Ellis Island Hard Hat Tour
2023-09-09 08:00 - 17:00 (America/New_York)
Ellis Island Hard Hat Tour private insider’s 3 hour photoshoot – filled but accepting names for waitlist.

"Creative Use of Flash"
2023-09-11 19:00 - 21:00 | Goggle Works Suite 326
“Creative Use of Flash” presented by BPS member (and president) Bob Gross

“In Nature’s Embrace”
2023-09-18 19:00 - 21:00
September 18, 2023 at 7 PM: Xuan Hui Ng will present “In Nature’s Embrace” from Japan details to follow

"Film is not dead, in fact it is very much alive and growing...and is FUN...!!! presented by BPS member Ken Martin
2023-10-02 19:00 - 21:00 | Goggle Works Suite 326
“Film is not dead, in fact it is very much alive and growing!!” A discussion of the many aspects of shooting film: where to buy film and cameras, the types of film you can use, developing equipment and chemicals for both B&W and color, slide and motion picture film. Also, how to get your negatives printed with the use of a scanner. Best of all, you can do all this at home without a darkroom!!

Halloween Shoot
2023-10-14 16:00 - 20:00 | Goggle Works Suite 326
Annual Halloween Photoshoot
October 14th 4PM – 8PM
At the GoggleWorks – Room 326
“MEMBERS ONLY”
Hosted by Richard Shay, Kim Sweimler and Tim Huey.
You’re not going to want to miss our annual Halloween Photoshoot!
The theme this year is “MEDUSA”. Our lovely model Martha will be our Medusa for the studio part of this photoshoot.
Then we will have the famous dry ice in a wine glass and a carved pumpkin, carved by James.
There will also be a set up in the hallway with Halloween decor where you can shoot some still life photography work.
Bring your camera, tripod and a wide-angle lens. If you have your own Pocket Wizard bring that also.
We will have a Pocket Wizard at each station.
If you are planning to come, please let us know so we can get a feel for how many people will be there.
Please contact Kim Sweimler at kim.sweimler@berksphotographic.com if you are going to join us.

“Taking your bird and wildlife photography to the next level”
2023-10-16 19:00 - 21:00 | Hybrid
Simon d’Entremont will present “Taking your Bird and Wildlife Photography to the Next Level” via Zoom from Canada in a hybrid session. This talk is thanks to a major donation from Dr. and Mrs. Leigh Reeves.
Simon will go over some of his top tips about wildlife photography, including gear, settings, field techniques & strategies for pretty pictures. He will also cover his post processing.
Ever since he was a youngster, Simon has been interested in wildlife & nature, & curious about the world in which we live. His personal interest in the natural world, wildlife, astronomy & science always kept him looking around at the wonders of the universe & our natural environment. From our enormous Milky Way galaxy to the smallest bird, Simon marvels at its natural beauty.
With the advent of the digital camera came a way to capture this beauty & the adventure of capturing it became a way to explore his beautiful home province of Nova Scotia. Whether by staying up late to watch the constellations rise one by one over the horizon while capturing the Milky Way, hiking kilometers to see a waterfall or by getting up before the break of dawn to watch birds feeding their young…mysteries abound all around us and capturing their beauty for his own enjoyment and for others to enjoy is Simon’s “me.”
What started as a hobby is now a professional career, one that Simon enjoys every day. He has recently started shooting more video & as such, started a YouTube Channel to host the videos. Members should go HERE & have a look.
This will be a paid event for non-members with a $10 donation. For non-members interested in attending, please register by making your $10 donation at https://store.berksphotographic.org/product/club-donation/. At checkout, please specify “Simon d’Entremont – October 16” in the order box. Once BPS receives your donation, your pass will be emailed to you.

Flash Workshop with Bob Gross
2023-10-28 12:00 - 15:00 | Goggle Works Suite 326
Join us on Saturday Oct. 28, from noon to 3:00 at the GoggleWorks (free to any BPS member)

This three-hour session is a follow up of the talk on Flash Photography given at our September member’s meeting.

During this workshop we’ll be experimenting with the techniques discussed in Bob’s presentation: rear-curtain sync, highspeed sync and stroboscopic flash.

This get together is for anyone who has or hasn’t used flash before. We’ll share questions and answers about using flash, and just have some fun with our cameras and other club members.

There will be stations set up with equipment to use and props to shoot. Fish tank bubbles, bouncing balls, smoke trails, splashes, dancing “bears” and whatever walks, runs or jumps in front of our cameras will be captured in the flash.

Hope to see many of you at the workshop. RSVP and/or email your questions to Bob Gross at bob.gross@berksphotographic.com.
We need at least 10 participants to make this workshop happen.

