In Focus: September 2024
Sally Harris - “Honoring Tradition”
Best in Show - Clallam County Fair
This e-newsletter contains OPCC events, reminders, and news and will be published on the first Sunday of each month. Please send contributions to the newsletter to opcc4news@gmail.com. Contributions are due at noon on the Friday before publication, but if time permits, we will attempt to accommodate late contributions.
Welcome to New OPCC Members
We are pleased to announce that Sally Harris has re-joined our club after a several-month absence. Welcome back to OPCC!
NEWS
OPCC Final Curtain Call Scheduled for Dec 2024
After much soul searching, many discussions, and considering a variety of alternatives, the board is planning to close down OPCC at the end of December. This difficult and sad decision has become inevitable due to dwindling membership, participation and volunteers.
Over the last few years, finding volunteers for key club positions has become increasingly difficult. COVID affected many things, including our club. Without volunteers, the Club cannot exist, let alone thrive.
The Board spent long hours exploring and discussing options. You may remember, earlier this year we held an open meeting with club members where we discussed alternatives and approaches. The best approach we found was to merge with our partner club, Olympia Camera Club (OCC). For a few years now, we have been sharing programs and costs with OCC for outside speakers, as well as holding a few joint field trips.
Merger talks are underway, with details being worked out. We anticipate speaker night and share nights will continue via Zoom. We could also organize local field trips, occasional social events, small gatherings for group image shares, and other activities.
Any OPCC members who wish to participate in the merged club next year will receive a free one-year membership for 2025.
Clallam County Fair Photo Competition
From Superintendent Lewis Bennett:
Thanks to Bruce Fryxell for being a great Assistant Superintendent!
Also, thanks to the hard work of our many volunteers and the members who entered their photographs. We had a great fair! Bruce and I convey a GIANT thank you!
These were the people who made it possible by showing up and helping with intake, hanging the show, helping the judge, and monitoring the barn: Kevin Talbot, Stephen Shoff, Mary Swartz, Dana Martell, Witta Priester, Peggy McClure, Suzanne Anaya, Peg Hanson and Jim Hanson!
Congratulations to the following club members who won the following ribbons:
Sally Harris - 1 First, 1 Best in Division, 1 Best of Show
Suzanne Anaya – 1 Best in Division, 1 First, 1 Second, 1 Third, 1 Honorable Mention
Lewis Bennett – 2 Seconds, 2 Thirds
Marian Bodart – 1 First, 1 Honorable Mention
Sherrie Cerutti – 2 Firsts, 1 Third
Bruce Fryxell – 2 Firsts, 1 Second, 1 Third
Peg Hanson – 1 First, 1 Honorable Mention
Dana Martell - 1 First, 1 Second, 1 Honorable Mention
Kevin Talbot – 1 Best in Division, 1 First, 1 Honorable Mention
Mary Swartz – 2 Seconds, 1 Honorable Mention
I will continue to be Photography Barn Superintendent, as long as I have GREAT VOLUNTEERS!
Best in Show Photo Description From Sally Harris:
I was deeply moved when my piece, Honoring Tradition, won Best of Show at the Clallam County Fair. On July 25th, I felt a strong pull to Jamestown Beach, where youth were paddling in the Paddle to Puyallup . When I saw the canoe through the reeds, I instinctively jumped out with my telephoto lens. An elder raised his hands, offering a blessing that echoed across the water, deeply connecting me to the moment. I chose sepia for the photo to bridge the past and present. The tone evokes the feeling of a vintage photograph, while the canoe filled with youth symbolizes a connection between the past, present, and future.
But capturing the image wasn’t enough. I needed to honor the tribe and the canoe’s owner by seeking their permission to exhibit the photo and share it with the paddlers. After connecting with various tribes from Vancouver Island and Washington’s coast, and many attempts to trace the canoe’s origin, I finally reached the Marco Black Sr. family from Taholah through a canoe journey Facebook page. Beatrice Black graciously granted me her blessing the night before I took the photo to the fair.
The response has been overwhelming, with heartfelt messages pouring in from different tribes. Honoring Tradition won Best of Show, Best of Division, and First Place in Photojournalism at this year’s fair. I am deeply grateful to the Marco Black Sr. family for allowing me to share this sacred image from the Paddle to Puyallup 2024.
Other Competition Results
Lewis Bennett has been notified that one of his photos has been accepted into the Washington State Fair’s Northwest International Exhibition of Photography.
He also has been notified that he has won a First Place and a Second Place for his photos in the Elements and Design Category, a First Place in the General Category, and a Judges Choice in the Creative Photographic Art Category at the Washington State Fair’s 2024 Cascadia Photographers Exhibition.
SPEAKER SERIES
Ian Plant - Visual Design Techniques for Creating Stunning Nature Images- September 19, 2024, 7:00 PM
Whether hanging over the rim of an active volcano, braving the elements to photograph critically-endangered species, or trekking deep into the wilderness to places most people will never see, world-renowned professional photographer Ian Plant travels the globe seeking out amazing places and subjects in his never-ending quest to capture the beauty of our world with his camera. In this presentation, professional landscape and wildlife photographer Ian will share some of his favorite photos from around the world, as well as some of his top composition techniques for making artistic nature photographs that get noticed.
Ian's work has appeared in numerous photo magazines, including Outdoor Photographer, Popular Photography, and Landscape Photography. Ian has spoken at leading photo conferences, including KelbyOne and Out of Chicago. He is also the author of dozens of books and instructional videos.
Field Trips and Workshops
Annual Picnic
There was a good turnout at this year’s annual picnic at Salt Creek Rec Area. See photo ( missing are Lewis and Bill, who were off doing photography).
A big thanks to Kevin for doing the RSVPs, to Suzanne and Mary for getting the fried chicken and subway sandwiches, and to the members who brought appetizers, deserts and drinks. Also thanks to everyone who helped with the set up and clean up. It was a tasty luncheon and great to catch up with folks.
NWCCC News
2024 NWCCC Conference in Anacortes
Save the Date! Saturday, November 9, 1:00 – 5:00 PM
From David Johnson, NWCCC Interim-President
Audrey Garbacik will be providing a glimpse into the beauty surrounding us in the deep, dark Salish Sea and other locations and talk about joy in photography.
This Conference will be held in scenic, historic, Anacortes, Washington - hub of Island and San Juan Counties and gateway to Northwest Washington and Victoria, BC.
The NWCCC will be identifying sightseeing, cultural, and photographic opportunities for visitors to the area to help entice attendees. Car-pooling is encouraged for new visitors to this area, so party-up and make it a weekend adventure.
Regional and migratory birds, Deception Pass, Mt. Baker, maybe even whale watching in addition to the many amenities available in the surrounding area will be potential features.
The Conference flyer can be viewed by clicking HERE.
Additional note:
Large Print maximum print sizes match the Clallam County Fair specifications. For large prints, that equals a max. 320 sq. inches (ex. 16x20 or area equivilent) including the matte.
Small print max size is 96 sq. inches (ex. 8X12 or area equivilent) and minimum size 5x7 in.
Other News
Upcoming Events & Workshops
The Port Angeles Fine Arts Center has started to offer photographic workshops. To view their website, click HERE.