Howard Clark is a professional photographer with over 55 years of experience with “enthusiast” and professional level cameras.  Landscapes and scenics account for most of his images, and water appears in about 80% of those.  He participates in two camera clubs and two art associations.  He is a charter member of GCC (1973) and is its only honorary member. 

For the first seven years after his retirement in 2011, Howard and his wife participated in 10 to 12 weekend art fairs each year.  Also, since retirement, he has exhibited photos in 28 different galleries around D.C.  Solo exhibits account for 8 of the 28.  Another solo exhibit is scheduled in March at Brookside Gardens. 

Last June, Howard began a new career as an Adjunct Professor at Frederick Community College where he’s teaching courses on “Getting the Best from Your Digital Camera,” “Digital Photo Management,” “Introduction to Editing without Adobe Products,” and “Getting from Good to Great,” which is an extension of tonight’s lecture.  These courses are presented on Zoom and can be seen from anywhere – no travel required.

GETTING FROM GOOD TO GREAT

Motivation:  All artists and photographers produce some “good pictures” that satisfy us completely.  We also produce some stinkers and, maybe, a few great ones.  I wondered what we could do to shift the distribution in a positive direction.

My approach: For more than year, I reviewed hundreds of prize-wining photos with the objective of identifying what elements in those pictures lifted them far above the average. 

The Result:  Of course, the standard elements of composition (leading lines, s-curves, repeating details, balance, et al.), were at the top of the list.  The effects of weather, location, camera position, or time of day, also, were major contributors to image success.  However, our images can also benefit from subjective elements – things like humor, mystery, or surprise.  This lecture illustrates all of these and many more.  It ends with a look at about 15 high-quality images – giving the audience an opportunity to consider what elements may have contributed to the success of those subjects. 

Please Note:  The focus of this 200-slide lecture is on capturing or creating images – not on processing them.  An hour and ten minutes will be needed for the presentation and discussion.  Two short breaks are included so you can catch your breath.