PHOTO NOTES - Park West Camera Club
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Park West
PHOTO NOTES
Summer 2021
Camera Club
This Issue
Volume 86 • Issue 10
Club News…………………..…..…2 - 29
Photography News………………30 - 44
Exhibits, Workshops, Etc….….…45 - 50
Schedule of Activities……..….….51 - 53
Complete Index………………….….…54
Over 60 members’ images inside!
Summer 2021 www.ParkWestCameraClub.org 1
Park West Camera Club Club Officers
The Park West Camera Club is an independent President Chuck Pine
not-for-profit corporation. Guests are always V. President Michael Schleiff
welcome.
Corres. Sec. Helen Bohmart Pine
The PWCC newsletter, Photo Notes, is published
every month by and for the members of the Park Rec. Sec. Christine Doyle
West Camera Club. Subscriptions are included
with Club membership. Yearly subscriptions are Treasurer Laura Toledo
available to nonmembers by email at no charge.
Printed issues are available at PWCC meetings.
Submissions of full-length articles or smaller Committee Chairs
items of photographic or general interest are
Archive Inactive
always accepted. The staff of Photo Notes
reserves the right to edit any submissions Competition John Brengelman
which are published. Hedy Klein
Photo Notes is optimized for viewing digitally. Field Trip Susan Sigrist
Paul Grebanier
Contact Information
Gallery Vacancy
Website
www.parkwestcameraclub.org House Marty Smith
E-Mail Addresses Membership Marlene Schonbrun
pwccny@gmail.com Elena Pierpont
pwccny@aol.com Newsletter Chuck Pine
Club Mailing Address Program Marilyn Fish-Glynn
680 West End Avenue, #5D NY, NY 10025
Social Natalie Manzino
Website Michael Schleiff
Christine Doyle
Workshop Vacancy
Cover Photo
Fences
by Chuck Pine ©2021
Summer 2021 www.ParkWestCameraClub.org 2
CLUB President’s Message competition judged and
recorded on June 3rd, a few
Who would have guessed that days prior to its showing on
Park West would be holding its June 7th. Michael Schleiff was
meetings virtually for so long? able to edit out approximately
It was March 9th when the an hour’s worth of dead air
ExCom decided to suspend in- (missteps with the image pro-
person meetings at the Soho gram, extraneous banter, etc.)
Gallery since they decided to with a club from Pretoria, to one-and-a-half hours. The
close due to COVID-19. South Africa. unedited recording is also
“Flatten the curve,” gov- Despite the Zoom advan- available for your perusal but
ernment and health officials tages, we did have a few do expect to get sleepy after
said. The club had scheduled a glitches. We had a software viewing the edited portions.
Tabletop and Still Life work- problem where we were only There were some surprises
shop; all the lights, stands, able to log in after a half hour this year and we can speak
backdrops, light boxes, and delay. Right before one compe- about them as we award the
props were packed into my tition, a judge had to be told winners with certificates and
shopping cart, ready for trans- that she was scheduled for that prizes at the “Otto Litzel non-
port to the Club. This night evening. And luckily, we Dinner” meeting.
was to be a repeat of a well re- haven’t been Zoom bombed Be well!
ceived event from the previous yet!
Club season. It was not to be!
Using Zoom for our meet-
Despite some grumblings,
we were able to get the final Ed
ings has presented many ad-
vantages: new and returned Photo Notes
members have increased;
members could attend even if Publisher: Ed Lee
they were far away, upstate, in Editor: Chuck Pine
New England, even as far
away as the Philippines. No Committee: Will Aimesbury, Madeleine Barbara, Elsa
need to dine early. Members Blum, Ann Broder, Ruth Formanek, Renée Harper,
could show off their work with Gladys Hopkowitz, Hedy Klein, Paul Perkus, Helen Pine,
more photo sharing meetings. Elena Pierpont, and Judy Rosenblatt
No more traveling to the City Contributors: Bill Apple, John Brengelman, Christine
and then trekking back later in Doyle, Carlton Johnson, Ed Lee, Natalie Manzino,
the night. And generally, it’s Chuck Pine, and Helen Pine
just plain convenient to boot
Photo Notes is produced on a MacBook Pro
up a device and join in the
using iWork Pages and Adobe Photoshop.
comfort of one’s home! One
more advantage was being All uncredited images are royalty-free clip art or otherwise
able to recruit speakers and believed to be in the public domain.
judges from all over the place.
Credited images remain the sole property of their
We even had a photo exchange
copyright holders—all rights reserved.
Summer 2021 www.ParkWestCameraClub.org 3
CLUB
2021 Summer PWCC Schedule
June Unless there are some changes in federal, state,
7 Year-End Competition (Z) or local policies, activities marked with a (Z)
14 Otto Litzel Awards Dinner (Z) will be conducted virtually using the Zoom
21 ExCom Meeting software program. This software may be down-
24 PDI Workshop (Z) loaded and used at no charge. As soon as it is
28 Club’s Night Out (Photo Shoot) deemed safe to hold our meetings and other
activities at Soho Photo Gallery or elsewhere,
July we will endeavor to do so.
12 Outdoor Model Shoot
22 PDI Workshop (Z) Drop-In Field Trips will be announced to those
26 Image Evaluation (Z) PWCC members who have signed up to receive
the invitations.
August
2 Club’s Night Out (Photo Shoot) Additional Club activities added to the summer
16 Theme Night—Summertime schedule will be announced in the weekly
26 PDI Workshop (Z) email reminders.
September
5 Chuck Pine Labor Day Picnic (???)
13 Welcome Back (Z)
20 ExCom Meeting (Z)
20 Guest Speaker (TBA) (Z)
23 PDI Workshop (Z)
27 Business Meeting #1 (Z)
Zooming The Club is using Zoom To download Zoom, go
software to conduct all its to
Zoom is a web-based video- meetings during the corona- and click on the “Download”
conferencing software tool virus pandemic. An email button. It’s that simple!
that allows users to meet will be sent to all PWCC Non-members who
online. Zoom is compatible members prior to virtual would like to join our Club
with Macs, Windows, meetings. This email will meetings may request the
smartphones, and tablets. contain the link to join the link by sending an email to
Zoom software is free to meeting. All you have to do
download to your devices. is click on the link.
Summer 2021 www.ParkWestCameraClub.org 4
Images of the Year
CLUB
October 2020 — June 2021
by John Brengelman
et al
PDI-of-the-Year
Another Day at Work
© Elena Pierpont
27 Points
The PDI Runners-Up are
shown on the following pages.
