The Sioux City Camera Club recently hosted the N4C Photographers' Convention from October 3-5, 2024, at Ponca State Park. The event brought together top photographers from the North Central Camera Club Council (N4C) eleven-state region, where participants enjoyed outdoor activities, educational sessions, and various field trips to local attractions. Alongside the event, attendees were treated to an Awards banquet arranged by the Sioux City Camera Club.

After the convention, excess food from the banquet did not go to waste. In the spirit of giving back to the community, the Sioux City Camera Club arranged for the food to be distributed to Hope Street of Siouxland, a local organization dedicated to supporting those facing homelessness, addiction, and mental illness.

Since its opening in June 2019, Hope Street of Siouxland has been providing a continuum of care, focusing on offering a safe and sober home for adult males seeking recovery. The organization works tirelessly to create an inclusive and collaborative community, helping those in need find stability and support. This gesture by the Sioux City Camera Club reflects their commitment not only to the arts but also to fostering a stronger and more compassionate Siouxland community.

The Sioux City Camera Club will be this year's hosts for the 2024 N4C Fall Convention titled "Think, Imagine, Create in Siouxland". The Sioux City Camera Club's Convention Planning Committee has organized an exciting and informative 3-day convention that will offer participants a wide range of programs and activities. This convention, which is held in conjunction with the North Central Camera Club Council (N4C), will provide an opportunity for photographers of all levels to come together, network, and learn from experts in the field. The convention will be held at the beautiful Ponca State Park conference center in Ponca, Nebraska, 25 miles Northwest of Sioux City, Iowa. This conference center offers a variety of facilities and amenities that will make our convention a comfortable and enjoyable experience.

Ponca State Park is a stunning natural forested paradise. With its pristine landscapes, diverse wildlife, and breathtaking views, this park offers a truly enchanting experience for visitors of all ages. It's one of Nebraska's most visited state parks, and is popular for it's forested hills, scenic vistas, and great wildlife watching. Visitors have the chance to witness a wide variety of creatures in their natural habitat. The park is home to a variety of bird species, including bald eagles, wild turkeys, and waterfowl. You might also catch a glimpse of deer, bobcat, and other mammals roaming through the park.  The convention promises to be an exciting and enriching experience for photographers of all levels. It will offer a chance to learn new skills, network with fellow photographers, and indulge in their passion for the craft.

For complete details and to register go to 2024n4cconvention.com.

 

Photographer of the Year Awards Advance Level:

Photographer of the Year - Douglas Conrad

Digital Color Image Maker of the Year - Douglas Conrad

Digital Black & White Image Maker of the Year - Douglas Conrad

Black and White Print Maker of the Year - Kevin Smith

Pictorial (Color) Print Maker of the Year - Carey Anderson

Photographer of the Year Awards Entry Level:

Photographer of the Year - Ed Hohenstein

Digital Color Image Maker of the Year - Ed Hohenstein

Digital Black & White Image Maker of the Year - Karlene Hohenstein

Print Color Open Class Winners:

1st Place - Douglas Conrad - "Bashful Buzzard"

2nd Place - Douglas Conrad - "Star Trails Over Church"

3rd Place - Jack Bristow - "Early Fall"

HM - Kevin Smith - "Covered Bridge"

HM - Mitch Keller - "Veterans Bridge Blue"

Print Black & White Open Class Winners:

1st Place - Mary Klauer - "Endless Road"

2nd Place - Kevin Smith - "Bossi Harbor Lighthouse"

3rd Place - Douglas Conrad - "Feather Dancing"

Print Color Previously Entered Winners:

1st Place - Randy Schoener - "Monarch on Milkweed"

2nd Place - Douglas Conrad - "Kootenai River Sunset"

3rd Place - Jack Bristow - "Hibiscus"

Print Black & White Previously Entered Winners:

1st Place - Douglas Conrad - "Infinity Pool Cancun"

2nd Place - Douglas Conrad - "Lead Guitarist War and Treaty"

Digital Black & White Open Class Advance Image Winners:

1st Place - Peg Gilbert - "Oriole"

2nd Place - Gary Gilbert - "Tiny Spider"

3rd Place - Gary Gilbert - "Honey Bee"

HM - Carl Hardy - "Fish Sculptures"

Digital Color Open Class Advance Image Winners:

1st Place - Peg Gilbert - "Hummingbird"

2nd Place - Peg Gilbert - "Bubbles"

3rd Place - Douglas Conrad - "Sunset at the Fair"

HM - Mitch Keller - "Zurich Skylight"

HM - Randy Schoener - "Ingemann Danish Lutheran Church"

Digital B&W Previously Entered Advance Image Winners:

1st Place - Gary Gilbert - "Just Looking"

2nd Place - Peg Gilbert - "Wings Up"

3rd Place - Gary Gilbert - "Stay Back"

Digital Color Previously Entered Advance Image Winners:

1st Place - Mitch Keller - "Oberbaumbruecke"

2nd Place - Mitch Keller - "Prague Concert House"

3rd Place - Peg Gilbert - "Golden Moon"

HM - Douglas Conrad - "Buttercup Sand Dunes"

Digital B&W Open Class Entry Level Image Winners:

1st Place - Ed Hohenstein - "Sphere"

Digital Color Open Class Entry Level Image Winners:

1st Place - Ed Hohenstein - "Desert Garden"

Digital B&W Previously Entered Entry Level Image Winners:

1st Place - Ed Hohenstein - "Egg"

Digital Color Previously Entered Entry Level Image Winners:

1st Place - Ed Hohenstein - "Baby Whale"

Congratulations to all the winners. You can view all the winning images on the our websites Gallery page by clicking here.

George Lindblade, a renowned Siouxland historian, will be our guest speaker.  George is an icon in Siouxland for his extensive work in presenting the history of Siouxland in photography and is responsible for the photography in many of the area historical books. 

The following awards will be presented for both Advanced and Entry Level Photographers:

• Best black & white digital image of the year (Previously Submitted and Open Class)
• Best black & white print image of the year (Previously Submitted and Open Class)
• Best color digital image of the year (Previously Submitted and Open Class)
• Best color print image of the year (Previously Submitted and Open Class)
• Photographer of the Year
• Black & white print Photographer of the Year
• Black & white digital Photographer of the Year
• Color print Photographer of the Year
• Color digital Photographer of the Year

The deadline for submitting your year-end digital and print entries is Friday, May 3rd, by 5:00 pm.  Digital entries are to be sent via email to [email protected].  Be sure to include what you are submitting in the subject line, such as Previously Entered and or Open Class, as well as Advanced or Entry Level.  Your print entries can be dropped off at the April 25th meeting or at Carl Hardy's, 3236 Maplewood.

You may enter 2 digital black & white and color images and 2 black & white and color print images in each category (Previously Submitted, Open Class).  Previously Submitted entries SCCC  have been submitted in this years monthly competition.  Open Class entries are unrestricted.  Images that have previously won an image of the year award are not eligible.

Digital images need to be re-named and resized (1920 pixels on the long side and no more than 750 KB) the same manner in which you have been entering monthly competitions.

All prints must be unmounted and may be any size or shape not to exceed 11x14 inches and a minimum size of 8x10 inches.

The Sioux City Camera Club is proud to announce that the N4C 2024 Annual Convention will be held in Sioux City, a Tri-State River City in NW Iowa.

The N4C 2024 Annual Convention is scheduled for October 3-5, 2024, at Ponca State Park in Ponca, Nebraska, about 20 miles NW of Sioux City.

Carl Hardy, Convention Chairman; Tom Schoening, Assistant Convention Chairman; and SCCC Member Nick Masuen spent a full day at Ponca State Park discussing our plans with the park officials.

“After spending a whole day with the Ponca State Park officials, we are convinced that this area and Venue will be the best area to host the N4C 2024 Annual National Convention,” said Carl Hardy.

Tom Schoening, with the help of Hardy, put together a comprehensive video which was shown at the recent 2023 N4C Annual Convention in Dubuque, Iowa. https://youtu.be/3tuzL-UVK0Y?feature=shared

“We feel with the 2020 preparation in hand it will make it much easier to make this Convention a success,” said Tom Schoening.

Carl Hardy

The Sioux City Camera Club’s annual Christmas party will be held on Thursday, December 14th at the Sioux City Art Centers Gilchrist Learning Center. This new facility is adjacent to the Art Center and will provide the perfect venue for our event.

The party will begin at 6:00 pm, and the evening will be filled with good food, fellowship, and an informative program. The meal will be catered, at a cost of $10.00 per person to cover some of the expenses.

All members and their family are invited to attend this festive occasion. It will be a great opportunity to socialize with fellow photography enthusiasts and enjoy a fun evening together.

After the meal, Gary Gilbert will be presenting a program sharing his insights on landscape photography, with a special focus on Yellowstone. Additionally, he will be discussing Lightroom’s generative fill feature and how it can be used to enhance our landscape images.

To RSVP, please click here no later than December 11th even if you have previously paid. Payment can be made at the door or sent to our Treasurer, Julia Harbeck, at 1006 Logan St., Sioux City, IA 51105.

