Photographer shares her knowledge during presentation
VERNON — Despite threatening winter weather, the faithful members of the Vernon Camera Club came out to the township’s senior center for the club’s monthly meeting.
Guest speaker Terry Neff, who is also a club member, conducted the Tuesday, December 2 gathering.
Neff is a self-taught, yet well-traveled photo enthusiast whose work speaks volumes about her talents. Visiting her website, www.colorimagesbyterry.com, takes the viewer on a global journey that includes images of breathtaking scenery, flora and fauna, and even life underwater.
Her presentation included “Terry’s Tips for Taking Better Photos” and her suggestions for taking photographs at zoos and aquariums, and tips for converting existing color images into monochrome/black and white images.
The eight tips for taking better images are “See the Light” including choosing a time of day when light will help to enhance an image, “Eliminate Distractions” or avoid unwanted or extraneous objects in the field of view, “Change Your Perspective” or seek unique angles at which to view your subjects, and “Watch Your Background” to ensure objects behind your subject do not interfere with the subject and photograph’s composition.
Another tip was to “Follow the Rule of Thirds.”
This is a technique in which an image is divided into nine equally-sized rectangles with four points of intersection near the center of an image. In theory, the composition should have primary subject material at three of the four points for a balanced composition.
She also says to “Get Closer” so the subject is not lost in a photo that includes too much going on. Another tip is to “Tell A Story” so the image helps the viewer to better understand the context in which a photo is taken.
Her final tip was “Know Your Camera” not only by thoroughly reading and rereading the owner’s manual, but also through experimentation with your camera and lenses. In these days, when a photographer no longer has to spend hard-earned dollars to see their photographs, nothing is lost through experimentation.
Neff recently visited the Lakota Wolf Preserve with the camera club and shared those photos and tips as well including how to shoot better photos through a chain link fence or through glass.
The club’s Jan. 6 meeting will include a critique on monochrome or black and white photos and Neff shared tips on that as well. The Vernon Camera Club is now approaching its second annual anniversary with about 25 regular members of varied levels of experience and expertise ranging from beginners to advanced photographers.
Neff also will be the guest speaker in January and plans to cover basic photo editing, a new subject for club members. She plans to demonstrate different uses for each of several photo-editing programs.
The club meets the first Tuesday of each month and is always looking to add new members. Each month the club offers a guest speaker to share their expertise.
For additional information, contact Barbara Laufnick at 973-875-1170 or via email at bartons@ptd.net.