2021 Forum Speakers and Related Photos

Pending

25th Anniversary/Holiday Luncheon - December 2021

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2021 25th Anniversary/Holiday Luncheon
2021 25th Anniversary/Holiday Luncheon

Photographs in this gallery are provided courtesy of Fritz Ernst.

2021 Photography SIG Images

January 2021

Members periodically select specific subjects or themes for their photographs. The current theme is "2020 – The Year in Review.” Members were asked to review the photos they had taken during calendar year 2020 and select their 2 favorites. The following photos, taken and selected by members, exemplify that theme.

NOTE: Normally photos displayed here are the result of a selection process during our meetings as we share and discuss our photos. At present, due to the corona virus, we cannot continue that process. Instead, while monthly themes will continue to be assigned, members are encouraged to submit just their best photo for that theme. All photos submitted for the current theme are displayed here along with any descriptive comments.

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Richard Steelman – Tree – Photo was taken at Greenspring Gardens. It’s focus stacked. I cropped out the foreground, enhanced the colors a bit and added a slight vignette.
Richard Steelman – Tree – Photo was taken at Greenspring Gardens. It’s focus stacked. I cropped out the foreground, enhanced the colors a bit and added a slight vignette.

Richard Steelman – Sphere: This sphere is a monument at Greenspring garden. I cropped out its plinth, used focus stacking, added a vignette and enhanced the colors.
Richard Steelman – Sphere: This sphere is a monument at Greenspring garden. I cropped out its plinth, used focus stacking, added a vignette and enhanced the colors.

Richard Martin – My 8 year old granddaughter and my daughter’s dog, Coco. Taken with my iPad mini on the back porch of my home. ISO 200. aperture f 2.4, shutter 1/60 sec.
Richard Martin – My 8 year old granddaughter and my daughter’s dog, Coco. Taken with my iPad mini on the back porch of my home. ISO 200. aperture f 2.4, shutter 1/60 sec.

Richard Martin – Washington National Cathedral, light and sound show. Taken with Panasonic Lumix camera on tripod pointing straight up at the ceiling. ISO 400, aperture f 3.3, shutter 1/6 sec.
Richard Martin – Washington National Cathedral, light and sound show. Taken with Panasonic Lumix camera on tripod pointing straight up at the ceiling. ISO 400, aperture f 3.3, shutter 1/6 sec.

Ray Bednarsky -Sunset - A perfect sunset captured at just the right moment before sinking below the horizon, taken with my Nikon D500 at ISO 100, 1/30 sec., f 3.5, 300mm Lens and processed in Photoshop 2020 and ON1 Photo Raw 2021.
Ray Bednarsky -Sunset - A perfect sunset captured at just the right moment before sinking below the horizon, taken with my Nikon D500 at ISO 100, 1/30 sec., f 3.5, 300mm Lens and processed in Photoshop 2020 and ON1 Photo Raw 2021.

Ray Bednarsky - A rare photo of a pollinator in action taken while enjoying Mary Lu's garden on a beautiful May morning, captured with my Nikon D500 at ISO 100, 1/250 sec., f 3, 300mm Lens at 22mm and processed in Photoshop 2020 and ON1 Photo Raw 2021.
Ray Bednarsky - A rare photo of a pollinator in action taken while enjoying Mary Lu's garden on a beautiful May morning, captured with my Nikon D500 at ISO 100, 1/250 sec., f 3, 300mm Lens at 22mm and processed in Photoshop 2020 and ON1 Photo Raw 2021.

Mary Lu Bednarsky – Cinnamon, my cat, in an amusing moment. Taken with my iPhone X Max and processed in Adobe Photoshop Elements 2020.
Mary Lu Bednarsky – Cinnamon, my cat, in an amusing moment. Taken with my iPhone X Max and processed in Adobe Photoshop Elements 2020.

Mary Lu Bednarsky – Caterpillar - I so enjoyed taking pictures of the many Monarch Caterpillars devastating my milkweed plants. Taken with my iPhone X Max and processed in Adobe Photoshop Elements 2020.
Mary Lu Bednarsky – Caterpillar - I so enjoyed taking pictures of the many Monarch Caterpillars devastating my milkweed plants. Taken with my iPhone X Max and processed in Adobe Photoshop Elements 2020.