BPS Member Photo Competition
2023-10-30 19:00 - 21:00 | Hybrid
October 30 at 7:00 PM is the last BPS Member Photo Competition & Critique Night of 2023. This will be a recorded, hybrid meeting using Zoom for those who decide not to join us at the GoggleWorks. The theme for this competition is Tranquility, Peace, Calm, Contemplative, Quiet in both Pictorial & Nature categories. As our world has become so hectic, disruptive & mean, maybe shifting our thoughts a little will be helpful. Submitted images must connote these feelings by however the artist creatively envisions & responds to the theme. The submission deadline is Sunday night October 15, 2023 at 12 MN. Every member is encouraged to participate.
The BPS competition rules were revised and given Board approval on May 8, 2023. Everyone should review the latest rules and the details for entry as found HERE or refer to the BPS website for details under the “Competition” header.
The submission process continues to be the same as the last several competitions. Each dues-current BPS member may submit up to two images in the Pictorial category (A) and up to two images in the Nature category (B) for each competition, using their assigned class, either Class A (advanced) or Class B group. Generally, new members are in Class B. For submission, there are 4 links to 4 separate directories in the Club’s SmugMug account to upload images into, depending on the photographer’s Class (A or B) and the image Category (Pictorial=A or Nature=B). This will then automatically separate the image files appropriately on the receiving end.
Class A photographers use these 2 links to upload files:

Pictorial (A): https://www.smugmug.com/upload/r5ZTvq/ClassAPictorial

Nature (B): https://www.smugmug.com/upload/BkRVbG/ClassANature

Class B photographers use these 2 links to upload files:

Pictorial (A): https://www.smugmug.com/upload/f7pVTw/ClassBPictorial

Nature (B): https://www.smugmug.com/upload/F5hJxr/ClassBNature

If you have questions or need help, please email Vince before submitting at Vince.Pellegrini@berksphotographic.com. Remember, no changes can be made after submission.
Submission of an image for any BPS competition indicates agreement of the maker to allow BPS to post the image in the BPS Newsletter & online via the BPS website & BPS YouTube channel.
Our judge for this event will be Joe Edelman. Joe is an award-winning photographer, author, and photo educator.
Joe’s educational mission is “To help photographers to develop a solid understanding of the HOWS and WHYS behind creating great photographs.” Joe is honored to hold the title of Photographic Craftsman, a designation given to those who have met the standards of excellence set by the Professional Photographers of America in recognition of service to the photographic profession as an orator, author, and mentor. He takes great pride in sharing his experience as the host of the weekly The LAST FRAME Live, a 60-minute photography Livestream that appears on YouTube. His channel boasts 300 + videos viewed over 11.8 million times by more than 180,000 subscribers in 114 countries. Visit Joe’s website at https://www.joeedelman.com & his YouTube Channel at https://www.youtube.com/@thejoeedelman.
Joe has also earned a reputation as a lively and popular presenter at photography conferences and is frequently featured on major photography news websites & podcasts. From his start as a newspaper photojournalist while still in high school to his work today photographing all types of people, his photographs have been published internationally in magazines like Maxim, Cosmopolitan, Get Fit & Shape, to name but a few. He has been called upon to complete assignments for the New York Times & the Los Angeles Times & has serviced commercial advertising clients from all over the United States.

BPS "Gear Night" with Special guest, Steve Miller from Dan's Camera City
2023-11-06 19:00 - 21:00 | Goggle Works Suite 326
November 6, 2023 at 7 PM: “Gear Night” Special guest, Steve Miller, an expert equipment specialist at Dan’s Camera City in Allentown, will be our guest speaker for “Gear Night”. Steve will share :
1) How to best use newer technology and gear and the advantages/solutions that particular piece of gear provides from different brands .
2) A comparison to photo gear from 5, 10, or 15 years ago
3) Non-camera specific gear recommendations to improve your photography
4) Dan’s Camera City photo outings and the types of opportunities they present
5) Question and answer session.
Steve says, “I am from the Lehigh Valley area of Pennsylvania. I am a lover of all things outdoors and living life. My passions include exploring via mountain bike or hiking. I also love chasing that sweet light while bikepacking and backpacking. My other interests are sustainable trail building, freshwater snorkeling and of course photography. Most of my time off is spent pursuing these activities with my wife Christina or our friends. My photographic pursuits are landscape, night sky, wildlife, action, creative portraiture and macro photography. I am an equipment specialist, staff trainer and photography instructor at Dan’s Camera City located in Allentown, PA. I love to help people expand their creativity and photography. I have been doing nature photography since 1996 and have been employed by Dan’s Camera since 2004. I have led several photography workshops including waterfall, birds in flight, and night sky photography. I currently own mirrorless cameras and lenses from Sony, Canon and Nikon, but have familiarity with Olympus and Fuji.”
BRING YOUR PHOTOGRAPHY and CAMERA GEAR QUESTIONS! This is a great opportunity to ask any gear related questions you have to one of the experts in our area!

Masks are suggested, but not required

Link for guests to get the Zoom link is as follows: https://berksphotographic.org/event/bps-gear-night/

