NECCC Conference Courtesy Enrollment for a CAP Member

Here a chance for a CAP member to attend the NECCC Conference July 12, 13, and 14, 2019, with registration being free of charge if you have never attended before. It is a great weekend filled with exceptional presenters, timely topics, and many photo opportunities. For more information on the Conference go to http://www.neccc.org/p/2019-conference.html.

The New England Camera Club Council, Inc. invites each NECCC member camera club to select one of its members to receive free registration to the next annual NECCC conference, held at U-Mass, Amherst, Mass. on July 12-14, 2019. The complimentary registration gives the person submitted by the club (Connecticut Association of Photographers) all the learning experiences, photo opportunities and inspirational programs that go along with the conference. Please note, that the enrollment covers only the registration fee. The three day registration is $205.  The recipient will be responsible for his or her own room, meals and transportation.

Rules governing the courtesy enrollment:

1. Candidates must be at least eighteen years of age as of July 1, 2019.
2. A candidate must be a member of an NECCC member club (Connecticut Association of Photographers) in good standing (i.e. dues paid for the current year).
3. Candidates must have never attended a previous NECCC conference.
4. Selection of the candidate will be the responsibility of the individual clubs.
5. A $40 co-pay has been established for the Courtesy Enrollment, due at the time of the application.  CAP will pay this co-pay for the individual accepted to represent CAP at the 2019 conference.

CAP would like to give the opportunity to one of its members who has never attended the NECCC conference a chance to be part of this exceptional weekend. The dates are July 12, 13 and 14, 2019.  If you are interested in attending this conference (and follow the rules governing the courtesy enrollment) please submit your name, address, phone number and email address to Cynthia Gosselin at cgosselin@sbcglobal.net by December 14, 2018. Please put "Courtesy Enrollment" in the subject line.

Results of Tops in Connecticut 2018 Judging

The Tops in CT 2018 judging is complete. We received 734 images from 125 Connecticut photographers, a record participation. Of the 734 images, 101 were accepted into the show including 13 award winning images. The 101 accepted photographs will be organized into the "Tops in Connecticut 2018" program to be shown at the CAP Dinner on Saturday, April 6, 2019, at the Whitney Center, 200 Leeder Hill Drive, Hamden, CT 06517. This will be the only time to view the photographs and hear the commentary on this exceptional work by Connecticut photographers. Judging from the quality of the images selected it will be an outstanding show. Additional details about the dinner will be distributed via e-mail and on this blog closer to the date of the dinner. Be sure to put April 6th on your new 2019 calendar to save the date.

Judges

We had three outstanding judges: Deborah Lea Cohen, Stephen E. Morton, and Ron Wyatt.

Deborah Lea Cohen. She received artistic training at the HS of Music and Art in NYC, but chose not to pursue art as a career. However, expressing herself through the arts has always been important to her. Approximately 15 years ago she started photographing in earnest. For the first several years street photography was her passion which then expanded to abandoned places. After attending several workshops she added nature, landscapes, and macro to her repertoire. Her photography continues to be shown in group exhibits with the Westchester Photographic Society throughout Westchester County and in the Empire State Building as well as several successful solo shows in the Ossining Public Library and Croton-on-Hudson Public Library. In 2016, she judged for the CAP Invitational and is proud to be invited back.

Stephen E. Morton. Over the years, Stephen has developed a rich portfolio of images covering a broad range of subject matter.  He has created countless commercial images that were utilized by magazines, newspapers, corporations, and government agencies.  In addition, he has continuously expanded his collection of fine-art images, as this is his true passion and what drives his ongoing desire to grow as an artist. Stephen’s unique captures of flowers, classic cars, fireworks and environmental portraiture demonstrates his passion for diverse art.

Stephen is also an established fine-art body paint artist.  He creates incredible works by first applying his distinct painting techniques to the human canvas, and then leveraging his vast knowledge of lighting and composition to capture abstract poses for his final images. Stephen believes he is truly blessed possessing skills that allows him to both follow his passion and have a career, something that few people are ever successful in achieving.  Over the years he received many awards for his outstanding photography, while enjoying the personal satisfaction of selling his fine-art images around the country. His photographic work has been shown in numerous galleries over the years, including the Hudson River Museum, Gallery 66, and the OAC Gallery. 

