2024-01-16 Fine Art Photography SIG meeting notes

We met online using ZOOM 6:00pm-8:30pm

The goal of our Fine Art Photography SIG is to help each other to create fine art from our photography.
The Fine Art SIG is a place where artists support each other and nurture creativity in others.
Unrequested criticism can feed an artist's fear of failure and stifle their creative growth.

ATTENDEES
Bill Adkison
Robert Barley
Mike Barry
Heather Coe
Rich Ernst
Jim Fellion
Jim Limburg
Jack Lipscomb
Paul Marcoux
Ed Ogle
Rich Roberts
Jim & Joan Sayre
Albert Wang

OUR MAIN DISCUSSION TOPICS WERE "Alternative Lenses" and an "AI with Firefly" presentation by Paul Marcoux.
We had quite a discussion on AI, including the new AI influencer and model Aitana. Rich found a link to an article about her... see below.
Several members presented their Lens Ball and other Alternative Lens images.

RESOURCES (Where you can find sources of inspiration for giving and receiving constructive critiques)

How to Make Clear Ice Cubes at Home
https://www.epicurious.com/expert-advice/how-to-make-clear-ice-cubes-at-home-for-cocktails-article

Meet the first Spanish AI model earning up to €10,000 per month - Rich Roberts

Jim showed an SAP Sphere (Super Absorbent Polymer) and we discussed what it would look like when it froze. Here are 2 sources for buying these SAPs:
https://m2polymer.com/order-now/sap-spheres - Jim Limburg
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01LXKOW8Y/ref=ox_sc_act_title_1 - by Ed Ogle

Constructive Critiques and Personal Projects (optional)
We looked at several members' images.

PICK A TOPIC FOR THE NEXT MEETING
We picked "Ice Cubes in Coke" or something in ice for our next topic. You can continue with the "Lens Ball" photography or do whatever you like for the February meeting.

Amazon.com has lots of "Lens Balls" or "Crystal Balls" for $10 to $30.

What is Lensball Photography and How to Get Started https://www.digitalphotomentor.com/lensball-photography/

Creative Macro Photography | Water Droplets on Glass! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uRsK_g2M9iQ

Photographing Waterdrops: Exploring Macro Worlds https://www.shutterbug.com/content/photographing-waterdrops-exploring-macro-worlds

Creative macro photography: shooting flowers reflected in droplets of water https://www.canon-europe.com/get-inspired/tips-and-techniques/water-droplet-macro/

Facebook Group "Photography Tricks Group". Members of this group post lots of photographs using interesting techniques.

AGENDA FOR OUR NEXT FINE ART PHOTOGRAPHY SIG MEETING - Tue 2/20/2023 @6:00pm
1. The main topic will be "Ice Cubes in Coke".
2. Constructive Critiques and Other Personal Projects
3. We will pick a topic for the next meeting

Please email Mike, info@fcdcc.com, when you find mistakes, missing information or if you have suggestions for the Fine Art Photography SIG and I will try to address the issues.