Kathy Dillon - Reflection was based on two of my favorite photos. One, was this small branch with a water droplet taken for Creative Blur and the second was a peaceful scene captured during the Rocks and Sticks theme. For this entry, I photo shopped the scene into the water droplet.
Kathy Dillon - Reflection was based on two of my favorite photos. One, was this small branch with a water droplet taken for Creative Blur and the second was a peaceful scene captured during the Rocks and Sticks theme. For this entry, I photo shopped the scene into the water droplet.

Kathy Dillon - Birds was taken during our reflection theme. My granddaughter helped me with this project, with her beloved parakeet, Harley, making this one of my favorite projects and photos from 2020.
Kathy Dillon - Birds was taken during our reflection theme. My granddaughter helped me with this project, with her beloved parakeet, Harley, making this one of my favorite projects and photos from 2020.

Fritz Ernst - Land iguana: The Galápagos Islands provide an astonishing variety of wildlife and photo opportunities everywhere you look. This land iguana, nestled in the rocks, provided what I have called the “smiling iguana” due to the facial expression. The land iguana is a species of lizard and is endemic to the Galápagos. Tech data for the photo: Nikon D810 camera with 70-200 lens; ISO 160; focal length 70 mm; f-stop 10; and shutter speed 1/320 sec.
Fritz Ernst - Land iguana: The Galápagos Islands provide an astonishing variety of wildlife and photo opportunities everywhere you look. This land iguana, nestled in the rocks, provided what I have called the “smiling iguana” due to the facial expression. The land iguana is a species of lizard and is endemic to the Galápagos. Tech data for the photo: Nikon D810 camera with 70-200 lens; ISO 160; focal length 70 mm; f-stop 10; and shutter speed 1/320 sec.

Fritz Ernst – Heron: The Hidden Pond Nature Center pond in West Springfield was the setting for capturing this photograph of the heron and its shadow. The backdrop with winter colors blended nicely with the heron standing in the water with the shadow emphasizing the tall bird keeping a close watch on the area. Tech data for the photo: Nikon D810 camera with 24-79 lens; ISO 200; focal length 70 mm; f-stop 2.8; and shutter speed 1/200 sec.
Fritz Ernst – Heron: The Hidden Pond Nature Center pond in West Springfield was the setting for capturing this photograph of the heron and its shadow. The backdrop with winter colors blended nicely with the heron standing in the water with the shadow emphasizing the tall bird keeping a close watch on the area. Tech data for the photo: Nikon D810 camera with 24-79 lens; ISO 200; focal length 70 mm; f-stop 2.8; and shutter speed 1/200 sec.

David Drachsler – Winding road - Last fall, Morningstar Road near our house in Shenandoah County. 1/60 at f33.
David Drachsler – Winding road - Last fall, Morningstar Road near our house in Shenandoah County. 1/60 at f33.

David Drachsler – Lily in our Shenandoah County garden, June. 1/250 at f6.3.
David Drachsler – Lily in our Shenandoah County garden, June. 1/250 at f6.3.

Charlotte Rosenfield – Childhood on hold - Taken with iphone and slightly edited with Photoshop Elements. It is a favorite because it represents, for me, the heaviness and sadness that dominated the year.
Charlotte Rosenfield – Childhood on hold - Taken with iphone and slightly edited with Photoshop Elements. It is a favorite because it represents, for me, the heaviness and sadness that dominated the year.

Charlotte Rosenfield – Bug trapped outside, I’m trapped inside - Taken with iphone and slightly edited with Photoshop Elements. It is a favorite because it represents, for me, the heaviness and sadness that dominated the year.
Charlotte Rosenfield – Bug trapped outside, I’m trapped inside - Taken with iphone and slightly edited with Photoshop Elements. It is a favorite because it represents, for me, the heaviness and sadness that dominated the year.

Buck Myers – Black Eyed Susan - Tripod mounted Nikon D500 with 200mm macro lens, f/5 at 1/1600 sec. Large aperture used to separate subject from background. Edited in Adobe Lightroom and converted to black and white with Silver Efex Pro.
Buck Myers – Black Eyed Susan - Tripod mounted Nikon D500 with 200mm macro lens, f/5 at 1/1600 sec. Large aperture used to separate subject from background. Edited in Adobe Lightroom and converted to black and white with Silver Efex Pro.

Buck Myers – Alstroemeria - Tripod mounted Nikon D500 with 200mm macro lens, f/20 at 1/3 sec. Very small aperture used to maximize depth of field. Edited in Adobe Lightroom.
Buck Myers – Alstroemeria - Tripod mounted Nikon D500 with 200mm macro lens, f/20 at 1/3 sec. Very small aperture used to maximize depth of field. Edited in Adobe Lightroom.