Summer 2021 www.ParkWestCameraClub.org 5
CLUB
First Runner Up—Tie
Great Blue Heron with Catfish
© Helen Pine
26 Points
First Runner Up—Tie
Long Wait
© Paula Pillone
26 Points
Continued on next page
Summer 2021 www.ParkWestCameraClub.org 6
CLUB Second Runner Up
Hot Cider
© Laura Toledo
25 Points
Third Runner Up—Tie
Old Friends
© Larry Rubin
24 Points
Third Runner Up—Tie
Varanasi Barber
© Peggy Winkelman
24 Points
Continued on next page
Summer 2021 www.ParkWestCameraClub.org 7
CLUB
Third Runner Up—Tie
Trim Castle Arch
© Helen Pine
24 Points
Third Runner Up—Tie
Varanasi Bathers
© Peggy Winkelman
24 Points
Third Runner Up—Tie
Chasing Birds
© Marty Smith
24 Points
Summer 2021 www.ParkWestCameraClub.org 8
Final Point Totals
CLUB
Submitting Images
2020-2021 Final Scores
by John Brengelman The Club has over a dozen
activities this year which ask
Paul Grebanier 114 Jay Bitkower 68
you to submit images. These
Laura Toledo 106 Howard Stevens 62
include competitions, theme
Sarah Corbin 104 Larry Rubin 60
nights, workshops, classes,
Natalie Manzino 104 Will Aimesbury 58
and more. Here’s what you
Julie Wosk 102 Eloise Huni 58
need to know:
Nicole Dosso 98 Jeffrey Langford 58
Doris King 98 Marlene Schonbrun 58
Images must be in .jpg
Paula Pillone 98 Annette Collazo-Comito 50
(JPEG) format and sized at
Helen Pine 98 Dorothy Mills 50
72 ppi resolution, 1400 pixels
Chuck Pine 96 Harriet Josephs 46
maximum width, and 1050
Alice Somma 92 Paula Paterniti 46
pixels maximum height. [Do
Julie Foehrenbach 86 Larry Sapadin 46
not exceed these maximums!]
Peggy Winkelman 86 Ann Broder 44
Madeleine Barbara 84 Jack Lindenman 44
Harriet Stein 38 Competition images must
Elena Pierpont 84
Catherine Smith 34 be titled as follows:
Janet Susin 84
Joan Slatkin 82 Lawrence Kreger 32 LastNameFirstInitial_Month
Bill Apple 80 John Brengelman 28 Year_Title.jpg
Remy Deyglun 80 Veronica Saunders 26
Justine Carson 18 for example
Hedy Klein 80
Marty Smith 80 Marilyn Thypin 16 JonesM_Jan21_Flower.jpg
Michael Schleiff 76 Rain Bengis 12
Christine Doyle 74 Tom Houts 10 Other images should be
Florence Forman 74 Barry Fahrer 8 titled as follows:
Renée Harper 74 Marvin Fink 8
Karen Corrigan 72 Virginia Lawrence 6 Name_Number_Title
David Cassidy 70 You may use your first and/
or last name/initial. If you
want your images shown in
a particular order, number
Photo Cartoon
them 01, 02, etc. Use a real
of the Month title, not the image number
that came out of the camera.
for example
MaryJ_07_Flower
Read each entry in the
Club’s Schedule for special
“My camera’s leaking pixels.” instructions, if any.
Summer 2021 www.ParkWestCameraClub.org 9
Congratulations!…
CLUB
…to the winners of the 2021 …to the winners of the
Year-End Competition. Cumulative Point Totals for
the 2020-2021 Club year.
There was one clear winner, First Place
the PDI of the Year scoring a Paul Grebanier 114 points
perfect 27 points:
Second Place
Another Day at Work Laura Toledo 106 points
by Elena Pierpont
Third Place (Tie)
Two images were tied as first Sarah Corbin. 104 points
Runner-Up with 26 points: Natalie Manzino 104 points
Great Blue Heron with Catfish
by Helen Pine
Long Wait
by Paula Pillone
One image was awarded
second runner-up scoring
25 points:
Hot Cider
by Laura Toledo
Five images were tied as
third runner-up with 24 …to the (unofficial) winners
points each: of the total points for the
2021 Year-End Competition:
Varanasi Barber
by Peggy Winkelman First Place
Old Friends Helen Pine 96 points
by Larry Rubin
Trim Castle Arch Second Place
by Helen Pine Elena Pierpont. 89 points
Varanasi Bathers
by Peggy Winkelman Third Place (Tie)
Chasing Birds Sarah Corbin. 88 points
by Marty Smith Jeffrey Langford 88 points
Summer 2021 www.ParkWestCameraClub.org 10CLUB Club Elections • Helen Pine was re-instated We wish to thank the out-
as the Club’s corresponding going Club officers—Ed and
The Park West Camera Club’s secretary. Maria—for their past service.
elected officers, the Executive • Christine Doyle was cho- We also thank Michael, Helen,
Committee (AKA the ExCom) sen to continue her position and Christine for continuing
will be installed at the annual as recording secretary. in their positions on the Ex-
Otto Little Memorial Dinner on • Laura Toledo was elected Com. And we welcome to the
Monday night, June 14th. This to replace the outgoing fold Chuck and Laura.
year, due to the pandemic, we treasurer, Maria Fernandez. We look forward to having
won’t actually be gathering at • Chuck Pine was elected (or another great year at PWCC!
a restaurant; we’ll be Zooming; is it re-elected) to replace
but you can have a drink or a the retiring Club president,
bite while we’re online. Ed Lee. (Chuck is returning
Here’s a recap of the Club’s to the Park West presidency
procedures for the election having retiring from this
process: position 14 years ago after
• The Nominating Commit- serving as president for 31
tee was appointed by Club years.)
president. Ed Lee, at the
March business meeting.
• The NomCom reported to
Sunshine Fund
the PWCC membership at
the last meeting in April
A motion was passed at the But Natalie needs your
with their list of nominees.
April business meeting to help in achieving the Club’s
• The floor was opened for
establish a Sunshine Fund as goals through this committee.
additional nominees at the
part of the Social Committee. It would be great if each and
last April meeting and at all
The responsibilities of this every member could give her
following meetings up to,
new entity are to the month and
but not including, the May
acknowledge day of their
business meeting. [None
birthdays, deaths, birthday (years
were forthcoming.]
births, illnesses, not requested).
• Since the only nominees
and any other life In addition,
were the slate proffered by
events that impact if you could let
the NomCom, the Club’s
our Club members Natalie know of
recording secretary, Chris-
and their families. any life events
tine Doyle, was directed to
Long-time Club that occur to any
cast an unanimous vote
member Natalie of our members,
for slate.
