An Exciting New Chapter Opens

Through the years, the Shutterbugs club has been a work in progress. We started off in January 2006 as a small, loosely knit group comprised of people of all ages and interests who loved photography and wanted to learn more about it and have fun shooting alongside others.

As the group grew, we elected officers who worked tirelessly behind the scenes to secure speakers for the monthly meetings, to plan photo shoots, to publicize our events, to arrange opportunities for us to exhibit our work (Callaway, TUAC, A Novel Experience, the Georgia National Fair in Perry…), etc. Our group grew by leaps and bounds—in numbers, as well as in skill. Even when membership reached its highest (over 60 members), we continued to feel like “family” because we’d formed lasting friendships as we went places together, had fun together, learned from one another, supported one another’s efforts, and gave emotional support during difficult times.

For various reasons, our membership began to decline, leading us to vote (in January 2015) to dispense with regular meetings on the 2nd Tuesday in each month. However, members present at that meeting wanted the group to stay together, since each has benefitted greatly from being a part of the group. Thus, we decided we would revert to the way we were when the group was just beginning: that we would focus on learning together in a less structured environment. We plan to go on lots of field trips and just have fun as we develop friendships and help one another learn more about photography.

To that end, Johnnie Ann Gaskill has volunteered to continue to maintain an e-mail list of those who wish to be notified about upcoming activities. Interested persons may request their name to be added to the list by sending an e-mail to wcgshutter@gmail.com. Jan Price has volunteered to handle the publicity (newspapers, blog, Facebook, etc.). Charles McClelland and Jim Davidson will manage the checking account. Our blog will continue to have a “Featured Photographer” page, which will showcase the wonderful talent that’s in our local area.

Thus, we begin a new and exciting chapter in our story! Do contact us if you’d like to help “write” it and, perhaps, snap some pictures that will document our fun times together. As always, photographers of all skill levels are invited to participate.

WCG Shutterbugs Elect New Officers

During their annual business meeting, held on August 10th, members of the West Central Georgia Shutterbugs elected officers to serve during their upcoming year. They were (left to right): Dianne Kelly (Publicity), Linda Godwin (Activities Coordinator, who will share that position with Margie Lentini, who was not present for the photo), Anna Mary Ellerbee (Corresponding Secretary), Yvette Tolson (Recording Secretary), Bonny Shockley (Treasurer) and Francis Hauk (President). King Davis was re-elected to a second term as Vice-President but was unable to attend the meeting. The officers will stay quite busy since the Shutterbugs (currently 60 of them) are a very active group. For example, many are planning to enter the annual photography competition at the Georgia National Fair, as well as submitting images for their month-long annual exhibit at the Thomaston-Upson Arts Council (TUAC) Gallery and Gift Shop, where the meetings are held on the second Tuesday in each month, beginning at 6:30 p.m. In lieu of the regular meeting on Sept. 14th, a reception will be held at the Gallery from 6-8 p.m. The public is cordially invited to meet the photographers and view their images. Photo by Shutterbugs member, Sherry Kunde.

The WCG Shutterbugs Visit the GNPA

Five Shutterbugs attended the August 19, 2010, meeting of the Georgia Nature Photographers' Association (held in Marietta) and greatly enjoyed the program presented by guest speaker Adam Jones and were thrilled to get to speak with him after his presentation. Shown in the photo are Francis Hauke, Margie Lentini, Adam Jones, Johnnie Ann Gaskill, Marcia Fisher, and Linda Godwin. Photo by Todd Sparger, Vice-President of GNPA.

Adam is an international travel, nature, and wildlife photographer who conducts tours and workshops around the world. To see samples of his beautiful images and to learn more about the training opportunities he offers, please visit his website: http://adamjonesphoto.com/

He is also one of Canon's "Explorers of Light," a group of the world's leading professional photographers selected to provide insight,inspiration and education to future generations of creative photographers. This prestigious panel of 60 or more Canon photographers delivers seminars, workshops, gallery showings and photo presentations at a variety of professional association and amateur photo groups and colleges across the country as a means of fostering imaging excellence and nurturing the increasingly digital art's next wave. Members represent specialties and styles that span the gamut of photographic expression within the imaging profession. To view a list of members and samples of their work, visit
http://www.usa.canon.com/dlc/controller?act=ArtistsListAct

Recent Shutterbug Achievements & Activities

Shutterbugs to be Published!

Photo by Brenda Fayard.

Photo by Joan Phillips.

