Camera Owners of the Bay Area

The July meeting for the Camera Owners of the Bay Area (COBA) user group will be held on Wednesday, July 11, 2007, in Cordura Hall 100 at Stanford University from 7:30-10:00 pm.

Agenda

19:00-19:30: Sign-in and mingling period
19:30-20:15: SmugMug
20:15-21:00: Photography with Camera Phones
21:00-21:30: Monthly Assignment: Fourth of July

SmugMug

SmugMug is a popular digital photo sharing website based in the Bay Area. Founded by a father and son duo in 2002, SmugMug has developed quite a rabid following among photographers around the world, thanks in part to excellent features such as unlimited storage, secure backup, no ads, and fantastic customer support.

Markham Bennett, the SmugMug’s Director of Business Development, will present an overview of SmugMug. He will discuss what makes SmugMug different from all of the other photo sharing sites out there, what SmugMug offers to amateur and professional photographers, and what SmugMug sees ahead for its future and the future of digital photography.

Photography with Camera Phones

You might not take your digital SLR everywhere you go, but you certainly take your cellphone. More and more mobile phones today come with built-in cameras. In the meeting, we’ll discuss how camera phones have contributed to citizen journalism and the latest techniques for getting your images out from your camera and onto your computer or the web.

iPhones, Treos, and other camera phones will be on hand at the meeting.

SmugMug Monthly Assignment: Fourth of July

It’s that time of the year again. Crack out the BBQ grill, your fireworks, and your camera! This month’s assignment is the Fourth of July. Head out to the park or your backyard and take some great photos. We’re looking forward to seeing your best at the meeting!

But wait, there’s even more reason to be participate in this month’s assignment. One lucky COBA member will get a free 1-year Pro account subscription on SmugMug for having the best photo of the group!

Only new photographs taken from the previous meeting date to the next meeting date will be accepted.

The June meeting for the Camera Owners of the Bay Area (COBA) user group will be held on Wednesday, June 13, 2007, in Cordura Hall 100 at Stanford University from 7:30-10:00 pm.

Alvin, Doug, Chris, Mike and Harold will be hosting and organizing the COBA meeting this month, as I am unable to attend.

Dynamic Range

Increased dynamic range is a feature between touted by the newest cameras, from the Canon EOS-1D Mark III to the Fuji S5 Pro. During the meeting, we’ll discuss what is dynamic range and how it relates to you, your camera, and your photos. We’ll have side-by-side comparisons between popular cameras such as the EOS-20D, 5D, and 1D Mark II, as well as the latest 1D Mark III. Do the new cameras live up to their promise of delivering more dynamic and tonal range in your photos? Will they let you focus more on shooting and less on post-processing? Come and see for yourself!

Preserving Highlights

Everyone knows the situation. You’re at a wedding, taking a photo of the bride and groom. The white dress next to the black suit offers several challenges for the photographer, namely walking the fine line between clipping the shadows and blowing out the highlights. During the presentation, you’ll learn techniques to ensure you’re getting maximum dynamic and tonal range out of your camera, including:

• Shooting in RAW
• Using a fill flash
• Working with light meter
• Switch to manual
• Consulting the histogram
• Shadows/Highlights in post-processing

Monthly Assignment: STEAL

Each month, COBA will feature an optional monthly assignment and contest. Members are highly encouraged to participate as the point of the monthly assignment is to motivate you to take photos, try new techniques, and learn.

STEAL is the topic for this month’s assignment. Don’t worry, anything you produce is legal in the eyes of COBA members. It’s everyone else’s eyes that you should worry about! Thanks to Howard Grodin for the assignment suggestion.

Only new photographs taken from the previous meeting date to the next meeting date will be accepted. Please print a print of your photo!