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Monthly Events

Monthly Calendar | Details of Events | Previous Events

Schenectady Photographic Socity

www.schenectadyphotographicsociety.com

Individualized Courses Offered

The PhotoCenter has developed a series of courses taught by Director Katherine Wright to be scheduled at the individual's convenience. Each course consists of multiple sessions, each personalized to maximally enhance the participant's photographic skills and experience. Please download and review the list of course offerings in PDF.

Workshop Reservation Policy

Please review our workshop reservation policy, including cancellations and refunds.

PhotoCenter Services & Equipment

In addition to our workshops and individualized courses, we offer a wide variety of computer and photography equipment for use on site, prints and other services, and spaces, including a darkroom, library, and other amenities at reasonable costs. Learn more!

September 2010

Download Current Schedule in PDF

Window or Mirror? Workshop: 6:30– 9 p.m., Thursday, September 9. Taught by Katherine Wright for Basic to Advanced Levels. Every photographer has 10,000,000 + images that they have compiled over their shooting existence. This workshop is designed for participants to discover parts of themselves in their work. Each participant is to bring in five images of their own work that they are particularly drawn to. We will start asking why. Digging deep into the psychological response to work, both asking and answering questions. Minimum of three participants to run the workshop. R.S.V.P. by e-mail. Please bring five sample photos — preferably prints, paper, pen, and an open mind.

$45 for Supporting and Studio Members
$55 for Basic Members
$85 for Non-members

Wandering Photographer — Cultural and Landscape Outing: 10 a.m.–5:30 p.m. Saturday, September 11. You requested it, and here it is … our first photographic outing. You have seen it on museum walls — photographs that touch impressionism. In this workshop you will see one of the masters, Degas, at The Clark in Williamstown featuring Picasso Looks at Degas. This exhibit closes Sunday, September 12. We will start by checking out the one-time exhibit as inspiration for the shooting portion of our day. After lunch we will explore the Berkshires in afternoon light to landscape locations amenable to impressionistic rendering. PhotoCenter Director Katy will encourage you to try techniques you may not realize your camera is capable of doing, and teaching technical camera settings, including zoom, sweeps, long exposure, and more! R.S.V.P. Space is limited to six.

Packing List

Camera, battery, plenty of memory, tripod (recommended)
Walking shoes (optional, but strongly recommended)
Water

Fee includes transportation, admission to The Clark and shooting instruction.

$50 for Supporting and Studio Members
$60 for Basic Members
$90 for Non-members

4th Annual Members Show Closing: Noon–6 p.m., Sunday September 12. This is the last day to see the impressive collection of the PhotoCenter’s 4th Annual Members Show. Exhibiting members are encouraged to pick up their work as soon as possible. 

Dinner Night: 6:30–9 p.m. Monday, September 13. Welcome back! We want to talk all about your summer adventures over dinner. Chef Nick will be back in the kitchen creating some of his fabulous seasonal fare! R.S.V.P. ASAP by e-mail. Limited to 12 members only. Seats will be filling up fast; Donation requested.

C.A.M.E.R.A. Meeting: 7– 9 p.m. Tuesday, September 14. Enjoy conversations about vintage cameras and their knowledgeable collectors. Open to the public.

Fall Clearance Sale: September 16–24. As you all are well aware, the PhotoCenter has an eclectic collection of items including: cameras, lenses, filters, bags, tripods, straps, and other photo accessories. Plenty of fully functional electronics and computer stuff, printers, scanners. Also a variety of artwork and many household items, props, furnishings, Africana and more! All at unsurpassable, irresistible prices. Additional items added each day. The sale will remain open for September 24 Troy Night Out. Free and open to the public.

“The September Issue!” — The Fall Fashion Workshop: 1– 6 p.m., Saturday, September 18. Taught by Katherine Wright for Intermediate to Advanced Levels. The September Issue is the biggest thing in fashion every year! (Think Vogue, Harper’s Bazaar, W, etc.) With this workshop, participants will be brought into a world that replicates “behind the scenes” of a fashion shoot. Assignments will be provided to the participants to challenge their creative styles! Jalena from Jalena’s, a Boutique salon, will be in charge of hair and makeup. Katy will be assisting you, creating award winning clothing combinations. Participants will have the run of Katy’s Studio to bring their creative vision forward! Minimum of three participants to run the workshop. R.S.V.P. Space is limited.

Packing List

Camera, batteries, cards
Additional options: strobe and meter)
Five samples of an outdoor fashion spread for discussion and your questions.

Fee includes location and model fees.

$125 for Supporting and Studio Members
$145 for Basic Members
$190 for Non-members

Salon Night: 6:30–9 p.m., Tuesday, September 21. This was created for an open conversation about one’s work, with insight and constructive criticism. Bring five to 10 prints or digital files that best describe your summer (prints preferred). Members only.