Ron Wyatt. His first experience with photography was the unsuccessful photo documentation of his honeymoon. Armed with a borrowed Instamatic camera he learned that camera shake does not produce great photos. 

Ron, a self-taught photographer, has covered the NBA, NFL and Major League Baseball and photographed two Summer Olympic Games. His photos have appeared in various publications including: USA Today, Black Enterprise Magazine, Time Magazine, Newsweek, TV Guide, ESPN, and others. He has also covered corporate assignments for, Six Flags, Eastman Kodak, Continental Airlines, CVS, Pepsico, Verizon and many others. His Photography has allowed him to travel to various parts of the world.

Award Winning Photographs

From the 101 accepted photographs the judges chose 13 award winning images: one best in show, nine best of... images, and three judges choice images, one by each judge.

Best in Show ~ "Hand-warmer" by Erik Landegren 

Best Cityscape ~ "Rain Lights Reflection" by Tom Cuchara

Best Creative ~ "I'm Out of Here" by Erik Landegren

Best Landscape ~ "Sunset Congregation" by Melanie Bradley

Best Monochrome ~ "Once Upon a Time" by Anne Eigen

Best Nature ~ "Mine!" by Sandy Schill

Best Photojournalism ~ "Her Fifth Avenue" by Megan Crandlemire

Best Portrait ~ "Unwilling" by Lisa Cuchara

Best Seascape ~ "Rocks and Mountains" by Simmie Reagor

Best Travel ~ "Myanmar Monk and Candles" by William Barnett

Judges Choice: Deborah Cohen ~ "Ghost Writer" by Rick Tyrseck

Judges Choice: Steve Morton ~ "The Heavy Lightness of Sleep" by Sue Fenton

Judges Choice: Ron Wyatt ~ "Piazza of St. Francis Basilica" by C. Peter Chow 

Tops in CT Competition Deadline approaching

The due date for entries to the 2018 Tops in Connecticut competition is October 29, 2018. As a result you have only two week ends left to select and send in your images. We suggest you do it soon so that you will have time to fix any errors we may find. 

Tops in Connecticut is a competition held every 2 years for Connecticut photographers. This competition accepts approximately 100 images that are assembled into a show to be presented at a meeting in the Spring of 2019. Save the date: the dinner will be held on Saturday, April 6, 2019. Additional details will be published when all plans are finalized.

Among the 100 images will be 13 medal winning images:

• Best in Show 
• Best Cityscape
• Best Creative
• Best Landscape
• Best Monochrome
• Best Nature
• Best Photojournalism
• Best Portrait
• Best Seascape
• Best Travel
• 3 Judges Choice awards

Select your six images and send them in soon. Almost 50 Connecticut photographers have already sent in their images.

Click to view or download the entry form with all the details.

Tops in Connecticut Deadline Approaching

Just a gentle reminder that the due date for entries in the 2018 Tops in Connecticut competition is coming closer, October 29, 2018. Tops in Connecticut is a competition held every 2 years for Connecticut photographers. 

This competition accepts approximately 100 images that are assembled into a show to be presented at a meeting in the Spring of 2019. Save the date: the dinner will be held on Saturday, April 6, 2019. Additional details will be published when all plans are finalized.

Select your six images and send them in soon. Twenty six Connecticut photographers have already sent in their images.

Click to view or download the entry form with all the details.

Successful CAP Field Trip

On Saturday, October 6, 2018, 15 members of CAP had a wonderful field trip to Simsbury, CT. The trip was lead by Art Yost, Ann Yost, and Linda Thomas. Cindy Gosselin remarked that the trip taught her so much about her own town. A few pictures of the trip are posted below. I hope they inspire more members of CAP to join future trips.

A shot by Cindy Gosselin. The group having lunch at Stratton Brook State park in West Simsbury.

A shot by Art Yost showing the group at West Street Grist Mill

Another shot by Art Yost is part of the group enjoying one of 32 sculptures, part of the Simsbury Art Trail exhibit running through October, 2018.

