September
In Focus
These two images came from very different photographic experiences, but both represent something I learned during August. One came from simplifying and experimenting on my own, the other from a suggestion while photographing alongside a fellow BPG member. Different paths, but both are part of the learning process.
There’s a well-known song about doing it “my way.” Looking back at my photography in August, I’m rather glad I didn’t.
At the beginning of the month, I thought much of my photography would be focused on macro. I did get out on several early mornings and made some images I’m pleased with, but I found it challenging to maintain the momentum. Along the way I’ve experimented, made mistakes, simplified my approach and learned quite a bit.
But some of my most enjoyable learning this month came from other photographers.
At our Lane Motor Museum outing, Leandra Habel reminded me of a technique I hadn’t used in a long time – using a slow shutter speed while zooming the lens during the exposure. That prompted me to experiment with one-second exposures and resulted in images I probably wouldn’t have attempted otherwise. A simple suggestion from someone photographing alongside me opened up another creative possibility.
It got me thinking about just how many opportunities we have within BPG to learn from others. At our Monthly Meetings we hear from accomplished photographers who share not only their images, but the thinking and techniques behind them. At Lunch Bunch we watch, discuss and then put ideas into practice with our own photography. Our Mini Clinics give us an opportunity to dig more deeply into particular techniques, while Photography Outings allow us to learn much more informally simply by photographing alongside one another.
And sometimes that informal learning can be the most valuable. Someone notices something we’ve missed, approaches a subject differently, reminds us of a technique we’ve forgotten, or simply asks, “Have you tried this?”
Of course, learning from others doesn’t mean copying them. We take those ideas, experiment with them and find ways to incorporate them into our own photography. That’s part of how we develop our individual style and continue to grow as photographers.
So perhaps take a moment to look back over your own photography this year. What have you learned – and who have you learned it from? Maybe it was something a presenter said, an idea from a Lunch Bunch video, a technique demonstrated at a Mini Clinic, or simply another member standing beside you on an Outing.
We all develop our photography in our own way, but that doesn’t mean we have to figure everything out on our own.
Enjoy the newsletter that Diane Burgett puts together, and keep shooting and being creative.
Martin Cregg – BPG President
Upcoming Events
Monthly Meeting
Tuesday, October 6th, 2026
Otter Creek Church
Time: 6:00 – 8:00 pm
Jim Zuckerman; Using Photography in Conjunction with AI
Lunch Bunch
Wednesday, October 14th, 2026
Williamson County Public Library
Time: 11:30 am – 12:30 pm
Mini Clinic
Thursday, September 17th, 2026
Zoom
Time: 7:00 – 8:30 pm
David Morel; Keeping it Simple – Wandering with a Rangefinder Camera
Photography Outing
Saturday, September 19th, 2026
Time: 9:30 am
Leiper's Fork, Village & Distillery
Group Lunch: Optional
September POTM Themes
Leading Lines, Image from a recent Photography Outing, and an Open Category
Leading Lines: What to Consider by Anne McKinnell
What are leading lines in photography?
- Leading lines refer to lines that lead the viewer’s eye from one part of a composition to another. Usually, these lines start at the bottom of the frame and guide the eye upward, from the foreground of the image to the background.
- When used as a compositional technique, leading lines generally move toward the main subject of a photo. For instance, a river might lead the eye toward a fog-covered mountain in the background, or a log might lead the eye toward a stunning sunset.
- Note that leading lines can be anything: rivers or logs, as mentioned in the examples above, but also marks on a road, pointed rocks on a beach, lines in the sand, the walls of a house – if it looks like a line and is capable of guiding the viewer’s eye, then it can work as a leading line!
Types of leading lines to consider
- You might think of leading lines as one monolithic tool in your photography toolbox. Yet they’re far more versatile than you might imagine and can show up in various forms. For instance, we can identify these lines based on their direction: vertical, horizontal, or diagonal. Vertical leading lines stretch from the bottom of the frame toward the top. This approach adds depth as the lines invite the viewer on a journey through the scene. Horizontal lines, moving from one side of the frame to the other, increase intensity, while diagonal lines introduce dynamic movement.
- Leading lines aren’t limited to straight lines, either. Although straight lines are more common, don’t underestimate the visual allure of curved lines. Consider a wave curling on a beach or a drooping tree branch stretching out toward the viewer. Bottom line: Both line types have their unique charm, with curved lines offering a sense of flow and grace that straight lines rarely achieve.
