Alas, another year of photographic camaraderie has ended. This signals the beginning of the summer hiatus to prepare for more adventures to share this coming fall. Kick starting the northern solstice of warmer weather was our End-of-Year Banquet. The event was filled with fine food, good cheer and fantastic photography.

Judy Daidone’s tireless efforts pulled off another night to remember. A feast befitting royalty, the club and guests were treated to prime rib, sliced to order, delicious vegetables with creamy mashed potatoes to complete our plates. Once our bellies were filled, we were treated to an evening of the club’s finest photography. Beginning with a showing of prints our panel of three judges cast their scores determining each class’ top photograph followed by member’s digital imagery determining the same.

Let’s Go Shopping by Jon Berghoff received top honors for Class A, Print. Jon chose his Nikon D7000 DSLR with settings of f/8.0, 1/160th sec and ISO 200. He took the image in Moscow, Russia a year ago at the GUM store in Red Square. GUM is a three-level department store type mall with a variety of designer stores. Revered night photographer Beth Ruggiero-York agreed with fellow judges Heather Bennett, professional portrait photographer and avid wildlife photographer, Bruce Tucker that the image’s symmetry, depth-of-field and sharpness made it a clear winner. Bob Little, Class C, Print received best image for Cobblestone; critiques revealing that sometimes not achieving technical proficiency when it comes to balance can enhance a photograph’s charm and appeal. The judges’ pick for top image in Class B, Digital was Jack by Ann Posiviata. Feedback echoed that capturing essence of subject matter and lighting can make a photograph. Rounding out our featured member’s images is Rain Squall at Sunrise by William Lewis receiving top photograph in Class A, Digital. His landscape image is exemplary for capturing that elusive golden hour light.

The club’s next meeting will be held on Thursday, June 4. Our meeting will be an outing to the Superstition Mountains at Sunset. We will be gathering earlier than our normal 6:30 p.m. start time; look for meet-up location and time via e-mail and online. Come join us for an evening of learning and beauty!

The Sun Lakes Camera Club (SLCC) meets the first and third Thursdays, 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.