We look forward to celebrating the holiday season with you. Bring your family and friends, and join us for an evening of good food, photography education, and good times. 

The Sioux City Camera Club's annual Awards Banquet is set for 6-8pm, Thursday May 11th at the Sioux City Art Center.  The event will be catered by Sneaky's Chicken and the cost will be $10.00 per person payable in advance to help defray the expense.  Payment can be made at our April 27th meeting.  If you can't make the meeting you can mail a check to Julia Harbeck at 1006 Logan St., Sioux City, IA 51105.

Jason Pfitzer, a Professional Photographer from Sioux Falls, South Dakota will be our guest speaker.  Jason is the owner of Jason Pfitzer Photography in Sioux Falls and was recommended by President Lucas Harbeck.  Check out his website at jasonpfitzerphotography.com.

The following awards will be presented for both Advanced and Entry Level Photographers:

• Best black & white digital image of the year (Previously Submitted and Open Class)
• Best black & white print image of the year (Previously Submitted and Open Class)
• Best color digital image of the year (Previously Submitted and Open Class)
• Best color print image of the year (Previously Submitted and Open Class)
• Photographer of the Year
• Black & white print Photographer of the Year
• Black & white digital Photographer of the Year
• Color print Photographer of the Year
• Color digital Photographer of the Year

The deadline for submitting your year-end digital entries will be Saturday, April 29th, by 5:00 pm.  Digital entries are to be sent via email to [email protected].  Be sure to include what you are submitting in the subject line, such as Previously Entered and or Open Class, as well as Advanced or Entry Level.  Print entries are to be dropped off at the April 27th meeting.

You may enter 2 digital black & white and color images and 2 black & white and color print images in each category (Previously Submitted, Open Class).  Previously Submitted entries must have been submitted in this years monthly competition.  Open Class entries are unrestricted.  Images that have previously won an image of the year award are not eligible.

Digital images need to be re-named and resized (1920 pixels on the long side and no more than 750 KB) the same manner in which you have been entering monthly competitions.

All prints must be unmounted and may be any size or shape not to exceed 11x14 inches and a minimum size of 8x10 inches.
 

Don is going to spend half a day with club members giving us tips about shooting nature and hopefully some migratory birds in the area. Unless there is a blizzard or heavy rainfall, the workshop is on. There is always something to photograph.

We are asking those members attending the workshop to kick in $10/each to compensate Don for his time. It’s only fair.

Doug and Carey will discuss the outing at this week’s club meeting.  A sign up sheet is available online.  Click Here to Sign-up.

Here's a little something about Don.  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m7dRttl--e0

Jerry Mennenga will show how he uses numbers from the Photoshop Info Box to make prints at the Sioux City Camera Club's November 10th meeting. 

He will explain using the K scale and CMYK scale rather than leaving it set on RGB when printing color or black and white. 

He will also touch on editing a shoot, to decide which images he would like to use for his blog to print.
 

This is not a contest.  It is provided for those that aren’t interested in entering our monthly contests or don’t feel they’re quite ready for that yet, of course those that do enter our monthly contests are welcome as well.  The whole purpose of this is to simply help members that want to improve their photography skills by asking questions and getting useful tips from other members feedback.  

The View and Review will be held at our first meeting each month (2^nd Thursday of the month) and here’s how it will work:

1. A theme or subject will be posted on the club’s website calendar and in the monthly newsletter.
2. Each member can submit up to 2 digital images.
3. The deadline for submission will be by 5:00 pm on the Wednesday prior to the Thursday meeting.
4. The image file name needs to be changed to reflect your name and the image title.  For example: Doug Conrad-Beautiful Sunset
5. Resize your image to 1920px on the long edge with a maximum file size of 750mb
6. Send your images to [email protected] with the month and View and Review in the subject line

Be prepared to explain how your image connects with the theme, what you like about it and ask if you would like to hear any feedback.

That’s all there is to it.  This month’s theme is Summer so get those images in no later than 5:00 pm tomorrow (Wednesday), October 12th.  Here’s a link to our website calendar  https://www.siouxcitycameraclub.com/calendar

2022 Nature Photography Contest

$200 Cash Prizes

Youth and Adult Divisions
Submission Deadline: August 28, 2022

Your photo could win $200 in the Youth (ages 8 to 18) or Adult (age 19 and older) categories of Fauna (any wild animal) or Landscapes/Waterscapes (mountains, forests, fields, deserts/oceans, lakes, ponds, rivers, creeks). Additional $200 prizes will be awarded to the Adult and Youth photos receiving the most Community Choice votes online. 

Winning and finalist photographs will be displayed on the contest website and announced in a widely-distributed news release. Audubon will print winning photographs to exhibit in the Nature Center. (See attached.)

For details and to enter (and vote!), visit GoGoPhotoContest.com/ACNCPhotoContest

Click to enlarge Saturday, May 14th several members of the Sioux City Camera Club participated in a photography workshop held at the Henry Doorly Zoo in Omaha, Nebraska.  Members were instructed and guided by Mike Benkis during the 2 hour early admission photography session held prior to opening the gates to the public.  It was a great opportunity for everyone to get together and photograph the animals without having to navigate within crowds of people. Click to enlarge

Mike is a Nebraska native that started in Wildlife photography back in 2014 and has had his work published by the Omaha World Herold, Nebraska Land Magazine, Omaha Audubon Society, Nebraska Games and Parks, and various other publications.  Mike is very passionate about wildlife, especially birds and has developed a clean, bold, and dramatic artistic photographic style that has become a hallmark of his work. Click to enlarge

The zoo offers several on-site programs and camps throughout the year https://www.omahazoo.com/on-site-programs-and-camps.

Here's a gallery of some of the images that were made:  https://www.siouxcitycameraclub.com/p613215616

Ron Nicolls and Carl Hardy

Nicoll’s introduction to the Club goes back 50 years to May 1972, when he attended the banquet at the Normandy Restaurant as the guest of Kevin Martin. He became a Club member in September of that year. Nicolls served extensively as an officer in the Club: VP in 1978 and 1979, President in 1980 and 1981, and Treasurer from 1982 to 1988 (doing double duty as Program Chair from 1982 to 1985). A second tenure as President followed in 1989 and 1990. Nicolls twice served as chair of N4C conventions hosted in Siouxland, in 1984 with Randy Williams and in 2000. In 2000–2001, he was President of N4C, and in 2004, he received N4C’s Founders Award.

Hardy is also a past president (1986 and 1987) of the Club, but most members know him best for his current essential role in so many Club and N4C Entry Level and Advance Level Photographers of the YearDenis Hirschman and Douglas Conrad activities. He is the editor of the N4C Handbook and the N4C Directory. He also chairs the N4C Video Essay and Club Communications contests as well as the N4C Pictorial (Color) and Altered Reality Print Competitions. For the Club, Hardy is the longtime editor of its award-winning Sioux Scope newsletter. He coordinates judging when the Sioux City Camera Club judges N4C contests, both print and digital. He is the longtime sender of pictorial and altered reality prints to N4C for the Club, and he stepped up to take on the N4C digital submissions in recent years as well. Hardy is also called on frequently when judge chairs have been required for Club competitions.

End-of-year awards were also presented at the banquet. Mitch Keller received four end-of-year awards for his digital and print photographs. Douglas Conrad received three awards. Denis Hirschman received two end-of-year awards. Ron Nicolls, Teresa Hebert, and Lucas Harbeck received one award each. Douglas Conrad was named the advanced level Photographer of the Year, and Denis Hirschman was named the entry level Photographer of the Year.

Since Covid restrictions have been lessened the Sioux City Camera Club will once again have our traditional annual awards banquet starting at 6 pm, Thursday, May 12th at 3900 Stadium Dr. in Sioux City.  This building is the office of the Siouxland Home Builders Association and just down the street from the Explorers baseball Stadium.  Please enter the building through the South entrance.  There will be ample parking for everyone.  The event will be catered and the cost will be $12.00 per person payable in advance to help defray the expense.  Click here to sign-up.  Payment can be made at our April 28th meeting.  If you can't make the meeting you can mail a check to Julia Harbeck at 1006 Logan St., Sioux City, IA 51105 or pay on line at 

The following awards will be presented for both Advanced and Entry Level Photographers:

• Best black & white digital image of the year (Previously Submitted and Open Class)
• Best black & white print image of the year (Previously Submitted and Open Class)
• Best color digital image of the year (Previously Submitted and Open Class)
• Best color print image of the year (Previously Submitted and Open Class)
• Photographer of the Year
• Black & white print Photographer of the Year
• Black & white digital Photographer of the Year
• Color print Photographer of the Year
• Color digital Photographer of the Year

The deadline for submitting your year-end digital entries will be Saturday, April 30th, by 5:00 pm.  Digital entries are to be sent via email to [email protected].  Be sure to include what you are submitting in the subject line, such as Previously Entered and or Open Class, as well as Advanced or Entry Level.  Print entries are to be dropped off at the April 28th meeting.