Tops in CT 2018 Closing Date

It appears I goofed slightly when composing the Tops in Connecticut details and entry form flyer; I put in two different closing dates, Monday Oct. 22 and Monday Oct. 29. October 29 is correct, but if you get your entries in by Oct. 22 so much the better. This is a hazard of using the Copy and Paste commands once too often without checking the final result carefully.

As we said in previous posts Tops in Connecticut is a competition held every 2 years for Connecticut photographers. The competition accepts approximately 100 images that are assembled into a show to be presented at a meeting in the Spring of 2019. Among the 100 images will be 13 medal winning images:

• Best in Show 
• Best Cityscape
• Best Creative
• Best Landscape
• Best Monochrome
• Best Nature
• Best Photojournalism
• Best Portrait
• Best Seascape
• Best Travel
• 3 Judges Choice awards

Select your six images and send them in soon. We have already received entries from 5 Connecticut photographers.

Click to view or download the updated entry form with all the details and the correct dates in both places.

Tops in Connecticut 2018

Just a gentle reminder that the due date for entries in the 2018 Tops in Connecticut competition is coming closer, October 29, 2018. Tops in Connecticut is a competition held every 2 years for Connecticut photographers. 

This competition accepts approximately 100 images that are assembled into a show to be presented at a meeting in the Spring of 2019. Among the 100 images will be 13 medal winning images:

• Best in Show 
• Best Cityscape
• Best Creative
• Best Landscape
• Best Monochrome
• Best Nature
• Best Photojournalism
• Best Portrait
• Best Seascape
• Best Travel
• 3 Judges Choice awards

Select your six images and send them in soon.

Click to view or download the entry form with all the details.

CAP Field Trip to Simsbury, CT

Come spend a day exploring the Town of Simsbury, CT, including the historic Hopmeadow Street, Old Drake Hill Flower Bridge, Stratton Brook State Park, Flamig Farm ($6.00) to walk the property which includes a petting zoo, interact with the Simsbury Art Trail including 32 Life-size Bronze Sculptures with the theme “Celebrating the Familiar”, barns and a couple of area water falls. We will pause for lunch during the day. Details about the meeting place, car pools etc. will be sent to those signing up.

Date and Time: Saturday, October 6^th. approximately 8:30 to midafternoon. 

Respond to Art or Ann Yost at arty43@comcast.net or ayost4@aol.com. Deadline Thursday October 3^rd.

Note, you must be a member of CAP to participate. (See the Join CAP section of the blog to the right)

Old Drake Hill Flower Bridge

2018 Tops in Connecticut Competition

Welcome to September and the beginning of the 2018-2019 season for many photography clubs. Now is the time to look ahead to all the fun and excitement of a new season.

One of the upcoming activities is the Tops in Connecticut competition held every two years for Connecticut photographers. This competition chooses approximately 100 of the best photographs by Connecticut photographers that are assembled into a show to be presented at a meeting in the Spring of 2019.

Each photographer may enter up to 6 photographs. The deadline for receipt of entries is Monday, October 29, 2018. The photographs are e-mailed to the CAP e-mail address and an entry form with the $10 entry fee is mailed to Antoinette Gombeda.

Click to view or download the entry form with all the details.

Start Planning for 2018 Tops in Connecticut Competition

Who:         For Connecticut Photographers

What:        A competition held every 2 years

Deadline:  Monday, October 29, 2018

Entry:       Up to 6 digital images

Judging:   Saturday, November 10, 2018, at Meriden Public Library

Selection: About 100 images for a show to be presented Spring 2019

Awards:    Best in Show 

Best Cityscape
Best Creative
Best Landscape
Best Monochrome
Best Nature
Best Photojournalism
Best Portrait
Best Seascape
Best Travel

3 Judges Choice awards

Additional Details: Watch the CAP Blog for all the details as they become available. 

In the meantime start searching your images for possible entries. Entries in previous Tops in Connecticut competitions are not eligible.

CAP Had Very Successful Skyhunters in Flight Photo Shoot

On Saturday, June 23, 2018, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. CAP sponsored a bird photo shoot with Brian Bradley at Osbornedale State Park in Derby, CT. Brian does many educational programs as well as photo ops with his birds. 

