Showcases

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Current Showcase Schedule | Completed Showcases

The Camera Club ”Brings the World to the Village” with Showcases, featuring photography of both Club Members and professional photographers.

Showcases range from spectacular personal adventures captured around the world, to informative “how-to” presentations on the techniques and art of photography.

Clubhouse #7

Doors open at 6:30 for refreshments at the Laguna Woods Village Clubhouse #7, presentations start at 7PM, and last for about one hour.

These events are open to the public. Club Members attend for free, non-members pay a $5 donation.

Join Our Club!

Contact the Showcase/Critiques Committee if you would like to present.

2025 Showcases Schedule

Mon. January 20
Japan (Part 2) – COMPLETED
Presenter: Tom Getz
Location: Clubhouse 7

The final show on Japan by Tom Getz, featuring the heartland of Japanese culture, from Hakone, Nagano, Nikko and Takayama in the north to Kyoto and Nara further south.

First, we visit Lake Ashinoko and the Open-Air world class art museum near Hakone, with abstract sculptures from Japanese and international artists. Tom shares his experiences at a traditional ryokan inn, and provides pictures of Japanese food. Next is Nagano for an historical temple and the gateway to Obuse (Hokusai and Manga Museum) and later to see the snow monkeys frolicking and splashing.

Nikko, a must stop for a few days, provides magnificent views of elaborate temples and shrines: Rinnoji, Yomeimon Gate, Tōshō-gū Shrine (Three Wise monkeys), Nemuri Neko (Sleeping Cat) Shrine. Tom tours the Tamozawa Imperial Villa before leaving Nikko.

In the mountain village of Takayama we visit a museum of festival floats and then Hida, an open-air folk village.

During several days in Kyoto we enjoy a Kabuki show, see the famous Temple of the Golden Pavilion, and the Temple of the Silver Pavilion (Ginkaku-ji), Joshoji Temple, Hein Temple and gardens, the historical Sanjusangen-do Hall, Garden of Kamakura, Nijo-jo Castle and grounds, Inari Shrine, the multitude of torii gates at Inari, and a famous Zen Temple, the largest in Japan.

Our final city, Nara, seems over-run with tame deer, and features Nigatsudo Hall, Nara Todari Temple and Gate, and Kasuga Shrine.
Mon. February 17
“A Visit to Peru” – COMPLETED
Presenter: Steve Comstock
Location: Clubhouse 7
A virtual journey, a guided tour by member Steve Comstock, narrated with images of the country, its people, and complex cultural beauty. Significant sites through the Andean mountains showing the architectural achievements of the Inca and Wari civilizations. Steve worked for many years as a corporate pilot whose took him and his cameras to interesting locations around the world.

View Steve Comstock’s Website
Mon. March 17
Club Night and “A Visit to Hoi An: A Gem in the Central Coast of Vietnam” – COMPLETED
Presenter: Keith Leonin
Location: Clubhouse 7
First club night of 2025, with a very special Showcase, including refreshments and wine.

Enjoy this presentation of Keith’s recent documentary images and narrative of Hoi An.

Nestled along the central coast of Vietnam, Hoi An emerges as a captivating destination that effortlessly bridges the gap between the past and the present. Its rich cultural heritage and diverse attractions make it a haven for travelers seeking an immersive and enriching experience. As we embark on a journey through Hoi An’s charming streets, historical treasures, and cultural wonders, we will unravel why Hoi An is undeniably worth exploring. Along the way, we will meet the people of Hoi An, perhaps the ancient town’s most precious resource.

View Keith Leonin’s Website
Mon. April 21
Edging Towards Abstraction & the Power of Negative Space – COMPLETED
Presenter: Jacques Garnier
Location: Clubhouse 7

Do you want to take pictures or do you want to be an artist? Anyone can take a great picture and be a one-hit-wonder. But to be an artist requires a vision. So, the question becomes ‘what is that vision’ and how does that evolve. I’d like to usher you through the evolution of my journey – a journey which has propelled me into the world of abstractions and the love of negative space, minimalism, reduction and mindfulness. As Aaron Walter once said: “If everything yells for your viewer’s attention, nothing is heard.”

Award winning artist Jacques Garnier will present the April Showcase. Garnier’s earlier work concentrated on imagery of urban redistribution and repurposing in the American landscape his more recent work has taken a more minimalist tone, using abstractions and negative space in an effort to still the chaos that ceaselessly surrounds us. All of Garnier’s projects share these common elements: exacting framing, elimination of superfluous, compelling graphics, stringent attention to detail and a meditative calmness. Join us for this special event.

