2009 United Bank Calendar

For their 2009 calendar, United Bank chose images taken by six West Central Georgia Shutterbugs and honored them, along with other photographers whose images were selected, at a reception held at the Zebulon office on Thursday, November 13, 2008. Shown here (left to right) are Melba Brown, Shakeira Trice, Linda Best, Anna Mary Ellerbee, and Ellen Tew. (Not shown: Marcia Fisher)

Relay for Life 2009 Calendar

Photos taken by four West Central Georgia Shutterbugs at the 2008 Relay for Life have been chosen for the "Relay for Life Memories 2009" calendar, published by Upson Regional Medical Center (URMC) Bosom Buddies, a support group for women who are cancer survivors. The 12-month calendar features photographs of many of those attending the event and were taken by (L-R): Ellen Tew, King Davis, Johnnie Ann Gaskill, and Yvette Tolson. Calendars may be purchased for $10 from any Bosom Buddies member or from Trinkets and Treasures (the gift shop located in the lobby of Upson Regional Medical Center) or the Thomaston-Upson Arts Council Gallery and Gift Shop (located on the courthouse square). Proceeds from the sale of the calendar will support Relay For Life in Upson County and provide the American Cancer Society with funds to fight cancer. For additional information, contact San Short at Upson Regional, 706-647-8111 ext. 1165.

Photo by Charlotte Bennett.

Shutterbugs Win Awards at the Georgia National Fair

Nine members of the West Central Georgia Shutterbugs received ribbons in the Photography Competition at the Georgia National Fair in Perry in October. Linda Best earned a second place ribbon in the Beginner Section. Krista Williams earned the Award of Excellence in the Advanced Division, as well as the Cokes Camera Center Award, along with five ribbons. Other Shutterbugs who received ribbons in the Advanced Division were: Johnnie Ann Gaskill (9), Yvette Tolson (3), Bonny Shockley (2), Melba Brown (1), Fawne DeRosia (1), Marcia Fisher (1) and Marcia Miller (1). Out of the 1800 photos entered in this year’s competition, Shutterbugs earned 26% of the ribbons awarded in the Advanced Division for color photos and 21% of the ribbons awarded in that division for monochrome images.

Shutterbugs attribute much of their success to the things they learn during their meetings, as well as the encouragement they get from one another. They meet the second Tuesday in each month at 6:30 p.m. at the Thomaston-Upson Arts Council (TUAC) Gallery and Gift Shop, located on the courthouse square. Guest speaker for the November 11th meeting will be Jerry Beasley, past president of the Middle Georgia Camera Club in Macon, who will talk about “How to Take Tack-Sharp Photos.” Visitors are welcome to attend. All attendees are asked to bring a non-perishable food item (for people or pets) to be donated to a food distribution organization.

Krista Williams, of Thomaston, was thrilled with the multiple awards she received at the Georgia National Fair, especially the Award of Excellence, which is given annually for the photo the judges consider to be the very best one in the Division.

Photo of Yvette Tolson by Charlotte Bennett. Article by Johnnie Ann Gaskill. Photo of Krista Williams by Malcolm Williams.

Scarecrows in the Garden

Sherry Kunde, a member of the West Central Georgia Shutterbugs, visited the University of Georgia Research and Education Garden the day the exhibit "Scarecrows in the Garden" opened. She enjoyed photographing all 17 scarecrows created by individuals, local organizations, and businesses, especially "Miss Bodacious Boo-livia Bloomers" who was sponsored by the Special Events Committee UGA Griffin Campus 2007 Master Gardener Class. While visiting the Garden, Sherry also took many photos of bees, butterflies, and flowers. Although the scarecrows were only in the garden between Oct. 13th and 26th, the garden itself is lovely throughout the year. It is located on West Ellis Road (off the Hwy. 19/41 Bypass) in Griffin and is open to the public weekdays (except holidays) 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

On Sunday, November 30th, from 1-4 p.m., Santa will be inside the Garden Education Building to visit with children of all ages. Photos will be available. For more information, please contact Barbara King (barwking AT bellsouth DOT net) or visit the Garden's website.

Photo by Johnnie Ann Gaskill.

Shutterbugs Out and About!

