Monthly Newsletter

February

In Focus

One of the things that continues to stand out about BPG is the breadth of ways we come together around photography. At our last meeting, we revisited the core activities that shape our group – Lunch Bunch, Mini Clinics, Photography Outings, and Photo of the Month. Each offers a different way to learn, connect, and grow, whether you’re just getting started or have been shooting for years.

A highlight of the evening was hearing Board members share their favorite image from 2025. The range of genres and approaches was impressive, but what really resonated with me was the storytelling behind the images. Different styles, different subjects, one common thread – thoughtful, well-crafted photography.

Looking ahead, our next Monthly Meeting will feature Duane Miller’s recent PPA award-winning image of the AT&T Building, followed by a presentation from Caleb McKenney titled From Swamps to Smokies: Composition and Planning. Caleb is a talented young photographer with a great eye and an engaging teaching style. He’ll also be leading our next Mini Clinic with a Deep Dive into Travel Photography.

I’m genuinely excited about the opportunities we have to learn together, try new things, and simply enjoy making photographs. Whether you’re a beginner finding your footing or a more experienced photographer refining your craft, BPG is a place where curiosity is encouraged, questions are welcome, and the focus stays on having fun while we grow. I hope each meeting leaves you inspired to get out, take photos, and share them with the group.

Martin Cregg – BPG President

Martin Cregg by John Mott
Martin Cregg by John Mott

Monthly Calendar - February

Monthly Meeting

First Tuesday of every month
Otter Creek Church
409 Franklin Rd, Brentwood, TN 37027
Time: 6:00 – 8:00 pm
Speaker: Caleb McKenney
From Swamps to The Smokies: Composition and Planning

Lunch Bunch

Wednesday, February 4, 2026
Williamson County Public Library
1314 Columbia Ave, Franklin
Time: 11:30 am – 12:30 pm
Optional Lunch at KOI

Mini Clinic

Thursday February 19, 2026
Zoom details will be sent via email
Time: 7:00 pm
Speaker: Caleb McKenney
Deep Dive Into Travel Photography

Photography Outing

Frist Museum of Art
Saturday February 28, 2026
919 Broadway, Nashville, TN
Time: 10:00 am
Optional Lunch afterwards

Photo Of The Month

February POTM Theme: Abstract

As well as an image from a recent Photography Outing and the Open Category

Abstract photography is about making images that don’t clearly show what the subject is. Instead of documenting reality, you’re exploring shape, color, texture, light, and movement.

Think of it this way:

  • Normal photography asks: “What am I photographing?”

  • Abstract photography asks: “What does this look and feel like?”

 

See helpful video

Key ideas for beginners

  • Simplify – Remove context. Fill the frame with just one or two visual elements.

  • Get close – Macro shots of rust, peeling paint, water, fabric, bark, glass.

  • Use light creatively – Shadows, reflections, silhouettes.

  • Embrace blur – Camera movement, long exposures, defocus.

  • Forget realism – If someone can’t immediately identify the subject, you’re doing it right.

Easy ways to start

  • Photograph reflections in windows, puddles, or metal.

  • Pan the camera during a long exposure.

  • Shoot through frosted glass or plastic.

  • Crop aggressively in post to remove clues.

If you ever hear yourself say “I’m not sure what this is, but I like it” — congratulations, you’re already thinking abstractly 🙂

2026 Photo Of The Month Contest (6:00 pm – 6:30 pm)

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.

POTM Guidelines

Looking for Inspiration?
John Mott- Wheeler National Wildlife Refuge
John Mott- Wheeler National Wildlife Refuge

The Brentwood Photography Group Facebook page

Are you a new member? Contact us to request access to our Group page.

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.

What's Happening Around Town

Cheekwood Gardens

Nashville Zoo

Franklin, TN

  • Downtown Art Crawl – Every First Friday!
    • February 6th
    • March 6th
    • April 3rd
    • May 1st
  • The Factory in Franklin – Farmers Market Every Saturday year-round

Nolensville, TN

  • Art From the Heart Auction February 28, 2026, at Mill Creek Brewery, 2008 B Industrial Blvd, Nolensville, TN 37135.  – The funds raised help provide Care Caddies, Meals, House Cleaning, Lawn Mowing, Gift Cards, Rides and Handy Man Services to residents going through this terrible disease.
Murfreesboro, TN

Bell Buckle, TN

Columbia, TN

Granville, TN 

Portland, TN

Speaker Workshops

Byron Jorjorian Fine-Art Photography
Byron Jorjorian

Kathleen Clemons Photography
Kathleen Clemons

Natural Connections Photo Workshops
Ledra Woodlee

New Life Photos
Jamie Konarski Davidson

Rich Seiling Photography
Rich Seiling

BPG Store

 

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.

BPG Store – Brentwood Photography Group