Arlene Gribben - "Christmas lights at dusk." It was taken at a little church on Franconia road.
Arlene Gribben - "Christmas lights at dusk." It was taken at a little church on Franconia road.

Arlene Gribben - "Gracie doing her stretches."
Arlene Gribben - "Gracie doing her stretches."

Jona Wheeler – Fish - This photo was taken on my Google Pixel cell last summer in my backyard and I favor it as it's the last of the larger orange fish, as he has since died after almost 9 years in my little pond.
Jona Wheeler – Fish - This photo was taken on my Google Pixel cell last summer in my backyard and I favor it as it's the last of the larger orange fish, as he has since died after almost 9 years in my little pond.

Jona Wheeler - Mabry Mill, taken on my Google Pixel cell during a trip on the Blue Ridge Parkway in September.
Jona Wheeler - Mabry Mill, taken on my Google Pixel cell during a trip on the Blue Ridge Parkway in September.

Images in this gallery are the exclusive property of the persons who created them and are shown here by their permission.

February 2021

Members periodically select specific subjects or themes for their photographs. The current theme is "Clocks and Watches.” Clocks and watches can be things of beauty, or they can simply be functional. Whatever form they take, please grab your cameras and capture their many ‘faces’. They can be color, or black and white. They can be large or small, indoors or outside. They can be a small part of a wider composition or you can focus in on their fine details. The following photos, taken and selected by members, exemplify that theme.

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Richard Steelman - The galaxy is a stock photo, the coach clock is mine and the flames are painted in with a photoshop brush. I used the transform function to distort the clock.
Richard Steelman - The galaxy is a stock photo, the coach clock is mine and the flames are painted in with a photoshop brush. I used the transform function to distort the clock.

Dick Martin - Vienna clock shop facade, 2/10/21, Panasonic LUMIX camera, ISO 80, F 3.5,1/1300
Dick Martin - Vienna clock shop facade, 2/10/21, Panasonic LUMIX camera, ISO 80, F 3.5,1/1300

Ray Bednarsky – Pandemic Time Warp - I selected a background for my Pandemic Time Warp theme, representing the distortion of time during the pandemic. I included a stylized clock as centerpiece to depict the transcendence of time and a photo collage of life before and during the pandemic. My iPhone X Max was used to photograph the final creation.
Ray Bednarsky – Pandemic Time Warp - I selected a background for my Pandemic Time Warp theme, representing the distortion of time during the pandemic. I included a stylized clock as centerpiece to depict the transcendence of time and a photo collage of life before and during the pandemic. My iPhone X Max was used to photograph the final creation.

Mary Lu Bednarsky – The Good Old Times - Created this collage using my Mickey Mouse watch as the centerpiece depicting an earlier time. Taken with my iPhone X Max and processed in Adobe Photoshop Elements 2020.
Mary Lu Bednarsky – The Good Old Times - Created this collage using my Mickey Mouse watch as the centerpiece depicting an earlier time. Taken with my iPhone X Max and processed in Adobe Photoshop Elements 2020.

Kathy Dillon - My photo represents the oldest watch I have, a 40 year old analogue gold watch, and the digital clock in my new car! Glares and shadows were a challenge in each of the many scenarios and photos I took, so I enjoyed figuring out how to avoid them. I used my Nikon D5500, but the photo I ended up choosing was taken on Auto. I did make a slight photoshop correction for a pesky glare I just couldn't seem to avoid.
Kathy Dillon - My photo represents the oldest watch I have, a 40 year old analogue gold watch, and the digital clock in my new car! Glares and shadows were a challenge in each of the many scenarios and photos I took, so I enjoyed figuring out how to avoid them. I used my Nikon D5500, but the photo I ended up choosing was taken on Auto. I did make a slight photoshop correction for a pesky glare I just couldn't seem to avoid.

Jona Wheeler - From different 'times' in my life. Photo taken by my Google Pixel cell phone.
Jona Wheeler - From different 'times' in my life. Photo taken by my Google Pixel cell phone.