You may enter 2 digital black & white and color images and 2 black & white and color print images in each category (Previously Submitted, Open Class).  Previously Submitted entries must have been submitted in this years monthly competition.  Open Class entries are unrestricted.  Images that have previously won an image of the year award are not eligible.

Digital images need to be re-named and resized (1920 pixels on the long side and no more than 750 KB) the same manner in which you have been entering monthly competitions.

The SCCC Annual Awards Banquet is this Thursday, May 13^th from 7:00 to 9:00 pm at the Sioux City Art Center.  A video slide show exhibiting all of the annual digital and print competition entries will be presented as well as the following awards:

Digital Competition Awards

Black & White Digital Image of the Year Previously Entered

Black & White Digital Image of the Year Open Class

Color Digital Image of the Year Previously Entered

Color Digital Image of the Year Open Class

Print Competition Awards

Black & White Print of the Year Previously Entered

Black & White Print of the Year Open Class

Color Print of the Year Previously Entered

Color Print of the Year Open Class

Photographer of the Year Awards

Digital Black & White Photographer of the Year

Digital Color Photographer of the Year

Print Black & White Photographer of the Year

Print Color Photographer of the Year

Entry Level Photographer of the Year

(Advanced Level) Photographer of the Year

The digital judge for this year’s annual digital competition was Clark Colby.  Clark is an Arts Communication and Design Program Specialist and an Assistant Teaching Professor in the Department of Art and Visual Culture at Iowa State University.  Mary Anne Redding, curator of the Sioux City Art Center was this year’s annual print judge.  Mary Anne will be there to provide her input about the print competition.

Britton Hacke, our guest speaker, will be presenting and talking about his special photography.  Britton is the house photographer at the Tyson Events Center, Hard Rock Hotel and Casino and the Orpheum Theater.  He owns and operates his own photography business and also works as a comedian.

For those that can’t make it, the banquet will be live streamed on a limited basis as we do not have the ability to stream everything.  Please note that the link provided in the May newsletter is not correct.  To join click on the following link https://mside.webex.com/mside/j.php?MTID=mc10f5577a9c215493f5f8c12d4c80ec0 which Mitch will activate at 6:45 pm.

SIOUX CITY, Iowa (February 2, 2021) The Sioux City Camera Club will open its photography exhibit on February 16 at the Betty Strong Encounter Center’s main gallery. The Club will present a rich range of images through March 28, 2021.

Founded more than a century ago, the Sioux City Camera Club is committed to the mutual education and learning in the science and art of photography. Members promote and encourage advancement of its group through the knowledge and practice of photography.

President Tom Schoening invites anyone interested in cameras to join the club: “Our club members enjoy the opportunity to share their images, to enjoy fellowship with like-minded shutterbuggers, and to improve their photography skills.”

The Sioux City Art Center has more photos on display now than ever in its history. The displays include an exhibit by the Sioux City Camera Club with the theme "Solitude."

A rather appropriate theme, considering the current pandemic lockdown. If the public is not willing to go to the arts center, they can now view our photo exhibit via YouTube video.

Watch "Solitude: A photo exhibit by the Sioux City Camera Club", produced by Tom Schoening on YouTube.  https://youtu.be/4BF1izdtqPQ

The Sioux City Camera Club members are invited to exhibit a your best photograph for our display at the Lewis and Clark Interpretive Center gallery. There is no theme for the exhibit so pick your best image. 

The photographs can be any size, either black and white or color, and and needs to be mounted in a black frame with a white mat and wire hanger.  The wire hangar needs to be 2 inches below the top of the frame when hung.  Usually one photograph from each member is displayed but if they have room, it's possible that more than one photo from a member may be displayed.

Please bring your framed print along with a completed informational form to the center anytime before February 10, 2021.  You can download and print out the informational form here. The exhibit will open on February 15, 2021.  The management of the Lewis and Clark Center retains the right to decline any photograph for display.  

Art Center Curator Mary Anne Redding and Sioux City Camera Club President Tom Schoening will talk about the photo exhibits at the Sioux City Art Center on the Drive Time Live talk radio show with Mark Hahn.    

The show is scheduled after the 5:00 p.m. news on Thursday, December 10th from the Art Center Library.  To listen to this live broadcast tune in to 1360 AM, 94.8 FM or live on the web at www.kscj.com/listen-live.

The next Camera Club exhibit at the Sioux City Art Center opens November 7th and will run through January 24, 2021.  The theme of this year’s exhibit is Solitude.  

This exhibit will be a juried event by the Art Center’s new Curator, Mary Anne Redding.  Each club member should submit 3 images for consideration of which one or more will be selected for the exhibit.  Your images are to be submitted via email to [email protected].  The deadline for submitting your entries is Friday, October 9^th by 5 PM.  You will then be notified of her selections by Tuesday, October 13^th.  The deadline for delivery of the selected photographs to the Art Center will be Tuesday, October 27^th. 

Framing requirements are the same as in the past, black frame, with white matt and glass.  Recommended size of the frame is 16" x 20".  The wire hanger needs to be two inches below the top of the frame when hung.  Your name, address and title need to be on the back as well as the price if you wish to sell.  The Art Center receives a percentage of each sale. 

Instructions for joining this meeting are the same as our previous video conferences and can be reviewed below.  You should not need to download any software to connect. Simply click on the up-dated link below, which Mitch will activate at 6:45pm CDT:

https://mside.webex.com/mside/j.php?MTID=m22562f0e5eacce8a09bdafe84a1c20db

If you are, for some reason, asked for a meeting number, enter 145 211 9038.  If you are asked for a password, enter SCCC. You should not need this information, based on the testing we did earlier. 

The video conference will be configured to automatically mute your microphone. If you want to speak so others can hear you, click the Mic button so it turns gray. When you are done, click it again to mute yourself. The button will turn red. Because the internet all around us is being overwhelmed with so many people at home, please turn OFF (red) your video camera unless you are one of the program presenters.

Instead of turning on your microphone, we strongly recommend using the chat feature during the video conference if you want to ask a question or make a comment. Click the speech bubble icon and you’ll get a chat section on your screen next to the video. Mitch will monitor the chat so that your questions or comments can be announced. 

If you have trouble hearing, please first make sure that the volume is turned up on your computer. If that doesn’t solve the problem, we have found through testing that disconnecting (Click the red X button labeled “Disconnect” in the attached image.) and then clicking the link in this email to connect again has solved the problem.

If things go to plan, a recording of this meeting will be available to watch within a day or two for those who are unable to join or have technical difficulties.

The club will, however, hold its annual digital competition and conduct and announce the annual Photographer of the Year awards.  New this year, the board has decided to give out an entry level photographer of the year award based on accumulative point total during the year.

After the digital images are judged, the results will be announced  as well as Photographer of the Year awards via a video conference meeting later in May, with a date to be determined.

The deadline for submitting your year-end digital entries will be Saturday, May 9^th.  Awards will be presented for the following categories:

• Best digital black & white image of the year (Previously Submitted)
• Best digital black & white image of the year (Open Class)
• Best digital color image of the year (Previously Submitted)
• Best digital color image of the year (Open Class)

You may enter 2 images in each of the above categories.  Previously Submitted entries must have been entered in this year’s monthly competition.  Open Class entries are unrestricted.  Images that have previously won an image of the year award are not eligible. 

Your digital entries need to be renamed and resized (1920 pixels on the longest side and no more than 750 KB) according to monthly competition rules https://www.siouxcitycameraclub.com/club-rules and sent to [email protected].  Please include the appropriate category (Previously Submitted or Open Class) in the subject line of the email.

Photographer of the Year awards are based on points earned during the year and will be given for:

• Black & White Print Photographer of the Year
• Color Print Photographer of the Year
• Digital Black & White Photographer of the Year
• Digital Color Photographer of the Year
• Entry Level Photographer of the Year
• Photographer of the Year

Hope everyone is doing well and keeping safe.

Instructions for joining this meeting are the same as last month and can be reviewed below.  You should not need to download any software to connect. Simply click on the up-dated link below, which Mitch will activate at 6:45pm CDT:

https://mside.webex.com/mside/j.php?MTID=m1aaceab9159f1a09347c9e6b001cf61a

If you are, for some reason, asked for a meeting number, enter 928 675 681. If you are asked for a password, enter SCCC. You should not need this information, based on the testing we did earlier. 

The video conference will be configured to automatically mute your microphone. If you want to speak so others can hear you, click the Mic button so it turns gray. When you are done, click it again to mute yourself. The button will turn red. Because the internet all around us is being overwhelmed with so many people at home, please turn OFF (red) your video camera unless you are one of the judge chairs who will be reading the results.

Instead of turning on your microphone, we strongly recommend using the chat feature during the video conference if you want to ask a question or make a comment. Click the speech bubble icon (labeled “Chat” in the attached image) and you’ll get a chat section on your screen next to the video. Mitch will monitor the chat so that the judge chairs can be asked to stop, back up, etc. based on comments.

If you have trouble hearing, please first make sure that the volume is turned up on your computer. If that doesn’t solve the problem, we have found through testing that disconnecting (Click the red X button labeled “Disconnect” in the attached image.) and then clicking the link in this email to connect again has solved the problem.

