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Saturday, June 22, 2024

10:00 AM Zoom hosted presentation

"Amazing Arizona"

Presenter - Matt Cohen

PRESENTATION DESCRIPTION

The joy of photography lies in the creative process and the ability to capture the essence of a subject.  Matt will take everyone through his photo book, Amazing Arizona, focusing more on the Southern part, showing all the photo highlights of Arizona. He will provide tips on taking photos and making photo books.

BIOGRAPHY

I'm a retired attorney turned professional photographer specializing in travel photography, and find joy in the creative process and capturing the essence of subjects.  I've traveled to over 150 countries, attending photo tours and shoots, which provided amazing opportunities.  My interests include fine art portraits, landscapes, and special lighting techniques. I shoot in RAW, and enhance my images in Photoshop.  Follow me for more! My Instagram handle is @mattcohentravelphography, my website is mattcohentravelphotography.com, or email me at Mattread@cox.net.

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What Makes an Image Compelling?

by

Noel Casaje

May 25, 2024

10:00 AM via Zoom

Presentation Description

What renders an image truly compelling? Many photographers would undoubtedly argue that it’s the photograph’s content – the subject matter and accompanying elements – that contribute to its captivating nature. Landscape photographers, in particular, often emphasize a myriad combination of factors such as dramatic lighting, spectacular cloud formations, dynamic wave motion, towering mountain peaks, or a sunrise or sunset ablaze with red and orange hues. However, while these elements hold significant value, it prompts the question: does the mere presence of one or more of these components guarantee an instantly unforgettable, impactful photo? Unfortunately, not. Join us as we delve into exploring the answer to this question and unravel the essence of what truly makes an image compelling.

BIO

Noel Casaje is an award-winning landscape photographer who considers himself an avid student of light and its interaction with the natural world. He has a passion for capturing images that resonate with him and scenes that evoke emotions in viewers. His expertise lies in working in low light, where he explores the nuances it creates, transforming scenes from the real to the surreal. Noel and his photographs have gained recognition in various media outlets. Forbes.com has included him in its list of Top 5 Travel Photographers to Watch Out For. Through his company, Wide Horizon Visuals, he continues to organize exclusive photo tours to some of the world’s most unforgettable destinations. Noel has led groups to explore Patagonia, Lofoten, the Canadian Rockies, Costa Rica, the Italian Dolomites, and nearly all the major American National Parks. He aspires to persist in leading these tours and discovering more exciting destinations in the future. Follow him on Instagram (@noelcasajephotography) and Facebook (Noel Casaje).

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Wide Angle Photography

April 27, 2024 at 8:30 AM 

Wide Angle Photography

Truman Holtzclaw

PROGRAM

Wide-Angle Magic will look at the advantages and disadvantages of using wide-angle lenses.  Today photographers have a wonderful selection of wide-angle lenses at relatively low prices.  We will explore the many different types and effects of today’s lenses, as well as discussing using smart phones, then practice our new knowledge at Sacramento locations that lend themselves to shooting interesting wide-angle images.  Join in the fun!

BIO
 

From 35 years of serious photography Truman Holtzclaw has perfected the skills to artfully blend his teaching experiences, biology background and his love of nature to create a collection of more than 240,000 images. He enjoys most all photographic endeavors which include attending & presenting workshops, leading field trips, competing & judging in local and international competitions, and leading commercial photo tours, but from the beginning of his photographic exploits Truman has always been fascinated with wide-angle photography. 

He is past president of the Sacramento Audubon Society, Sierra Camera Club and the Gold Rush Chapter of the Photographic Society of America. Presently he is the Vice President of the Lincoln Hills Photo Club.  He was a biology teacher for many years and also worked as a Park Naturalist at Calaveras Big Trees for the State of California. Through his photography company “A Beautiful Image”, he photographs individuals, groups, special events, weddings, architecture, and sporting events.
 

Truman is a world traveler. Destinations include Canada, Africa, China, Europe, Japan and South America.  Thought he has traveled throughout the United States including Alaska and Hawaii, his favorite location for photography still remains the Western United States.

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Exploring Marin County

March 23, 2024 at 10:00 AM on Zoom

Donald Kinney

Recorded video can be found here until 4/8/2024: https://tinyurl.com/ExploringMarinCounty

Presentation Description

Over the course of 15 years, from 2007 to 2022, I had the privilege of living out my dream as a photographer, capturing the beauty and drama of Marin County. Each day would typically begin with witnessing the sunrise, followed by a morning spent photographing the serene surroundings of the historic shrimping village, China Camp on San Pablo Bay. As the day progressed, I would focus my lens on the lakes, redwoods, and the rolling hills of "west" Marin. Throughout these years, I compiled a collection of images showcasing the vibrant reflections and gentle ripples of Lagunitas Creek. With its breathtaking views of the Pacific Ocean, Mount Tamalpais stands as the focal point of Marin County, offering alpine-like streams, lakes, waterfalls, and captivating fog-filled atmospheres that make it a true haven for photographers.

Presenter BIO

Donald's journey to becoming a photographer began in 1959 when he was introduced to photography at the age of 12 during a backpacking trip in the Sierra with his aunt and uncle. They gave him a 35mm Exacta camera and two rolls of Kodachrome film, sparking his passion for the craft. Despite initial setbacks, such as ruining a roll of film during his first assignment, Donald persevered and immersed himself in photography during his teenage years.

Inspired by the work of Ansel Adams and Edward Weston, Donald honed his skills and sought advice from Adams himself, leading to significant improvement in his photography. While attending college for electronics technology and later serving in the US Army, photography took a back seat. However, upon retiring at the age of 55, Donald regained the freedom to pursue his passion for photography full-time.

