theme: Jerry](https://ucsdphoto.group/2024/04/17-apr-2024-eclipse-street-theme-jerry/): Jerry’s plan to travel to Dallas Texas for 100% eclipse totality was cancelled due to the weather forecast. Traveling all that way only to have thundershowers and thick cloud cover spoil your plans is part of the photography experience. Fortunately, reservations can be cancelled and a partial eclipse can be enjoyed locally, under clear sunny skies. Jerry drove up to Mt Palomar to reduce the atmospheric haze. He shot the eclipse using a solar filter on his telephoto lens. His additional images are of a spectacular Vandenburg Starlink rocket launch at dusk. - [17 Apr 2024 Eclipse/Street Theme: Cathy](https://ucsdphoto.group/2024/04/17-apr-2024-eclipse-street-theme-cathy/): Cathy had the wonderful idea of photographing people gathered and watching the eclipse. The main idea to catch the large group watching the eclipse, wearing their glasses, and looking upward. Turns out this behavior was more isolated and in smaller groups than you’d think. Still, the images are fun and she captured some wonderful moments at the Reuben H Fleet Eclipse Party April 8 2024. - [17 Apr 2024 Eclipse/Street Theme: Gary](https://ucsdphoto.group/2024/04/17-apr-2024-eclipse-street-theme-gary/): Gary loves his Nikon 100-400mm zoom lens image quality and each week shares photos displaying tack-sharp images. This week he photographed a nesting Osprey on Shelter Island, San Diego. You’d never suspect they were taken in strong winds; his use of fast shutter speeds and image stabilization generated excellent results. For the street theme, he used his iPhone at the San Diego courthouse. Catching unique reflections of an old San Diego building in a modern glass building facade. - [17 Apr 2024 Eclipse/Street Theme: Sharon](https://ucsdphoto.group/2024/04/17-apr-2024-eclipse-street-theme-sharon/): Sharon had a unique group of theme-related photos – street photography. The photos were from a neighborhood house fire. Using her favorite gear – iPhone camera – she caught some dramatic images of billowing smoke, a ladder truck, and the fireman fighting the blaze in full gear. The late afternoon sunlight adds to the drama. - [17 Apr 2024 Theme: Solar Eclipse & Street Photography](https://ucsdphoto.group/2024/04/17-apr-2024-theme-solar-eclipse-street-photography/): With the Apr 8th solar eclipse happening between the March & April photography group meetings. It was proposed that Solar Eclipse be a theme. Additionally, since photographing people gathering and watching the eclipse would be interesting. Street photography was added as a second theme. Cathy wanted to photograph the people gathered at Reuben H Fleet for the event. As always, sharing photos regardless of theme is an option. Some of us considered traveling to the area of 100% totality since San Diego would only experience ~55% coverage. But with weather concerns and busy schedules, none of the group managed to make […] - [17 Apr 2024 Eclipse/Street Theme: Jim](https://ucsdphoto.group/2024/04/17-apr-2024-eclipse-street-theme-jim/): Jim’s travel plans took him to Anza-Borrego for the wildflower bloom. There were remnants and patches of the desert blooms but he was probably two week too late. Fortunately, conditions Monday morning Apr 8th were good for photographing the eclipse. With only ~55% coverage of the sun by the moon, a 20 stop ND filter was used on his 400mm lens (ND1000000). Without totality, the eclipse was fun to see but much less impressive. Fortunately, the Street Photography theme was a good opportunity for him to compile & present some photos from a recent Oceanside Pier walk-about. There was an interesting […] - [20 Mar 2024 Spring Theme: Cathy](https://ucsdphoto.group/2024/03/20-mar-2024-spring-theme-cathy/): Cathy proposed this month’s theme – Spring – and had plenty of theme-related images to share. Many of the photos were from a trip to Filoli Gardens, a 15 acre estate with beautiful landscaping. She also had images of wildflowers, Desert Gold specifically, and Lake Manley in Death Valley. The winter rains have made both exceptional this Spring. - [20 Mar 2024 Spring Theme: Ralf](https://ucsdphoto.group/2024/03/20-mar-2024-spring-theme-ralf/): Ralf is one of the more recent member to join the UCSD Photography Interest Group. But he’s an experienced photographer who enjoys travel, landscape, and street photography. He’s skilled at composing the image & post-processing in Lightroom. It’s always great to see the images he shares and get his perspective on the moments he captures. Like me and other photographers, he is interpreting the moment. - [20 Mar 2024 Spring Theme: Sharon](https://ucsdphoto.group/2024/03/20-mar-2024-spring-theme-sharon/): Sharon participate in every meeting and often offers a humorous twist to the monthly theme. This month was no exception with her “Spring” photo of a spring or “Lizard Love”. Capturing a LONG embrace of some huge lizards in her backyard. It’s always fun to see what catches her eye and eyePhone. - [20 Mar 2024 Spring Theme: Jerry](https://ucsdphoto.group/2024/03/20-mar-2024-spring-theme-jerry/): Jerry has some of the best, creative and often technical ideas of the group. He plotted the date & time the sunrise would rise down San Diego Broadway Avenue using PhotoPills. Although the 200ft hill in the distance blocked the perfect centering at sunrise. He got the shot and will make adjustments next time to account for the slightly elevated position of appearance. - [20 Mar 2024 Spring Theme: Mikky](https://ucsdphoto.group/2024/03/20-mar-2024-spring-theme-mikky/): Mikky shared some great Spring wildflower images from Anza-Borrego plus exotics from his travels to India. He’s a photo-purist that prefers to share photos straight out of camera versus many of us that like to manipulate the image in post-processing. He shared some wonderful macro flower photos. - [20 Mar 2024 Spring Theme: Gary](https://ucsdphoto.group/2024/03/20-mar-2024-spring-theme-gary/): Gary seems to always be on the road somewhere photogenic. This month was no difference and he shared some great images from one of his regular spots – Yosemite. Like many of us, he hops between a mirrorless camera system with interchangeable lenses and his iPhone. Check out the Raven black&white iPhone image – amazing what that cell phone camera can do. - [20 Mar 2024 Spring Theme: John](https://ucsdphoto.group/2024/03/20-mar-2024-spring-theme-john/): John’s one of the more experienced and technically capable members of the group. I know he shoots a lot of photos that follow his own interests. But he shares theme-related images every group meeting. He doesn’t share an eclectic batch like many of us, but pick a few awesome images. - [20 Mar 2024 Spring Theme: Jim](https://ucsdphoto.group/2024/03/20-mar-2024-spring-theme-jim/): Jim took a his annual family trip to Arizona for San Diego Padres Spring Training. After a crazy electrical thunderstorm canceled Friday night’s game. There were two enjoyable, clear-weather day games. After Phoenix, Jim traveled to Camp Verde for five rainy days in the Sedona area. Somewhat depressing photography conditions aside, here a few photos shared at Wednesday photography interest group Zoom meeting. With a “Spring Season” theme, Jim also shared some photos from the Carlsbad Flower Fields shot under sunnier skies. - [20 Mar 2024 Spring Theme: Barbara](https://ucsdphoto.group/2024/03/20-mar-2024-spring-theme-barbara/): Barbara always seems to catch unique bird behavior during her walks around San Diego. Luckily (or habitually), she always has her camera handy and shows the patience necessary to catch unique moments. She has also been experimenting with street photography & post-processing, something she hasn’t been very interested in doing. I hope that the influence of our photo group. - [20 Mar 2024 Theme: Spring](https://ucsdphoto.group/2024/03/20-mar-2024-theme-spring/): We had a lively discussion this month and everyone shared their favorite images, most theme-related. Anza-Borrego wildflowers were a popular theme-related subject as most SoCal photographers enjoy the post-wet-winter super-blooms. Carlsbad Flowers Fields, Yosemite, and Alabama Hills were also represented. Here are the images presented: Ralf John Jerry Gary Cathy Sharon Mikky Barbara Jim - [21 Feb 2024 Bird/Wildlife Theme: Sharon](https://ucsdphoto.group/2024/02/21-feb-2024-bird-wildlife-theme-sharon/): Sharon shows how wonderful cell phone cameras can be with her iPhone imagery. These are the images she shared at our February bird & wildlife-themed meeting. - [Tutorial: Photoshop Sky Replacement AI](https://ucsdphoto.group/2024/02/tutorial-photoshop-sky-replacement-ai/): Adobe Photoshop can easily replace an empty sky with skies in Adobe’s library or your own. There are times when you’ve got a great photo but, because of timing or other circumstances, you miss a more interesting sky by minutes or hours or days. I photographed a Red Tail Hawk against grey rainy skies. Because of the bright backlighting, I added +2 stops compensation. So the bright, flat sky, was completely washed out. To add a more interesting sky, I used Photoshop’s Sky Replacement (Menu: /Edit/Sky Replacement) to replace the background. I also applied a Filter/Gaussian Blur to soften the focus […] - [21 Feb 2024 Bird/Wildlife Theme: Jake](https://ucsdphoto.group/2024/02/21-feb-2024-bird-wildlife-theme-jake/): Jake shared four images of local waterfowl who enjoy local cuisine, asking for handouts. They definitely get up close and personal, resulting in intimate bird portraits. Jake is new to our meetings so Welcome! - [21 Feb 2024 Bird/Wildlife Theme: Mikky](https://ucsdphoto.group/2024/02/21-feb-2024-bird-wildlife-theme-mikky/): Mikky shared some great images caught with his camera from Safari Park. He was able to get photos of some of the harder to see animals during his visits. - [21 Feb 2024 Bird/Wildlife Theme: Gary](https://ucsdphoto.group/2024/02/21-feb-2024-bird-wildlife-theme-gary/): Gary shared photos taken at Safari Park during recent visits. His Nikon 100-400mm lens is a great piece of gear to catch his favorite animals & their behavior. - [21 Feb 2024 Bird/Wildlife Theme: Barbara](https://ucsdphoto.group/2024/02/21-feb-2024-bird-wildlife-theme-barbara/): I am always impressed with the images Barbara captures on her walks around San Diego trails. Burrowing Owl from Robb Field and some other great bird images from around San Diego. - [21 Feb 2024 Bird/Wildlife Theme: Cathy](https://ucsdphoto.group/2024/02/21-feb-2024-bird-wildlife-theme-cathy/): Cathy contributed bird & wildlife photos from Hawk Watch and Safari Park. - [21 Feb 2024 Theme: Birds & Wildlife](https://ucsdphoto.group/2024/02/21-feb-2024-theme-birds-wildlife/): We had a good group meeting Wednesday Feb 21st with participants sharing their bird & wildlife images. This is a popular theme category especially with San Diego Zoo Safari Park’s free February admission for seniors. The Safari Park is a great venue for birds & wildlife photography since you have lots of opportunity to grab interesting animal behavior. Barbara Cathy Gary Jake John Jim Mikky Sharon - [21 Feb 2024 Bird/Wildlife Theme: John](https://ucsdphoto.group/2024/02/21-feb-2024-bird-wildlife-theme-john/): John had an alternate perspective on ‘birds & wildlife’, sharing some fun photo from the San Diego Holiday Bowl parade. They did fit the theme with only a slight stretch of the imagination. - [21 Feb 2024 Bird/Wildlife Theme: Jim](https://ucsdphoto.group/2024/02/21-feb-2024-bird-wildlife-theme-jim/): After focusing on primarily landscape photography, Jim has developed interest in improving his bird and wildlife photos. During a recent Safari Park visit, he experimented with the ‘get down to eye-level’ with the birds style. It was effective and will definitely become standard practice. He also visited Hawk Watch in Ramona and photographed the bird ‘ambassadors’. After Hawk Watch, he stalked a Red Tail Hawk in Ramona Grasslands during rainy weather. Using these plain sky images, did a quick demonstration of Photoshop’s sky replacement AI> - [Tutorial: Nik Collections (Google Version)](https://ucsdphoto.group/2024/01/tutorial-nik-collections-google-version/): Disclaimer – Nik Collections is a product currently sold by DXO for $149. But versions have been around for a long time, originally developed in 1995 by Nik Multimedia & sold for $600/copy. Google acquired it in 2012, sold it for $150/copy, then distributed it for free in 2016. DXO bought it in 2017 and currently updates and improves it. The free google version (courtesy of Techspot: Windows or Mac) is what I’ve been using successfully with the latest version (v13.1, Jan 2024) of Lightroom Classic. Some websites suggest there are bugs using the 2016 version with the latest Adobe products. […] - [17 Jan 2024 Theme Reflections/Komorebi: Sharon](https://ucsdphoto.group/2024/01/17-jan-2024-theme-reflections-komorebi-sharon/): Sharon created some fascinating abstract reflection compared to the rest of the group who did more traditional interpretations-presentations. - [17 Jan 2024 Theme Reflections/Komorebi: Jerry](https://ucsdphoto.group/2024/01/17-jan-2024-theme-reflections-komorebi-jerry/): Jerry shared photos that reflected this months themes (sorry for the pun Jerry). - [17 Jan 2024 Theme Reflections/Komorebi: Jim](https://ucsdphoto.group/2024/01/17-jan-2024-theme-reflections-komorebi-jim/): Jim shared some images new and old that fit this month’s themes. He continues to reprocess images using film simulations and black&white presets. - [17 Jan 2024 Theme Reflections/Komorebi: Gary](https://ucsdphoto.group/2024/01/17-jan-2024-theme-reflections-komorebi-gary/): Gary shared some images from his recent trip to New Zealand. Fortunately, some fit this month’s themes. - [17 Jan 2024 Theme Reflections/Komorebi: Barbara](https://ucsdphoto.group/2024/01/17-jan-2024-theme-reflections-komorebi-barbara/): Barbara shared her latest bird images and some great ones from December’s King Tides at Ocean Beach. - [17 Jan 2024 Theme Reflections/Komorebi: Cathy](https://ucsdphoto.group/2024/01/17-jan-2024-theme-reflections-komorebi-cathy/): Here are the images that Cathy shared following this month’s themes. - [17 Jan 2024 Themes: Reflections & Komorebi](https://ucsdphoto.group/2024/01/17-jan-2024-themes-reflections-komorebi/): This photo group meeting’s themes were “reflections” and “komorebi” (light through foliage). Participants shared their favorite images that fit the themes and were of current interest. Barbara Cathy Gary Jerry Jim Sharon - [Meeting Minutes 2023](https://ucsdphoto.group/2023/12/meeting-minutes-from-2023/) - [Tutorial: Creating an Adobe Portfolio](https://ucsdphoto.group/2023/12/tutorial-creating-an-adobe-portfolio/): If you subscribe to Adobe Creative Cloud, you can create a free online portfolio. It’s not really free since it requires a subscription but it is a nice addition to their software suite. There are plenty of YouTube tutorials on how to setup an Adobe portfolio website: https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=adobe+portfolio+for+photographers Or you can follow the instructions below to get started, it’s easy if you’ve created web content before: To create a Page, click the blue circle Add Page + in the upper left. Then select the type of content – I’ve been using Lightroom Album. Once you create your portfolio pages, there are […] - [Tutorial: Using Photoshop To Fix Curved Pano](https://ucsdphoto.group/2023/12/tutorial-using-photoshop-to-fix-curved-pano/): I enjoying taking panoramic photos with my cameras. iPhone photos, when held level, look pretty good. But sometimes an iPhone or stitched panorama is has barrel distortion and is bowed in the middle. If you google how to repair such issues, the search will recommend using Photoshop’s Filter-Adaptive Wide Angle. This can straighten the center of the image but can cause side-effects on the left and right sides. Photoshop’s Edit-Puppet Warp can correct specific areas of the image, leaving the rest unaffected. Here is an example of an iPhone Panorama with both corrections applied. Note: these correction require a working layer […] - [20 Dec 2023 Theme Winter: Sharon](https://ucsdphoto.group/2023/12/20-dec-2023-theme-winter-sharon/): Sharon shared some wonderful Currier & Ives-ish photos of Hotel Ladina in Bergün Switzerland. Plus some seasonal holiday photos of Santa