Robert Thoresen
After members faced tough competition in February’s annual open contest including all Quail Creek residents, March’s contest returned to the traditional format for club members only. Former club president John Strandquist received the distinguished first place honor for his photograph of The Arches at Dry Tortugas National Park. While on a vacation trip two months ago to Key West John and his wife Debra took a boat trip to Fort Jefferson (the location 60 miles west of Key West and is reached only by boat or seaplane). The never finished fort is the largest masonry structure (16 million bricks) in the Western Hemisphere. The arch caught John’s eye due to its vanishing point perspective that draws one into the picture. The sun was shining perpendicular to the wall, lighting each arch and improving the contrast. John indicates that Fort Jefferson is full of photographic opportunities. NIKON Power Shot SX30 IS, f/9.0, 1/320 sec, ISO-320, focal length 52mm, aperture 4.5, no flash.
Last November Helen Philips and husband Larry took a trip to Tubac and Tumacacori to take some photographs that would have the advantage of late afternoon sunlight. Her second place picture is from the rear granary of the mission church. Helen softened and simplified the effect with Topaz. Canon Power Shot SX 30 IS, f/3.5, 1/60 sec, ISO-400, focal length 9mm, aperture 3.625, no flash. Adjusted with Adobe Photoshop.
In January 2012 Pete and Carmen Murphy had a two week visit from their granddaughter. They had a good time visiting the local tourist sites such as The Sonoran Desert Museum, The Pima Air Museum and San Xavier Mission. While at the mission Pete took the picture of the chapel showing the pews in a row. His third place photograph was taken with a Nikon Cool Pix P500, f3.4, 1/15 second, ISO-400, focal length 4mm, aperture 3.5, no flash.
The Photography Club of Quail Creek has a monthly photo contest for its members and schedules numerous photo field trips throughout the year. The club meets the second Wednesday of the month (exceptions being the high summer months), in the Gold Room of the Madera Clubhouse at 6:30 p.m. Guests are welcome. For upcoming events, contest details and prior events visit the club’s website at http://www.pcqc.org.