Manzino has volunteered to you or someone else, both
take on this task for the Club. present and past members,
Here are the results of this
She has already purchased that would be great, too.
year’s election:
the necessary stationery to be
• Michael Schleiff was re-
able to express the sentiments 917-757-7086
elected to continue as
of the Club and its members.
PWCC vice president
Summer 2021 www.ParkWestCameraClub.org 11CLUB Zoom Problem? Portfolio, Anyone? for instructions on resolution,
sizing, format. etc.] A short
It’s 10 minutes before your Photo Notes, your camera write-up (who, what, where,
Zoom meeting begins. Got club newsletter, is looking for when) should accompany
your email invitation? Check! portfolios of member’s work. each portfolio submission—
Got something to sip during Please submit anywhere spelling, grammar, and the
the meeting? Check! Have a from a half dozen to 10 files rest don’t count.
snack in case you get the on a concise theme. Images Even if you’ve submitted
munchies? Double check! should be processed as if work in the past, we always
You click on the link,… and they were to be entered into a want to see new and creative
nothing happens. You don’t Club competition. [See page 8 photography.
panic. You click the link again
(and again, and…) and still
nothing happens. Is it time to City Travel To help in this endeavor,
panic now? American Airlines has put
Nope! Now that things are easing in together a bunch of City
If you ever have this issue the travel industry (COVID-19 Guides for US and foreign
where a ZOOM link doesn’t restrictions are being lessened) destinations. Here’s the URL
work, there is an alternative you may be more likely to get
by using the Meeting ID and are depressed and fly off to a
Passcode that are provided dream photo op.
(usually) in the invitation.
Here’s the step-by-step…
PWCC Merchandise
1. Open the ZOOM applica-
In the past Park West has
tion on your computer or
sold and/or given away a
mobile device
wide variety of photo-related
2. Click on the Join a Meeting
merchandise. Among the
button
items we have made avail-
3. Enter the Meeting ID (from
able to our members are
the invitation—you can
PWCC baseball caps, multi-
copy and paste)
pocketed photo vests, micro-
4. Enter your name
fiber cloths, and more.
5. Click on enter
If you are interested in
6. Enter the Passcode (from
any of this, or other kinds of
the invitation)
stuff, let us know. If there is
enough call for anything, we
Voilá! You’re in. Enjoy the
can usually buy it in quantity
meeting.
and receive discount prices.
Just drop us a quick email
to and
we’ll see what we can do.
Summer 2021 www.ParkWestCameraClub.org 12CLUB Competition Rotation Committee Liaisons Photo Notes Deadlines
If and when the Club is able Issue Deadline
The Executive Committee
to resume with non-virtual, September Aug 16
(ExCom) has decided to
in-person meetings, we will October Oct 4
continue for this coming
continue to alternate the order November Nov 1
year with the committee
of the prints (if we’re meeting December Dec 6
liaison model to spread the
non-virtually) and PDIs in our January Jan 3
responsibility among the
monthly competitions. Here’s February Feb 7
entire Executive Committee.
the schedule: March Mar 7
Here’s how it’ll work:
April Apr 4
Month Judged First Each ExCom members (the
May May 2
five elected officers) will be
October Prints Summer Jun 6
assigned committees as a
November PDIs liaison. Each committee The sooner articles and
December Prints chair or co-chair will report items are submitted to Photo
January PDIs to the ExCom through this Notes, the quicker the editing
February Prints liaison. In this manner, it is and revision process can begin.
March PDIs felt that communication will Competition scores and cumu-
April Prints flow much more smoothly, lative points are submitted as
May PDIs in both directions, between soon after the competitions as
June Prints the committees. In addition, possible, usually one to three
any concerns raised by the days following the submission
ExCom will be passed along deadline. Once all items are in
to the committee chairs place the draft copy of Photo
through the liaisons. Notes will be sent to the editors
Curtain Raisers
Here are the committee who will then have several
by Helen Pine
liaison assignments for the days to edit and return their
Curtain raisers are short 2020-2021 Club year: comments.
(no more than five minutes) Competition Mike Schleiff Upon completion, the Photo
programs presented by Club Field Trip Chuck Pine Notes issue will be sent to all
members prior to our guest Gallery Helen Pine members and to the Website
speakers. Here’s the list for House Christine Doyle Committee to be uploaded to
this year. Membership Helen Pine the website.
Newsletter Chuck Pine
September TBA
Program Christine Doyle
October TBA
Social Laura Toledo
November TBA
Website Mike Schleiff
December TBA
Workshop Chuck Pine
January TBA
February TBA
March TBA
April TBA
May TBA
Summer 2021 www.ParkWestCameraClub.org 13CLUB Business Meeting reported that the Club
Minutes now has 86 total members,
by Christine Doyle which includes 9 new
Recording Secretary members and 5 who have
rejoined. She referred
May 25, 2021 members to an article she
wrote for the May issue of
Participating: Executive Photo Notes about Club
Committee members Presi- membership this past year.
the March 29, 2021 meeting
dent Ed Lee, Vice President as published in Photo Notes.
Michael Schleiff, Corre- Newsletter: Chair Chuck
sponding Secretary Helen Pine reported that the
III. Treasurer’s Report: No
Pine, Recording Secretary deadline for submitting
report was available for this
Christine Doyle, and Presi- articles for the Summer
meeting.
dent Emeritus Chuck Pine. issue of Photo Notes, which
Treasurer Maria Fernandez covers June, July and
IV. Committee Reports
was not in attendance. August, is Monday, June
7th. If anyone has an item
Competition: Co-Chair John
[As a result of the COVID-19 that has been completed or
Brengelman reported that
pandemic and continuing a gallery they would like
members’ images for the
restrictions issued by the published, please submit it
year-end competition are
State of New York, the Club as soon as possible.
due by midnight tonight.
has not held any in-person The submitted images
meetings since March 2020. Program: No Report (Chair
need to be identical to
This meeting was held via Marilyn Fish-Glynn was
what was submitted
Zoom.] not in attendance.) The
throughout the 2020-21
judges for the year/end
Club year.
I. Call To Order: Ed Lee competition are Peter
called the meeting to order Brandt, Ken Hoffman, and
Field Trip: No report due
at approximately 6:30 p.m. Nina Prantis.
to continuing pandemic
and introduced members of restrictions. (See the
the Executive Committee. He Social/Sunshine: Chair
discussion below under
welcomed all participants, Natalie Manzino asked
Old Business.)
and hoped everyone was members to submit their
doing well and keeping birth dates (day & month
Gallery: No report due to
busy. There being 28 Club only), as well as any
the continuing pandemic
members in attendance, a information on members’
restrictions.
quorum was met. health/welfare that may
require a follow-up or a
House: No report due to
II. Minutes of the Previous card.
the continuing pandemic
ExCom/Business Meeting: restrictions.