November 20, 2023: Tony Bramley of Essex England will do a hybrid Zoom presentation titled “Composition: The Principles & Elements of Art in Photography”.
2023-11-20 19:00 - 21:00
November 20, 2023: Tony Bramley of Essex England will do a hybrid Zoom presentation titled “Composition: The Principles & Elements of Art in Photography”. You are sure to remember the wonderful experience we had with Tony as the judge for the October 24, 2022 BPS competition.
Tony actually teaches a 2 day Advanced Composition workshop in England. This session will cover a lot of ground taught in that workshop. It will be very different from the usual talks on composition as Tony will relate it to other forms of art and discuss how this translates to photography. All levels find it interesting.
During this session, we will learn how interesting the content of our images can be & that there were never any ‘rules’ in composition. He will review the considerations on the creation of the perfect composition & show how so much more should go into producing a photograph when looking at the elements of composition. Tony will explore behind this thought process by discussing the artistic design elements that make up an image. These principles hold fast for the art world & sit comfortably within both traditional & contemporary photography.
Often it is quoted “To break the rules you need to understand the rules”. This presentation helps to understand the key principles & elements that should be considered when creating an image. It shows that an image breaking the rules usually obeys other principles or elements, supporting the finished composition. Whether it is pictorial, creative or abstract photography that you shoot, you should go away with a new view on the content of your photographs.
Tony has been working as a professional photographer for over twenty five years, winning several awards & accreditations within professional photography from the British Institute of Professional Photographers & the Royal Photographic Society. Storm Photography Ltd., a corporate photography service, has been the professional photography side of his work for most of this time. In 2016, Tony started The Light Academy, photography training for one2one, group training & group workshops. He has published 5 books & teaches on YouTube, as well. His goal is to help photographers to enjoy their photography & become confident in their creativity. As part of this activity, Tony has been doing camera club talks & judging internationally.
In December 2015, Tony was made a Fellow of the Royal Photographic Society for his unique conceptual work on Suprematism within photography. This was followed by the Royal Photographic Society Fellowship of the Year Award in 2016 for the “most outstanding panel of work achieving a Fellowship”. This very prestigious award was in recognition of Tony’s work in blending photography with the Modernist Russian avant-garde movement of Dynamic Suprematism, a painting style begun by the Polish-Ukrainian artist Kazimir Malevich in 1913. This art movement focused on the fundamentals of geometric abstract art painted in a limited range of colors. It is based upon the “the supremacy of pure artistic feeling” rather than on visual depiction of objects. Tony is working photographically in this very unique style. He abstracts his compositions from single photographs using existing geometry within the content.
Photography is not only Tony’s profession but also his passion. His personal photography includes abstract, street, modern & contemporary architecture, still life & portrait photography.
Members can check out these various links to Tony’s work: HERE, www.lightacademy.co.uk, www.suprematism.co.uk & www.stormphotography.co.uk
This will be a paid event for non-members with a $10 donation. For non-members interested in attending, please register by making your $10 donation at https://store.berksphotographic.org/product/club-donation/. At checkout, please specify “Tony Bramley – November 20” in the order box. Once BPS receives your donation, your pass will be emailed to you.

BPS Member Photo Competition Night “Best of the Year” with Henry Rowan
2023-11-27 19:00 - 21:00 | Goggle Works Suite 326

Valerie Hoffman teaches how to photograph "Holiday Lights"
2023-12-04 19:00 - 21:00 | Goggle Works Suite 326
Valerie Hoffman will teach us how to photograph “Holiday Lights.” It’s the most wonderful time of the year! The holiday season, when colorful lights and decorations can be found all around, is a great time to challenge your photography skills and get out and shoot! For those who have never tried much beyond playing with their cellphone’s camera, this can be a daunting task. You’re photographing in the dark, the camera’s meter doesn’t want to give you a good exposure, it’s hard to see to focus, what you thought was in focus still turned out blurry… So many challenges to deal with. In this presentation we’ll talk about them all!
Join us as we view images and discuss exposure, focus, composition, other camera settings, gear and even some creative techniques. Then consider getting out and joining us as a group to put what you learned in practice. Valerie has it all planned. On Thursday, December 7, she will continue teaching with a hands on excursion to Koziar’s Christmas Village. See below for details.
Val is committed to helping photographers become better at their craft, and have fun in the process. Visit her website for her upcoming treks and other offerings at valeriehoffmanphotography.com.
– December 7, 2023 (Thursday) starting at 6 PM – Follow up instructional excursion to Koziar’s Christmas Village. Join us on Thursday, December 7th, for an “almost free” fun photowalk at Koziar’s Christmas Village in Bernville with Val there to offer help, instruction, and suggestions. Cost for the event is only $15, and needs to be paid directly to Val by Dec 6th. You can bring your money to the club meeting and holiday lights presentation on Monday December 4th. For those who will not be at the GoggleWorks that evening, you can send the money to Val using PayPal, Venmo, or the Cash app. You will still need to also pay your entrance fee to the Christmas Village which is $13 for adults or $12 for seniors.
We will meet at a designated spot prior to the village’s opening for the night, which is 6 PM. Here is a link to Koziar’s which covers all the info about the place if you have never been: koziarschristmasvillage.com
Due to the possibility of crowds and smallish walkways, and so Val can give the best instruction, we are limiting this group to only 10 people. The first 10 to contact Val and sign up are in! You can email her with questions and to get specific payment info at vahoffman22@gmail.com
She will send an email to those who register, with suggested gear and any other pertinent info.

Follow up instructional excursion to Koziar's Christmas Village with Valerie Hoffman
2023-12-07 18:00 - 21:00 | Koziar’s Christmas Village
December 7, 2023 (Thursday) starting at 6 PM – Follow up instructional excursion to Koziar’s Christmas Village. Join us on Thursday, December 7th, for an “almost free” fun photowalk at Koziar’s Christmas Village in Bernville with Val there to offer help, instruction, and suggestions. Cost for the event is only $15, and needs to be paid directly to Val by Dec 6th. You can bring your money to the club meeting and holiday lights presentation on Monday December 4th. For those who will not be at the GoggleWorks that evening, you can send the money to Val using PayPal, Venmo, or the Cash app. You will still need to also pay your entrance fee to the Christmas Village which is $13 for adults or $12 for seniors.
We will meet at a designated spot prior to the village’s opening for the night, which is 6 PM. Here is a link to Koziar’s which covers all the info about the place if you have never been: koziarschristmasvillage.com
Due to the possibility of crowds and smallish walkways, and so Val can give the best instruction, we are limiting this group to only 10 people. The first 10 to contact Val and sign up are in! You can email her with questions and to get specific payment info at vahoffman22@gmail.com
She will send an email to those who register, with suggested gear and any other pertinent info.

