Assigned Subject: (The assigned subject for May 2013 Digital Image Contest was “Leading Lines”.)

• 1st Place: “Dirt Road” by Wendy Koert
• 2nd Place: “Leading Lines” by Kathy Grim
• 3rd Place: “Lead to Light” by Bruce Schorle
• Honorable Mention #1: “Tracks” by Dave Starke
• Honorable Mention #2 ”Spring at Longwood” by Frank Plucinsky

Pictorial:

• 1st Place: “Pagoda” by Dave Starke
• 2nd Place: “Easter Hats” by Kathy Grim
• 3rd Place: “Innocent” by Bruce Schorle
• Honorable Mention #1: “Old Farm Tractor” by Bob Sheldon
• Honorable Mention #2 ”Tulips and Dills by Frank Plucinsky

Nature:

• 1st Place: “Gorgeous” by Frank Plucinsky
• 2nd Place: “Hearts” by Dave Starke
• 3rd Place: “Humpback Whale” by Bob Sheldon
• Honorable Mention #1: “Fuschia Bloom” by Wendy Koert
• Honorable Mention #2 ”Pink Bud” by Kathy Grim

Each month the Berks Photographic Society holds a Monthly Digital Image Contest for it’s members.

BPS Members are allowed to enter images in Three Categories: Pictorial, Nature and the Monthly Assigned Subject.

Judging takes place on the Second Monday of each month with the top five entries in each category being selected as 1st, 2nd, 3rd and two Honorable Mentions.

The post May 2013 Digital Image Contest Winners appeared first on The Berks Photographic Society - Reading Pennsylvania.

The Featured Member for May 2013 was Dave Starke

What town do you live in? 

West Lawn, PA

What is your age?

69.

How old were you when you developed an interest in Photography?

Interested in photography at early age but became serious about 1980.

What was your first camera?

My first camera was a Nikon FM. (This was a fully manual camera.)

Have you had any training in Photography?  If so, please describe.

No formal training. Attended many seminars and workshops through the years.

Do you belong to any other Photography Organizations? (PSA, PPA, NAPP, etc.)

Not presently. Was a member of PSA and NAPP.

Is photography a hobby, a serious pursuit, your profession?

Photography is a serious hobby to me.

What types of photography interest you the most? (ex:  Portraits, Landscapes, Weddings, Nature, Travel, Glamour, etc. List all that apply)

Like doing all types of photography but I enjoy doing nature, landscape, macro and still life photography the most.

How long have you been a member of The Berks Photographic Society?

I’ve been a member since 1981.

What do you see as the biggest benefit of being a member of The Berks Photographic Society.

Meeting and learning from others has been the biggest benefit to me. I have always been interested in the programs and photo competitions BPS offers. Over the years I have met a lot of really good photographers whose work has inspired me to want to become a better photographer.

Do you have a website, or profile where we can see more of your work?

No

Is there anything else that you would like people to know about you or your photography?

Photography is a continuous learning experience. Participating in the monthly competitions and critiques is a good way to improve your photography.

Click to view more of Dave’s images:

Click here to view past Featured Members

The post Featured Member – Dave Starke – May 2013 appeared first on The Berks Photographic Society - Reading Pennsylvania.

Assigned Subject: (The assigned subject for April 2013 Digital Image Contest was “Shutter Speed”.)

• 1st Place: “Wave Action” by Tom Stoeri
• 2nd Place: “Airborn” by Dave Starke
• 3rd Place: “Wind in Wheat” by Ken Silagy
• Honorable Mention #1: “Blast Off” by Frank Plucinsky
• Honorable Mention #2 ”Joy” by Tom Stoeri

Pictorial:

• 1st Place: “Snug Harbour” by Tom Stoeri
• 2nd Place: “We Remember” by Wendy Koert
• 3rd Place: “Hallowed Ground” by Ken Silagy
• Honorable Mention #1: “Skater” by Dave Starke
• Honorable Mention #2 ”Horse Handlers” by Wendy Koert

Nature:

• 1st Place: “Glacial Headwater” by Wendy Koert
• 2nd Place: “Handsome Drake” by Frank Plucinsky
• 3rd Place: “Beach Art” by Tom Stoeri
• Honorable Mention #1: “Haleaka Caldera” by Bob Sheldon
• Honorable Mention #2 ”Lavender Clematis” by Wendy Koert

Each month the Berks Photographic Society holds a Monthly Digital Image Contest for it’s members.

BPS Members are allowed to enter images in Three Categories: Pictorial, Nature and the Monthly Assigned Subject.