Fritz Ernst - The mechanism for a cuckoo clock provides an interesting combination of wheels, weights, and other parts to not only provide the correct time but also the characteristic sound of the cuckoo on the hour and half-hour. The four small sections of links at the bottom of the photo are for the hanging weights that provide for the “power” when no batteries or springs are used. The photo is a combination of 12 individual shots taken and focus stacked in PhotoShop for detail - Nikon D810, ISO 200, 105 mm micro lens at 1/60 sec and f 9.
Fritz Ernst - The mechanism for a cuckoo clock provides an interesting combination of wheels, weights, and other parts to not only provide the correct time but also the characteristic sound of the cuckoo on the hour and half-hour. The four small sections of links at the bottom of the photo are for the hanging weights that provide for the “power” when no batteries or springs are used. The photo is a combination of 12 individual shots taken and focus stacked in PhotoShop for detail - Nikon D810, ISO 200, 105 mm micro lens at 1/60 sec and f 9.

Charlotte Rosenfield - I applied the Twirl filter, one of the Distortion filters in Photoshop Elements to a photo of a digital clock. It seemed a pleasing abstract and matched a sense of distorted time that we've experienced in the last year.
Charlotte Rosenfield - I applied the Twirl filter, one of the Distortion filters in Photoshop Elements to a photo of a digital clock. It seemed a pleasing abstract and matched a sense of distorted time that we've experienced in the last year.

Buck Myers – The end of time is here. Picture taken with iPhone 12 Pro and edited in Adobe Lightroom and Color Efex Pro.
Buck Myers – The end of time is here. Picture taken with iPhone 12 Pro and edited in Adobe Lightroom and Color Efex Pro.

Arlene Gribben - Clock tower at a shopping area in West Springfield. Don't know why the two clocks are showing different times? I took the photo with my iPhone and only adjusted it by cropping the parking lot out of the picture.
Arlene Gribben - Clock tower at a shopping area in West Springfield. Don't know why the two clocks are showing different times? I took the photo with my iPhone and only adjusted it by cropping the parking lot out of the picture.

Images in this gallery are the exclusive property of the persons who created them and are shown here by their permission.

March 2021

Members periodically select specific subjects or themes for their photographs. The current theme is "Chimneys.” Your photos can be anything that includes a chimney. They can be color, black and white, moody or bright, landscape, architecture or industrial. They can be closeups of parts of a chimney. The following photos, taken and selected by members, exemplify that theme.

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Richard Steelman – Chimneys: I did a selection of an industry chimney near us, added layers for mountains and smoke and used LUTs and Color correction layers.
Richard Steelman – Chimneys: I did a selection of an industry chimney near us, added layers for mountains and smoke and used LUTs and Color correction layers.

Richard Martin – Chimneys: Fireplace chimney on a neighbor’s house in Vienna, VA. Edits: cropped, increased brightness and contrast, switched to black & white.
Richard Martin – Chimneys: Fireplace chimney on a neighbor’s house in Vienna, VA. Edits: cropped, increased brightness and contrast, switched to black & white.

Kathy Dillon – Chimneys: We were lucky enough to go to Okracoke a couple of weeks ago, and I used part of my time hunting for chimneys! No adjustments were made in any way to this photo. The framing was done in the camera and the colors were magnificent as photographed. I used my Nikon D5500 as always, on the scene setting.
Kathy Dillon – Chimneys: We were lucky enough to go to Okracoke a couple of weeks ago, and I used part of my time hunting for chimneys! No adjustments were made in any way to this photo. The framing was done in the camera and the colors were magnificent as photographed. I used my Nikon D5500 as always, on the scene setting.

Jona Wheeler – Chimneys: Some of the chimneys in my neighborhood.
Jona Wheeler – Chimneys: Some of the chimneys in my neighborhood.

Fritz Ernst – Chimneys: My original photo was taken with my iPhone but then stylized with PhotoShop and ON1. Layers were used to convert the top layer to black and white and then the “find edges” capability in PhotoShop provided what looks much like a charcoal pencil drawing to accentuate the lines and symmetry of the chimney. Deleting parts of the black and white top layer allowed the background layer color from the flowers to show, providing the completed photo.
Fritz Ernst – Chimneys: My original photo was taken with my iPhone but then stylized with PhotoShop and ON1. Layers were used to convert the top layer to black and white and then the “find edges” capability in PhotoShop provided what looks much like a charcoal pencil drawing to accentuate the lines and symmetry of the chimney. Deleting parts of the black and white top layer allowed the background layer color from the flowers to show, providing the completed photo.

Elizabeth Lonoff – Chimneys: Found a chimney in the rain yesterday. No nice framing in the vegetation so I did the opposite.
Elizabeth Lonoff – Chimneys: Found a chimney in the rain yesterday. No nice framing in the vegetation so I did the opposite.