Santa Photo Shoot at Fairgrounds Farmers Market
2023-12-09 13:00 - 16:00 | Fairgrounds Farmers Market
December 9, 2023 1 – 4 PM: It’s the first of this year’s Santa Photo Shoots at Fairgrounds Farmers Market. BPS members can help the club and have fun and get to know other members by participating!

This year’s Santa Photoshoots have been scheduled for December 9th and December 16th. Kim desperately needs at least 6 people per photoshoot to pull this off. These photoshoots help support the ongoing operations of our club. You will be told what you need to do. No high level photographic ability is required!

1st Photoshoot will be on December 9th at Fairgrounds Farmers Market from 1:00pm-4:00pm
2nd Photoshoot will be on December 16th at Boscov’s North from 11:00am-3:00pm

Kim would need you to show up one hour before shooting time. If you can only come for part of the time, that is great. If you can come the whole time that’s even better!
Farmers Market is located at 2934 N 5th Street
Boscov’s North is located at 2910 N 5th Street Hwy. [Down stairs in the Auditorium]
P.S. Kim needs someone who would be willing to be SANTA for the photoshoot at Boscov’s on the 16th. If you love kids and you wouldn’t mind spreading a bit of joy, please let her know. A Santa suit will be provided. (Our Santa for the Market will not be available for the 16th.)
Please let Kim know at your earliest convenience, if you can help either day or if you are willing to don that Santa suit at kim.sweimler@berksphotographic.com

2nd Photoshoot will be on December 16th at Boscov's North from 11:00am-3:00pm
2023-12-16 11:00 - 15:00
This year’s Santa Photoshoots have been scheduled for December 9th and December 16th. Kim desperately needs at least 6 people per photoshoot to pull this off. These photoshoots help support the ongoing operations of our club. You will be told what you need to do. No high level photographic ability is required!

1st Photoshoot will be on December 9th at Fairgrounds Farmers Market from 1:00pm-4:00pm
2nd Photoshoot will be on December 16th at Boscov’s North from 11:00am-3:00pm

Kim would need you to show up one hour before shooting time. If you can only come for part of the time, that is great. If you can come the whole time that’s even better!
Farmers Market is located at 2934 N 5th Street
Boscov’s North is located at 2910 N 5th Street Hwy. [Down stairs in the Auditorium]
P.S. Kim needs someone who would be willing to be SANTA for the photoshoot at Boscov’s on the 16th. If you love kids and you wouldn’t mind spreading a bit of joy, please let her know. A Santa suit will be provided. (Our Santa for the Market will not be available for the 16th.)
Please let Kim know at your earliest convenience, if you can help either day or if you are willing to don that Santa suit at kim.sweimler@berksphotographic.com

BPS Annual Meeting - It is very important that all BPS members participate in this annual meeting.
2023-12-18 08:00 - 17:00 | Goggle Works Suite 326
BPS Annual Meeting – It is very important that all BPS members participate in this annual meeting.

Cross Polarized Light Photomicrography Demonstration presented by Ivan Bub.
2024-01-08 18:30 - 21:00
NOTE: this event has been moved back to the GoggleWorks location due to an Albright College scheduling conflict and a key participant’s health issue. Ivan will bring his equipment and have a hands-on demonstration of his cross polarized crystal photography at our GoggleWorks suite 326 location. This will be an in-person only meeting without a Zoom feed.
Meeting time will be our normal 7:00pm start with doors opening for socializing at 6:15.
We will reschedule our Albright College tour and program for later this Spring. Look for the date announcement in the newsletter, FaceBook and Meetup pages.
BPS member, Ivan Bub, is a retired family physician with a love for photography. Although he enjoys many forms of photography, his specialty is Cross Polarized Light Photomicrography. This interesting photographic technique, which allows blending Science and Art in photography involves crystallizing various substances such as Sulfur, Vitamin C, Artificial sweeteners, Salicylic Acid and Lactic Acid on a microscope slide. Using a camera attached to a microscope under cross polarized light, the crystal formations that develop are photographed, producing one-of-a-kind images, as no two slides are identical. Since retiring, Ivan has been teaching students at Albright College Total Experience Learning various photographic techniques, including crystal photomicrography, infrared photography, light painting and macro photography.

The live demonstration will take place at: Albright College Total Experience Learning facility, 1041 Rockland Street Reading PA 19604.
We will start at 6:30 PM with a tour of the facility, following with the presentation at 7 PM. This will be an “in person only” event.

