Erin Czech called the meeting to order

Meeting items

Reviewed rules for “Phlea” Market and invited everyone to take a look at table during break.

Reminder that Ben is collecting 2012 dues for any members that have not renewed membership.  OPG 2012 paid membership stands at 49.

April meeting will feature an opportunity for OPG members to have up to 3photos critiqued by a professional.

Kathy Murphy reminded members that Art in the Garden art Fair will be held March 24 and 25 at the Hilton Garden Hotel in Oshkosh. She also has entry form for Winnebago Art Fair which will be held June 10 in South Park.

Ann Moeller reported on PUG (Photoshop Users Group) meeting scheduled for April 5 at 1^st Congregational church in Oshkosh.  All are invited.

PSA (Photography Society of America) magazines and newsletter are available for review on sign in table.  Reminded members to check their email for their personal copy of PSA newsletter. 

A photo shoot with models is being planned for April 22 at the Eagles  Club/Electric Lounge in Oshkosh.  Time will be 12:00  PM – 4:00 PM.  There will be an admission charge to help cover the cost of the models.  More details on OPG website or talk to Lee.

A “travel” photo shoot is being planned to Road America in Elkhart Lake, WI for a Saturday in July.  The subject will be vintage cars. Gene Moore has brochures.  Tickets can be purchased on line with a discount at  www.roadamerica.com.

There was a review of OPG exhibit at Oshkosh Gallery Walk on March 3, 2012 at the Masonic Temple.  Lee Fenendael did a great job of coordinating this event.  All members

that exhibited and attended agreed it was a fun event. Over 100 people viewed the exhibit.

Lee announced that if any members are looking for frames, Habitat Re-Store in Oshkosh currently has an inventory of frames that were removed from City Center Hotel before restoration began.

Monty’s Tip of the Month

When your camera is not is use, keep a filter on your lens to protect it from damage.
Lightroom 4 is now available:  upgrade $79 and full package $150

 PRESENTATION

 Lee, Ben and Krista gave an informative presentation on basic lighting equipment followed by a “hands-on” time for members to ask questions and test their camera with the 2 separate lighting displays that were available.  

After a short break, Jim Raymond continued his series on photographers.  His subject was this month was Yousuf Karsh, a portrait photographer.

There was a sharing / viewing of general photo sharing plus March photo project which was “SIGNS”   All agreed this was a fun topic and photos showed a lot of humor and imagination.

Project for April:  Photo Critique

Board Meeting:  Monday, March 26, 2012 at 1:30 PM at Delta.  All are invited.

Location: Zion Lutheran Church in Oshkosh

Meeting Date: January 17, 2012

Attendance:    21 members plus 4 guests

New President, Erin Czech called the meeting to order

There were 5 guests at the meeting.  During introductions we learned that each had heard of OPG from different sources including:  Craig’s List, an invitation from a friend, a photo class, attendance at PUG meeting.

Meeting items

Thanked everyone for bringing donations for the food drive for Zion Lutheran

Reminder that 2012 OPG dues are payable.  Please see Ben Sprague  (Current paid members total 40)

Reviewed rules for “Phlea” Market 

Announcement of photo shoot at EAA museum on Saturday, Feb 11^th.  Meet at museum at 9:00 AM.  We will shoot until 12:00 Noon and then adjourn to a restaurant in Oshkosh for lunch.  Admission to museum is $9.00.   Watch OPG webpage for more details

Future photo shoot trip to Road America.  Gene Moore talked about the racing season (April – Oct), the types of races (old cars, race cars and motorcycles).  Members agreed this would be an interesting photo shoot.  Board will continue to work on details.

Sonny Ramminger will be participating in a basic digital camera presentation at Oshkosh Public Library on Saturday, Feb 4^th and invited OPG members to attend to provide basic one-on-one help to attendees.  He reminded everyone that this would be a good opportunity to recruit new OPG members.

Sonny also reminded us that Camera Casio is out of OPG reminder cards and asked if we have asked Camera Casio if we can display a meeting reminder poster in the store.

Erin reminded membership that we have a 1 year membership in PSA (Photographic Society of America).  Refer to their website for information and benefits available to members.  Monty Montgomery is OPG representative if additional information is needed.  Print materials including a monthly magazine will be available at OPG meetings.

Meeting Date: November 15, 2011

Attendance:  30 members plus 7 guests

President Monty Montgomery moderated the meeting. 

Monty’s tip of the month:  Use a screen protector on your camera.  When you hang your camera around your neck it can rub on rough surfaces on your clothing causing scratches on the LCD screen.  He purchased his protector on-line, but Camera Casino carries them too.

Guest speaker:  Gerry Emmerich presented “Sports Photography Without a Press Pass” which included images from basketball, kayaking, RoadAmerica racing and surfing.  He gave examples of photos with and without “face / ball / feet” to remind us how details effect the final photo.  He also discussed the Wisconsin Area Camera Clubs Organization and invited OPG to become members of this national organization.

