Our November meeting was well attended and involved a lot of lively discussion. We started by electing a full slate of officers for 2026. We then discussed our topic for the 2026 Gallery Show – nature. We also continued our discussion about potential changes to the gallery show and completed our monthly challenge.
Officer Elections
The elected officers for 2026 are as follows:
President – Elton Scifres
Vice President – Toni Roddey
Secretary – Ellen Schwartz
Treasurer – Michelle Eagan
Coordinators for 2026 are as follows:
Club Competitions – Becky Fleck
Social Media – Susan Bruener
Publicity – Ron Thill
Website – Elton Scifres
Thank you to everyone who volunteered to serve. It is exciting to begin the new year with a full slate of officers for the first time in many years.
2026 Gallery Show Topic – Nature
I kicked off our discussion of Nature Photography by offering a brief definition and a list of subtopics that fit under this rather large category. We also discussed a few gray areas. We agreed that man-made objects (e.g. houses, barns, boardwalks) can be included in nature photographs if they enhance or provide context to the natural elements, rather than sever as the primary focus.
There was less agreement about images showing significant human intervention, such as curated gardens or zoo scenes. These may be considered less fitting, so members should be mindful when submitting such photos.
I’ll share these concerns with our curator/judge, though we all recognize that interpreting the theme will always involve subjectivity.
Gallery Show Changes
Since August we’ve been discussing ways to decentralize the gallery show process. So far, we decided that club members will handle their own submissions, framing, and delivery to the Cole Center.
This shift opened the door for other changes. At this meeting we discussed whether to keep the judging component, revise submission rules, and allow various sizes of frames. While not unanimous, most members supported continuing with a judged show. There was little objection to keeping the current submission rules (six photos, with at least three taken in the last year). Frame size sparked the most debate, but there was general agreement that uniformity in size isn’t necessary.
I will talk to Weelynd McMullen before our January meeting and try to get some more information about desirable frame sizes from the perspective of the Cole Center. I will also inquire about Weelynd’s willingness to judge.
November Challenge – Nature
We had some wonderful submissions for our Nature Challenge. Jay Schwarz took first place, Elton Scifres placed second, and Wendy Floyd came in third. Congratulations! Check out our Facebook page to view the fll set of submissions.
Jay selected “Metal” as our next challenge topic. A photo of Metallica would be a perfect, if only they were available. Our next challenge will be in January.
Christmas Party – December 2nd
Our Christmas Party will be held at the Chamber Building this year. Thanks to Jay and Ellen for volunteering to coordinate! And thank you to everyone who signed up to bring something. Look out for an email from Jay or Ellen with updates on what’s still needed.
I’m looking forward to celebrating with everyone!
Wishing everyone a wonderful Thanksgiving!