Welcome to the Gateway Camera Club
Our goals are to share ideas, knowledge, and insight; to help improve the skills and abilities of our members; and to have some fun while enjoying photography. We recognize photography is changing, growing and with ever-emerging technologies, more exciting than ever! Gateway was one of the first local camera clubs to embrace digital photography and, as a result, we have some very knowledgeable digital photographers. Many award-winning members of Gateway Camera Club honed their talents and abilities through the mentoring they found at Gateway.
Our club is very active and we meet on most Tuesdays from September to June 7:30 pm to 9:30 pm. Want to compete, learn and share? Check out our exciting schedule. Visitors and new members are always welcome. Just stop in and introduce yourself. We hope you'll soon find an aspect of Gateway that fits your interests. Please browse our website, learn more about what we do, and enjoy. And remember, enthusiasm is catchy.
Come and catch some!
The slideshow to the right are images from our September Competition
Interested in seeing what Gateway Camera Club is all about? You are welcome to join as a Guest Member for 30 days. Just send us an Email and you will be added to the attendee list for the next 30 days.
Upcoming Events
October 5th - October Competition Deadline 11:59 PM - Theme is Animal Portrait with Rick Cloran as the Judge
The goal of an animal portrait is to capture the unique character and essence of an animal which should be the main subject, often focusing on their eyes, facial expressions, and overall body language. It aims to portray the animal's personality and capture a specific moment or mood, much like a portrait of a human. An animal portrait may include both Wildlife and pet portraits. Pet portraits often focus on domestic animals in familiar environments, while wildlife portraits capture animals in their natural habitats.
October 6th to 13th - Voting for People's Choice Award is Open
This month you have 3 votes to use in each category. Access voting by going to Competition on the main menu, then Vote on Competition Images
October 7th - In Person - "A Penguin Adventure - Falkland Islands" presented by Shawn Carey
The Falkland Islands are located off the southern coast of Argentina and almost to the tip of Tierra Del Fuego. With one flight a week entering and departing the Falklands, and a total of three days travel each way you have to really want to go there. We’re delighted to be hosting Shawn Carey on Tuesday, September 17th, to take us there.
The Falklands are a very remote South Atlantic archipelago with two main islands, East and West Falkland, plus an additional 776 smaller islands, most of which are not inhabited. However, several that are host some of the islands’ amazing wildlife, including five species of penguins, which on certain islands have thousands of birds during the nesting season.
For bird watchers and wildlife photographers with an interest in the birds found here you can see 63 nesting species including 14 endemic subspecies and two endemic species, the Falkland Steamer Duck and the Cobb’s Wren. In addition to the bird life there are also both Southern Elephant Seals and Southern Sealions which can be seen in large numbers on a few islands.
For this program we will explore two locations on Saunders Islands, The Neck, which has three nesting penguin species plus nesting Black-browed Albatross. Then onto The Rookery with its impressive colony of Southern Rockhopper Penguins and a staggering number of Black-browed Albatross. After that we will explore Sealion Island and our first look at Elephant Seals, Sealions and the Killer Whales that prowl the waters looking to feast on them. Next up is Bleaker Island with its beautiful mile long beach where you can watch Gentoo and Magellanic Penguins as they ride the waves onto the sandy shores. Finally, we will end our photographic adventure at Volunteer Point which has the largest nesting King Penguin population in the Falklands.
All of this plus a look at the lodges one can stay at, the food and some of the people you will meet along the way. I will share my advice on traveling to this fantastic location plus many tips to help you plan your own Penguin adventure to the Falkland Islands.
Blog post: Penguin Adventure – Falkland Islands https://migrationproductions.com/penguin-adventure-falkland-islands-part-i-the-neck-saunders-island/
YouTube: Photographing Penguins – Falkland Islands https://youtu.be/jhCGMHJWlc
YouTube: King Penguins https://youtu.be/42cZRYehe_E
YouTube: Rockhopper Penguins https://youtu.be/vIOcxpRvk6A
YouTube: Gentoo Penguins https://youtu.be/8zcL_zQo138
YouTube: Magellanic Penguin https://youtu.be/Pv9vKBXy16w
October 14th - Zoom - Competition - Judge Rick Cloran
October 21st - Zoom - Image Study with commentator Joni Rich
October 28th - Watch Party - "Mindful Photography" presented by Charles Needle
Award-winning Colorado-based fine art photographer, author, speaker and workshop leader Charles Needle will teach you how to approach any subject with fresh eyes and learn to see on a much deeper level. Drawing upon inspiring quotations and images from other photographers who have most profoundly influenced his work as well as his own personal "Zen moments" in the field, Charles will share ways you can engage your mind, eye and heart so they are all in perfect synchronization, making you a better photographer and more in tune with your subject.
