image by ginger stein - delaware photographic … of directors 2017-2018 president — fred cullis...

Volume 70, Issue 5 FEBRUARY 2018

DPS, ONE OF THE NATION’S OLDEST, MOST RESPECTED CAMERA CLUBS.

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BOARD OF DIRECTORS 2017-2018

President — FRED CULLIS 302.234.2427 / [email protected] President — PETE CURCIO 302.540.2231 / [email protected] — JON MASSEY 302.836.1285 [email protected] Secretary and Corporate Secretary — SUSAN PETER 302.239.4390 [email protected] Director — IKE GADSDEN 302.479.9838 / [email protected] Image Director — LARRY HINSON 302.762.7453 / [email protected] Director — KARL LECK 610.388.0298 / [email protected] co-Director — CYNTHIA LEE 484.720.8324 / [email protected] co-Director — SUSAN HENDRICH 302.650.2415 / [email protected] Director — APARNA PERI 215.313.8435 / [email protected] Exhibition Chair — DEE LANGEVIN 302.376.7645 / [email protected] Editor — THERESA YANICK 302.276.4925 / [email protected] Chair — BILL GUENTHNER 302.239.8303 [email protected] Trips Chair — JOHN PETER 302.354.1921 [email protected] Chair — GARY ALTOONIAN 610.931.9506 [email protected] Chair — CAROLE CLARKE 610.358.5191 / [email protected] Chair — JUDITH LESNAW 302.762.5916 / [email protected] President — BOB MCCAFFREY 302.475.9693 / [email protected] Hospitality Chair — JUDY BROWN 610.485.5150 / [email protected] Committee Chair — JANE STROBACH 302.994.8167 [email protected] Committee Chair— CINDY MCCAFFREY 302.475.9693 / [email protected] Webmaster — RICH LIETZKE 302.234.3066 [email protected]

The Delaware Camera Club (DCC) was established January 28,1931. DCC is a charter member of the Photographic Society of America and The Delaware Valley Council of Camera Clubs. In 2002 the name was changed to the Delaware Photographic Society (DPS) and the Society became a tax deductible educational organization.

THE REFLECTOR FEBRUARY 2018

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IN THIS ISSUE...

C A L E N D A R

• February 5 Education Night: Developing Photo Shows

• February 12 Projected Image Competition

• February 19 Print Competition

• February 24 85th WIEP Judging; 8am-4:30pm Judges Banquet; 6:30pm

• February 25 WIEP Judge Speaker MAJDI AL NASER 2:00pm Cokesbury Auditorium C

• February 26 Program Night NICK UT “From Hell to Hollywood” 7:30pm Cokesbury Auditorium C Dinner with Speaker @ 6:00pm Cokesbury Dining Room

ASSIGNED SUBJECT – Mirror

W E LC O M E N E W M E M B E R S

The Delaware Photographic Society is pleased to welcome recent new members. This year we are offering two new items to new members: a mentoring program and a “New Member” tab to the DPS Members website www.delawarephotographicsociety.org. Our aim is to help new members with DPS procedures and practices. We look forward to meeting new members at an upcoming meeting.

BILL GUENTHNER, Membership Chair, [email protected]

MARGARET HACKETTJENNIFER MROZEK

NANCY WHITTEN

Holiday Party 4Member News 5-6Guest Speaker 7Meet Our Members 8-9PSA Updates 10-12DMNH Exhibit Call for Entries 13Photo Show 13Cities - Pleasure and Treasure by GINGER STEIN 14-18Image Critique by RAY FIRMANI 19

Showcase Images Projected 20-21Showcase Images Print 22-23WIEP Updates 24WIEP Banquet 25Your Best Friend - The Histogram by BOB MCCAFFREY 26-27Field Trip - Simeone Automotive Museum by KARL LECK 28-29

This organization is supported, in part, by a grant from the Delaware Division of the Arts, a state agency, in partnership with the National Endowment for the Arts. The Division promotes Delaware arts events on www.delawarescene.com.

THUMBNAILS• Education Night is held the

first Monday of the month at 7:30pm.

• Competition nights are held on the second and third Mondays at 7:30pm.

• Program night is the last Monday of the month October — March (no program in December) at 7:30pm.

• Location: duPont Pavilion, Cokesbury Village, 726 Loveville Rd, Hockessin, DE 19707

Guest speaker programs are presented in the Cokesbury auditorium on Level C

• Membership dues may be paid via PayPal on the DPS or Members websites or send a check payable to the Delaware Photographic Society to:

Membership Chair WILLIAM GUENTHNER 18 Kenwick Rd. Hockessin, DE 19707

Member Dues: $35

• The Reflector is published by the Delaware Photographic Society. Material may not be reproduced without written permission.

Please send announcements or articles to THERESA YANICK at [email protected]

• Members are encouraged to participate in the Yahoo group, DPSExchange@ yahoogroups.com

• Visit our Website at: www.dpsphoto.org

DELAWARE PHOTOGRAPHIC SOCIETY www.dpsphoto.org

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President’s Message

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HAPPY NEW YEAR! By now, you should have had time to test all the new photography gadgets Santa delivered.

One of the gifts I received made me realize once again the ability of photographs to bridge large gaps in time. My son gave me a copy of my favorite vinyl album autographed directly on the vinyl by the artists. While planning the display of this item, I remembered that I had attended a concert by this group while in college in the 70’s. Back in those days, you could go right up to the stage with a camera as long as you were careful not to block the view of others. I remembered that I had shot a roll of high speed Ektachrome at this concert and had it push-processed to the amazing speed of ASA 400.

I found these slides in my archives and actually identified the exact slide I had ordered a 16” x 20” print from that had hung on my dorm room wall. I’m now planning to scan and print a duplicate to display with the vinyl.

Looking at that image instantly transported me back 44 years. Nostalgia overload!

Don’t forget to submit your images and prints for WIEP and to sign up to help with print processing and judging.

~ FRED CULLIS, President


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DPS Holiday Party Enjoyed by All

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The annual DPS Holiday Party held on December 11 was well enjoyed by the many members and guests in attendance. As usual the desserts and snacks were plentiful and delicious.

Most everyone left with a full tummy and a smile on their face.The print and gift exchanges were as popular as ever. Thanks again to KARL for providing extra prints.