Intro to Photography, Part 1: Getting To Know Your Camera: What All Those Buttons Really Do .
2024-01-13 09:00 - 15:00 | Goggle Works Suite 326
A Two Part Workshop Presented by the Berks Photographic Society. Did you get a new digital camera for Christmas? Or have you had one you just don’t know how to use? This two part series of digital photography workshops will help you become a better photographer! In the two part series we will be covering all aspects of digital photography, from the basics to editing and how to share pictures with friends and family!
Please bring your camera, your camera manual if available, and questions, to each class. We will have assistants on-hand to help with everyone’s cameras and questions. Both sessions are from 9:00am until 3:00 PM with a one hour lunch break. Both sessions will be held at Berks Photographic Society, @ Goggle Works, 201 Washington St., Reading, PA 19601, suite 326. PRICE: $90.00 per session, or $150.00 for both sessions (January & February). Berks Photographic Society members receive a discount on this class ($75. per session or $125 for both). January 13, 2024: Getting To Know Your Camera: What All Those Buttons Really Do . In this session we will learn to understand the basics of the “digital” aspect of photography. Megapixels, memory cards, etc. To better understand your camera we will be covering camera features, controls, and menus and how to make basic camera settings needed to take good photos.
Attendees should bring their cameras, and camera manual. Register online here: https://store.berksphotographic.org/product/intro-to-photography-workshop/

Part 2 will be held February 3, 2024

Dewitt Jones will present “Making Your Art Your Life” during a hybrid zoom session from his home in Molokai, Hawaii
2024-01-15 19:00 - 21:00 | Hybrid
Dewitt will share his career in photography from its beginnings to the present day. He spent 20 years with National Geographic, 10 years in advertising & writing columns for Outdoor Photographer Magazine, & another 20 years lecturing on creativity & vision. During all of this time, he created a heck of a lot of images. What has he learned from them? How has his experiences as a photographer affected his life & how he has lived it? Dewitt will share both his images & his lessons with us in a spellbinding talk.
Dewitt is possibly the most sought after international keynote speaker in photography. He has shared his message of “Celebrating What’s Right with the World!” with hundreds of colleges, associations & corporations. Everyone is urged to watch his TEDx Talk HERE prior to this session. Check out Dewitt’s WEBSITE.
As one of America’s top professional image makers, Dewitt spent 20 years as a freelance photographer for National Geographic, photographing stories all over the globe. Turning to advertising, Dewitt rose to the forefront of corporate creative marketing, photographing national advertising campaigns for Dewar’s Scotch, Canon & United Airlines. As a motion picture director, he had two documentary films nominated for Academy Awards (“Climb” – Best Live Action Short Film & “John Muir’s High Sierra” – Best Short Subject Documentary). He has published many books, including “California!”, “Visions of Wilderness”, “What The Road Passes By”, “ROBERT FROST – A Tribute to the Source”, “Canyon Country”, “John Muir’s America” & “Anasazi World”. His most recent book, “The Nature of Leadership”, was created in collaboration with Dr. Stephen R. Covey & A. Roger Merrill (The Seven Habits of Highly Effective People). Dewitt’s column, Basic Jones, appeared monthly in Outdoor Photographer magazine for over 20 years. Dewitt is a cum laude graduate of Dartmouth College with a B.A. in Drama & he holds a Masters Degree in film making from UCLA.
Dewitt’s knowledge of the creative process, his relaxed and genuine style, and his ability to communicate make his presentations truly outstanding. We are very fortunate to have Dewitt speak to us.
This will be a combined session with the LNC Photo Group, the West Shore Photography Club in Mechanicsburg, PA & the Cape Fear Camera Club in Wilmington, NC. BPS welcomes our friends.

This will be a paid event for non-members with a $10 donation. For non-members interested in attending, please register by making your $10 donation at https://store.berksphotographic.org/product/club-donation/.

Intro to Digital Photography Class part 2 - Seeing The Light
2024-02-03 09:00 - 15:00 | Goggle Works Suite 326
A Two Part Workshop Presented by the Berks Photographic Society. Did you get a new digital camera for Christmas? Or have you had one you just don’t know how to use? This two part series of digital photography workshops will help you become a better photographer! In the two part series we will be covering all aspects of digital photography, from the basics to editing and how to share pictures with friends and family!

Please bring your camera, your camera manual if available, and questions, to each class. We will have assistants on-hand to help with everyone’s cameras and questions. Both sessions are from 9:00am until 3:00 PM with a one hour lunch break. Both sessions will be held at Berks Photographic Society, @Goggle Works, 201 Washington St, Reading, PA 19601, suite 326. PRICE: $90.00 per session, or $150.00 for both sessions (January & February). Berks Photographic Society members receive a discount on this class ($75. per session or $125 for both).
February 3, 2024: Seeing The Light–Using Your Camera: Picking Proper Settings & Exposure and Creating Better Compositions. This session will go into techniques which can used to make everyday pictures into great looking photos you would be proud to hang on your walls. Gain a better understanding of your camera settings and functions, and how you can use them to create better photos. You will learn basic workflow for saving, and editing your images. Please bring your camera and camera manual. Register online here: https://store.berksphotographic.org/product/intro-to-photography-workshop/

If you paid for both parts in January, there is no additional charge for Part 2.

”The Seeing Lens” program
2024-02-05 19:00 - 21:00 | Hybrid
Berks County Veterans Administration representatives Kaylin Brice and Amy Cook will introduce ”The Seeing Lens” program, a 10-week therapeutic photography group program.
During the presentation we will see how this program combines learning photographic techniques with group counseling for veterans. Some of the participants’ experiences, successes, and samples of their amazing photos taken during the course will be shared.
“The Seeing Lens” was developed through a partnership of the Lebanon VA Medical Center and Lebanon Valley College. For the past 5 years the program has been offered to Veterans in recovery at the Lebanon VA Medical Center with great success, now they would like to offer it at the Berks County VA.
As many of you might know, BPS has been involved with area non-profits for decades. Our members provide photography services for many fundraising events, construction projects, award ceremonies, youth camps, and dedications. Often the club members who volunteer say they get more out of the experience than they give. So when Kaylin contacted BPS and asked if we could assist them with “The Seeing Lens” we met over Zoom and they introduced the program. Join us and see why we said YES, YES, YES!!! to volunteer and help with this amazing program.

