Bob Crum

This is column number 79 and much to my delight, readership has gone from snowball size to an avalanche if you'll kindly allow me a little hyperbole.

For the past 78 weeks I've met many of you while out and about. Many continue to read the column because I don't go too deep into the technical weeds... so to speak. Many of you now understand that creating photographs is what makes photography extremely gratifying.

That's good to know because I have repeatedly tried to convey what I consider the most significant aspect of photography: Creativity. This entails much more than merely setting shutter speed or lens aperture.

Some technical details are necessary. Unless you are able to control your camera, executing your vision is hampered. But if you're the creative type it's hard to beat photography. If you're the adventurous type, simply do as I do! It's fun! Of course I know all the so-called rules pertaining to compositions: Rule of thirds, balanced elements, leading lines, symmetry and patterns, viewpoint, background, depth etc. However, in my opinion the only rule in photography is that there are no rules. Just some guidelines to improve your photos. But I've been a rogue photographer for so long I can't remember when I worried about applying 'leading lines' or patterns. When I see an interesting subject, I mentally visualize the end result, program the camera accordingly and shoot! More times than not, I win! Then again, circumstances sometimes dictate... ahem... failure. So depressing. But I digress.

Consider how many times you've been to a special place and thought: Wow, I have to photograph this. This is the time to execute your creative potential. Stop and take a minute to consider your options. Then, as you mentally visualize the photo, program the camera and shoot. Here is an abbreviated explanation of the process of creating an award-winning photo. Imagine approaching a spectacular waterfall. Move to find the best perspective, program your camera for proper exposure and the kind of image you want to create, check the focus on the mermaid sunning on the ledge and press the shutter button. Congrats! You have just created a fine-art photo!

I'm learning and realizing that many of you seem to benefit more from my explaining the various creative aspects of photography than the heavy technical details. But some tech stuff is important so you'll still get some. While you may think it's like bad-tasting medicine, you know it's good for you.

Now... what if? Because I'm considering shifting the column emphasis to my experiences and the creative nature of photography, maybe it's time to change the column name from Photography Know-How to Focus on Photography. What do you think? Any other ideas? Please take a moment and tell me your thoughts about the proposed name change. Thank you.

I was in Ashland Oregon recently for my granddaughter's graduation from Southern Oregon University. GO KATIE! While up in that neck of the woods, I checked out some wineries and the surrounding countryside. Photo of the week is a photo I made while taking a walk along the north shore of Lake Emigrant. Notice the play of late afternoon sunlight in the serene Oak grove. You know I can't resist a sunstar photo op. BTW, the star effect is done in camera, not added during post processing. The importance of knowing some... ahem... tech stuff. Just sayin'.

Note that because of some email issues, I have to temporarily change the email address. Send your comments, suggestion and/or questions to: photography@earthlink.net

Happy photoing.

Fillmore Unified School District

Board meeting highlights:

Recognitions
The Governing Board recognized the Fillmore High School Baseball team on their 2018 CIF Southern Section Division 7 Championship.

The Governing Board also recognized the students and staff of the Fillmore Unified Migrant Program for their accomplishments during the 2017-2018 school year.

2018 Summer Construction Projects
The Governing Board received a presentation on the 2018 Summer Construction Projects. Assistant Superintendent, Andrea McNeill presented the information.

Local Control and Accountability Plan for 2018-2019 and the 2018-2019 Proposed Budget
The Governing Board approved the Local Control Accountability Plan for 2018-2019 and also approved the 2018-2019 Proposed Budget.

Approve Memorandum of Agreement with the City of Fillmore for School Resource Officer
The Governing Board approved a Memorandum of Agreement for a School Resource Officer. The term of the agreement is for three years beginning July 1, 2018 through June 30, 2021.

Award of Bids for Site Wide Painting at Fillmore Middle School, San Cayetano Elementary, and Mountain Vista Elementary
The Governing Board awarded separate bids for site wide painting at the aforementioned schools. Painting to take place during summer 2018.

Personnel Recommendations
The Governing Board approved all personnel recommendations including new hires, promotions, resignations and leaves.

The following inductees were recognized at the 2018 Fillmore High School Open House as the inaugural class of the Fillmore High School Academic & Career Hall of Fame. We are currently accepting nominations for the next class of inductees:

1. Jamie Arundell Latshaw – Class of 1993, Westpoint Graduate, Recognized by Inc. Magazine and Goldman Sachs as a top national company.

2. John Garnica – Class of 1984, Westpoint graduate – Class of 1988 with a degree in Computer Science, John was first FHS graduate to graduate from Westpoint.