Why are leading lines important?
- Leading lines guide the viewer through a composition.
- So by carefully positioning leading lines in the frame, you can draw attention to areas of a photo that matter, like a beautiful mountain or sunset on the ocean. In other words, you can use leading lines to get the viewer to look where you want them to look – and avoid areas you’d prefer they avoid.
- You can also use leading lines to create flow, often referred to as dynamism, throughout a composition. Leading lines naturally take the viewer on a journey around the photo, which keeps them engaged (always a good thing!).
- Plus, leading lines are a great way to create three-dimensionality (i.e., depth) in an image. By emphasizing the start of a line before letting it fall away into the backdrop, you create a 3D illusion that looks incredible in scenic landscape photography.
Examples of leading lines:
- Paths are inherently leading because they go somewhere, and the path edges often create a vanishing point on the horizon (the place where two or more lines converge at theoretical infinity).
- But you can find plenty of other leading lines too; roads, fences, boardwalks, bridges, bricks.
- Anything in a row, such as lamp posts, buildings, doorways, window panes, rivers, shorelines, waves, sand dunes, trees, tall grass, cliffs, and rocks.
Incorporate leading lines into your composition
- Where do you want this leading line to take the viewer? Oftentimes, the answer will involve an interesting feature in the background – such as a sunset – so you’ll need to adjust your camera position until the leading line points roughly in the right direction.
- Ask yourself: Is the leading line interesting enough that it can act as a foreground subject? And can I get close enough to make it large in the frame?
Finally, once you’ve roughly positioned your subject and any leading lines, evaluate the scene one more time. Think about ways that you could enhance the effects of the leading lines, perhaps by changing your camera position, by getting lower or higher, or even by using a wider or longer focal length.
Then take your shot!
2026 Photo Of The Month Contest
Photo of the Month contest images are hung prior to the main meeting. This is an opportunity for you to compare your work with that of others, as you perhaps think about entering our outside exhibits. It’s good training, and by compelling you to focus on specific themes you learn and grow in your photography. A Board member will be at the display to answer questions and encourage participation.
October POTM Themes
Food Photography, Image from a recent Photography Outing, and an Open Category
Food Photography 101 Written By Melissa Santell
Lighting is Everything
- What’s the most obvious requirement for a flawless picture? LIGHT. If you’ve ever spotted a photographer at a restaurant, you’ll notice they always steal a seat next to the window. That’s because they’re setting themselves up with lighting that will compliment the food and accentuate all of the delicious details. Natural light is your friend!
- While lighting is the ultimate key to photography, you never want to shoot food in direct sunlight. Your image will look ‘hot,’ aka overexposed. As for shooting with artificial light, the only time it reigns supreme is in product photography or if you’re chasing shadows.
Think through Perspective
- “When you change the way you look at things, the things you look at change.” Welcome to one of my favorite quotes ever. And guess what? It’s all about perspective. The same applies to photography. That’s why when you’re shooting a dish it’s important to capture it from all angles!
- Everyone has a go-to perspective, which is what I like to call your personal style. However, when you’re creating content for a client it’s helpful to know the story they want to tell. Maybe their goal is to create food images that say, “family style.” In that case, you’ll want to focus on bright overhead shots featuring a variety of menu items with hands reaching across the table to share them. Take time to think through how your client wants to be perceived. Then bring that vision to life.
Fresh Paint, Please!
- There’s nothing worse than chipped nails holding a gorgeous waffle cone overflowing with ice cream. It’s borderline offensive. In fact, details are the most important thing to consider when you’re shooting any photograph. Every tiny morsel contributes to the big picture and how people react to it.
- Ugly nails will ruin a perfect shot, so don’t let it happen to you. I don’t care if you have to skip a meeting with Oprah to make it to your nail appointment on time – fresh paint is crucial. She’ll understand.
Develop Your Personal Style
- A huge part about being a photographer means being true to your personal style. We all see things differently, which is why it’s wildly necessary to emphasize your point of view. It’s what makes you unique!
- Think of being behind the camera as your opportunity to be an artist. Experiment with different compositions, angles and color schemes. Shoot an overhead tablescape and cut off half of every plate. Find something interesting and make the moment yours.
- P.S. The worst thing you could ever do is worry about what other people think. Share your perspective with the world and it will be appreciated. I promise.
Get Handsy
- Remember when your parents said “Don’t play with your food!” Well, forget it. Food is one of the most playful mediums we put our hands on every day. In fact, I once hosted an event in New York City for influencers to use colorful ingredients to paint their plates and excite their palates. YOU WOULD HAVE LOVED IT.