The West Central Georgia Shutterbugs are an on-the-go group! On Saturday, Sept. 20th, several Shutterbugs attended the opening reception for the SlowExposures Photography Exhibition, an annual event held each year in nearby Concord, GA. Shown in the photo on the first row are: Malgorzata Florkowska, Melba Brown, and Harolyn Castleberry. On the second row are: Joan Phillips, Fawne DeRosia, Ellen Tew, Anna Mary Ellerbee, Linda Best, and Johnnie Ann Gaskill. Ellen, Anna Mary, and Linda’s photos, along with those of Brenda Fayard (not shown) were juried into the show. While traveling to and from the exhibit, some of the Shutterbugs stopped for photos, as Shutterbugs are prone to do.
Photo by Robert Gallman.

On Thursday, Sept. 18th, seven members attended Taste of Thomaston, an annual event held on the courthouse square. Shown in the photo are Janet Goodberlet, Johnnie Ann Gaskill, Fawne DeRosia, and Joan Phillips. They, along with Melba Brown and Sherry Kunde, were on hand to talk with people interested in knowing more about the photography club.
Photo by Ellen Tew.

On Saturday, August 16th, eleven members of the West Central Georgia Shutterbugs attended a “Making More Expressive Photos” workshop held at the Middle Georgia Art Association in Macon. Jim Messer (far right) led the workshop. Standing beside him is Lynne Barta, who often teams with him on various projects. Shutterbugs in attendance were (seated): Harolyn Castleberry, Melba Brown, Marsha Waller, and (standing, left to right): Krista Williams, Hazel Cromer, Johnnie Ann Gaskill, King Davis, Phyllis Dyche, Yvette Tolson, Anna Mary Ellerbee, Sherry Kunde and Lyndsey York (not shown in the photo). While there, they viewed the “In Celebration of Light” photography show, which remained on exhibit through Sept. 13th. Following the four-hour workshop, several of the Shutterbugs spent additional time in Macon, eagerly practicing the things they learned.
Photo by Frank Pinkston.

People's Choice Award 2008

For the second year in a row, one of Harolyn Castleberry’s photos was awarded the “People’s Choice Award.” Her “Penaquid Point Lighthouse” received the most votes during the opening reception for the “Personal Best” exhibit, which features the photography of 28 Shutterbugs. Anna Mary Ellerbee’s “Every Child” was the second vote-getter, and King Davis’ “Camryn” was third, followed by Shakeira Trice’s "The Buzz." Juanita Kendall’s “Earth’s Blood” and Marcia Fisher’s “Old Man at the Jaffa Gate” tied for fifth place. Congratulations to all.

Photo by Johnnie Ann Gaskill.

Personal Best

During September, the Thomaston-Upson Arts Council (TUAC), located on the courthouse square, is hosting the second annual “Personal Best” photography exhibit by the West Central Georgia Shutterbugs, a group that was formed in January 2006 and now has 42 members from Upson and five surrounding counties. The exhibit includes 56 photos by 28 of the members. Many of the photographic images, along with smaller items such as greeting cards, are available for purchase. The public is invited to attend an opening reception Tuesday, September 9^th, from 6-8 p.m., to meet the photographers, enjoy their work, and cast their vote for the “People’s Choice” award, which will be announced at 8 p.m. The exhibit may also be viewed during TUAC’s regular business hours: Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday from 10-5, and Wednesday 10-Noon.

Those exhibiting their “Personal Best” photos are among the Shutterbugs pictured here: 1st Row, Left to Right: Harolyn Castleberry, Sherry Kunde, Johnnie Ann Gaskill, Joan Phillips; 2^nd Row: Fawne DeRosia, Hazel Cromer, Anna Mary Ellerbee, Bonny Shockley, Kim Hill, Yvette Tolson, Juanita Kendall; 3^rd Row: Shakeira Trice, Marcia Miller, Maggie Grob, Melba Brown, Ellen Tew, Krista Williams, Marcia Fisher, Debbie Smith; 4^th Row: Marcia Edwards, Jakob Grob, Phyllis Dyche, Lyndsey York, King Davis, Dee Hinson, and Evie Bowker. Other exhibitors not shown in the photo are: Malgorzata Florkowska and Linda Best.

