Art |
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New photo group organizing in Melrose
... Loose organization, monthly outings, digital and standard
from the SilverStringers |
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"The Mallard" by Louise Fennell The SilverStringers have opened yet another door with the establishment of a group interested in photography, using both digital and standard film formats. The group, which is starting with six members, has had some modest success in its first two outings. challenge of shooting just about anything," commented Louise Fennell, who provided the impetus for the group. "We are unstructured, laid back, not altogether organized -- but we simply enjoy getting out once a month to shoot any scene that piques our fancy." The group is connected loosely with the Melrose Mirror, in that their photos will appear with irregularity in this monthly electronic magazine. The Stringers and their publication provide an ideal display for the group's work, whether the photos are scanned from paper prints or they are the product of the new digital cameras. Ms Fennell is associated with another such group from the North Shore, which meets monthly at some agreed-upon location -- usually close to dawn to capture the soft morning sunlight. She said the group has no name, it hardly ever makes a Starbucks stop, and is quite dedicated to its work. "These folks are dedicated to enjoying photography both as an art and for personal enrichment," she said. difference between the North Shore group and the one being promoted by the Melrose SilverStringers is that the former roams farther afield. One time they will be in Newburyport, the next time in Boston Harbor. The Melrose group has been started as an experiment whose objectives are to provide a picture-view of this community, much as the Stringers have been doing in words for the past six years. "So far we have attracted half a dozen seniors," Louise commented, "whose ability runs from enthusiastic Sunday shooters using standard, uncomplicated equipment, to three folks who have discovered the advantages of digital cameras. These three are members and writers for the Melrose Mirror, and often provide the photographs that make the Mirror the outstanding production it is today." "We're no big deal," she said, "but we enjoy what we do -- and that is to photograph our town, end to end. So far we've had close-ups, a million scenics, clever shots of store- fronts, and some really good photos of our public library. And a zillion shots from Pine Bank Park and Towners Pond." "One shooter concentrated on the bronze statue of the child reading her book, in front of the library," she said, "and the series turned out very well. It was done in digital, and the photographer used the project as a learning device, using a popular digital photo editor." "He spent a lot more time editing his photos that he did shooting," she quipped. She told of the group shooting a woman who was seated in the window at Starbucks, writing a novel. "We talked with her, and she had no problem serving as a model," Louise said. "It was a good problem, shooting through glass, and seeking permission from the lady." So far the group is half digital, half standard film. The major difference between the two is that digital camera has no film or developing charges, and the pictures can be downloaded to a computer - and viewed - in a matter of a few seconds. Although the SilverStringers have been into digital photograph for six years, they recently expanded their computer lab to include sophisticated editing of digital photography. It is immediate, and they can go from field shoots to publication within minutes, including rough editing. "Really there's no problem with using standard film," Louise explained, "but we do have to wait until the photographer gets his stuff developed and printed. At that point we can scan the photos to put them into production. "The Mirror is a good outlet for our activities, and the editors get good photos of Melrose." "We do like to get an early start, because of the dramatic lighting of early morning. There again, we sometimes head out in late afternoon, to get a similar, but much warmer, effect." "We aren't providing lessons," she said, "but we see our people picking up on what the more experienced shooters are doing. And we do offer help, as we go. It's a friendly group. Totally informal. "We meet at 7 a.m., the first Monday of every month, weather or not," she said. "Any one interested is welcome. They can visit the SilverStringers at any Wednesday meeting at 1:30 at the Milano Senior Center, or simply show up at our monthly shoot. All skill levels are invited -- just remember that its purpose is to practice shooting, and socializing is strictly secondary." Louise Fennell can be reached at 781-662-2534 or at louisefenn@aol.com. The second organizer is Mirror Editor Don Norris, whose email is drnorris@gis.net. The Melrose Mirror is associated to the Media Lab at MIT, and the Melrose Council on Aging. Other members of the group include Jean Maure, Stringer editor Ella Letterie, Shirley Chester and Lorry Norris.
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