Black and White — A Figure Study Workshop: Noon–6 p.m., Saturday, September 25. In this workshop we will be focusing on the form, shape, light and the absence of color. We will start by looking at examples of master black and white figurative photographs as inspiration for the day. Participants will have a white seamless background and a black muslin background for a clean and contemporary aesthetic. Although shooting in black and white is not a requirement, participants are encouraged to do this so they can pay extra attention to the light and detail. Minimum of three participants to run the workshop. R.S.V.P. Space is limited.

Packing List

Questions, notebook, camera, batteries, cards, sunscreen, water, and your imagination

Fee includes location and model fees.

$125 for Supporting and Studio Members
$145 for Basic Members
$190 for Non-members

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Past Highlights

August 2010

Download Current Schedule in PDF

The Wild World of Topaz Workshop: August 19. Katherine Wright demonstrated the capabilities of this software package that helps achieve intensely detailed images, including HDR and skin softening,? Topaz plug-ins for Adobe Photoshop and Elements demonstated included Adjust 3, Detail, Simplify, Denoise, and Clean2.

inkAID Workshop: August 21. Taught by Katherine Wright for all levels. inkAID gives creative digital artists the opportunity to print on unique types of surfaces including traditional fine art papers. Painting, collages and other mixed media can also be coated to allow the addition of an inkjet printed image to the composition.

Retouching 101 Workshop: August 26. Skin is a canvas that in most situations is less than perfect. Katherine Wright taught how to soften blemishes, intensify eye color and enhance subjects.

Black and White — A Figure Study Workshop: August 28. In this workshop we focussed on the form, shape, light, and the absence of color. We started by looking at examples of master black and white figurative photographers as inspiration.

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July 2010

Creative Digital Effects Workshop: July 8. With digital photography we have many opportunities to create a variety of effects on our images. In this workshop we explored learn techniques to add another artistic dimension to your work.

Intro To Studio Strobes Workshop: July 10. Katherine Wright taught the basics of classical studio lighting — working with strobes, how light works ,and metering for the perfect exposure.

Tools and Basic Techniques of Adobe Photoshop Elements Workshop: July 15. This workshop included working with layers, color balance, resizing ,and saving.

Wardrobe 101 — A Studio Fashion Workshop: July 17. Any portfolio is always enhanced by a smooth streamline style. This workshop was all about educating participants on creating fantastic outfits, fabulous hair-makeup, accessories and more! Each participant will be selected clothing, makeup, and hair changes.

Water — Figure Study Workshop: July 24. We had a fabulous location with several backgrounds that incorporated water including sprinklers, a beautiful large pond and a pool. We worked with bounce light, fill-light, reflectors and on-location strobes.

Preparing Your Work for Exhibition — Matting and Framing Workshop: July 29. Taught by Katherine Wright demonstrated how to mat and frame your work for exhibition. This workshop was designed to teach you how to properly mat and frame work for presentation.

Create Your Own Blurb™ Book Workshop: July 31. We demonstrrated how to lay out and create your own professional book which is great for promotional material, weddings, series works, friends and family. Several examples of Blurb™ books were shown and we did a few exercises to achieve the exact aesthetic look of your book.

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June 2010

Figure Study Set in the Middle Ages Workshop: June 12. Taught by Katherine Wright for all levels. We took a journey up the road to Brunswick and back in time. Our shoot theme was set in the Middle Ages, with authentic tents, armor, and accessories. Students focused on the use of props, costume, lighting and location to create unique images that have the middle age flair.

Practical Applications for Adobe Photoshop Workshop: June 17. Taught by Katherine Wright for Basic to Intermediate Levels. This is broad overview focused on practical applications for your photography. For example: How to resize an image for print and web, cropping, adding text with your name, color balance, contrast, exposure, and much more.

High Dynamic Range Photography Workshop: June 19. Taught by Robert J. Near for Basic to Advanced Levels. The HDR guru took participants through the ins and outs of high dynamic range photography.

Gizmos and Gadgets Workshop: June 24. Taught by Nicholas Argyros for All Levels. This was an introduction to interesting and useful (and not too costly) accessories which can expand your photo horizons and creativity. 

On Location Fashion Photography Workshop: June 26. Taught by Katherine Wright. This workshop focused on scouting locations, posing, and using natural lighting.  Fashion garb and amazing models were provided.

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May 2010

Image Organization Workshop: May 13. Taught by Katherine Wright for Beginner to Advanced. Photographers should be spending most of their time shooting, not on the computer. This workshop was designed to give photographers several example structures on how to organize their work.

inkAID Workshop: May 15. Taught by Katherine Wright for all levels. inkAID gives creative digital artists the opportunity to print on unique types of surfaces including traditional fine art papers. Painting, collages and other mixed media can also be coated to allow the addition of an inkjet printed image to the composition.