Charlotte Rosenfield – Chimneys: Taken with my i-phone, cropped then converted to black/white (choosing Infrared Effect) and added vignette with Photoshop Elements.
Charlotte Rosenfield – Chimneys: Taken with my i-phone, cropped then converted to black/white (choosing Infrared Effect) and added vignette with Photoshop Elements.

Buck Myers – Chimneys: Taken with iPhone12, edited and adjusted in Lightroom.
Buck Myers – Chimneys: Taken with iPhone12, edited and adjusted in Lightroom.

Arlene Gribben – Chimneys: A chimney on a building in the Leesburg historical district.
Arlene Gribben – Chimneys: A chimney on a building in the Leesburg historical district.

Images in this gallery are the exclusive property of the persons who created them and are shown here by their permission.

April 2021

Members periodically select specific subjects or themes for their photographs. The current theme is "Spring.” Spring is a season associated with renewal and rebirth. Nature abounds with a variety of flowers and plants. The goal of this theme is to capture a photograph that evokes the feeling of Spring. The following photos, taken and selected by members, exemplify that theme.

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Elizabeth Lonoff - Spring
Elizabeth Lonoff - Spring

Richard Steelman - Spring: Aside from a little color adjustment in PS, this photo was not retouched. This is Cameron Station taken from a pond in Brennen Park.
Richard Steelman - Spring: Aside from a little color adjustment in PS, this photo was not retouched. This is Cameron Station taken from a pond in Brennen Park.

Richard Martin – Spring: Taken in my front yard, shooting down through a large camelia. ISO 125; f 4.5; 1/60.
Richard Martin – Spring: Taken in my front yard, shooting down through a large camelia. ISO 125; f 4.5; 1/60.

Kathy Dillon – Spring: I used my Nikon D5500, and though I kept it on scenery, was still pleased with the photo of my granddaughter feeding the goats. No adjustments were made to the photo.
Kathy Dillon – Spring: I used my Nikon D5500, and though I kept it on scenery, was still pleased with the photo of my granddaughter feeding the goats. No adjustments were made to the photo.

Jona Wheeler – Spring: This photo was taken on my Pixel cell in early spring. My neighborhood pond.
Jona Wheeler – Spring: This photo was taken on my Pixel cell in early spring. My neighborhood pond.

Fritz Ernst – Spring: Spring beckons new growth and we awaken from winter’s doldrums to welcome warmer temperatures. My photo for the month is actually a collage of nine, focus stacked images taken over a period of 27 days. Each photo element required 5 to 16 macro images, which were then combined. Photos were taken with a tripod mounted Nikon D810 camera and two different macro lenses, a 60 mm and 105 mm. The layout was created using a template with proportions of the Golden Ratio in an attempt to draw your eye to the smallest image and then around, through the growth of the split-leaf maple into its final form on the left.
Fritz Ernst – Spring: Spring beckons new growth and we awaken from winter’s doldrums to welcome warmer temperatures. My photo for the month is actually a collage of nine, focus stacked images taken over a period of 27 days. Each photo element required 5 to 16 macro images, which were then combined. Photos were taken with a tripod mounted Nikon D810 camera and two different macro lenses, a 60 mm and 105 mm. The layout was created using a template with proportions of the Golden Ratio in an attempt to draw your eye to the smallest image and then around, through the growth of the split-leaf maple into its final form on the left.

David Drachsler – Spring: This shot of an unusual tulip was taken at Brookside Gardens in Wheaton Regional Park in Montgomery County. It was f6.3 at 1/100 on my Panasonic Lumix DMZ FC-1000.
David Drachsler – Spring: This shot of an unusual tulip was taken at Brookside Gardens in Wheaton Regional Park in Montgomery County. It was f6.3 at 1/100 on my Panasonic Lumix DMZ FC-1000.

Arline Sachs - Spring: It is the flowers on a blooming tree. It was taken from the upper level of a parking garage so I was close to the tree branches.
Arline Sachs - Spring: It is the flowers on a blooming tree. It was taken from the upper level of a parking garage so I was close to the tree branches.

Arlene Gribben – Spring: Spring Periwinkle flowers, plus one, on a friend's lawn.
Arlene Gribben – Spring: Spring Periwinkle flowers, plus one, on a friend's lawn.