By motion, members present Continued on next page
agreed to waive the reading Membership: Co-Chair
of, and accept the minutes of Marlene Schonbrun
Summer 2021 www.ParkWestCameraClub.org 14CLUB Website: Chair Michael will hold the upcoming materials and changing the
Schleiff reported that a year-end competition in names on the Club’s bank
recording of guest speaker the following manner: the account. It was agreed that
Lisa Langell’s presentation three judges will view and Vice President Michael
has been posted on the score images on Thursday, Schleiff’s name will be
Club’s website. Other added to the account.
videos are also available, Maria has some binders
under the Club Workshop that she will turn over to
Videos & Notes tab. Laura; Ed offered to hold
them in his apartment if
Workshop: See below under they are bulky. Also, Maria
Good & Welfare from the told Laura that she will
Chair. take care of the accounts
through the end of the
V. New Business June 3rd in a session that Club year.
will be recorded and then
A. From the Chair shown to members at the B. From the Floor: Bill Apple
scheduled meeting on thanked Michael Schleiff
1. Nominating Committee: Monday, June 7th. Only and Ed Lee for arranging
Rita Russo read the names members of the Executive to record Lisa Langell’s
of the slate of candidates Committee, and chairs of talk and posting it on the
for the 2021-22 Executive the Competition and Club’s website.
Committee: Program Committees will
President - Chuck Pine be present. Christine Doyle VI. Old Business
Vice President - Michael is providing judges with
Schleiff hard copies of general A. "Otto Litzel" Non-Dinner
Recording Secretary - guidelines for judging, as Meeting Presentation of
Christine Doyle well as printed sheets, Certificates and Prizes.
Corresponding Secretary - numbered 1 through 9, This year’s Otto Litzel
Helen Pine which they will raise to ‘Non-Dinner’ will be held
Treasurer - Laura Toledo indicate their scores. The via Zoom on June 14th. Ed
total score will be totaled. Lee will announce the
There being no other nom- The reason for adopting names of the winners and
inees for any of the offices, this procedure is to avoid runners-up for the most
Christine Doyle, the Club’s the possibility of technical points (no secret - Paul
Recording Secretary glitches during the actual Grebanier!) and the year-
moved that the slate be judging. end competition. Prizes
accepted. The motion was will include a $50 gift card
carried and the new slate 3. Other. Newly elected for the winners and $25
of officers elected. Treasurer Laura Toledo gift cards for runners up.
will be meeting this week
2. Final Competition: As with her predecessor,
discussed at the March Maria Fernandez, to Continued on next page
Business Meeting, the Club discuss the handover of
Summer 2021 www.ParkWestCameraClub.org 15CLUB Certificates will be mailed 4. Outgoing President Ed
out after the ‘non-dinner.’ Lee thanked Michael
Helen Pine will put Schleiff, Christine Doyle,
together a slideshow of the Natalie Manzino, and
year’s winning and honors Chuck and Helen Pine for
images to show at this their contributions and
event. efforts over this past
‘pandemic’ Club year. The
B. Formal Poll: Continued members gave Ed a round
Use of Zoom vs. In-Person of applause for his selfless
Meetings. Members again tenure as Club president
discussed the continued for the past 8 years.
VII. Good And Welfare
use of Zoom vs. in-person
meetings. Among the 5. NYMACC Programs. The
A. From The Chair: Ed Lee
topics covered were: New York Metro Area
went over upcoming Club
having a hybrid meeting Camera Council is a ‘club
meetings and plans for the
schedule with one in- for camera clubs’ that
summer months.
person meeting per month seeks to share resources
that would combine a and ideas for its members.
1. Memorial Day - No Meet-
print competition with a It is sharing a presentation
ing; June 7th - Year-end
guest speaker presentation about creativity in lighting
Competition Replay.
(the speaker would also for bird photography or-
judge the prints); whether ganized by the Westchester
2. Outdoor Model Shoot -
the Club can or should Photographic Society, on
Ed Lee has organized
adopt a policy requiring June 4th. Ed will send a
indoor and outdoor model
members to be vaccinated full list of NYMACC’s up-
shoots during the past
if they want to attend in- coming events to Chuck
summers, but this year
person meetings; when the and Helen Pine for pub-
only an outdoor shoot will
renovations to Soho Photo lishing in Photo Notes and
take place. The date, in
Gallery will be completed; e-blasting to members.
July, is to be determined;
as well as whether we the venue perhaps will be
should even discuss such 6. Soho Photo Gallery: Due
in Central Park.
plans given the many to renovations being made
unknowns with respect to to the Soho Photo Gallery’s
3. Full Summer Schedule
the pandemic. It was office, Ed has moved the
and PDI Workshops: Dates
agreed that a poll covering Club’s equipment, files,
for the summer schedule
these issues would be and supplies to his home
will be worked out at the
emailed to members, and for temporary storage.
Executive Committee
the results will form the planning session on June
basis for a proposal. 21st. The first PDI work-
Christine Doyle will Continued on next page
shop given by Chuck and
prepare a first draft for Helen Pine is scheduled
review by the Executive for June 24th.
Committee
Summer 2021 www.ParkWestCameraClub.org 16CLUB 7. Image Pickup from Ryan
Chelsea-Clinton Health
Center. Ed is still working
on trying to arrange the
pick-up of Club members’
images from the Ryan
Chelsea-Clinton Health
Center.
Paradise Lost Senior Moments
Meryl Meisler has presented Reporter interviewing a 104-
images to us at PWCC in the year-old woman: “And what
past. She has also judged our do you think is the best thing
work at Club competitions. about being 104?.” She simply
Meryl is currently on replied, “No peer pressure.”
exhibit (at least her images
are) at the ClampArt Gallery My memory’s not as sharp as it
(247 West 29th Street, on the used to be. Also, my memory’s
B. From The Floor: Chuck
Ground Floor). The show, not as sharp as it used to be.
and Helen announced that
New York PARADISE LOST
they would be returning to
Bushwick Era Disco, is the
New York City, for the first
artist’s first solo show with
time since December 2019,
this gallery and her third
and expect to arrive by
book on discos of Bushwick, It’s scary when you make the
June 7th. Members wished
Brooklyn. The exhibition same noises as your coffee
them a safe journey.
coincides with the release of maker.
the artist’s monograph of the
There being no additional
same title, from Parallel Just before the funeral services,
business, the meeting was
Pictures Press. The show the undertaker came up to the
adjourned at 7:52 p.m.
runs through July 9th. very elderly widow and asked,
If you miss the ClampArt “How old was your husband?”
exhibit, and would like to “98,” she replied…. “two years
take a drive upstate, a show older than me.” “So you're 96,”
of related works will be the undertaker commented.
mounted at The Center for She responded, “Hardly worth
Photography at Woodstock going home, is it?”
through August 15th.
