Silver Spring Camera Club

http://www.mdphotoalliance.org

Member, Photographic Society of America
Winner of the 2008, 2011, and 2012 PSA Henricks Award for best newsletter!

Sherm Edwards and Maurice Belanger, Editors, Cable Release, at cablereleaseeditor@ssccphotography.org.

Karen Finkelman ~ Cowboy Silhouette

KEY EVENTS

The following scheduled events will be conducted online as Zoom teleconferences, except for the Competition and Field Trip. Look for announcements and invitations by e-mail, Meetup, and on the club’s website.

  • September 3 – Speaker Night (7:30 p.m. on Zoom)
  • September 6 – Field Trip: Embassies of Massachusetts Avenue (8:00 a.m., outside Q Street entrance to Dupont Circle Metro stop)
  • September 10 – Competition: Open (7:30 p.m. at Christ the King Presbyterian Church)
  • September 17 – Photo Forum (7:30 p.m. on Zoom)
  • September 24 – Board Meeting

2026-2027 Calendar

See here for this season’s calendar, which will be updated as information becomes available. It includes Speaker Night, Competition Night, Photo Forum, Board Meetings, and Field Trips.

If Montgomery County Schools close due to inclement weather, Silver Spring Camera Club meetings and outings will be canceled.  See montgomeryschoolsmd.org for closure information during the work week.  For Mon-Fri AFTER 5:00 pm & on the weekends, call 240-777-2710 or 311 from within Montgomery County.  Sign up for text alerts: AlertMontgomery and choose both a local MCPS school and  ‘Community Use of Public Facilities Alerts’. Note that this policy does not apply to online meetings!

For general information about the club, contact us at:  info@ssccphotography.org

A list of the club officers and committee chairs, and their emails, is located here: 
Officers and Committee Chairs

More information is available in the Silver Spring Camera Club (SSCC) Member Handbook:  SSCC-Member-Handbook.

PLEASE CONSIDER PROVIDING MATERIALS FOR THE NEXT CABLE RELEASE:

If you’d like to share an article, announcement, or Letter to the Editor about anything photographic please email them by September 24. Email items or questions to Sherm Edwards and Maurice Belanger at  cablereleaseeditor@ssccphotography.org.    

DEADLINE: BY September 24th TO  cablereleaseeditor@ssccphotography.org.

 

MEETINGS AND FIELD TRIPS

MEETING LOCATION

For the 2026-2027 club year, the second Thursday meeting of each month will be in person, at Christ the King Presbyterian Church, formerly Northwood Presbyterian Church. The address is 1200 University Blvd. West, Silver Spring. Other meetings will be on Zoom. The second Thursday in-person meeting will be Competition Night if the judge agrees, otherwise it will be Photo Forum and Competition Night will move to the third Thursday on Zoom.

FIELD TRIPS

The Silver Spring Camera Club offers free field trips for our members and their guests. Field trips are typically scheduled on a Saturday, Sunday or a Monday holiday during the club season, and sometimes during the summer as well. Most trips are to locations in and around the DMV. For further details about specific field trips, consult the current Cable Release newsletter, the SSCC website at https://www.ssccphotography.org, or the SSCC Facebook Group Page.

SPEAKER NIGHT –  Mark Battista – Still Life Photography

Thursday, September 3, 2026, at 7:30 p.m.

Mark Battista wears multiple hats: He’s painter and a fine art photographer specializing in portrait and still life photography. He graduated from Paier College of Art with a B.F.A. and an M.S. in art education from S.C.S.U. He recently retired from teaching art after 35 years.

Even with all that training, an artist can fall into a creative rut and certainly most of us have experienced a rut or two in our own photography. What do you do then? How do you rekindle the spark of creativity? Stay tuned …

Mark is a popular speaker who has presented across the US and abroad, bringing insight and inspiration to painters and photographers. A year ago, Mark gave us a bunch of useful tips on composition. We are fortunate to have him return this month. His artwork and photography have been internationally recognized, winning awards from a wide range of organizations. He is represented by the Salmagundi Club in NYC. 

Mark has published two eBooks: “The Art of Still Life Photography” and “Composition: Shooting With Intent.” He may have more to say about them during his presentation. 

Next time you’re online, visit his website at markbattista.com and take a close look at some of his still lives and paintings or just learn more about him.

COMPETITION COLUMN

Every month from September through May the Club holds topical competitions for Projected (digital) and Print images, for each of three skill/experience levels: Novice, Intermediate, and Advanced. Entries are encouraged from any kind of camera, including smart phone, mirrorless, digital SLR, drone, and film.