Living in Fairfax until 2022, Donald found inspiration in the beauty of Mt. Tamalpais and Marin County. He embraced the freedom of retirement to photograph the Marin countryside daily, from sunrises over San Pablo Bay to views from Mt. Tamalpais. Donald's dedication to photography resulted in three one-person shows, participation in group shows and competitions, and active engagement in the Fairfax Photo Club and online platforms like Facebook and Pixels.com, where he sells his work. Through dedication and perseverance, photography has remained Donald's true passion and vocation throughout his life.

An RSVP using the Google Form is appreciated so we have a sense of numbers--essential to get the link if you’re not on the Gold Rush email list as listees will automatically get the link on Friday, the day before the event. REGISTER HERE PLEASE to help us keep track of registration numbers.

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February 24, 2024 at 10:00 AM on Zoom

Greg Edwards

Presentation Description
Sunsets and Sunrises are beautiful!  Did you know that there are over 100 different phenomenons that can be seen during them? This talk will go over the main ones (including how to photograph Green Flashes) and touch on many more.  The goal of this talk is how to enjoy this part of the day (and the odd events during the rest of the day) and more.

Presenter BIO
Greg has a degree in Physics from UC Davis and worked briefly on the Hubble Space Telescope. After retiring, he was a Space Launch photographer for SpaceFlight Insider. He now hosts several online photography groups, and has a newsletter with articles on art and techniques distributed to over 50,000 people a week. He is a judge and speaker for a number of photography clubs and has taught many photography classes including photographic judging, macro, Milky Way, Moon, night and light painting, Green Flash photography, Photographic Fraud, and Cleaning Sensors and Optics. In 2020, Greg won the Best Picture of the Year award for the Northern California PSA for the fourth time in five years. Greg is currently crippled with multiple major cancers. You might notice his voice is way off due to surgery, still he photographs flowers from his wheelchair, does some studio work, and post-processing. 

An RSVP using the Google Form is appreciated so we have a sense of numbers--essential to get the link if you’re not on the Gold Rush email list as listees will automatically get the link on Friday, the day before the event. REGISTER HERE PLEASE to help us keep track of registration numbers.

Handout available here - http://tinyurl.com/sunrisesunsetphenomenapdf

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NATURE AS INSPIRATION FOR ABSTRACT PHOTOGRAPHY

by Nancy Ori

Saturday, November 18th at 10:00 am via Zoom

Gold Rush is the Sacramento Chapter of PSA (Photographic Society of America), dedicated to helping local photographers and photography. We offer quarterly in-peson photo programs and free online programs between the in-person programs. Information about our upcoming program is below.

An RSVP to laurief@den.org is appreciated - essential to get the link if you are not on the Gold Rush email list.

NATURE AS INSPIRATION FOR ABSTRACT PHOTOGRAPHY

Throughout the history of art, nature is probably our biggest influence as a source of inspiration, providing subjects that photographers respond to and are moved by. It requires observation, study, and contemplation, along with creative license to crop, assign colors, and interpret patterns and natural forms. The focus of this diverse topic will be on the core elements and principles of design and how they can be found in natural environments as abstracts to create strong compositions.

Nancy Ori Biography

Nancy Ori worked for 25 years for pharmaceutical companies as their in-house photographer and Manager of Photo Services.  She now owns the New Jersey Media Center, where she continues to do product, portrait, and food photography.  She also enjoys teaching photography as well as exhibiting her fine art photographs.

FUTURE GOLD RUSH IN PERSON PROGRAM:

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Past Gold Rush In Person Programs:

Saturday, October 14th  8:30 am - 4:00 pm

Registration: 8:30 am

Program: 9:00 am - 12:00 pm

No-host Lunch: 12:00 pm - 1:00 pm

Shoot: 1:00 pm - 4:00 pm

Program: ICM (Intentional Camera Movement)

Presenter: Jan Lightfoot (an excellent, well-known local photographer)

Monroe-Eskaton Lodge, 3225 Freeport Blvd, Sacramento, Ca. 95818

ICM
 

Break free from the constraints of traditional photography and let your imagination run wild! ICM, or in-camera motion techniques, provide opportunities for creative experimentation and can result in unique and visually striking images. It’s about capturing the essence of a subject through streaks of color, rough shapes, and beautiful light. The ICM approach is incredibly accessible for anyone at any level in photography. In this program, we will explore cameras, selecting settings, and talk about idea for learning to see things differently. You will walk away with the confidence to begin your own ICM adventures.

JAN LIGHTFOOT BIO

Jan has always been involved with photography in one form or another. Transitioning from her own darkroom in high school, she joined the Idaho Statesman newspaper photography staff, and worked in custom color printing labs both in Idaho and California. She became a Certified Photographic Counselor through PMA while managing Westling’s Camera in Walnut Creek, taught photography classes, and led photo field trips. She has presented a variety of photographic programs to local camera clubs in the Northern California area, and received numerous awards through competitions and juried shows. She was a presenter at the 2019 Fotoclave, was honored to receive the NANPA’s 2021 Showcase Award for First Runner Up in Altered Reality, and in 2022 was a recipient of a KVIE’s Juror Award. Jan is a member of the Sierra Camera Club of Sacramento, Viewpoint Photographic Gallery, the Professional Photographers of the Sacramento Valley, and the Photographic Society of America. Notably, she served as the Chairperson for the North American International Exhibition from 2016 to 2022, and continues to judge for clubs and venues throughout the United States. She writes: "Many of my photographic images tend to reflect a long association with classic and traditional compositions with an emphasis on nature. However, I have recently enjoyed a slight departure into the world of altered realities, ICM, and artistic stylizing. I find the challenge of creating altered images while retaining original photographic detail to be a wonderful exercise in imagination."