JANUARY 26, 2017 – 7:30 PM

The American West in Focus - Mike Shaefer

Mark your calendars for 7:30 pm on January 26, 2017 for the Atlanta Photographic Society’s first Program Night of the year.  Mike Shaefer, APS Photographer of the Year 2013 and 2014 and four time winner of the APS Presentation Medal, will present The American West in Focus.

Monument Valley at Sunset by Mike Shaefer

We have enjoyed Mike’s travel photography for years, and he has recently inspired us with stunning images depicting cowboys and horses of the American West. His presentation on January 26 will share a selection of images from the American West, taken using both film and digital formats. 

Much practical information will be shared, and Mike will also discuss his philosophy of photography. What makes a good photograph? Can a photograph be well done but not perfect?  In the age of digital photography and endless manipulation could it be we are missing something? It should be a lively discussion and the audience will be encouraged to participate.

The Wrangler by Mike Shaefer

Some of Mike's images that will be included:  His evocative image, Winter Roundup, won Best in Show as well as the People's Choice Award in the APS 2016 Salon Exhibition. In this years Masters Competition Winter Roundup also won First Place for Color. In our 2015 Salon Mike's image, The Wrangler, also won Best in Show. Both images capture the essence of the American West and will be part of the discussion on January 26th.

About Mike Shaefer   

Mike is a well-known talent in photography circles. In 2014, Mike won well deserved national recognition as 2013’s First Place Winner in Digital Photography Magazine’s Annual Your Best Shot Contest.  Mike was also recognized in 2014 by the national Photographic Society of America (PSA) with a Blue Ribbon for one of his images in the Projected Image division.

Originally from Indianapolis, Mike currently resides in Midtown. He works full-time as a pharmacist. However, photography and travel are his true passions. He has been fortunate enough to have traveled all over the world. His photographic goal is to look for elements of color and design found in objects and people. He enjoys creating photos which inspire and bring forth an emotional response from the viewer; that one of the kind photo that keeps drawing you back.

FEBRUARY 23, 2017 – 7:30 PM

How the Image Was Made - Chris Handley and Jim Harrison

Also: Members & Guests Critique

APS members Chris Handley and Jim Harrison will share all the details of how two of their favorite images were made.  They will cover their creative thought processes and the technical details of image capture and processing.

First, Poison Ivy by Chris Handley 

Chris Handley's image will be Poison Ivy, the First Place Monochrome winner in the APS Masters Competition for 2016. This image really shows off Chris's imagination, plus his art director, photography and image processing skills.  

Poison Ivy artfully combines two separate images, making a truly compelling and powerful result.

Poison Ivy by Chris Handley 

And, Almost Sundown by Jim Harrison

Jim Harrison's Almost Sundown has never won anything, but it's one of Jim's favorites, plus, it's been a good seller, now being enjoyed in the homes of several happy customers.

The product of one lucky trip (out of many hundreds) to the Blue Ridge Parkway, Almost Sundown combines 12 images into a soothing and luminous, but realistic, high dynamic range panorama (HDR - Pano).

Almost Sundown by Jim Harrison

Members and Guests Critique

Informal comments and critique will be shared for print images brought to the meeting by members and guests. Please bring 1 to 3 unmounted prints for critique by the group.

This is a great way for new members and guests to "get their feet wet" by getting feedback on their images.  It's good experience, ideal for learning from everyone's expertise, and an excellent way to prepare your images for APS competitions.

MARCH 23, 2017 – 7:30 PM

Cumberland Island - Gary Gruby, and 

Bosque del Apache Workshop - Darryl Neil and Shekar Narayanan

Cumberland Island

Professional photographer and good friend of APS, Gary Gruby, will talk about Cumberland Island photography opportunities.  Cumberland Island is a renowned "Sea Island" off the coast of Georgia that is mostly wilderness. 

 Cumberland Morning by Jim Harrison

Gary leads regular "Cumberland Island Safaris" for artists and photographers.  (Please see: Cumberland Island Safari for more details.)  In addition, two members who have visited Cumberland Island with Gary, Al McLeod and Jim Harrison, will share some of their Cumberland images and experiences.

Pair of Fiddlers by Jim Harrison

Bosque del Apache

For the second part of the the program evening, APS members Darryl Neil and Shekar Narayanan will relate their experiences and images from their December 2016 trip to Bosque del Apache (Apache Woods), a wildlife refuge in Southern New Mexico.