If things go to plan, a recording of this meeting will be available to watch within a day or two for those who are unable to join or have technical difficulties.

Sioux City Camera Club members mark your calendar for Monday, April, 27th, 1pm-2:30pm for a live webinar I have set up with Matt Kloskowski.  This webinar has been set up exclusively for Sioux City Camera Club members only and is free.  In this live broadcast with Matt, you'll learn some great techniques for editing your photos in Lightroom and when to jump over to Photoshop to help out.  This will be a late beginner to early intermediate level presentation, but really... it's just about having some fun with your photos and improving your editing during this time indoors.  Here's what you need to do:

1. Each person in the club needs to sign-up

2. The session will be recorded but you'll still need to sign up to get the recording (even if you can't watch live you'll still get it)

3. Mark your calendars, but the system will automatically send you reminder notifications too.

4. You'll be able to enter the webcast room about 15-20 minutes before the webcast starts

5. There will be an area for Q&A once you log in to the live webcast on the day of the webinar

Here's the sign-up link for everyone: https://www.bigmarker.com/matt-k/How-to-Edit-Photos-Like-a-Pro-Sioux-City-Camera-Club

For those of you who aren't familiar with Matt Kloskowski, he is from Tampa, Florida and an educator creating courses and presets to help you with photography and photo editing.  He has over 300,000 followers on Social Media. His YouTube channel has been featured on numerous websites and his training videos have gotten over 4.2 million views.  You can find more about Matt here: https://mattk.com/about/

Hope everyone will sign up.

Doug Conrad

 

Our next meeting, Thursday, March 26^th will be held using the WebEx video conferencing system. The images for both the digital and print competitions will be displayed for all to see as our judge chairs read the comments and results. You should not need to download any software to connect. Simply click on the link below, which Mitch will activate at 6:45pm CDT:

https://mside.webex.com/mside/j.php?MTID=m05ba86f4e55eaa847c21a3a85cf0bc3f

If you are, for some reason, asked for a meeting number, enter 929 152 165. If you are asked for a password, enter SCCC. You should not need this information, based on the testing we did earlier. 

The video conference will be configured to automatically mute your microphone. Attached below is an image of the WebEx control panel.  (The text labels have been added so you will not see them during the video conference.) If you want to speak so others can hear you, click the Mic button so it turns gray. When you are done, click it again to mute yourself. The button will turn red. Because the internet all around us is being overwhelmed with so many people at home, please turn OFF (red) your video camera unless you are one of the judge chairs who will be reading the results.

Instead of turning on your microphone, we strongly recommend using the chat feature during the video conference if you want to ask a question or make a comment. Click the speech bubble icon (labeled “Chat” in the attached image) and you’ll get a chat section on your screen next to the video. Mitch will monitor the chat so that the judge chairs can be asked to stop, back up, etc. based on comments.

If you have trouble hearing, please first make sure that the volume is turned up on your computer. If that doesn’t solve the problem, we have found through testing that disconnecting (Click the red X button labeled “Disconnect” in the attached image.) and then clicking the link in this email to connect again has solved the problem.

If things go to plan, a recording of this meeting will be available to watch within a day or two for those who are unable to join or have technical difficulties.

We hope everyone will be connected.

Education in the art and science of photography is the prime purpose for the conference as well as to promote fellowship among members and provide a pleasant gathering place to greet old friends and make new ones.  This is your conference!  Make it what you want.  Make it about you.  Think, Imagine, Create in Siouxland.  That's our mantra!

First time at an N4C conference?  Well it's all about our photography community.  We are one big family.  Everyone here loves photography and wants what's best for our passion.  It's about growing as an artist and being around like-minded people who share the same love and devotion you do.

If you are looking to become a better photographer and want to improve your photography skills, then come and enjoy a setting where you can network with peers and work side-by-side with some of the most knowledgeable photographers in our region.

Welcome to the Hilton Garden Inn Sioux Falls!Hilton Garden Inn Sioux Falls South Hotel is located at I-229 and Louise Avenue near the Empire Mall. Opened in 2009, the hotel is the premier property in Sioux Falls elite business and shopping district. The beautiful Hilton Garden Inn Sioux City Riverfront at 1132 Larson Park Rd., will be the host site and headquarters for all convention activities.  It's located right on the Mighty Missouri River where you can enjoy leisurely photo walks on a paved riverfront walking/biking trail or visit neighboring attractions such as the Anderson Dance Pavilion, Lewis and Clark Interpretive Center and the Sergeant Floyd Riverboat Museum.  A block of rooms have been reserved at a preferred rate for all N4C Convention guests. Planning your stay here will provide you with a more enjoyable and convenient experience and will be beneficial to the Sioux City Camera Club and N4C Convention.  To book your stay, call now at 712-255-4200 or make your reservation online.

Registration for this event is coming soon. The convention committees are working diligently wrapping up the slate of events that will include 7 field trips, 11 program sessions and 2 keynote speakers.  So stay tuned and save the date for September 10 - 12, 2020.  The Sioux City Camera Club is looking forward to seeing everyone there.

www.familyheritagephotography.com The spring convention will be held at Wesley Woods Camp & Retreat Center, April 24, 25, & 26 2020. The facility is located a few miles south of Indianola, Iowa. We had great response to this location last year. The meeting room & eating area are next to each other on the main level. The meeting room has a large projection screen, a mounted projector and a new sound system. The sleeping facilities remain the same. Instead of large open rooms we have had in the past this facility has dorm rooms that sleep 2-4 people. Most of these rooms are below the meeting hall, with the others a short walking distance away. The facility requires a minimum of two people per room or we will be charged more. If you have someone you wish to room with please write that on your application. If not, you will be assigned a roommate. There are a few rooms for couples. You still need to bring your own bedding, towels, etc. www.familyheritagephotography.com

  
www.familyheritagephotography.com The facility allows you to bring food to the dorms. Each dorm has a kitchen & meeting room for visiting or card playing after the meetings. NO ALCOHOL inside or out. They also have a campground with electric hookups.

  
The facility is 5 miles south of Indianola off Hwy 92. PLEASE NOTE: from Indianola please DO NOT USE your GPS to the facility. It might take you to an entrance that is no longer used. Please use these directions: Just west of Indianola on Hwy 92 turn south on Hwy 63. www.familyheritagephotography.com There is a big church on the north side where you turn south. When the pavement ends you turn left into Wesley Woods.

  
There are several motels in Indianola as it is a college town. The registration form is available on the website at http://www.n4c.us/SpringConvention2020/N4C_Spring_Mini-Convention_Registration_2020.pdf

 

The Sioux City Camera Club will participate in an exhibit of our best photos (that have not been previously displayed at L&C) around January 5, 2020 at the Lewis and Clark Interpretive Center.

The club will present a photography program on Sunday, January 5, 2020 at 2:00 pm to the invited public.

There is no theme for the exhibit and they can be any size as long as they are at least 5x7 and not greater than 16x20.  Usually one photograph from each member is displayed but if they have room, more than one photo from a member may be displayed.

The photographs can be either black and white or color and mounted in a black frame with a white mat and wire hanger.  The wire hangar needs to be 2 inches below the top of the frame when hung. 

The deadline for delivery to the Lewis and Clark Interpretive Center is December 15, 2019.  The management of the Lewis and Clark Center retains the right to decline any photograph for display.  

The next Camera Club exhibit at the Sioux City Art Center opens November 23rd and runs through February 16, 2020.  The theme of this years exhibit is Reflections.  

This exhibit will be a juried event by Todd Behrens.  Each club member should submit 3 images for consideration of which one or more will be selected for the exhibit.  Your images are submitted via email to [email protected].  The deadline for submitting your entries is November 11, 2019.  You will then be notified of his selections by November 12, 2019.  The deadline for delivery of the selected photographs to the Art Center will be November 19, 2019. 

Framing requirements are the same as in the past, black frame, with white matt and glass.  The wire hanger needs to be two inches below the top of the frame when hung.  Your name, address and title need to be on the back as well as the price if you wish to sell.  There are no size requirements although most prints are 16" x 20". 

Club members will now share their images, techniques, equipment tips and fellowship at the Sioux City Art Center lecture hall starting Thursday, September 12, 2019. The club meets at 7 p.m. on the second and last Thursdays of each month from September through May. 

The more than 100-year-old photography club has a lengthly history of exhibiting at the Art Center and has come a long ways from the old black & white film days. The club is a member of the Photographic Society of America (PSA) and the North Central Camera Clubs Council (N4C). During meetings, the club can now access the Art Center's Wi-Fi to show PSA and N4C professional training videos.

"I believe this new location will increase the awareness, accessibility and prestige of our photography among the community," President Tom Schoening said. "All camera buffs interested in learning more about the art and science of photography are invited to attend our meetings." 

"Whether you use a single-lens reflex, video camera, or smartphone and you want to learn to take better pictures, you're invited to attend", he added.