Guy Tal will present “Creativity & Expression in Photography” in a hybrid zoom session.
2024-02-19 19:00 - 21:00 | Hybrid
Here is what we will experience from this talk in Guy’s own words: “Photography is a medium eminently capable of both objective representation & subjective expression. This dichotomy, although long resolved in other media, is still a subject of contention among photographers & critics. If we accept photography as a medium for expressive art, the question remains: how to use a medium designed to record realistic appearances to convey subjective & emotional meanings. In the words of Ernst Haas: how to humanize the machine.” In this talk, Guy will discuss some of the challenges faced by photographic artists today & historically. Explaining his philosophy of art & some of the science of visual expression, Guy will also discuss how photography, even in its purest forms, may express concepts beyond just representation of appearances.
Guy is a professional writer & photographic artist based in Torrey, Utah. He works primarily in the high-desert region known as the Colorado Plateau, where he lives & spends many weeks each year hiking, camping & communing with the wild landscape & its natural inhabitants. In his photographic work, Guy places emphasis on originality & personal expression rather than documentation. He is the author of several books & a regular contributor to various photographic publications.
For a sampling of Guy’s work and writings, please visit his WEBSITE or his BLOG.

Guy Tal’s talk is sponsored in large part by Cardinal Camera. A number of BPS members have purchased their gear from this fantastic, family & locally owned store. This includes Vince Pellegrini (and three of his friends), Ivan Bub, Bill Coughlin, Bert Rogers & Jim Kessel. The store was founded by George H. Seelig in 1937, one year before BPS was organized. A subsequent owner, George K. Seelig, had his roots in Reading in the 1960s at Wyomissing Corporation. Kurt Seelig now runs the business. Cardinal Camera has evolved into one of the largest volume camera stores in the US with stores in Lansdale, King of Prussia & Ephrata along with Howell, NJ & Charlotte, NC. It’s been an excellent go to resource. Thank you Kurt!
This will be a paid event for non-members with a $10 donation. For non-members interested in attending, please register by making your $10 donation at https://store.berksphotographic.org/product/club-donation/.

"Capturing Motion" presented by Betsy Wilson.
2024-03-04 19:00 - 21:00 | Hybrid
Betsy will explore the world of motion photography through her unique perspective. A combination of traditional techniques of controlling shutter speed with some non-traditional concepts using camera motion and light-painting, Betsy’s images will inform and inspire us to try new ideas. Using your camera to capture motion in ways beyond what we see with our eyes results in endless creative possibilities.
Betsy began learning photography after retiring from a career as a newspaper publisher. Her husband Jim gave her his hand-me-down camera and a lot of encouragement, and now says he created a monster. Her passion for photography includes a wide variety of types including macro, landscape and nature photography. In addition to being honored as Photographer of the Year Award at the Chester County Camera Club in Pennsylvania, she has received numerous recognitions for her artistic photography including a Silver Medal awarded at the Wilmington International Exhibition of Photography, and First Place Award in Photography at the Philadelphia Flower Show. Betsy is an active member of the Chester County Camera Club, and has given numerous presentations and led workshops for area camera clubs.

Arthur Meyerson will present “Endless Highway, An Ongoing Photographic Journey” via a hybrid zoom session.
2024-03-18 19:00 - 21:00 | Hybrid
Arthur Meyerson is recognized as one of America’s finest color photographers & is a highly sought after speaker & workshop instructor. He has traveled throughout the world, visiting all seven continents photographing for advertising, corporate & editorial clients. Arthur is a three-time winner of Adweek’s Southwest Photographer of the Year award, as well as being named one of the 30 best advertising photographers by American Photo. In 1999, he was honored by Nikon’s illustrious Legends Behind the Lens series.
Arthur’s images are imbued with a sense of poetry & spirit of time & place. The poetry comes from his appreciation & understanding of the human condition. His ability to capture a sense of place comes from his emotional awareness. Arthur builds & creates images that record the nuances that define our world, in color.
His photographs are exhibited internationally, appear in numerous publications & are part of several permanent museum collections. Arthur’s first monograph, “The Color of Light” was published in 2012 & his highly acclaimed second book, “The Journey” was released in 2017.
Visit Arthur’s WEBSITE.

This will be a paid event for non-BPS members with a $10 donation. For non-members interested in attending, please register by making your $10 donation at https://store.berksphotographic.org/product/club-donation/.

BPS Member Photo Competition & Critique Night with Jonathan Vaines of the UK as judge.
2024-03-25 19:00 - 21:00 | Hybrid
Jonathan will give highly skilled reviews of all the images as well as demonstrate selected image processing suggestions. Details will follow.
Jonathan has been the Regional Organizer for the Royal Photographic Society (RPS) for five years & is the Judges’ Secretary for the East Anglian Federation (EAF) of Photographic Societies in Great Britain. He is also an A panel judge and a sponsored lecturer for Paper Spectrum. Jonathan tutors for the RPS & online photo clubs that operate predominantly in North America, running processing method workshops most weeks. BPS will have a session with Jonathan in November 2024. Explore Jonathan’s WEBSITE.