Here are a few photos from the party, but if you would like to see more, please go to: www.candbphoto.smugmug.com, click on the “2017 DPS Holiday Party” Album,

then enter the password: DPS2017.

Images byBOB MCCAFFREY

Karl helps Hermela and Alice Christine likes her print

Bill Guenthner

Stephanie, Larry and Dick

Charlie and his hat

Plentiful Buffet

Smiling Helen and her print

Selecting a print

http://www.candbphoto.smugmug.com


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Judges Thank You

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The Delaware Photographic Society thanks the six judges for the generous gift of their time and expertise. The participation of our local and regional professional photographers and artists

is vital to the mission of DPS “to encourage and develop interest in photography, in all its phases, from a pastime to a fine art.” ~ JUDITH LESNAW,

Judges Chair

Judges for the Projected Image Competition 13 November 2017 SHERRI CIANCUTTI JOE DRAGON JAY GREEN

Judges for the Print Competition 20 November 2017 ROBERT LOTT MARIA MERRITT ARMOND SCAVO

Gary Altoonian Photography on Display at Art Show

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DPS member, GARY ALTOONIAN, will have 26 pieces of his work on display at the annual Malvern Retreat House Art Show from February 7 through 11. Gary is one of over 100 artists who will present over 2,000 fine art pieces including painting, sculpture, photography, jewelry, fiber art, glasswork, and ceramics. There will also be a special featured exhibit this year of Flora and Fauna. All of the art works are available for purchase during the show. A portion of the proceeds will help to raise funds for the Retreat House operation. The Art Show is one of their largest fundraisers. The Retreat House is located at 315 S Warren Ave, Malvern, PA 19355. SHOW HOURS: Thursday through Saturday 10AM to 7PM and Sunday 10AM through 4PM.

“Beautiful Lotus” by GARY ALTOONIAN

REMINDER: Effective February 1, 2018, DPS dues are $45/member.

New members joining after February 1 will pay $45 for up to 17 months of membership lasting through June 30, 2019. Renewing members will pay $45 beginning July 1, 2018.

Delaware Photographic Society offers a one-on-one mentoring program to all new members. The program has several dozen experienced DPS members who offer new members guidance on DPS procedures, field trips, and social activities. The mentor will answer questions on photographic techniques, gear and image improvement. A mentor is assigned to each new member at the time of joining DPS. If a member joined prior to the introduction of the mentoring program and would like a mentor, please contact BILL GUENTHNER, Mentoring Program Coordinator, at [email protected].

Mentoring Program

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DPS Spring 2018 Exhibits At Longwood Gardens

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DPS will hang two print exhibits in the guest services corridor of the Longwood Gardens Visitor Center in spring 2018. Each DPS member may enter up to five mounted/matted prints in each exhibit. “Orchid Extravaganza” Longwood Gardens staff will make selections on February 2. The exhibit will hang from February 14 to March 26. “Spring Blooms” prints are due to KARL or JANE by March 12, 2018. Longwood Gardens staff will make selections on March 14. The exhibit will hang from March 30 to May 2. Search your files or photograph orchids and early spring flowers in the Conservatory. Close-ups and larger views are needed to express the variety of the orchid collection and the drama of spring flowers at Longwood Gardens. THE CONDITIONS FOR THESE EXHIBITS: 12x16 horizontal or vertical print attached to sturdy

backing board or foamcore. The mounted print should be attached under a pure white mat that has a window opening of approximately 12x16 (11 3/4 x 15 3/4 is ideal) and outside dimensions of 16x20. See or contact KARL LECK ([email protected], 610-388-0298) to discuss details or questions. Selected prints will be framed under glass in 16x20 black metal gallery frames by DPS for exhibition. Longwood Gardens will provide a black & white brochure listing the selected prints. Prints will be returned at the DPS meeting following the exhibit’s closing. There may be additional DPS exhibits at Longwood Gardens later in the year. Let’s make these exhibits beautiful examples of photography by DPS members. ~ KARL LECK, Print Director

Education Night, February 5, 7:30 pm

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The February Education Night is focused on helping everyone prepare for the Photo Show that will come later in the year. Attendees will get some information on how to present their work in a professional way and how to create

a story that will be appreciated by the audience. Thanks to LARRY and DEE for the information on the January Education program. ~ IKE GADSDEN, Education Director

2nd Annual Delaware High School Photography Contest Opens

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The Second Annual Delaware High School Photography Contest opened for entries on January 2. The contest is sponsored by DPS and Morris James LLP. Closing date for entries is February 28, with judging to be held in Mid-March. If you know any high school students who may be interested, please let them know about the contest. If you have contacts at any Delaware High School, please also let them know about the contest. If you have a Facebook page, please post a notice about the contest. There are links to the poster on our public website home page delawarephotographicsociety.org and news page as well as Facebook.

~ BOB MCCAFFREY, Contest Chair

Prizes: $100 1st Place winning image $50 2nd Place winning image $25 3rd Place winning image Up to10 Honorable Mentions

will be awarded

Judging: All entries will be judged by a panel of 3

judges who are members of the Delaware Photographic Society

www.delawarephotographicsociety.org

ELIGIBILITY: Open to all high school students (Grades 9 thru 12) in the State of Delaware. Entrants must not have reached their 19th birthday as of contest closing date. CONTEST RULES: 1. Digital Images only. 2. Up to 4 entries may be entered. 3. To enter: hsphoto.dpsphoto.org.

No other form of entry is accepted. 4. All images MUST be in JPEG

format and are limited to 1050 pixels on the longest side with a max. file size of 1MB.

5. Name, identifying marks or words in any language may not be added to any image.

6. Images may be Monochrome, B/W or Color.

7. Images submitted may be altered either digitally or otherwise by the maker and artwork or computer graphics created by the entrant may be incorporated if the photographic content predominates.

8. All images must be the original work of the entrant.

No Entrance Fee

Deadline for Submissions: February 28, 2018

For questions email: [email protected].