Horsing Around at A Novel Experience

On August 9th, thirteen members of the West Central Georgia Shutterbugs attended the opening reception for the “Horsing Around…” photography exhibit, which may be viewed during the month of August at A Novel Experience, located on the courthouse square in Zebulon. Store hours are Tuesday-Saturday, 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. The exhibit includes photos taken by 15 Shutterbugs, as well as those belonging to other photographers in the area. Shown in the photo are: Melba Brown (kneeling), Yvette Tolson, Marcia Fisher, Ellen Tew, Johnnie Ann Gaskill, Fawne DeRosia, Brenda Fayard, Marcia Edwards, Malgorzata Florkowska, Anna Mary Ellerbee, Suzi Axtell, Bonny Shockley, and Marcia Miller. Other Shutterbugs, not pictured, whose photos were also juried into the exhibit: Linda Best and Harolyn Castleberry. Photo by Gordon Brown.

Shutterbugs to Meet on August 12th

The West Central Georgia Shutterbugs will meet on Tuesday, August 12th, at 6:30 p.m. at the Thomaston-Upson Arts Council (TUAC) Gallery and Gift Shop in downtown Thomaston. Following an extended business meeting, which includes the election of officers for the upcoming year, Shutterbugs will walk across the street to the courthouse for two group photos: (1) all members, and (2) those members who will be exhibiting photos in the “Personal Best” exhibit in September at TUAC. Shutterbugs who wish to know more about how to prepare photos for exhibits (including the upcoming Georgia National Fair in Perry) will return to the Gallery for a demonstration/question-and-answer session conducted by Melba Brown. Others will be free to go following the photo session.

Shutterbugs who have ordered exhibit supplies (clear bags, backing boards, and mats) from Melba Brown may pick them up and pay her for them at the meeting.

As always, members should wear their ID buttons. Also, please bring a camera (to pose with during the group shots). Shutterbugs who are exhibiting in Sept. may also bring their ready-to-hang photos (maximum of two). Otherwise, make plans to deliver them to TUAC no later than Friday, August 22nd.

Shutterbugs to meet on July 8th

The West Central Georgia Shutterbugs will meet on Tuesday, July 8th, at 6:30 p.m. at the Thomaston-Upson Arts Council (TUAC) Gallery and Gift Shop. The program will begin with a brief segment from a Bryan Peterson DVD. Peterson, who is a professional photographer, author, and instructor, advises his students to choose themes, that is, special subjects to photograph—for example, windows, neon signs, the color purple, emotions (such as indifference), or whatever interests them. Knowing what you’re looking for, Peterson believes, will keep you focused, directed, and enthusiastic.

The remainder of the program will be devoted to viewing photos taken by Shutterbugs Marcia Fisher and King Davis. His photos were taken in Bolivia, hers in Israel. Both presentations will be a combination of travelogue and photography comments, questions and answers, critiques, etc.

Marcia, a charter member of Shutterbugs, moved to Thomaston from Oakland, California, in 1997. She began taking pictures after being inspired by the beauty of Georgia. Her photography has been displayed in various galleries and photography exhibits, won awards in venues such as the Georgia National Fair, and selected for special projects.

King Davis, a native of Thomaston, developed an interest in photography as a teenager, with the help of his parents and a number of friends. Throughout the 1970s, he worked as a freelance photographer. Now that the cost of film is no longer prohibitive, he has recently resumed pursuing photography, using a digital SLR camera.

Anyone interested in photography is welcome to attend. No reservations are required. Just come to the TUAC Gallery, located next to the Ritz Theatre on the courthouse square in Thomaston, and enjoy 90 minutes of photography instruction and inspiration.

While on a photo shoot with other Shutterbugs, Melba Brown took pictures of horses to enter into an upcoming exhibit. Her efforts paid off, since three of her photos were juried into the “Horsing Around…” photography exhibit that opens in August at A Novel Experience (bookstore) on the courthouse square in Zebulon. The exhibit may be viewed during the store’s regular business hours (Tuesday-Saturday, 10-7) and during a reception on Saturday, August 9th, from 7-9 p.m. Photo by Johnnie Ann Gaskill

Paddle Georgia

Photo by Johnnie Ann Gaskill

Melba Brown, Anna Mary Ellerbee, Sherry Kunde and Johnnie Ann Gaskill were all out at Sprewell Bluff on Saturday to photograph the “Paddle Georgia” event. Here are links to some of the photos they took that day Enjoy!