Chick-a-fil, Christmas lights & decoration. - [20 Dec 2023 Theme Winter: Ralf](https://ucsdphoto.group/2023/12/20-dec-2023-theme-winter-ralf/): Ralf shared some beautiful winter landscapes from Northern Germany. Some of the best winter-themed images taken during a walk where conditions changed from clear to white-out. - [20 Dec 2023 Theme Winter: Jim](https://ucsdphoto.group/2023/12/20-dec-2023-theme-winter-jim/): Jim’s recent travels have been to non-winter locations so he dug into his archives for photos from a trip to Alaska. Particularly, the Matanuska Glacier northeast of Anchorage. Other images were from a snow day with grandkids, and Christmas lights of Hotel Del & Quail Gardens Lightscapes. - [20 Dec 2023 Theme Winter: John](https://ucsdphoto.group/2023/12/20-dec-2023-theme-winter-john/): John shared some recent images of his work on the Star of India, a particularly well-choreographed group photo of the 100+ crew. - [20 Dec 2023 Theme Winter: Jerry](https://ucsdphoto.group/2023/12/20-dec-2023-theme-winter-jerry/): Jerry shared some great winter images of Yosemite and Zion, as well as Death Valley, New Mexico and San Diego. - [20 Dec 2023 Theme Winter: Gary](https://ucsdphoto.group/2023/12/20-dec-2023-theme-winter-gary/): Gary took a recent trip to Australia-New Zealand during our winter – their summer. He particularly like Australia’s wonderful beaches, especially Manly Beach, and the city of Sydney. New Zealand travel hit many sites from Lord of the Rings. - [20 Dec 2023 Theme Winter: Cathy](https://ucsdphoto.group/2023/12/20-dec-2023-theme-winter-cathy/): Cathy shared some winter-themed recent images: a great blue hour shot of the Hotel Del from Glorietta Beach; ice skating father-daughter w/ retro film simulation; Liberty Station Christmas lights; and a roaming Elf. - [20 Dec 2023 Theme Winter: Barbara](https://ucsdphoto.group/2023/12/20-dec-2023-theme-winter-barbara/): Barbara shared some travel photos from an April trip to Bryce Canyon. It happened to snow while she was there, blanketing the hoodoos with white. Some other photos were taken during a recent trip to the San Diego Zoo, a recent amazing winter sunset, & Alaskan glacier. - [20 Dec 2023 Theme: Winter](https://ucsdphoto.group/2023/12/20-dec-2023-theme-winter/): The December theme proposed last meeting by Jerry was ‘Winter’. Eight participants of the December 20th meeting shared theme-related photos as well as others. Finding photos in Southern California is often challenging so many we from travels to colder climates or holiday-related. Here are the photos presented by the group: Barbara Cathy Gary Jerry John Jim Ralf Sharon - [15 Nov 2023 Theme Travel: Sharon](https://ucsdphoto.group/2023/11/15-nov-2023-theme-travel-sharon/): Global travel images from Sharon – Italy, Hawaii, and Utah. - [15 Nov 2023 Theme Travel: Jim](https://ucsdphoto.group/2023/11/15-nov-2023-theme-travel-jim/): Images from a recent Eastern Sierras/Lone Pine/Alabama Hills trip in Oct 2023 – reason he missed the Oct 18th meeting. - [15 Nov 2023 Theme Travel: Jerry](https://ucsdphoto.group/2023/11/15-nov-2023-theme-travel-jerry/): Great images from Jerry’s recent trip to Iceland in Oct 2023. - [15 Nov 2023 Theme Travel: Gary](https://ucsdphoto.group/2023/11/15-nov-2023-theme-travel-gary/): Gary shared some recent Yosemite photos. - [15 Nov 2023 Theme Travel: Barbara](https://ucsdphoto.group/2023/11/15-nov-2023-theme-travel-barbara/): Barbara shared some great bird images from recent outing in San Diego. - [15 Nov 2023 Theme: Travel](https://ucsdphoto.group/2023/11/15-nov-2023-theme-travel/): Always a popular theme – travel – meeting participants shared new images from recent trips. Iceland, Yosemite, Alabama Hills, and San Diego Maritime photos were shared. Best photos from the moonrise outing we had Oct 28th were also shared. Barbara – shared some local ‘travel’ images – bird photos she took around San Diego Cathy – missed this month’s meeting so no travel images but shared these great images of the San Diego skyline including her moonrise outing images Gary Jerry – shared photos from his recent trip to Iceland. Iceland lived up to it reputation of challenging weather, beautiful waterfalls, […] - [Oct 2023 Theme Fall: Sharon](https://ucsdphoto.group/2023/11/oct-2023-theme-fall-sharon/): Sharon shared some very October-themed photos, fitting the ‘Fall’ theme. Here are the images she shared at the monthly meeting. - [18 Oct 2023 Moonrise: Cathy](https://ucsdphoto.group/2023/10/18-oct-2023-moonrise-cathy/): Great images from Cathy from our group outing to Coronado’s Bayview Park for moonrise over San Diego. - [28 Oct 2023 Meetup: Coronado Moonrise Photo Shoot](https://ucsdphoto.group/2023/10/28-oct-2023-meetup-coronado-moonrise-photo-shoot/): Several photographers from the UCSD Photography Interest Group met-up at Bayview Park to photograph the full moon rising over San Diego. The weather cooperated and it was a fairly clear evening and sunset. Some atmospheric haze was visible in the distance but overall the San Diego Skyline was clear. The moon rose towards the south bay so its position was not ideal for a shot of the taller buildings. It rose over Petco Park and the San Diego Convention Center.Ideal photographic conditions of blue hour and the moon only lasted ~15mins. It will be interesting to see the variety of photos […] - [Oct 2023 Theme Fall: Cathy](https://ucsdphoto.group/2023/10/oct-2023-theme-fall-cathy/): Cathy shared five Fall photos at the Oct 18th UCSD Photography Interest Group. Here are the images she shared: - [18 Oct 2023 Theme: Fall](https://ucsdphoto.group/2023/10/18-oct-2023-theme-fall/): October’s photography theme was Fall – an appropriate topic for the season. Meeting participants shared photos that matched the theme. The meeting was hosted by John Leighton since Jim Wilkinson was off on a photo scouting trip to Lone Pine/Alabama Hills in the Eastern Sierras of California. Here are some of the photos shared: Jerry Sharon Gary Cathy - [Oct 2023 Theme Fall: Jerry](https://ucsdphoto.group/2023/10/oct-2023-theme-fall-jerry/): Here are the images Jerry shared at the 18 Oct 2023 UCSD Photography Interest Group’s monthly meeting. The theme for October was ‘Fall’. - [Oct 2023 Theme Fall: Gary](https://ucsdphoto.group/2023/10/18-oct-2023-fall-gary/): Gary had only one image to share this meeting but a Yosemite trip is planned so he’ll have new images to share at November’s meeting. - [28 Oct 2023: Full Moon Rise at Sunset, San Diego](https://ucsdphoto.group/2023/09/28-oct-2023-full-moon-rise-at-sunset-san-diego/): There will be a full moon rising over the San Diego Skyline ~6pm Saturday Oct 28th. Cathy proposed a meetup to photograph this event. I entered some different spots into the Photographer’s Ephemeris webpage and grabbed some projections for potential locations. Some members of the Photography Interest Group are already pretty familiar with such locations. But these projection should give us a good idea where the moon will rise so we can set up at an ideal location.To check out the Photographer’s Ephemeris; click here for a pin location. You can create a free account on their website if you want […] - [Sep 2023 Theme Animals: Cathy](https://ucsdphoto.group/2023/09/sep-2023-theme-animals-cathy/) - [Sept 20 2023 Theme: Critters](https://ucsdphoto.group/2023/09/sept-2023-theme-critters/): The UCSD Photography Interest Group met via Zoom meeting Wednesday Sep 20 2023 at 2pm. The theme this month was “Animals/Insects/Birds/Wildlife/Pets/Critters”. Everyone shared several images that followed the theme – critters are a pretty popular photo subject. Photo sharing started around 2:15 and went till 4:10. Integrated into the photo sharing were discussions about the new Photoshop 2024 generative fill AI; Lightroom shadow & highlight masking; Topaz DeNoise & SharpenAI; cell phone macro photography. Here are the photos that were shared & discussed: Barbara Cathy Gary Jim Mikky Sharon - [Sep 2023 Theme Animals: Mikky](https://ucsdphoto.group/2023/09/sep-2023-theme-animals-mikky/) - [Sep 2023 Theme Animals: Gary](https://ucsdphoto.group/2023/09/sep-2023-theme-animals-gary/) - [Sep 2023 Theme Animals: Jim](https://ucsdphoto.group/2023/09/sep-2023-theme-animals-jim/) - [Sep 2023 Theme Animals: Barbara](https://ucsdphoto.group/2023/09/aug-16-theme-bw-barbara/) - [Sep 2023 Theme Animals: Sharon](https://ucsdphoto.group/2023/09/july-2023-gary/) - [Astrophotography Gear & Software](https://ucsdphoto.group/2023/08/astrophotography-gear-software/): Some members of the UCSD Photography Interest Group are interested in astrophotography. This can be a challenging genre to master. Here are some tools & information that may help photographers create better images of the night sky. Night sky photography requires a fast lens to help keep the ISO & shutter speeds as low as possible. Star movement or streaking occurs if the shutter speed is too long for the focal length. One tool that helps with this is a star tracker. I use a MoveShootMove Star Tracker and it allows minutes-long exposures (I use 2mins, ISO 1600, f4) with no […] - [Aug 16 2023 Theme: Black&White](https://ucsdphoto.group/2023/08/aug-16-2023-theme-blackwhite/): This month’s UCSD Photography Interest Group’s photo theme is “Black&White”. Here are the photos sent by participants in August’s meeting. Note that any photographs that members want to share are welcome even if they do not fit the theme. Cathy Barbara Jerry Sharon Gary Jim John Mikky - [Dealing w/ iPhone Photo Moire](https://ucsdphoto.group/2023/07/dealing-w-iphone-photo-moire/): Problem: iPhone camera photo moire – I was photographing the ‘Vegas-like’ riverside signage at Osaka’s Dotonburi and discovered a terrible moire pattern in the iconic Glico Runner sign (photo 1). My Olympus digital camera did not have this problem but I preferred the glassy reflections of my iPhone photos. My Olympus photos were long exposures so the reflections were muted. Solution: iPhone Live Image Long Exposure – since I had iPhone live photo ON, I created a long exposure (photo 2). That eliminated the herringbone pattern but also muted the color reflection like my Olympus camera long exposures. I loaded the […] - [Aug 2023 Theme B&W: Barbara](https://ucsdphoto.group/2023/07/july-2023-barbara/) - [Aug 2023 Theme B&W: Sharon](https://ucsdphoto.group/2023/07/july-2023-sharon/) - [Aug 2023 Theme B&W: Gary](https://ucsdphoto.group/2023/07/july-2023-gary-2/) - [Aug 2023 Theme B&W: Jerry](https://ucsdphoto.group/2023/07/july-2023-jerry/) - [Aug 2023 Theme B&W: Cathy](https://ucsdphoto.group/2023/07/july-2023-cathy/) - [Aug 2023 Theme B&W: Jim](https://ucsdphoto.group/2023/07/july-2023-jim/) - [July 2023 Theme Water: Gary](https://ucsdphoto.group/2023/07/july-2023-theme-water-gary/) - [July 2023 Theme Water: Sharon](https://ucsdphoto.group/2023/07/july-2023-theme-water-sharon/) - [July 2023 Theme Water: Jerry](https://ucsdphoto.group/2023/07/july-2023-theme-water-jerry/) - [July 2023 Theme Water/4th: Jim](https://ucsdphoto.group/2023/07/july-2023-theme-water-4th-jim/) - [July 2023 Theme Water: Cathy](https://ucsdphoto.group/2023/07/july-2023-theme-water-cathy/) - [July 2023 Theme Water: Barbara](https://ucsdphoto.group/2023/07/july-photo-theme-water-barbara/) - [July 19 2023 Meeting Photos: Water/4th of July](https://ucsdphoto.group/2023/07/july-19-2023-meeting-photos-water-4th-of-july/): The UCSD Photography Interest Group met at 2pm July 19th via Zoom to discuss various photography topics, interests and share photos related to this month’s themes – Water & 4th of July. Inspired by Gary’s kayaking trip to Canada, I thought water would be a broad & easy theme. Plus the 4th of July and related events such as the San Diego Fair at Del Mar were happening between meetings. We started the photo-sharing part of the meeting at ~2:30, delayed 20mins by a discussion on potential photo excursions. The photos shared continued the lively discussion on gear and travel. The […] - [Photography Themes](https://ucsdphoto.group/2023/07/photography-themes/): Our monthly photo interest group has often had a photographic theme. Although members can share photos on any subject, someone can propose a theme as a photographic ‘challenge’. Most of us, as experienced photographers, can browse through our image library if we are unable to shoot specifically for the assignment. Or we can share non-theme related photos from recent trips or activities. Here is a list of potential future themes to discuss and choose from. Some themes may be related to earlier themes so please present new photos, or previous photos that have been reprocessed. Sports/Speed: surfing, sailing, fishing, swimming, bicycling, […] - [Film Simulations](https://ucsdphoto.group/2023/06/film-simulations/): Fujifilm cameras with their built-in film simulation settings are currently very popular for quickly generating images (jpgs) for social media. Other camera makers have camera menu settings or profiles such as ‘Vivid’ or ‘Monochrome’ that produce in-camera jpgs with similar results. But Fujifilm cameras take the color science further, by adding ‘analog film’ simulations. These result in photos that look like they were taken using a film camera using Fuji or Kodak roll film. These film simulation effects can also be applied to videos shot with Fujifilm cameras. What are film simulations? They are basically a manipulation of the color and […] - [Jun 21 2023 Meeting Theme - Travel](https://ucsdphoto.group/2023/06/21-jun-2023-meeting-theme-travel/): The UCSD Photography Interest Group met at 2pm via Zoom to interact, discuss recent activities, and share photos related to this month’s theme – travel. Because of recent trips, many members shared more than the standard 5 photos. But we finished photo-sharing on-time. Here are the photos organized by member: Barbara Cathy Gary Jerry John Sharon Jim - [June 2023 Theme Travel: Cathy](https://ucsdphoto.group/2023/06/cape-neddick-lighthouse/) - [16 July 2025 Themes Summer Adventures & Sports: Sharon](https://ucsdphoto.group/2025/07/16-july-2025-themes-summer-adventures-sports-sharon/): Sharon shared some sporting images from the family album and as usual a humorous image of the family pet ‘enjoying’ the pool. - [16 July 2025 Themes Summer Adventures: Mikky](https://ucsdphoto.group/2025/07/16-july-2025-themes-summer-adventures-mikky/): Mikky shared photos from his recent trip to Africa. These are images he took of Victoria Falls, some from a helicopter. Many of his images are panoramas because of the size of Victoria Falls. Animal photos from his African Safari will be share soon as he processes them. - [16 July 2025 Themes Summer Adventures, & Sports: Gary](https://ucsdphoto.group/2025/07/16-july-2025-themes-summer-adventures-sports-gary/): Gary shared images from his recent trip to Morro Bay and Avila Beach. He caught some fun images of the resident sea otters. some other critters and the beautiful coastline. He also had an opportunity to photograph a Mission, last month’s theme, so he shared a couple creative shots of it. - [16 July 2025 Themes Summer Adventures, SD Fair, & Sports: Cathy](https://ucsdphoto.group/2025/07/16-july-2025-themes-summer-adventures-sd-fair-sports-cathy/): Cathy was inspired to shoot the San Diego Fair during its run, like Gary and myself. She particularly focus on isolated moments amongst the chaos. She was also the one to propose “Sports” for this month’s theme but had trouble finding an interesting vantage point without obstructions. - [16 July 2025 Theme Summer Adventures: Barbara](https://ucsdphoto.group/2025/07/16-july-2025-themes-summer-adventures-barbara/): Barbara is recovering from an injured arm/shoulder so she hasn’t had much opportunity to get out with her camera. She was able to photograph some beautiful flowers in her backyard and share a ‘street-type” image of some young people reveling on a date. - [16 July 2025 Themes: Summer Adventures, SD Fair, & Sports](https://ucsdphoto.group/2025/07/16-july-2025-themes-summer-adventures-sd-fair-sports/): Our Wednesday July meeting had the usual group of participants plus a new member, Barb Donovan – welcome! The Zoom meeting went from 2-4:15pm. Our themes this month were a continuation of the San Diego Fair, Summer Adventures, and Sports. Here are the images shared this month: Barbara Cathy Gary Mikky Sharon Jim - [16 July 2025 Themes Summer Adventures, SD Fair & Sports:](https://ucsdphoto.group/2025/07/16-july-2025-themes-summer-adventures-sd-fair-sports-2/): Jim