2nd Annual Delaware High School Photography Contest

Sponsored by Delaware Photographic Society and Morris James LLP

2017 First Place winning image by Jessica Zebleckes of St. Mark’s High School

This organization is supported, in part, by a grant from the Delaware Division of the Arts, a state agency, in partnership with

the National Endowment for the Arts. The Division promotes Delaware arts events on www.DelawareScene.com.

http://delawarephotographicsociety.org


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Guest Speaker, MAJDI AL NASER, February 25, 2:00pm

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WIEP Judge, MAJDI AL NASER from Saudi Arabia, will speak on “Turning a Hobby Into a Profession.” In 1987, he began his photographic journey using a point-and-shoot camera. He eventually graduated to a Minolta SLR after discovering how much he loved photography. He is most interested in portrait and street photography. In 2013, he founded the Gulf Photographers Center, a club whose mission is to create a generation of professional photographers. In 2016 the club held its first international exhibition, the AFAN International Exhibition of Photography. Majdi serves as Photography Department Supervisor of the Saudi Arabian Society for Culture and Arts. In 2017, he completed the Professional Photography Course from The New York Institute of Photography. He is an active member of the Photographic Society of America and has attended several annual PSA conferences in the United States.

Guest Speaker, NICK UT, February 26, 7:30pm

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Join us on Monday, February 26 at 7:30 pm in Cokesbury’s Auditorium C to hear WIEP Judge and Pulitzer Prize winner, NICK UT present his program “From Hell to Hollywood.” Nick’s presentation will explore his life works, including the iconic image of the Vietnam War “Napalm Girl” which was named “World Press Photo of the Year 1972.” It was also awarded the Pulitzer Prize in 1973, and received many other top photojournalism awards. Nick will tell how he got involved in war photography as a 16-year-old and spent a decade covering conflicts in Vietnam, Cambodia, and Laos; then the war zone in North and South Korea. He ended up in southern California covering wild fires, riots, earthquakes, the Rodney King troubles, the O.J. Simpson case, Hollywood celebrities, the Olympics, and

the Pope. Nick spent 51 years with the Associated Press.

Dinner with the Speaker provides an opportunity to chat with the speaker and other DPS members in a congenial, informal setting. Dinner with the speaker is at 6:00 pm in the Cokesbury main dining room. Advance reservations are required and the cost is $20.00. Checks should be made payable to the DELAWARE PHOTOGRAPHIC SOCIETY. Payment should be mailed to Cynthia Lee (120 Pine Valley Dr., Avondale, PA 19311) or PRIOR to the event, can be made in person at DPS meetings to either Cynthia Lee or Susan Hendrich. To RSVP, contact Cynthia at 302-415-5852 or email your reservation to [email protected].

It is our pleasure to present programs by two of our WIEP Judges.

COKESBURY AUDITORIUM, Free and Open to the public

Meet our Members, IKE GADSDEN

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My interest in serious photography started when I was an engineer working on professional film products at Eastman Kodak. I took a long break from photography while I attended graduate school, started a family, worked on a career in planning and marketing at several companies and as an independent consultant. After I retired I decided to see if I could revive my old interest. I am focusing on plants and local landscapes as well as noteworthy sites when I travel. Here are a few samples of my photography.


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“Beauty in Red”

“Spring in Yellow”

“Chrysanthemum”

“Space Needle Sculpture Park Seattle”


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Meet our Members, LAYMEN GRANT

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In my short time with DPS, I have accomplished what I joined DPS for. As I was getting ready to retire I found I needed a hobby or function to fill my time. I spent several years in the 1970’s as a crime scene photographer and always enjoyed the photographic part of the job. In those days we shot with a 35mm in black and white. We processed our own film and produced our own photographs when the daytime staff was too busy. Fast forward to getting set to retire, I wanted to pick up my interest in photography again. I was surprised to learn that the 35mm days were mostly gone and everybody went digital. I came across DPS when looking for a local camera club that I could join. I knew I needed to learn a new set of skills. After joining the club, I (I hate this expression) didn’t know what I didn’t know. I was mesmerized by some of the photographs I was seeing. Me being me, I jumped right in and started entering the competitions. That first year, with encouragement from HELEN and MARVIN GERSTEIN, I entered WIEP and took home an Honorable Mention.

I became Education Director for a couple of years and worked on starting up a High School Student Photography contest with support from the Morris James law firm, BOB MCCAFFREY, and CAROLE CLARKE. I learned to go out on field trips with salon members. I went more to learn than any other reason. I ended up making some great friends. The lessons I learned, money can’t buy and the quality of my work has improved for it. I would like to shoot portraits but I can’t see in those little windows of the camera if someone is smiling, eyes closed or any number of issues. I stick to landscapes and nature for the most part. If it weren’t for the assigned subjects, I would probably never get out of my comfort zone. Thank you DPS. ~LAYMEN

“Del Vet Northern Lights with Ghosts”

“Kiss Kiss” “Pelican”


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PSA Photojournalism Interclub Competition

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PSA Photojournalism Interclub Competition round 3 deadline is March 15, 2018. Please send your photojournalism photos to [email protected]. In your photo’s

file name please include the photo name and your name so that I will be able to appropriately

identify the photos. Make sure that the parameters for the digital image do not exceed 1024 WIDE x 768 HIGH pixels and file size is no larger than 1.0 MB. If you have questions about the competition or what makes a good photojournalism submission, please reach out to me and I will be happy to answer your questions or put you in contact with our more experienced photojournalists. Congratulations to DEE LANGEVIN for her photo “Heavy-handed Egg Catch” for winning an Honorable Mention ribbon in Round 1. Results for Round 1 can be found on https://psa-photo.org/index.php?divisions-photojournalism-interclub-competition

~ DONNA MCFARLAND, PSA Photojournalism Interclub

Competition Coordinator

“Heavy-handed Egg Catch”

by DEE LANGEVIN

PSA Photo Travel Interclub Competition Needs Your Images!

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We are currently tied for 3rd place following the first round of Judging. Honorable Mention ribbons were awarded to SUSAN PETER for “Tea Time Bedouin Tent” and to ESTHER STEFFENS

for “Cuban Hat Maker.” Congratulations to Susan and Esther!

