The following images were awarded top honor in their category  at the February 2012 Competition.

View these images >

Category: Digital Projected Image (DPI)

DPI of the Month – “Only Shoot Me From my Good Side” by Jeff Lynch

Category: Specials (Architecture or Buildings)

Print of the Month – “Gothic” by Steve Zasadny

Category: Live Capture

Print of the Month – “The Cat That Ate the Rabbit” by Phyllis Brauer

Category: Small Color A

Print of the Month – “Pink Sky, Cold Ice” by Steve Zasadny

Category: Small Color B

Print of the Month – “Quiet Moment” by Bill Grabinski

Category: Large Color

Print of the Month – “Winter’s Fury” by Steve Zasadny

Category: Small Monochrome

Print of the Month – “Leonora” by Ken Linka

Category: Large Monochrome

Print of the Month – “Snowfall on Spring Creek” by Bob Dietz

The Special Category theme for April is “Flowers and Gardens”, but there won’t be much blooming in our backyards before that. Fortunately, the Chicago Flower & Garden Show is scheduled for March 10-18 at Navy Pier. Besides plenty of fresh subject matter to photograph, there will also be Masters Photography Classes on Sunday and Monday, March 11-12th. Click here to download a .pdf of the details of this two-day class, Focus on Flowers: Creating Floral Portraits.

Please join us for a workshop with Mike MacDonald on  Tuesday, February 21, 2012 at 7:15

Mike MacDonald, internationally recognized prairie photographer, will share his secrets for creating breathtaking landscape images of Chicago’s rare habitats.  You don’t need to travel to distant lands to find dramatic scenes.  In fact, they’re right in your own backyard: in local wetlands, woodlands, savannas, and the ever-changing prairie.  

Mike once posed this question to himself, “How can I make photographs of the flat prairie feel as dramatic, powerful, and three-dimensional as pictures of The West?” Over several years, Mike focused all of his energy and creativity on answering this very question.  One of the many rewards for solving the prairie puzzle was to become Chicago Wilderness Magazine’s most prominent published photographer.  

This brand new program, to be premiered at Foresters Camera Club, is loosely based on his recent November article in Outdoor Photographer Magazine entitled “Land and Sky.”  Come and see this inspiring show that features magnificent imagery from a passionate speaker, internationally published photographer, and, believe it or not, professional comedy entertainer. As Mike puts it, “I never give a presentation. I give a performance!”

Preview some of Mike’s photos in his Gallery of Limited Edition Prints, read his biography, and learn about his photography classes through Creative Eye Workshops.

The Vogt Visual Arts Center is looking for artists to exhibit in their Annual Photography Show. The exhibit will run from March 1-30, and there will be an artists’ reception on Friday March 9th from 7-9 pm. 

This exhibit is open to anyone. It is not juried, and there are no fees. Photos may be any size, any subject. Because we are a part of the Tinley Park Park District, no nudity is allowed. It is a family friendly facility. Framed work is preferred (must be wired for hanging). Matted work will be accepted. You may exhibit up to five pieces. Work must be received by February 24th.

If you would like to participate, call Julie Dekker@ 708-309-4371. 

The Vogt Visual Art Center is located 1/2 block east of Oak Park Ave. in historic downtown Tinley Park. This show can fill up fast, so please call at your earliest convenience. 

On Tuesday, January 17th, FCC member Kelly Johnson gave a brief talk about high-speed photography and shared a set-up for photographing a single water drop. If you weren’t able to attend, check out this excellent “how to” video by Gavin Hooey.

Artist Martin Waugh has built a career out of making art from drops of water. Make sure to check out his amazing gallery to get a glimpse of just what is possible.