Judging takes place on the Second Monday of each month with the top five entries in each category being selected as 1st, 2nd, 3rd and two Honorable Mentions.

The post April 2013 Digital Image Contest Winners appeared first on The Berks Photographic Society - Reading Pennsylvania.

The Featured Member for April 2013 was Joel Styer

What town do you live in? 

Stony Creek Mills, on the side of Reading no one knows about.

What is your age?

Numerically it comes out at fifty one (it looks better written out somehow) but I’m still not grown up yet.

How old were you when you developed an interest in Photography?

As a general interest, about the time I started school with my parents camera. After visiting a phenomenal amusement park in Canada (now defunct – not Canada, the park), I knew I needed a camera. Three weeks later at age twenty six, I dove headfirst into something that has consumed more time and money than I could have ever imagined.

What was your first camera?

My first camera was a little Kodak that used 126 film with those old flash cubes that didn’t work well except to burn your hand. My first real camera was the original Canon EOS SLR, the model 650 in 1987. At the time, it was a marvel of electronic sophistication but now seems so simplistic. I still have it but it uses that film stuff which I never did figure out how to erase and reuse.

Have you had any training in Photography?  If so, please describe.

A really basic six night class in the late 1980s. Other than that, I read books (remember those) and figured things out with trial and error (with more emphasis on the error part).

Do you belong to any other Photography Organizations? (PSA, PPA, NAPP, etc.)

The National Association of Photoshop Professionals (NAPP) and the Lehigh Valley Photography Club (but my heart is still with BPS).

Is photography a hobby, a serious pursuit, your profession?

Of course! Serious pursuit is a good description yet sometimes a hobby. And occasionally it produces a little income too with some “professional” work. So yes.

What types of photography interest you the most? (ex:  Portraits, Landscapes, Weddings, Nature, Travel, Glamour, etc. List all that apply)

Wow, this could be a long list. Portraits, Landscapes, Nature, Travel, Glamour, Fine Art, Product, Still Life and amusement park photography. Pretty much anything although some bubble to the top more than others. I’ve found that things I learn in one area can sometimes apply in unexpected ways to another and I am always willing to learn more. While not a primary interest, I have shot a few weddings including one on a rollercoaster and one at a haunted house attraction.

How long have you been a member of The Berks Photographic Society?

I originally joined in 1990 but returned for good in 2010. I regret waiting so long to come back.

What do you see as the biggest benefit of being a member of The Berks Photographic Society.

There are so many choices! I think the biggest benefit is to be around other people who take photography seriously with the ability to learn and share. It’s simply  a great place to be and a great organization to be part of.

Do you have a website, or profile where we can see more of your work?

www.joelstyer.com  It is presently being overhauled and hopefully it will be back up shortly.

Is there anything else that you would like people to know about you or your photography?

I love amusement parks and will ride any ride (even right after eating). I’ve been a longtime member of the American Coaster Enthusiasts and a co-founder of the Darkride and Funhouse Enthusiasts. Much of the photography I’ve done until the past few years involved amusement parks and haunted house attractions. Otherwise, I am just me.

Click to view more of Joel’s images:

Click here to view past Featured Members

The post Featured Member – Joel Styer – April 2013 appeared first on The Berks Photographic Society - Reading Pennsylvania.

Assigned Subject: (The assigned subject for March 2013 Digital Image Contest was “Rule of Thirds”.)

• 1st Place: “The Birds” by Frank Plucinsky
• 2nd Place: “White Water Rafting Adventure” by Wendy Koert
• 3rd Place: “Defiance” by Tim Youse
• Honorable Mention #1: “Trail” by Dave Starke
• Honorable Mention #2 ”Upheaval” by Tim Youse

Pictorial:

• 1st Place: “The Red Rocker” by Wendy Koert
• 2nd Place: “Curves 1″ by Dave Starke
• 3rd Place: “Wipe Out” by Bob Sheldon
• Honorable Mention #1: “Winter Harbor” by Tom Stoeri
• Honorable Mention #2 ”Curves 2″ by Dave Starke

Nature:

• 1st Place: “Now Mates” by Frank Plucinsky
• 2nd Place: “Orchid Marco” by Wendy Koert
• 3rd Place: “Cardinal” by Wendy Koert
• Honorable Mention #1: “Frost BC Morn” by Tom Stoeri
• Honorable Mention #2 ”Saffron Finch” by Bob Sheldon

Each month the Berks Photographic Society holds a Monthly Digital Image Contest for it’s members.

