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2026-06-16 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. ATTENDEES DISCUSSION TOPICS 1. Show us your "Abstract Images" 2. How to become a rich and famous artist -1. Ai Weiwei is a government plant used by Western governments to manipulate the Chinese masses 3. Constructive Critiques and Personal Projects 4. RESOURCES (Where you can find sources of inspiration) Download Free texture images from Pexels, filter for "textures" Purchase textures from "2 Lil' Owls" How to Turn Photos into Textures in Photoshop - 13:27 - by PHLEARN Make your own textures for "Texture Blending Art" - 14:58 - by Stephen Photo Artist Texture Blending Art in Adobe Photoshop - 22:19 - by Stephen Photo Artist Create Your Own Textures in Photoshop - 7:47 - by Sleeklens 4. PICK A TOPIC FOR THE NEXT MEETING Here are some links to methods for creating mandalas or kaleidoscopic images: Method 1 by Jim Limburg Method 2 by Jim Limburg Method 3 by Ed Ogle Method 4 by Ed Ogle Method 5 by Rich Ernst Method 5 by Mike Barry Tell me if there is a photographic technique or topic that you would like to have the group discuss at the next meeting, or else I will pick one that I am interested in. AGENDA FOR OUR NEXT FINE ART PHOTOGRAPHY SIG MEETING - Tue 7/21/2026 @6:00pm If you don't have time to research the topic or experiment with textures, or you don't have any images that you want to have critiqued, that is OK, you can just attend the meeting and participate when you want. 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. Thanks, ================ Notes from ZOOM ================== Quick recapThis was a photography club meeting focused on members sharing abstract images they had created. Jim presented several tree-themed abstract photographs, demonstrating how he combined traditional photography techniques with Photoshop's render function and AI-generated elements. Albert shared water patterns from various locations including Hudson Bay and the Great Barrier Reef, showing how he manipulated colors to create more abstract effects. Jack displayed photographs from Denver Botanic Gardens and an Aboriginal art exhibition at the Denver Art Museum, while Heather demonstrated a digital microscope she used to capture close-up images of seashells, 3D printed objects, and other small subjects. Robert presented industrial and artistic abstract photographs including rusted car panels, polished stainless steel art pieces, and a HDR combination of a rusty fender. Edogl shared a extensive collection of abstract images created using polar coordinates, kaleidoscope techniques, and various natural subjects like plants, fireworks, and architectural elements. The meeting served as a platform for members to showcase their creative approaches to abstract photography and share technical techniques with the group. Next stepsJim
MikeRich ErnstedoglCollaborationSummaryAbstract Image Creation TechniquesThe group discussed technical audio issues at the beginning of the meeting before transitioning to a discussion about abstract image creation. Jim presented his work on tree motifs, demonstrating how he incorporated techniques from a video shared by Mike, including silhouette conversion and background abstraction. Jim also showed how he used Photoshop's render function and grunge overlays to create abstract effects, and mentioned incorporating an AI-generated living room scene from Firefly into his work. AI Image Generation TechniquesJim presented his work merging AI techniques, including using ChatGPT to change a living room color and Photoshop for manipulation, as well as generating abstract tree art using Firefly within Photoshop. The group discussed various image generation techniques in Photoshop, including particle brushes and rendering functions, with Rich Ernst sharing insights about Twisted Brush software. Albert shared abstract images of water patterns from his travels, particularly from Hudson Bay and Baja California, with Rich Roberts suggesting potential enhancements like adding mist to one of the images. Abstract Photography Discussion MeetingThe group discussed abstract photography, with Albert sharing examples of color manipulation and water patterns, particularly from the Great Barrier Reef. Jack presented photos from Denver Botanic Gardens featuring blue-green tiles and water, as well as stone patterns and Aboriginal art from a museum exhibition. The discussion included considerations about color temperature and the subjective nature of abstract art, with participants agreeing that some images maintained a calming effect while others became too abstract. Rich Roberts inquired about the duration of the Aboriginal art exhibition, which Albert confirmed ends on July 26th. Digital Microscope DemonstrationHeather demonstrated a digital microscope to the group, showing its capabilities through various close-up images including seashells, fabric, 3D printed objects, and plant leaves. She explained the microscope's features, including its 500x magnification, stepped zoom levels (1X, 2X, 3X, 4X), built-in lighting, and ability to save images to a micro SD card. The group expressed interest in the device, with Rich requesting a link to purchase one, which Heather provided. Art Portfolio Review MeetingRobert presented several abstract photographs, including images from Martin's Wrecking Yard, artwork from Santa Fe, and a hand-blown art glass vase. The group provided feedback on each piece, with particular appreciation for the "Shooting Star" image which was created using photomatics software to combine three photographs. Edogl then shared some of his own work, including converted polar coordinate images of aspen trees and a Christmas tree shot with an 8mm lens. Kaleidoscope Photo PresentationEdogl presented a collection of kaleidoscope photos created from various subjects including plants, fireworks, and natural objects. The presentation included images of hydrangea bushes, tomatillo husks, cactus flowers, and a jumping spider, with Edogl explaining how some photos were created using smart objects and layering techniques. Mike suggested printing the kaleidoscope images as large wall art, which Edogl noted as an excellent idea that he should consider. Abstract Photography Art SharingThe group shared and discussed various abstract photography and art pieces. Edogl presented several photos including corrugated materials, chilies, black and white fencing, stained glass windows, kaleidoscope patterns, and fiddlehead ferns. Rich Roberts showed two series of abstract works created using Photoshop manipulation and abstraction techniques, including water reflections and kitchen table images. Mike presented photos of trumpet flowers from the Butterfly Pavilion and orchids from DreamMakers Orchids, demonstrating a blueprint-style effect using a topaz filter. AI Art Techniques DiscussionMike shared AI-generated art images from Pinterest and discussed techniques for recreating similar effects in Photoshop without using AI. Rich Ernst recommended using GMIC (a free Photoshop plugin) with mathematical filters to create patterns similar to Mike's examples, while Jim suggested using alcohol ink simulations with color gradient layers. The group discussed various techniques including palette knife brushes, embossing effects, and composite methods to achieve the desired artistic styles. Art and Artist Stories DiscussionThe group discussed art and artist stories shared in a video, including how Western governments used a Chinese artist to embarrass China and the story of Jean-Michel Basquiat, whose paintings sold for millions despite his difficult living conditions. Rich Roberts questioned the credibility of claims about CIA funding of abstract expressionist art, while others discussed the legitimate uses of free ports in international trade. The conversation concluded with Albert sharing his experience with a free trade zone in Malaysia where he worked. Art and Photography TechniquesThe group discussed various topics related to art and photography, including luxury asset storage in climate-controlled buildings and freeports, as well as the concept of foreign trade zones in the U.S. They examined techniques for creating three-dimensional effects in digital images using Photoshop filters like Bevel and Emboss. Mike presented a digital painting of a medieval warrior he created using a photo of a friend as reference, and the group provided feedback on how to improve the composition, particularly suggesting adjustments to the sky and background to enhance the image. Kaleidoscope Photo Project DiscussionThe group discussed feedback on Mike's triptych photo, with several members suggesting modifications including removing background people from the right image, potentially converting to black and white, and considering a simpler background like a castle or dragon. The team agreed to focus on creating kaleidoscope images for the next meeting, with Ed offering to provide templates and instructions, and Rich Ernst mentioning GMIC as another option. Jim committed to sharing Photoshop action instructions for creating kaleidoscopes, and the group confirmed the next meeting would be held on Thursday at Coffee Morning. |