OPG December meeting will be our annual holiday dinner at Robbins restaurant in Oshkosh. This party is open to all OPG members, guests and anyone interested in joining us to celebrate the holidays.   We will be ordering from a limited menu and separate checks will be available.  Drinks at 6:00 PM, dinner orders placed at 6:30 PM so that dinner can be served around 7:00 PM

2012 Slate of Officers:

President Erin Czech

Vice President Krista Lutz

Treasurer/Membership Ben Sprague

Secretary Ann Moeller

Program Lee Fenendael

A/V Diane Hoffman

Web Master Monty Montgomery

Hostess Nancy Montgomery, Ann Moeller

Set Up Lee Fenendael, Tim Sullivan

Monty reminded members that we are still seeking members who want to serve on OPG 2012 Board.  Please talk to Monty or any other current board member if you are interested. 

Following are the current election procedures as written in our by-laws:

Nominations will be made at the November meeting. 

Members will forward their votes to a designated vote collector prior to the December meeting.

At that meeting the vote collector will announce who has been elected. 

Those elected will commence their position the following January and will serve for that calendar year

Terry Nyman reminded us that dues for 2012 are due in January 2012.  If you want to get a jump on things before the New Year see Terry.  ($24 for an individual, $30 for 2 or more family members in a household, $12 for students (K-12 or college).

Photoshop User Group(PUG)  will meet in December.  Location will be in downtown Oshkosh - First Congregational Church. 137 Algoma Blvd.  More information including date and topic for the meeting will follow via email.

Photographer of the month - Heidi Strauss: presented photos from her recent trip to Smoky Mountains. 

There was a sharing  / viewing of general photo sharing plus November photo project which was “Night Photography – without flash”  

Photo Project for January:  Food

Board Meeting:  Monday, November 21 at 1:30 PM at Delta.  All are invited.

Location: Zion Lutheran Church in Oshkosh

Meeting Date: October 18, 2011

Attendance:  25 members plus 1 guest

Current paid members:  65  (2012 dues are payable in January.  See Terry Nyman)

President Monty Montgomery moderated the meeting. 

Monty’s tip of the month:  ALWAYS use a neck strap when using your camera—unless you plan on purchasing a new camera in the near future.  Recently he learned this lesson the hard way—but he now has a new Nicon “full frame”  camera

Monty reminded members that we are still seeking members who want to serve on OPG 2012 Board.  Please talk to Monty or any other current board member if you are interested. 

Following are the current election procedures as written in our by-laws:

• Nominations will be made at the November meeting. 
• Members will forward their votes to a designated vote collector prior to the December meeting.
• At that meeting the vote collector will announce who has been elected. 
• Those elected will commence their position the following January and will serve for that calendar year

Photoshop User Group will resume on Thursday, November 3^th with a new venue in downtown Oshkosh - First Congregational Church. 137 Algoma Blvd. More information will follow via email.

A thank you card was distributed for members to sign.  It will be sent to Masonic Temple to thank them for their hospitality during the photo shoot.  Members that participated in the shoot were reminded that we have pledged to supply framed prints of work to the temple for use at a future Gallery Walk.

Jay Ratchman, owner of Camera Casino in downtown Oshkosh, along with a store associate, Ashley, gave a presentation on an array of photography items and gadgets.  After the presentation, members enjoyed a “hands on” look at the camera and equipment.

Jim Raymond continued his series of talks on 20^th Century Photographers with a presentation on Margaret Bourke White.  She best known for her architecture photos but also for photos taken in the German war camps after their liberation.

There was a sharing  / viewing of photos of the recent photo shoots at High Cliff State Park and the Masonic Temple in Oshkosh as well as general photo sharing plus October photo project which was “Wild Life”  

Ann reminded members to check the OPG website (www.oshkoshphotographygroup.com) and the OPG Face Book Page often.  There are a lot of photos being posted and photo tips being shared on these sites.  Remember that you can have your images added to the web site via Flicker – contact Monty if you need assistance in getting this set up.  If you want to receive all Face Book updates -  be sure to click “like”. 

Photo Project for November:  Night Photography

Board Meeting:  Monday, October 24^th at 1:30 PM at Delta.  All are invited.

Location: Zion Lutheran Church in Oshkosh
Meeting Date:  September 20, 2011
President Monty Montgomery moderated the meeting.
Monty’s tip of the month:  Shot RAW – and his wardrobe reflected his theme.
Monty announced that the board has begun to recruit members to serve as officers and board members for 2012.   A number of members have stepped forward, but we are still seeking a vice president candidate.  Please talk to Monty if you would like to have your name entered into the nominating process.  
Following are the current election procedures as written in our by-laws:

• Nominations will be made at the November meeting.
• Members will forward their votes to a designated vote collector prior to the December meeting.
• At that meeting the vote collector will announce who has been elected.
• Those elected will commence their position the following January and will serve for that calendar year