Bio: A popular and accomplished conference and camera club speaker, photography juror and teacher for more than two decades, Charles Needle has a unique eye for design and artistic interpretation. His popular “Art of Nature” creative macro workshops have attracted students nationwide. Charles has authored three cutting-edge instructional books: Tiny Worlds: Creative Macro Photography Skills (Amherst Media, January 2015); Impressionistic Photography: A Field Guide to Using Your Camera as a Paintbrush (March 2014); and Creative Macro Photography: Professional Tips & Techniques (2011)
To learn more about Charles' work, including his workshop and private lesson offerings, visit www.charlesneedlephoto.com
Field Trips, Events of Interests, SIGs
Exhibit at Ashland Library - Month of November
Hello Gateway Photographers,
Great news! We are exhibiting for the first time at the Ashland Public Library this November. This is a great opportunity to expose a new community to the wonderful images of Gateway. We will be installing the exhibit on Monday, October 27th at 5PM.
The Ashland Library exhibit space is located in their high-traffic café area. Make your image(s) among those on display. This is a high visibility gallery in the library. (Multiple images by the same artist will be accepted on a space available basis, first registered - first in, second image by artist accepted after all first images, etc.)
If you are interested in entering photo(s) in this exhibit, please email me with the following information for each image you wish to exhibit by Monday, October 20th. (subject line: "Ashland Exhibit"). Please focus on submitting images that have not been displayed in our recent exhibits. We are looking for new and interesting works by our members.
Exhibit: ASHLAND
Artist Name:
Email Address:
Mobile Phone:
Image Title:
Framed size High:
Framed size Wide:
Can I include your email address on the image card? YES / NO
We will be displaying a binder with Artist's Statements in the exhibit area. Artist statements are typically one page, 8 1/2 x 11, but any length is permissible. If you would like to see previous sample artist statements, please email me and I will be happy to send you some samples. Please bring your artist statement along with your images on the day of installation, Monday, October 27th.
Thank you, Frank Schimmoller, Exhibits Chair - Email
Boston's Zakim Bridge Field Trip - Monday October 6th 5:30 PM
Are you fascinated by the beauty of Boston’s Zakim Bridge? Have you always wanted to venture in to photograph it – maybe even with a full moon?
Well, now is your chance. We will be taking a field trip to capture the many views of the Zakim bridge, through North Point Park and all the way to Lovejoy Wharf and Portal Park. And, if we’re lucky with the weather cooperating, we’ll capture the full moon over the bridge.
As an added bonus, we will also be at the Lynch Family Skate Park for some skateboard action shots.
When: Monday, October 6th, 5:30 PM
Where: Zakim Bridge Area, East Cambridge. (Carpooling coordinated with participants)
Questions: contact Frank Schimmoller, Email
The trip is limited to 12 participants. Registration Link - /club/Events_view.aspx?Eventid=2e0ea78d-7e52-43a9-80ae-8863be914679
Wingmasters Field Trip - Saturday October 11th - 8 am to 10 am - Leverett, MA
Gateway is once again offering the popular Wingmasters’ photo shoot! On Saturday, October 11 (Rain date Sunday, October 12) we’ll have an up-close opportunity to photograph birds of prey, such as owls, hawks, kestrels, falcons, and osprey.
Wingmasters is a partnership of two licensed raptor rehabilitators: Julie Anne Collier, who is also licensed in falconry, and Jim Parks, who is also a photographer skilled in presenting the birds’ best “sides” to our cameras.
There is a ten-person maximum for each session, although Wingmasters’ prefers groups of just eight. We have the possibility of two sessions, one from 8 to 10 am; the second from 10:30 am to 12:30 pm. The charge to Gateway is $800 per session, meaning a cost to each individual of $80 to $100, depending on attendance. For that, we receive both outstanding photographic opportunities, and the satisfaction of knowing that we are helping fund raptor rehabilitation. Most birds are successfully released into the wild after rehabilitation. Others remain in Wingmasters’ licensed home for non-releasable raptors.
Read all about Wingmasters here: https://www.wingmasters.net/aboutus.htm
The location is the Rattlesnake Gutter Land Trust in Leverett, Massachusetts, approximately 78 miles from Framingham. Photos (below) are by Lois Galluzzo, from a previous Wingmasters’ shoot.
REGISTRATION >> /club/Event_Registration.aspx?EventId=ff083f4c-13bf-46f8-802e-62741428c149
Back Bay Fens Field Trip - Saturday October 18th
Part of the Emerald Necklace, surrounded by some of Boston’s leading educational, cultural and medical institutions, the Back Bay Fens is an eclectic mix of formal and community gardens, memorials and historic structures. With places for passive recreation and active pursuits, the park offers a range of experiences such as gardening and sports and is a popular spot for birders.
Our field trip group will walk to explore, discover and photograph this lesser known greenspace in the heart of Boston during the prettiest time of year.
Meeting time, location and details will be sent to the registered group. Register here: /club/Event_Registration.aspx?EventId=f93f7a03-f21c-459e-ae9b-f16f23fadb8f
Lighting Workshop - October 25th 9:30 am to 12:30 am
We will meet at the McAuliffe branch of the Framingham Public Library, 746 Water St, Framingham, MA 01701.