By Teresa Hebert [email protected]


 

2:00 - 3:30 pm | Urban Tour & Photography Presentation at Rockbrook Camera on 168th & W. Center

4:00 - 5:00 pm | Tour & Photography at the Durham Museum located at 801 S. 10th St - Omaha, NE 68108

5:30 - 8:30 pm | Photo Walk in The Old Market

Jerry Mennenga and Mitch Keller are already registered. If you’re interested in attending and carpooling, please contact Mitch Keller at [email protected].

The Sioux City Camera Club's Annual Banquet and Awards will be Thursday, May 9th, at 6:00 PM in the fellowship hall at the First Presbyterian Church, 6th & Nebraska St., in downtown Sioux City.  Sneaky's will be the caterer for the event.  The cost will be $12.00 per person.  A sign-up sheet will be at the April 25th meeting or contact Doug Conrad at [email protected] if you would like to make a reservation.

The guest speaker for the evening is Mark Volkers, the digital media instructor at Dordt College in Sioux Center, Iowa.  Mark will give a presentation on story telling with images.

Many people take a lot of photographs. Mostly snap shots of family and other events like activities their children or grandchildren are involved in, or church events and holidays.

Some of us pursue our interest in photography and take it to another level, excelling in photographing wildlife, nature, people and other interests, mostly through participation in a camera club where we learn with others how to take better photographs and create images with impact.  But mostly these are just dynamic images. They stand out because they have impact in their conception and execution.  However, there is a difference in a very nice image that captures attention and those that tell a story.

Mark Volkers began as a still photographer working for the Christian Reformed Church and other organizations after working as a missionary for seven years in Africa. From shooting stills he transitioned to filming all the while telling stories about people he hoped his images would help and make a difference for them.

Volkers’ presentation will touch on how to create images that help tell a story, beyond making nice images or even images with impact. Roaming with world for a decade as a photojournalist and documentary filmmaker before joining Dordt College in Sioux Center to teach digital media production ( http://dordtdigitalmedia.wordpress.com ), Volkers honed his skill in arriving at a location, finding those salient aspects of a story he needed to tell, make connections with locals (many times long term connections that continue to this day) and telling their story in the hopes of creating a better environment for them and the world.

Volkers is a storyteller, using images. Transitioning from stills to “moving stills” or film (video) Volkers will introduce us to a way of seeing and possibly a new avenue to pursue in our own photography and become better storytellers ourselves. He will touch on basics of telling a story and show us how even a single photograph done correctly can tell a story of a person, time or place that hopefully becomes memorable to a viewer.

Light ExamplesLighting examples done with soft gold reflector and with flash through white umbrella, Aug. 13, 2014. (Photo by Jerry Mennenga ©) Sioux City Camera Club member, Jerry Mennenga, will be conducting a free 2 hour flash photography workshop from 10 am to noon, Saturday, February 16th at Western Iowa Tech Community College.  Come into the school at entrance 4 (it's off the large parking lot across from the student housing).

Those interested should bring their camera and off-camera speedlite (flash) and make certain the batteries are charged and there is a card in the camera. Those persons without a speedlite, but with a popup flash on their camera, can bring their camera and also learn a couple of tricks, but the workshop will deal entirely with using a speedlite.

Jerry will show different ways of using the flash on-camera which will be effective in photographing one to three individuals for portraits, and creative ways of using the flash for effect. He will also do a short demonstration of off-camera flash using one or two modifiers. The group will shoot portraits using one another as models.

If interested please RSVP Jerry Mennenga at [email protected].  This workshop will be limited to 15 people.  

To learn more and improve one's use of flash photography here is a link to a blog you might want to check out https://strobist.blogspot.com/.  David Hobby is a former newspaper photographer who created this blog and if you look in the right hand column at the Light Archives there is a ton of information there that is free. 
 

For more information about the show and educational speakers go to  http://www.siouxlandgardenshow.org/
   

This years annual Christmas Party is set for Thursday, December 13th and will begin at 6:00 pm at the First Presbyterian Church.  A sign-up sheet will be passed around to get a count for the meat dish.  The club will arrange for drinks, and Sneaky's Chicken and Ribs. There is a $10.00 charge per person to cover the cost of the meat and drinks and the rest of the event is potluck.  A to J bring potatoes, veggies, or deserts and everyone else bring salads or appetizers. All members and their family and friends are invited.

The program will feature Jesse Freeman, a photographer living in Tokyo, Japan.

Also, Doug Conrad will be putting together a slide show with music containing member photographs.  The slide show will be shown and looped during the meal.  The theme for the slideshow is "Thankful".

To participate please send your digital images to [email protected] and put Thankful in the subject line. If you have a title for the image that's fine but it's not necessary. Please submit your images no later than Saturday, December 1st.

Sioux City Camera Club Contingent at N4C Convention, Dubuque, Iowa The Sioux City Camera Club was well represented and received several awards at this years N4C Convention in Dubuque, Iowa.  Camera Club members in attendance were Doug and Jacque Conrad, Mike and Annie Greiner, Rich and Holly Wright, Jim Hollander, Jerry Weiershauser, Carl Hardy and Tom Schoening.  

The event held at the Holiday Inn in downtown Dubuque, Iowa was well organized with participants from all over the midwest taking part in many photo workshops and field trips.  The programs provided a diverse offering for all photographers.  During the convention the winning works from all of the monthly competitions was on display for all to see.

At the awards banquet the Sioux City Camera Club was fortunate to receive several awards.  Ron Nicolls received an Honorable Mention in the panoramic print division for "Lake Reflections". 

Doug Conrad received an Honorable Mention for "Eagle in the Grass" in the nature print category and a 3rd place medal in the communications competition for the siouxcitycameraclub.com website. 

2018 N4C Service Award Recipient, Carl Hardy Carl Hardy received a 2nd place medal for the Sioux Scope news letter in the communications competition and received the Service Award Plaque for his outstanding contribution of service to N4C along with his service to the Sioux City Camera Club and local community.

Next years 63rd Annual N4C Photography Convention will be hosted by the Des Moines Camera Club at the Sheraton West Des Moines.   

  Studio PortraitThank you, Doug Lee. Aluisius (Luis) Sudiarto will be the Sioux City Camera Club's guest speaker to kick off the 2018/19 season schedule Thursday, September 13, 2018 starting at 7:00 pm at the First Presbyterian Church, 6th and Nebraska Streets, Sioux City, Iowa.  The Sioux City Camera Club meets on the 2nd and last Thursday of each month at the First Presbyterian Church, 6th & Nebraska Streets, Sioux City, Iowa beginning in September and ending the second week in May 2019.

Luis Sudiarto's interest in photography started in grade school.  At the time, because of limited resources and opportunities, he learned photography by reading lots of books and magazines without necessarily having a camera to practice.  In addition, he says his parents wouldn't let him process rolls of film with similar subjects in the frame.  He started actively practicing photography in 2008 after getting his first digital camera, a Nikon D90.  Luis mostly shoots landscape and travel photos.  He still shoots Nikon and processes his photos with Adobe Lightroom and Photoshop.

Luis currently resides in Sioux Falls, SD and works as a web/application developer and photographer.  You can see some of his work on his website at http://aluisius.info. 
 

Participants will need to pre-register by noon on September 12th.  A minimum of 6 people and maximum of 30 is set for this program.  Participants will meet in the Five Ridge parking lot off HWY 12 at 6 pm ready to hike.  Long pants and a water bottle would be good choices for participants to have on this hike.  The hike will be less than one mile.

To register call 712-947-4270, Victoria DeVos, Naturalist, Plymouth County Conservation.

The photo can be any size but must be in a black frame with a white mat.  The top of the wire hanger on the back needs to be 2" from the top of the frame when hung.  It must be delivered to Mike McCormick at the Interpretive Center on or before September 16, 2018.  You must also fill in the attached form and deliver it with each photo.

In addition, please send a digital copy of your submitted photo to Doug Conrad at [email protected].  Digital copies should be in the same format as digital entries submitted for club competition but state in the subject line that it is for the L&C Exhibit.  Your digital submission may be used in the presentation made by the Club on October 7th.  If you have any questions please contact Mike Walsh at [email protected] or Mike McCormick at [email protected].

Sioux City Camera Club members Douglas Conrad and Carol Blair have been selected to exhibit at the Orange City Arts’ 7th Annual Regional Art Exhibition.  The exhibit features the work of 28 local artists at the Northwestern College DeWitt Theatre Arts Center from April 20-28.

The exhibit is co-sponsored by Northwestern College’s Art and Theatre Departments, and is offered in conjunction with the production of Tennessee Williams’ iconic play, The Glass Menagerie. Click here to learn more about the production.

Admission to the exhibition is free. For the first time, the gallery is also available to view and purchase online! Enjoy the wide variety of styles and mediums by artists from a 350-mile radius of Orange City. For purchase information, please email [email protected].

The Sioux City Camera Club's Annual Awards Banquet will be Thursday, May 10th, 6:00pm, in the fellowship hall at the First Presbyterian Church in downtown Sioux City.  Sneaky's will cater the event with:

• Chicken and Ribs
• Au Gratin Potatoes
• Mixed Vegetables
• Coleslaw & Tossed Salad with Dressing

Deserts will be potluck from those that wish to do so.  The cost will be $12.00 per person.  A signup sheet will be at both April meetings or contact Rich Wright at [email protected] if you would like to make a reservation.