Round 2 is getting underway. The 6 selected images and the results will appear in the next issue of The Reflector. My thanks to our judges: LYNN MANISCALCO, TOM TAUBER, DEE LANGEVIN and DAVE OSBERG for their time and expertise. We need up to 3 of your best Travel images for Round 3. Please email them to me at: [email protected] no later than April 22. Specifications: JPEG; 1024 W by 768 H; max file size: 1.5MB. Please note the following PSA definition for Photo Travel below. I look forward to receiving your images. ~ MARGARET HENNES,

PSA Photo Travel Interclub Competition Coordinator

PSA DEFINITION OF A TRAVEL PHOTO; All images must meet the following PSA Travel Definition: “A Photo Travel image expresses the characteristic features

or culture of a land as they are found naturally. There are no geographic limitations. Images from events or activities arranged specifically for photography or of subjects directed or hired for photography are not appropriate. Close-up pictures of people or objects must include features that provide information about the environment. Techniques that add, relocate, replace or remove any element of the original image, except by cropping, are not permitted. The only allowable adjustments are removal of dust or digital noise, restoration of the appearance of the original scene and complete conversion to greyscale monochrome. Other derivations, including infrared, are not permitted. All allowed adjustments must appear natural.” Note: Portraits of people which do not include sufficient environment are liable to be disqualified as not meeting the concept of “features that provide information about the environment.” Note: Images which have been too ‘worked’ or ‘processed’ and no longer look like photographs are liable to be disqualified as not “appearing natural.” IMAGE SIZE: All images must be JPEG, maximum file size of 1.5 megabytes, maximum width of 1024 pixels and a maximum height of 768 pixels. sRGB color space recommended.

https://psa-photo.org/index.php?divisions-photojournalism-interclub-competition.

https://psa-photo.org/index.php?divisions-photojournalism-interclub-competition.


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We need your images for the PSA Nature Interclub Competition!

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DPS has a fantastic and enthusiastic group of nature photographers and as the coordinator it is my privilege to submit images that tell nature stories. My only problem is deciding which

ones to submit. I aim for diversity but am always frustrated by the ones that I have to leave behind for

future rounds. Each and every photo is appreciated and all images are saved for future consideration. We’ve successfully participated in the PSA Nature Interclub Competition for seven straight years. For continued success, WE NEED YOUR VERY BEST NATURE IMAGES for the upcoming competitions. When selecting your images, please note that priority is given to images that tell a nature story over pictorial quality but do not ignore technical quality. No techniques that add, relocate, replace, or remove pictorial elements except by cropping are permitted. Images should look natural so avoid OVER saturation and sharpening. Techniques that enhance the presentation of the photograph without changing the nature story or the pictorial content, or without altering the content of the original scene, are permitted including HDR, focus stacking and dodging/burning. Techniques that remove elements added by the camera, such as dust spots, digital noise are allowed. Stitched images are NOT permitted. Color images are generally preferred. Individuals belonging to more than one club must determine in advance which club will be able to submit their images. Only one club is allowed to use that individual’s images in a single season. Six images were submitted from six different DPS members. I will keep you posted on the results. We are currently in third place but are only two points out of first place. The second round was submitted and the following photographer’s images were submitted; MITCH ADOLPH, MARK BOYD, WARREN HATCH, JERRY AM ENDE, STEVE BERKOWITZ and SUSAN PETER. They’re pictured on page

12. I will let you know how the club performed once I receive the results. Photos for Round 3 must be received by me via email no later than April 1. They must be JPEGs, preferably in the sRGB color space (although AdobeRGB is acceptable), with maximum photo dimensions of 1024 pixels wide and 768 pixels high and a maximum file size of 1.7MB. Please forward them to me at [email protected]. Thanks and I look forward to receiving your images. ~ SUSAN PETER, PSA Nature Interclub

Competition Coordinator

PSA DEFINITION - “Nature photography is restricted to the use of the photographic process to depict all branches of natural history, except anthropology and archaeology, in such a fashion that a well-informed person will be able to identify the subject material and certify its honest presentation. The story telling value of a photograph must be weighed more than the pictorial quality while maintaining high technical quality. Human elements shall NOT be present, except where those human elements are integral parts of the nature story such as nature subjects, like barn owls or storks, adapted to an environment modified by humans, or where those human elements are in situations depicting natural forces, like hurricanes or tidal waves. Scientific bands, scientific tags or radio collars on wild animals are permissible. Photographs of human created hybrid plants, cultivated plants, feral animals, domestic animals, or mounted specimens are ineligible, as is any form of manipulation that alters the truth of the photographic statement.”

“Cuban Hat Maker” by ESTHER STEFFENS

“Tea Time Bedouin Tent” by SUSAN PETER

Images shown on page 12


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If you love photography, you belong in PSA! Benefits of PSA Individual Membership include: • Access to a full range of programs and services geared toward furthering the art and science

of photography. • A world-class, monthly PSA Journal publication delivered in print or interactive, mobile format. • Members Only discounts on photography-related products, excursions and services. • Customized photography education, mentoring and critiquing services to enhance photographic

skill and artistry. • A worldwide community where like-minded individuals can share and encourage photographic

growth and creativity.Log on to www.PSA-Photo.org to learn more or to become a member.

“Polar Bear Sparring” by SUSAN PETER“Desert Dual” by WARREN HATCH

“Bald Eagle and Walleye” by JERRY AM ENDE“Curious Kit” by STEVEN BERKOWITZ

“Double Breasted Cormorant Fishing” by MITCH ADOLPH “Waters Meet at Ricketts Glen” by MARK BOYD


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DMNH Exhibit Call For Entries

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The next Community Room exhibit at the Delaware Museum of Natural History will be “Wading Birds of the Mid-Atlantic Region.” This would include birds such as herons, egrets, ibis, stilts, etc. Images should have been made somewhere in the mid-Atlantic region. There is no time constraint on when the images were made. Digital images will be due by Friday, March 16. Digital images should be sized to 1200 pixels on the long side. Please submit no more than 4 images. Images for the Community Room exhibit will be selected by DMNH personnel. For each selected image the maker will be requested to submit a high quality print, matted in a 16x20” white mat. Preferred print size is 12”x16”, however, up to 12”x18” is acceptable, with 11”x14” as a minimum. Prints

will be mounted in the club’s 16”x20” frames for display. Images may be in portrait or landscape orientation. Please send your images to [email protected]. Any questions may be sent to the same address. The current exhibit, “Fall Along the Brandywine” has been removed and stored at DMNH. Prints from that exhibit will be returned after the Wading Birds exhibit is mounted, approximately the first week of April.

