Our photo assignment for April 2014 is experimentation with white balance. Often photographers will set the white balance on their camera to match the color temperature of their surroundings; this enables the photographer to capture accurate color in the scene. However, just because your white balance is correct, doesn’t mean it’s “right”.  White balance can be manipulated, in camera or in post, to give the image an entirely different look.

For example, this photo has the white point set to 5500K

and this version is at 4900K for a warmer look

Members are asked to bring in warm and cool images (maximum of 3) and we hope to have a discussion on the effect white balance plays in a photo.

For more information on white balance, check out the tutorial Cambridge in Color.

Very reluctantly, Spring has finally arrived in upstate New York. As it often does here, it seems to come in a grand rush in about two weeks. The talk among Cayuga Nature Photographers has been all about Spring wildflowers and, since I was unable to attend the recent meeting to see everyone’s images and show a few of my own, I decided to post a variety here as examples of what you may find as you explore the woods and nature preserves of our area.  Most of these are older images of mine. I find it harder and harder these days to actually get out and shoot the way I used to. But these pictures are examples of the variety and beauty that typically are available if you take the effort to seek out the blossoms of Spring in the wild.

Among the first to show in our area is the Blue Bell or Virginia Cowslip. These were found on a roadside in Trumansburg.

Continue reading Spring is finally here! →

April means wildflowers in the Finger Lakes. On Sunday, April 28, members will meet at 8 am in the Caldwell Road entrance to Mundy Wildflower Garden on the Cornell campus.  Bring your camera, a tripod and expect to find a multitude of plants in bloom.   This will be appropriate for members at all levels.  Beginning photographers can expect useful  mentoring from other members.

The Trout Lily below is just one example of what MWFG presents at this time of the year.

If the weather creates any doubt about the success of the event, check your group email for an update the night before.  Bear in mind that a light sprinkle can be a great time with full saturated colors and wonderful beads of water to add sparkle to the subject.

Any questions?  Contact me at:  pschmitt@stny.rr.com

At our next meeting, Thursday May 2, we will first continue last month’s review of post processing using Lightroom.  We’ll walk through the processing steps with some examples that demonstrate how to fix and optimize images.  This will build on Adam Bakers excellent review at our April meeting.  After the Lightroom presentation, we will share  images of spring, specifically the spring wildflowers found in some many places during April.  I expect wildflowers to be plentiful from April 10  onward.

I hope to see you at both events.

Paul Schmitt

Interested in nature and capturing it with your digital camera, but need an introduction to basic camera use and the principles of nature photography? Then join us for a special in-depth workshop presented in partnership with the Cayuga Nature Photographers. This 3-session course will begin with an overview of basic digital camera use and field techniques in an initial evening session (August 1). Early the following Saturday morning (August 4), we will visit nearby locations to capture some of the Plantations’ landscapes, plants and bird life. At a final session (August 8), we will review and critique the results of the Saturday outing, and share tips on how to become better photographers.

Three sessions:

Wednesday, August 1; 7 to 9:00 p.m.
Saturday, August 4; 7:00 to 11:00 a.m. and
Wednesday, August 8; 6:30 to 9:00 p.m.

For more information and to sign up, please visit the Cornell Plantations website.