Sherry Kunde

Melba Brown

Anna Mary Ellerbee

Johnnie Ann Gaskill

Shutterbugs to Meet on Tuesday, June 10th

The West Central Georgia Shutterbugs will meet on Tuesday, June 10th at 6:30 p.m. at the Thomaston-Upson Arts Council (TUAC) Gallery and Gift Shop, located on the courthouse square. Following a brief business meeting, Johnnie Ann Gaskill, President, will show members and guests how to set up a free gallery on www.betterphoto.com, where they can display their photos and enter free monthly contests hosted by that site. Anyone interested in that topic is welcome to attend. For more information, contact Johnnie at 706-646-4170.

The club now has 33 members from Upson and surrounding counties, some of whom are shown here:
Front Row, Left to Right: Yvette Tolson, Bonny Shockley, Janet Goodberlet, Sherry Kunde
Second Row: Marcia Miller, Melba Brown, Hazel Cromer, Ellen Tew, Shakeira Trice, Krista Williams
Third Row: Melissa Thomas, Johnnie Ann Gaskill, Marcia Fisher, Harolyn Castleberry, Kim Hill
Fourth Row: Fawne DeRosia, Joan Phillips, Marcia Edwards, Lyndsey York, Holly Butler
Back Row: Anna Mary Ellerbee, Dee Hinson, King Davis

Shutterbugs to Meet on May 13th

The West Central Georgia Shutterbugs will meet on Tuesday, May 13 at 6:30 p.m. at the Thomaston-Upson Arts Council (TUAC) Gallery, located on the courthouse square. Since members have expressed interest in learning more about how to upload, file, edit, and store their photos, the program will focus on those tasks. Johnnie Ann Gaskill, President, will demonstrate how she organizes her photos and will invite members to share their tips and techniques, too. If time permits, she will show attendees how to set up a free gallery on www.betterphoto.com, where they can display their photos and enter free monthly contests hosted by that site. Anyone interested in learning more about these topics is welcome to attend.

Nearby Photo Exhibitions

Jim Henderson at Callaway Gardens - The images within this gallery will be on display at the Virginia Hand Callaway Discovery Center Exhibition Hall at Callaway Gardens in Pine Mountain, GA from April 1 - 30, 2008. Prints and CDs will be on sale at the exhibition.

Blind/Sight: Conversations with the Visually Inspired - Photographer Billy Howard and illustrator Laurie Shock capture the spirit and stories of 12 people with varying degrees of visual impairment—from low vision to total blindness. Learn how each of the featured individuals "see" the world by viewing depictions created by Howard and Shock and find out what caused their vision impairments. On view February 9 through May 4, 2008 at the Fernbank Museum of Natural History.

Sally Mann at Jackson Fine Art in Atlanta - Jackson Fine Art is delighted to present a selection of work from the last segment of acclaimed photographer Sally Mann's What Remains, a series which explores the intricacies of death. Although Mann returns to her most familiar subject-her three children-she diverges from past approaches and themes. These large-format, up-close portraits were created using wet-plate collodion negatives, an arduous process first used by photographers ten years before the Civil War. The resulting photographs emanate a prophetic beauty, each "perfect flaw" in the process foreshadowing our slow but inevitable expiration. Through Aprill 26, 2008.

More Photos from The Rock Ranch

By: Joan Phillips

By: Johnnie Ann Gaskill

By: Hazel Cromer

By: Fawne DeRosia


And one by Mazzy!

Photos from The Rock Ranch Photoshoot

By: Sherry Kunde

By: Melba Brown

By: Anna Mary Ellerbee

By: Yvette Tolson

More soon!

The Rock Ranch Photo Shoot

Fourteen Shutterbugs enjoyed the April 8th for-members-only photo shoot held at The Rock Ranch from 6-8 p.m. Adam Pugh, who is Event Coordinator, Public Relations Specialist and Director of Detail at the ranch, hosted the event. For the first 30-45 minutes we were on our own and quickly set about taking pictures of peacocks, a new foal, expectant goats, fat sheep, horses, pigs, barns, and all sorts of buildings and unique things, like a giant windmill, a covered bridge, the rusty truck that has a tree growing in the engine, and much, much more. Then we formed a caravan, led by Adam, and bumped along roads and pastures in order to photograph cattle and Conestoga wagons, as well as a beautiful sunset. A good time was had by all, and we managed to capture some great images to add to our collections/galleries. We are very grateful to The Rock Ranch for hosting us in such a gracious way and allowing us to enjoy their “photographer’s delights.”

