Author: ksccc

Catching the Moment

At the April 1st meeting Suzanne Warren Powell will talk to us about Miksang Contemplative Photography:

Miksang is a Tibetan word meaning “good eye.” It represents a form of contemplative photography based on Dharma Art teachings, in which the eye is in synchronization with the contemplative mind. The result of this particular perception of the world, combined with photography, produces a peculiar and open way of seeing the world. Miksang pictures tend to bring the observer back into the original contemplation state of the author of the picture. The pictures can bring one back to a purer perception of reality that is often neglected. Miksang involves nothing fancy, no special setup; only a visual capture, in the proper state of mind, of everyday’s reality. (wikipedia)

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Suzanne has degrees in the Arts and Education and been teaching Fine Art and mentoring in Creativity since 1985.

Her love of nature and a Zen approach to life and creativity has led Suzanne into the arts and culture of the Far East. She practices Miksang photography, a form of meditative Tibetan Dharma art and writes Haiku poetry. Suzanne lives on a large rural property, which features trails through meadows, woods and wetlands. This untamed landscape renews her artistic vision every day.

Change Your Camera’s Clock

These days, so many of the clocks in our lives set themselves automatically and know when and how to change to daylight saving time. If you have an older camera, it may not do this automatically.

While you change all your other analogue clocks, remember to update your camera so that the time recorded in the EXIF data is correct.

Critique a Photograph

We can all learn something by having someone who’s opinion we value give constructive criticism of our photographs. This article, this video and this article all contain tips on how to critique a photograph. We can also use these techniques as guidelines to help us when creating photographs.

Adjustment layers and layer masks

During the March meeting John showed a video example of using adjustment layers and layer masks. This article shows the same technique in much more detail. This technique applies to all versions of Photoshop and to Photoshop Elements since version 10.

If you want to practice you can use one of the public access computers at the Centre. If you want one-on-one help, you can book a session with a computer tutor.

PicturesToExe & ProShowGold

At the March meeting, Ken showed off his first slideshow that he made with PicturesToExe and a little help from Catherine Easton. A great first effort. The program is available here for $69US.

Frank Knor recommended ProShowGold which is available here for $69.95US and comes with a library of music which has no copyright restrictions.

Both programs provide free versions that you can try before you buy.

Pictures at an Exhibition

Sue Carey thought some club members might need help finding the club images in the 6 locations they are on display around the Centre. With Catherine Easton’s assistance, she produced this short video:

(apologies to Modest Mussorgsky)

Two Photographers

One of the best sources of inspiration is to look at art and in particular to look at other photographer’s work. The same building that houses the Kanata Seniors Centre also houses the Kanata Civic Gallery which displays the excellent work of many local artists (including camera club member and Mentor Ann Williams). Two of the artists are photographers.

Karen Bell

KB

Karen is new to the gallery and has 3 large pieces hanging in the show currently on display. To see more of her work, go to her personal web site.

RicharD Murphy

RM

RicharD is a resident of Beaverbrook and participates in the Kanata Artists Studio tour to be held April 30th and May 1st. To see more of RicharD’s work go to his personal web site.