We will review September's discussion of on camera flash and go on with more details of controls and get into off camera flash. We have to admit, flash can be confusing. Our workshops make you a confident and proud "controller of light"
Registration is required >>/club/Event_Registration.aspx?EventId=33727a37-a18a-4322-b4c5-46155689236f
Photographer's Event List
Buz is creating an events of interest to photographers list. This is intended to be an interactive list with any member sending Buz an event that they've learned about. The event can be anything that you think would be of interest to photographers. These could be larger regional events or small home town celebrations of some kind. Any theme might be a good event: specialty sports (nat'l leagues, we already know about), state and local fairs and festivals, flowers and gardens, historic, special visiting exhibits at museums, and events that defy categorization. As you send Buz events, he will add to the list and send out periodic updated e-mails.
If going on the White Mountains Getaway field trip, leave early on Friday, attend the fair during the day and then meet up at the ski lodge. (See the White Mountains Getaway field trip description above)
Cranland Airport Fly-In
Cranland Airport, Hanson, MA hosts a monthly breakfast fly-in for small plane and experimental aircraft pilots. Breakfast is low priced. I went with family in June and it was fun to watch the private planes come and go up close and personal. There was a band and some antique cars showed up. Get there early before the low priced breakfast line gets long.
Agricultural Fairs - Many of us are familiar with Bolton Fair, the Big E, and the Topsfield Fair, but here is a list of many others.
BellForge Arts Center, https://bellforge.org/events/ On the grounds of the old Medfield State Hospital
Summer Fireworks - https://www.mass.gov/info-details/leave-fireworks-to-the-professional
Visit New England - can enter a date range and type of activity https://www.visitnewengland.com/all/events/events/
Remaining Themed Categories for 2025-2026 Competition Year
October - Animal Portrait - Judge Rick Cloran
The goal of an animal portrait is to capture the unique character and essence of an animal which should be the main subject, often focusing on their eyes, facial expressions, and overall body language. It aims to portray the animal's personality and capture a specific moment or mood, much like a portrait of a human. An animal portrait may include both Wildlife and pet portraits. Pet portraits often focus on domestic animals in familiar environments, while wildlife portraits capture animals in their natural habitats.
November - Sports Action - Judge Don Toothaker
Might include: Close-up shots of athletes in motion, Capturing the emotion of a player during a game with a close-up shot showing their facial expressions and body posture, Freeze-frame moments, Dynamic angles - shoot from unconventional angles to highlight the intensity of the action, solo sports like kayakers or skiers or high-speed capture
January - Textures in Nature - Judge Silvana Della Camera
This category includes textures that can be found in landscapes, animals, birds, insects, trees, plants, rocks and any other subject found in nature.
February - High Key/Low Key - Judge David Long
High-key photography is characterized by bright, soft lighting, minimal shadows, and a focus on lighter tones, often creating an airy, cheerful, and positive atmosphere. Low-key photography, on the other hand, features strong contrasts, dramatic shadows, and darker tones, resulting in a more moody, dramatic, or even somber look. High-Key photography is often used for portraits, fashion photography, product photography, and situations where a bright and cheerful look is desired. Low-Key Photography is often used for portraits, dramatic scenes, horror photography, and situations where a more serious or intense mood is desired.
March - AI - Judge Todd Nettelhorst
The goal is to present photographic
subject matter in a way that is unique, appealing and causes the viewer
to marvel at the ingenuity of the image. The original photo must be
created by the maker. After that, “anything goes,” including Text-based
Generative AI, third-party skies and Clip Art. The maker must not
violate any copyrights.
April - Curves - Judge Karl Zuzarte
Refers to the curved lines in an image that guide the viewer's eye and add visual interest. Some examples of curves include:
- Leading Lines: Curves can act as leading lines, drawing the viewer's eye towards the main subject of the image.
- S-Curves: An S-curve is a powerful compositional technique that can guide the eye through the scene, creating a visual journey.
- Movement and Energy: Curves can imply movement and add energy to an image.
- Compositional elements that may create curves include roads, rivers, or natural forms.
May - Reflection in Glass - Judge Ray Guillette
This category includes windows, mirrors or any glass surface as the reflecting medium. The central compositional element should be the reflection. The reflected element may be a person, a structure or any object.
Multi-Club Categories for 2025-2026
Black & White Landscape
Double Take
Intentional Camera Movement (ICM) and/or Multiple Exposure
Machinery
Minimalism/Simplicity
On the Road
Softness
Textures in Nature
Definitions are here>>> /d/dac6a2e1-9508-4806-8933-ebd69c3bb9e8
Instagram
GCC has established two Instagram hashtags to promote our club member's pictures. These are as follows:
#gatewaycameraclubma
#gcc_ma
We are looking forward to seeing your pictures under our hashtags on Instagram. Please contact anyone on the Social Media Committee (Fred Floru, Beth DeBor, or Susan McIntyre) if you have any questions.
Sponsored by A proud member of Join Our Facebook Group Instagram
#gatewaycameraclubma
#gcc_ma
Copyright Notice: Copyright © Gateway Camera Club, Framingham, MA, 1966-2025 -- All rights reserved. All included content copyright the original creator.