Summer 2021 www.ParkWestCameraClub.org 17CLUB New Member Bio schedule, I couldn’t attend
by Carlton Johnson regularly.
The most interesting
types of images are black-
and-white/monochromatic
captures—images that
include intense light and
shadow for an almost noir,
high-contrast, but nostalgic
effect. I am also drawn to
black-and-white images that
involve an architectural or
environmental element. I
attempt to capture images
that tell stories. Muted/low-
contrast/faded color images
Carlton Johnson captivate my eye as well as All images
infra-red environmental/ © Carlton Johnson
I first became interested in landscape imagery.
photography during my For many years I was take it seriously enough,
college years, first using a using the Canon EOS 40D though I’d like to. For
classic and popular 35mm with 18-55 and 75-300mm processing my images I use
Canon AE-1 and taking a lenses. I also own an old Photoshop but without
darkroom class. My photo 35mm Canon 1V (film SLR) Lightroom.
interests continued after that. …I do miss the darkroom. PWCC is my first (in-per-
Several years ago, I’d Currently I am using the son) camera club member-
done some web browsing Sony fixed-lens DSC- ship, though I have taken a
seeking New York City HX400 50x ultra-zoom couple of classes at ICP and
photo clubs that are active. optical telephoto and the PhotoManhattan. In addi-
I visited PWCC a few times, Sony Cybershot (DCS-HX99) tion, I have participated in
but due to my evening work pocket camera with a 28x online amateur competitions
optical zoom. such as DP Review and DP
But now it’s time Challenge now and then.
for an upgrade. I am mainly inspired by
I have my eyes the classic works of Henri
set on buying the Cartier-Bresson (the decisive
Canon EOS 90D. moment) and Edward West-
For some reason, on’s still life environmental
I haven’t used photography. Of course,
my phone’s there are many classic B&W
camera as much and color photographers
as I should,
probably Continued on next page
because I don’t
Summer 2021 www.ParkWestCameraClub.org 18CLUB today that I admire along
with several from B&W
Magazine.
I hope to increase my
knowledge of the technical
aspects for both camera and
production/output. Also to
learn, share, and continue to
grow in this fantastic medi-
um/art form. Being that
PWCC is a person -to-person
club, I feel that I could bene-
fit strongly from the member
critiques and competitions
involved and also from
PWCC’s guest speakers. Caption This Night Photo Tips
Like most/all of us, I’m
still learning to create and This is a new feature for Photo Use a tripod and a remote
enhance my photographic Notes. There are no cash prizes shutter release to get sharp
experience. For example, nor awards to be won—just images.
I’ve never really utilized the recognition/admiration of
‘camera raw’ for image your fellow photographers. Turn off your flash—unless
outcome and it’s still a bit of Here’s what it’s all about. you’re lighting something in
a mystery for me, but I’m Each month Photo Notes will the foreground.
learning slowly. At times, feature an image found some-
I had gone through a dry where on the internet. All you Be sure you have a fully
spell where I temporarily have to do is give it a name or charged spare battery,—just
lost interest in shooting; or a caption. It could be straight- in case.
due to life’s personal and forward; it could be serious; it
unintended directions (i.e. could be funny; or whatever. Set your camera’s “white
the pandemic) the camera Thats all there is to it! Be balance” to “daylight.”
begins to collect serious creative and have fun.
dust. My goal is to keep this This month’s photograph Use your camera’s “bulb”
activity alive and well and I may be found above. The best setting for really looooong
sense that PWCC could help answers will appear in next exposures.
me keep focused. month’s issue of Photo Notes.
Set the camera to its lowest
Thank you, Carlton, and possible ISO.
welcome to Park West.
Shoot in the first half hour
after sunset.
Bring a small flashlight.
Summer 2021 www.ParkWestCameraClub.org 19Expanding Visions 27
CLUB
© Will Aimesbury
30 Club members submitted
Body Parts
images for this year’s itera-
tion of Expanding Visions—
the 27th year of this Park
West photography class
which combines equipment,
techniques, and creativity.
(In most years, but not the
last two pandemic-infected/
affected ones, destination
shooting was also included.)
The assignments this year
were:
• How Low Can You Go?,
where participants photo- Body Parts
graphed anything they © Rain Bengis
came across,… but from a
very low point of view
looking up at their subject;
• Body Parts, where the sub-
ject matter was parts of the
human body (fingers, feet,
ears, etc.);
• The Glass Menagerie, where
all the photographs were
taken through some form
of glass—such as a wine
glass filled with white
wine, a crystal ball, a piece
of textured glass— but not
a plain old window or a
sheet of flat glass.
The images could be new
ones shot specifically for this
class or older images culled
from members’ stockpiles of
files. Here are some of the
results… How Low Can You Go?
How Low Can You Go? © Karen Corrigan
© Dinorah Capota
Continued on next page
Summer 2021 www.ParkWestCameraClub.org 20CLUB
The Glass Menagerie
© Elayne Dix
The Glass Menagerie
© Christine Doyle
The Glass Menagerie
© Paul Grebanier
How Low Can You Go?
© Florence Forman
Body Parts
© Eloise Huni How Low Can You Go?
© Renée Harper
Continued on next page
Summer 2021 www.ParkWestCameraClub.org 21CLUB
Summer 2021
Body Parts
© Natalie Manzino
The Glass Menagerie
© Jeff Langford
The Glass Menagerie
© Harriet Josephs
www.ParkWestCameraClub.org
Continued on next page
Body Parts
© Doris King
Body Parts
© Dottie Mills The Glass Menagerie
22
© Virginia LawrenceCLUB
How Low Can You Go?
© Chuck Pine
The Glass Menagerie
© Elena Pierpont
The Glass Menagerie Body Parts
© Helen Pine © Judy Rosenblatt
© Marlene Schonbrun
Body Parts
How Low Can You Go?
© Angel Santana
Continued on next page
Summer 2021 www.ParkWestCameraClub.org 23CLUB
How Low Can You Go?
© Alice Somma
The Glass Menagerie
© Marty Smith
© Harriet Stein
Body Parts
Body Parts
© Janet Susin
How Low Can You Go?