The guest speaker for the evening is Christian Begeman of Sioux Falls, South Dakota.  His program will be on Prairie Sanctuaries. 

He is a professional communicator, but his hobby is photographing country churches in the region during periods of unusual lighting conditions, i.e. storms, meteor showers, auroras, sunsets, etc.  He selects his vantage points in advance and monitors weather resources for unusual lighting conditions before hitting the road with his cameras. 

He calls himself "A weekend wanderer. An evening enthusiast. South Dakota born and raised. Wide open vistas and open prairies are my escape. Country churches are my passion. Making decent images is the ongoing goal."  His photographs have been featured in many prestigious media and publications.

Following the program will be the presentation of annual awards.   

• Best Black and White Print of the Year Previously Submitted
• Best Black and White Print of the Year Open Class
• Best Color Print of the Year Previously Submitted
• Best Color Print of the Year Open Class
• Best Digital Black and White Image of the Year Previously Submitted
• Best Digital Black and White Image of the Year Open Class
• Best Digital Color Image of the Year Previously Submitted
• Best Digital Color Image of the Year Open Class

You may enter 2 images in each of the above categories.  Previously submitted entries must have been entered in monthly competition.  Open class entries are unrestricted and need not have been previously submitted. 

Your digital entries need to be resized according to monthly competition rules and sent to [email protected] no later than April 15th. Please insert the appropriate category above in the subject line of the email so they don't get confused with April's monthly competition entries.  Print entries can be brought to our April 12th camera club meeting or placed in the marked container on Steve Paulson's front porch no later than April 15th.

In addition to the above and based on points earned during the year, awards are also given to:

• Black and White Print Photographer of the Year
• Color Print Photographer of the Year
• Digital Black and White Photographer of the Year
• Digital Color Photographer of the Year
• Photographer of the Year

All awards will be presented at our Annual Banquet on May 10th.  This will be a catered event with a cost of $12.00 per person. There will be a signup sheet at both April meetings or contact Rich Wright at [email protected] if you would like to make a reservation.

SCCC HM BW Print, Accepted for Briar Cliff Review The Briar Cliff Review, founded in 1989, is an eclectic literary and art magazine that is published annually for delivering an elegantly simple and aesthetically pleasing venue for the work of its contributors.  Works are selected each year by editors that are committed to nurturing writers and artists and fostering the best of both emerging and established writers and artists.

 This years selections will be exhibited at the Sioux City Art Center  from April 19th through July 8th.  SCCC 2nd Place Digital Color, Accepted for Briar Cliff Review The exhibition will be celebrated with food and drinks at a reception (public invited) in the Sioux City Art Center on Thursday, April 19th, from 6:00-8:30 pm, Gallery Talk by Artists: 6:30 pm, Readings from The Briar Cliff Review: 7:00 pm.  

Sioux City Camera Club member, Douglas Conrad, has two photographs that have been accepted for the publication and will be on display.

This exhibit will be juried by the Curator.  Each club member should submit 3 photos for consideration and one or more will be selected for the exhibit.  Your images can be submitted via email to [email protected] or in print form (not mounted) 8.5x11 which can be submitted direct to the Art Center.  The dates for submitting your entries is August 5, 2018.  You will then be notified of his selections by August 10, 2018.  Delivery of the selected photographs to the Art Center will be during the week of August 27, 2018. 

Framing requirements are the same as in the past, black metal frame, with white matt and glass.  The wire hanger needs to be two inches from top of the frame.  Your name, address and title need to be on the back as well as the price if you wish to sell.  There are no size requirements this year. 

Mark your calendars for the 1st weekend of May.  It's the 2018 N4C Mini Spring Convention May 4, 5 & 6th at Saint Thomas More Center in Panora, Iowa. Everyone always used to say Springbrook, and understood what we were talking about. But with the close of Springbrook we have changed the name to N4C Mini Spring Convention or just spring convention for short. It's a great photo weekend where you can get the best food, great dorm facilities, and spend time with others who have the same enthusiasm as you do about sharing and learning more about photography. All this for as little as $113 for the whole weekend. On Friday night we have some great information and entertainment planned. Willard Sharp, from Madrid, Iowa is a storm chaser and an awesome astrophotographer who loves to show everyone how easy it is to get out and shoot.  The Milky Way has just started coming out and Willard shoots all year long. We will hear his presentation then we can hopefully get out and shoot some star trails before the moon comes out around 10:30.

Here are some links to learn more about this great weekend and a registration form:  Program Schedule, Speaker Event and Highlights, Registration Form

https://fstoppers.com/gear/ultimate-travel-lens-which-would-you-choose-236444

The Winter-Spring 2018 edition is now available.  There are several events that could provide some excellent photo opps that our Camera Club members might be interested in, such as, a Full Moon Night Hike, Trumpeter Swan release, Wildflower Walk, and Loess Hills Prairie Seminar. 

Click here for a copy of the current edition. 

The December 7th date will be the Christmas Party starting at 6 p.m.  There is a $5.00 per person charge to cover the cost of the meat.  Club members A to J bring salads or appetizers and everyone else bring potatoes, veggies, or deserts.  All members and their family and friends are invited. 

Mike Greiner - 1st Place Nature Print - "White Breasted Nuthatch"

Mike Greiner - 2nd Place Nature Print - "Black-eyed Junco"

Mike Greiner - H.M. - B&W Pictorial Print - "Mud Man V"

Mike Greiner - H.M. - B&W Pictorial Print - "Pontiac"

Mike Walsh - 3rd Place Panorama Print - "Wallowa Mountain #2"

Doug Conrad - H.M. Creative Print - "Abstract Dance"

Doug Conrad - 1st Place Website

Carl Hardy - 2nd Place Newsletter

Congratulations to all the winners.   

Jennifer Solma's "Pretty in Pink" is featured on the cover and in the month of September, and her "Snowy Day" photograph appears in the month of January.

"Sand Pit Pond" by Carol Blair is showcased in March, and Doug Conrad's "Hazy Morning Reflection" highlights the month of November.

Congratulations to these three photographers. 

Digital Color

1st Ron Nicolls "Ebb and Flow"

2nd Randy Williams "Mud Lake Reflections"

3rd Gary Gilbert "Light Painting"

4th Douglas Conrad "Beach Sunrise"

HM Gary Gilbert "Bumble Bee"

HM Paula Warp "Yellowstone River"

HM Michael Greiner "Gobble Gobble"

Digital Black and White

1st Michael Greiner "At Rest"

2nd Gary Gilbert "1920 Light Fixtures

3rd Douglas Conrad "Diamond T"

4th Douglas Conrad "Black Oak Arkansas"

HM Douglas Conrad "Midnignt Reflections"

HM Carol Blair "Osprey Catch"

HM Randy Williams "Island in the Stream"

Color Prints

1st Jerry Weiershauser "Barn Owl"

2nd Kevin Smith "Fall Colors"

3rd Carol Blair "Butterfly Heaven"

4th Michael Greiner "Jay"

HM Carol Blair "Giant Swallowtail on Thistle"

Black and White Prints

1st Michael Greiner "Sr. Comes"

2nd Steve Paulson "Old Time Barber Chair"

3rd Michael Greiner "Roxis"

HM Michael Greiner "F12"

This exhibit will be juried by the Curator.  Each club member should submit 3 photos for consideration and one or more will be selected for the exhibit.  The works can be submitted via email just like our monthly contests or in print form (not mounted) 8.5x11 which can be submitted direct to the Art Center.  The three works are due not later than 9-10-17 and results will be available by 9-12.  That way you will have a month to get the framing done.  The works can be submitted to Todd Behrens at [email protected]. 

Framing requirements are the same as in the past-16x20 black metal frame, glass, wire hanger two inches from top, white matt, and your name on the back. 

A photograph titled "Coffee to Go" by Doug Conrad was recently selected and given a Curator's Choice Award in the Experienced/Professional category of the Dahl Mountain Photo Competition and Exhibit in Rapid City, South Dakota.  This juried exhibition based on mountain culture will be on display in the Inez & Milton Shaver Gallery at the Dahl Arts Center in Rapid City, South Dakota.

The exhibit runs from March 10th through April 29th during the Dahl Mountain Culture Center Festival.  Conrad, a photographer based out of Sioux City, Iowa is Past President and member of the Sioux City Camera Club and on the North Central Camera Club Council's board of directors.  To see the award winners and selected artists click here. 

The N4C Iowa Camp-in Mini Convention, formally known as Springbrook, is moving this year to a new location.  For years this N4C get together has been held at Springbrook State Park Education Center near Guthrie Center, Iowa.  A few weeks ago, however, N4C was surprised to learn that the Iowa DNR would be closing the meeting facility for good on March 13, 2017.  The state park and campground will still remain open. 

