Newsletter April 2024

Burt's Message

Hopefully the cold, snow and ice are behind us as we move into … SPRING!!

We had a great turnout for our February meeting and new memberships are really on the rise. Please be sure to introduce yourself to a new member at our next meeting and to show them the ropes at the POTM contest! Thanks again to member Rich Seiling for an outstanding presentation last month on the importance of ongoing Photo Education and new places to find inspiration for your new photos. Remember to print your work for the March Photo of the month for our meeting on Tuesday the 5th of March. I would love to hear about some of your photo “excursions” since our last meeting as well as a short wrap up from our outing to the Factory in Franklin.

Our best to Jen Vogus for the Photo Slam last week also!!

Monthly Calendar

BPG Main Meeting

Tuesday, April 2, 2024
Meeting Location: Zoom
POTM Submission: 6:00-6:30

Meeting: 6:30-8:00

• Speaker: Carl Bott
• Topic: From $6 to 6 Figures

Join us at 6:30 p.m. on Tuesday, April 2, to hear Carl Bott’s story of how he turned $6 into a 6-figure business during the pandemic.

“I will teach you the ins and outs of how I got my footing in the industry and 10Xed my company,” Carl explained. “My goal is to leave you more confident and prepared to book more business than you can handle!”

Wednesday, April 10, 2024
Time: 12:00 pm – 1:00 pm
Williamson County Public Library,
1314 Columbia Ave. Franklin, TN 37064
Meeting room A

Lunch Bunch is a monthly lunch meeting, led by Dick Dougall, with the focus on members getting to know each other, discuss video tutorials, and constructive critiques. This is a bring your own sandwich affair.

This month we will focus on a batch of interesting black and white images participants will comment on. ALSO, from the cropping discussion in March, we’ll have more idea to discuss.

Email dickdougall@gmail.com in advance to let him know you would like to attend.

Thursday, April 11, 2024
Time: 6:30
Speaker: Dave Hachey

Topic: Travel Photography and Environmental Portraiture, in a Word Respect

Zoom meeting

Join us at 6:30 p.m. on Thursday, April 11, via Zoom for a presentation on environmental portraiture and travel photography by new BPG member Dave Hachey.

“I’ve had a lifelong interest in photography going back to my early teens, and covering mainly travel, landscape and environmental portraiture work,” Dave explained. “Since my retirement from Vanderbilt I’ve been able to travel extensively, which has opened up a whole new range of opportunities and challenges—especially in environmental portraiture all around the world.”

He defines environmental portraiture as “capturing the essence of an individual in their own environment” and explains, “This presents several challenges, foremost is connecting with the person to reveal your interest in them and their community, and hopefully to make them comfortable with you and the camera.

“The key to achieving this is to show respect for the person, perhaps by asking questions about them and their family. In the April presentation I’ll show some of the techniques that have been helpful.”

Zoom information TBD

Old Stone Fort State Archaeological Park

Saturday, April 20, 2024
732 Stone Fort Drive
Manchester, Tennessee

The Old Stone Fort was built during the Middle Woodland Period, 1,500-2,000 years ago. Native Americans used this area continuously for about 500 years, eventually leaving it abandoned. By the time European settlers arrived, it was unclear of what the area had been used for which resulted in it being misnamed as a fort. In 1966, the state of Tennessee purchased 400 acres of the Chumbley estate as the core of what is now Old Stone Fort State Archaeological Park.

The park is home to an abundance of activities for guests to enjoy. The main hiking trail follows the wall of Old Stone Fort which was used by the Native Americans as a ceremonial gathering place. The trail threads through dramatic scenery where you can see the original entrance of the fort which was designed to face the exact spot on the horizon where the sun rises during the summer solstice. Visitors can learn about the Old Stone Fort on this hike with twelve interpretive panels as well as enjoying the areas graceful waterfalls.

Park Website

Old Stone Fort – Rocks, Dogs, Stacks, Flowers, Shoes, Inclines, Tools, Framed

Brushy Mtn State Pen – Petros, TN – Saturday, May 18, 2024
- POTM themes you are likely to see: Strange Signs, Stacks, Handles, Shoes, Inclines, Tools, Framed
Muscle Shoals Street Rod Festival – Tuscumbia, AL – Saturday, June 1, 2024
- POTM themes you are likely to see: Spoons, Strange Signs, Dogs, Stacks, Handles, Values, Flowers, Sweets, Shoes, Inclines, Tools, Framed

More to come…

Looking for Inspiration?

Replay Videos and Links

Facebook: BPG Members only
Instagram -Brentwoodphotographygroup
Main Meeting -YouTube
Mini-Clinics – YouTube
Photography Basics 2021 – YouTube

Looking for inspiration? Check out our member websites

Bert Laws
Bob Shupe
Connie Cole
Diane Burgett
Elizabeth Stead
Gale Stoner
Gina Fitzhugh
Jo Fields
John Mott
John Roeder
Lee Ramsey
Marjorie Pess
Rick Borchert
Rick Wise
Tim Lumley
Tom Welch
William D. Kenner

Member Spotlight - Phyllis C. Tatum

I remember like it was yesterday I found a brochure at the Brentwood Library about the Brentwood Camera Club. That was 2002 when I joined the club. I met the nicest man with the warmest and sincere smile that welcomed everyone who walked through the door. That was Dick Dougal, then President.

