Assigned Topics for Competitions

Each month will be either an OPEN or THEME competition. Each member may enter up to two photos in Color Prints, Black and White Prints and Color and Black & White Digital Images with a maximum of 5 images each night.

The judges for each night will be announced at the beginning of the competition.

Please note that the Competition night is the 1st meeting of the month and will be held on the 2th Thursday at the East Brunswick Library except September when it is the 3rd Thursday. Lectures will be at the East Brunswick High School on the 4th Thursday of each month except November and April when it is the 3rd Thursday.

Shadows & Silhouettes

Shadow or silhouette: One or the other. If both are present then fine but not necessary. A shadow may be caused by one or more people, one or more things, or any combination thereof. A shadow is defined as the absence of light on an area due to the presence of something or things blocking the light. The light may be natural and/or artificial. Whether the item causing the shadow is or is not in the frame does not matter as long as the shadow is the predominant feature. An example might be a person walking down a street with the sun or some other light source causing a very long shadow to be following the person. More than one shadow from more than one object and/or more than one light source is acceptable. A silhouette is an object (person(s) and/or object(s)) totally blocking a light source (natural or artificial) such that the blocking object(s) is rendered totally opaque. The opaque silhouette may be of any color

Photoshopped

Show us an image that has been extensively treated in Photoshop (or other photo editing tool). For example you could use Photoshop to create the effect of an impressionistic painting. Soft focus could be used here to enhance the image thus tack sharp does not count. The image may be of any subject. A major part of the image should be recognizable as having come through a camera lens.

Landscapes & Seascapes:

A landscape is a section or portion of scenery as seen from a single viewpoint. Scenery is the subject of a landscape image. Typically, people and animals are not shown in a landscape, unless they are relatively small in the image and have been included in the composition to show scale. If natural scenery dominates an image, it can probably be accurately termed a landscape, even though there may be a farmhouse in the distance, a city skyline on the horizon or a road or path in the foreground. Seascapes are included, but urban landscapes are not included in this theme. A well exposed scene will not have blown out highlights nor blocked up shadows. In addition, the scene will be sharp throughout by proper use of depth of field.

Emotion

The title of the photograph should be an emotion. This would be more raw, more of a gut reaction from the observer. whether it be LOVE, JOY, MELANCHOLY, HOPELESSNESS, CALM etc. Could be a portrait; could capture body language.

Descriptions of Lectures:

Sept 27 - Brian Szabo - 'Shoot the Best Image Possible' - Brian will discuss 20 - 25 of his best images, & the stories behind them, the techniques & technicals that went into shooting them.

Oct 25 - Macy's Annual Events Photography - Find out what goes on behind the scenes of various Macy's-sponsored events. You will experience an insider's viewpoint of what it takes to produce an event, as well as seeing images of the event itself.

Nov 15 - Steve Richman - 'Legal Issues For Photographers' - Steve will delve into topics such as the territorial nature of law; different types of issues, including copyright and trademarks; & the difference between being sued & winning.

Jan 24 - Linda Bohm - 'Shooting Kids & Animals for Major Advertising...or For Fun!' - Linda will explain how she produces commercial assignments with animals & children. There will also be a demonstration of lighting techniques, with the assistance of Linda's working dog, Whoopi!

Feb 28 - 'Video Night + Beginners' Print Critique' - There will be a video of interest to the group. Beginners are invitedto bring their work for a critique by a panel of our Salon members who will offer constructive comments to help you become a better photographer.

Mar 27 - Jay Seldin - 'The Art Of Digital Printing (Using Photoshop)' - Jay, an instructor at the New Jersey Center For Visual Arts in Summit, NJ, will speak on the techniques of producing a great fine art print digitally through Photoshop.