Brenda Fayard and Joan Phillips recently received a wonderful letter from Timothy M. Jacobs, the editor of Patriots of the American Revolution magazine, a bi-monthly publication dedicated to preserving the history of the unknown patriots, early Colonial culture, and the battles that gave us our freedom. He is interested in publishing two photos, one taken by Brenda and one by Joan, taken at the Austin Dabney grave ceremony (in Zebulon) back in January, as found on the North Carolina SAR website, to go along with Carl Voelker's speech which will run in our July/August issue. Congratulations, Brenda and Joan! Aren’t you glad you braved the bitterly cold temperature that day in order to capture the images that have been selected for publication?


Shutterbugs at Callaway Gardens

Harolyn Castleberry and Melba Brown, co-chairpersons for the Shutterbugs’ exhibit at Callaway Gardens, were assisted by Brenda Fayard (a charter member of Shutterbugs) and Andrea Noel in the hanging of the exhibit. The four did a beautiful job. The exhibit opened on Feb. 27th and is scheduled to close on May 2nd. Hundreds of visitors to Callaway have also viewed the exhibit and offered high praise for the images. Several exhibit photos have sold, as have many smaller items that were displayed in the gift shop.

Shutterbugs in "Nature, Undisturbed" in Tyrone, Georgia

Shutterbugs Linda Best and Malgorzata Florkowska attended a reception honoring those photographers whose images were among the 60 chosen (out of 320 submissions) for the "Nature, Undisturbed" photography exhibit at Dogwood Gallery and Framer in Tyrone, GA. The exhibit was open from April 16-25, 2010.

Recent Shutterbug Achievements & Activities

Shutterbugs Attend Photo Expo
Nine members of the West Central Georgia Shutterbugs attended a Photo Expo hosted by the Georgia Nature Photographers' Association (GNPA) at Callaway Gardens, January 30-31. Shown in the photo are: (L-R) Jan Hatten, Anna Mary Ellerbee, Melba Brown; Marcia Fisher, Harolyn Castleberry, Jimmy Day, Dianne Kelly, and Johnnie Ann Gaskill. Bonny Shockley also attended but was not present for the photo. (Photo by Jim Henderson)
Seventy-three registered attendees greatly enjoyed all aspects of the Expo, especially the keynote speakers, Nancy Rotenberg (Pennsylvania) and Rob Sheppard (California), both of whom are professional photographers. The Expo attracted nature photographers from Alabama, South Carolina, and Tennessee, as well as from Georgia.
There were 104 photos entered into a contest that was judged by the two keynote speakers. Five Shutterbugs received awards in one of the four categories (Animals and Insects, Birds, and Nature’s Landscapes, and Macro/Close-up): Marcia Sue Fisher (1st place), Anna Mary Ellerbee (2nd place), Jimmy Day (3rd place), Johnnie Ann Gaskill (Honorable Mention) and Melba Brown (HM).

Shutterbugs Attend Austin Dabney Grave Marking in Zebulon, GA
On Saturday, January 30th, several members of the Shutterbugs attended the grave marking of Austin Dabney, a slave who became a private in the Georgia militia and fought against the British during the Revolutionary War. Pictured above are Shutterbugs with Joe Dooley (third from left), the Genealogist General of the National Society of the SAR Bob Galer of the Georgia Society (white Militia uniform).

Shutterbug Linda Best's Photo Chosen for Exhibit
Linda Best's photo titled "John Muir's Heaven" was selected for the Nature, Undisturbed Photography Exhibit at the Dogwood Gallery and Framer in Tyrone, Georgia. They received 320 entries from 75 photographers in 10 states and chose 60. The exhibit will be on display from April 16th to the 25th.

Shutterbugs to Meet on February 9

The West Central Georgia Shutterbugs will meet at the Thomaston Upson Arts Council Gallery and Gift Shop on February 9, 2010. This month's speaker will be Marti Jeffers, a photographer from Atlanta whose passion for photography matches her passion for teaching photography. Marti has studied the art of photography in various schools including The Showcase School of Photography and the Rocky Mountain School of Photography. Marti continues to study and refine her photography with workshops every year. Everyone with an interest in photography is welcome to attend any of the Shutterbug meetings and become a member for $12 a year.

Callaway Gardens has invited the West Central Georgia Shutterbugs to display their photographs at the Discovery Center from February 27 to April 11, 2010. The public is invited to view the "Through Our Eyes" exhibit whenever Callaway Gardens is open.

Shutterbug Update!

Shutterbugs frequently attend events and take lots of pictures. Even after they return home, they continue to have fun as they edit their photos. Because editing is an essential step in creating better photos, the topic at the Nov. 10th meeting will be “An Overview and Demonstration of Adobe Photoshop Lightroom 2,” one of many photo editing programs available to today’s photographers.