Portfolio Pieces from Your Vacation Workshop: May 20. Taught by Katherine Wright for Beginner to Advanced. In this workshop we talked about how to capture amazing moments while away.

On Location Fashion Photography Workshop: May 22. Taught by Katherine Wright. This workshop focused to scouting locations, posing, natural lighting, clothing and amazing models.

High Dynamic Range Photography Workshop: May 29. Taught by Robert J. Near for Beginner to Advanced. Robert J. Near, HDR guru, took participants through the ins and outs of High Dynamic Range photography.

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April 2010

Excerise Your Eye — Moving to Manual Worskhop: April 8. Taught by Katherine Wright for beginner to advanced. This workshop challenged participants to investigate their composition. We focused on the foundation of manual settings to allow more control and creativity.

On Location Fashtion Photography Workshop: April 10. Taught by Katherine Wright. This workshop was focused on scouting locations, posing, natural lighting, clothing, and amazing models. Participants gained a collection of close-ups, details, three quarter and full scenes shots.

Food Photography Workshop: April 17. Taught by Katherine Wright for beginner to advanced. Food photography is one of the most amazing specialties in the photographic industry. This workshop was all about the details. Participants were exposed to a variety of subjects from raw ingredients to intricate created meals.

Lightroom Workshop — Understanding the inner workings of cataloguing and getting organized: April 24. Taught by Robert J. Near for beginner to advanced. He took participants through the ins and outs of Lightroom and process of setting up their files before they even get imported.

The Wright Side of the Brain: April 22. Lecture by Katherine Wright, who showed and critiqued a variety of images from a variety of photographers. She will be talking about techniques, processing, and the pros and cons of the images.

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March 2010

The Wild World of Topaz: March 4. Katherine Wright demonstrated the TOPAZ plug ins for Adobe PhotoShop and Elements, including Adjust 3, Detail, Simplify, Denoise, and Clean 2.

The Power of Portraiture Workshop: March 13. We focused on how to photograph a variety of faces and create a character through the portrait.

Editing Software Demo and Discussion: March 18. Katherine Wright discussed the broad spectrum of editing software that is available and doing some comparisons, including at Aperture, iPhoto, Adobe Photoshop, Elements, and Lightroom.

inkAID Workshop: March 20. Katherine Wright presented an exclusive look into the amazing techniques and process using inkAID precoats. We converted one of our printers to be inkAID dedicated. inkAID gives creative digital artists the opportunity to print on unique types of surfaces including traditional fine art papers.

Secrets to the Max Lecture by Max Tiller: March 25. Max Tiller, a producer of alternative images for more than five years, shared some of his special techniques and ideas.

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February 2010

Preparing Your Work for Exhibition Workshop Part 2: Framing, Hanging, Titles and Loose Ends: February 11. Taught by Katherine Wright for all levels. Part 2 of this workshop was designed to pick up after the matting of your work to talk about different frames, archival materials, variety in glasses and keeping it cost effective. We also showed you how frame your matted pieces, wiring, and how to title your pieces and pricing your work.

Figure Study Workshop: February 13. Taught by exhibiting photographer Dan McCormack for all levels. McCormack, head of the photography department at Marist Collage, has been photographing the figure for more than 20 years.

The Vintage French Style: February 27. This workshop was designed to replicate the vintage French style boudoir portraits. In the morning participants used Katy’s studio with all of her fabrics and costumes. In the afternoon we met at the PhotoCenter for an editing seminar on how to properly desaturate your images, sepia tone, and create the soft focus effects to create the vintage photo.

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January 2010

Preparing Your Work for Exhibition Workshop Part 1: Matting and Dry-mounting: January 14. Taught by Katherine Wright for all levels. This workshop was designed to teach you how to properly window mat and dry-mount your work for presentation.

Intro to Digital Photography Workshop Part 1: January 16. Taught by Katherine Wright for beginners. This was designed to start you off with the principals of photography. This first class focussed on the technical terms and functions of your camera.

Practical Applications for Photoshop Workshop: January 21. Taught by Katherine Wright for basic and intermediate levels. This broad overview will focus on practical Photoshopapplications for your photography.

Editing Your Work presentation by Katherine Wright: January 28. How many times have you been out shooting and bring home 500 or 1,000 images? Now what do you do with them? Which ones to you keep and which ones do you trash? This lecture was designed to go through the process of those decisions and future applications of your work.

Make-up and Models Workshop: January 30. Taught by Katherine Wright for intermediate and advanced. This shooting workshop was dedicated to close up portraits focusing on avant garde makeup and hair.

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What We Did in 2009

2009 Review in PDF format

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