Don’t forget, BPS members, that our first photo competition and image critique of the year is coming up in March. Photos must be entered by midnight on March 10. If you are wondering about sizing your images, click on the link: http://tinyurl.com/BPS-Resizing for a simple two page document to help you.

BPS member Jeff Grabert presents “South Africa Private Reserves Safari”
2024-04-01 19:00 - 21:00 | Hybrid
BPS member Jeff Grabert presents “South Africa Private Reserves Safari”
This program will highlight photography from private reserves in South Africa. These reserves border world famous Kruger National Park and no fences keep the animals from traversing into and out of the parks. Unlike Kruger, guides can take guests off-road for very intimate sightings. Additionally, only lodge guests can be on the land so there is much less traffic and vehicle occupancy at sightings is limited. Photographic tips will be discussed as well as advice on gear, lodging, and best times to go.

Jeff says, “I am a self-taught travel photographer with a portfolio that showcases images from multiple continents and an array of subject matters. My particular focus is nature and culture. With a degree in biology, I have had a lifelong fascination with the natural world. My “Happy Place” is being on location pursuing wildlife and wilderness images. From the Serengeti to Patagonia, the scenery and wildlife may change but the feeling remains the same – being connected with the earth. It is my hope that my photography helps the viewer connect with that feeling as well.”

See Jeff’s work at www.grabertimages.com

Phil Penman will present a talk entitled “Street Photography Unfiltered” in a hybrid zoom session.
2024-04-15 19:00 - 21:00 | Hybrid
Historical events are happening all around us all the time. As photographers we have an ability to be able to share stories & capture world events in real time. Learn about the thought process behind picking a subject, capturing it & getting it out into the world from one of the absolutely most respected in the genre.
The British-born, New York-based photographer Phil Penman has documented the ever-changing scene of New York City’s streets for more than 25 years. In his career as a news & magazine photographer, with a large body of work in such publications as The Guardian, The Independent, The New York Review of Books, among others, Phil has photographed major public figures & historical events. In particular, his reportage following the September 11, 2001 terrorist attack on the World Trade Center has featured on NBC’s Today show, as well as on the BBC, History Channel, & Al Jazeera; his images have been included in the 9/11 Memorial & Museum & its archives. Phil’s work covering the pandemic lockdown in New York City has been acquired by the U.S. Library of Congress, whose collection holds work by such great Depression-era documentarians as Walker Evans & Dorothea Lange. Besides showing at Leica galleries in New York, Washington, D.C., Boston & London, Penman’s signature street photography has appeared in international exhibitions as far afield as Venice, Berlin & Sydney.

Phil tours theorld teaching workshops on photography for Leica Akademie.
Penman’s first book, “Street”, published in 2019, became a best-seller & was featured at the Museum of Modern Art in New York. He just released his second book, “New York Street Diaries”.
Among his accolades: Phil was recently named among the “52 Most Influential Street Photographers,” alongside such legends as Henri Cartier-Bresson, Sebastião Salgado, Diane Arbus & Garry Winogrand. “Voted Top 10 Street Photographers 2019” – The Phoblographer. “From astronauts on the crosswalk to young skaters shredding on high rooftops, to 30-foot-tall statues lying sideways on the back of a truck, Penman’s subjects prove there’s never a dull moment in the Big Apple” – Jenny Zhang, My Modern MET. “Top 10 Contemporary Street Photographers living today” – My Modern MET. “If the photographs themselves are stunning – by turn surprising, moving, funny & even shocking – the show’s real star is New York itself. Penman’s love of his adoptive home shines through on every page” – Grazia Magazine.

Visit Phil’s WEBSITE.
This will be a paid event for non-BPS members with a $10 donation. For non-members interested in attending, please register by making your $10 donation at https://store.berksphotographic.org/product/club-donation/.

Rock Hollow Woods Environmental Learning Center with Amy Langman
2024-04-20 09:00 - 12:00
Rock Hollow Woods Environmental Learning Center, a 67-acre non-profit, invites you to come to their property on Saturday, April 20, 2024 from approximately 9 am to 12 pm. During this time, Amy Langman will lead you around the property to experience its magic. There are plenty of photographic opportunities including many species of trees, insects, amphibians, emerging woodland and wetland growth, a gorgeous pavilion made with barn stone, and more. Please RSVP to Amy at birdgyrl@gmail.com at your earliest convenience. There is no direct cost for this unique experience, but a donation to Rock Hollow Woods is encouraged.
If members all agree, we can do a creek study also. We can find dragonfly nymphs, crayfish, and other insect larvae that spend most of their life in the healthy creek.
Please make sure to have water, snacks, and sturdy shoes. Mother Nature is unpredictable so please be prepared! If you want to gather for lunch at Stampede Barbeque afterwards, it would make for a nice, informal gathering to discuss photography and enjoy each other’s company.
Rock Hollow Woods is located at 615 Rock Hollow Road, Birdsboro, PA 19508 (Amy will direct parking) and Stampede Barbeque is located at 4372 Morgantown Road, Mohnton, PA 19540.