- So, here’s a little challenge for you. Next time you’re eating out, channel your inner food stylist. Reposition the watermelon radish slice that fell slightly off the top of your salad. Ask for more fresh parsley to bless the top of your chicken parmesan with. Move your broccolini to new territory. Spoiler alert: it’s crazy satisfying.
Post-Shoot Edits… Beware
- Let me start by saying, I love Adobe Lightroom. It’s an incredible tool to give your photos the mini facelift they sometimes need. Using an editing program is also a wonderful way to learn about the elements of photography. You have no idea how many times the white-balance tool has saved my ass after media nights in dark restaurants.
- Editing is a whole other form of self-expression. In my mind, there are two types of photo editors. People who like to keep it real and people who like to throw a 50% orange filter on top of 32% shadows and -17% contrast. I prefer to maintain the integrity of the food with minimal enhancement. For quick edits, I usually increase highlights, up the brightness and make sure the temperature is neutral.
- For more food photography inspiration, check out my instagram page!
Happy snapping.
August 2026 Photo Of the Month Winning Images
First Place
On the Ground
Claude Velasco
BPG Outing
Leandra Habel
Open
Leandra Habel
Second Place
On The Ground
Douglas Snyder
BPG Outing
Open
Doug Almy
As a Brentwood Photography Group member, we partner with the Camera Club Council of Tennessee (3CT). Being connected to both a local group and a statewide network 3CT gives our members the absolute best of both worlds.
3CT Latest and Greatest newsletter
Inside this month’s newsletter, you will find a plethora of information to inspire your photography journey and keep you connected with our community.
Here is a look at what is included in this edition:
- President’s Message – Updates and vision from leadership.
- Education Corner – Light is Light
- 3CT Photo Trek 2026 – Details on our trip to Sewanee, Tennessee.
- PSA Opportunities – Highlights from the national event.
- Photography Workshops – Upcoming learning opportunities.
- Call for Entries – Wildlife and Nature Photo contest.
- 3CT Welcomes Photography Connect Murfreesboro
- Member Club Events – Updates from around the region.
- 3CT Club Directory – Connect with local chapters.
Willimason County Fair Photography competition
- Diane Burgett
- Jen Vogus
- Leandra Habel
- Lyra Hankins
- Marjorie Pess
- Mark Reynolds
- Phyllis Tatum
- Rick Borchert
- Scott Oberle
Call for Entry F-Stop Magazine
- ISSUE #139: Food 2026 October/November
- DEADLINE: September 11, 2026
- Submit up to 12 photographs following the guidelines below.
- Issue #139 will have an expected publication date of October 1, 2026.
- Only one submission per person for an issue.
Call for Entry – Sony World Photography Awards
With its unparalleled reach, the Sony World Photography Awards elevate the careers of photographers to the next level. Since the beginning, the Awards have championed inclusivity and access by being free to enter. Acting as an insight into photography today in all its diversity, the Awards spotlights photographers telling the stories of our time.
Free to enter either single or series images.
Series competition – open until January 12, 2027 consisting of 5-10 images for free
- Architecture & design
- Creative
- Documentary Projects
- Environment
- Histories
- Landscape
- Perspectives
- Portraiture
- Sport
- Wildlife and nature
Single Image competition – open until January 5, 2027. Enter up to 3 images for free.
- Animal Portraits
- Architecture
- Creative
- Landscape
- Lifestyle
- Motion
- Natural World and Wildlife
- Portraiture
- Street Photography
- Travel
Monthly Meeting Member's Spot - Pat Hollander
At our May Monthly Meeting, Pat Hollander will share the story behind this striking image, recently accepted into the Poetry of Light exhibition. Selected by Mark Scala, Chief Curator at the Frist Art Museum, the exhibit celebrates light, creativity, and National Poetry Month through the work of SNAP artists.
Pat’s image captures a quiet, candid moment, yet invites a deeper read – where light, color, and setting come together to suggest something more reflective and introspective. She will walk us through how she saw the scene, what drew her to it, and how small decisions in composition and timing helped shape the final result.
It’s a great example of how compelling images can emerge from everyday environments when we slow down, observe carefully, and respond to the moment in front of us.
The Brentwood Photography Group Facebook page
Are you a new member? Contact us to request access to our Group page.