shared recent images from the San Diego Fair and a recent trip to Sequoia National Park. Because of past images from Sequoia NP being rather dull, he experimented with using a R72 infrared filter. This filter brings out the character of sunlit foliage and is great to use during midday sunlight.He also ventured out to catch the moonrise over Mt Ecclesia in Oceanside. Last month, the marine layer blocked the moonrise so he tried again in July. The skies were free of marine layer, but the best images had some clouds in front of the moon. This darkened the moon […] - [18 Jun 2025 Themes Missions, San Diego Fair, Riverside Fair: Jim](https://ucsdphoto.group/2025/06/18-jun-2025-themes-missions-san-diego-fair-riverside-fair-jim/): Jim has photographed California Mission whenever traveling to their area. Growing up near the Mission San Luis Rey, that Mission has also been a favorite. Not necessarily the most photogenic of the Missions, Mission San Luis Rey is conveniently close and with the right light and situation, can generate some memorable photos. The SD Fair is the opposite, offering photo opportunities only limited by the photographer’s imagination. Jim wanted to try on-camera flash photography the evening and night of the meetup June 11th. Although not very successful, it inspired him to come back before the Fair ends and try again. Here […] - [18 Jun 2025 Theme San Diego Fair: Heather](https://ucsdphoto.group/2025/06/18-jun-2025-theme-san-diego-fair-heather/): Heather loves capturing people and their interaction or reaction. Her take on the SD Fair was capturing people amonst the chaos and noise. The June 11th evening meetup was actually very uncrowded so the chaos and noise is worse on the weekends & July 4th. Here are her photos: - [18 Jun 2025 Themes San Diego Fair, Open: Gary](https://ucsdphoto.group/2025/06/18-jun-2025-themes-san-diego-fair-open-gary/): Gary shared some photos from his recent road trip to Bodie and Yosemite. He also participated in the SD Fair meetup and was so inspired, went back to take more images. He caught some great images of people’s reaction to the rides. Bodie images definitely benefit from being presented as black&white. He also has a rare (in recent years) panoramic image taken from Glacier Point in Yosemite. This road has been closed for quite awhile. He used his iPhone to pan the scenic horizon. - [18 Jun 2025 Themes Missions, Open: Barbara](https://ucsdphoto.group/2025/06/18-jun-2025-themes-missions-open-barbara/): Barbara was unable to make it to the Fair meetup but shared a Mission Carmel image and some fantastic Shelter Island Osprey Nestling photos. Here are her images: - [18 Jun 2025 Themes: Missions, San Diego Fair](https://ucsdphoto.group/2025/06/18-jun-2025-themes-missions-san-diego-fair/): This month’s themes were images of the California Missions and the San Diego Fair. We had a meetup June 11th at the SD Fair Photography Exhibition to review accepted photos. After the ribbon award announcements, a few of us wander the Fair in search of some evening and night photos. Here are the images shared at the meeting: Barbara Cathy Gary Heather Jim - [18 Jun 2025 Themes Missions, San Diego Fair: Cathy](https://ucsdphoto.group/2025/06/18-jun-2025-themes-missions-san-diego-fair-cathy/): Cathy shared some photos of Mission Carmel and a previous Fair photo with a wonderful sunset. Whwn traveling she often relies on her iPhone as her main camera. These are great examples of how even-better cell phone images can look with a little post-processing. Here are the photos she shared: - [21 May 2025 Themes: Silhouettes/Backlit, Selective Color, Spring Is In the Air: Gary](https://ucsdphoto.group/2025/05/21-may-2025-themes-silhouettes-backlit-selective-color-spring-is-in-the-air-gary/): Gary shared photos from his annual Spring Yosemite trip. He shared some wonderful campfire abstract images as well as Vernal Falls. Others followed the silhouette and Spring is In the Air themes. - [21 May 2025 Themes: Silhouettes/Backlit, Selective Color, Spring Is In the Air](https://ucsdphoto.group/2025/05/21-may-2025-themes-silhouettes-backlit-selective-color-spring-is-in-the-air/): Our May themes were silhouettes/backlit, selective color, and “Spring is in the Air”. Silhouettes and/or backlit are self-explanatory. Selective color can be a couple of things – photos with one specific dominant color, black&white image with a single color visible, or any artist’s interpretation. “Spring Is In The Air” would be any photos displaying the Spring Season. There were 7 participants in the May meeting. Here are the images shared: Barbara Cathy Gary Heather Jim Sharon - [21 May 2025 Silhouettes/Backlit, Selective Color, Spring Is In the Air: Sharon](https://ucsdphoto.group/2025/05/21-may-2025-silhouettes-backlit-selective-color-spring-is-in-the-air-sharon/): Sharon has been sharing some wonderful photos of prints she’s made. Although many fit the monthly themes, they definitely stand on their own. She shared an original image, image inverted, and the image processed with salt & sugar crystal technique. We miss the film and darkroom days…Here are what she shared this month: - [21 May 2025 Themes: Silhouettes/Backlit, Selective Color, Spring Is In the Air: Heather](https://ucsdphoto.group/2025/05/21-may-2025-themes-silhouettes-backlit-selective-color-spring-is-in-the-air-heather/): Heather returns after a short break from the meetings and shared images of family & friends that follow the themes. Selective color and Spring Is In The Air photos taken during her travels. Here are the images she shared: - [21 May 2025 Themes: Silhouettes/Backlit, Selective Color, Spring Is In the Air: Jim](https://ucsdphoto.group/2025/05/21-may-2025-themes-silhouettes-backlit-selective-color-spring-is-in-the-air-jim/): Jim’s photography has been pretty eclectic lately, but he thinks of the themes when approaching making photos. Some techniques like selective color are done post-processing. But he does pursue street photography with themes like repeating colors – none lately. Here are the images he shared this month: - [21 May 2025 Silhouettes/Backlit, Selective Color, Spring Is In the Air: Cathy](https://ucsdphoto.group/2025/05/21-may-2025-silhouettes-backlit-selective-color-spring-is-in-the-air-cathy/): Cathy shared silhouetted and backlit photos this month. She included ‘select color’ apple blossom and Sensorio images. Her approach to photographing the Sensorio hillside light installations is wonderful. Photographing them early in the evening before the lights came on. - [21 May 2025 Silhouettes/Backlit, Selective Color, Spring Is In the Air: Barbara](https://ucsdphoto.group/2025/05/21-may-2025-silhouettes-backlit-selective-color-spring-is-in-the-air-barbara/): Barbara shared silhouettes and a wonderful backlit Baboon photo which she asked for some ideas on how to process it. Apple Photos turned out a little better than Lightroom in a quick edit. She also shared some selective color, local wildlife and a humorous street photo – “Working Dog”. Here are her pics: - [16 Apr 2025 Flowers & Perspective: Mikky](https://ucsdphoto.group/2025/04/16-apr-2025-flowers-perspective-mikky/): Mikky shared a great collection of flower images – all of them beautiful and several exceptional. - [16 Apr 2025 Flowers & Perspective: Barbara](https://ucsdphoto.group/2025/04/16-apr-2025-flowers-perspective-barbara/): Barbara shared a few thematic photos – leading line wake of her cruise ship, leading line runway lights at sunrise, and a vermillion flycatcher framed by branches. - [16 Apr 2025 Flowers & Perspective: Jim](https://ucsdphoto.group/2025/04/16-apr-2025-flowers-perspective-jim/): Jim traveled to Sacramento to catch a couple San Diego Padres away games against the Sacramento/Las Vegas Athletics. During his outings before the night games, he focused on this month’s themes when photographing Old Sacramento. - [16 Apr 2025 Flowers & Perspective: John](https://ucsdphoto.group/2025/04/16-apr-2025-flowers-perspective-john/): John shared a couple images he took that combined both themes – flowers and frames. Clever, creative fun when you can combine themes into a single image. - [16 Apr 2025 Flowers & Perspective: Gary](https://ucsdphoto.group/2025/04/16-apr-2025-flowers-perspective-gary/): Gary shared some wonderful color and b&w landscape photos that used frames and layers. Dramatic cloud layers make his b&w images extra special (and what all us landscape photographers wish for). He also added a lush green & red ocotillo photo for the Flowers theme. - [16 Apr 2025 Flowers & Perspective: Sharon](https://ucsdphoto.group/2025/04/16-apr-2025-flowers-perspective-sharon/): Our resident iPhone photographer shared some wonderful, colorful flower images. She’d be a great ambassador for cell phone camera artistry. - [16 Apr 2025: Flowers & Perspective](https://ucsdphoto.group/2025/04/16-apr-2025-flowers-perspective/): This month’s Flower theme celebrates Spring season and the beautiful blooms it brings. Many meeting participants shared some colorful photos of flowers. The secondary theme was Perspective: leading lines, layers, and framed-in-frame, standard compositional elements for photography. Here are the images shared this month: Barbara Gary Jim John Mikky Sharon - [Organizing Photos](https://ucsdphoto.group/2025/03/organizing-photos/): As digital photographers, our photo collections can get out of hand. This page will discuss some ways of organizing your photos so you can back them up and find specific photos later on.My iPhone, in particular, can have thousands of photos, screenshots, and videos. I have my iPhone photos automatically backup to my Google Drive. Plus iCloud Photos also keeps copies of these photos. These are a great backup for your photos, but if you want to free up space on your phone. You need to download them from iCloud so when you delete them from your phone. You will still […] - [19 Mar 2025: Weather & Animals: Sharon](https://ucsdphoto.group/2025/03/19-mar-2025-weather-animals-sharon/): Sharon visited the Carlsbad Flower Fields and got some great shots with her iPhone of butterflies from their Butterfly Encounter. - [19 Mar 2025: Weather & Animals: Gary](https://ucsdphoto.group/2025/03/19-mar-2025-weather-animals-gary/): Gary shared some beautiful weather and zoo animal photos. - [19 Mar 2025: Weather & Animals: Cathy](https://ucsdphoto.group/2025/03/19-mar-2025-weather-animals-cathy/): Cathy shared some great Bighorn Sheep photos from her recent workshop in Anza-Borrego. She was also able to photograph the full lunar eclipse from inside her house, avoiding the cold and rain. - [19 Mar 2025: Weather & Animals: Jim](https://ucsdphoto.group/2025/03/19-mar-2025-weather-animals-jim/): Jim shared images he took during the La Jolla Cove meet-up Feb 9th to photograph pelicans, osprey and cormorants. In February, these birds exhibit breeding behavior and colors. Quail and Black Cardinal photos were from a recent February Joshua Tree camping weekend. He also spent some time out in the cold, photographing the full blood moon lunar eclipse. It was partly cloudy but he was able to get intermittent photos during the cloud breaks. - [19 Mar 2025: Weather & Animals: Barbara](https://ucsdphoto.group/2025/03/19-mar-2025-weather-animals-barbara/): Here are some great bird photos Barbara sent to me after the meeting to add to this month’s online album. - [19 Mar 2025: Weather & Animals](https://ucsdphoto.group/2025/03/19-mar-2025-weather-animals/): Our March 19th meeting had 5 participants. Some members who could not attend were traveling or under-the-weather. This month’s themes were: Weather – with all the rain and snow lately, we thought this might be a timely subject. Alternatively, Animals are always a fun subject and this included birds, insects, pets, and zoo animal photos. Off-theme – March 13-14 there was a full blood moon lunar eclipse. With the rainy weather, no meetup or travel was planned with the photography group. But a few individuals were able to photograph the eclipse through breaks in the clouds. Here are the photos shared […] - [2026 Topics & Planned Activities Spreadsheet](https://ucsdphoto.group/2025/02/2025-topics-planned-activities-spreadsheet/): Here are 2026’s tentative topics for our monthly UCSDPhIG Zoom Meeting. We will discuss these possible activities & use this spreadsheet to help plan our topics (aka photography themes) & meet-ups. The spreadsheet is available to view and edit on our UCSDPhIG Uploads Google Drive. The current version is linked below: - [19 Feb 2025 Passion Project/Minimalism: Jim](https://ucsdphoto.group/2025/02/19-feb-2025-passion-project-minimalism-jim/): Last meeting, Jim shared ~10 favorite images of 2024. This month he shared several Passion Projects images – he has many ongoing eclectic projects. Trees – he loves photographing trees and the Salton Sea/Bombay Beach are just two continuing subjects he photographs. Minimalism is another genre he wanted to try after watching a YouTube video on long exposure black& white seascape photography. So during a recent La Jolla Cove meetup to photograph cormorants and pelicans, he brought a tripod and did some long exposure oceanscapes. - [19 Feb 2025 Passion Project/Minimalism: Sharon](https://ucsdphoto.group/2025/02/19-feb-2025-passion-project-minimalism-sharon/): With the recent wildfires around SoCal, protecting your photographic memories is important. Sharon, during a recent potential evacuation order, found some old photos she printed when she was in college. She photographed the old matted prints using her cell phone camera and shared these wonderful images. Protecting and preserving your photography is something we photographers need to focus on. - [19 Feb 2025 Passion Project/Minimalism: Mikky](https://ucsdphoto.group/2025/02/19-feb-2025-passion-project-minimalism-mikky/): Mikky has a future African safari trip planned so he’s been practicing with a new camera and 100-400mm zoom lens. Although mirrorless cameras and lenses are supposed to be smaller and lighter, his Nikon system will test his baggage packing efficiency. The airlines to Africa have difficult weight restrictions to meet. But when traveling on such a once-in-a-lifetime photography safari, you want to bring gear that will capture the best images. Here are his practice images, many from San Diego’s Safari Park. His male lion photos are a rarity since I’ve never seem him during my many visits. - [19 Feb 2025 Passion Project/Minimalism: Harold](https://ucsdphoto.group/2025/02/19-feb-2025-passion-project-minimalism-harold/): Harold shared a wonderful story about how his Rolling Stones photos (film days) were used in keyboardist Chuck Leavell’s biography. Additionally, he had some minimalistic images of Yellowstone’s Prismatic Spring. Here are the images he shared: - [19 Feb 2025: Passion Project Cont'd/Minimalism](https://ucsdphoto.group/2025/02/19-feb-2025-passion-project-contd-minimalism/): The themes for February’s Photography Interest Group Zoom meeting were “Passion Project Cont’d” and “Minimalism”. Some participants last month did not get to present their passion project photos because they focused on their Favorites of 2024. We limit our photos to ~10 photos per participants so we have enough time during our meeting to discuss everyones images.In addition to Passion Project Cont’d images, meeting attendees shared their Minimalistic or favorite non-theme images. Here are the images shared: Barbara Cathy Gary Mikky Harold Sharon Jim - [19 Feb 2025 Passion Project/Minimalism: Gary](https://ucsdphoto.group/2025/02/19-feb-2025-passion-project-minimalism-gary/): Gary shared some fun photos of the local burros from a visit to Oatman Az. His other images followed the minimalistic theme with an excellent high-key snowfall photos. Here are the images he shared this month: - [19 Feb 2025 Passion Project/Minimalism: Cathy](https://ucsdphoto.group/2025/02/19-feb-2025-passion-project-minimalism-cathy/): Cathy shared photos that followed a minimalistic style this month. Most were from her travel archives since she’s been focused on other genres lately. Here are the images she shared: - [19 Feb 2025 Passion Project/Minimalism: Barbara](https://ucsdphoto.group/2025/02/19-feb-2025-passion-project-minimalism-barbara/): Barbara’s photography passion is birds. She does photograph other wildlife and street scenes on her outings around San Diego. But birds are a favorite