Wednesday, November12th, 7:30 p.m.
McLeanCommunity Center
Our guest judge will be Charles Neenan, whose core media focus is Digital Imagery, defined by Charles as a contemporary art medium that exploits the synergy between camera and computer in image creation.
Charles Neenan is a digital imaging artist and professional portrait photographer living in Northern Virginia. Like any artist that uses oil, pen, acrylic, and other more “traditional” art media to tell stories, his messages are created with the computer screen as canvas and cameras and lenses as his brushes. His very contemporary bleeding-edge compositions are exhibited on a variety of print media: fine art paper,canvas, and metallic photo paper.
Well traveled throughout the U.S. and countries on four continents, his art and photography have been influenced by a mixture of cultures, spreading from Malaysia to Miami, and from Manhattan to Madrid. A Board Member of the League of Reston Artists, and the Reston Photographic Society and Vienna Photographic Society (VPS), Charles Neenan is also a past Board member of VPS. In May 2007 he formed the Creative Photographers’ Society for both artists and photographers residing in Northern Virginia and the Washington, D.C. Metro area. He is also a certified competition judge for the Northern Virginia Alliance of Camera Clubs (NVACC), and has judged at several club competitions in Maryland and Virginia.
In September 2007, Charles exhibited his most technically avant garde image, Time Warp 3792 CE, in a one-month multimedia show at the Arts Club of Washington, with other artists from North and South America In June 2007 his work Transcendence was juried into the Fairfax Arts Council Exhibition at the GRACE Gallery, Reston Town Center, Virginia. Charles was one of only 23 artists chosen. He has won Regional and local awards for his digital imagery, including an Equal Merit Award for the 2004 US Geological Survey National Gallery photography exhibition in Reston, Virginia for Evolution 002, judged by Chuck Veatch. In the spring of 2005 he was featured on the Photographers of Northern Virginia television program. In January 2006 he successfully participated in the DC Art Expo, in Washington, D.C., and during the month of October 2006, had a one-man show at the RestonCommunity Center at Hunter Woods, exhibiting 30+ works of traditional photography. PhotoGrafix™, and digital imagery. His landscape of MeadowlarkGardens was the cover shot for the 2007 Herndon Town Planner calendar. In early 2006, Charles was published in Thinking About Art: The One Word Project, compiled by J. T. Kirkland. In addition to his commentary on Tradition, the book featured his early digitally enhanced film image Nuclear San Francisco.
/ President’s Message
We had a very nice presentation of Frank Van Riper’s work, primarily from his trips photographing Venice over the period of a few years. For those who appreciate B&W photography, this was a real treat, because Frank’s work is almost exclusively B&W. His book with these photos, Serenissima: Venice in Winter, was just getting delivered to our area, so those who would like to acquire it, and are probably the best places to start.
And we had dinner with Frank before the meeting, at the Italian restaurant Pulcinella, which was very nice. It’s a little difficult for some to get to the area for 6 p.m., but if others would like to do this for future meetings (assuming the speaker would be available), please let me know.
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Upcoming area events include:
Joe Miller presentation at NVPC Tues., Oct. 28
Bill Folsom workshops at Meadowlark,
Biotrek Adventure Travels with Sunny Reynolds
Christine Kent Bowles,
Smithsonian classes, e.g. Working with Digital Cameras
Horizon Creativity Workshops,
Virginia Photo Safaris,
Ace Photo classes,
Bella Vista Photo Workshops,
Daguerreian Society 20th Anniversary Symposium
Photography for Artists class (making photos out of artwork)
Foto Week DC Nov. 15 – 22
And, as always, be sure to check out the Northern Virginia Association of Camera Clubs (NOVACC) events, field trips, and workshops listed on p. 9. The NOVACC Web site is at:
Charles conducts individually tailored digital photography and PhotoShop classes in Northern Virginia for the serious amateur photographer and hobbyist alike. Since January 2007, he has presented talks on his thoughts on photography digital imaging tothe many organizations throughout the northern Virginia and southern Maryland area. He is an NVACC-certified photography judge, and has judged competitions at several Area camera clubs.
Charles currently has two digital art images on display at the Penzance Company in Reston, Virginia.
View Charles Neenan’s website containing samples of traditional and way-beyond traditional photography at: .