This preserve is visited by 10's of thousands of migratory birds every December, and is well know as one of the most spectacular bird and wildlife photography sites in North America.

This workshop was hosted by Larry Winslett (Larry Winslett Photography), and it's available again, December 2017.

We're all salivating to see what they've captured in that special winter light and landscape.

APRIL 27, 2017 – 7:30 PM

Bosque del Apache Workshop

APS members Darryl Neil and Shekar Narayanan will relate their experiences and images from their December 2016 trip to Bosque del Apache (Apache Woods), a wildlife refuge in Southern New Mexico.

This preserve is visited by 10's of thousands of migratory birds every December, and is well know as one of the most spectacular bird and wildlife photography sites in North America.

The workshop was hosted by Larry Winslett (Larry Winslett Photography), and it's available again, December 2017.

We're all salivating to see what they've captured in that special winter light and landscape.

What’s In Your Bag?/Camera Cleaning  

So what’s in your camera bag?  The first half April’s program is designed to let out your gear-head self and show the club what your favorite camera equipment is. Do you have a tripod you can’t part with? A lens you love more than your first born? Mirror-less rocks and the rest of you are dinosaurs? Bring your best stuff to our show and tell and let’s share with each other in an APS mix and mingle.

And, camera cleaning. In keeping with what’s in your bag night, Berrie Smith will be in attendance all night to do expert camera cleanings. A total cleaning will run only $35 and lens cleanings are only $10. In addition, anyone participating in What’s in your Bag? will be entered in a drawing for a free camera cleaning so be sure and participate!

MAY 25, 2017 – 7:30 PM

Problem Solving in Photography -Jim Zuckerman - Professional Photographer

Open House Special Event - (You need not be a member or become a member to attend.)

Jim Zuckerman will talk about how he has dealt with numerous challenges while traveling and shooting.  He will also weave in some interesting stories, like the stupidest thing any photographer has ever done!

About Jim Zuckerman

Jim Zuckerman left his medical studies in 1970 to pursue his love of photography and turn it into a career. Jim specializes in wildlife, nature, and travel photography, macro work, and digital effects. 

His diversity in technique and style is unique in the professional arena.  He states that he only photographs beauty,  leaving the dark side of life to other photographers. Jim was a contributing editor to  Petersen’s Photographic Magazine and Shutterbug Magazine for decades, and has authored of 25 books on photography.  

His images, articles, and photo features have been published in scores of books and magazines including Time-Life books, publications of the National Geographic Society, the Economist, Omni Magazine, and Life Magazine.  Jim leads photography tours to exotic destinations such as Indonesia, Ethiopia, Namibia, Kenya, Kazakhstan, Patagonia, Iceland, Egypt, and Brazil, plus conducts workshops to photograph frogs and reptiles, snowy owls, carnival in Venice, and more.

Jim's monthly newsletter is marvelous, containing lots of his images, practical advice and highlights of his photo tours.  It's free and you can sign-up here.

JUNE 22, 2017 – 7:30 PM

Jason Thrasher – Professional Photographer

Jason Thrasher is a professional photographer and director whose studio is located in the historic Five Points district of Athens, GA. Thrasher specializes in fine art, music, wedding and commercial photography. 

His first book, Athens Potluck is forthcoming in late 2017, from Deeds Publishing.  Jason will give us insights into the making of Athens Potluck as well as sharing his experiences as an Athens area photographer. Come join us on Thursday, June 23, for this unique experience.

To see a cool video on his book as well as preview his photos, please go to: https://www.indiegogo.com/projects/athens-potluck-a-photo-book-by-jason-thrasher-music-books#/

Athens Potluck by Jason Thrasher

Members (and Guests) Critique

The second half of our June program will be a club self-critique so bring your best photos and get the benefit of your fellow member’s insight. This will be a great opportunity to preview your entries for our Theme Exhibition as well as our salon and future competitions.

No programs scheduled in July & August.

Enjoy your summer!

SEPTEMBER 28, 2017 – 7:30 PM

Program planning is ongoing.  Please check back.

OCTOBER 26, 2017 – 7:30 PM

Business Meeting and Officer Elections

Program after the business meeting. Program planning is ongoing.  Please check back.

No programs scheduled in November or December

Happy Holidays!