Our September topic is Open

In open competitions, free rein is given to the choices the photographer makes in the creation of the submitted image. Images of any and all subjects or themes (excluding nudes), created using any photographic or post-processing methods or techniques, are acceptable. However, all “significant components” of the image must be taken by the photographer and not AI generated. The images are evaluated based upon the judge’s general assessment of their creativity, emotional and/or intellectual impact, aesthetic beauty, uniqueness of subject, and technical skill.

Projected Portion of Competition

Members may submit up to two images meeting this definition for the Projected competition. Look here for details on Projected submissions. Projected images should be emailed to: competition@ssccphotography.org by midnight (11:59 p.m.) on the day of the month’s Speaker Night.

Remember:

  • Send projected image submissions to competition@ssccphotography.org
  • Format:  JPEG, 1000 KB (max)
  • File Name: Level~Maker’s Name~Image Title.jpg Example:  Advanced~Tom Jones~Washington Landscape.jpg . The tilde “~” character separates the 3 subfields of the file name
  • Level: Novice, Intermediate, or Advanced (see Competition Rules and Awards for information on the three levels); capitalization not required. 
  • Maker’s Name: spaces allowed. Please use the same name throughout the year to aid record keeping.

Print Portion of Competition

Members may also submit up to two images meeting the definition for the Print competition. Look here (Section IV) for details on submissions. A label template for Print submissions may be found here.

One important detail – In order to participate in either competition, you must pay the club’s annual dues before the start of the competition.

The Club changed the competition levels starting in September 2024. The new levels are Novice, Intermediate, and Advanced. For details on what this change means for you, click here.

Here’s the schedule for the remainder of the year:

  • September – Open
  • October – Nature
  • November – Open
  • December – Backlighting
  • January – Open
  • February – Still Life
  • March – Open
  • April – Minimalism
  • May – Monochrome
  • June – End of Year Competition (special rules apply) 

Details about the End of Year Competition, including how, what, and when to submit, may be found here.

MAY COMPETITION JUDGE: Michael Brown — Topic: Open

September 10, 2026, 7:30 p.m., at Christ the King Presbyterian Church

I am a self-taught photographer. I started with a 35mm camera in 1964 and later moved to medium format, large format, and now digital. My photographs have been displayed in the Washington County Museum of Fine Arts, Hagerstown’s Engine Room Art Space, Baltimore County Arts Guild, Gaithersburg’s Activity Center at Bohrer Park and the Arts Barn at Kentlands, as well as several locations around the state.

To me, photography is an expression of mindfulness – a respect for what I see and the tools I work with. The present moment captures my full attention so that I may explore the subject of my interest. My intent is to create an image that can transport me back to this moment later. It doesn’t matter to me if thousands of others took photos from the same perspective because the perspective is new to me, the exploration and visualization are new to me.

I assess photographs the same way I assess any art, if it grabs my attention, I get closer. If it holds my attention, I explore. During exploration, I critique. What do I like or don’t like? Why? How can it be improved, or what would make it better? As with all art, assessments are subjective, therefore prone to error and bias, and valuable only to those interested.

PHOTO FORUM

Thursday, September 17, 2026, from 7:30 – 9:30 p.m. (on Zoom)

September planned discussions and presentations:

  • Critiques and Image Sharing – Members may send up to 2 images to share and receive critiques, if they want. This month’s theme is Open. Send your images to Dennis Freeman before 5:00 p.m., WEDNESDAY, September 16.   (Dennisfreeman4510@msn.com). 
  • Presentation: “Intimate Landscapes: How Thinking Small Can Lead to Big Results” – Frank Gallagher
  • Presentation: “On Safari in Namibia” – Sherm Edwards
  • Open Discussion: What’s on your mind, photographically?  

We are soliciting presenters. Contact Dennis (dennisfreeman4510@msn.com) if you’d like to present something!

More about this Month’s Photo Forum

SEPTEMBER FIELD TRIP — The Embassies of Massachusetts Avenue

Sunday, September 6, at 8:00 a.m.

Leader: Owen Epstein owenpepstein@gmail.com

Location: Dupont Circle area. The walking route is approximately 1.8 miles. The following embassies are on the planned walking route: India, Togo, Luxembourg, Greece, Haiti, Cameroon, Côte d’Ivoire. Also on the route: Dupont Circle, Sheridan Circle, Woodrow Wilson House, Mitchell Park, Spanish Steps, Dupont Underground.

Meet: Dupont Circle Metro, Q Street exit (Meet outside the station)

Bring: Your camera gear and a variety of lenses , a tripod, extra batteries, and good walking shoes.

Info: Please note that there is no requirement to stay with the group if you wish to wander off onto any side roads to photograph other interesting locations. Additionally, if you wish, you can google each embassy to find images and information on the architectural elements that make each one unique and interesting.

