The Blacksburg Photography Club

June 29, 2010. Blacksburg, Virginia.

Just got back from the June monthly meeting of the Blacksburg Photography Club (www.blacksburgphoto.org). I will admit I went into it with some hesitation, for a few learned reasons.

First, I'm a video guy more than a photographer, though (I rationalize to myself because it's true) the foundations of good film/video are the same as in photography: Lighting, composition, exposure, etc. all matter tremendously to both branches of the art.

Second, I've done my share of 'users groups' and 'peer review groups' and generally have a distaste for groups that do nothing but cheer each other on with no focus on true individual artistic development. While I'm very much in favor of hobbyists and non-professionals networking and collaborating, my opinion is the work product must be considered against the best professional work of the day. If one only compares one's self to the other amateurs around, one will not progress.

Fortunately, I was very pleasantly surprised. My fears were unfounded, and I look forward to more such gatherings!

The guest speaker was Jeremy Jackson, a Light Painter from Floyd (www.tackyshack.net). While not a professional presenter, Jeremy made a very engaging and interesting presentation, highlighting the evolution and many of the fun, simple tricks of light painting. Nearly everyone in the room had their phones or cameras out to try it, and the 'box of toys' Jeremy shared was quite entertaining. I have to do some experimenting.

The photos presented by members (the club holds a peer-judged competition every month around a theme as well as an 'open' category) were really very good. A group of like-minded enthusiasts they may be, but a group worth checking out. Highly recommended.

The discussion about presented photos got me thinking about moving pictures, particularly in regard to color. Much of the discussion was around the colors captured in the photo and how they were achieved. In film and video, color is much more than 'pretty;' it is a key component to the emotion and story of the film. Color can set the tone or give the audience insight or create an emotional response all by itself.

I'm not necessarily going to rush out and start trying to perfect my still frame craft, but when I do take stills, I'm going to think much more about what the color does to tell the story I have in mind for the image...

Happy shooting!
- Rob.