~ BOB MCCAFFREY

2018 DPS Photo Show

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In 2018 the Photo Show competition is scheduled for April 30 at 7:00 PM. This article is the first of many pitches to encourage you to enter Photo Show. It is a unique competition in our club season. Unlike the monthly competitions in which images are entered as individual stand-alone items, Photo Show entries are composed of multiple images working together to develop a theme. Past Photo Show entries have displayed content ranging from travel to advocacy to photojournalism to human interest. Some are serious, some are informational, some are comic. This is your opportunity to do something different within our club. It is an exercise in thinking a little differently about the photos you take and select. I believe most people find it educational, rewarding, and fun. The Photo Show competition has both a print category and a projected image category. The projected image category is further divided into two classes. You can choose to enter one, two or all of them. Below is a summary of each category. There is more detailed information on the website under “Competitions.” Even if you are a Photo Show veteran, please read the information on the website.

I have made a couple changes in response to questions which arose last year. Mostly they are related to the Class 1 photo show. THE PRINT CATEGORY. Entries consist of multiple images on a board, poster style. PROJECTED IMAGE CATEGORY, CLASS 1. This is a Photo Show consisting of ten or fewer images plus an optional title slide. The images must tell a story. The title slide may not have an image. No audio or special slide effects can accompany the show. Projected Image Category, Class 2. This is a Photo Show lasting up to five minutes. It may contain any number of images. The show may be narrated or set to music and may incorporate special effects. Be aware of copyright restrictions when using music. If you have questions please contact me at [email protected] or 302.478.3349 or see me at a meeting.

~ PATRICIA BUSHEY, Photo Show Chair

COMPETITION NIGHT REFRESHMENTS – Refreshments are available on competition nights. Anyone who likes to bake or wants to buy something to bring on competition nights (like cookies, cake, various snacks) are very welcome to bring them! If you have questions, please contact me at [email protected]. Here’s to a successful year of competition wins and great refreshments for all.

~ JUDY BROWN, Hospitality Chair


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Anyone who knows me well will tell you I am much more of a ‘country mouse’ than a ‘city mouse’. In fact, the mountains are my spirit home. It’s not surprising then – with a few exceptions – I find most big US cities noisy, smelly, gritty, impersonal, rushing, pushy, and with too many people in or around the spot I occupy. So, I wasn’t really giving the city of Pittsburgh much thought on my way to attend my first PSA Conference this past October. It seemed rather ironic that my passion for photography was taking me back to the city where I was born, for the first time in more than 60 years. My stereotype of Pittsburgh was one of steel mills, polluted air, rundown streets filled with potholes etc. Even though I had read that it went through major redevelopment and was now on some national lists of THE city to visit….hard for me to believe. It’s a city after all. I arrived a few days before the Conference to take advantage of some of the wide variety of field trips the Conference offered. True to my somewhat anti-city bias, I opted for out-of-town trips for venues offering subjects like

covered bridges, old country stores, one-room schoolhouses, and horse and buggy teams. The other field trips available to me were all in the city, so I zeroed in on ones that avoided the city streets – like the Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Garden, Pittsburgh Zoo and PPG Aquarium, and the National Aviary. Plants, birds, animals – those I would enjoy! I was able to get into the Phipps Conservatory field trip which also happened to include photo ops in the University of Pittsburgh’s Heinz Memorial Chapel and the unique Cathedral of Learning. The latter includes several floors of authentic, country-specific classrooms which range from Africa, India, Sweden, Armenia, Colonial US, 15th Century elegant France, Korea, medieval England, etc. Both venues were an unexpected photo treat! And of course, I wanted to join the opportunities to shoot the iconic Pittsburgh skyline at night – from the cliff opposite

CITIES – Pleasure and TreasureArticle and Images by GINGER STEIN

Glass Castle

Rakes and Roll

Union Trust Orchids


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the city and via the dinner cruise up and down the Monongahela and Allegheny Rivers that meet at the point of Pittsburgh. You’ve surely seen images of Pittsburgh from these vantage points on calendars and posters. Also on my bucket list was an old, decaying castle of rust – one of the former iconic steel mills that built America. I knew dilapidated buildings are a treasure of texture, patterns, and vignettes that speak of decay and lives long past. On the Rivers of Steel National Heritage Site field trip, we learned that not so long ago steel mills operated all along the Monongahela River on both sides – as far as 3 miles up the river. That image certainly confirmed my city bias of grit and pollution – a place I’d rather not be! Except maybe to shoot the rust and graffiti? So after the field trips, I was done with ‘Pittsburgh the City’ – or so I thought! After enjoying quite a few wonderful workshops and presentations about all manner of things photographic – I found myself faced with a chunk of free time I hadn’t anticipated. I had a choice – stay holed up in my room watching HGTV re-runs or grabbing my camera and venturing into ‘The City Unknown’. I chose the latter and here is what I discovered….

Cities are a treasure chest of photographic jewels! As soon as I exited the hotel and crossed a foot bridge, I looked up and saw amazing architectural image options everywhere around me – window patterns; rooftop conjunctions of stepped edges and pointed spires; buildings colored beige, blue and rust; rooftop statues; massive neon signs. Architectural styles from Romanesque to Art Deco to futuristic. And reflections in all the glass offered dizzying composition options! Even some of the street signs and billboards offered amazing patterns and subjects. I was hooked! I spent the rest of the day like a child in a candy shop. I ventured into a small park around noon, beautifully lit with a tall stone fountain in the center, surrounded by beds of red and white flowers. I wanted to catch the fountain water as a milky flow. Fortunately, a gate post offered a solid base and I spent many happy minutes shooting the fountain with various people in the background. An off-hand chat with an office worker led to

Heinz Chapel

Polka Dot City Papa, Boy and Ball

Five Black Chairs


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my discovery that one of the unique buildings of which I already had taken a lot of shots was the old Union Trust Building. “But be sure to go inside,” she said. Inside? POW! Art deco doors, statues, people I could shoot unobtrusively, glass vases overflowing with stunning flowers, massive art works on the walls, banks of brass elevator doors, huge old clocks, ornate pillars and an amazing stained-glass dome. I managed to commandeer a cushy chair, centered it directly under the dome and shot away. By now I was so energized I decided to pop into every building I passed that had unique doors. Which led to even more treasures! I had hoped to make it to the fountain where the

rivers met, but there was just too much t r e a s u r e between me and that goal. As I walked down each street, I saw great images

every 10 or 20 steps. Window signs, lights, vignettes inside windows, people waiting for buses or to cross the street. Fantastic hot rods and motorcycles parked at the curb. Gargoyles on buildings. Lovers under an arbor vine. Mother with little toddlers waiting in a bus shelter. Bridges – 10 of them. Some of which I practically stopped traffic on to get shots of the bridge. City buses red, blue and green. IMAGES – EVERYWHERE! Nearing foot and camera exhaustion late in the day, I finally sat on a post in Market Square during the weekly craft market, put my telephoto lens on the camera, and just watched the people around me. After a glass of wine at a café of course! I’ve never had such a great time taking informal shots of people – dancing, playing chess, arguing, playing ping pong, sitting at sidewalk cafes, etc. And then the walk back to the hotel. Taking the free ‘T” subway, I discovered an entirely new underground photographic playground. More architecture – sure. People framed in whizzing subway windows – YES! And even the opportunity to take silhouette night shots once above ground. TREASURE AND PLEASURE EXHAUSTION!