subject using her Olympus/OM Systems mirrorless camera and her 40-150mm (80-300mm full-frame equivalent) lens. Here are the images she shared during the Feb 2025 meeting: - [Meeting Minutes 2025](https://ucsdphoto.group/2025/01/meeting-minutes-2025/) - [15 Jan 2025: Favs of 2024; Passion Project(s)](https://ucsdphoto.group/2025/01/15-jan-2025-favs-of-2024-passion-projects/): This month’s photography themes were Favorites of 2024 and Passion Projects.Some participants shared their favorite images from previous meetings, some were re-processed images seen earlier, and some were new images. Either favorites taken during 2024 but not shown or Passion Project images that a photographer has compiled but not shared. Here are the images that were shared this meeting: Barbara Cathy Gary Harold Heather Jim Mikky Sharon - [15 Jan 2025 Favs of 2024/Passion Project: Barbara](https://ucsdphoto.group/2025/01/15-jan-2025-favs-of-2024-passion-project-barbara/): Barbara shared a few of her favorites of 2024 which happen to also be her passion, bird photography. She is always to document wonderful interactions with bird during her walk-abouts. - [15 Jan 2025 Favs of 2024/Passion Project: Sharon](https://ucsdphoto.group/2025/01/15-jan-2025-favs-of-2024-passion-project-sharon/): Sharon shared some of her favorite images from 2024 and some extras that she hadn’t shown before. - [15 Jan 2025 Passion Project: Mikky](https://ucsdphoto.group/2025/01/15-jan-2025-passion-project-mikky/): Mikky shared a passion project portfolio of portraits that is a fantastic group of images. He did no post-processing so these are straight out of the camera. - [15 Jan 2025 Favorites of 2024: Jim](https://ucsdphoto.group/2025/01/15-jan-2025-favorites-of-2024-jim/): Jim shared his favorites of 2024, some seen before but re-processed, and others that were overflow from previous meetings. Meaning, with the 10 image limit per meeting, these were ones that were cut for time. - [15 Jan 2025 Passion Project: Harold](https://ucsdphoto.group/2025/01/15-jan-2025-passion-project-harold/): Harold, our newest member, shared his passion projects and some images supporting them. - [15 Jan 2025 Favs of 2024/Passion Project: Gary](https://ucsdphoto.group/2025/01/15-jan-2025-favs-of-2024-passion-project-gary/): Gary shared some of his favorites of 2024. - [15 Jan 2025 Favs of 2024/Passion Project: Cathy](https://ucsdphoto.group/2025/01/15-jan-2025-favs-of-2024-passion-project-cathy/): Cathy wasn’t able to attend the Jan 15th Zoom meeting but she did submit her photos. Here are the images she sent: - [15 Jan 2025 Favs of 2024/Passion Project: Heather](https://ucsdphoto.group/2025/01/15-jan-2025-favs-of-2024-passion-project-heather/): Heather shared these images, some her favorites of 2024 and others her passion – capturing emotions, expressions, and interactions between people. - [18 Dec 2024 Theme Flash/Artificial Light/Blending Time: Jim](https://ucsdphoto.group/2024/12/18-dec-2024-theme-flash-artificial-light-blending-time-jim/): Jim used a small on-camera flash and long exposure to both freeze and blend time, a technique he hadn’t used in a long time. The results are unpredictable but, fortunately unlike film, when using a digital camera, you can review the results. Then adjust the flash intensity to blend with ambient light and subject distance to reduce the flash “blitz”. His favorite shot almost didn’t happen – the Naruwan Taiko drummers were performing for December Nights so he photographed the finale of the show using a slow shutter speed and flash. Although he took several shots, one was a keeper. Jim […] - [18 Dec 2024 Theme Freezing Time/Flash Photography: Jerry](https://ucsdphoto.group/2024/12/18-dec-2024-theme-freezing-time-flash-photography-jerry/): Jerry shared some great ICM+Flash (Intentional Camera Movement) images that are always fun and often unpredictable. Those kinds of images can result in great examples of capturing what the eye cannot. His other images were bird in flight or motion – freezing their activity or capturing their movement and behavior. His other sports action shots definitely fit “freezing time”, in this case “action” – Fun stuff. - [18 Dec 2024 Theme Artificial Lights: Cathy](https://ucsdphoto.group/2024/12/18-dec-2024-theme-artificial-lights-cathy/): Cathy shared some amazing photos of the Paso Robles Sensorio Light Installations. Oddly, although a colorful exhibition, her black&white photo was one of the favorites. The colorful installations are hard to photograph after dark since tripods are not allowed. Fortunately, her new iPhone 15 Pro takes wonderful low light photos. She still uses her Adobe Lightroom skills to edit the iPhone images to get the best quality. - [18 Dec 2024 Theme Blending Time, Art.Light: Gary](https://ucsdphoto.group/2024/12/18-dec-2024-theme-blending-time-art-light-gary/): Gary suggested photographing San Diego’s December Nights celebration Dec 6-7 in Balboa Park. It is crazy crowded with plenty of lights and colors. He continues to enjoy converting his landscape photos into watercolors and shared his most recent “phainting” with some of December Nights photos. - [18 Dec 2024 Theme Holiday: Barbara](https://ucsdphoto.group/2024/12/18-dec-2024-theme-holiday-barbara/): Barbara has been busy lately and just returned to San Diego on Dec 18th from a Mexican cruise. She was able to upload a few images from her arrival and an early day walk. They seem to fit the “Holiday” theme since she was on holiday. - [18 Dec 2024 Theme Freezing/Blending Time: Harold](https://ucsdphoto.group/2024/12/18-dec-2024-theme-freezing-blending-time-harold/): Harold is our newest member and at his second meeting, today, he shared some images following the “time” theme. Harold mentioned primarily being a film shooter but the images he shared at the meeting were shot digitally. I expect we’ll be seeing many photos from his newest acquisition, a Nikon Zfc. A great camera for someone who loves classic dslr camera controls & dials. Like the popular Fujifilm cameras, the Nikon Zfc has an aperture ring, shutter speed & iso dials. He’s also enjoys vintage lenses like his Nikkor 55mm macro lens – bokehlicious! - [18 Dec 2024: Freezing/Blending Time; Flash/Artificial Light/Holiday](https://ucsdphoto.group/2024/12/18-dec-2024-freezing-blending-time-flash-artificial-light-holiday/): December’s photo themes were “Freezing Time/Blending Time” so short exposure, like stooping a hummingbird’s wings, and long exposure, capturing movement. The theme was interpreted differently by some participants so the photos shared are eclectic. Flash & Artificial Light photos were of light installations and taken during some December festivities. Some photos from San Diego’s December Nights and Quail Garden Lightscapes were shared. Some members of the group were traveling and shared non-theme related photos, which are always welcome. Here are the photos (click the image for a better view): Barbara Cathy Gary Jerry Harold Jim - [20 Nov 2024: Planes, Trains, Automobiles; Dia De Los Muertos](https://ucsdphoto.group/2024/11/20-nov-2024-planes-trains-automobiles-dia-de-los-muertos/): This month’s Photography Interest Groups main themes were: “Planes, Trains, & Automobiles (+Boats)”, “Halloween/Dia De Los Muertos”, & “Fall Colors”. The “Fall Colors” theme was not represented because some of us went to the Nov 2nd San Diego Old Town Dia de Los Muertos celebration. It was a fun street photography outing and many photos this month were from that celebration. The candlelight parade was under-whelming but the afternoon festivities in Old Town presented a lot of photo opportunities. Other non-theme photos shared were of the mid-October Supermoon and Comet C/2023 A3 (Tsuchinshan-ATLAS).The “Planes, Trains, Automobiles, & Boats” themes were well […] - [20 Nov 2024 Themes Planes, Trains, Automobiles; Dia De Los Muertos: Heather](https://ucsdphoto.group/2024/11/20-nov-2024-themes-planes-trains-automobiles-dia-de-los-muertos-heather/): Heather had a great time at the Dia de los Muertos celebration Nov 2nd in Old Town San Diego. All the photos she shared were from this outing. It’s easy to see why since, like myself, editing the number of great shots down to 10 was challenging. She really enjoyed photographing the people gathered & celebrating. Heather snapped some great candids, but also enjoyed interacting with her subjects. She said they were all very gracious and cooperative photographic subjects. I find her ability to capture the more intimate moments of human interaction & behavior something I need to strive to do. […] - [20 Nov 2024 Themes Planes, Trains, Automobiles; Dia De Los Muertos: Gary](https://ucsdphoto.group/2024/11/20-nov-2024-themes-planes-trains-automobiles-dia-de-los-muertos-gary/): It was Gary’s idea to meetup Nov 2nd 2024 for the Old Town Dia de los Muertos festivities. Thinking it would be a great street photography opportunity. He was right. He was also right in suggesting the San Diego Trolley as a means to get there. It was packed and parking was not available within a mile of the place. Gary also shared a few transportation- themed images. He shoot with a Nikon Z7 full-frame mirrorless camera with a versatile 24-200mm zoom lens. His iPhone 15 Pro camera is his second camera. - [20 Nov 2024 Themes Planes, Trains, Automobiles; Comet A3: Jerry](https://ucsdphoto.group/2024/11/20-nov-2024-themes-planes-trains-automobiles-comet-a3-jerry/): Jerry did not make it to the Dia de los Muertos outing but shared some once-in-a-lifetime photos of Comet Tsuchinshan-ATLAS comet C-2023 A3. He traveled to Anza-Borrego to specifically catch this event. Shooting at his favorite location next to the Dragon sculpture, he photographed the comet using a longer lens. Unfortunately, the metal sculpture faces west so is not positioned so the comet in the frame. Jerry generated a composite image of what he had in mind. He also had several transportation themed images which were creative and fun. Some of vehicles and most from vehicles – trains, planes, and automobile, […] - [20 Nov 2024 Themes Planes, Trains, Automobiles; Comet A3; Dia de los Muertos: Jim](https://ucsdphoto.group/2024/11/20-nov-2024-themes-planes-trains-automobiles-comet-a3-dia-de-los-muertos-jim/): I (Jim) had a busy 4 weeks since the last meeting. Wanting to catch the Oct 17-18 Supermoon and Comet A3, I traveled inland for the weekend to find clearer skies. Unfortunately, the Santa Ana Winds were howling Friday, causing extremely hazy conditions the first day of shooting the Supermoon and comet. Day 2 was spent photographing Salton Sea’s Bombay Beach in the late afternoon & evening. This solo outing ended with photographing Comet A3 over Salton Sea after sunset. Day 3 started at the Palm Springs Air Museum – a great place for plane photos. Then I headed to Joshua […] - [20 Nov 2024 Themes Planes, Trains, Automobiles; Dia De Los Muertos: Cathy](https://ucsdphoto.group/2024/11/20-nov-2024-themes-planes-trains-automobiles-dia-de-los-muertos-cathy/): Cathy joined the outing to Old Town’s Dia de los Muertos celebration Nov 2nd in the evening when the light was fading. It was a crowded event and parking was hard to find close-by. But she was able to get some great portraits the short time she had to shoot. She also shared some train images taken during some recent trips to San Francisco and Breckenridge. Cathy shoots with a Canon Rebel SL-3 APS-C camera and is able to capture some wonderful images from her basic system. Just goes to show it’s the photographer and not the gear that gets great […] - [20 Nov 2024 Themes Planes, Trains, Automobiles; Birds: Barbara](https://ucsdphoto.group/2024/11/20-nov-2024-themes-planes-trains-automobiles-birds-barbara/): Barbara shared some transportation themed images and bird photos taken during a San Diego River Trail walk. She was lucky the burrowing owl was out of its burrow and just hanging out, snoozing. I’ve tried finding this owl and wasn’t lucky. Barbara uses an Om Systems micro-four thirds camera so her 50-150mm f2.8 lens is effectively a 75-300mm focal range. The advantage of using micro-four thirds cameras is they have a 2x crop – great for birds and wildlife. - [16 Oct 2024 Themes Above/Below, Fall, Moonrise: Cathy](https://ucsdphoto.group/2024/10/16-oct-2024-themes-above-below-fall-moonrise-cathy/): Cathy’s been traveling recently so many of the photos she shared were taken during her travels. Plus she has a new iPhone now which has a great camera. She also participated in last month’s moonrise outing but did not share anything new. You can view her moonrise images in her Sept 2024 album. Here are this meeting’s photos: - [16 Oct 2024 Themes Above/Below, Fall, Moonrise: Jim](https://ucsdphoto.group/2024/10/16-oct-2024-themes-above-below-fall-moonrise-jim/): I participated in the full moon meetup on Sept 17th at Ski Beach Mission Bay. Photographing the moon during blue hour is always challenging especially when there are clouds. Fortunately, there was only a narrow band of low clouds above the moon horizon. With some post-processing and compositing of my moon over USD campus, here are my best images so far.To follow the Above/Below theme, I went to Oceanside Harbor beach in search of shore birds. There were none so I made the best of it, opting to shoot surfers from the jetty. Fortunately, with a low tide and great conditions, […] - [16 Oct 2024 Themes Above/Below, Fall, Moonrise: Sharon](https://ucsdphoto.group/2024/10/16-oct-2024-themes-above-below-fall-moonrise-sharon/): Sharon has a flare capturing images with wit or that tell a story or pose a question. Her “below” eye-level photos this month do just that and they always spark conversation. Her “above” images of the Blue Angels fly-by taken by her iPhone show the wonderful image quality that cell phone has. Freezing a Blue Angels jet so you can read the wing is an impressive example of computational photography. The images an iPhone can capture, whether its freezing time or long exposures of Comet A3, never ceases to amaze me. Here are her photos: - [16 Oct 2024 Themes Above/Below, Fall, Moonrise: Heather](https://ucsdphoto.group/2024/10/16-oct-2024-themes-above-below-fall-moonrise-heather/): Heather seems to always be traveling somewhere and most of what she’s shared during the meeting are travel photos that match the theme. She also shared some wonderful, technically excellent dissecting microscope photos – a subject that’s been discussed at previous meetings. Here are the photos she shared this month: - [16 Oct 2024 Themes Above/Below, Fall, Moonrise: Gary](https://ucsdphoto.group/2024/10/16-oct-2024-themes-above-below-fall-moonrise-gary/): Gary participated in the Sept 17th moonrise meet-up at Mission Bay and shared his favorite shot. He enjoys photographing the animals at San Diego Safari Park and had a great shot of a young flamingo with ungainly legs. He like the affect of his duck image flip on it side and had some great macro images. Here are the photos he shared: - [16 Oct 2024: Above/Below, Fall, Moonrise](https://ucsdphoto.group/2024/10/16-oct-2024-above-below-fall-moonrise/): Participants of our Oct 16th photography interest group Zoom meeting shared a variety of images with most following one of this month’s themes. The Above/Below theme criteria was images captured at any viewpoint other than typical eye-level. Fall was a continuation of September’s autumn theme, fall colors or events. Moonrise photos were images captured at our September 17th moonrise meet-up on Mission Bay. Here are the photos shared: Barbara Cathy Gary Heather Jim Sharon - [16 Oct 2024 Themes Above/Below, Fall, Moonrise: Barbara](https://ucsdphoto.group/2024/10/16-oct-2024-themes-above-below-fall-moonrise-barbara/): Barbara participated on the Sept 17th full moon meetup at Ski Beach on Mission Bay. She shared some great shots of the moon rising over USD. In addition, she shared images of a squirrel (for Below eye-level) and two bee macro shots. Her bee photos were added during our meeting’s discussion of Gary’s bee photos which he presented for the below eye-level theme. - [18 Sep 2024 Themes Fall: Heather](https://ucsdphoto.group/2024/09/18-sep-2024-themes-fall-heather/): Heather has not fallen victim to the iPhone app rabbit-hole that some of use have fallen into. She shared some great autumn-themed photos from her recent 6wk Alaskan roadtrip. We are all envious of the trip and locations she visited. - [18 Sep 2024 Themes Fall, AppArt: Cathy](https://ucsdphoto.group/2024/09/18-sep-2024-themes-fall-appart-cathy/): Cathy enjoys the iPhone photo apps Reflect and BeCasso and shared some of her nicely done creations. She also managed to quickly post-process some Moon-rise photos from our Sept 17th outing. This group of images Cathy generated using the Reflect App on iPhone. Images are conversions of her original digital photographs edited using Reflect’s tool library and effects. These AppArt images were processed using BeCasso, an iPhone app that applies painterly-effects to the image. - [18 Sep 2024 Themes Fall, AppArt: Gary](https://ucsdphoto.group/2024/09/18-sep-2024-themes-fall-appart-gary/): Gary enjoys the output of the Waterlogue app he started using last month. He continues to generate some creative watercolor-styled images. The first image of autumn leaves is not AppArt. The others show the original photo and the applied painterly-effects. - [18 Sep 2024 Theme Fall: Barbara](https://ucsdphoto.group/2024/09/18-sep-2024-theme-fall-barbara/): Barbara shared a autumn themed falling leaf photo and some great surfing action. Great photos of any theme are welcome during our meetings. - [18 Sep 2024 Themes Fall, AppArt, Artificial Light: Jim](https://ucsdphoto.group/2024/09/18-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. […] - [18 Sep 2024 Themes: Fall, AppArt, Artificial Light](https://ucsdphoto.group/2024/09/18-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 […] - [Sept 17 2024 Moon Rise Meetup](https://ucsdphoto.group/2024/08/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 […] - [21 Aug 2024 Beach & Summer Theme: Jerry](https://ucsdphoto.group/2024/08/21-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](https://ucsdphoto.group/2024/08/21-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](https://ucsdphoto.group/2024/08/21-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](https://ucsdphoto.group/2024/08/21-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 […] - [21 Aug 2024 Beach & Summer Theme: Barbara](https://ucsdphoto.group/2024/08/21-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](https://ucsdphoto.group/2024/08/21-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: - [17 July 2024 Theme Food/Color: Sharon](https://ucsdphoto.group/2024/07/17-july-2024-theme-food-color-sharon/): Sharon’s collection is probably the best group of color-themed shots. She’s got a great eye and there’s always a little mystery or wit to the photos she shares. Guess what subject is the the green/yellow/orange/red photo is of. - [17 July 2024 Theme Food/Color: Heather](https://ucsdphoto.group/2024/07/17-july-2024-theme-food-color-heather/): Our newest member has some great feedback to offer the group during photo share. Plus she’s presented some wonderful images. One thing I’ve discovered with attending these meetings each month. Everyone has a unique vision on what catches their eye or how they compose. Heather’s photos are a great example of that. After seeing her photos a few times, I can start to see her photographic style. - [17 July 2024 Theme Food/Color: John](https://ucsdphoto.group/2024/07/17-july-2024-theme-food-color-john/): John missed the meeting but shared a great photo of an owl – something I’m always looking to photograph. - [17 July 2024 Theme Food/Color: Barbara](https://ucsdphoto.group/2024/07/17-july-2024-theme-food-color-barbara/): Like other participants in this month’s meeting, Barbara shared both recently shot photos and ones from her photo archives. She always seems to find great images when visiting local spots. She is a great example of why having your camera with you, when going out for the day, can have great results. Finding a large group of great food shots, unless you are visiting the San Diego Fair, is difficult. So like others, she pulled some delicious looking images worthy of a desserts magazine, from her collection. - [17 July 2024 Theme Food/Color: Gary](https://ucsdphoto.group/2024/07/17-july-2024-theme-food-color-gary/): Gary shared three color-themed photos this month. His backyard, the last few months, has been a great location to photograph. Just goes to show you don’t have to travel far to find great photos. - [17 July 2024 Theme Food/Color: Cathy](https://ucsdphoto.group/2024/07/17-july-2024-theme-food-color-cathy/): Like all of us, Cathy had a wide variety of photos to share this month. Some photos were from a recent trip to Colorado, the San Diego Fair and some were from her photo archive. As we become more proficient at post-processing and as the software improves. Re-processing or recovering older images is becoming a common practice. Cathy shared some older travel images that had promise but may have had technical issues. Using post-processing techniques she’s learned and some of the newest tools. She shared these images, explaining the processing used. - [17 July 2024 Theme Food/Color: Jim](https://ucsdphoto.group/2024/07/17-july-2024-theme-food-color-jim/): Many of us rely on finding theme-related images in our photo archives is we are unable to take new ones. The recent warm weather makes taking your camera out less appealing. But motivation is one thing about being a member of the photography interest group. You often push yourself to get out an take new photos. I did both this month, relying on some recent photos from my 2023 trip to Japan, and a local photo ‘walk-about’. I’ve been wanting to do some macro photography using the focus shift feature of my camera. So I setup on some flora I spied […] - [17 July 2024 Theme: Food & Color](https://ucsdphoto.group/2024/07/17-july-2024-theme-food-color/): July’s themes were Food and Color (or colorful food). Participants shared a wide variety of subjects because a color theme can be virtually any color subject. We chose a broad theme this month because the last few months have been pretty specific, appealing to members who enjoy post-processing. Barbara Cathy Gary Heather Jim John Sharon - [Lightroom Consultant & SD Fair Judging](https://ucsdphoto.group/2024/07/lightroom-consultant/): John had problems with his Lightroom photo library and recommends this contact if you need similar help. Formerly, the president and board member of the local Serra Club Photo Group AND gave a presentation on Lightroom at the San Diego Fair. He’s a great reference for Lightroom help – technical and conceptual. Alexander S. Kunz Contact Info: alex-kunz.com Alex shared a link for an article he authored on San Diego Fair Photography Judging Bird Category. If you have any interest in submitting photos to the Fair next year, check it out to improve your chances of being accepted in any category. […] - [Photography Processing Software](https://ucsdphoto.group/2024/07/adobe-photography-software-alternatives/): Many photographers use Adobe Lightroom or Adobe Photoshop to process their photos. But since they changed to a subscription model, many of us would prefer software you buy once & own. Adobe’s $9.99/month Photography subscription is what I currently use. But with their recent change in ‘terms of service‘, I’m considering alternatives. I already own some other programs that I often use for specific tasks, like film simulations or black & white processing. But Lightroom & Photoshop are what I am most familiar with. A list of all Adobe alternatives was compiled & posted on X (Twitter) here by xdaniel. I’ve […] - [19 June 2024 "How I'd Edit" & Architecture: Sharon](https://ucsdphoto.group/2024/06/19-june-2024-how-id-edit-architecture-sharon/): Like me, Sharon went into her travel archives to share some fine architectural themed images. Here are the images she shared: - [19 June 2024 "How I'd Edit" & Architecture: Cathy](https://ucsdphoto.group/2024/06/19-june-2024-how-id-edit-architecture-cathy/): Cathy has been busy submitting photos to the San Diego Fair Photography contest and winning. We’ll have to setup a page of her award winning photos since she does the group proud. This month she shared several architectural photos to fit the theme: - [19 June 2024 "How I'd Edit" & Architecture: Heather](https://ucsdphoto.group/2024/06/19-june-2024-how-id-edit-architecture-heather/): Heather is the newest member to join the UCSD Photography Interest Group. The June meeting was the first time she shared her photos. The images she shared were from a recent tour of the Idaho State Penitentiary Museum. Welcome Heather – great images! - [19 Aug 2026 Themes: Perfectly Imperfect, ICM/Panning/Motion, Emotions](https://ucsdphoto.group/2026/08/19-aug-2026-themes-perfectly-imperfect-icm-panning-motion-emotions/): We had another great Photography Interest Group meeting via Zoom from 2-4:10pm August 19th. Seven participants shared photos, many fitting this month’s themes – “Perfectly Imperfect”: share a favorite photo with an intangible quality that breaks some photography rule, like placing the subject in the middle of the frame, or cutting off the top of someone’s head. Most of us shared photos from the other themes – ICM (in-camera movement), panning, and motion. These types of images usually are long exposures using a neutral density filter or shot in low light to achieve a slower shutter speed. As a result of […] - [19 Aug 2026 Themes Perfectly Imperfect, Motion, Emotions: Sharon](https://ucsdphoto.group/2026/08/19-aug-2026-themes-perfectly-imperfect-motion-emotions-sharon/): Sharon shared two photos of an unhoused person that she requested I not post online. Although shot in public and probably fine to post, she wanted to respect the person’s vulnerable moment. We totally respect that. Street photography often captures people in awkward, fragile or embarrassing moments. A photographer faces two distinct choices: whether to take the picture and whether to share it later. In our small group, sharing such photos can be educational & promote discussion. But we filter what we post online, like that photo & photos of our grandkids.The other photo she shared was something rarely (never?) seen […] - [19 Aug 2026 Themes Perfectly Imperfect, Motion, Emotions: Gary](https://ucsdphoto.group/2026/08/19-aug-2026-themes-perfectly-imperfect-motion-emotions-gary/): Gary shared a great story about this family photo that was relatable & greatly appreciated by the group. His mountain goat image also came with a great backstory and that’s what our photo sharing is all about. Gary photographed the huge surf but had a technical issue with his camera that resulted in a -5EV & was difficult to remedy in post. Creatively. I want to know how you can simulate a photo taken by moonlight in the middle of the day using just a CPL filter. Do you underexpose by 5 stops and recover in post? - [19 Aug 2026 Themes Perfectly Imperfect, Motion, Emotions: Barbara](https://ucsdphoto.group/2026/08/19-aug-2026-themes-perfectly-imperfect-motion-emotions-barbara/): Even though Barbara has been struggling a bit with settings on her new camera. She always manages to share photos that drive our discussions. Learning how to us a new camera brand is an issue for many of us. Different terminology, menus, button placement can take a while to get used to. But that hasn’t stopped her from taking her new Nikon ZF on her walks and continuing to make photos. - [19 Aug 2026 Themes Perfectly Imperfect, Motion, Emotions: Barb](https://ucsdphoto.group/2026/08/19-aug-2026-themes-perfectly-imperfect-motion-emotions-barb/): Barb shared photos fitting the emotions, motion, and “perfectly imperfect” interpreted as “mistakes”. Many of these wonderful photos were from the San Diego Fair or recent travels. She participated in the SD Fair Photo Shootouts where you have an hour and theme to photograph. - [19 Aug 2026 Themes Perfectly Imperfect, Motion, Emotions: Jim](https://ucsdphoto.group/2026/08/19-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 […] - [19 Aug 2026 Themes Perfectly Imperfect, Motion, Emotions: Heather](https://ucsdphoto.group/2026/08/19-aug-2026-themes-perfectly-imperfect-motion-emotions-heather/): Heather has an amazing eye for photographing people and their emotions. This, along with the recent FIFA tournaments’ fan reactions, prompted the Emotions theme for this month. As predicted, she represented the category really well. - [19 Aug 2026 Themes Perfectly Imperfect, Motion, Emotions: Cathy](https://ucsdphoto.group/2026/08/19-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 […] - [15 Jul 2026 Zoom Meeting Minutes](https://ucsdphoto.group/2026/07/15-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 Photo Review — Barb’s Fair Entries […] - [15 Jul 2026 Themes 4th of July/America's 250th: John](https://ucsdphoto.group/2026/07/15-jul-2026-themes-4th-of-july-americas-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: Norm](https://ucsdphoto.group/2026/07/15-jul-2026-themes-portfolio-project-norm/): Norm added standard panoramic images to his immersive 360 panoramas. Some of these are crops of his 360º panos, some rectilinear versions. He already has a nicely produced portfolio at his website normolsonphoto.com. So we’ll compile the images he’s shared during the meetings with links to 360cities.net and his website. - [15 Jul 2026 Themes Portfolio Project: Cathy](https://ucsdphoto.group/2026/07/15-jul-2026-themes-portfolio-project-cathy/): Cathy shared more photos of San Diego Landmarks. This month’s iconic locales were landscapes. - [15 Jul 2026 Themes Portfolio Project: Barbara](https://ucsdphoto.group/2026/07/15-jul-2026-themes-portfolio-project-barbara/): Barbara shared photos for her street photography portfolio. She uses her Nikon Zf’s black&white mode to improve the visualization of photos in black&white. A handy & useful feature of this camera. - [15 Jul 2026 Themes Portfolio Project: Barb](https://ucsdphoto.group/2026/07/15-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. - [15 Jul 2026 Themes: Portfolio Project; 4th July/America's 250th/SD Fair](https://ucsdphoto.group/2026/07/15-jul-2026-themes-portfolio-project-4th-july-americas-250th-sd-fair/): Another lively Zoom meeting with the several regular and semi-regular participants. We discussed the SD Fair and the photos members of our group had accepted. I compiled the photos three members of the group had accepted, some winning ribbons or honorable mentions: https://ucsdphoto.group/2026/07/2026-san-diego-fair-photos-from-ucsd-phig/ This month’s theme is the third & final installment of the Portfolio Project. The idea was to compile 30 or more images of similar style, subject, or technique. The portfolio theme can continue if participants want to keep working on the project.The alternate themes were Fourth of July, America’s 250th birthday, and SD Fair. Many of us visited […] - [15 Jul 2026 Themes Portfolo Project: Jim](https://ucsdphoto.group/2026/07/15-jul-2026-themes-portfolo-project-jim/): Jim continued his Japan portfolio with 16×9 crop/style. Inspired by Cathy’s San Diego Iconic Locations, Jim focused on iconic locations in Japan. His multiple trips from 2007-2023 have been limited to southern Japan, visiting Tokyo, Yokohama, Hakone, Kyoto, Osaka, Nara (deer city), & Kagoshima.His photos of Diabutsu of Kamakuri were from 2010. The Diabutsu Buddha was cast in 1252 and weighs over 200,000lbs. Photos of Kagoshima & its volcano, Sakurajima, were taken in 2007. Sakurajima is one of the world’s most active volcanoes, erupting hundreds of times a year, sending dramatic ash clouds into the sky on an almost daily basis. In Nara Japan, ~1687 wild sika deer […] - [15 Jul 2026 Themes Portfolo Project; 4th of July: Sharon](https://ucsdphoto.group/2026/07/15-jul-2026-themes-portfolo-project-4th-of-july-sharon/): Sharon shared more of her favorite backyard decorticating eucalyptus tree bark photos. These become a humorous Rorschach test which can be her portfolio theme. - [2026 San Diego Fair Photos from UCSD PhIG](https://ucsdphoto.group/2026/07/2026-san-diego-fair-photos-from-ucsd-phig/): We had a total of 23 photos accepted out of over 4000 entries. Getting accepted is awesome but winning a ribbon in your category is even better. Here are the entries from Cathy, Barb, and Jim that were accepted. The ribbon winners are at the top. Cathy 1st Place “Mechanical” Category Cathy’s 2nd Place “At The Fair” Category Cathy Honorable Mention “Abstract” Cathy’s other accepted entries Barb Donovan 3rd Place “At The Fair” Category Barb Donovan 3rd Place “All Other Plants & Trees” Category Barb Donovan Honorable Mention “All Other Plants & Trees” Category