Upcoming exhibitions, workshops, events
Invitation to MPC from NVPS from Joe Miller:
Members of MPC are invited to attend the NVPS Forum, Tuesday, October 28, at 7:30 PM
Location: the Community Room at the Dunn Loring Fire Station, 2148 Gallows Rd., Dunn Loring, Va.
The Forum presenter will be Joe Miller whose program will be “Judging Well Known Paintings Using Camera Club Criteria.” From 24 well known painters Joe will “judge” paintings as if they were photographs entered in a camera club competition. It will be fun hearing a camera club judge say OUT to well known paintings from Cezanne to Dali to Picasso to van Gogh. The program will stress the important lesson that good photographers, like good painters, should march to their own drummer.
FotoWeekDC Nov. 15 – 22
Juried Exhibition (though the deadline to enter has past)
Lectures, workshops, book signings, panel discussions, etc.
Location Photography Workshops with Corey Hilz
Join Corey Hilz to photograph in a great location at a beautiful time of year, receive personal attention in the field and learn how you can make your photographs even better. Location workshops allow Corey to spend more time assisting participants and answering questions while out photographing. The workshops also include critiques and presentations on composition, creative techniques, image evaluation and editing, software and more.
2008 Workshop Schedule:
Details about each workshop (and photo galleries) can be found at in the “Instruction” section.
HDR and Helicon Focus Workshop
November 8 in ArlingtonVA, 12:30-4:30pm, $100
Learn about two techniques that expand the creative possibilities for your photography: HDR photography for greater shadow and highlight detail and Helicon Focus to create unlimited depth of field. This workshop combines demonstrations and photographing to help you learn how to take the photos and use the software.
Chincoteague Weekend Workshop
November 21-23 in ChincoteagueVA, $525
Join instructors Corey Hilz, Joe Rossbach, Bill Folsom and Debbi Koplen for a weekend photographing landscapes, wildlife and macro subjects on ChincoteagueIsland. The workshop also includes lectures, critiques and demonstrations.
Introduction to Photoshop Elements
November 9 in ViennaVA, 10:00am – 2:30pm, $100
Learn how to adjust, enhance and manipulate your photographs. From demonstrations and hands-on practice you’ll learn how to crop, straighten, selectively lighten and darken, remove unwanted elements, resize, make selections and more.
Nikon Flash Photography: Using the Creative Lighting System: November 2 in AshburnVA, 12:30 - 4:30pm, $149
Introduction to Digital Photography: November 16 in ViennaVA, 10:00am – 12:00pm, $50
Nikon D90/D80: November 16 in AshburnVA, 1:00 – 5:00pm, $99/$125
Nikon D60/D40x/D40: October 26 in AshburnVA, 12:30 - 4:30pm, $99/$125
Feel free to contact Corey Hilz with any questions: or 703.473.4618
Bill Folsom workshops at Meadowlark
Goto to see Bill Folsom classes dealing with the key elements of photography. Introductory classes are offered aimed at beginners; those classes provide a very gentle overview of all aspects of photography in a 1 to 2 hour lecture. Intermediate classes help beginners to understand the basics of photography (lighting, equipment, composition) and are also helpful to those who wish to become better photographers. Some of the advanced classes can also be taken by beginners once they have some experience in photography. Advanced techniques, such as understanding aperture, shutter speed, and exposure are useful for those who wish to advance beyond the "point-and-shoot" style of photography. If the weather cooperates, classes frequently head outside to photograph in the Gardens for an hour or so after each class.
William B. Folsom Photography, Inc.
7600 Tremayne Place, #104
McLean, VA22102
cell: 571-213-8696
Joseph Rossbach Photography Workshops
Chincoteague, VA Nov. 21-23
-- Web site
443-603-2384
-- samples of Joe's photos
-- schedule of workshops
and introducing Mountain Trail Photo - a brand new website for photographers
Joe is part of a new website, Mountain Trail Photo ( Mountain Trail Photo is your one-stop source for nature photography inspiration, education, and exploration. There you will find image galleries from the Mountain Trail Photo Team (which is made up of some of the nation's most talented nature photographers); how-to articles and trip reports; information on nature photography workshops; and links to purchase team members' books and calendars. Also, Mountain Trail Photo holds regular nature photography contests, giving participants the opportunity to win prizes and discounts on workshops, and to have their images displayed on the site. With regular updates -- including recent images, blog entries, and new articles every month -- there's always something new to discover at Mountain Trail Photo. Whether you are an avid nature photographer looking to sharpen your skills, or just someone who likes looking at beautiful photographs, this is the site for you!