BPS member Jeff Schaeffer shares “Travel Photography – Capturing the Experience!”
2024-05-06 19:00 - 21:00 | Hybrid
BPS member Jeff Schaeffer shares “Travel Photography – Capturing the Experience!”
Jeff enjoys traveling to new places and enjoys capturing the experience to share with others. He is enthusiastic about traveling to foreign places but also enjoys traveling in the USA and exploring places near to home. In 2023, he and his wife decided to do a ‘day trip’ each week to get out, explore and shoot! Jeff will share tips and ideas that have helped him in his travel photography journey. He will also share several ideas of day trips that are within a couple of hours of home where to practice capturing our experiences to share with others.
As a follow-up to the presentation, we will schedule two ‘day trips’ this summer to get out and practice!
Jeff is a retired business intelligence and analytics IT professional. Once retired, Jeff began focusing on photography and enjoys learning and practicing all types of photography. He loves to travel and has spent about half a year in India where his passion for travel photography really grew. He has had images published in “The Hindu” – a national newspaper in India, a book “Kalarippayattu: A Holistic Martial Art from India” published in Poland and on signs and advertisements throughout India.

Bryn Athyn Cathedral Photoshoot – May 18 Led by Vince Pellegrini
2024-05-18 10:20 - 16:30
Join us for a fun filled & educational day at the Bryn Athyn Cathedral & Glencairn Mansion/Museum in Bryn Athyn, PA. All BPS members & their guests are invited to this event. In fact, the more the merrier. However, registration is required & you must email me at Vince.Pellegrini@berksphotographic.com, as well.
The Bryn Athyn Cathedral is an active house of worship & gathering place for members of the New Church, a Christian denomination based on the writings of Emanual Swedeenborg. This Gothic & Romanesque Cathedral was constructed between 1913 & 1919 by 300 local artisans. The major benefactor was John Pitcairn Jr., President of Pittsburgh Plate Glass Company (PPG). The complex is located just outside of Philadelphia, 65 miles from Reading.
The architecture of the Cathedral is very dramatic with its tower, asymmetry & gorgeous stained glass windows. The Cathedral’s lobby feels like a medieval castle with tall ceilings and stone walls. The interior of the cathedral’s nave is at least as impressive as the exterior, if not more so, with light streaming through the stained-glass windows overhead. It is listed as a National Historic Landmark. Learn more with these references HERE & HERE.
On the Cathedral grounds is the Glencairn Museum, the former castle-like mansion of John’s son, Raymond. It is a medieval, Romanesque style building with nine stories & 90 rooms & a nine story tower & was completed in 1939. Now converted to the Museum, it contains a collection of about 8,000 artworks, mostly religious in nature, from cultures such as ancient Egypt, Greece, the Roman Empire & medieval Europe, as well as Islamic, Asian & Native American works. It is on the National Register of Historic Places. During our visit, there will be an exhibition titled Cardboard Chronicles: The Biblical Art of Rudolph Bostic. More information on the museum can be found HERE.
The Cathedral, its buildings & the three huge houses that were originally built for the Pitcairn family are picturesquely sited on rolling hills that combine open fields and woods with lovely views out over the surrounding countryside. There are beautiful & expansive gardens throughout the complex. The grounds were designed by Olmstead Brothers of NYC’s Central Park fame.
We will drive separately to Bryn Athyn, about 75 minutes from Reading. Those who want to carpool could arrange that & perhaps meet at the GoggleWorks. I can help to facilitate that. Our group will gather at the Cathedral at 10:20 AM. BPS will have a very special experience at the Cathedral beginning at 10:30 AM. Our group will first have a private 45 minute tour of the historic Cathedral as described here: “Our tours tell of the ever-evolving representation of a faith much like the community it serves, a manifestation of organic beauty, that is highlighted in the religious symbolism of the building. Dedicated over 100 years ago, this masterpiece marries old craftsmanship with modern upgrades.” We will then be allowed to photograph the interior for up to an hour. Tripods will be allowed which is a big exception to the policy. There will be free access to independently explore & photograph the grounds & gardens for up to another hour after the tour. A bag lunch would be ideal at the conclusion of this portion although there is a cafe about one mile away.
At 1:00, we will meet up at the Glencairn Museum/Mansion on the grounds & have a private 90 minute Highlights Tour. Here is the tour’s description: “The guided tour begins in the Great Hall, featuring awe-inspiring architecture and skilled craftsmanship. Experience spiritual beliefs and practices through the ages by exploring three galleries (most likely Rome, Greece, and the Medieval Treasury) with art and artifacts from the Glencairn Museum collection. Immerse yourself in family spaces that have remained unchanged since Glencairn was a home, including the family Chapel (with stained glass and mosaics) and the Main Bedroom and Bath. The elevator ascent to the Tower, with its commanding view of the local area and the Philadelphia skyline, is a visitor favorite.” We will be able to photograph inside the museum during & after the tour however the rooms are too small here to allow the use of tripods. Our group will leave as desired anytime after the Museum tour. The Museum closes at 4:30.
We will not be able to photograph the Cairnwood Estate & its gardens as there will be a private function there during our visit. Privacy will need to be respected.
This will be a great architectural & flower photographic opportunity combined with a wonderful educational & cultural experience. It will be a lovely event for photographers & non-photographers alike. Bring the family.
Cost: The Cathedral tour is $5, paid in cash at the door. The Museum tour is $15 with seniors & student discounts, paid in advance using this BPS specific LINK. Everyone joining us this day must complete this link to be registered. Do so as soon as you know that you will join us. You must also please email me at Vince.Pellegrini@berksphotographic.com to confirm that you will be participating & the size of your group so that there is a handle on the numbers & we know who will be attending. Include in that email if you are interested in carpooling & I can put out an email with that information.
