Breaking the Rule of Thirds works sometimes! However, I choose #2 because the extra interest in the close up water seems to give more 'weight' to the bottom of the photo (causing my mind to not deviate from that rule). Hope you are not confused because I am? ;-)

[quote=4ellen4] -I do not know how to make a screen shot of my computer to bring this up to show you.

If you have a windows computer, click on the start menu, type in "Snipping Tool", click on that and the 'tool' returns to your monitor's screen (desk top) and you can drag the corners into any part of the screen that you want saved. Note where you computer is 'pre-programed' to place those files so that you can find those 'snips'

Rylo, as an 'old codger' and camera hobbyist, we'd have fun walking in the woods together. I "went" to the site with those "Steps to Adventure". I took a step to the right (to eliminate the partial sign). Does 'my'photo better help tell your story? Sam

"http://www.avsforum.com/forum/161-camcorders/"

BSprage, thanks for this lead. I've had a chance to review many of their discussions. You were very correct - Equipment dominates all of the discussions that I have found ... so far. I'm going to keep looking for the creative discussions.

One thing that I feel will not be welcome in that group is telling them that in the books I've purchased so far the equipment is only about 1/3 of the valuable in making a video watchable. The story line and its related audio make up the majority 2/3. If you happen to find a group that mainly supports the creativity side of making video, please pass that on as well.

The only idea that wasn't detailed yet, is that each meeting could have 1 to 3 photo (depending on the time you have to critique each) "Challenge Photo Assignment" that has to be taken since the last meeting (when the challenge subject was first mentioned). It gets even old people like me that has been in photography club's for over 40 years 'out and about' taking new photos.

The following short video might be used for more ideas and/or to promote your club. You may use all or parts of this video without getting my permission. You can also use my ideas to create a video of your own, without giving me an credit as well. Best wishes to you and each of your club members.
The Link is:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xWvdAOojL5M

Lynn, if you find an on-line video group that is at least 1/2 as valuable as this photo group, please let me know. I'm almost certain that I would also like to join it.

Lynn3tt3, before you make up your mind in purchasing a video camcorder please read a book or two about making videos. I've been a member of various camera clubs for over 40 years. So, I thought, that I know a little about taking video shots. The very first question was (ad I 'flunked') "What is the most important part of a video?". The answer I thought was 'unfair'!!! The correct answer is the AUDIO! (so make certain that any camcorder that you purchase has an input for an external mic). Next, the story line is at least as important as the actual video footage. I strongly recommend the book, "How to take video that doesn't suck!" Not very expensive either. I paid less than $15 delivered. It will open up a 'new world" for you. Best wishes.

Liked your photos. This was my attempt a few weeks ago on a river in extreme northern California. No Post Processing either.

Referring to your flower photo: Our local club's challenge for the next two weeks is "Depth of Field". Your shot was a great example. The foreground (part of one blossom) and the background are both out of focus.

My attempt to do that was met in the first photo. I hope the second (red flower) will be acceptable for that assignment. Maybe I can copy yours and send it in?!? ;-)

Beach Flower


Wet & Red

Mariak, I made a video a while back that I hope helps too see an answer to your question from a 'club' standpoint.

That link is: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xWvdAOojL5M

I also have a hobby called "Geocaching". I combine the two hobbies so I'm being 'frugal' (two for one). That hobby "produced" a video at this link:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9hQ1UBvwbQI

Hope you enjoy both.
Sam

I had to use Topaz to remove some of the 'grain' on this Rainbow Photo. A fellow member at a Brookings, OR photo club said "Those flat rainbows happen when the photos are taken at 'high noon'.

Jim, what a powerful story! Thanks for sharing it! I like the way it was written. It started out by "where is this going, anyway?" Then the powerful conclusion.

I found a similar story (in the 'flow' of it) and have recorded it. Those who liked your story, might also like this one.
Go to: www.assoc.com
Click on "Readings" Then select "Don't leave the Donunt on the Table"

Thanks to Calliwa and Grayplayer for your positive comments about my video.
For those of you planning to go to Alaska, we were told, and I agree, to spend as much time there as possible. It is a BIG state. We spent a full 3 months north of the USA/Canadian Border. AND, many have told me there are TWO ALASKA s. One by land and the other by sea. Both equally beautiful! But, I get sea sick so I 'vetoed' my wife's vote. That was hard to do.

Thanks so much for 'bringing back memories'.
Each of us strive to make each photo "tell a story". But when you place a number of them together in a 'show', I'm told we need a "story line" that keeps an audience interested. In one article that I read, the story line was equal in importance to the photos.
Here's my attempt of doing both for our Alaska Trip 'show'. As you will quickly see it is mostly of stills and the video included isn't HD. Hopefully you will enjoy it.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JkKReFpsCTQ

Gemlenz, with your experience I hesitate to review some of the things that I've had to learn in the last two years because they are so basic. But: Make certain that you have both a microphone input (used with the correct impedance adapter to receive directly from the churches sound board) and a head phone jack for monitoring the quality of sound you are getting. My Panasonic TM 900 allows you to visually monitor and set the input volume levels. I purchased the unit from B&H and have had no problems. I did purchase a larger battery from ebay and it has over an hour of usage. It always eliminates the next possible problem. If you decide to try using the AC adapter, some auditorium AC circuits generate AC hum. The TM 900 takes 1920 x 1080 but all of the churches that I attend only have standard DVD quality (not blue ray) to distribute. Best wishes. Sam