Tripods: Tripods are allowed so feel free to bring your tripod or mono-pod.

Breakfast: For those who want to, we will meet up afterward for breakfast: 10:30 a.m. – Kramer’s All Day, 1517 Connecticut Ave NW, Washington, DC 2003. Kramers All Day is a casual dining restaurant close to Dupont Circle. We’ll end back at the Dupont Circle Metro (Red Line).

Share your images from the trip: With the SSCC Facebook Group, on Meetup, and/or send to cablereleaseeditor@ssccphotography.org for inclusion in the next month’s Cable Release.

CLUB NEWS

PHOTOGRAPHIC SOCIETY OF AMERICA

Pete Morton, PSA Representative

The Photographic Society of America (PSA), founded in 1934, is a worldwide organization providing abundant resources for photographers, from the novice to the professional. PSA offers online learning, webinars, study groups, competitions, mentors, and consultants. Membership is in over 80 countries, 5,000 members, 460 Camera Clubs, and 11 Chapters across the United States. The Silver Spring Camera Club has been a member of the PSA since our club was founded in 1950. Our club also has many individual PSA members.

PSA offers a tremendous number of opportunities for photographers. One of my favorite offerings is the Digital Dialogue facility. This is a group of about 100 “study groups,” each with 6 or 7 members. Every month, each member submits an image with a description of why the scene was appealing and what post-processing was done on it. Then the members discuss the images, offering opinions, suggestions, and educated critiques. The discussions are always positive and constructive. Many of the members are professional photographers and their input is outstanding. 

There are also dozens of other educational opportunities. I have taken an “Image Evaluation” course that was outstanding. You can even acquire a personal mentor for the type of photography you especially like. 

One of the most impressive PSA offerings is the competitions. There are individual competitions that are judged by experts from around the world. At the end of each competition (portraits, landscapes, architecture, and still life), there is a webinar in which the judges discuss the winners and give valuable insights into why the images were appealing. There were 9 judges for the last competition webinar that I attended. Most were professional photographers, and they were from Canada, the USA, UAE, UK, Egypt, Romania, India, Spain, and Hungary. The one-hour webinar was an amazing opportunity to learn what judges look for in photography competitions.

Once you’re a member of PSA, all of these opportunities are free. It’s hard to describe what a bargain this is for the $60 annual fee.

A tremendous number of other resources are available to individual PSA members. These include: 

  • Online courses (i.e., Street Photography, History of Photography, Introduction to Photoshop, Portrait Photography, Image Evaluation, Still Life Photography),
  • Evaluation of your images by expert photographers,
  • Photographic travel opportunities and guidance,
  • Monthly PSA Journal,
  • Annual Festivals in picturesque locations with tours available (this year the festival is in Las Vegas),
  • And much, much more!

People who want to advance their photographic skills are encouraged to investigate the PSA. Whether you’re just starting out or refining your craft, there’s something for every skill level. With fresh content added regularly, you’ll always find new inspiration and learning opportunities. The PSA members are friendly, welcoming, and eager to discuss all aspects of photography. The PSA website is https://psa-photo.org/. 

All of the resources mentioned above are included in the cost of membership. Annual cost is $60/year ($115 for two years or $170 for three years). 

MARYLAND PHOTOGRAPHY ALLIANCE

by Lisa Auerbach

Announcing the 10th Annual MPA Photo Contest Themes!

MPA is thrilled to announce the themes for its 10th Annual Photo Contest, one of MPA’s most popular events of the year. This milestone year is all about inspiration, creativity, and a shared love of photography. To help you get started, MPA is excited to announce this year’s themes now:

  • Landscape: Water (scenes that include water, such as streams, lakes, oceans, or waterfalls.)
  • Nature: Macro (close-up visions of nature that include life, such as flowers or insects.
  • Architecture: Exterior Architecture (exterior views of man-made structures.)
  • People: Street (candid, unposed moments of everyday life in public spaces.)

The contest opened at12:00 AM EST, on Tuesday, September 1, 2026, and ends 09:00 PM EST on Wednesday, September 30,2026. For more information login to the MPA website.

For club codes contact Lisa at  membership@ssccphotography.org

Strathmore Mansion Show

Winners of MPA’s 4th Annual Black & White Photo Contest will be on display at the Strathmore Mansion from September 12 through November 7, 2026. A public Opening Reception will be held on September 17, 2026, from 7:00–9:00 PM. Additional venue information is available at Strathmore Mansion.

AUGUST FIELD TRIP: Ellicott City Photo Walk

By Owen Epstein

We photographed Old Ellicott City on Saturday, August 14th. The turnout was good and the early morning sunlight made it a beautiful day.   