2022 – Pat Hollander – Main Page
- Session 1 – The Basics – Exposure Triangle
- Session 2 – Lightroom Basics with Martin Cregg
- Session 3 – Intermediate Lightroom with Martin Cregg
- Session 4 – Photo Editing with ON1 with Rick Wise
- Session 5 – SmartPhone Photography with Susan Ruach
- Session 6 – Intermediate Photo Editing with ON1 with Rick Wise
Member Websites
Check out our member websites
If you would like your art to be added to the list, send your web information to the BPG Secretary.
Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum Founder’s Day 2026
Celebrate 65 Years of Rail Heritage
September 12, 2026 – September 13, 2026 EDT
This September, experience the sights, sounds, and stories that built TVRM. Founder’s Day 2026 marks 65 years of preservation, honoring locomotives, veterans, and the community that has kept railroading alive for generations.
Event Highlights
- 🌙 Night Photo Session featuring the 4501 and other freshly-painted vintage equipment (Additional ticket required)
- 🎖 Military reenactments & new exhibit additions
- 🚂 Model railroad layouts
- 🎨 Vendor market on the Midway, both days
- When: Friday, September 11
- Time: Check-in at 8:30 PM at East Chattanooga; photo session from 9:00–10:30 PM
- Cost: $60 per ticket – Preregistration required.
- Parking: Available at the gravel lot on 2202 N. Chamberlain Avenue, adjacent to N. Chamberlain.
- Check-In: Participants will check in at the gate during arrival and can use the East Chattanooga depot area for preparation and outdoor waiting between shoots.
- Please arrive 30 minutes prior to event beginning for check in.
Requirements: A DSLR or mirrorless camera with manual settings is recommended. A tripod is essential for stability during long exposure shots.
Be sure to check out their available daytime train schedules.
PhotoShop World 2026
The Ultimate Photoshop Training Event Sponsored by Adobe
Early Bird Registration Is Now Open! Back By Popular Demand!
Photoshop World 2026 is coming—and you’re invited to lock in our lowest Early Bird rate. Join us September 14–17 for four days of live, hands-on Photoshop and Lightroom training, real talk with your favorite instructors, and the kind of creative spark that reminds you why you picked up a camera in the first place Save $200 Now!
Get This Early Bird Rate Before Fri, Aug 14, 2026, 10:59 PM CDT
3CT Fall Photo Trek 2026
University of the South, Sewanee, Tennessee
Saturday, October 17, 2026
Nestled atop Tennessee’s scenic Cumberland Plateau, Sewanee is home to the University of the South, commonly known simply as “Sewanee”. Founded in 1857, the university is a nationally recognized liberal arts institution with a historic campus known for its Gothic architecture, stone buildings, and beautiful natural surroundings. The university is affiliated with the Episcopal Church and serves as both a liberal arts college and a school of theology.
One of Sewanee’s most distinctive features is “The Domain,” a 13,000 – acre campus and nature preserve that surrounds the university and village. The Domain encompasses forests, lakes, sandstone bluffs, caves, and more than 60 miles of trails, making it one of the largest and most scenic university campuses in the country.
For photographers, Sewanee offers an abundance of subjects, from the soaring architecture and stained-glass windows of All Saint’s Chapel to sweeping overlooks, woodland trails, and seasonal fall colors. The combination of historic buildings, dramatic landscapes, and natural light makes the area a favorite destination for photographers, artists, and outdoor enthusiasts alike.
The charming village of Sewanee, with its small-town atmosphere and mountain setting, adds to the area’s appeal, providing visitors with a unique blend of history, culture, and natural beauty.
Save the Date – End of Year Celebration Luncheon
Location Carrabba’s
2110 Green Hills Village Dr, Nashville, TN 37215
Date: Saturday December 5th, 2026
Time not yet finalized but expected to be 12:30.
Hello BPG Family,
Our annual holiday party is just a few months away! To make this event a success and keep costs down for our members, we need your help. Please review the ways you can contribute below:
Silent Auction Donations
We are seeking items, experiences, and skills to feature in our silent auction:
- Photography Gear: Cameras, lenses, tripods, bags, printers, scanners, frames, books, or anything photography.
- Local Experiences: Gift cards or donations from restaurants, theaters, or entertainment venues.
- Your Expertise: Donate a private lesson or mentoring session! Members love learning about:
- Editing: Lightroom, Photoshop, Nik, ON1, Topaz …
- Techniques: Light painting, astrophotography, macro, food photography…
- Gear: Specialized knowledge in Nikon, Canon, Sony, Fuji… systems.