Dave Meredith's Event Description

The event turned out great as the 28 photographers were able make use of the cloudy overcast conditions to photograph 8 different birds of prey. Our location offered a pond for a backdrop as well as a natural habitat of shady trees. Other winged invaders – especially the red winged blackbirds - expressed their displeasure at the presence of the hawks and owls. 

Brian started out the event with four birds on perches. The photographers rotated at ten minutes intervals so everyone had plenty of time to photograph each beautiful bird. All the photographers were most willing to help each other with camera settings to get their best shots.

The beautiful birds were stars of the event. A Red Tailed Hawk, EurAsian Eagle Owl, Coopers Hawk, Kestrel (the smallest member of the falcon family), Gryf Falcon, Barn Owl, Southern White-Face Owl, and a Harris Hawk and a couple more.

In the final hour of the event, Brian had the Harris Hawk fly and chase prey from the trees 5-6 times - this was the highlight of the day. The red-winged blackbirds dive bombed the Hawk almost every time it flew. Brian attempted to have eagle-owl demonstrate chasing prey, but the bird was not in the mood as the little song birds had annoyed him earlier. 

It was just a wonderful day with Skyhunters in Flight. I want to thank every one of you who attended the event, and of course, Brian Bradley and his birds of prey. 

Photographs from the Event

Photo by Cindy Gosselin

Photo by Cindy Gosselin

Photo by Chane Cullens

Photo by Chane Cullens

Skyhunters In Flight Photo Shoot More than Half Full

On Saturday, June 23, 2018, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. CAP is sponsoring a bird photo shoot with Brian Bradley at Osbornedale State Park in Derby, CT. Brian does many educational programs as well as photo ops with his birds. He is extremely knowledge and will give you info on each type of bird.

This opportunity is limited to CAP members. Only the first 40 people who apply will be accepted. More than half of the available slots are already taken. Register now to be sure you are included. The cost is $40 per person.

Click for a flyer which includes a registration form and additional details. Remember, first come first served for this event. Deadline for registration if June 8.

CAP Presents Skyhunters In Flight Photo Shoot

On Saturday, June 23, 2018, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. CAP is sponsoring a bird photo shoot with Brian Bradley at Osbornedale State Park in Derby, CT. Brian does many educational programs as well as photo ops with his birds. He is extremely knowledge and will give you info on each type of bird.

This opportunity is limited to CAP members. Only the first 40 people who apply will be accepted. The cost is $40 per person.

Click for a flyer which includes a registration form and additional details. Remember, first come first served for this event.

Tickets Still Available for CAP Dinner Next Saturday

Tickets are still available for the CAP dinner and program to be held next Saturday evening, May 5, 2019. The price is now $37. The program will feature Ron Rosenstock and his program "Photography as a Spiritual Experience." The dinner and program will be held at the Crystal Ballroom, 44 Maynard Street, Middletown, CT, beginning at 5 p.m.

Click for a flyer containing all the details including the menu, a description of Ron's program, and a registration form. Hurry to register for this outstanding dinner, program, and socializing with your fellow photograhers.

Last Chance! CAP Dinner Tickets

April 15, 2018, is approaching VERY FAST. That is the deadline to register for the CAP dinner and program to be held on May 5, 2018, at the price of $32 per person. The program will feature Ron Rosenstock and his program "Photography as a Spiritual Experience." The dinner and program will be held at the Crystal Ballroom, 44 Maynard Street, Middletown, CT, beginning at 5 p.m.

Click for a flyer containing all the details including the menu, a description of Ron's program, and a registration form. The cost is $32 per person if you register by April 15 or $37 if you register closer to the event. Dave may give you an extra day or two for the lower price if you e-mail him right away telling him that your check is on the way. 

CAP Dinner & Program Registration Deadline Soon

April 15, 2018 is approaching soon. That is the deadline to register for the CAP dinner and program to be held on May 5, 2018, at the price of $32 per person. The program will feature Ron Rosenstock and his program "Photography as a Spiritual Experience." The dinner and program will be held at the Crystal Ballroom, 44 Maynard Street, Middletown, CT, beginning at 5 p.m.

Click for a flyer containing all the details including the menu, a description of Ron's program, and a registration form. The cost is $32 per person if you register by April 15 or $37 if you register closer to the event.