Ellicott City is a historic mill town 40 miles north of Washington, D.C. It is famous for its 18th- and 19th-century architecture and early American railroad history. There are lots of funky stores operating today that make the town feel like a real throwback to the 19th century. Most of us concentrated on photographing the buildings, texture, and interesting reflections in storefront windows. 

I’ve been there three times in the last couple of weeks and plan to return before the end of the fall season. 

Check it out if you have time and join us on our next outing in September [see “September Field Trip,” above]. Some images here will give you an idea of what Old Ellicott City looks like. 

  • Gerry Woods
  • Miriam Struck
  • Sherm Edwards
  • Tanya Riseman
  • Will Rabinovich
  • Gerry Woods
  • Sherm Edwards
  • Tanya Riseman
  • Will Rabinovich
 

BOARD MEETING

The SSCC Board last met on August 27, 2026. The date for the next meeting via Zoom will be September 24. Normally the Board meets on the 4th Thursday of the month. Minutes from all meetings can be found in the board meeting minutes archives when they have been finalized.

FEATURES

CONFERENCES AND EXPOS

MEMBER ARTICLES

CELEBRATING THE SUMMER OF STEAM

Club member Ilona Linnoila traveled to Altoona, Pennsylvania, in July to photograph a visit by Big Boy, the world’s largest working steam engine. Built in 1941, it was used to transport supplies across the country to support the World War II effort. She wrote about her opportunity to photograph Big Boy, along with a number of commemorative diesel engines and vintage railroad cars. The article can be downloaded HERE.

A gallery of photos from her trip can be viewed on her Flickr site.

PLEASE CONSIDER PROVIDING MATERIALS FOR THE NEXT CABLE RELEASE:

If you’d like to share an article, announcement, or Letter to the Editor about anything photographic please email them by September 24. Email items or questions to Sherm Edwards and Maurice Belanger at  cablereleaseeditor@ssccphotography.org.    

DEADLINE: BY September 24th TO  cablereleaseeditor@ssccphotography.org.

COMPETITION RESULTS

END OF YEAR COMPETITION

The End of Year Competition was held on June 11, 2026. Annual awards, including Best in Show from this competition, were included in the July Cable Release. Here we present the competition winners for both Projected and Print images.

ADVANCED PROJECTED

First Place: Bruges Evening, Lisa Auerbach

Second Place: Outpost, Maude Svensson

Third Place: Sparks of Tradition, Maude Svensson

Honorable Mention: Vermont Window Reflection, Lisa Auerbach

Honorable Mention: Tok Tokkie Siesta, Sherm Edwards

Honorable Mention: Cowboy Silhouette, Karen Finkelman

Honorable Mention: Sam Buckingham, Karen Finkelman

[Show picture list]

INTERMEDIATE PROJECTED

First Place: Budapest Castle, Jim Riley

Second Place: Glowing Lotus, Diane Sanders

Third Place: Surfing under the Pier, Marc Auerbach

Honorable Mention: Alley in Urfa, Kent Morris

Honorable Mention: The General, Gerry Woods

Honorable Mention: Winter Sunset, Catherine Honigsberg

[Show picture list]

NOVICE PROJECTED

First Place: St. Magdalena, Kent Morris

Second Place: Cavern Walkway, Kent Morris

[Show picture list]

ADVANCED PRINT

First Place: Walk to the Light, Beth Koller

Second Place: Tuscan Dawn, Sherm Edwards

Third Place: Sunflowers in a Vase, Ilona Linnoila

Honorable Mention: Every Which Way, Beth Koller

Honorable Mention: Light Jewels, Beth Koller

[Show picture list]

COURSES, CALLS FOR ENTRY, AND EXHIBITS

PHOTOGRAPHY COURSES AND WORKSHOPS

By Karen Finkelman

The following list describes various photography classes and workshops in the Maryland, Northern Virginia, Washington DC area. Specific workshop offerings may be held in the classroom, in-field, online or via Zoom. Please see individual classes for the instruction format.

The list is organized into three categories:

Please feel free to recommend any classes or workshops you have taken.  Email the Cable Release Editors at cablereleaseeditor@ssccphotography.org and we will forward the recommendations.

Note: Inclusion in this list is not an endorsement of the provider or a particular course/workshop.

CALLS FOR ENTRY

by Dennis Freeman

The link below offers a number of competitions for your consideration this month. Some of these sources have standing calls for entry, and others are one-time calls. Some offer cash and prizes, and others don’t. One notable local call is below the link.

Calls for Entry – September 2026

Exhibits and Events

by Karen Finkelman

For a list of current museum and gallery exhibits, and a list of photogenic events taking place in the area in the coming weeks, click on the button below.

Exhibits and Events – September 2026

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Member, Photographic Society of America