Christine Kent Bowles -- Macro Photography Workshop
For more information, please visit the Specialty Workshop area of her website at: or e-mail Christine at
Smithsonian classes:
The Smithsonian has many photography and digital media classes and events going on:
An example of one of the classes:
Working with Digital Cameras:
This hands-on workshop covers topics such as obtaining a good exposure using various shooting modes; making exposure adjustments on an image that is too light or dark; controlling color and tone as files are captured; understanding resolution, picture quality, and file formats such as JPEG and RAW; transferring files to the computer; and organizing files with a browser.
Meli Mathis
The Smithsonian Associates
Public Affairs Intern
202-633-8671
WashingtonSchool of Photography
4850 Rugby Ave., Bethesda, MD20814
301-654-1998
WSP has workshops and professional programs in nature photography, digital specialties (like Photoshop), film photography, studio lighting, fine art photography, gallery events, and more.
Biotrek Adventure Travels
Sunny Reynolds, Director
81 Main Street, Warrenton, VA20186USA * (540) 349-0040
E-mail:
Bella Vista Photography Workshops
Mary Louise Ravese
(540) 882-9354
Ace Photo classes
Ace Photo
44710 Cape Ct.
Suite 122
Ashburn , VA , 20147United States
703-430-3333
Horizon Creativity Workshops:
2008 Workshops (eligiblefor discount)
Travel - CecilCounty (ChesapeakeCity, Oct. 31-Nov. 2)
Nature: Blackwater Wildlife Refuge (Nov. 6-9...Waiting list only)
The Canon Experience (ChesapeakeCity Nov. 13-16) (2 spaces left)
Camera Basics (ChesapeakeCity, Nov. 7) (2 spaces left)
Creative Vision (ChesapeakeCity, Nov. 8-9)
Documentary (ChesapeakeCity, Nov 7-9)
Weddings (ChesapeakeCity, Nov 13-16) (2 spaces left)
Flash Magic (ChesapeakeCity, Nov. 22-23)
Editing Your Images (ChesapeakeCity, Dec. 6)
Steve Gottlieb
Director, Horizon Workshops
98 Bohemia Ave. PO Box 9
Chesapeake City, MD21915
410 885-2433
Virginia Photo Safaris
Oct 24-26 - Delaware Water Gap -Poconos, Pa - 3 day safari
Nov 14-16 - Chincoteague Island, Va - 3 day safari
Nov 29 - Conowingo Dam, Md - Full day safari
Dec 13 - Bombay Hook NWR - Smyrna, De - 1/2 day safari
Daguerreian Society 20th Anniversary Symposium
Friday, November 7, 2008 $15
10:00 A.M. to 12:45 P.M.
2:30 P.M. to 6:00 P.M.
DonaldW.ReynoldsCenter for American Art and Portraiture
The National Portrait Gallery
Nan Tucker McEvoy Auditorium
8th and G Street NW Entrance
Washington, DC
Meadowlark 2009:
2009 People's Choice Contest:
The theme is Ponds and Wetlands. This includes scenes of wetlands and ponds, as well as plants and wildlife at these locations. Photos must be taken in the Mid-Atlantic region (New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, West Virginia, Delaware, Maryland, Virginia and WashingtonDC). No hand of man is allowed.
Search for art opportunities, such as Jurored Shows, Online Jurored Shows, Calls For Work, etc, by the type of media allowed. Now photographers can find shows to enter that consider photography appropriate art, rather than wading through disappointing listings and wasting their time. It’s free.
e-mail:
Exhibiting opportunities for MPC members:
Arlington Library:
Their art staff (under auspices of Friends of the Public Library) is always on the lookout for artists and photographers especially given additional new branches with lots of walls. They are more disposed to individuals or to group shows that have a theme. Shirlington Branch displayed about 15 of Gloria Freund’s photos in mid-Dec through Feb. They also asked if Gloria would hang several at the central branch in June. They are interested in hearing from more prospective artists. Individuals should apply for this great opportunity. Photographers must prepare & frame their work for a gallery-hanging format. If accepted, photographers also are invited to offer works for sale; the library keeps 20% for anything that sells. Submission are juried on a quarterly basis through the year. Here is the web site, there is a pdf download with instructions for applying:
The SonaBank:
Themanager of the Sonabank at 6830 Old Dominion Drive (corner of Old Dominion and Beverly Road)would like us to exhibit some of our pictures at the bank. There are approximately28 linear feet of wall space spread throughout the lobby available for display. We can also make use of another 32 linear feet in an open office and behindthe teller stations (which we might or might not want to utilize.)
