In the SpotLight
Interpretive Photography in America’s National Parks
Jan 12,
Kristina Plaas
Kristina is a
Volunteer-in-Park
at the Great Smoky Mountains National Park and
the Blue Ridge Parkway. As an interpretive photographer, she approaches the
visual landscape with the visitor in mind – what story do you want to convey,
what emotion do you wish to share, what connection are you trying to make between
the park and the people that visit? It’s a unique way of communicating through the lens.
Kristina developed a love for photography at an early age, claiming the family Kodak Instamatic
as her own. She purchased her first 35mm SLR camera after college and headed to the Smokies
to photograph the history and beauty of Cades Cove. That love for capturing the wonders of
nature has never ceased. With the advanced technology afforded by digital cameras and
computer-assisted editing, she examines the many possibilities in nature and landscape
photography. Kristina invites all to come with her on her journey – The “Plaasabilities” are endless!
Kristina’s website is
Plaasabilities Photography
The Power of Nature
Feb. 9
Club Competition
In this club contest, your color photos should emphasize the power of nature. The subject can be anything you choose but nature's power must be clearly visible. The photos must be in color but please do not enter composite images.
March 9
Sports, Snapshots, Shoeboxes, and Award Winning Images
Rick Elliott
Join the Camera Club of Oak Ridge on March 9 at 7:00 P.M. for a Zoom meeting when your ol’ buddy Tennessee Rick Elliott will talk about Sports, Snapshots, Shoeboxes, and Award Winning Images.

You may not consider yourself a portrait photographer, but Tennessee Rick will discuss very basic principles behind capturing meaningful images of family members, strangers on the street, action sports... and anything else that might come up. This is not really a “how to” where we focus on settings, equipment, or things you can see on YouTube. Instead it’s a discussion of the “why’s” behind portraiture . . . , a philosophy of photography, if you will.
No level of expertise is required; Rick hopes it’s a program everyone can take something away from. Knowing Tennessee Rick, he’s going to show a few photos, tell a few stories, and maybe sneak in a little useful information now and then.
Flowers
April 13
Club Competition
Flowers are colorful, bright and readily available, so it's no wonder they're a popular subject for photographers; especially in Spring, which offers huge potential for those looking to shoot gorgeous plant and flower portraits. Whether in your garden, by the side of the road or in the Great Smokey Mountains National Park among the Spring wildflowers, this is an excellent subject for nature lovers.
May 11
Program
To be Determined
Nature Retakes Control
June 8,
Club Competition
Nature is the most powerful force on the planet, despite millennia of humans trying to tame it. If we disappeared tomorrow, it would take no time at all before our cities, roadways and intricate infrastructures were crawling with plants and animals. You can see this on a small scale in abandoned lots and derelict buildings. Give us your own example of ‘Nature Taking Control’ for this contest.
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