Our next meeting will be May 13, at 6:30 p.m. at the Thomaston-Upson Arts Council (TUAC) Gallery, located on the courthouse square in Thomaston. The program will be presented by various Shutterbugs and will focus on how to upload and file photos, as well as how to join http://www.betterphoto.com/ and set up a free gallery there. Anyone interested in photography is invited to attend.

Photography Blogs and Podcasts

Photojojo - from the About Us page: "We publish an insanely great newsletter on photography. More specifically, we scour the internets, rip pages out of magazines, ransack our friends' closets, and go through dumpsters to find the very best Photo tips, DIY projects, and Gear."

The Candid Frame - A photography podcast where you meet some of the world's best established and emerging photographers in the world of photojournalism, fashion, landscape, documentary, sports, wildlife, travel and commercial photography.

The Atlanta Celebrates Photography Blog - Keep tabs on photography events in and around Atlanta.

On Taking Pictures - By photographer and Brooklynite Bill Wadman. He has a background in advertising, editorial, and portraiture. He's shot all over the world and is currently putting together a book based on the 365 Portraits project.

Exposure Compensation - This blog is about photography as an art media and photography as a communication tool. Here you will find references to photographers, discussions on photography and interviews to artists. You will also find references to publications and exhibits.

Members Only Photo Shoot April 8th

In lieu of our regular meeting on April 8, Shutterbugs will be participating in a “members only” photo shoot from 6-8 p.m. Guests will be invited, as always, to attend our next regular meeting on Tuesday, May 13th, 6:30 p.m., at the Thomaston-Upson Arts Council (TUAC) Gallery, located on the courthouse square. The May 13th program will focus on how to upload/store/sort photos, as well as how to set up a photo gallery on www.betterphoto.com and participate in contests offered there.

Other Photo Opportunities:

• A photography contest being sponsored by the Georgia Strawberry Festival in Reynolds, GA. Click for more information.
• The cherry trees on Griffin Avenue in Thomaston are in bloom and are a beautiful sight! As you approach the square, follow the signs for 36 West. Once on 36 West, follow it for about 1.5 miles. After you pass Providence Nursing Home on the left, go to the bottom of the hill and turn RIGHT onto Nelson Drive. Griffin Avenue is the first street on the RIGHT.
• Two events at New Hebron Church in Pike County: The Franklin Family drum, fife and bugle corps on April 20th & Founders Day Picnic May 18th at 2 p.m. Click for more information.

In Memoriam

Dee DeLoatch
May 19, 1950—February 27, 2008

Dee was a charter member of the West Central Georgia Shutterbugs and hosted our first meeting in her salon in January 2006. She also served as president from August 2006-November 2007. She attended various photography workshops and was a great encouragement and inspiration to other photographers.
Her photography was juried in to exhibits (the 2006 Tobler Mill ARTfest, the 2006 WCGS exhibit at Pike Arts and Local Flavors, a special display at SlowExposures 2007, as well as exhibits hosted by the Thomaston-Upson Arts Council (TUAC). Her photography was also chosen for use in special publications, including the 2008 Georgia State map, the 2008 United Bank calendar, and a greeting card used/sold by the Thomaston-Upson Arts Council. Dee often used some of her best photos on greeting cards she created. In addition, she displayed some of her work in her salon, Dee’s Downtown, which she owned and operated for several years. Several of her matted and framed images are also in private collections. Some of her favorite images, in addition to those of her grandchildren, were those taken while traveling, which she loved to do.
Although Dee is no longer with us, her photography leads us to believe she would agree with David Bailey, who said, "It takes a lot of imagination to be a good photographer. You need less imagination to be a painter because you can invent things. But in photography everything is so ordinary; it takes a lot of looking before you learn to see the extraordinary," and with Ansel Adams, who said, "In my mind's eye, I visualize how a particular . . . sight and feeling will appear on a print. If it excites me, there is a good chance it will make a good photograph. It is an intuitive sense, an ability that comes from a lot of practice."
Dee was greatly loved and respected; she will be greatly missed by all who were privileged to know her.

