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2026-07-23 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 "Mandela and Kaleidoscope Images" A kaleidoscope image is an optical reflection emphasizing random visual texture, a mandala image is a spiritual diagram focused on deliberate sacred geometry, and a kaleidoscope mandala bridges the two by using mirror symmetry to form a structured circular art piece. 2. Why do we make fine art? (Why do we do anything?) It is necessary for us humans to make something and interact with the world to thrive, to feel important... 3. 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) Kaleidoscope Method 1 by Jim Limburg Kaleidoscope Method 2 by Jim Limburg Kaleidoscope Method 3 by Ed Ogle Kaleidoscope Method 4 by Ed Ogle Kaleidoscope Method 5 by Rich Ernst Kaleidoscope Method 5 by Mike Barry 4. PICK A TOPIC FOR THE NEXT MEETING URL: https://www.treventscomplex.com/events/larimer-county-fair 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 8/18/2026 @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 photography club meeting focused on discussing kaleidoscopes and mandalas, with members sharing their techniques and creations. Jim demonstrated how to create kaleidoscopic images using Adobe Actions and showed various examples made from different source photos including architectural, natural, and artistic subjects. Rich Ernst shared his extensive collection of kaleidoscope images created using templates and Photoshop, explaining the technical process and showing how different wedge placements and reflection settings produce varying results. Heather attempted creating kaleidoscopic images using an online tool called Kaleidoscope24, though the results were smaller files. The group discussed the technical aspects of creating these symmetrical images, including the use of reflection and rotation techniques. The conversation then shifted to broader topics about art and creativity, including a video discussion about why people make art and whether it's necessary for human thriving. Members shared perspectives on competition rules, personal standards for artwork, and the value of creative processes over perfect results. The conversation ended with plans for the next session focused on photographing the upcoming Larimer County Fair, with discussions about potential night photography opportunities at the carnival. Next stepsMike
Rich ErnstCollaborationSummaryFort Collins Art Fair PlanningJim and Mike discussed the Fort Collins Museum of Art photography group and the upcoming Larimer County Fair, which will serve as the topic for their next meeting. They talked about various activities at the fair including 4-H exhibits, livestock, a parade, live music, and a junior rodeo. The conversation also touched on weather conditions and quilt displays at the fair, with Jim explaining the challenges of hanging quilts from the ceiling versus using dedicated stands. Kaleidoscopic Image Creation PresentationJim presented various kaleidoscopic and mandala images he created, explaining his personal definition of kaleidoscopic images as those containing reflective symmetry, though he noted this definition doesn't align with traditional definitions. He demonstrated how he creates these images using Photoshop transformations on source material, including AI-generated smoke patterns, Frank Lloyd Wright building designs, and a skeletal leaf. The group discussed the potential commercial applications of these images, with Jim mentioning that ad agencies have previously used kaleidoscopic images in TV commercials. Kaleidoscope Image Creation TechniquesJim presented several kaleidoscope images created using Adobe's kaleidoscope action, demonstrating how repositioning the wedge makes a significant difference in the final result. Rich Ernst then shared his extensive collection of kaleidoscope images, explaining that he creates templates with different numbers of wedges and has found that most detailed images work well for this technique. The group discussed the technical aspects of creating kaleidoscopes, including the use of Adobe's action and various wedges settings, with Rich Ernst noting that he prefers larger numbers of wedges for better results. GMIC Plugin Photoshop DemoRich Ernst demonstrated various image filters and effects available through the free GMIC plugin for Photoshop, including kaleidoscope symmetry, deformations, and painting effects like Brushify and Graphic Novel. The plugin offers over 100 different filters and can operate as both a standalone application and a Photoshop plugin, with compatibility across Windows, Linux, and Mac systems. Rich explained that he discovers these tools organically rather than actively searching for them, often through recommendations from other photographers like Tony Kuyper and Blake Rudis. Kaleidoscope Art Tool DemonstrationHeather demonstrated the Kaleidoscope 24 web tool, showing how it automatically transforms images into kaleidoscope patterns with various color adjustments. Mike shared several kaleidoscope and mandala creations he made using Photoshop techniques, including images from trial gardens, the Butterfly House, and other locations, with each piece taking about 15 minutes to create using screen blend mode and rotation. Rich Roberts mentioned he had something to share later but did not present it during the meeting. For next month's meeting, Mike proposed going to the Larimer County Fair to take photographs. Art Exhibitions and Events DiscussionRich Roberts shared his experience visiting the Museum of Modern Art in San Francisco, where he saw an exhibition of Matisse's work that challenged the definition of art even in 1906. The group discussed the upcoming Benson Sculpture Garden art show scheduled for August 8th and 9th, noting its shift toward three-dimensional art. Mike described the Colorado County Fair events including rodeo, equestrian vaulting, and mounted shooting demonstrations, which runs from July 31st to August 4th. The conversation ended with a discussion about whether people need to create or interact with the world to thrive, with Heather and Rich agreeing that different people have different needs in this regard. Decline of Making vs ConsumerismThe group discussed the decline of making things and the shift toward consumerism in modern society. Rich Roberts shared his experience of growing up with the UK show Blue Peter, which focused on making things, while Mike explained how post-World War 2 manufacturing led to a consumer-focused culture. The discussion explored how creating something yourself, even if it involves risk of failure, provides more fulfillment than passive consumption or using automated tools. Rich Ernst contributed by discussing his experience building templates and recording actions in Photoshop, which he found satisfying as it involved creating procedures rather than just using pre-built tools. Artistic Perfection and CreativityThe group discussed the concept of perfection and creativity in art, with Rich Roberts questioning how artists know when they've achieved perfection. Jim shared that he was critical of his own images but enjoyed the creative process, while Heather emphasized how high standards can prevent people from attempting creative endeavors. The discussion highlighted that beauty and value are subjective, with Rich Roberts arguing that an artist's own assessment of their work is more important than external criticism, using examples of Ansel Adams and other artists to illustrate how different perspectives on art can exist. Photography Contest Rules DiscussionThe group discussed photography contest rules and their impact on creative expression. Mike expressed skepticism about using strict rules to judge quality, while Tom noted that different contests have varying levels of artistic freedom depending on their focus. The discussion highlighted how technological advances in photography have led to more restrictive competition rules around image editing and processing, with some contests limiting AI usage and others focusing on technical constraints rather than composition guidelines. The conversation also touched on how judges' personal preferences can influence competition outcomes, and the challenges photographers face in creating unique saleable images in highly competitive environments. Art and Photography Business DiscussionThe group discussed various examples of artists who achieved fame and wealth through different means, including government sponsorship, gallery partnerships, and controversial art installations. Mike shared insights about his photography work, including experiences with client preferences and technical challenges, while Rich Roberts and others contributed stories about artistic rejection and the business aspects of photography. The conversation concluded with plans to discuss future meeting topics in their next gathering. Photography Club Planning DiscussionThe group discussed various photography topics, with Mike suggesting future meeting topics and asking for member input on what they'd like to learn. Rich expressed interest in astrophotography techniques and mentioned following Mike's lead on topics. The group briefly discussed upcoming photography opportunities including the fair and rodeo events, with Mike sharing information about local events and their timing. The conversation ended with thanks to Mike for leading the group and organizing discussions. |