Barb Donovan Honorable Mention “Architecture & Cityscsapes” […] - [17 Jun 2026 Theme - Portfolio Project; Color](https://ucsdphoto.group/2026/06/17-jun-2026-theme-portfolio-project-color/): Our June 17th meeting themes this month were: the continuation of the portfolio project, and “color”. An alternate theme for everyone but especially those not participating in the portfolio project. After catching up on everyone’s travels, goings-on, and SD Fair photography ribbon winners. We shared an eclectic variety of photos: BarbD – continues with her dual portfolio ideas – architecture and “green”. She uses a compact 1″ Sony RX100VI pocket travel camera. It produces photos of suprisingly great quality with little or no post-processing. I’ve started carrying mine around a lot more, inspired by her stuff. Green Architecture Barbara – continues […] - [17 Jun 2026 Theme Portfolio Project: Mikky](https://ucsdphoto.group/2026/06/17-jun-2026-theme-portfolio-project-mikky/): Mikky had a great group of portfolio images centered around birds of prey, particularly Peregrine Falcons. Also some long exposures of San Diego Bay Skyline. The focus on his peregrine falcon sequence is amazing tack-sharp. Eye-focus tracking was definitely working – great sequence. - [17 Jun 2026 Theme Portfolio Project: Gary](https://ucsdphoto.group/2026/06/17-jun-2026-theme-portfolio-project-gary/): I’m not sure if Gary is gathering images for his porfolio but his travel images, particularly of Antelope Canyon, would make a great set. - [17 Jun 2026 Theme Portfolio Project: Cathy](https://ucsdphoto.group/2026/06/17-jun-2026-theme-portfolio-project-cathy/): Cathy has been out-of-town during our last two meetings but she did want to share a collection of photos of San Diego Landmarks. This is her portfolio theme. - [17 Jun 2026 Theme Portfolio Project: Jim](https://ucsdphoto.group/2026/06/17-jun-2026-theme-portfolio-project-jim/): Jim continues his Japan portfolio, focusing on 16×9 horizontal compositions in particular. Although many photographs in his archives are vertical – a suprisingly large percentage he realizes during this project. He’s recomposed verticals or selected mostly horizontal compositions to crop into this semi-panoramic format. - [17 Jun 2026 Theme Portfolio Project: Norm](https://ucsdphoto.group/2026/06/4865/): Norm expands on his 360 panoramic image portfolio. Of everyone in the group, he has the most specialize and technical group of images. I respect his focus and the amount of effort to create one immersive image from a set of fisheye & wideangle photos. Please click on each thumbnail to connect to his 360cities.net versions for the full effect. - [17 Jun 2026 Theme Portfolio Project: Barbara](https://ucsdphoto.group/2026/06/17-jun-2026-theme-portfolio-project-barbara/): Barbara continues her black&white and color street photography porfolio using her Nikon Zf and OM Systems cameras. A collection of various images around San Diego including the Rock-n-Roll Marathon. - [17 Jun 2026 Theme Portfolio Project & Color: Barb](https://ucsdphoto.group/2026/06/17-jun-2026-theme-portfolio-project-color-barb/): BarbD continues with her dual portfolio ideas – architecture and “green’. She uses a compact 1” Sony RX100VI pocket travel camera. It produces photos of suprisingly great quality with little or no post-processing. I’ve started carrying mine around a lot more, inspired by her stuff. Green Architecture - [17 Jun 2026 Theme Color: Sharon](https://ucsdphoto.group/2026/06/17-jun-2026-theme-color-sharon/): Sharon opted for the alternate theme “color”, where you focus on finding and focusing on one particular color. - [20 May 2026 Theme - Portfolio Project](https://ucsdphoto.group/2026/05/20-may-2026-theme-portfolio-project/): I proposed a portfolio project for our May-June-July meetings. Participants were asked to put together a group of images of similar style (ie black&white), theme (ie travel), or subject (ie birds, architecture). Here are the first group of images for our portfolios: Barbara – her portfolio style is her recent interest in street photography using her Nikon Zf camera. Barb Donovan – Barb shared two sets of photos – “Green” and “Architecture”. We’ll have to see if she’ll continue with both or work on one. Green Architecture Gary – Gary was on the road during the meeting but managed to send […] - [Portfolio Project 2026: Norm](https://ucsdphoto.group/2026/05/portfolio-project-2026-norm/): Norm has a particular speciality – 360deg imagery – that is very unique to the group. He did not use a 360deg camera that is currently available. He took a series of images using a superwide or fisheye lens then stitched them together using PTGui software. He processes the image set into a 360deg panoramic image which, when view on 360cities.net, is immersive and interactive. Click on the panoramic image to open it’s 360deg link. You can view all of his 360 panoramics at 360cities.net. - [Portfolio Project 2026: Jim](https://ucsdphoto.group/2026/05/portfolio-project-2026-jim/): Jim traveled to Japan several times from 2004-2023 and wants to compile his favorite photos. It is not meant to be a travel log or photographic journal but a gathering of his favorite images. For his portfolio, he wanted to use a 16×9 horizontal format for stylistic consistency. So the images he is compiling fit this horizontal format. - [Portfolio Project 2026: Barb D](https://ucsdphoto.group/2026/05/portfolio-project-2026-barb-d/): Barb shared two ideas in May – “Green” and “Architecture”. We’ll see if one or both of these themes/styles/subjects continues to fill out her portfolio. Green Architecture - [Portfolio Project 2026: Barbara](https://ucsdphoto.group/2026/05/portfolio-project-2026-barbara/): Barbara’s portfolio for May-July 2026 are of her street photography favorites. Since purchasing a Nikon Zf with the 40mm & 50mm primes, she’s focused on exploring street-style photos. Using the Nikon’s built-in b&w live view, she’s been shooting more images in black&white. May Images - [Meeting Minutes Feb 18 2026](https://ucsdphoto.group/2026/04/meeting-minutes-feb-18-2026/): Our entire meeting was dedicated to the San Diego Fair Photography Competition. Our guest speaker from SD Fair, Lois Fong-Sakai, gave a 70 minute Powerpoint presentation. A Q&A session followed, taking up our two hours. The video recording of her presentation and the Q&A session is available here. - [Meeting Minutes Jan 21 2026](https://ucsdphoto.group/2026/04/meeting-minutes-2026/): Starting in 2026, we are using Zoom’s ability to record and summarize our meeting conversations. The transcript outline most of the discussions about the groups activities, technical discussions during photo-sharing, and our next month’s themes & plans. This is a work-in-progress so we will see how it goes: Zoom Transcript of Jan 21 2026 PhIG meeting: The Photography Interest Group meeting covered various photography-related topics, including travel experiences, upcoming events, and technical discussions. Members shared their recent photography work, including astrophotography, king tides, and macro photography techniques, while also planning future meetups and exhibitions. The group discussed upcoming photography opportunities, including […] - [15 Apr 2026 Themes: Before/After; Clouds; Spring-Flowers](https://ucsdphoto.group/2026/04/15-apr-2026-themes-before-after-clouds-spring-flowers/): The themes of Spring-Is-In-The-Air and Flowers are reoccuring springtime themes we enjoy each year so this April was no different. Lately, with the recent rain, the skies have been filled with interesting Clouds, great for photos. Lastly, sharing Before/After photos make for great conversation. We shared images straight-out-of-camera (SOOC) and processed. Cropping and post-processing techniques used by the different photographers in our group can be educational and generate some insightful feedback. My choice of themes can often influence meeting attendance so I am always glad when members we haven’t seen in awhile participate. Here are this month’s photos: Barbara – had […] - [15 Apr 2026 Themes Clouds; Spring-Flowers: Mikky](https://ucsdphoto.group/2026/04/15-apr-2026-themes-clouds-spring-flowers-mikky/): One of Mikky’s favorite subject is Flowers and he works particularly hard at achieving the right bokeh (amount of blur) using lens aperture. Depth of field in macro photography is always challenging. It’s use can be creative and, at the same time, critical for focusing on the subject or feature of interest. He shared a set of vibrant colorful flower photos and some more subtle & delicate.Mikky also shared a great shot of Clouds over Bryce Canyon, a wonderful destination for landscape photographers. - [15 Apr 2026 Themes Spring-Flowers: Sharon](https://ucsdphoto.group/2026/04/15-apr-2026-themes-spring-flowers-sharon/): Sharon always seem to find something interesting in her backyard. Her eucalypus trees shed bark that can test the imagination, like animal-shaped clouds. The choice of different backgrounds also changes the interpretation – same object but different mood – interesting. Her photos continually bring a smile and can be visually-provoking. Meaning, they make me want to slow-down and look carefully. Sometimes, interesting images are right under your feet. - [15 Apr 2026 Themes Before/After; Clouds; Spring-Flowers: Gary](https://ucsdphoto.group/2026/04/15-apr-2026-themes-before-after-clouds-spring-flowers-gary/): Gary shared some pairs of straight-out-of-camera photos followed by cropped, post-processed. One of his favorite post-processes is to flip a reflection to add to the interest – always fun. His passionfruit flower image was critically sharp and almost abstract. He continues to process and share timeless landscape photos from his recent Sedona trip. Lastly, for the Flowers theme, he included a favorite backyard-after-rain flower image – beautiful! - [15 Apr 2026 Themes Before/After; Clouds; Spring-Flowers: Cathy](https://ucsdphoto.group/2026/04/15-apr-2026-themes-before-after-clouds-spring-flowers-cathy/): Cathy shared straight-out-of-camera followed by cropped & processed images. Her photos of flowers against a bright sky demonstrated the use of Lightroom masking to reduce the brightness of the background. Cathy also shared another image from her recent trip to Monument Valley. Using sky replacement of the amazing sunset the day before, she composited a beautiful Shiprock photo. Photography is almost always about timing and the difference a day can make, for landscapes in particular.Talk about timing – her wonderful boat image caught some dramatic clouds with late afternoon sunlight. It was one of ten of her photos accepted into the […] - [15 Apr 2026 Themes Before/After - Barb](https://ucsdphoto.group/2026/04/15-apr-2026-themes-before-after-barb/): Barb focused on the Before/After theme showing two sets of images from her recent trip to Japan. The first images are straight-out-of-camera and the second are cropped & processed. The beautiful “trees in fog” image was particularly beautiful and made it into the SD Fair Photography Competition. She also mentioned of the other 15 images she entered, 11 additional photos were accepted – amazing 12 out of 16! We hope she’ll share the other images next meeting since we are all curious what they are. - [15 Apr 2026 Themes Before/After; Clouds; Spring-Flowers: Jim](https://ucsdphoto.group/2026/04/15-apr-2026-themes-before-after-clouds-spring-flowers-jim/): Jim shared some springtime photos from his Easter weekend Joshua Tree National Park trip. Most of the Joshua Trees and plants were in some stage of bloom. He combined the Spring/Flowers with Before/After, sharing SOOC photos followed by cropped and processed images. His Safari Park vulture and eagle shots were for Before/After. The eagle shot demonstrated the recent reflections removal AI tool in Lightroom/Photoshop, greatly improving the photo taken through netting with a single click. The eagle image was one of six images accepted into the SD Fair Photo Competition (6 of 9 entries).The last two images were three minute long exposures of Clouds over Mission San […] - [15 Apr 2026 Themes Before/After; Clouds; Spring-Flowers: Norm](https://ucsdphoto.group/2026/04/15-apr-2026-themes-before-after-clouds-spring-flowers-norm/): Norm shared some wonderful Flower photos taken in a lightbox. These images generated a lot of interest and discussion on backgrounds and lighting. Photographing in a lightbox allows the photographer maximum control over background and lighting, light placement. It can be a wonderfully creative option versus photographing ourdoors under harsh sunlight. Additionally, some photos were processed with the Orton Effect which combines a critically sharp layer with a diffused layer, creating a dreamy, soft focus effect. - [15 Apr 2026 Themes Clouds; Spring-Flowers: Barbara](https://ucsdphoto.group/2026/04/15-apr-2026-themes-clouds-spring-flowers-barbara/): Barbara had some great Cloud images taken with her Nikon Zf. Unfortunately, I did not track them down until after the meeting – sorry Barbara. The b&w bench photo is a favorite with some amazing clouds. She also had a beautifully bokehed blue flower image and a sun-star tree photo. - [18 Mar 2026 Themes Animals/Safari Park; Black&White; Macro/Bokeh: Jim](https://ucsdphoto.group/2026/03/18-mar-2026-themes-animals-safari-park-blackwhite-macro-bokeh-jim/): Jim – took a recent daytrip to Sonny Bono Salton Sea Wildlife Refuge looking for burrowing owls and water fowl. No owls unfortunately, and the Sandhill Cranes and Snow Geese aggregated on the farside of the ponds. So, to make the best of a long drive, he pivoted and focused on the great light at sunset and blue hour.Jim joined the Safari Park meetup, practicing long lens and macro-with-flash photography.A recent visitor to his backyard hummingbird feeder warranted a couple photos. He had never seen an iridescent orange Rufous Hummingbird before.Lastly, he demonstrated the new “reflection removal” feature in Adobe Lightroom […] - [18 Mar 2026 Themes Open Category: Sharon](https://ucsdphoto.group/2026/03/18-mar-2026-themes-open-category-sharon/): Sharon dug into her archives for an interesting photograph, a photogram – a technique of photography done without a camera. Photographers like Man Ray explored this form of photography thoroughly enough they dubbed his photos “Rayographs”. Placing physical objects directly on a sheet of photo paper (or film), exposing with light, then developing was a darkroom process done without a camera – creative fun! This might be interpreted as a “landscape” photogram. - [18 Mar 2026 Themes Black&White; Macro/Bokeh; SD Fair: Cathy](https://ucsdphoto.group/2026/03/18-mar-2026-themes-blackwhite-macro-bokeh-sd-fair-cathy/): Cathy – is our most experienced SD Fair exhibitor, even participating in a panel at last year’s Fair after being awarded some ribbons. She is also great at finding appropriate titles for her photographs, an under-appreciated skill. Here are some contender for possible entry into this year’s competition, many for the black&white category. I’m sure she has plenty of others for consideration. - [18 Mar 2026 Themes Animals; Black&White; Macro/Bokeh: Barbara](https://ucsdphoto.group/2026/03/18-mar-2026-themes-animals-blackwhite-macro-bokeh-barbara/): Barbara continues to explore street photography with her new full-frame Nikon Zf. She also loves photographing birds so, of course, there are some great bird photos. Using her tried-n-true Olympus/OM System gear, she caught some wonderful insect-flower images. - [18 Mar 2026 Themes Black&White; Macro/Bokeh; SD Fair: Barb](https://ucsdphoto.group/2026/03/18-mar-2026-themes-blackwhite-macro-bokeh-sd-fair-barb/): Barb Donovan has some interest in entering photos into this year’s SD Fair Photography Competition. Here are a few for the black&white category – we especially enjoyed the street vendor expressiveness. A wonderful image for the documentary category was the LA Dodgers Post-World Series Parade image. - [18 Mar 2026 Themes Animals/Safari Park; Black&White; SD Fair: Gary](https://ucsdphoto.group/2026/03/18-mar-2026-themes-animals-safari-park-blackwhite-sd-fair-gary/): Gary has a few fantastic images he’s considering for entry into the SD Fair competition. A particular favorite is the “Boat Jetty on the Lake” with some amazing light in the background. He also shared some photos from his recent trip to AZ & the