Dee's BetterPhoto Gallery

Shutterbugs will meet on Tuesday, March 11, 2008

When the Shutterbugs last met on Feb. 12th, Melba Brown, Linda Best, and Harolyn Castleberry used a PowerPoint presentation to share some of the beautiful photos they took while on a recent trip to Italy. Attendees enjoyed seeing the work of these talented Shutterbugs and are anticipating the next regular meeting on March 11th, when they will see images captured by award-winning photographer, Scott Ash, the featured speaker for the evening. The public is invited to attend. Photo by Johnnie Ann Gaskill

The West Central Georgia Shutterbugs will meet on Tuesday, March 11, 6:30 p.m. at the Thomaston-Upson Arts Council (TUAC) Gallery, located on the courthouse square. Award-winning photographer, Scott Ash of Peachtree City, will be the guest speaker. On his website, http://www.wanderlustphotography.com/, Scott says that wherever his job as an international pilot takes him, he sets aside time to hike and to take pictures. Therefore, he has a collection of beautiful images that express the joy he felt when he captured them. “Nearly every photo has a story behind it,” Scott says, “which reminds me of the hike taken, people met, places seen, weather experienced, or other unique challenges I faced on that particular day.”

Scott joins a growing list of excellent photographers who have been invited to showcase their work during Shutterbugs meetings and to discuss the techniques they used to capture the images. Other photographers have been invited to speak at future meetings because Shutterbugs want to learn from “the best” how to take better photos.

Shutterbugs met for the first time in January 2006, with 10 persons present. Currently, there are 26 members of various ages and skill levels, who reside either in Lamar, Pike, Spalding, or Upson County. Members welcome other photographers, from beginners to professionals. For more information, contact Shutterbugs President, Johnnie Ann Gaskill, at 706-646-4170.

Georgia DOT Wants Your Best Photos of our State!

Georgia DOT invites you to send us your pictures depicting Georgia’s transportation system, scenic beauty, attractions or historical sites. State Transportation Board members will select a winning entry to represent their respective congressional district on the Official 2009 Highway and Transportation map. The highway map photo contest is open to all Georgia residents.

Photos can be submitted online at http://statemapphoto.dot.state.ga.us until April 30, 2008.
Once the submission period closes, Board members will select one photo to represent their congressional district. The winning photographers will be notified in writing and receive full photo credit for their submission.

The State Highway and Transportation Map is Georgia’s official travel guide. Over a million maps are printed each year and distributed throughout the country. Photos from all over Georgia have been placed on previous maps to provide travelers with a visual depiction of our history, statewide attractions and nationally recognized transportation system.

Good luck!

Shutterbugs Attend Reception in Zebulon

Shutterbugs in attendance at A Novel Experience's Puppy Love reception: Brenda Fayard, Malgorzata Florkowska, Fawne DeRosia, Ellen Tew, Harolyn Castleberry, Marcia Fisher, Melba Brown, and Johnnie Ann Gaskill. (Photo by Gordon Brown)

Photo by Johnnie Ann Gaskill.

Shutterbugs’ Awards and Feb. 12 Meeting

Seven members of the West Central Georgia Shutterbugs received ribbons and cash awards for photos they entered into the 2007 Georgia National Fair, held in Perry, GA. Their awards are significant since, according to Alan Thiese, Chairman of the Photography Competition, there were 1605 photos entered, 970 of those photos in the Beginner Division, 396 in Advanced, and 239 in Open.
Shutterbugs receiving awards in the Beginner Division were: Linda Best—6th place, Melba Brown—two 6th place awards, Harolyn Castleberry—a 2nd and a 3rd place, Anna Mary Ellerbee—a 3rd and a 5th place, Marcia Fisher—two 2nd place awards, plus a 3rd and a 6th, and Ester Fry—4th place.
In the “Advanced” division, Johnnie Ann Gaskill won sixteen awards, including three 1st place awards. She also received the Sweepstakes Award, which is awarded annually to the photographer who earns more awards than any other photographer competing in that division.
Several Shutterbugs have received recognitions for photos they’ve posted on http://www.betterphoto.com/, the premier educational web site on photography that offers an astonishing array of resources for photographers world-wide who want to improve their skills, share their photos, and learn more about the art and technique of photography. Photographers may enter one photo per day to any one of the ten contests BetterPhoto sponsors each month. Out of the thousands of beautiful photos entered each month, some photos are designated as “Editor’s Pick,” which means they have advanced to the next level of competition from which the “Finalists” are chosen, from which “Winners” are selected. According to recent statistics posted on http://www.betterphoto.com/, 7,120 photographers from 225 countries have received awards. Out of the more than 30,000 photos submitted each month, BetterPhoto chooses only a small percentage of photos for special recognition, which makes receiving even an “Editor’s Pick” a real thrill.
Shutterbugs whose photos have been designated “Editor’s Pick” include: Melba Brown, Harolyn Castleberry, Hazel Cromer, Dee DeLoatch, Anna Mary Ellerbee, Johnnie Ann Gaskill, and Lyndsey York. Anna Mary and Melba have also received one “Finalist” award each. Hazel has received numerous “Editor’s Picks,” two “Finalists,” and one “Winner.” Congratulations to all!
Five Shutterbugs have had photos chosen for the “Puppy Love” exhibit on display during February at A Novel Experience (bookstore) on the courthouse square in Zebulon. The public is invited to a reception there on Saturday, Feb. 9, from 7-9 p.m. to view the photos of dogs and to meet all of the photographers, including Shutterbugs Melba Brown, Harolyn Castleberry, Fawne DeRosia, Brenda Fayard, and Malgorzata Florkowska.