View Jacques Garnier’s Website
Mon. May 19
“Morocco – Color Everywhere!” – COMPLETED
Presenter: Mary Madden
Location: Clubhouse 7

Mary Madden, our Club 2nd VP, know as “The Mary Wanderer” on IG, will present an intriguing look at Moroccco, it’s souks, mosques, people, and gorgious colors. Mary is sure to have great images. Don’t miss this special presentation.
Mon. June 16
Marks on the Land – Creating in a Dream State – COMPLETED
Presenter: Tom Lamb
Location: Clubhouse 7

Join us for the Club annual ice cream social and get together, with special speaker Tom Lamb.

Tom will present his beautiful images, and discusses his creative process.

Tom is a aerial, architectural, landscape and ethnographic, panoramic and interpretive photographer, based in Laguna Beach, California.

He uses photography, as his primary tool, along with pioneering trends in new media. Tom has dedicated his life to not only creating, through the art of storytelling, memorable photographs, but also championing environmental awareness.

His images, both from the air and the ground, are of the built and un-built, often abandoned or in transition, landscapes. His images examine how we interact with the planet’s most valuable but increasingly threatened resources.

Tom is interested in the balance between the natural world and man’s mark on the land. He travels extensively. His work is published, exhibited and collected internationally.

View Tom Lamb’s Website
Mon. July 21
“Travel Photography, Video &Making Motion Pictures.” – COMPLETED
Presenter: Rick Graves
Location: Clubhouse 7

We are glad to welcome back our own Rick Graves for the July Showcase. This showcase will focus on travel to London, Africa and Utah with Rick and Heather Graves where they capture photos and video of wildlife and wild horses to sell as fine art.

Rick and Heather will discuss shooting still photos and video of their travels. Rick will further discuss editing still photography, video, music, maps, etc. into motion pictures.

Rick is a long-time Club member, one of the Sadleback Emeritus educators, and a multi-talented professional photographer. Rick’s images cover a wide range of subjects and formats, from art photography, to action, automobile advertising, surfing, travel, and more. Rick displays regularly at the Festival of the Arts, and organizes photography trips for small groups to both near and far-flung locations.

View Rick Grave’s Website
Mon. August 18
Annual Slideshow Competition – COMPLETED
Location: Clubhouse 7
The Annual Slide Show Competition is scheduled in Summer each year. Unique slide-shows created by Club Members are presented for voting (secret) by fellow Club members attending this event. 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place awards are presented.

View the Competition Results
Mon. September 15
“Explore the Northern Mountains of Vietnam and Laos” – COMPLETED
Presenter: Brad Friesen
Location: Clubhouse 7

Vietnam has 53 recognized minority ethnic groups largely located in the country’s northern mountainous regions.

Join Brad on a journey through beautiful landscapes and remote villages often traveling by motorbike. Starting in the vibrant capital of Hanoi, he will share images of Train Street, the Old Town, an incense factory and the metal fabrication district among other sites. From there, visit Mu Cang Chai, best known for its terraced rice fields, and ride along on a motorbike to a remote Hmong village with a Tay guide. After Mu Cang Chai, travel up a tranquil mountain road to Sapa also known for its terraced rice fields and ethnic minorities including Hmong, Red Dzao and Black Dzao people. From Sapa, we will explore the local mountains and villages.

The journey continues onward to the Ha Giang Loop with a stay over in Dong Van near the Chinese border before traveling through the limestone pinnacles of Ma Pi Leng pass.

From Vietnam, we will hop over to northern Laos and visit a small village accessible only by boat as well as the ancient city of Luang Prabang with dozens of Buddhist temples and the daily alms givings
Mon. October 20 – COMPLETED
Annual Membership Meeting

AND Showcase: “FIfty Ways of Seeing”
Presenter: Carol Stanley
Location: Clubhouse 7

The Board will provide updates on Camera Club to date in 2025, and some news about 2026 plans and projects.

Member Carol Stanley, who recently joined the Camera Club, will make a presentation of her work.

Step into Carol’s world as she guides you through her wide-ranging collection of photographic portfolios. Explore the lively urban tapestry of Los Angeles, the serene vistas of the Sierra Nevada Mountains, the ever-changing energy of street fashion, the awe-inspiring landscapes of Yosemite, the delicate expressiveness of floral compositions, and the intriguing artistry of mannequins.