Shown in the photo taken on Oct. 25th at the UGA Research and Education Garden in Griffin during the closing celebration for “Scarecrows in the Garden” are nine of the Shutterbugs: Francis Hauke, Dianne Kelly, Linda Boyles, Linda Godwin, Joan Phillips, Sherry Kunde, Bonny Shockley, Joy Corley, and Johnnie Ann Gaskill. Later that afternoon, they applauded as Dee Hinson, who was not present for the group photo, accepted a ribbon awarded to the Shutterbugs for their entry that was chosen as the “Funniest Scarecrow.” Photo by Jes Shockley.

Shutterbugs Meet Richard Bernabe

Krista Williams (left) and Johnnie Ann Gaskill (right), who are members of the West Central Georgia Shutterbugs, attended a recent meeting of the Middle Georgia Camera Club in Macon when acclaimed outdoor and nature photographer Richard Bernabe was the guest speaker for the evening. After the meeting, they each purchased a signed copy of The Ultimate Guide to Digital Nature Photography, which Richard co-authored, and discussed with him the possibility of his speaking at a Shutterbugs meeting sometime during 2010. To view samples of Richard’s outstanding images, visit his website: http://www.richardbernabe.com. Photo by Diana Sullivan, President of the Middle Georgia Camera Club.

Shutterbugs Express Appreciation to TUAC

At their annual business meeting in August, the West Central Georgia Shutterbugs voted to give $100 to the Thomaston-Upson Arts Council (TUAC) because, according to President Johnnie Ann Gaskill, “We are so very grateful for the support TUAC has offered since we organized in Jan. 2006. In addition to allowing us to hold our meetings in the TUAC Gallery and Gift Shop, TUAC invites us to showcase our work there each September and hosts a reception in our honor. TUAC also promotes our activities in various ways, which is very helpful to us as we seek to reach more people who are also interested in photography.”

On behalf of all the 52 members of the Shutterbugs, outgoing Treasurer Melba Brown (center) and Johnnie Ann Gaskill (right) presented the gift to Carmen Ellerbee, Executive Director of TUAC. Photo by King Davis, newly-elected Vice-President of Shutterbugs.

Shutterbugs Exhibit at United Bank

Shutterbugs (seated, left to right) Sherry Kunde, Harolyn Castleberry and (standing) Joan Phillips, Brenda Fayard, and Johnnie Ann Gaskill set up a photography exhibit at United Bank in Zebulon. The exhibit features their work, plus that of seven other Shutterbugs: Anna Mary Ellerbee, Dianne Kelly, Ellen Tew, Linda Best, Marcia Edwards, Marcia Fisher, and Melba Brown. The exhibit may be viewed during July.

Photo by Kathy Jo Bufford of United Bank.

WCG Shutterbug Annual Photo Shoot

Eighteen West Central Georgia Shutterbugs participated in the annual photo shoot that was held this year on April 14, 2009, at a farm in The Rock, GA. Everyone enjoyed the outing, even though a strong, cold wind chilled them to the bone! All appreciated the warm welcome extended by the hosts and were delighted with the beauty of the home, gardens, and farm. Shown in the photo is Angelica Clayton, taking a picture of the water garden.

John Reed Photography Workshop

Melba Brown (left) was one of five Shutterbugs who attended a photography workshop led by John Reed at the Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge Center in Folkston, GA, on March 21-22. Other Shutterbugs in attendance were: Bonny Shockley, Harolyn Castleberry, Johnnie Ann Gaskill, and Yvette Tolson.

John (dark blue jacket), who lives in Jacksonville, FL, will be in Thomaston on June 12th and 13th to lead a workshop for members of the Shutterbugs. To see samples of his beautiful photography, please visit www.johnreedphoto.com

The WCG Shutterbugs to Meet on March 10th.

Sherry Kunde, a member of the West Central Georgia Shutterbugs, will be the featured speaker when the group meets on Tuesday, March 10th at 6:30 p.m. at the Thomaston-Upson Arts Council (TUAC) Gallery and Gift Shop, located on the square. Members and guests who are eager to find opportunities to sell their work will be especially interested in Sherry’s presentation, which will provide an overview of “stock” photography. She’ll explain what stock photography is, the different kinds of stock, who buys stock images, what makes an image a good one for stock, etc. Using a video projector and internet access, she’ll show actual stock galleries, like that of Marilyn Barbone, who sells lots of stock photos each month. Since Sherry is an experienced (and successful) stock photo photographer, she’ll be able to answer questions attendees may have about selling their work on microstock sites. Photo by Joan Phillips

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.

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.