Volunteer at the Event
We need a few extra hands on the day of the party to keep things running smoothly:
- Setup: Help prepare and arrange the silent auction area.
- Finances: Collect payments for raffle tickets and winning auction bids.
- Logistics: Greet members and manage the guest registration desk.
- Creatives: Bring your camera and capture a few candid photos of the festivities.
Holiday Desserts
Got a sweet tooth? Bring a dessert to share! We welcome both homemade and store-bought treats, including cakes, pies, brownies, and cookies…
How to Get Involved
If you would like to volunteer, donate an item/session, or offer a dessert, please reply directly to this email or contact Rick or myself at:
- Rick Wise: richardlwise@gmail.com
- Diane Burgett (Secretary): secretary@brentwoodphotographygroup.org
Thank you for your support, and we look forward to celebrating with you!
Best regards,
Diane Burgett
BPG Secretary
secretary@brentwoodphotographygroup.org
- Vitality Arts Digital Photography Workshop
- Occurs every Tuesday through October 6, 2026 10:30 a.m.–12:00 p.m.
- Nashville Public Library Edgehill Branch (1409 12th Ave S, Nashville, TN 37203);
- Free • Registration is required
- Architecture Tour – Offered every Saturday and Sunday at 3:30 p.m.
- Beauty and Ritual: Judaica from the Jewish Museum, New York. Oct 30, 2026–Feb 7, 2027
- Member Morning – Sunday, August 23, 2026, 11:00 a.m.–1:00 p.m. and Sunday, November 8, 2026, 11:00 a.m.–1:00 p.m. Members only
- Member Mornings – for members only on Wednesdays starting June 3, 2026 – October 28, 2026 8:00 am
- Cheekwood Harvest – September 13, 2025 – October 30, 2025
- El Día de los Muertos – October 31, 2026 – November 1, 2026
9:00 am – 5:00 pm
Franklin, TN
- Pumpkinfest – October 24, 2026
- Christmas Parade December 5, 2026
- Dickens of a Christmas December 12-13, 2026.
- Webb School Art & Craft Fair October 17-18, 2026
- 9/4-9/6 – Deep Tropics Music Art and Style Festival – Nashville
- 9/5 – Middle Tennessee Largest Pickle Festival – Murfreesboro
- 9/11-9/12 – Fall FunFest – Cookeville
- 9/11-9/12 – Market in the Park: Fall – Gallatin
- 9/11-9/13 – Warren County A and L Fair I – McMinnville
- 9/11 – 9/20 – Nashville Fair – Nashville
- 9/12* – Goodlettsville Arts, Antiques and Music Festival – Goodlettsville
- 9/12 – La Vergne Fall Festival – La Vergne
- 9/12 – Green Hills Park Festival – Nashville
- 9/12 – Wine on the River – Nashville
- 9/12 – Smithville Bacon Festival – Smithville
- 9/12* – Sunflower Festival – Chattanooga
- 9/12-9/13 – Founder’s Day at the Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum.
- 9/12-9/13 – Germantown Festival – Germantown
- 9/12-9/13 – Middle Tennessee Highland Games and Celtic Festival – Hendersonville
- 9/12-9/13 – Upper Cumberland Apple Festival – Smithville
- 9/19* – Art in the Park – Springfield
- 9/24-9/27 – American Mule and Bluegrass Festival – Shelbyville
- 9/26 – Eagleville Fall Festival – Eagleville
- 9/26 – Oktoberfest at Oaklands Mansion – Murfreesboro
- 9/26* – Pecan Festival – Murfreesboro
- 9/26 – Tennessee Hippie Festival – Murfreesboro
- 9/26-9/27 – WilCo Pow Wow – Lebanon
Byron Jorjorian Fine-Art Photography
Byron Jorjorian
Kathleen Clemons Photography
Kathleen Clemons
Natural Connections Photo Workshops
Ledra Woodlee
Hand-crafted night photography workshops led by two of our five experienced and enthusiastic instructors.
New Life Photos
Jamie Konarski Davidson
Rich Seiling Photography
Rich Seiling
Show your support for BPG by purchasing our very own branded “merch”!
- Mug
- Tote bag
- Baseball cap
- Insulated tumbler
- Unisex T-shirt
- Women’s T-shirt
All products are made and delivered by Zazzle; they will handle any customer service issues too. BPG will receive royalties on all products sold which we will put towards Group expenses.
