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2026-08-18 Fine Art Photography SIG meeting notes We met online using ZOOM 6:00pm-9:05pm 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 "Larimer County Fair Images" 2. What is High Key photography? 3. Alister Benn Photography Philosophy What Happens When You Stop Forcing the Photograph? - 15:17 - Expressive Photography https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J3TbTc2mQrM I Almost Edited These Photographs Too Soon - 14:39 - Expressive Photography Correct Exposure vs Creative Expression in Lightroom - 22:21 - Expressive Photography 4. Artists vs non-artists values 5. Photographic ethics? 6. PICK A TOPIC FOR THE NEXT MEETING Matt Kloskowski texture classes Matt Kloskowski texture classes (free classes) AI Artwork Prompts for Textures AGENDA FOR OUR NEXT FINE ART PHOTOGRAPHY SIG MEETING - Tue 10/20/2026 @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 AI ---------------------- Quick recapThe meeting focused on photography discussions, starting with members sharing their experiences from the county fair, including Mike's detailed photos of rodeo events, carnival lights, and fair attractions taken over multiple days. The group then discussed high-key photography techniques and definitions, with members sharing examples and techniques for creating bright, light-dominant images. Rich Ernst led a discussion about Alistair Bant's philosophy on photography, emphasizing the importance of going out with intent to observe and capture what resonates with the photographer personally rather than just documenting scenes. The conversation evolved into extensive discussions about AI's role in photography, with Christie sharing how she uses ChatGPT to learn post-processing techniques and get guidance on image adjustments, while others debated the ethics of using AI tools in photography competitions and whether certain enhancements constitute cheating. The conversation ended with discussions about software subscriptions, equipment compatibility issues, and plans for upcoming photography events including a Loveland Photographic Society workshop.
Next stepsAlbert
Jim
Kristi
Mike
Pam
Rich Roberts
SummaryCounty Fair and Comic-Con PhotosThe group discussed their recent experiences at the county fair and Comic-Con. Heather shared her black and white photos from last year's fair featuring her family at the bumper cars, which received positive feedback from the group. Mike presented photos from this year's fair, including images of regulators riding horses and competing in a shooting event, though he noted this may be the last year for the shooting competition due to high rental costs. The conversation also touched on technical difficulties with screen sharing and included a brief historical note from Kristi about draft horses being used by knights in armor due to their ability to carry the weight of armor.
County Fair Photography DiscussionMike shared his photography experience at a county fair, including capturing images of jousting, carnival rides, and a junior rodeo event. The group discussed fair admission policies, with Mike explaining that county fairs are typically free to attend. The conversation then shifted to defining high-key photography, with members examining examples and discussing techniques for creating light-toned images dominated by whites and light colors.
High Key Photography DiscussionThe group discussed the monthly photography challenge topic of high key photography and clarified that there had been confusion about whether this was the correct topic. Rich Roberts led a discussion about Alistair Bend's photography philosophy, explaining how he emphasizes observing the environment and finding pictures in unexpected situations rather than forcing specific compositions. The participants shared their perspectives on landscape photography, with Rich Ernst expressing challenges in identifying meaningful subjects in grand landscapes, while Jim noted the difficulty of capturing the "awe factor" in landscape photography.
AI Tools for Image CritiqueThe group discussed using AI tools for image critique and post-processing. Rich Ernst shared his experience using Blake Rudis's AI review tool, which provides feedback on elements like shadows, lighting, and visual focus. Kristi demonstrated how she used ChatGPT to walk through post-processing an image of Half Dome, finding it helpful for learning techniques despite taking two days to complete. The discussion highlighted the importance of clearly stating one's vision and goals when using AI tools, with Kristi emphasizing the need for effective prompt engineering to get meaningful feedback rather than generic responses.
AI Photography Techniques DiscussionThe group discussed photography techniques and the use of AI tools like ChatGPT and specialized photography AI services for image critique and editing. Kristi shared her approach to using AI for photography feedback and emphasized the importance of being specific with requests. The conversation also covered subscription-based software, with participants expressing concerns about costs and the need to upgrade hardware due to software compatibility issues, particularly regarding Adobe products and Windows 11 requirements.
AI in Photography Ethics DiscussionThe group discussed Rich Roberts' creative AI project where he presented 10 images of an apple with various AI-generated effects, which received mixed reactions from the Texas photography group. The conversation then shifted to ethical considerations around AI usage in photography, particularly in competitions, where participants debated what constitutes acceptable AI enhancement versus cheating. The discussion included examples of historical photography techniques like Ansel Adams' darkroom processing and current concerns about AI metadata and Instagram's tagging system for AI-enhanced photos.
AI in Photography DiscussionThe group discussed the use of AI in photography, with Kristi sharing her experience using AI for post-processing guidance and printing recommendations. The conversation included a debate about the difference between artistic creation and documentation, with Jim comparing photographers to artists who use whatever tools needed versus documentarians who capture exactly what they see. The conversation ended with discussions about upcoming photography events, including a Loveland Photographic Society mentoring workshop and information about Three Square gallery, where Kristi mentioned she had previously taken art classes.
Mentoring Workshop Planning DiscussionThe group discussed an upcoming mentoring workshop at Three Square gallery, where Kristi confirmed there is no fee for members of the Fort Collins Digital Camera Club or Loveland Photographic Society. They discussed Cole Thompson's potential teaching role, though there was uncertainty about his availability due to a recent rattlesnake bite. The conversation also covered Three Square gallery's upcoming Christmas exhibit, which accepts 100 square inch art pieces, and its regular hours of Thursday through Sunday from 1-5 PM during exhibits.
Artistic Photography Editing ApproachesThe group discussed approaches to photograph editing and artistic integrity in photography. Kristi shared her preference for removing distracting elements while maintaining authenticity, while Rich Roberts referenced Matisse's work to illustrate how artistic interpretation can transform how subjects are portrayed. The discussion concluded with agreement that as amateur photographers not relying on photography for income, they have more freedom to experiment with artistic techniques and focus on creating work they personally find meaningful rather than meeting commercial demands.
Photography Motivations DiscussionThe group discussed their personal motivations for taking photographs. Mike shared his purpose of adding beauty and joy to the world through his photography, particularly at events like Comic-Con. Rich Roberts described the satisfaction he feels when people appreciate photos he takes at events and how he often gives them away for free. Other participants, including Tom, Albert, Heather, Jack, and Kristi, shared their various reasons for photography ranging from personal expression and creativity to capturing attention-grabbing moments and documenting beauty.
Photography Club Participation ChallengesThe group discussed low participation in photography club submissions, with only 15-18 members submitting out of 28 attendees at regular meetings and around 60 total members. Rich Roberts expressed concern about members not engaging, while Jim noted that time constraints and lack of confidence might be barriers for some members. The discussion also covered the club's annual membership fee of $25 and how inactive members might not be getting sufficient value from their membership. Mike announced he would need to delay the next SIG meeting until October due to a vacation to Washington State's rainforest, and mentioned his plans to learn about texture work using a class from Matt Kozlakowski.
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