Grand Canyon where a sudden snowstorm interrupted his travel plans.Gary participated in the Safari Park meetup and shared some of his favorites. The gorilla relaxing and lion snacking are excellent examples of catching amusing animal behavior that can elevate a zoo safari.He is also considering submitting one of his favorite Dios de los Muertos portraits in […] - [18 Mar 2026 Themes: Animals/Safari Park; Black&White; Macro/Bokeh](https://ucsdphoto.group/2026/03/18-mar-2026-themes-animals-safari-park-blackwhite-macro-bokeh/): After February’s meeting focus on the San Diego International Photography Competition. This month’s meeting was a follow-up with discussions and photo-sharing partially focused on SD Fair photo categories. We had an informal meetup in February at San Diego Safari Park since it was free Senior admission month. Three of us explored the grounds, hunting for interesting animal behavior and general practice.Black&white is always an interesting style of photography that many of us pursue, often presenting our photos in both color and b&w. This month was no different. Plus Lois mentioned that black&white is an under-represented category at the SD Fair Competition. […] - [18 Feb 2026 Meeting: Guest Speaker Lois Fong-Sakai](https://ucsdphoto.group/2026/02/18-feb-2026-zoom-meeting-with-lois-fong-sakai/): During our February UCSD Photography Interest Group Meeting, Lois Fong-Sakai, one of the photo coordinators for the San Diego County Fair Photo Show, gave a comprehensive presentation on their International Photography Competition. Her hour-long talk discussed all aspects of the photography competition rules, categories, judging and photo preparation & presentation. She also included a short video of last year’s 1st place winners.There are two video clips: the 1st is her entire Powerpoint talk; the second is a short Q&A with a few members of the photography interest group. Short Q&A with remaining meeting participants - [21 Jan 2026 Theme Travel; Landscapes/Oceanscapes/King Tide: Cathy](https://ucsdphoto.group/2026/01/21-jan-2026-theme-travel-landscapes-oceanscapes-king-tide-cathy/): Cathy took a daytrip out to Anza-Borrego and captured the wildflower blooms from all the recent rains we’ve had. She arrived just after sunrise and got some great light and clouds. Cathy used the Clear Outside app (free; for iPhone & Android) to plan her photo outing, tracking the cloud coverage in the area. Cathy brought three different setups to test and compare the results. She photographed with her full frame Canon R6II with 24-105mm f4 lens; her Canon Rebel SL3 with 90mm f2 macro lens; and her iPhone 15 Pro Max ultrawide. Her other images were from King Low Tide […] - [21 Jan 2026 Theme Travel; Landscapes/Oceanscapes: Gary](https://ucsdphoto.group/2026/01/21-jan-2026-theme-travel-landscapes-oceanscapes-gary/): Gary has been re-processing some travel photos using Lightroom’s HDR feature to bring out more details and improve contast. His images show a definite improvement with better color and contrast. Gary’s favorite place to photograph is Yosemite, often visiting the national park a couple times a year. Climber’s, dwarfed on El Capitan, are a favorite subject to watch and photograph. The “John Muir trail up to Vernal Falls” image was reprocessed, a high contrast photo improved by using HDR. He also likes the illusion created by inverting a reflection photo when its clarity adds a twist to the image. A bald […] - [21 Jan 2026 Theme Landscapes/Oceanscapes/King Tide: John](https://ucsdphoto.group/2026/01/21-jan-2026-theme-landscapes-oceanscapes-king-tide-john/): John shared some King Tide images from Del Mar’s dog beach taken in 2019-2020 where the King Tides obviously affected beach access. But he returned to the same spot this last King Tide Jan 3rd to try photographing a third image. But the addition of 750k of sand in Carlsbad had transported down the coast and changed the Del Mar’s beach topography. So trying to continue the King Tide series will have to wait till, hopefully, the longshore current flattens Dog Beach. - [21 Jan 2026 Theme Travel; Landscapes/Oceanscapes/King Tide: Jim](https://ucsdphoto.group/2026/01/21-jan-2026-theme-travel-landscapes-oceanscapes-king-tide-jim/): Jim returned from a recent 5-day trip to Death Valley. He was lucky to visit during a fair weather window between rain storms. Much of Death Valley was unusually green and Badwater Basin was temporarily transformed into pluvial Lake Manly. Jim had one clear night to try out the Seestar S50 smart telescope he got for Christmas. This single image is actually a stacked mosaic of 180 20sec exposures. The Seestar iPhone app (also available on Android) makes often complicated astrophotography very easy. The app will stack the images, and denoise them automatically, creating a jpg. But the telescope can also […] - [21 Jan 2026 Theme Travel; Landscapes/Oceanscapes: Sharon](https://ucsdphoto.group/2026/01/21-jan-2026-theme-travel-landscapes-oceanscapes-king-tide-sharon/): Sharon shared more witty images which she has a real talent of catching in photos. The “no pets” and “T-Rex crossing” photos are easy to miss for most of us but she seems to have a knack of seeing these moments. Her oceanscape images were taken on an unusually uncrowded Hotel Del Coronado beach in Dec 2025. - [21 Jan 2026 Themes: Travel; Landscapes/Oceanscapes](https://ucsdphoto.group/2026/01/21-jan-2026-themes-travel-landscapes-oceanscapes/): The UCSD Photography Interest Group’s first meeting of 2026 was Wednesday Jan 21st. Some faces we haven’t seen in awhile – Norm and Karen – were a welcome addition to the usual participants. They did not share any new images but were part of the discussions and planning for future themes and meetups.This month’s themes were: Travel – always popular; Landscapes/Oceanscapes – appropriate for the recent King Tides outings and travels. (Holidays was the third category but no images were shared.) Barbara – continues to practice with her new Nikon Zf with 40mm f2 lens. Coming from micro-four thirds Olympus/OM Systems, […] - [21 Jan 2026 Theme Travel; Landscapes/Oceanscapes: Barbara](https://ucsdphoto.group/2026/01/21-jan-2026-theme-travel-landscapes-oceanscapes-barbara/): Barbara continues to practice with her new Nikon Zf with 40mm f2 lens. Coming from micro-four thirds Olympus/OM Systems and a variety of lenses, the larger Nikon full frame camera is quite a change. Barbara hope the full frame dynamic range and sharpness is worth carrying the extra bulk. She shared a group of images from a vintage car gathering at Liberty Station, and a colorful hummingbird photo. - [17 Dec 2025 Holidays, Weather, Portraits: Jim](https://ucsdphoto.group/2025/12/17-dec-2025-holidays-weather-portraits-jim/): Jim was unable to get out in December so most of the images he shared this month were photos from the Nov 27 2025 Oceanside Annual Thanksgiving Holiday Turkey Trot . This is a tradition in Oceanside on Thanksgiving morning. This year’s course was 5k starting by the Oceanside Library and ending at the beach south of the pier. Thousands participated, groups, families, young & old. There are staggered starts (“heats”?) often separated by speed or group characteristics like strollers or walkers (non-runners). The 4 and under kids have a shorter course (1/5mi) down by the beach. Their enthusiasm was wonderful to capture. […] - [17 Dec 2025 Holidays, Weather, Portraits: Sharon](https://ucsdphoto.group/2025/12/17-dec-2025-holidays-weather-portraits-sharon/): I always enjoy seeing how Sharon interprets the themes each month. There is often humor or a wittiness to her interpretation of the themes. Its hard to view her images without them making you smile. Here are her festive holiday images: - [17 Dec 2025 Holidays, Weather, Portraits: Mikky](https://ucsdphoto.group/2025/12/17-dec-2025-holidays-weather-portraits-mikky/): Mikky visits India frequently and his portraits capture the warmth of his subjects & the culture. One of the motivations for the Portraits theme this month was his excellent “passion-project” portfolio of portraits from Jan 2025. But the majority of this month’s photos were black & white seascapes (SIO “ScrippsHenge”) & Bryce Canyon landscapes. A style of photography he hasn’t shared before so the group may be influencing his photography. I know the shared photos have inspired mine. - [17 Dec 2025 Holidays, Weather, Portraits: Heather](https://ucsdphoto.group/2025/12/17-dec-2025-holidays-weather-portraits-heather/): Heather loves her compact (micro-four-thirds) Panasonic GX85 and never ceases to amaze us with the quality of her images. She has a great eye and timing especially with people photos. Her Do Dah Parade portrait is particularly strong and we think worthy of submission to the SD Fair. She proposes a Pasadena meetup in Nov 2026 for the parade. Her other portrait was from our Dios de los Muertos meetup Nov 1st. Other images were weather-themed and had great depth. Her backup camera is an iPhone proving the best camera is the one you have handy. - [17 Dec 2025 Holidays, Weather, Portraits: Gary](https://ucsdphoto.group/2025/12/17-dec-2025-holidays-weather-portraits-gary/): Gary shared a recent moonrise photo taken earlier this month on his latest trip to Yosemite. Planning his shot using Photopills, he captured the moon rising in Yosemite Valley. He also shared some portraits from our Nov meetup at Old Town for Dios de los Muertos. Gary had some spectacular surf crashing against the coast from November’s King Tides event. Big waves combined with King Tides are the optimal conditions for showing the power of this event. Gary uses a Nikon Z7 with his favorite 100-400mm lens, plus a 24-70mm for people, and an iPhone when kayaking. - [17 Dec 2025 Holidays; Weather; Portraits: Cathy](https://ucsdphoto.group/2025/12/17-dec-2025-holidays-weather-portraits-cathy/): Cathy gets inspiration from multiple sources and is continually challenging herself. She’s been sharing images from her recent photography trip to Arizona & Utah. This month she shared an amazing double-rainbow taken over AZ’s Horseshoe Bend during a rain storm. An iphone is perfect for when it’s raining and you want to protect your bigger camera. She uses a Canon R6m2 mirrorless camera, Canon Rebel APS-C and an iPhone. A long exposure Christmas-themed ocean & pier shot at blue hour was a particular favorite. Plus a Christmas tree ICM (intentional camera movement) photo shows her creativity. - [17 Dec 2025 Holidays; Weather; Portraits: Barb D](https://ucsdphoto.group/2025/12/17-dec-2025-holidays-weather-portraits-barb-d/): Barb has recently “upgraded” from iPhone photography to a compact but very capable Sony RX100VII. It has a 1″ sensor with a 24-200mm fixed zoom lens. It squeezes all of Sony’s bigger camera features into a tiny point-n-shoot. She recently returned from a month-long trip to Japan and shared a variety of wonderful images taken with this pocketable camera. Her images of fog (weather) in Kyoto and Cabrillo Beach coastline during King Tides show off this camera’s output. - [17 Dec 2025 Holidays; Weather; Portraits: Barbara](https://ucsdphoto.group/2025/12/17-dec-2025-holidays-weather-portraits-barbara/): Barbara went to Ocean Beach during Dec 5th’s King Tide and the small surf was perfect for surfers shots but not dramatic high-tide waves crashing. She makes great use of her OM System camera and lens for sports, birds, insects and wildlife. But tempted by the Black Friday sales and the group’s persistent full-frame gear-talk. She was inspired to buy a new full-frame Nikon Zf camera with 40mm lens. We look forward to seeing images from her new camera soon. - [17 Dec 2025 Themes: Holidays; Weather; Portraits](https://ucsdphoto.group/2025/12/17-dec-2025-themes-holidays-weather-portraits/): Our last Photography Interest Group Zoom meeting of 2025 had 8 participants. The “holidays” theme was appropriate for the season. This theme will continue next month since Christmas & New Years are not here yet. The second theme – weather – seemed appropriate since we’ve actually had some rain & fog, plus King Tides, since last meeting. We scheduled a King Tides meetup in early December but the waves were small so not much drama at the coastline. Gary had some images from November’s King Tides which were what we were hoping for. Hopefully, our January King Tides will be more […] - [19 Nov 2025 Themes: Nifty-Fifty; Moonrise/Sunset; Shadows/Night](https://ucsdphoto.group/2025/11/19-nov-2025-themes-nifty-fifty-moonrise-sunset-shadows-night/): Our November 19th Zoom meeting was attended by 5 participants – two had emailed they couldn’t make it. So our photo-sharing time went quickly and we finished before 4pm. Barb shared colorful images she took at the Oct 27th Dios de los Muertos festival in Oceanside. Heather, Gary, John, & Jim met-up Nov 2nd at Old Town for their Dios de los Muertos festival & some festive photos were shared. John had some festival photos taken a week earlier, when Old Town was 1st decorated and less crowded. His moonrise photos were taken at Junipero Sierra Museum in Presidio Park.There were […] - [19 Nov 2025 Themes Moonrise/Sunset; Dios de los Muertos: John](https://ucsdphoto.group/2025/11/19-nov-2025-themes-moonrise-sunset-dios-de-los-muertos-john/): John shared some great images taken during our Nov 1st Old Town Dios de los Muertos meetup. Although four of us participated in the festival photography, John manage to capture some unique portraits of the costume celebrators. He found & photographed some of the best head-dresses I’ve seen. John visited the venue a week earlier (Oct 25th) when it was just setup and less crowded than the Nov festival weekend. For moonrise, John photographed the moon in and above Junipero Sierra church at Presidio Park San Diego. The framing of the moonrise in the church window is another unique perspective vs […] - [19 Nov 2025 Themes: Nifty-Fifty; Dios de los Muertos: Barb](https://ucsdphoto.group/2025/11/19-nov-2025-themes-nifty-fifty-dios-de-los-muertos-barb/): Barb shared photos taken at the Oct 26th Dios de los Muertos festival in Oceanside. She’s got a great eye for interesting detail and color. Using her Sony RX100M7 in great light, the 1″ sensor point-n-shoot tiny travel camera generated some incredibly detailed photos. Some of us (especially me) get so caught up in gear specs. We can forget the best camera for the job doesn’t always mean megapixels. It’s the photographer’s eye that is the best tool at creating interesting photos with whatever camera you are carrying. I hope she’ll share photos from her recent 1mo trip to Japan. - [19 Nov 2025 Themes Nifty-Fifty; Moonrise/Sunset; Dios de los Muertos: Jim](https://ucsdphoto.group/2025/11/19-nov-2025-themes-nifty-fifty-moonrise-sunset-dios-de-los-muertos-jim/): Jim suggested the “nifty-fifty” theme as a challenge (mainly for himself) to not rely on a zoom lens or cropping. When photographing in college (a LONG time ago), he used a dslr with 50mm lens for many of his college photography projects. This theme was a chance to revisit using the limited gear you have instead of relying on a variety of gear. Although it was a struggle, using a prime lens has many benefits such as a faster aperture, shallower depth of field. He’ll continue to use a nifty-fifty or any prime and zoom with his feet when possible. But […] - [19 Nov 2025 Themes: Moonrise/Sunset; Open: Cathy](https://ucsdphoto.group/2025/11/19-nov-2025-themes-moonrise-sunset-open-cathy/): Cathy was unable to attend November’s Zoom meeting but she did contribute photos. We browse through her beautiful Antelope Canyon collection from her recent photo trip. The walls of Antelope Canyon are so beautifully sculpted, the photos in either color or b&w are amazing. Her inclusion of people in one shot shows the scale of the slot canyon walls.Cathy also added two images from our recent UCSD Fallen Star moonrise meetup Nov 5th. She was able to composite two exposures to make a HDR blend, showcasing the moon rising over the house. A second exposure, tighter shot, shows the moonrise SOOC […] - [19 Nov 2025 Themes Shadows & Open: Gary](https://ucsdphoto.group/2025/11/19-nov-2025-themes-shadows-open-gary/): Gary shared some wonderful images he took on his frequent road trips. An Antelope Canyon photo in b&w shows the fluid texture on the sandstone walls sculpted by flowing water. Some other great b&w images of old stage coach adobe buildings in great