Photographer is guest at camera club meeting

OLD LYME — The CT Valley Camera Club will hold its next meeting on Aug. 6, 7 p.m. at the Lymes’ Senior Center, 26 Town Woods Rd., Old Lyme. The guest speaker is professional photographer Michael Rice, presenting “In the Shadow of the Masters - Black and White Photography.” All are welcome and the event is free.

In his inspirational talk, Rice will elaborate on these concepts, sharing ideas and techniques, illustrated by examples from his own work. His talk will provide guidance on how the photographer can learn to think in black and white, making best use of available light and shadow, and will also provide practical tips on camera settings and post-processing techniques.

Rice is a fine art landscape artist with a passion for black and white photography reminiscent of the old large-format masters. Dramatic light, a smooth tonal range, and textural image details evoking the atmosphere of times past characterize his work. His color work is lush and vibrant, manipulating colors more like an oil painter. Light is playfully manipulated to create drama and intrigue.

He honed his craft through the years working as a commercial, portrait, and wedding photographer, photo-retoucher, and printmaker. His philosophy is that most photographers are either cameraoriented or computer-oriented, meaning that while some photographers excel at taking pictures, others excel at enhancing images in the computer. He believes that to take photography to the next level, today’s successful photographer must be proficient in both disciplines. His premise is that knowing what is possible in the digital darkroom aids the photographer in the decision-making process in the field.

Rice’s work can be viewed on his website at www.twistedtreephoto.com.

The CVCC is dedicated to offering its membership the opportunity to become better photographers. The group offers a variety of presentations and interactive workshops to help members expand their technical and creative skills. Photographers of all levels of experience are welcomed. The club draws members from up and down the river, from Middletown to Old Saybrook; from East Hampton to Old Lyme; and along the shoreline from Guilford to Gales Ferry. For more information, visit the club’s website at https:// ctvalleycameraclub.smugmug.com/. CVCC meeting dates, speakers/ topics, and other notices are also published on the club’s Facebook page at http://www.facebook.com/ CTValleyCameraClubPage.