Arizonans have settled into the depths of the summer heat. We barely notice the difference between 115 and 110 degree temperatures. So what does one do while the sun beats down on us? We travel. We enjoy the many lakes, such as Mormon Lake or Roosevelt Lake. We explore the caverns of Arizona. We hike the Mogollon Rim with its many trails that span our northeastern border or we retreat to indoor activities.

Photography often finds us documenting our escapades to exotic locations and special events, like family reunions. Outside we find ourselves with natural light from the sun while when indoors we encounter artificial light from lamps or indirect sunlight. In photography this can cause frustration to light our subjects. What better way to learn about light than practicing with your pets. John Miguel, a veteran member of the Sun Lakes Camera Club, often shows off the difficulties of capturing mixed lighting. He makes it look easy; well, he has a loyal subject that offers him all the time in the world to get it right. Thanks John and Dudley!

The start of the Sun Lakes Camera Club will soon be upon us. October is just around the corner. Our travel coordinators, Janet Ballard and Karen Melching, have been hard at work planning our fall 2015 and spring 2016 adventures. We will have many to choose from, such as a trip to Canyon de Chelly and the Lake Havasu Balloon Festival. We will have updates at our next meeting.

Fundamentals of Digital Photography 2016 will be offered again by the Sun Lakes Camera Club. This 10-week course will be led by Dan Dragoon. Starting in January 2016 you can now find out how to take those images you see in magazines. It all starts with the camera you have and how to work its settings and function buttons. There is no limit to how many times you can take the class; there is always something new to learn or grasp better. Class size is limited. Look for more to come and sign-up this fall.

The next club meeting will be held on Thursday, August 6 from 6:30-8:30 p.m. in the Ceramics Room of the Cottonwood Country Club. Looking forward to viewing your images of the Superstition Mountains. See you all there! Until then, happy shooting.

The Sun Lakes Camera Club (SLCC) meets the first and third Thursdays, from 6:30-8:30 p.m. in the Navajo Room of the Sun Lakes Country Club from October through April. During the summer, the club meets the first Thursday of each month in the Ceramics Room of the Cottonwood Country Club. For more information about the SLCC and its activities call SLCC President, John Livoti at 480-895-6880, Vice President Burt Williams at 602-354-0266 or past President Fred Giese at 480-220-4394 or visit our website at sunlakescameraclub.com.