Buck Myers – Spring: Little blue Ipheons, my favorite spring flower. Taken in my backyard. Tripod mounted Nikon D850, f/9, 1/800 sec. Edited in Adobe Lightroom.
Buck Myers – Spring: Little blue Ipheons, my favorite spring flower. Taken in my backyard. Tripod mounted Nikon D850, f/9, 1/800 sec. Edited in Adobe Lightroom.

Images in this gallery are the exclusive property of the persons who created them and are shown here by their permission.

May 2021

Members periodically select specific subjects or themes for their photographs. The current theme is "Favorite photograph from a visit to a park or nature preserve.” The goal of this theme is to visit a park or nature preserve of your choice and submit your favorite photo from your visit. This could be plants, flowers, animals, insects, or any object that catches your fancy. The following photos, taken and selected by members, exemplify that theme.

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Richard Martin - Meadowlark Park, 3/31/21, Panasonic Lumix, ISO 80, apature f 3.7, shutter 1/250
Richard Martin - Meadowlark Park, 3/31/21, Panasonic Lumix, ISO 80, apature f 3.7, shutter 1/250

Kathy Dillon - I went to Huntley Meadows on May 29, about 7:30 AM, and of course saw nothing but beauty, which I photographed, As I was leaving, a movement in the water caught my attention, and this muddy blob was looking at me. Quickly, I did recognize it as a beaver, and was able to take 5 photos of him all using aperture priority on my Nikon D5500. While it was far from the most beautiful site of the day, I felt fortunate to spot him. Because he was in the shadows along the walk way, in muddy water surrounded by tall grasses, I needed to use photo shop to enhance both the exposure and lighting. I also cropped the original photo a little bit.
Kathy Dillon - I went to Huntley Meadows on May 29, about 7:30 AM, and of course saw nothing but beauty, which I photographed, As I was leaving, a movement in the water caught my attention, and this muddy blob was looking at me. Quickly, I did recognize it as a beaver, and was able to take 5 photos of him all using aperture priority on my Nikon D5500. While it was far from the most beautiful site of the day, I felt fortunate to spot him. Because he was in the shadows along the walk way, in muddy water surrounded by tall grasses, I needed to use photo shop to enhance both the exposure and lighting. I also cropped the original photo a little bit.

Jona Wheeler - Photo of a Fairy Tree taken on my Google Pixel cell phone. This "Fairy Village" is in Huntsville AL.
Jona Wheeler - Photo of a Fairy Tree taken on my Google Pixel cell phone. This "Fairy Village" is in Huntsville AL.

Fritz Ernst - The various overlooks in Great Falls National Park provide a window into the world of great blue herons that frequent the falls and surrounding waters. They are natural fishermen and will stand patiently for long periods of time watching the water, just waiting for a fish to swim by and when caught, provide a meal for the day. I watched this heron for some 30 minutes before it was successful. The photo was taken from the Virginia side at ISO 500, f-stop 7.1 and shutter speed of 1/1600 sec, using a Nikon D810 with a 300 mm prime lens and 2x teleconverter. Post processing was done in PhotoShop and ON1. The sun flare was added to accentuate the vision of the sun shining on the heron and shadow cast by it.
Fritz Ernst - The various overlooks in Great Falls National Park provide a window into the world of great blue herons that frequent the falls and surrounding waters. They are natural fishermen and will stand patiently for long periods of time watching the water, just waiting for a fish to swim by and when caught, provide a meal for the day. I watched this heron for some 30 minutes before it was successful. The photo was taken from the Virginia side at ISO 500, f-stop 7.1 and shutter speed of 1/1600 sec, using a Nikon D810 with a 300 mm prime lens and 2x teleconverter. Post processing was done in PhotoShop and ON1. The sun flare was added to accentuate the vision of the sun shining on the heron and shadow cast by it.

Elizabeth Lonoff - Green Spring Gardens, cellphone (enhanced)
Elizabeth Lonoff - Green Spring Gardens, cellphone (enhanced)

David Drachsler - These photos of bald eagles were taken at different times in Dyke Marsh Wildlife Preserve on the Potomac south of Alexandria. They are near what I believe is an active nest. The photo of the eagle in flight was made with my Panasonic Lumix DMC FZ1000, shot at 1/2000 at f5; the perched eagle, same camera, 1/2000 at f4. Both photos were cropped and edited for haze reduction and lighting adjustment in Photoshop Elements, and combined into one photo using PSE.
David Drachsler - These photos of bald eagles were taken at different times in Dyke Marsh Wildlife Preserve on the Potomac south of Alexandria. They are near what I believe is an active nest. The photo of the eagle in flight was made with my Panasonic Lumix DMC FZ1000, shot at 1/2000 at f5; the perched eagle, same camera, 1/2000 at f4. Both photos were cropped and edited for haze reduction and lighting adjustment in Photoshop Elements, and combined into one photo using PSE.