© Laura Toledo
Continued on next page
Body Parts
© Marilyn Thypin
Summer 2021 www.ParkWestCameraClub.org 24CLUB
How Low Can You Go?
The Glass Menagerie
© Peggy Winkelman
© Julie Wosk
Where to Travel United Airlines has the and what restrictions are in
answer to that last question, place for just about every
Want to get away from it all? at least. Their website has an destination you could
Where’d you like to go? An interactive map of both the dream about visiting.
even better question might world and the states. Click
Summer 2021 www.ParkWestCameraClub.org 25PHOTOGRAPHY On My Mind Digest crowd, who buy art by
by Bill Apple the yard. Literally.
It reminded me of how
Bits & Bobs scenic designers will buy
books for movie sets, to lend
That’s British for “odds and leather-bound erudition to
ends.” Three left-over items faux bookshelves. Often, books
from this year. are sliced up and just their
Told Ya So. Bragging is spines glued on walls.
ugly, somehow delish too. In the case of this photog-
Check my April 2019 column, rapher, a piece might be com-
pp. 26-28, at I’d written about ing 10-foot gap on a teal or
“The Vessel”: Hudson Yards’ dusty rose wall over a white-
then-new 150-foot public leather Roche Bobois sofa.
sculpture, a “beehive,” actually Vessel Gets Lid Hudson Color schemes, size, aspect
more an exoskeleton of 154 in- Yards’ climbable 150-foot out-
ratios—all are key to filling the
terlaced staircases, landings door sculpture, The Vessel, has
dimensions of a given void—
with unobstructed vantages for sparked three suicides. New will determine which image
sightseers and photographers. rules now aim to discourage
succeeds.
jumpers.
The only problem I could The presenter, indeed,
Photo: ©Bill Apple 2019.
see: jumpers. made no bones about it: she
Sorry to say, by last January was artistically enhancing
February Photo Notes: a mezza-
three suicides, then a four- important spaces for important
nine with a waist-high glass
month shutdown for serious clients inside important resi-
thinking. Now, the re-opening. barrier overlooking a busy dences and businesses, but
Instead of physical barriers, concourse and track gates. with rather unimportant images
That one could also attract
new psychological ones have that no one, really, would look
despondent souls. I hope
been erected: You’re not per- at twice.
mitted entry by yourself, only I’m wrong. Subject matter was almost
parties of two or more. Guards beside the point: generic gulls
have been tripled, and coached Muzak® or Mozart? I’ve wheeling, forgettable ferns
always disliked Architectural
in profiling potential tragedy. flapping, clichéd rock forma-
Lastly, $10 tickets for what was Digest: with its spotless well-lit tions beckoning couch pota-
a freebie. (They say it’ll defray interiors, modern furnishings, toes. Don’t think so.
stainless steel kitchens where
higher operating costs.) What hurt—ouch!—was this
Can tickets and all the rest no one deigns to cook. No one speaker’s dismissive, almost
lives there.
really stop suicides? The jury condescending, attitude to
I thought of that recently,
is out. what most of us would call
seeing one photographer’s
Unfortunately, I spotted a photography.
portfolio at the Club: oversized
similar problem New Year’s
Day, opening day at the new framed artwork, more
“graphics” than photographs, Continued on next page
Moynihan Train Hall at Penn
and pitched to the Architectural
Station. I wrote of it in the
Summer 2021 www.ParkWestCameraClub.org 26PHOTOGRAPHY item that can replace by the same mathematical
another in a transaction, pyrotechnics that keeps track
often identical: some- of cryptocurrencies like
thing purposely not Bitcoin, the underground and
unique, like a cashier’s stateless money. To buy or
check for $1 million trade crypto—“mining”—
standing in for a pile of takes gargantuan computing
10,000 $100-bills. NFTs power. Calculations to deci-
are just the opposite, not pher encryptions are exceed-
fungible. A tech-savvy ingly complex. Ditto for trad-
friend explains: ing in NFTs.
“A non-fungible token is Two asides: Nvidia, the
a unit of data on a digital graphics-chip manufacturer,
Art to Fill Up Space Ikea sells this
ledger called a blockchain. produces many of the sophisti-
$40 set of eight framed posters. You
got the wall, they got what to hang, not Each NFT can represent a cated microchips that drive
unlike a recent speaker visiting PWCC. unique digital item, and so Bitcoin mining. Further, hedge
are not interchangeable. funds have started investing in
Examples: digital files decommissioned power plants
With a hand wave, she
like art, audio, videos, to supply the outsized electri-
jettisoned serious techniques,
items. in video games, other cal demands of nearby block-
esthetics and subjects that
creative work. chain computing centers. We’re
have been reflected in photog-
“NFTs can be bought on talking terawatt-hours (“tera”
raphy’s 195-year history, the
an NFT market. Access to means a trillion).
stuff of museums, galleries,
any copy of the original file, NFTs could be the solution
art books, camera clubs. Her
however, is not limited to the to an age-old problem for pho-
clients apparently aren’t inter-
token’s owner. While digital tographers and print-makers:
ested in that.
files themselves are infinitely Since copies of images made
Her esthetic was more the
reproducible—like copies from old-school film negatives
Ikea School of Art: highly
of a CD track—the NFTs —and certainly copies from
salable, simple-minded,
representing them are tracked digital files—can be as picture
uncluttered graphics for
on their underlying block- perfect as the original, how can
utterly forgettable backdrops.
chain ledgers and furnish you sell someone the original?
Not my brand of picture.
buyers with indelible proof Such worries have long under-
Muzak has its place indeed:
of ownership.” cut photography’s legitimacy
in elevators, lobbies, down-
Which gets you…what? as an art form compared with,
scale eateries. But you’d never
Bragging rights, I suppose, say, painting, which always
confuse Muzak with music,
for something someone produces a one-off.
would you?
could easily, and perfectly, To demonstrate a work’s
copy anyway. Only you, originality for art buyers, some
NFTs? WTF! Have the letters
however, will possess defin- artists have conspicuously de-
NFT crossed your radar lately?
itive documentation that you stroyed negatives or original
Non-fungible tokens.
own the “original.”
Fungible: Economist-speak Continued on next page
Blockchain ledgers, tamper-
for a mutually interchangeable
proof by design, are encrypted
Summer 2021 www.ParkWestCameraClub.org 27PHOTOGRAPHY
World Bee Day
World Bee Day is celebrated
on May 20th every year. On
this date Anton Janša, the
pioneer of beekeeping, was
born in 1734. The purpose of
the international day is to
acknowledge the role and the
importance of bees (and other
Non-fungible This animation—kitty in a Pop- pollinators) for the ecosystem.