Fortunately, with the help of several N4C members and others a new location was found.  The name of the facility is St. Thomas More Center.  It's located 10 miles south of Springbrook State Park on 30 acres of land overlooking Lake Panorama.  Click here to see some pictures of this facility.  The dates for this years Camp-In will be May 5th, 6th, and 7th.  You can stay in the dorms on the facility, which have enough bunk beds that you can use the bottom for sleeping and the top for storing your things.  You will need to bring your own bedding and pillow.  If you would prefer to camp, you can make reservations at Springbrook State Park's campground.  Click here to make reservations to camp.

This years registration form is available here.  The deadline for arrival of your registration is April 26th so mail your registration by April 19th.  For a schedule of events click here.  For questions contact Delores Meister at [email protected].   

You can sign up for free here https://alison.com/courses/Digital-Photography

Sioux City's Lewis & Clark Interpretive Center has again invited the Sioux City Camera Club to display their best photographs for an exhibit which will run from February 4, 2017 through April 30, 2017. 

For those members that are planning to exhibit you will need to complete an information form that must be submitted with your framed and wall ready photograph.  You can download and print the form here.  All photographs must be delivered to the Lewis and Clark Interpretive Center no later than January 17, 2017.

There will be no theme or size limit for this exhibit.  Just present your best or favorite photograph of any subject matter.

The frame should be a black metal frame (no restriction on size) with wire hanger two inches below the top of the frame when hanging.  The photograph needs to be mounted inside a white or off white mat.

www.familyheritagephotography.com In honor of the only surviving founders of N4C Vernice and Francis Kingsbury were presented a "Lifetime Dedication Award" from N4C at the 60th annual convention of N4C at Fargo, North Dakota.  Here's a little history of how N4C got it's start.

The "NORTH CENTRAL CAMERA CLUB COUNCIL” had its inception almost simultaneously in the minds of three men  Robert H. Cochran, M.D., APSA. Omaha, E, Curtis Lugg, Sioux Falls, and Francis A. Kingsbury, Ponca and Sioux City.

Fate decided that their paths should cross in the Spring of 1955, these three men sat on the front porch of the Kingsbury home in Ponca Nebraska where their vision gave birth to the North Central Council of Camera Clubs. From their idea that evening a tentative organization, created May 30, 1955, combined members of seven Camera Clubs located in Iowa, Nebraska, Minnesota. and South Dakota.
 
Summer, Fall, and Winter Seasons were spent in organizational creation of many of the services still available from the "N-4-C", as the infant was nicknamed. Meeting at the Joslyn Memorial Art Museum in Omaha, January 22, 1956, resulted in adopting a Constitution, and in electing the temporary officers to their permanent positions.
 
The First Convention, held in Sioux City, lowa, with Francis A. Kingsbury as General Chairman gave the 123 delegates from the 20 member Clubs such excellent programs that it is difficult to uphold tradition in the subsequent Conventions, The now famous "N 4 C, “Where Names become Faces and Faces become Friends"  was originated during this gathering by Francis Kingsbury. The original officers were re-elected to complete their assignment to build an active and lasting N-4 C.  
 

The Sioux City Camera Club received 8 awards at the annual N4C Convention in Fargo, ND on October 1, 2016. Six of the awards were for prints.  The Newsletter and Website also received awards.

Mike Griener - 2nd B&W Prints - "Diego Kid"
 

Mike Griener - 2nd Pictorial Prints - "Cedar Waxwing"
 

Roger Van Klompenberg - 1st Travel Prints - "Alaska White Pass Railroad"
 

Mike Walsh - HM B&W Prints - "Marshall Point Light"
 

Mike Walsh - HM Color Prints - "Silver Falls"
 

Mike Griener - HM Nature Prints - "Buckette"
 

Carl Hardy - HM Newsletter
 

Doug Conrad - HM Website
 

The Sioux City Camera Club has received permission to photograph members of the Nebraska Territorial Rangers in their authentic western costumes at their Competition Shooting Range with old west cowtown backdrops on Sunday, Oct. 23. View 2-min. video of location at this link: on YouTube at  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0zWDE1ihjIU

 Photographer should focus on gunfighter portraits and similar Cowtown folks photography. There will be no gunfight reenactments, against club rules! Visitors must stay behind the ropes during shooting all competition. Wear hearing protection!
 

 These are serious competitive shooters, part of a national Old West Action Shooting organization. They use live ammo, So photographers must work around the competition segments. Best opportunities for photography are during lunch time and afterwards (ends about 3 p.m.) On the way home, additional opportunities for autumn scenery photography while traveling through the Loess Hills or the Lincoln Highway/Historical Buildings near Missouri Valley, Iowa.

We should meet at 9:45 a.m. at Peterbilt of Sioux City (I-29 and Singing Hills Boulevard) on Sunday, Oct. 23.
 

Form carpools and follow along in a convoy at 10. The shooting range is out in the boondocks, little hard to find. I will hand out maps to the drivers, just in case the convoy breaks up. The last several miles will be gravel roads. Parking available on pasture grass on the side of a hill.

 E-mail me of your interest in attending this event. Or sign up at the next camera club meeting. No admission charge required. Visitors are welcome.
 

This year's SCCC Art Center Exhibit dates are September 24th through November 27th.  The theme is "Street Stories".  The drop off dates are September 13th thru 17th.

Each Camera Club Member can submit one photo.  It should be in a black metal frame, 16x20 with a wire hanger and glass front.  For consistency, please set the wire so that when it hangs, the top of the wire is 2" from the top of the frame.
 

You will need to put your name, title of your photo, and price for sale or not for sale on the back of the photo.  If your photo sells the Art Center will receive a 30% commission on your sale.
 

If you are planning to exhibit a photo please email your name, photo title, and purchase price if you are willing to sell, to Barbara-Anne Huculak at [email protected] no later than September 15th.
 

Since this years theme has to do with street photography here are a couple of articles you might want to check out:
 

5 TIPS FOR BETTER STREET PORTRAITS - Mark Wallace meets up with Kenna Klosterman of Creative LIVE to talk with her about shooting portraits of strangers. Kenna has traveled to 44 countries around the world and has mastered the art of street portraiture. Learn the five things you can do to connect with people and make great images. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oo17U-TzhpQ
 

STREET PHOTOGRAPHY TIPS AND TECHNIQUES - With practice, you can overcome your reluctance to photograph strangers as well as learn techniques which will help you get better candid shots. http://www.picturecorrect.com/tips/street-photography-tips-and-techniques/

 

Celebrate the moment with those who helped protect 467 beautiful acres in the Loess Hills! We’ll stand on the ridge together with an amazing view of land that will always be natural. Nearly 1,000 people contributed to save this important part of our natural heritage for wildlife and for future generations!  For all the details click here! 
 

Read More....http://bpsop.com/how-to-shoot-the-perseids-meteor-shower/
 

The annual Perseid meteor shower will peak the nights of the 12th and 13th this year which may produce about 200 meteors per hour those nights.  The Milky Way should also be visible overhead so in addition to photographing meteors you will also be taught how to photograph the Milky Way.

In addition to your camera, you will need a tripod with cable release and a small flashlight to work your controls.

From the town of Holstein, Iowa it is about 2 to 3 miles west on Hwy 20, then south on Carriage Ave until you come to the church.  For more information you can contact Don at [email protected].
 

Please email Carl Hardy at [email protected] no later than August 12th with the number attending so we can order the meat.  Pop and water will also be provided.  The rest of the event is potluck.  A to J bring salads or appetizers and everyone else bring potatoes, veggies or deserts.  All members and their families are invited.
 

Founded in 1989, The Briar Cliff Review is an eclectic literary and art magazine.  It's a full-size format that is elegantly simple in design and provides an aesthetically pleasing venue for the work of it's contributors. It's editors are committed to nurturing writers and artists and fostering the best of both emerging and established writers and artists.
 

The 2016 Loess Hills Prairie Seminar

June 3 (evening) to June 5 (noon)

Fascinations of the Loess Hills

Celebrating Forty Years of Nature in Western Iowa

The Loess Hills Prairie Seminar, sponsored annually by the Northwest Area Education

Agency, is in its 40th year. It brings together dozens of facilitators and hundreds of

participants of all ages, with diverse interests that relate to natural and cultural history, the

Loess Hills, and prairie. Many field sessions teach about plants, insects, and birds, some

explore nature writing or photography, several offer information about prairie management

and ecology, others feature Native American stories and rituals, and there are many more

topics explored.

The public is invited to attend any session or program of interest. There is no registration fee

and pre-registration is necessary only for those ordering meals.
 

The entire program, and the optional registration form can be found on the NWAEA website at: http://www.nwaea.k12.ia.us/en/educators/loess_hills_prairie_seminar/.
 

If more information is needed, contact Penni Kistner at [email protected] or 712-222-6083.
 

The Sioux City Camera Club's Annual Awards Banquet has been set for Thursday, May 12, 2016 at the First Presbyterian Church.  The event will start with an evening meal at 6:00 p.m.  The cost will be $12.00 per person.  A sign up sheet will be available as the event draws near.  Awards will be presented for best print and best digital image in both color and black and white and also photographer of the year.

This years guest speaker will be artist and photographer Pat James from Boyd County Nebraska.  Pat has developed a technique using photographs to create layered digital images that she calls photoconstructions. You can learn more about her on her website at http://patjamesart.com/.
 