The West Central Georgia Shutterbugs will meet on Tuesday, February 12, 2008, at 6:30 p.m. at the Thomaston-Upson Arts Council (TUAC) Gallery, located on the courthouse square in Thomaston. The program will feature a PowerPoint presentation of photos taken by Melba Brown, Harolyn Castleberry, and Linda Best during their recent trip to Italy. The group was organized in November 2005 and met for the first time in January 2006. Currently, there are 25 members, including the award-winning photographers shown here (front row, left to right): Melba Brown, Ellen Tew, Harolyn Castleberry, Malgorzata Florkowska, Johnnie Ann Gaskill, Linda Best, Fawne DeRosia, and (back row, L-R) Marcia Fisher, Anna Mary Ellerbee, Lyndsey York, and Hazel Cromer. They, along with other Shutterbugs, invite anyone interested in photography and/or in viewing the photos of Italy to attend the meeting. Photo by King Davis.

Written by Johnnie Ann Gaskill.

Puppy Love at A Novel Experience

Nancy McCrary has curated a fabulous show of lovely dog photos from over 20 photographers--the images are funny, inspiring, and poignant. For anyone who has ever loved a dog, this show will elicit wonderful memories and appreciation of that special relationship between the species. The subjects span the dog world --from serious working guys to pampered pooches of the clueless ilk. Doubt the Great Pyrennees can express complex emotions? Come let us make a believer of you!
Part of the fun of this exhibit will be sharing it with a great group of photographers and dog lovers at the Opening Reception on Saturday February 9th from 7-9 p.m. Contribute to the "Ahhhhh Factor" and enjoy complementary wine, cheese, and convivial conversation!RECEPTION: SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 9. 7-9 PM

http://www.anovelexperience.net/

Some of our own Shutterbugs will have photos hanging in this exhibit: Melba Brown, Harolyn Castleberry, Malgorzata Florkowska, Fawne DeRosia, and Brenda Fayard. Congratulations!

Take a Seat - Photography by Paul Conlan

January 8 - 31, 2008

Paul's images capture intriguing details of people, places and objects found in big cites and small towns. Spontaneous moments of life are caught "on the fly" in bold colors, leaving us to ponder what happens next to the subjects in his lens.

Reception Friday, January 18th - 6:00 PM - 9:00 PM

A Novel Experience Bookstore on the Courthouse Square
Zebulon, Georgia
770.254.2787
http://www.anovelexperience.net/

WCG Shutterbugs to meet on Tuesday, Jan. 8

The West Central Georgia Shutterbugs will meet Tuesday, Jan. 8, at 6:30 p.m. at the Thomaston-Upson Arts Council (TUAC) Gallery and Gift Shop. The results of the recent survey sent to members will be discussed and plans made based on the responses to the survey. Following the planning period, members will discuss resources (books, videos, DVDs, other photographers, opportunities, websites, conferences, etc.) that have helped them develop their skills as a photographer. As always, anyone interested in photography is invited to attend the meetings, which are held the second Tuesday in each month.

Shown in the photo are Johnnie Ann Gaskill, President, and Fawne DeRosia, Vice President, who, along with the other officers, have been working hard to make the upcoming year a great one for Shutterbugs. Photo by Anna Mary Ellerbee.