Tart, trailing rainbow—brought in close to $600,000 How can you celebrate
in a recent art auction. It’s an NFT, so the buyer World Bee Day?
owns the “original” and can prove it (see text). Buy honey and other prod-
Source: ucts from your nearest local
beekeeper. Raise the awareness
etching stones after a sale, or among children of the impor-
broken molds. Now, they can tance of bees and express your
instead supply an NFT to buy- support for beekeepers. You
ers. While other first-rate can also set up a pollinator
copies may float around, the farm on your balcony, terrace,
owner remains the owner and or in your garden; you can
will appear on the blockchain make it yourself or buy one at
record forever. That could help a home furnishing store.
in copyright disputes. (This In addition, World Bee Day
video explains more ) portrait taken with bees. This
The bottom line on NFT © Dan Winters year, Angelina Jolie was the
investing? I buttonholed an celebrant.
art dealer who lives in my Angelina posed for 18 min-
building to explain to me utes, staying focused even as
© Richard Avedon
why anyone would want to one bee crawled under her
buy— for enormous sums— dress and was climbing up her
an NFT. He couldn’t. The only thigh. “She never once even
word that came to his mind, flinched,” Dan says.
he said: insane. “Dan researched Richard
Avedon’s Beekeeper, arguably
his most recognized portrait,
and part of Avedon’s epic
American West project.”
Summer 2021 www.ParkWestCameraClub.org 28PHOTOGRAPHY How To Shoot… lens (either fixed focus or,
better yet, a zoom) will
Summer is the best time to get probably do fine. But
outdoors and photograph. The know this: The maximum
weather is great. People are out aperture of your longer
and about. And there are many lenses is probably around
activities going on around the f-4.5 or greater—not very
City. Here are two updated fast. This means that you
reprints from previous years’ may not be able to shoot
Photo Notes that might be of at a fast-enough shutter
interest to you if you want to speed to stop the action,
to go to a baseball game or to a especially when your
fireworks display. Just be sure subject is in a shaded area
to follow all current COVID-19 of the field. It should,
1. Get as close to the action as
rules, precautions, and other however, be fine for action in
you can. Wherever possible—
suggestions. sunny areas. Otherwise, raise
whether in a big stadium or in
your ISO, or just go slow and
a sandlot—try to nearly fill the
capture the blur of the action.
frame with your subject rather
than have him or her show up
All images
as a distant speck. How close is
…Baseball © Chuck Pine
close enough? The closer the
by Chuck Pine better. You probably can get
right on the sidelines—or in 2. Show the ball in the picture.
Baseball is America’s pastime! the first row of seats—at a
When you shoot an action
It’s fun to watch as well as to Little League game, a high- shot, whether it’s the batter
photograph. Even if you’re not school game or even those
taking a mighty swing or a
a fan of baseball, or if you even various corporate league
close play at first base, the
understand the game, you can games in Central Park. Even
image is much more effective if
get some great photos. Here at minor league games (the it shows the ball, too. Or, if
are some suggestions for pho- Brooklyn Cyclones or the
you’re shooting the outfielder
tographing the game— Staten Island Yankees), you can circling under a fly ball, try to
whether it’s a professional usually get pretty close. What capture the ball in the same
game (a major or minor league about the regular season Big
picture so that we see the
contest), an academic game League game? You probably subject of the fielder’s concen-
(college or high school), or won’t get really close to the tration.
even a Little League or Police action. But this doesn’t mean Of course, not every shot
Athletic League (or any other, you’re out of luck. It simply
can show the ball. For exam-
for that matter) game. [These means that you’ll have to use a ple, the photo showing the
suggestions are valid for just longer lens to fill the frame. players in the dugout while
about any other kind of out-of- How long a lens? This, of their team is at bat can’t show
doors sports photography, too course, depends upon where
—football, soccer, hockey, you sit. From most seats in the Continued on next page
beach volleyball, cricket, etc.] stands, a 200mm to 300mm
Summer 2021 www.ParkWestCameraClub.org 29PHOTOGRAPHY
the ball. And there are some pays to break the rule, go dropped by the catcher. The
action shots that work fine with a lower ISO setting, likerunner may be congratulated
without the ball: the runner 100, and bring out the motion by the on-deck batter. The
sliding into third, for example, as blur. Imagine the runner manager may come storming
may make a great shot even if sliding home or the ball out to protest the call. You
the ball is nowhere in the leaving the pitcher’s hand, might want to set your camera
scene. This means, like all of as examples. on continuous shooting mode,
these rules, this is a rule that is if you have one. Be ready!
meant to be broken. 4. Anticipate where the action One other advantage of
will be. What is meant by anticipating where the action
3. Use a high ISO. The faster, anticipate? Basically, it means will be involves exposure.
the better. 400 ISO is ideal for that you should aim your Typically, one thing you have
major league stadiums at night camera at the point where to consider during day games
with their powerful lighting you expect the action to be, is that one part of the field may
systems. It should also work at and preset the focus for that be in bright sun while the rest
most ball games in daylight. area. (If you’re using a quick- is in shadow. If you anticipate
You may want a higher setting reacting autofocus camera, you the action at home plate which
for overcast days or other may not have to deal with is in bright sun, you can set
sports indoors. Why all this this.) Let’s say there are two your exposure for the bright
emphasis on speed? You want runners on second and third. home-plate area in advance.
the fastest possible shutter The big play is most likely to If you don’t anticipate—and
speed to stop the action. But be at home plate, so it makes you’re not using auto-exposure
what about noise? For years sense to train your camera on mode—your exposure may be
photographers worried about the plate, set focus, and wait way off. Where you have a
excess grain in film and noise for the action to occur. If you’re choice of shooting action in a
with digital cameras shot at right, and there is a play at sunny area or a dark area, opt
higher ISOs. Nowadays, how- home, you’re ready to capture for the sun. You want to shoot
ever, DSLRs almost eliminate the critical moment. But don’t at the fastest possible shutter
noise. And software is avail- take your eye away from the speed to freeze the action.
able to tame any noise that camera after you shoot the first
does show up. (Ain’t science shot. Be ready to shoot another,
grand?) Of course, as I men- and a third, and a… Anything Continued on next page
tioned above, sometimes it can happen. The ball might be
Summer 2021 www.ParkWestCameraClub.org 30PHOTOGRAPHY Deep shadows may call for a
slower shutter-speed that
won’t stop the action. Of
course, if you have no choice
the first rule is: Go where the
action is!