Requirements: Any print accepted into Meadowlark as well as any print which has received a 1st, 2nd 3rd, or honorable mention in any MPC competition (or any other NVACC competition.)
Pictures must be framed and matted with wire on the backs. (Norestrictions on mats or frames as to type or color.)
Subject Matter: Open
Installation: Easy, no fishline! We can hammer into the walls small picture hangers.Each exhibitor must hang his/her own pictures. I hope there will be enough interest so that we can have a rotating exhibit within the club.
Sale: Pictures can be for sale. I will prepare labels and price sheets. We will need to sign a waiver releasing the bank from liability in case a picture is stolen or damaged.
If you are interested please get back to Tony Hathawayfor a first come first serve for this first exhibit.
He will get back to those who are interested with more details. If you can give me a rough idea of how many images you would like to show that would be helpful.
Anthony Hathaway --
Other venues to exhibit:
La Grand Cafe -- This lovely and friendly venue in middle of McLean is open daily 'till 5 pm except Sundays. It offers wall
space for about 6 - 8 framed works, depending on size. The owner, Hilaire, also offers counter space for an artist
statement and business cards. If interested, please contact Bill Prosser who is coordinating the exhibit schedule. A word
to the wise: Le Grand Cafe also offers delicious light French fare, so time your photographic display missions or trips to
check-out the venue to occur at mealtime. A few club members have already displayed there, and others will be exhibiting
in coming weeks. (Bill, Gloria Freund, Minnie Gallman, Jan Ponder.)
Stop by and see the photos being exhibited and enjoy a delicious breakfast pastry, lunch, or afternoon snack with your coffee or
tea. Located in the SalonaVillage in McLean (on Chain Bridge Road near Mesmeralds and across from the Safeway).
UnitarianChurch in Reston, VA -- Check with Bill, Gloria, Tony Hathaway, or call Bruce Copping at 703-725-9331.
Joe Miller critiques via e-mail:
1) Be sure your image is no more than 8-bits per channel (In PS: Image > Mode & check 8 bits/channel)
2) Change the resolution to 72, change the long side to 500 pixels (Click on Image > Image Size)
3) If you have Photoshop, go to File > Save for Web and set the quality to High and 60 and save.
Or, if you don't use Photoshop
3a) After step 2 save as a JPEG.
4) E-mail it/them to Joe at:
One restriction: Please don't send him more than 3 images at a time.
Photographers' Reproduction Center
12019 Nebel Street Rockville, MD 20854 301-299-7900
Ethiopia Photo Journeys
Ethiopia Photo Journeys offers 2 cultural and landscape photo excursions to Ethiopia in January and March 2009. F/STOP STUDIO has partnered with Ethiopia Airlines Journeys to bring a terrific learning experience in the field. Please check out the links to get bios and trip info. In addition, Andarge Asfaw, one of our trip leaders has recently released his photography book entitled "Ethiopia from the Heart", available at
Looking for part-time photo assistant:
Someone who can help lug heavy equipment around and who will help assemble cameras, camera lights, tripods, etc. and who will assist Bill Folsom and Jim Goodridge, Bill’s associate at the JPG Photo Events Team, in off-camera flash (that means carrying around a portable flash). The individual MUST be over 21 years (tax and insurance liability) and somewhat flexible about the odd hours we work. The ideal candidate should also have a pretty good understanding of computers and printing and be a good listener and follow instructions.
Initial pay rates will be $10/hour during a short probationary period. Normal rates will increase to $25/hour after about six months, if the candidate proves helpful. Pay will ultimately each $50/hour for major assignments.
The individual should be interested in learning photography and be willing to spend the time learning how to become a valuable member of a photographic team. If you know someone who meets these criteria, please have them get in touch with Bill Folsom or have them contact Jim Goodridge, JPG Photo Events Team at 703-281-5441 or or via his website,
Northern Virginia Alliance of Camera Clubs (NOVACC)