Chandelier and MosaicsUnderground Geometry

Carson Bridge RivetsYellow Poles


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Some things I learned – other than releasing my city-phobic stereotypes: 1. Whatever your preconceived ideas, whatever the

venue – let go of them for a few hours and just get out and shoot.

2. Go with one or two others if you are uncomfortable alone in a strange city or are directionally challenged.

3. Some cities offer free tours of iconic buildings and locations. Pittsburgh offers numerous tours that feature various areas and icons daily, and even at night during good weather. San Francisco has Friend of the Library tours all over the city.

4. Find out what special events are happening. Pittsburgh had an Open House week – offering entry into buildings not normally open to the public; some with spectacular views of the city.

5. Get a good map and study it before venturing out with your map. GPS does not work sometimes when in skyscraper canyons.

6. Use public transportation to whiz you to your destinations.

7. Ask the hotel desk what areas you should avoid for safety reasons.

8. I suggest a wide angle and telephoto lens. Beanbag, monopod or Joby Gorrilapod-type support might be useful. High ISO capability for indoors preferable – flash attracts to much attention….like from the security guard!

9. Straddling a bridge support and belly crawling a few yards up might not be the best idea – my images from that angle weren’t that great!

So the transformed cityphobe leaves you with a new mantra… … “I love to walk a city, whether I’ve been there once or a hundred times before. It’s amazing what sort of inspiration you’ll find, when you steal a second glance”. ~ ERIN NIEMSTRA And finally – my thanks to that office worker who literally ‘opened the city doors’ for me!

– continued on page 18

Check Mates

Luxe Lights Zig Zag Lights

Convention Crossings Fortune and Her Wheel Window

Musing Mother


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GINGER, past club Treasurer and member since 2008, moved to SW Florida in 2015. However, she still participates in DPS monthly competitions from time to time and occasionally does an article for The Reflector. She also joined the Ft Myers PSA photo club in December and has just begun to get involved with that club as well. There is a very active and vibrant art scene in the Ft. Myers area all the way down

to Naples. There are many exhibitions at various art venues, art alliance organizations, as well as at established art centers. Recently Ginger had photographs juried into 3 exhibitions in the area. Three of her photographs were accepted into the ‘Give It Your Best Shot’ all-photography exhibit at the Alliance for the Arts in Ft Myers, as well as 2 juried entries in their ‘Off The Wall’ all-media exhibit in December. She will also be displaying a juried entry in Bonita Springs Rookery Bay SW Florida Bird Festival during Feb – Mar; sponsored by the United Arts Council of Collier County. Ginger enjoys being able to do photography all year round and particularly delights in shooting birds at Ding Darling NWR, burrowing owls, and the amazing skies in the semi -tropical climate. She invites y’all to “come down and play”!

GINGER STEIN - Exhibits in Florida

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Union Trust Plate MuralExit Duo

COVER: Night Skyscrapers 3

Point State Park, Pittsburgh Dome Maze

“Infinity Walk”

“Evening Paddleboard”


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Image Critique by RAY FIRMANI

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RAY is a Delaware photographer and a long-time member of the Delaware Photographic Society. He became interested in photography while in high school where he served as school newspaper photographer. He is retired from the DuPont Company where he worked as an industrial photographer. Familiar with most types of photography, monochrome pictorial photography is Ray’s preferred medium. Ray is a Fellow of the Society for his services as teacher, judge, and instructor, as well as for his many photographic awards. Also, he is one of the first Lifetime Members of the Delaware Photographic Society.

Send images for critique to RAY FIRMANI at [email protected]

Human interest in a scene gives added interest and adds scale to an image.

The image below has great human interest. A mother and child which adds scale and enhances the tall doorway in a most interesting setting, a cross lighted church doorway. The sunlight brings out the texture of the wall and creates long shadows of the lanterns.

What would the scene look like with out the subjects? Let us remove them and see.

You be the judge. Which one would you give a higher score?

Subjects which add interest to a scene are not always available. Putting the camera on a tripod and making use of the camera shutter timer will permit the photographer to enter a scene as the model. Carry an old coat and hat in the trunk of the car as useful props when the photographer has to act as the model.

Image by RAY FIRMANI


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November Showcase – PROJECTED IMAGE Assigned Subject, Graffiti

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“Justin at Lehigh Gorge” by J DAVID PHILLIPSClass B Assigned High Score

“Graffiti Escape” by MARVIN GERSTEINSalon Assigned High Score

“Del Vet Northern Lights with Ghosts” by LAYMEN GRANTCreative High Score

“Man and Dead Trees” by KARL LECKSalon Open High Score

“Picasso Graffiti” by PETER FORSTERClass A Assigned High Score

“Best Coffee on the Interstate” by GARY WALTERCreative High Score


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November Showcase – PROJECTED IMAGE Assigned Subject, Graffiti

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“Joshua Tree” by WILLIAM PULLY

Class B Open High Score

“Sparks Flying” by PATRICIA VIERLINGClass A Open High Score

“Graffiti at Carrie Furnaces” by MARGARET HENNESClass A Assigned High Score

“Hidden in Graffiti” by LORRAINE KEANE

Class B Assigned High Score

“Determined Horse and Rider” by JOHN MCAULEYClass B Open High Score


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November Showcase – PRINT Assigned Subject, Graffiti

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“Aigrettes” by WARREN HATCHSalon Open High Score

“Graffiti Wall Repose” by FRED CULLISClass A Assigned High Score

“Rustoleum 2 X” by CONNIE SNYDERClass B Assigned High Score

“Bald Eagle and Walleye” by JERRY AM ENDE Salon Open High Score

“Beautiful Lotus” by GARY ALTOONIANClass A Open High Score


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November Showcase – PRINT Assigned Subject, Graffiti

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“Poof!” by CHARLES RITCHIEClass B Open High Score

“Steam Punk Stripes” by CONNIE SNYDERClass B Open High Score

“The Spider” by CARL MEASEClass B Open High Score

“The Bike and Graffiti” by TOM LOVATT Salon Assigned High Score


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85th Wilmington International Exhibition

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Last Chance to enter the 2018 Wilmington International Exhibition of Photography!