At the meeting, they were talking about a new thing called Digital cameras. I started in film and took a Black and white developing dark room class at Nashville State Community College.

I truly enjoy photography and enjoy and learn so much from the Brentwood Photography Group. My other hobby is watercolor, which is another joy and challenge for me.

2024 Photo Of The Month Themes

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

Photo of the Month contest images are hung between 6:00-6:30 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.

Rules:

You must be a member in good standing to enter
There will be 3 categories each month
You may enter up to 2 images, but not in the same category.
Voting will determine first and second place winners in each category
Images must have been taken during the last 12 months
No AI was used to add significant elements to the image
There will be a total of six 1st and 2nd place winners each month

View all Photo of the Month winning images here
Galleries – Photos of the Month Winners – Brentwood Photography Group

Resizing And Uploading Images

Resize your image to 2000 pixels along the longest edge.
Down sample your image so it is less than 1MB.
Save images in .jpg format.

Need Help Resizing Your Images?

Directions for resizing your images can be found on the BPG web site by clicking here.

Or you can review the November 2021 Mini-Clinic YouTube video
Export using Capture 1, fast forward to the 24:00 minute.
Export using Light Room, fast forward to the 27:35 minute.
Export using ON1, fast forward to 35:15 minute.
Export using Photo shop, fast forward to 42:10 minute.

Gallery Wall

If you would like to display your images without submitting into the POTM competition we have a Gallery Wall. This is an opportunity to share your work in a format that isn’t competitive. We’ll use one side of the POTM displays and the table used for other displays, if necessary. You will get 1 President’s Cup point for participating. If you also enter images in the POTM, you will not receive an additional participation point for participating in both.

Note:

For Gallery Wall only, prints can be a maximum 13″ x 19″
POTM prints must be no larger than 8.5″ x 12″

Members on Exhibit

Ray Wong’s Greyhound project was on exhibit at Happenchance Social Lounge (7180 Nolensville Rd Ste 1G, Nolensville, TN 37135). Sponsored by the Artist Guild of Nolensville, the exhibit runs through Monday April 1, 2024.

Call For Entry

Williamson County Fair Photo Competition

Online Entry Available: June 17 – July 19
Entry Drop-off for Photography: July 1 – 20, 2024
ALL entries must be pre-entered online. Entries will NOT be accepted at drop-off that have not been pre-entered online so be sure to enter anything you think you’ll have ready by the drop-off dates. Don’t have an item ready…no problem…at least it’s entered just in case!
General Rules & Regulations

Earth – Org Photography Competition 2024

Deadline April 26, 2024
Entry Fee – believe this is free.

Our Nature and Wildlife Photo Competition 2024 is now open for submissions. Categories: Wildlife in Peril, Climate Action, and an Overall Winner.

Three cash prizes

Overall Best Environmental Photo” $500.
Wildlife in Peril” 2023 and “Climate Action” $250 each.

Annual Big South Fork Photo Contest

Deadline: July 15, 2024
Fee: Free

The National Park Service is looking for striking digital images of nature, highlighting the spectacular views, recreational opportunities, and diversity of life in the Big South Fork National River and Recreation Area.

Categories: Dark Skies, Flora & Fauna, Human History, Kentucky Landscapes, Recreation, Tennessee Landscapes

National Park Photo Contest Presented By Tamron

Enter January 30 through August 31, 2024

It’s that time of the year again. Pick your best shots taken in America’s national parks and submit them to the 14th National Park Photo Contest presented by Tamron.

You may submit up to three photos per category beginning January 3o, 2024 until the deadline on Aug. 31, 2024 at 11:59 PM (MT), so start planning some getaways soon to capture your winning photo. We will award a grand prize in each of the three categories: Landscape, Wildlife and Night Skies.

What's Happening Around Town

TNPPA Spring Workshop
**Members, your All Access pass is INCLUDED with your membership but registration is required.**
If you are registering as a non-member or are a member inviting a friend:
Step 1: Please select the “non-member” ticket option and select the number of day passes requested.
Step 2: Select the day(s) attending. The total cost per day for non-members is $99.
If you are a non-member who wishes to attend the full event, please visit our membership page for additional savings when you join today!

Join the Tennessee Professional Photographers Association for the TNPPA Spring Workshop.

When: April 11-14, 2024
Where: Holiday Inn Express – Brentwood South – Franklin
8097 Moores Lane, Brentwood, TN 37027
(615)309-8860

Direct Booking Link (Discount Included):
Holiday Inn Express

Registration is required

Link to TNPPA registration

3CT Spring Event & Photography Contest
May 3-5, 2024
East Tennessee, Knoxville – Oak Ridge area

Partial list of events and places to photograph