Reminder about the CAP Spring Dinner Meeting and Program on May 5, 2018

Just a reminder that May 5, 2018, is coming soon. That is the date for the CAP Spring Dinner & Program featuring Ron Rosenstock and his program "Photography as a Spiritual Experience." The dinner and program will be held at the Crystal Ballroom, 44 Maynard Street, Middletown, CT, beginning at 5 p.m. Now is the time to submit your registration!

Click for a flyer containing all the details including the menu, a description of Ron's program, and a registration form. The cost is $32 per person if you register by April 15 or $37 if you register closer to the event.

Reserve May 5, 2018 for the CAP Spring Dinner Meeting & Program

Today put May 5, 2018, on your calendar and plan to attend the CAP Spring Dinner & Program featuring Ron Rosenstock and his program "Photography as a Spiritual Experience." The dinner and program will be held at the Crystal Ballroom, 44 Maynard Street, Middletown, CT, beginning at 5 p.m.

Click for a flyer containing all the details including the menu, a description of Ron's program, and a registration form. The cost is $32 per person if you register by April 15 or $37 if you register closer to the event.

NECCC Conference Courtesy Enrollment for a CAP Member

Here a chance for a CAP member to attend the NECCC Conference July 13, 14, and 15, 2018, with registration being free of charge if you have never attended before. It is a great weekend filled with exceptional presenters, timely topics, and many photo opportunities.

The New England Camera Club Council, Inc. invites each NECCC member camera club to select one of its members to receive free registration to the next annual NECCC conference, held at U-Mass, Amherst, Mass. on July 13-15, 2018. The complimentary registration gives the person submitted by the club (Connecticut Association of Photographers) all the learning experiences, photo opportunities and inspirational programs that go along with the conference. Please note, that the enrollment covers only the registration fee. The three day registration is $205.  The recipient will be responsible for his or her own room, meals and transportation.

Rules governing the courtesy enrollment:
1. Candidates must be at least eighteen years of age as of July 1, 2018.
2. A candidate must be a member of an NECCC member club (Connecticut Association of Photographers) in good standing (i.e. dues paid for the current year).
3. Candidates must have never attended a previous NECCC conference.
4. Selection of the candidate will be the responsibility of the individual clubs.

5. A $40 co-pay has been established for the Courtesy Enrollment, due at the time of the application.  CAP will pay this co-pay for the individual accepted to represent CAP at the 2018 conference. 

CAP would like to give the opportunity to one of its members who has never attended the NECCC conference a chance to be part of this exceptional weekend. The dates are July 13, 14 and 15, 2018.  If you are interested in attending this conference (and follow the rules governing the courtesy enrollment) please submit your name, address, phone number and email address to Antoinette Gombeda at agombeda@optonline.net by February 20, 2018. Please put "Courtesy Enrollment" in the subject line.

Results of the 31st. Connecticut Camera Club Invitational Salon

Every two years the Connecticut Association of Photographers sponsors a competition among Connecticut camera clubs. Thirteen clubs participated in the 2017 competition.

Congratulations to the New Haven Camera Club which took 1^st place (306 points). They were closely followed by Stamford (302 points) and Quinebaug (300 points). 

Overall Ranking by Club
Club	Total	Rank
New Haven	306	1
Stamford	302	2
Quinebaug	300	3
Simsbury	298	4
Oxford Greens	290	5
Bridgeport	289	6
Coastal	283	7
Milford	280	8
North Haven	280	8
Granby	275	10
Wallingford	265	11
Quiet Corner	259	12
Castle Craig	258	13

In the individual awards, we had two images score a perfect 30 points! Congratulations to Denise Saldana of the New Haven CC for her image “Sandhill Crane” and to Linda Brinckerhoff for her image “To Fly”. Since we did not have any images that scored 29, we did not break the tie and both will receive 1^st place monetary awards. Images that scored 28 points received digital certificates.

"Sandhill Crane" by Denise Saldana

"To Fly" by Linda Brinckerhoff

Our judges were from the Cape Cod Viewfinders Camera Club – Michael Karchmer, Suz Karchmer and Jim Walczak. Images were judged online in mid-December.