All About Photography - Bring your camera, tripod, and notepad.  Spring brook is totally about photography and making friends with others passionate about photography.  There are educational programs, member's slide shows, workshops, equipment demonstrations, hiking, meals and much more.
 

Super Economical - By sleeping in the park's dorm lodging, the total cost is $108 for two nights lodging, five meals and registration for all the events.  What a deal!  The cost will be reduced to $93 per person if you choose other lodging.
 

What to Expect - It is a casual and friendly time to make friends and talk about club ideas, travel locations, equipment or just hang out, relax, and soak up what is offered.
 

Comfortable Facilities - The Education and Conference Center is a small campus like facility operated by the Iowa Department of Natural Resources.  There is a conference center building with a large screen, projector, sound system, and tables for the programs and workshops.  The dining hall is close and meals are served cafeteria style with snacks and drinks provided at breaks.  There are separate men's and women's lodges.  Each lodge has 4 large sleeping rooms each accommodating about 8 twin-size beds.  Bedding and towels are provided and there are showers in the bathrooms.  All buildings are handicap accessible.
 

Park Environment - The state park is densely forested in an area of rolling hills.  There are many hiking paths and ponds.  Deer and birds are common.  Usually the early spring flowers are beginning to bloom and mushrooms can be found by those with good eyes.  Search the internet and you'll find more information and brochures about the park. 
 

Dates - This years dates are April 22, 23, & 24, 2016.  The deadline for registration must be received by April 13, 2016.  An application for registration is available here: http://www.n4c.us/SpringbrookRegistration2016.pdf  For program details go here: http://www.n4c.us/SpringbrookProgram2016_1.pdf
 

Woodbury County Conservation Foundation’s annual meeting is just prior to this program at 1:30 p.m.

Free & open to all!
 

For other Nature Center Activities click here http://woodburyparks.org/dorothy-pecaut-nature-center/
 

The Sioux City Camera Club's "Drone Zone" documentary video starring Larry Crabb will premiere during the Siouxland Film Festival on Wednesday, February 24th at 7:00 P.M. at Western Iowa Tech Community College.  Everyone please attend and vote for our film so we can make the finals Saturday night, February 27th at the Orpheum. 

Click here http://siouxlandfilmfestival.org/ for a list of films to be shown and to learn more about this annual event.     
 

Camera Club Members are invited to get some exercise this winter without slipping and sliding on the snow. 

Blue Zones group promotes winter indoor walking
 

While the snow is deep outside, the Sioux City Blue Zones Committee is challenging the public to participate in our Indoor Winter Walking Challenge. Sioux City is fortunate to have four locations where walkers can really stretch out their legs through long warm hallways, despite frigid outdoor temperatures.

“The Blue Zones Committee is encouraging residents to make healthy choices and participate in our wellness activities, which the committee is planning for 2016,” said Committee Member Tom Schoening. “During the winter, we suggest four FREE indoor winter walking locations.” They are:

Unitypoint Health­ - St. Luke’s tunnels – The weekly “Walk with a Doc” begins at 5:30 p.m. each Wednesday. A physician leads each stroll and chats with participants about medical questions. The event is cosponsored by the Siouxland Community Health Center. The starting point is the St. Luke’s Atrium.

Skywalk – Downtown workers and the public are invited to stroll as a group through the Skywalk at 5:30 p.m. each Thursday. The starting point for the walk is the Ho Chunk Center atrium, starting Feb. 18.

WITCC – The maze of hallways at Western Iowa Tech Community College provides another place to wander this winter. WITCC is open to walking groups on Monday through Thursday from 8 a.m.-7 p.m., Fridays from 8 a.m.-5 p.m. and Saturdays from 8 a.m.-noon.

The Mall – The fourth location is the popular Southern Hills Mall, where walkers are welcome. The mall offers unobstructed walking from 7-10 a.m. each morning Monday through Saturday and from 9 a.m.-noon on Sundays. The mall closes for shopping and walking at 6 p.m. on Sunday and 9 p.m. the rest of the week.

 To find out about upcoming Blue Zones Project events and ways to live longer and better, visit the Sioux City Blue Zones Facebook page:

https://www.facebook.com/SiouxCityBlueZonesProject

or this website www.bluezonesproject.com
 

The exhibit will run from January 10th through March 26, 2016.  The theme for this years exhibit is "Focus on Siouxland"  Size, framing and mats will be the same as the Sioux City Art Center rules (frames to be black metal no larger than 16 x 20, white mats, and wire hanger when hung 2" from top of frame).
 

Get in the holiday spirit and get some exercise prior to the Festival of Trees Auction. The Blue Zones Committee will be offering a Festival of Trees Walk at 6 p.m. on Thursday, Dec. 3, starting at the Ho Chunk Center atrium. We will stroll through the downtown Skywalk and gaze at the scores of beautifully-decorated Christmas trees and wreaths following the walk. Healthy holiday snacks will be available at the Sweetwater Café in the Ho Chunk Center.

Then walk the skywalk over to the bus station at across the street to the 7 p.m. camera club meeting!
 

“Vietnam: Service With Honor,” a photo exhibit honoring veterans of a conflict that deeply divided our nation, will open at 2 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 8 at the Betty Strong Encounter Center in partnership with The Sioux City Journal. Admission will be free.

The exhibit, and opening program by Journal feature writer Tim Gallagher, will be the culmination of The Journal’s 50-part series “Vietnam: Service With Honor,” produced by Journal newsroom staff.

Forty to 50 years after they resumed their lives at home, Siouxland Vietnam veterans shared vivid details and deep feelings of an extraordinary time in their lives and the war’s transforming impact.

The stories and images are running in The Journal through Nov. 8. The Encounter Center’s exhibit will extend the series’ reach to visitors from throughout the country and abroad. It will run through January 2016.

 “The Vietnam conflict, which aimed to stop the spread of communism, divided the U.S. domestically like no other fight since the Civil War,” says Gallagher who wrote a number of veterans’ stories. “The first U.S. combat units arrived in Vietnam on March 8, 1965. However, military efforts were taking shape at least a decade earlier.”

 “Vietnam: Service With Honor” comprises portraits by Journal photographers Tim Hynds, Justin Wan and Jim Lee. Exhibit text is drawn from stories by Journal staff writers: Tim Gallagher, Nick Hytrek, Brett Hayworth, Dolly A. Butz, Earl Horlyk, Ally Karsyn, Mike Bell, Greg Forbes, Jordan Gonzalez, Kirby Kaufman and Michelle Kuester.

Gallagher’s program will explore stories and images in the Vietnam series, and their impact on readers. The series has evoked an “overwhelming response” from readers, says Editor in Chief Bruce R. Miller.

 “Daily, reporters and editors have been hearing from readers who have been moved by the stories told by the soldiers who served during those tumultuous days. They look forward to reading each day’s installment. They love the depth of feelings that are displayed,” says Miller.

Thanks to The Journal’s website, readers also can hear the vets tell their stories: www.siouxcityjournal.com
 

Capture stunning images of our scenic gardens, grounds and buildings, and catch the action at a historic baseball game at 1:30pm. All workshops are included with admission price to Living History Farms.
 

For class schedules and all of the event information go to the Living History Farms website at http://www.lhf.org/en/programs__events/photography_day/
 

WHERE: Fran and Vernice Kingsbury’s Home, 404 East St., Ponca, NE 

PHOTO OP…Ponca State Park

If you have never been to the park, or if you haven’t been recently, you are in for an enjoyable experience! It is beautiful, scenic and well cared for.  The National Missouri River Resource Center is worth your trip and the 14 new Lodges that are being built bring the total to 31 lovely modern and beautiful places to stay. They are worth seeing even from the outside. Fishing is also good in the small lake among the Lodges.

We will eat at 5:00 in the Kingsbury’s backyard.   If it is raining or real hot, we will eat in the house.  The camera club will furnish chicken and last names starting A to J are to bring salads or appetizers and the rest should bring potatoes, vegies or desserts. Lemonade and coffee will also be furnished.  Do come early to go to the Park (entry fee is $5 per carload so come to the Kingbury’s first and double up with other camera club members) or just come to visit with your camera club friends.

To get to Fran and Vernice’s home in Ponca (404 East ST.), take Hwy 20 west out of Sioux City then turn North on Hwy 12. When you see the sign to turn into Ponca just go straight North to a dead end (the Library) then turn right and go East 2 blocks to East St and make a left.  Go about a block and a half (you will go past the Funeral Home).  Their house is green with lots of steps up to it. To go to the backyard where there are less steps, turn right and go East at the Funeral Home then turn left at the first road. The long driveway takes you up to their house. You can park in the lower yard (they call it the field) if the upper half is full. 

Hope you all can come.  Please let me know via email so we can have enough tables, chairs and chicken! 
 

Annual Awards were given for Best Digital Images of the Year, Best Prints of the Year and Photographer of the year. Click on the link to view the video to see who won http://www.siouxcitycameraclub.com/f912333410
 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PI2LiNrW3eo