Arlene Gribben - I took it with my iPhone at Burke Lake Park. Just happened on the mother goose and her two little goslings at the marina.
Arlene Gribben - I took it with my iPhone at Burke Lake Park. Just happened on the mother goose and her two little goslings at the marina.

Images in this gallery are the exclusive property of the persons who created them and are shown here by their permission.

June 2021

Members periodically select specific subjects or themes for their photographs. The current theme is "Smart Phone Photography.” The Photos submitted for this theme must be taken with your smartphone. They can be any subject but should still follow all the rules we try to adhere to in order to create good photos: well exposed and focused, with good composition. The following photos, taken and selected by members, exemplify that theme.

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Arlene Gribben- Cell Phone Photo
Arlene Gribben- Cell Phone Photo

Richard Martin - Cell Phone Photo
Richard Martin - Cell Phone Photo

Kathy Dillon - Cell Phone Photo
Kathy Dillon - Cell Phone Photo

Jona Wheeler - Cell Phone Photo
Jona Wheeler - Cell Phone Photo

Fritz Ernst - Cell Phone Photo
Fritz Ernst - Cell Phone Photo

Charlotte Rosenfield - Prince with his doll - Cell Phone Photo
Charlotte Rosenfield - Prince with his doll - Cell Phone Photo

Charlotte Rosenfield - Cicada remnains on tree trunk - Cell Phone Photo
Charlotte Rosenfield - Cicada remnains on tree trunk - Cell Phone Photo

Buck Myers - Cell Phone Photo
Buck Myers - Cell Phone Photo

Arline Sachs- Cell Phone Photo
Arline Sachs- Cell Phone Photo

Images in this gallery are the exclusive property of the persons who created them and are shown here by their permission.

July 2021

Members periodically select specific subjects or themes for their photographs. The current theme is "Self Assignment.” In effect, the theme this month is whatever you choose for it to be. Assign yourself the goal to photograph a particular subject that interests you. It could be broad like reflections or flowers, or it could be more specific such as numbers or cars. The goal is for you to choose your subject and consistently look for images that represent that subject. As always, try to create print worthy photographs that please your own aesthetic. The following photos, taken and selected by members, exemplify that theme.

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Richard Martin – Theme: Yard Ornamentation
Richard Martin – Theme: Yard Ornamentation

Ray Bednarsky – Theme: Day in the life of Cinnamon the cat
Ray Bednarsky – Theme: Day in the life of Cinnamon the cat

Kathy Dillon – Theme: Old Buildings
Kathy Dillon – Theme: Old Buildings

Jona Wheeler – Theme: Iceland
Jona Wheeler – Theme: Iceland

Fritz Ernst – Theme: Nature Closeups
Fritz Ernst – Theme: Nature Closeups

Elizabeth Lonoff – Theme: Meadowlark Park
Elizabeth Lonoff – Theme: Meadowlark Park

Charlotte Rosenfield – Theme: Raindrops
Charlotte Rosenfield – Theme: Raindrops

Buck Myers – Theme: Reflections
Buck Myers – Theme: Reflections

Arlene Gribben - Theme: The Top
Arlene Gribben - Theme: The Top

Mary Lu Bednarsky - Theme: Flowers
Mary Lu Bednarsky - Theme: Flowers

Images in this gallery are the exclusive property of the persons who created them and are shown here by their permission.

August 2021

Members periodically select specific subjects or themes for their photographs. The current theme is the color "Vivid Green.” Although Green is a color that is all around us, for this theme we are looking for instances of “Vivid Green.” For the purposes of this theme the Vivid Green object does not have to be the subject of the photo, but the Vivid Green color must be somewhere in the photo. The following photos, taken and selected by members, exemplify that theme.

