October Theme: Flowers

Flower photography challenges the photographer to capture the beauty, colors, and intricate details of various types of flowers. Employ composition techniques, experimenting with angles, perspectives, and framing to create visually captivating images. Focus on a single flower or incorporate multiple flowers to add depth and complexity. Utilize different lighting conditions to emphasize the unique colors and textures of each flower. This genre of photography aims to celebrate the natural world’s beauty and intricacy, highlighting the transient nature of life and evoking a sense of wonder and appreciation for nature’s splendor.

Examples Flowers
JC Williams	Cathy Hockel	Louis Sapienza

December Theme: Craftsmen, Artisans, Musicians

This theme focuses on capturing the essence and creative spirit of individuals excelling in artistic pursuits. It highlights their dedication, skill, passion, and craftsmanship, showcasing the artistic process, attention to detail, and unique personalities of these individuals. The theme involves intimate moments and interactions, capturing artists at work, their tools, materials, and techniques, as well as the environments where they create. Lighting and composition are carefully utilized to accentuate textures and details, while framing creates a visual narrative of the artists’ journeys. Ultimately, this theme celebrates creativity and diverse artistic expressions, offering a glimpse into the world of talented individuals who bring beauty and inspiration to the world through their crafts.

Examples Craftsmen, Artisans, Musicians
Chuck Gallegos	Bob Webber	Ron Peiffer

February Theme: Sacred Places and Places of Reverence

This theme focuses on capturing images of locations that hold deep spiritual or cultural significance. Photographers aim to convey the sense of awe, tranquility, and spiritual connection associated with these places. The theme encompasses a wide range of sacred locations, including temples, churches, mosques, memorials, and cemeteries. The photographs emphasize architectural beauty, details, and artistic elements, while light plays a crucial role in creating a transcendent atmosphere. Photographers may also focus on the human aspects of rituals, ceremonies, or the interaction between worshippers and the space, conveying the profound connection between humanity and the divine.

Examples Sacred Places and Places of Reverence
Fred Venecia	Ed Niehenke	Doug Wood

April Theme: Night

Night photography revolves around capturing images in after the sun has set. Highlight the distinct qualities of nighttime lighting and the enchanting atmosphere that emerges in the darkness. Mastering low light photography techniques, such as utilizing tripods, adjusting camera settings, and incorporating artificial light sources, is crucial. The challenge is to create images that evoke a sense of atmosphere and mood, including creative lighting, color manipulation, and thoughtful composition. The focus is on capturing the vibrant cityscapes, starry skies, or moonlit landscapes to celebrate the unique characteristics of nighttime environments.

Examples Night
Mike Thomas	Dawn Grannas	Fred Venecia