WIEP closes for entries on Saturday, February 10 so get your images prepared and don’t miss the deadline! Please be aware that matted prints are not permitted (no exception for DPS members). Mounting is optional but preferred. For details on image requirements, see the WIEP website: http://www.wilmingtoninternational.org/

If you haven’t already volunteered and would like to help setup the apartment for print processing, process prints or

help out on judging day or at the exhibition, please let me know.

~ DEE LANGEVIN , 2018 WIEP Chair [email protected]

WILMINGTON INTERN

ATIO

NA

L

EXHIBITION of PHOTOGRA

PHY

Be A WIEP Patron

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Please show your support of WIEP by volunteering your time, or by becoming a WIEP patron, or by doing both. There are levels of support for you to choose from. The levels are:

Daguerre Level – ($ 5 - $19) Fox Talbot Level – ($20 - $49) Lumière Level – ($50 and above)

You can also become a patron at www.wilmingtoninternational.org Once your check is received you will be listed on the WIEP website’s Patrons page. Contribute by February 10th to have your name listed in the 85th WIEP catalog as well as on the WIEP website. And if you’re wondering about who the levels are named after, there’s a brief history of photography on the Donor form on the website that will explain them.

DPS is an educational tax-exempt organization. Donations are deductible to the full extent provided by law. If you prefer to send in your patron donation, the form is provided below.

Name(s) for your listing: _________________________________________________________________

Donation: $ _______________________________ (see levels above)

Patrons listings: Check if you wish to remain anonymous

Tax receipt: None | Email | Mail (please circle one)

Email / mailing address ______________________________________________ (if a receipt is required)

Mail this form along with your check to

DELAWARE PHOTOGRAPHIC SOCIETY, c/o JON MASSEY, 106 Willow Oak Blvd., Bear, DE 19701

http://www.wilmingtoninternational.org/

http://www.wilmingtoninternational.org


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Don’t Miss Out on February 24, 2018

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WIEP Judges’ Banquet Reservation

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Our annual Wilmington International Exhibition of Photography (WIEP) Judges’ Banquet is a great opportunity to get to know the nine photographers who will travel here this year from Saudi Arabia, England, California, North Carolina, Indiana, Oklahoma and Nevada. It will be a unique opportunity to have dinner with successful photographers you would like to get to know better or to discuss the displayed print winners with them before dinner. Also a good opportunity to reconnect with a member we haven’t seen since he moved to NC. And how often do you get to see the personal photography of those who have just judged your work? This may be the only time! It will also be your first chance

to see all of the projected and print medal winners they selected during the day. So sign up on the form below, and specify your seating preference. The sooner it comes in, the better your chance of getting your preferred dinner companion(s). You can mail the form or give it to SUSAN HENDRICH or JON MASSEY with your check at a DPS Meeting Same venue again this year, the Ed Oliver Golf Club. It has convenient parking and a very affordable and tasty buffet dinner. Plan to attend and bring one or several friends. They needn’t be photographers to enjoy the evening!

February 24, 2018, 6:30 pm, Cocktails (cash bar) and Print Display; 7:00 pm, Buffet Dinner Followed by Program

ED OLIVER GOLF CLUB, 800 N. DuPont Road, Wilmington DE, 19807

The cost is $29 per person. PayPal or Personal Checks accepted. Make checks payable to DELAWARE PHOTOGRAPHIC SOCIETY, enclose with form and send to SUSAN HENDRICH,

4609 Sylvanus Dr., Wilmington, DE 19803

To use PayPal, visit www.paypal.me/hendrich2

Deadline: February 19, 2018 Amount Submitted: $ ________________

Name: ____________________________________ Name: ____________________________________

Preferred tablemate(s) : _________________________________________________________________

If you have any questions, please call SUSAN at 302-650-2415 or email her at [email protected]

The Buffet Includes: • Grilled Flank Steak with

Mushroom Demi-Glace • Pan Seared Salmon with Sweet Orange

Glaze, Melted Brie and Toasted Almonds • Fresh House Salad with Assorted

Dressings

• Italian Pasta Salad • Sautéed Zucchini and Squash • Rice Pilaf • Assorted Rolls and Butter • Assorted Desserts • Fresh Brewed Coffee and Tea

Wilmington International Exhibition of Photography JUDGES’ BANQUETbb

http://www.paypal.me/hendrich2


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Your Best Friend – the Histogram by BOB MCCAFFREY

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Digital Photography provides many useful tools that were not available in the ancient days of film. One of these is the Histogram. A general definition is: A histogram is an accurate graphical representation of the distribution of numerical data. More specifically: An image histogram is a type of histogram that acts as a graphical representation of the tonal distribution in a digital image.[1] It plots the number of pixels for each tonal value. On an image histogram, the horizontal axis represents the range of tonal values from 0 to 255. But there is no need to be concerned with these numbers, just remember that the extreme left side of the histogram represents total black, and the right side represents total white. The vertical axis represents the number of pixels representing each tonal value. Again, there is no need to be concerned with actual numbers, just the relative range of brightness for the values from light to dark. The left side of the histogram shows the darker tones, the right side the lighter tones, and the middle shows the midtones. There are two types of histograms, one that just shows average tonal values, and a color histogram which shows the individual colors (usually red, green and blue [RGB]) that make up the image.

Figure 1 shows both types of histograms for an image with an average distribution of tones with the majority of the image consisting of midtones. This image has been slightly cropped and optimized in Lightroom.

So, what does this do for us as photographers?

Most of us are familiar with histograms if we use post processing software. Perhaps more importantly, most modern cameras allow us to view the histogram of the image when reviewing the image on the camera’s LCD screen immediately after taking the photograph. The histogram will be the best indication of the exposure of the photograph. It is impossible to accurately judge the exposure by looking only at the image. Periodically checking the histogram is the best way to insure our images are being properly exposed at the time of shooting. This will allow the photographer to make exposure adjustments as necessary. In-camera meters are often “fooled” by scenes that are very dark or very light.