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Richard Steelman - Vivid Green
Richard Steelman - Vivid Green

Richard Martin - Vivid Green
Richard Martin - Vivid Green

Ray Bednarsky - Vivid Green
Ray Bednarsky - Vivid Green

Phil Hodges - Vivid Green
Phil Hodges - Vivid Green

Mary Lu Bednarsky - Vivid Green
Mary Lu Bednarsky - Vivid Green

Kathy Earnest - Vivid Green
Kathy Earnest - Vivid Green

Kathy Dillon - Vivid Green
Kathy Dillon - Vivid Green

Jona Wheeler - Vivid Green
Jona Wheeler - Vivid Green

Janice Smith-Monarch Chrysalis - Vivid Green
Janice Smith-Monarch Chrysalis - Vivid Green

Fritz Ernst - Vivid Green
Fritz Ernst - Vivid Green

Elizabeth Lonoff - Vivid Green
Elizabeth Lonoff - Vivid Green

Charlotte Rosenfield - Vivid Green
Charlotte Rosenfield - Vivid Green

Buck Myers - Vivid Green
Buck Myers - Vivid Green

Arlene Gribben - Vivid Green
Arlene Gribben - Vivid Green

Images in this gallery are the exclusive property of the persons who created them and are shown here by their permission.

September 2021

Members periodically select specific subjects or themes for their photographs. The current theme is "Grasses.” Various types of Grass are all around us. These range from decorative and ornamental grasses to more mundane variations. For the purposes of this theme “Grass” does not have to be the subject of the photo, but grass must be somewhere in the photo. The challenge is to create a print worthy photo. The following photos, taken and selected by members, exemplify that theme.

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Richard Steelman - Grasses
Richard Steelman - Grasses

Richard Martin - Grasses
Richard Martin - Grasses

Ray Bednarsky- Grasses
Ray Bednarsky- Grasses

Mary Lu Bednarsky-Grasses
Mary Lu Bednarsky-Grasses

Kathy Dillon-Grasses
Kathy Dillon-Grasses

Jona Wheeler - Grasses
Jona Wheeler - Grasses

Fritz Ernst - Grasses
Fritz Ernst - Grasses

Elizabeth Lonoff - Grasses
Elizabeth Lonoff - Grasses

Charlottte Rosenfield-Grasses
Charlottte Rosenfield-Grasses

Buck Myers - Grasses
Buck Myers - Grasses

Arlene Gribben - Grasses
Arlene Gribben - Grasses

Images in this gallery are the exclusive property of the persons who created them and are shown here by their permission.

October-November 2021

Members periodically select specific subjects or themes for their photographs. The current theme is "Autumn.” Autumn offers a wide range of photographic opportunities, especially for those who love colors and moody days. With the quickly changing scenery, colorful landscapes and shorter days, it’s not hard to understand why it’s so many photographers favorite season. Autumn also includes Halloween, and everything associated with it. The following photos, taken and selected by members, exemplify that theme.

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Arlene Gribben-Autumn
Arlene Gribben-Autumn

Richard Martin-Autumn
Richard Martin-Autumn

Ray Bednarsky-Autumn
Ray Bednarsky-Autumn

Mary Lu Bednarsky-Autumn
Mary Lu Bednarsky-Autumn

Elizabeth Lonoff-Autumn
Elizabeth Lonoff-Autumn

Charlotte Rosenfield-Autumn
Charlotte Rosenfield-Autumn

Images in this gallery are the exclusive property of the persons who created them and are shown here by their permission.

December 2021

Members periodically select specific subjects or themes for their photographs. The current theme is "Wheels.” Wheels come in many shapes and sizes. Wheels on a car, bike, wheels on their own, detail shots of wheels, gears, water wheels, ferris wheels, etc. In short, wheels of any kind anywhere. There are many ways to capture this subject. The challenge is to make your photograph unique. The wheel does not have to be the subject of the photo, but a wheel or wheels must be somewhere in your photo. The following photos, taken and selected by members, exemplify that theme.

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Richard Steelman - wheels
Richard Steelman - wheels

Ray Bednarsky - wheels
Ray Bednarsky - wheels

Mary Lu Bednarsky - wheels
Mary Lu Bednarsky - wheels

Kathy Dillon - wheels
Kathy Dillon - wheels

Jona Wheeler - wheels
Jona Wheeler - wheels

Fritz Ernst - wheels
Fritz Ernst - wheels

Elizabeth Lonoff - wheels
Elizabeth Lonoff - wheels

Dick Martin - wheels
Dick Martin - wheels

Charlotte Rosenfield - wheels
Charlotte Rosenfield - wheels

Arline Sachs - wheels
Arline Sachs - wheels

Arlene Gribben - wheels
Arlene Gribben - wheels

Images in this gallery are the exclusive property of the persons who created them and are shown here by their permission.

2021 Galleries

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2021 Photography SIG Images