BPS Members are allowed to enter images in Three Categories: Pictorial, Nature and the Monthly Assigned Subject.

Judging takes place on the Second Monday of each month with the top five entries in each category being selected as 1st, 2nd, 3rd and two Honorable Mentions.

The post March 2013 Digital Image Contest Winners appeared first on The Berks Photographic Society - Reading Pennsylvania.

The post 2013 – Reading-Berks Science & Engineering Fair appeared first on The Berks Photographic Society - Reading Pennsylvania.

Assigned Subject: (The assigned subject for January 2013 Digital Image Contest was High Key.)

• 1st Place: “Eruption” by Tim Youse
• 2nd Place: “On Edge” by Tom Stoeri
• 3rd Place: “Flower” by Tim Youse
• Honorable Mention #1: “ooo” by Gary Marzalak
• Honorable Mention #2 ”aah” by Gary Marzalak

Pictorial:

• 1st Place: “Shy” by Tim Youse
• 2nd Place: “Abstraction” by Tim Youse
• 3rd Place: “Bamboo” by Gary Marzalak
• Honorable Mention #1: “Morning Mooring” by Tom Stoeri
• Honorable Mention #2 ”Beach Wedding” by Cheryl Tumolo

Nature:

• 1st Place: “Meteor” by Gary Marzalak
• 2nd Place: “American Goldfish” by Wendy Koert
• 3rd Place: “Bee” by Gary Marzalak
• Honorable Mention #1: “Townsend’s Solitaire” by Robert Sheldon
• Honorable Mention #2 ”Williamson’s Sapsucker” by Robert Sheldon

Each month the Berks Photographic Society holds a Monthly Digital Image Contest for it’s members.

BPS Members are allowed to enter images in Three Categories: Pictorial, Nature and the Monthly Assigned Subject.

Judging takes place on the Second Monday of each month with the top five entries in each category being selected as 1st, 2nd, 3rd and two Honorable Mentions.

The post January 2013 Digital Image Contest Winners appeared first on The Berks Photographic Society - Reading Pennsylvania.

Assigned Subject: (The assigned subject for February 2013 Digital Image Contest was “Depth of Field”.)

• 1st Place: “Focus” by Tim Youse
• 2nd Place: “Frozen” by Tom Stoeri
• 3rd Place: “Flight” by Dave Starke
• Honorable Mention #1: “Red Tail Enjoying Game” by Steve Davis
• Honorable Mention #2 ”Depth” by Dave Starke

Pictorial:

• 1st Place: “Remember” by Dave Starke
• 2nd Place: “Down” by Tim Youse
• 3rd Place: “New Paint” by Tom Stoeri
• Honorable Mention #1: “Eve” by Tim Youse
• Honorable Mention #2 ”The Piano Man” by Kathy Grim

Nature:

• 1st Place: “Juvenile White Crowned Sparrow” by Bob Sheldon
• 2nd Place: “Eastern Fox Squirrel” by Bob Sheldon
• 3rd Place: “Ruby Crowned Kinglet” by Wendy Koert
• Honorable Mention #1: “Drink” by Dave Starke
• Honorable Mention #2 ”Orchids” by Wendy Koert

Each month the Berks Photographic Society holds a Monthly Digital Image Contest for it’s members.

BPS Members are allowed to enter images in Three Categories: Pictorial, Nature and the Monthly Assigned Subject.

Judging takes place on the Second Monday of each month with the top five entries in each category being selected as 1st, 2nd, 3rd and two Honorable Mentions.

The post February 2013 Digital Image Contest Winners appeared first on The Berks Photographic Society - Reading Pennsylvania.

The Featured Member for March 2013 was Jeff Grabert

What town do you live in? 

Fleetwood PA

What is your age?

51

How old were you when you developed an interest in Photography?

I was probably in my early 20s when I became interested in photography.  I was always interested in nature and pursued a degree in biology and I was fascinated with the nature photography I would see in magazines.

What was your first camera?

My first “serious” camera was a Canon AE-1.  I then went to the A-1 and eventually had an F1 which I held on to long after the age of digital photography began.  I doubted digital’s quality for quite some time and held on to film.  When I finally switched to digital my photographic interest really took off.  I was thrilled not to have to count the rolls of film I was wasting trying to get ONE shot of a moving animal that I liked.  The ability to take the shot, edit it myself, and print out a large print right in my office has hooked me for life.

Have you had any training in Photography?  If so, please describe.

No official Training

Do you belong to any other Photography Organizations? (PSA, PPA, NAPP, etc.)