Figure 2 shows the camera LCD with data and histogram of the image shown in Figure 1.

Figure 3 shows the camera LCD for the same scene with 1 and 2 stops underexposure and overexposure. Notice how the histogram crowds the left and right edges respectively.


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The most important thing to look for in a histogram is to ensure that the tones are not “piled up” against the right border, or the left border. If there is a spike, or piling up against the right edge it indicates that there are tones within the image that are pure white and have no detail. This is commonly known as “blown highlights” or “blown out highlights.” Conversely if there is a spike along the left edge it indicates there are areas that are totally black, without any detail. In most cases the tones will fit nicely between the edges of the histograms, however, for some very high contrast scenes you may have spikes at both edges of the histogram. In this case you need to make a decision: is it better to have blown highlights, or dark areas with no details? Or you might want to reshoot using multiple exposures, and combining as HDR, or blending manually in Photoshop. Not all histograms should have the tones evenly spread throughout the range – it depends on the range of tones in the subject being photographed. Figure 4 shows an image that has primarily dark tones. In this case the histogram shows the tones primarily on the left side. Since there are tones hard against the left border there are dark areas that have no detail. In this case it is not important to the image to have detail in these areas. Conversely, Figure 5 shows an image that has primarily light tones, over a very narrow range. Here the histogram shows the tones in a narrow range near the right edge. The histogram is also an important tool in post processing. Although an image may look just right on your computer screen, the histogram may tell a different story. If the brightest tones in the image are not near the right of the histogram, the image may appear too dark when projected, or may appear too dark when printed. In short, the histogram is a better judge of the tonality of an image than the eye. The histogram is an important tool for evaluating exposure and tonality. Understanding and using histograms will result in superior photographs.

Newsletter Submissionss

Articles and images for The Reflector March 2018 edition are due by February 15, 2018. Data received after the deadline will be published in the next Reflector.

When submitting image files for the newsletter, please refer to the specifications box.

~ THERESA YANICK, Editor, The Reflector [email protected]


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On Saturday, January 13, 2018, five DPS members braved the chilly wind to visit the Simeone Automotive Museum in Philadelphia for Demo Day. KARL LECK ‘discovered’ this very photography-friendly location two years ago. PAT BUSHEY, TOM LOVATT, PENG NIE, and TOM TAUBER visited for the first time and were amazed at DR. FRED SIMEONE’S collection of 20th Century sports and race cars. During Demo Days several cars in the collection are taken outside and driven by Dr. Simeone and staff. On this special Poster Car Demo Day the featured automobiles were two red 1930’s Alfa Romeos, a powder blue 1933 Squire roadster, 1935 Auburn boattail, 1958 Aston Martin DBR1, and the first rear engine Ferrari, a 1963 250P that won the 24 hours of Le Mans race. These automobiles were placed in the large central hall for photography and gawking. Then the Squire, Auburn, and an Alfa Romeo were driven outside for action photos under entirely different lighting conditions. Unfortunately, the outdoor time was limited by cold wind.

The museum’s photographer, ANDREW TAYLOR, gave a short, concise talk on photography basics. Visiting photographer, MICHAEL FURMAN, gave an illustrated talk on using a 30’ long softbox to photograph cars in a large studio setting. The overhead softbox gave sculptural qualities to the sinuous lines of these interesting automobiles. Dr. Simeone talked about the historical background of each featured automobile. They are all rare or unique in some way. The Squire was technically ahead of its time and carefully crafted which made it more expensive than a Rolls-Royce, yet very appealing to women. This particular roadster is the only one of five made that survives. In today’s angular and look-alike cars, it is a pleasure to see and photograph beautiful, fast machines that were handmade by craftsmen. ~ KARL LECK

DPS Field Trip to SIMEONE AUTOMOTIVE MUSEUM

KARL LECK

Dr. Simeone driving 1937 Alfa Romeo 8CTom Tauber discusses 1933 Squire Roadster with

Museum founder Fred Simeone

Pat Bushey photographing details on 1937 Alfa Romeo

Imag

e by

KA

RL

LEC

K


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PATRICIA BUSHEY

Antique Car 1 Antique Car 2

PENG NEI

Blue CarAlfa Romeo Detail

TOM TAUBER

Reflections in the Headlights Squire Roadster Front Grille


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REMINDER - Images needed for MEMBERS GALLERY: WINTER

Use your creativity as to how you wish to represent the season. For example, you may want to take a snowy landscape image; a close-up of frost on a window; or people having fun

iceskating. Or you may want to represent the season with images of celebrations/occasions like Christmas, New Year’s Eve, Super Bowl parties, holiday decorations, sledding/skiiing,

or cold weather gear such as hats & mittens, etc. The only requirement is that the image must represent the season in which it was taken.

Please submit up to three of your best Winter Season images and image title to [email protected] for publication in The Reflector. Remember to follow the image sizing specifications for The Reflector. Submissions are due on or before

February 15 for the March 2018 edition.

2018-2019 Assigned Subjects

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• FEBRUARY 2018: Mirror - An image with a mirror as part of the main subject or an image obviously made with a mirror.

• MARCH 2018: Repeating Patterns - A pattern in nature or manmade that repeats in the image.

• APRIL 2018: Leading Line - An image whose composition depends on ‘lines’ leading the viewer’s eye to the main subject.

• SEPTEMBER 2018: At Water’s Edge - An image showing a characteristic or activity of where ground meets water.

• OCTOBER 2018: Black & White - An image containing just black and white tones.

• NOVEMBER 2018: Neon Sign - The subject of the image is a neon sign, lighted or not.

• JANUARY 2019: Creative Blur - An image where blur by subject or camera equipment yields a creative image.

• FEBRUARY 2019: Long Exposure - An image that required longer than a 4 second exposure to make.

• MARCH 2019: Inanimate Aging or Decay - An image showing the effects of aging or decay of a subject that is not human, animal or plant.

• APRIL 2019: Nose - An image whose obvious subject is a human or animal nose.

“The two most engaging powers of a photograph are to make new things familiar and familiar things new.”

WILLIAM THACKERAY

image by ginger stein - delaware photographic … of directors 2017-2018 president — fred cullis...

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