3. Dorothy Wilson LeLand – Class of 1966, B.A., M.A., Ph.D – Purdue University, Chancellor – University of California, Merced since 2011.

4. Jeff Morales – Class of 1982, B.A. University of Notre Dame – Class of 1986, National Geographic TV-4 National Emmy Awards.

5. Keith Gurrola – Class of 1974, BA – Cal Poly San Luis Obispo, Currently City of Fillmore Fire Chief.

6. Lucy Alcozar Rangel – Class of 1963, BA/Teaching Credential – California State University, Northridge, Over 50 years of service to the Fillmore Unified School District.

7. Brian DeCuir – Class of 1993, Southern California College of Optometry in Fullerton, California. Optometrist, Moorpark CA.

8. Epi Torres – Class of 1969, Longtime teacher, coach and administrator at Fillmore High School, Coached several CIF Champion teams and individuals.

9. Conway Spitler – Class of 1938, BA – San Jose State University, MS – Stanford, Founded and developed the Fillmore High School Alumni Association.

10. Mark Ortega – Class of 1979, Expanded the scope of the Fillmore High School Alumni Association. Instrumental in linking Fillmore High School to the community.

Fillmore High School is currently accepting nominations for the Fillmore High School Academic & Career Hall of Fame (FHSACHOF). To nominate an individual, please email the following information to Barbara Lemons at blemons@fillmoreusd.org. You can find Fillmore High School Academic & Career Hall of Fame Nomination Forms below:

Bob Crum

I will readily admit that I've been putting off the inevitable: Answering the question--which camera should I buy? Y'all know that I've exalted dedicated cameras over smartphones forever. So perhaps the question is my comeuppance? So be it!
Obviously, some are ready to progress beyond phonetography. Congratulations! If you're still a part of the resistance, I'll give you another month to come around.

Selecting the best camera to buy is a daunting task. The brands/models available are mind boggling which makes my task equally daunting. Paraphrasing photo.net: With so many different cameras available and new models announced almost monthly it’s impossible to make specific recommendations on which camera is 'best'. “The term 'best' will depend on many factors unique to the user.” I couldn't say it better. Now let's look at some important factors to consider.

Your budget? These days, many good cameras are affordable given technology advancements. Naturally, the more you pay the more features you get and the better the lens. But no need to spend more than what you need from a camera.

Physical format/size? Size depends on how you intend to use the camera and what you intend to photograph. Sizes include pocket-sized point-and-shoots, bridge cameras, and standard and mirrorless ILCs (interchangeable lens cameras).

For ultra convenience when traveling, the pocket-sized cameras with zoom lenses are the cat's meow producing great photos. Bridge cameras utilize non-interchangeable zoom lens of various zoom ranges and many features and creative controls. DSLR and mirrorless ILC (Interchangeable Lens Cameras) allow exchanging lenses for specific purposes: macro, ultra-wide, walk-around, ultra-telephoto etc. Plus, these are full-featured cameras offering the ultimate in creative control for all manner of photography.

Pixel Count. If you only intend to post on social media, any camera-even your smartphone-with a minimum of 10MP (mega pixels) is fine. However, think about the largest print you intend to make or have made. For 13” X 19” prints (which I make regularly of mermaids) you need a camera sensor with at least 16MP at 250ppi (pixel per inch). My Canon 7D MKII captures 20MP RAW images @300ppi. (Visualize mermaids on billboards!)

Ability to quickly and accurately autofocus is very important! Many properties of a digital image are correctable in post processing but an out-of-focus image cannot be fixed!

Of course fast autofocus is extremely important for all action sports, air shows etc. Check autofocus tests at several professional review websites for a camera model that interests you.

Capture format. As a beginner, jpegs will perhaps suffice. If you want a camera to use for the foreseeable future as you gain expertise, RAW capture is important.

If you decide to buy a full-featured dSLR or mirrorless camera, think system. Lenses are important so look closely at the lens selection for each brand. The camera and lens make a system!

Upon determining your budget and photographic needs, check manufacturer's websites for specifics and accessories for your selected camera. Then check pro review websites for test results of the brand/model camera that meets your needs in your price range. When you come to a decision: BUY IT! Photography beckons!

The photo of the week is more or less about minimalism, i.e., less is more. Only a chair on the beach with the ocean as a backdrop. Minimalist photography can be an extremely simple but a dramatic way to capture images leaving interpretation up to the viewer's perception of the photo. Ah yes, I can imagine a mermaid relaxing in the chair with a strawberry margarita. Who do you visualize in the chair?

Happy photoing!

Send comments, suggestions and/or questions to admin@fillmoregazette.com