I have been a member in the past of:

•  NANPA – North America Nature Photographers Association
• Nature Photographers Magazine Field Contributor

Is photography a hobby, a serious pursuit, your profession?

I would classify photography as a serious pursuit.  I do sell my work but I don’t have the time to pursue the business end as much as I would like.  Since I don’t do people (weddings, etc) I need to rely on prints and shows.  That is a time consuming endeavor which I have done on a limited basis but hope to expand in the future.

What types of photography interest you the most? (ex:  Portraits, Landscapes, Weddings, Nature, Travel, Glamour, etc. List all that apply)

Nature and Travel

How long have you been a member of The Berks Photographic Society?

8 – 10 years ??? 

What do you see as the biggest benefit of being a member of The Berks Photographic Society.

When I first joined the Society, I was really motivated to improve my photography as a result of the contests.  There are some very talented photographers in the group and I was both inspired and challenged by their work.  Today, I really enjoy the travel presentations.  I love learning about new destinations and seeing the types of photographs that can be made there.

Do you have a website, or profile where we can see more of your work?

www.grabertimages.com

Is there anything else that you would like people to know about you or your photography?

Great photography, like so many other things, has become so much more achievable in our society.  Technology has advanced and economics have improved so that people can purchase great equipment and can travel so easily that their work can rival what only professionals could do years ago.  That is very exciting.  I still look at the web sites of photographers that are much more accomplished than me and get inspired and I get messages all the time from people who are inspired by my work.  Most recently a woman from another country (I don’t know where) reached out to me on my web site and sent a most flattering message in broken English.  I was really touched and also AMAZED at how connected we all are now.  Photography can bridge physical and cultural distances and I find it all very exciting.

Click to view more of Jeff’s images:

Click here to view past Featured Members

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The Featured Member for February 2013 was Frank Plucinsky

What town do you live in? 

I live in Spring Township near Sinking Spring and West Lawn.

What is your age?

I am 73

How old were you when you developed an interest in Photography?

Early in high school I had an inexpensive Kodak brownie camera.  My sister’s boyfriend shot color slides with a 35 mm Kodak rangefinder camera.  I was fascinated with those color slides.

What was your first camera?

At age 17 I joined the army and eventually my Uncle Sam sent me to Germany where I brought my first real camera.  It was a Voigtlander Bessimatic which was one of the first single lens reflex cameras.  It was completely manual and I still have it.  I was shooting Kodachrome slide film with an ASA of 10.  Yes TEN.  ASA was ISO back in the late 50s.  It had to be a bright sunny day to get good photos.  A few years later Kodak improved Kodachrome and the ASA jumped to 25. Wow, at that time it was a big improvement.  The other day I was shooting some night scenes at an ISO of 32,000.  What a difference 50 years make. What is next?

Have you had any training in Photography?  If so, please describe.

No.  I could not afford any formal training.  I just read a lot of books and eventually went to a few Kodak photo seminars.  It was mainly trial and error.  I think I made every mistake possible at least once.

Do you belong to any other Photography Organizations? (PSA, PPA, NAPP, etc.)

I do belong to NAPP, which I find very helpful.

Is photography a hobby, a serious pursuit, your profession?

It is a serious pursuit and one of my hobbies.

What types of photography interest you the most? (ex:  Portraits, Landscapes, Weddings, Nature, Travel, Glamour, etc. List all that apply)

I have had a lifelong fascination with natural history and fly fishing besides photography.  So, I mainly photograph wildlife, wildflowers and landscapes.  I also spend a lot of time photographing my grandchildren and family events.  Photographing birds in flight was a real challenge.  I did attempt shooting flying birds with a manual focus film camera years ago.  That wasted a lot of film and was expensive but I would try anything.  I also find the digital darkroom and HDR to be great tools for optimizing my photos.  Recently, I started to play around with DSLR video.

How long have you been a member of The Berks Photographic Society?

About 10 years.  I should have joined earlier but I was too busy with very little free time.

What do you see as the biggest benefit of being a member of The Berks Photographic Society.

There are many talented photographers in the society and they are willing to share their knowledge.  Cuts down on the stumbling and fumbling

Do you have a website, or profile where we can see more of your work?

No, but one of these days maybe.

Is there anything else that you would like people to know about you or your photography?

For about 30 years or more I have been doing slide presentations on fly fishing, the western mountains, wildflowers, eagles, and outdoor photography.  I started out just boring my family but have move on to what some people consider very interesting programs.

Click to view more of Frank’s images:

Click here to view past Featured Members

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