Throughout the evening, Carol will offer insights into her vision and the techniques she employs. Each portfolio reveals a unique viewpoint, yet all are bound together by her dedication to narrative and creative discovery.

By sharing her journey, Stanley encourages others to recognize the creative opportunities found in everyday experiences and subjects. Her career stands as a testament to ongoing artistic growth and demonstrates that passion, when cultivated, can thrive throughout one’s life. Each photograph is both a reflection of her personal vision and a universal invitation to observe, feel, and contemplate the world more deeply.
Mon. November 17 – Next
“Bears, Bears, & More Bears”
Presenter: Adriana Greisman
Location: Clubhouse 7

The common misconception is that bears are ferocious beasts. While that can often be true, Adriana Greisman has had many opportunities to be within a few feet of bears during which the “beasts” barely noticed that she was there! Adriana will talk about where, when, and how to photograph various species of bears in a safe manner. Various locations and species will be highlighted.

Wildlife photographer extraordinaire, and Club member Adriana Greisman will showcase her true love of the wild – bears! Adriana has photographed these magestic beasts in numerous wilderness areas around the world. Don’t miss this opportunity to see great images from an award winning photographer.

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Completed 2024 Showcases

Mon. January 15 “Playing Chicken With Charging Elephants”
Paul Renner
Mon. February 19 “Photographing the Sky at Night”
David A. Churchhill
Mon. March 18th “Club Night”
Presenter: Pat Burr
Mon. April 15 “Romania – Then & Now”
Presenters: Jack Salvador, Jonathan Williams
Mon. May 20 “My Personal Photographic Journey”
Presenter: Veronica Gray
Weds. May 29 “History in the Making”
Presenter: Scott McKiernan
Mon. June 10th “Club Night”
Mon. June 17 “Palouse Hills – Walla Walla”
Presenter: Mike Bray
Mon. July 15th Annual Slideshow Competition
Mon. August 19 “15 Days in Ethiopia”
Presenter: George Harper
Mon. September 16 “Eyes on History”
Presenter: John Cornell Jr.
Mon. October 7 ANNUAL MEMBERSHIP MEETING
“A Photographic Journey”
Presenter: Adriana Greisman
Mon. October 21 “Papau New Guinea”
Presenter: Tom Getz
Mon. November 18 “Oldies But Goodies”
Presenter: Mike Bray – Camera Club “Vintage” Member Slideshows

Completed 2023 Showcases

Mon November 13 – Next Meeting
“African Adventures and Other Hard-to-Visit Destinations”
Ken Furuta
Mon October 9 – “Club Night” General Members “Club Night” Meeting
Speaker: Barry Evans, Manager SAMYS, talks all things camnera equipment.
Mon September 11 – Next Showcase “Eyes on History”
Presenter John Cornell
Mon August 14 “The Unique World of an Underwater Photographer”
Presenter Dale Kobetich
Mon June 12 “Capturing Stunning Portraits”
Presenter Rick Valasek
Mon May 8 “Joshua Tree in Holy Grail Timelapse”
Presenter Larry Cunningham
Mon Apr 17 “Is Paradise Lost? An African Wildlife Review”
Presenter Bob Greenberg
Mon Apr 10 “Mongolian Heartland: Ulaanbaatar, the Steppes, and the Gobi Desert”
Presenter Tom Getz
Mon Mar 13 “Visit Fascinating Turkey”
Presenter Pat Burr
Mon Feb 20 “Exploring Namibia and Some of Ethiopia”
Presenter Tom Getz
Mon Feb 13 “Innovative Photography — From High-energy Action to Fine Art”
Presenter Rick Graves

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Previous Showcase Presentations

Some interesting and informative Showcases presented via Zoom during the period of Covid-19, by Club Members and visiting photographers.

2021
Travel Photography

Presented by Erin Manning

This excellent Showcase gives valuable lessons on travel photography from a talented professional photographer.

Travel Photography Video
Travel Photo Basics (PDF, 3 MB)
Other Videos by Erin

2021
The Long and Short of Exposure Times

Presented by Tony Prince

A thorough, clear presentation from Tony covering several techniques for capturing motion, low-light, time-lapse, stacking, and more. The Showcase ncludes guidance for mobile phone cameras.

Exposure Times Video