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MORNINGSIDE GARDENS |
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PAST MEETING RECAPS
December 2004
November 2004
October 2004
by Elmer T. Lokkins and Gustavo A. Archilla
At the Mormingside Gardens Camera Club meeting of December 15th, an eager group of members expectantly awaited the presentation by Ms. Evelyn Lief of her Pixel images. A few of the almost 50 members present didn't know a pixel from a pixie, including myself.
Ms.Lief has produced contest winning photos, some of which have been published in Popular Photography and Imaging.Her web site address, which contains examples of her Impressionist Digital Photography, is www.monetwithacamera.com. She has a degree in art, and is a psychoanalyst by profession, but was first an artist.
Ms. Lief lives close to Central Park. She frequents the park with her pet dog, taking pictures, many of which she turns into the pixel photos. She showed a number of photos and explained how she accomplishes their impressionist appearance. She uses a graphic color monitor that she has had for years, and finds it preferable for her purposes than newer monitors.She uses ArcSoft software in her work and was kind enough to provide the following link to the ArcSoft website www.arcsoft.com/en/products/photostudio. Her images, especially one of people walking down the steps to the Bethesda Fountain in Central Park, reminds one of the magnificent paintings of the great impressionists of the last century.
Google.com defines "pixel" as follows: "Short for Picture Element, a pixel is a single point in a graphic image. Graphics monitors display pictures by dividing the display screen into thousands (or millions) of pixels, arranged in rows and columns. The pixels are so close together that they appear connected. The number of bits used to represent each pixel determines how many colors or shades of gray can be displayed.
For example, in 8-bit color mode, the color monitor uses 8 bits for each pixel, making it possible to display 2 to the 8 th power (256) different colors or shades of gray. On color monitors, each pixel is actually composed of three dots - a red, a blue, and a green one. Ideally, the three dots should all converge at the same point, but all monitors have some convergence error that can make color pixels appear fuzzy.
The quality of a display system largely depends on its resolution, how many pixels it can display, and how many bits are used to represent each pixel. VGA systems display 750 by 480, or about 300,000 pixels. In contrast, SVGA systems display 800 by 600, or 480,000 pixels. True Color systems use 24 bits per pixel, allowing them to display more than 16 million different colors."
Our hats are off to Ms. Lief, for her genuine artistry and for the beauty she produces by using this system. The MG Camera Club continues to have fascinating speakers at their monthly meetings, at the close of which there are cheese, crackers, wine and soda, which sparks animated discussion about each program.
Excited MG photo enthusiasts gathered together on November 17, 2004 to receive feedback from local photography experts on their latest photo submissions. Regardless of the outcome of the entries, this photo amateur is always fascinated by the comments of others, and what a "different eye" will see in a sometimes treasured shot. I for one, always learn a lot from these types of activities, whether I agree with the "expert" or not. I sometimes even "test" out my own "eye" as I take a look at the interesting pictures submitted by fellow cooperators, and am amazed at how "right on" or totally "off" I can be when I listen to the more professional feedback. I really don't see this as a "contest", but more as an opportunity for critical review and a chance to improve upon my own skills in many ways. So I would definitely recommend this for anyone out there who might really enjoy this kind of "fun"! Plus, you, too could see your "works of art" hung in the MG gallery, i.e. Duane Reed window display!
Much thanks is also extended to Marie Ledoux for her superb coordination and securing of once again talented photo judges: Fred Aquilino, professional photographer specializing in architectural photography; Juana Page, a successful painter, graduate of City College with an MFA and photography instructor; and Tom Driver, a well known MG tenant cooperator and photographer in his own right!
Winners (based on points from the judges) of the "Architecture, Building-Structure" contest across the various categories included:
Tier A:
| 1st Place | John Beard (Digital) and Jean McCardell (Slide) |
| 2nd Place: | Velia Neri (Slide) and Jean McCardell (Print) |
| Honorable Mention: | Velia Neri (Slide), John Beard (Slide/Digital), Jean McCardell (Slide/Print) |
Tier B:
| 1st Place: | Tom Driver (Digital) |
| 2nd Place: | Tom Driver (Digital) |
| Honorable Mention: | Sandy Heyman (Print), Chris Pawelski (Digital), Tom Driver (Digital) |
Tier B (black and white): 1st Place: Bob Broadwell
Tier C (first time entrants): 1st Place: Bea Weinreich (Digital)
Congratulations to all!
successfully held despite baseball!
The October Camera Club meeting was held on October 20th with good attendance, despite the fact that it competed with the greatly anticipated 7th game of the Red Sox vs Yankee American League final series.
Hard to believe that there was a room full of photo enthusiasts on this night given this baseball rivalry! But not surprising, since this meeting brought experts from Ritz Camera to the Recreation Room of Building I along with examples of many, many types of digital cameras and accessories ... along with some basic tips on what to look for in this very extensive market.
C. Komek and Al Bland, both "certified photographic consultants" did an excellent job of explaining pixels and printing options, along with answering many, many types of questions from the audience.
Ritz Camera (formerly Westside Camera, located at 2400 Broadway) continues to be an outstanding source for quality merchandise, expertise and service for this neighborhood. They now have their own developing service, with "home delivery" (http://www.ritzpix.com) which has just begun. They also offer courses on camera use when you purchase your equipment from them. Clearly, even the more knowledgeable digital users amongst us, learned something from this evening's event.
The Camera Club also honored one of it's own on this night, Bob Broadwell, for his many, many years of "creative leadership and devoted service". He was presented with a small plaque by Marie Ledoux, who had chaired the Camera Club for many years. Bob is not only an outstanding photographer, but continues to give of his talents and support to all who share his passion for this work. We are all appreciative of his work in developing the Camera Club throughout these years!
And don't forget ... the first Camera Club Fall Contest will be featured at the next meeting on November 17, 2004. The subject is: "Architecture-Buildings and Structures". The deadline for entries is November 3, 2004 with submissions to Contest Coordinator, Marie Ledoux, Building 4:Apt 4H (866-8348).