Two Birds, One Stone Stillwell Avenue. Walk to
the front of the train and take
Talking about doubleheaders the stairs down. Turn right
(well, maybe we weren’t)… and walk two-and-a-half
but here are a few you won’t blocks west to MCU Park
want to pass up. Baseball (the Cyclones’ stadium).
and fireworks together! After the game, either stay
On three Friday nights in the stadium or walk onto
this summer (there were four, the boardwalk. The fireworks
but one already passed, and take place in front of the
it wasn’t technically summer) Wonder Wheel.
5. And finally, be prepared for
the Brooklyn Cyclones will This might be a good time
the unexpected. While it’s
be playing baseball against to use the Club’s new “Drop-
great to be able to follow all
another minor league team at In” messaging system to find
of the previous rules, they are
not carved in stone (the paper their home stadium in (where some shooting buddies.
else?) Brooklyn. These games Here are two more plusses
they’re printed on is easily
will be followed by fireworks for the evening…
replaced, and if you’re reading
on the beach adjacent to the • drop in to one of the
this on the website, the rules
Coney Island boardwalk. amusement park areas for
can be ignored or changed
The games start at 7 p.m.; some fun shooting of the
virtually at will). Be alert for
the fireworks shortly after the rides, the lights, and the
the possibility of something
games end. Tickets are $18 people. It’s free!
that makes a good picture,
even though it’s elsewhere each—group rates are available • Grab a Nathan’s hot dog and
but you must purchase 20 or some fries before the game
on the field and you couldn’t
more seats, in advance. (Park when you step out of the
possibly anticipate it. Shots of
West has done this in the past train station. If you’re a little
the fans in the stands can also
but we’ve lost our shirts, so to bit late, there’s a Nathan’s
make great images. In the
speak, on unsold tickets—so stand on the mezzanine in
words of the Boy Scouts, “Be
not again.) MCU Park.
prepared.”
To get there, take the D, F,
N, or Q subway to the last stop
in Brooklyn—Coney Island/
Summer 2021 www.ParkWestCameraClub.org 31PHOTOGRAPHY …Fireworks
by Chuck Pine
The Fourth of July is the open-
ing of the fireworks season in
the US. Getting good pictures
of fireworks is pretty easy—if
you know what you’re doing.
There are only two basic
requirements:
1) a time exposure; and
2) a solid platform for
the camera.
1. Time Exposure. A fireworks
projectile (sometimes called a
skyrocket) takes time from the
moment it streaks up from its
launch tube, to the peak of its
explosion, until the last traces
will the lens be open for only It provides a solid, easy-to-
of its color fade. As the rocket
a moment of the firework’s life,carry base on which to hold
sails skyward, the crowd has
but the exposure may also be the camera still for a very long
time to exclaim “Ooh!” Then
too brief to record any image exposure. All SLR and mirror-
as it explodes in a burst of
at all. With the ISO set to 400 less bodies, and most point-
trails of color, the crowd has
or higher, a one-second and-shoot cameras, have a
time to exclaim, “Ahh!” From
exposure should be enough. thread on their baseplate that
launch to fadeout takes a few
But be careful not to over- permits you to attach the
seconds. Your exposure,
expose the fireworks. Most camera to a tripod. A tripod
should be long enough to
have plenty of bright colors. is just the beginning. You also
capture all, or part, of this
If you are getting all white want the camera to be as vibra-
progression. How long should
streaks, you are over-exposing tion-free as possible during the
your exposures be? At least
the image. Check your histo- exposure. Since pressing the
one second long, sometimes
gram and/or set the “blinkies” shutter button can cause the
two seconds, and some expo-
on your LCD screen. camera to shake, you avoid
sures even longer.
this by using a remote shutter
There’s another reason for
2. Solid Platform. Regardless release. This release can be a
a time exposure. As bright as
of your camera, the second cable-type or a wireless one.
fireworks look to us against a
requirement is a solid platform Either enables you to press the
dark sky, they are not so bright
to hold the camera motionless shutter button without directly
that you can record them in the
during the time-exposure. This touching the camera.
blink of an eye. If you were to
is pretty much a need for all
set your shutter speed for, say,
time-exposure photography.
1/60th of a second, not only Continued on next page
The best platform is a tripod.
Summer 2021 www.ParkWestCameraClub.org 32PHOTOGRAPHY What focal-length should you ture like f-8, or f-11, or even
use? If you have a choice, go f-16. Which you use depends
for a “normal” or slightly upon the ISO setting and the
wide-angle lens. Since your intensity of the color bursts.
position relative to the rocket Here are some suggested start-
bursts will determine the exact
focal length, use this as your
guide: You want the frame of
your image to extend so that
it includes a good bit of the
(If you don’t have a tripod foreground in the bottom
handy, don’t give up. Place (more on this in a moment)
your camera on a makeshift ing points:
and “head-room” above the
solid platform, such as a fence topmost firework trails. You ISO 100 f -8
post, a railing, or a wall. None will need at least your normal ISO 200 f -11
of them is as steady as a tripod, and possibly a wide-angle ISO 400 f -16
but they’re much better than setting for this.
hand-holding.)
Where should you set focus? Fireworks images
(If you don’t have a cable Set your lens for infinity. If © Chuck Pine
release, again, don’t give up your camera is an autofocus
and go home yet. Although model, it will work, maybe, Remember, use your LCD
using a cable release is better but not as fast as you’d likescreen to check for composi-
than shooting without one, and certainly not as fast as a
tion, exposure, etc., and make
shooting without a cable lens set at infinity in manual
corrections as needed. If you’re
release is better than not taking focus mode. shooting film: bracket, bracket,
the shot at all. Just be gentle bracket—it’s the only way to
while tripping the shutter. You What aperture should you use? be sure.
might even like/prefer the You might think that because
additional motion added to the sky is so dark you need a How many frames should you
the images.) wide aperture. Just the oppo- shoot? Expect to shoot plenty!
site is true. Remember, your Every burst is beautiful and
Now to a few specifics: Which objective is not to record the you can’t predict which one
way should you hold your dark sky—except as back- will be the best. Be prepared to
camera? If you’re going to ground. You want to record change media cards and batter-
capture the rocket’s upward the intensely bright streaks ies quickly and in the dark—so
trail and the blast, a vertical of color. Were you to use a practice at home in a darkened
orientation is called for. If wide open aperture during room or closet. My advice,
you’re zooming in for the burst your time-exposure, you shoot, shoot, and shoot some
of color, horizontal may work would probably overexpose more.
better. In other words, use the colors. Result: they’d “burn
both, depending on your out.” To intensify the color,
particular situation and goals. therefore, use a smaller aper-
Continued on next page
Summer 2021 www.ParkWestCameraClub.org 33You can also read