light for the shadows theme. A sunlit cliffside reflection in water, turned sideways to create an abstraction. He’s been suggesting a low tide tidepool meetup and shared a photo agumented with an octopus to create a more interesting still-life. Lastly, he shared an Anza-Borrego b&w photo of a bare tree at sunset with wonderful clouds in the sky. - [19 Nov 2025 Themes Nifty-Fifty; Moonrise/Sunset: Barbara](https://ucsdphoto.group/2025/11/19-nov-2025-themes-nifty-fifty-moonrise-sunset-barbara/): Barbara shared two photos at November’s Zoom meeting. A moonrise over the San Diego skyline photo from our Shelter Island Oct full moon meetup. She does not do much post-processing so this image is a single exposure from her Om Systems OM1 Mrk II with 40-150mm lens. Her second photo was taken on a San Diego River Trail outing, same camera but wide-angle 12mm (24mm full-frame equivalent) lens – wonderful afternoon side-light. - [PhIG Founder Jerry Vaughn](https://ucsdphoto.group/2025/10/phig-founder-jerry-vaughn/): The UCSD Photography Interest Group founding member, our mentor, and friend Jerry Vaughn passed away Oct 10 2025. We found out this sad news during our Oct 15th Zoom meeting. His good friend and group member John shared a moonrise photo taken standing next to Jerry during a group outing and told us the heartbreaking news. Jerry started this group in the fall of 2015. He secured the Photography Interest Group space for our in-person PhIG meetings in the Retirement Resource Center (RRC). This was in the center of campus near the Chancellor’s complex in an old Camp Matthews building. The first […] - [15 Oct 2025 Themes Fall, Scary/Halloween, & Moonrise: Heather](https://ucsdphoto.group/2025/10/15-oct-2025-themes-fall-scary-halloween-moonrise-heather/): We’ve been meeting via Zoom since 2020 when Covid made in-person gatherings off-limits. Although years have past, the UCSD Photography Interest Group continues our monthly meeting via Zoom. This makes it possible for participants who are traveling to still join in. Heather was in Idaho during our October 15th meeting. She was able to upload her Idaho Fall images and join the meeting remotely – nice! Her are her Fall photos from Idaho: - [15 Oct 2025 Themes Fall, Scary/Halloween: Sharon](https://ucsdphoto.group/2025/10/15-oct-2025-themes-fall-scary-halloween-sharon/): Sharon found some scary subjects to photograph during a trip to a local retailer. Their Halloween and Dios del los Muertos displays made for some entertaining and scary subjects to photograph. - [15 Oct 2025 Theme Open Category - Birds: Mikky](https://ucsdphoto.group/2025/10/15-oct-2025-theme-open-category-birds-mikky/): Mikky continues to show wonderful images from his African Safari trip earlier this year. With the thousands of photos taken, he is working his way through post-processing the wealth of wildlife images. I am envious of what he has shown so far – this month’s portfolio are a bird photographer’s dream. - [15 Oct 2025 Themes Fall, Scary/Halloween, & Moonrise: Jim](https://ucsdphoto.group/2025/10/15-oct-2025-themes-fall-scary-halloween-moonrise-jim/): Jim shared a sequence of photos of the moonrise Oct 6th over the San Diego skyline from Shelter Island. It’s difficult to get any further west because North Island hangers obstruct the skyline. PhotoPills suggested the moon would rise over One America Plaza if we setup at the fishing pier. But it came up a few buildings north and did not align with One America Plaza tip till it was higher in the sky. We’ll keep trying – the weather also was hazy so the first image of the moonrise were subtle. Plus, we hoped to get the building lights but […] - [15 Oct 2025 Themes Fall, Scary/Halloween, & Moonrise: Gary](https://ucsdphoto.group/2025/10/15-oct-2025-themes-fall-scary-halloween-moonrise-gary/): Gary returned from a recent trip to Page Arizona and shared some wonderful images taken in Antelope Canyon. Cathy is planning a trip there so the discussion included tips from Gary on how to be successful photographing the sandstone slot canyon.Photos from last year’s Dios de los Muertos meetup were also shared for the “scary” theme. We are planning another meetup again this year so stayed tuned for some more festival photos.He also shared a fall image of fallen maple leaves from a trip to Canada. - [15 Oct 2025 Themes Fall, Scary/Halloween, & Moonrise: Cathy](https://ucsdphoto.group/2025/10/15-oct-2025-themes-fall-scary-halloween-moonrise-cathy/): Cathy share two images from this month’s and last month’s moonrise meetup, plus a fun experimental macro shot of soap+glycerin bubbles, and a “made scary-by-AI” Bodie church black& white image. - [15 Oct 2025 Themes Fall, Scary/Halloween, & Moonrise: John](https://ucsdphoto.group/2025/10/15-oct-2025-themes-fall-scary-halloween-moonrise-john/): John shared an image of the moonrise over San Diego in tribute to our founding group leader Jerry Vaughn. He gave us the sad news that Jerry passed away Oct 10th. His comment that he and Jerry had similar images taken at that meetup. - [15 Oct 2025 Themes: Fall, Scary/Halloween, & Moonrise/Moonshadow](https://ucsdphoto.group/2025/10/15-oct-2025-themes-fall-scary-halloween-moonrise-moonshadow/): With Halloween approaching this month’s themes included Scary/Halloween. Many participants found this to be the easiest category to fulfill, me included. We also had an informal Oct 6th moonrise meetup at Shelter Island to photograph the moon rising over One America Plaza, a unique skyline building in San Diego. Weather conditions were hazy but we manage to get some images of moonrise although a few building north of PhotoPills predicted arc. Moonshadow was also a subject but there were no moonlit landscape images shared this session.Gary returned from a recent trip to Page Arizona and shared some wonderful images taken in […] - [17 Sep 2025 Themes: Still Life, Flash, Storytelling](https://ucsdphoto.group/2025/09/17-sep-2025-themes-still-life-flash-storytelling/): The themes this month are classic photography ideas – Still Life can be the classic tabletop subjects such as flowers, fruits, and objects or it can be a play on the theme ‘still life’. All participants went classical and shared images that would fit an Edward Weston or Imogen Cunningham workshop. There was a successful use of Reflect photography software to add a reflective effect to a still life whisk. Sept 7th we had a Harvest Moonrise meetup in San Diego by the Coronado Bridge. Some others in the group preferred the San Diego skyline from Shelter Island. Gary requested a […] - [17 Sep 2025 Themes Still Life, Flash, Storytelling: Gary](https://ucsdphoto.group/2025/09/17-sep-2025-themes-still-life-flash-storytelling-gary/): Gary recently returned from a Highway 395 solo excursion with his kayak and shared some wonderful images from his trip. Although he photographed the Sept 7th moonrise under the Coronado Bridge, he preferred his great images of moonset over the Eastern Sierras from Lone Pine. Photographing the moon setting at sunrise is a recent alternative of shooting the moon that we are exploring. A balanced exposure is less challenging when photographing the moon setting at sunrise. Plus it’s westward so it opens up a whole new set of foreground elements, like Mt Whitney. Other images from his trip are always historical, […] - [17 Sep 2025 Themes Moonrise & Still Life/Storytelling: Jim](https://ucsdphoto.group/2025/09/17-sep-2025-themes-moonrise-still-life-storytelling-jim/): Jim spent most of his time post-processing the Sept 7th Harvest Moon rising under/over the Coronado Bridge. When the moon first rose above the horizon, the ambient blue hour light and moonlight were pretty well balanced. Later, as the moon rose, the brightness of the moon required compositing a darker moon photo with a bridge image. He briefly demonstated a new (to him) Photoshop layer blending technique that helped feather the moon’s edge with the brighter moonrays.For storytelling and still life images, he shared images from the Oceanside Museum of Art Fabulous Fabric exhibition. Combining several ‘storytelling’ images of the locale, […] - [17 Sep 2025 Themes Still Life & Storytelling: Heather](https://ucsdphoto.group/2025/09/17-sep-2025-themes-still-life-storytelling/): Heather share a variety of still life ‘formats’ – classical and storytelling. Her garden images tells of a abundant seasonal harvest. Her ‘classic-style’ tabletop still life images are excellent and humorous. She also had a beautiful abstract pattern image that was hard to decipher – mold. The cherry tomato and peppers still life was one of the best images shared. Her explanation of cooling down the Japanese beetle in the refrigerator so they would ‘pose’ for a short time was entertaining and educational. Her bug & book still lifes were also favorites of the meeting. - [17 Sep 2025 Themes Still Life: Norm](https://ucsdphoto.group/2025/09/17-sep-2025-themes-still-life-norm/): Norm’s been unable to attend the monthly meetings but he recently contributed some fantastic classical still life images. I paticularly like the Orton Effect flower image. - [17 Sep 2025 Themes Still Life: Cathy](https://ucsdphoto.group/2025/09/17-sep-2025-themes-still-life-cathy/): Cathy shared some beautiful still life images, especially different variations of a sunflower composition. Her ‘loving books’ still life was a lesson in composition with particular notice given the angle of the book and its lighting. Her three sunflowers photos got a bunch of feedback with pretty much everyone in the group preferring the tighter black & white composition. Getting feedback from the group is one of the best things about sharing images with other photographers. Participants sometimes provide a different interpretation, notice details, and can reaffirm your intent. - [17 Sep 2025 Themes Still Life Storytelling: Sharon](https://ucsdphoto.group/2025/09/17-sep-2025-themes-still-life-storytelling-sharon/): Sharon shared some still life/storytelling images this month. Her series of a bowl of limes aging over months during the Covid lockdown are storytelling still life images and are relatable. Her muted, wonderful wilted flower image reminds me of a favorite New Order album cover or a renaissance still life painting – beautiful. - [17 Sep 2025 Themes Still Life & Storytelling: Barb](https://ucsdphoto.group/2025/09/17-sep-2025-themes-still-life-storytelling-barb/): Barb shared a wonderfully lit still life of a whisk and vessel with a reflection added using a software effect (Reflect app). Her other images followed the storytelling theme – wide location shot, medium shot, and close-up detailed shot of graffiti art in San Diego. Some graffiti art is next level and her story captures this. - [17 Sep 2025 Themes Moonrise: Thyrra](https://ucsdphoto.group/2025/09/17-sep-2025-themes-moonrise-thyrra/): Thyrra didn’t make it to the Zoom meeting photo discussion but she did share two images of the Sept 7th moonrise from Shelter Island. - [20 Aug 2025 Themes: Summer Vacation: Mikky](https://ucsdphoto.group/2025/08/20-aug-2025-themes-summer-vacation-mikky/): Mikky traveled with UC Retirees Travel Program to Africa. Last month he shared photos of Victoria Falls and this month he shared elephant and leopard safari photos. Here are his latest wonderful animal images: - [20 Aug 2025 Themes: Summer Vacation: Heather](https://ucsdphoto.group/2025/08/20-aug-2025-themes-summer-vacation-heather/): Heather shared photographs of a parade & festival in Oaxaca Mexico she took while traveling this summer. The colorful outfits & dances of the indigenous people celebrating their culture made for some wonderful images. - [20 Aug 2025 Themes: Sports: Cathy](https://ucsdphoto.group/2025/08/20-aug-2025-themes-sports-cathy/): Cathy shared her favorite San Diego Velodrome cycling photos this month. Like most of us, she found photographing the racers under the current conditions challenging. But she got some of the best images of the night. This was our first attempt at shooting at the velodrome so hopefully future outings there will have even better results. - [20 Aug 2025 Themes Reflections & Geometric Shapes: Gary](https://ucsdphoto.group/2025/08/20-aug-2025-themes-reflections-geometric-shapes-gary/): Gary shared some photos under the themes of reflections and geometric shapes. He has a wonderful photo of boats on a dock on Lake McDonald, West Glacier Park. He also toured the US Coast Guard Barque Eagle training ship and Star of India recently. Here are his images for his visit: - [20 Aug 2025 Themes Sports: Barb](https://ucsdphoto.group/2025/08/20-aug-2025-themes-sports-barb/): Barb, our newest member who joined in July, was traveling this month but she participated in the Velodrome Meetup July 22nd. She uploaded a large group of photos for the velodrome people to browse. Here is a sub-sample I grabbed of some of her best iPhone images: - [20 Aug 2025 Themes Sports, Reflections & Geometric Shapes: Jim](https://ucsdphoto.group/2025/08/20-aug-2025-themes-sports-reflections-geometric-shapes-jim/): Jim participated in the San Diego Velodrome meetup and photographed bicycle races for the 1st time. He experimented with long exposures with flash to combine motion and freeze detail. He also photographed the full moon rising over the California Tower August 9th. He added one reflection image from a SD Padres baseball game to fulfill the “reflections” theme. - [20 Aug 2025 Themes Summer Vacation & Geometric Shapes: Sharon](https://ucsdphoto.group/2025/08/20-aug-2025-themes-geometric-shapes-sharon/): Sharon shared a photo of the de Young Museum in San Francisco. A very polarizing design with its wire cage and fits the summer vacation and geometric themes. Her other photos could fit next month’s theme of still lifes, some wonderful macro flower photos. Here’s what she shared: - [20 Aug 2025 Themes: Sports, Summer Vacation, Reflections & Geometric Shapes](https://ucsdphoto.group/2025/08/20-aug-2025-themes-sports-summer-vacation-reflections-geometric-shapes/): This month meeting had a variety of photos shared with many from the July 22nd San Diego Velodrome meetup. This was our 1st time shooting the bicycle racers and many lessons were learned. We hopefully will do it again and have even better success capturing the cyclists. Heather shared wonderful vacation photos of the festival in Oaxaca Mexico. Gary shared a photo of beautiful light on Lake McDonald, West Glacier Park. Plus photos taken on the visiting USCG sailing ship Barque Eagle, and San Diego resident Star of India. Mikky shared more images from his recent trip to Africa. This time […] ## Pages - [Blog](https://ucsdphoto.group/blog/) - [Tutorials](https://ucsdphoto.group/tutorials/) - [Welcome](https://ucsdphoto.group/): Welcome to the UCSD Photography Interest Group’s website – ucsdphoto.group. The UCSD Photography Interest Group (UCSDPhIG) is one of several special interest groups of the UCSD Retirement Association.Our group is comprised of current UC staff and faculty and UC retirees and their legal spouses or same-sex domestic partners with an interest in photography. We have a monthly meeting, every third Wednesday of each month, to discuss various photography topics and share photos. Meetings are currently via Zoom and require an invitation: Zoom meeting registration link. New members of any skill level are always welcome – for more information on the Retirement […] - [Privacy Policy](https://ucsdphoto.group/privacy-policy/): Who we are We are the UCSD Photography Interest Group, part of the UCSD Retirement Association. Our website address is: https://fotoikigai.com/ucsdphig. This website is currently a prototype-test site for the group. Comments Suggested text: When visitors leave comments on the site we collect the data shown in the comments form, and also the visitor’s IP address and browser user agent string to help spam detection. An anonymized string created from your email address (also called a hash) may be provided to the Gravatar service to see if you are using it. The Gravatar service privacy policy is available here: https://automattic.com/privacy/. After […] - [Album Galleries](https://ucsdphoto.group/sample-page/): Here are a collection of photos shared during our monthly meetings. Additional photos may be posted in the photographer’s album galleries. ## Optional - [Agent (MCP protocol)](websites-agents.hostinger.com/ucsdphoto.group/mcp) [comment]: # (Generated by Hostinger Tools Plugin)