Jim Raymond continued his series of talks on 20th Century Photographers with a presentation on W. Eugene Smith. He is best known for his classic “A Walk to Paradise Garden” and his monumental coverage of the city of Pittsburgh.
PHOTO CRITIQUE:  Pete Schroeder conducted the critique. Members of the audience added their comments also.  All agreed that many nice photos were submitted and that all members profited from the session.
PICNIC PHOTO SCAVENGER HUNT JUDGING: Jim Raymond and Cindy Flood acted as judges.  The following prizes were awarded:

1st Place ($20.00 Walgreen’s Photo gift card)    Lynnette Magnuson Taugher
2nd Place ($15.00 Walgreen’s Photo gift card) Kathy Murphy
3rd Place ($10.00 Walgreen’s Photo gift card) Nan Montgomery

High Cliff State Park Photo Shoot:  12 members attended.  Check website and OPG FB page for photos that have been posted.

Photo Shot – Masonic Temple – Oshkosh, WI:  Date will be Saturday, October 15.  Lee will be booking models for this shoot and a lunch will be served.  More details will follow on website, FB and via email.
After a break for socializing, there was a sharing  / viewing of photos of the general photo sharing   
Photo Project for October meeting, will be “Wild Life”—let your imagination be your guide.

Location: Zion Lutheran Church in Oshkosh

23 people attended (19members, 2 guests and 2 new members)

President Monty was not in attendance due to a bike accident which resulted in a broken leg.  Vice president Nancy Montgomery and Lee Fenendael moderated the meeting. 

Nancy announced that three Oshkosh Photography Group members recently won awards at the Rural Rembrandt 63^rd Annual Show on 17 July in Wautoma:

                        Lauren Radke – 2^nd place in the Mixed Media/Collage category

                        Lee Fenendael – 2^nd place in the Photography category

                        Kathy Murphy – 3^rd place in the Photography category

Ann reminded members of annual OPG picnic scheduled for August 16 in Menominee Park beginning at 6:00PM.  Reminder to bring your camera to the picnic as there will be a photo scavenger hunt with prizes awarded at September meeting.   There is a sign up sheet for the pot luck and e-mail reminders will be sent out too.

Ann also did a recap on the OPG photo shoot survey.  32 people responded.   The board will continue to use this as a reference for future photo shoot locations.  Also reminded members of cemetery photo shoot Aug 6 in Oshkosh and fall trip to High Cliff state park.

Guest speaker for the evening was professional photographer/artist/university instructor Don Stolley.  He gave a presentation on Famous Photography/Photographers 1945-2011.  He also provided a handout listing the names and subjects of some of their work. You can view some of his work at www.stolleystudio.com/index.html

 Lee Fenendael put together what he calls a “Tribond Challenge” contest which entailed 3 photographs with the question “what do these all have in common.”   Answers are to be submitted directly o Lee who will award prizes to winners.

Also, Lee to re-visited his Boiler Face Project which has undergone some modification (thanks in part to Gary Meitner) since the last meeting and asked us for input on his concept and images.

After a break for socializing, there was a sharing  / viewing of photos from the project of the month “Abstract” and general photo sharing too.   OPG has purchased a new projector for use at our monthly meetings.  It still may need a bit more tweaking, but most attendees agreed that the images were brighter and clearer

 There is no Photo Project for August meeting, but there will be a photo scavenger hunt at the OPG picnic

Location: Zion Lutheran Church in Oshkosh

28 people attended

Monty’s Tip of the Month:

Reminder to update your camera’s firmware via company website. Suggestion from the floor that there is a website that has links for most popular cameras.  Terry will e-mail link to members. 

OPG Facebook Page continues to generate interest in our club.  Recent stats:  148 Like – 73 Friends – and 28 visitors during the past month.

There was a technology glitch that would not allow live web access so Brett Stoddart’s presentation on using Flickr and how to have your photos posted to the OPG web site will be presented at a future meeting.  If anyone needs information on the uploading process, they can contact Monty directly.

Jim Raymond presented a short talk on Dorothea Lange who is best known for her social photojournalism of the Great Depression.

Aug 16, 2011 is the date for OPG annual picnic.   The picnic shelter in Menominee Park has been reserved.  More information will be forthcoming. 

The following people from the Oshkosh Photography Group won awards at the Wisconsin Regional Artist Show on June 11^th in Waupaca.  State Award recipients go on to exhibit at the Pyle Center - University of Wisconsin, Madison - in September.

Ben Sprague     Photo:  Drip Drop   Honorable Mention   (NOT easy to get)

Lauren Radke  Photo: Day Dream  State Exhibit Award

Lee Fenendael  Photo:  Got Milk?   State Exhibit Award

Ann Moeller reported on the recent Photo Shot Survey/suggestions and distributed the results for review/discussion.

Ann Moeller also reminded members about the need to start looking forward to 2012 and the need to draft a slate of officers.  She asked for 3-4 members will to serve on a nominating committee.

Photo sharing for the month included the Project of the Month:  Construction followed by a backlog of several months of general sharing photos.

Photo Project for July meeting:  Abstract