Past Meetings

November 2023

MONEP member and past presenter, Richard Day presented A Passion for Bird Photography at the November 21st MONEP meeting at Powder Valley Nature Center. His program covered information for those getting started in bird photography and for photographers brushing up on their bird shooting skills. He talked about the many ways to increase your chances of capturing bird behavior and developing a style. He also touched on the new mirrorless cameras and how it takes bird photography to a new level.

October 2023

Photographer and photo-educator Jeff Hirsch presented a program on getting the best-looking images out of your phone’s camera and learn how to make use of various photography related apps.

Mobile phone photography has rapidly become a fixture in our daily lives as more and more images are being taken and shared using cellphone cameras. The vast number of photo enhancement and sharing apps available for both iPhone and Android users offer the photographer unlimited options for photo creativity.

September 2023

Lonnie Gatlin presented Photographing the Night Sky. This program covered the tools, techniques, and planning required for producing beautiful photographs of the night sky.

Lonnie is an award-winning photographer with more than 40 years of photography experience. Professionally, she has served as photojournalist, bio-medical photographer, writer, sports journalist, and assistant broadcast news director in the St. Louis area. Lonnie’s photography and multi-media presentations have been recognized by the American Association of Business Communicators, the American Red Cross, the International Dark Sky Association, Scott Kelby’s Photo Walk, St. Louis Community College, Studio Altius, and the United Way. Today, Lonnie is best known for her astro-landscapes, featuring the Milky Way. She teaches astro-photography at Shaw Nature Reserve and is a featured artist at the H-art and Soul Gallery in Chesterfield.

August 2023

Presentation: Protecting and Photographing Missouri’s Prairies

Speaker: Bruce Schuette

Bruce talked about the importance of Missouri Prairie Foundation (MPF) protecting the remaining types of prairie natural communities. He shared how he has used photographs to provide different perspectives on prairie communities for education, documentation, and to build support for the MPF conservation efforts.

Bruce is from Ferguson, Missouri. He has a Bachelor’s degree in wildlife management from the University of Missouri-Columbia. From 1978 to 2014 he worked as the Park Naturalist at Cuivre River State Park, where he was involved in natural resource management including prescribed burns, exotic species control, ecosystem management, natural resource inventories, collections, monitoring, working with researchers, and nature education. He has and continues to serve on the Board of Directors of the Missouri Native Plant Society, and received the Julian A. Steyermark Award in 2014. Bruce has served on the Missouri Prairie Foundation board since January 2000, served as secretary 2005-2012, and is currently the vice president of Science & Management and chairman of the Science & Management Committee.

May 2023

William Fields on Black & White Photography
We welcome back William Fields who will present on Black and White Photography at the May 16th meeting. Bill’s talk will highlight the history of black and white and its execution by both the presenter and a selection of renowned photographers who work in monochrome. He will discuss equipment, conversion techniques, and a variety of photographic subject matter including the ways each can be adapted using B&W.
Bill grew up among dairy farms, orchards, and truck farms. This rural environment cultivated his love of nature and landscape. At age 8 he got his first camera, a Kodak Brownie box. He was only able to afford to process black and white film. Those early experiences imprinted him with a love of monochromatic images and led to his later explorations of infrared photography.
In the 1960s he served in the navy near Israel during the 1966 conflicts with Syria and Palestinians on the West Bank. He was later assigned to a carrier flying squadron as a plane captain. While serving, he bought his first 35mm camera, a Canon Rangefinder. The Canon images were like night and day by comparison with the fuzzy images he had been shooting with his Brownie.
After his naval service, he traveled extensively before going to university. He worked as an engineer for over 30 years in aerospace, laser technology, and automotive industries. Due to his work, Bill has lived in eleven states, settling in Missouri in 1993. Throughout this time, Bill continued to study, practice and execute works of art and became ever more proficient in printmaking, watercolor painting and photography. His devotion to art has been a lifelong passion.
After a trip to the Himalayas in 1988-89, people began asking if his photos were for sale. That was the first time he recognized photography as a serious medium. Until then, he had always considered it as an adjunct to his other artwork. He thought of himself as a painter and a printmaker first, who used photography to capture reference material. Before long he upgraded to Nikon equipment, shooting a variety of film including his earliest explorations with Infrared (IR). “When I sold a couple of pictures to Steven Spielberg for set decorations, I finally began to believe that I was a professional art photographer.”
His books include Hermann, Missouri – One of the Prettiest Towns in America. His limited-edition The Four Directions – A Southwestern Journey, won first place in the 2019 Independent Publishers Awards for Best Coffee Table Book. He has three other coffee table photo book projects that are currently in the development or the proposal stages.

April 2023
2023 & 2024 Solar Eclipses
We learned about the upcoming total solar eclipses from Steve Sands, an amateur astronomer for over 45 years. Steve talked about the annular total solar eclipse in October of 2023 and the total solar eclipse in April of 2024. Both of these events will be viewable from the continental United States. Attendees learned the how/what/why/when of eclipses and how to safely view & photograph them.
Steve has been an adjunct faculty member at St. Louis University and Washington University teaching astronomy, telescopes and optics to non-science majors. He has written articles for Astronomy Technology Today, Sky & Telescope and Amateur Astronomy magazines. He is a member and past president of the St. Louis Astronomical Society (SLAS) and has held literally hundreds of public telescope-viewing sessions, promoting observational astronomy. Steve designs and builds telescopes and telescope systems, as well as restores historical instruments. Steve doesn’t classify himself as a specialist and enjoys all areas of observing, including solar, lunar, planetary, and deep sky observing.

March 2023
Misadventures in Wilderness Travels in Alaska with members Richard Spener and Toni Armstrong.
Even with the best planned adventures in Alaska, problems will arise. From a canoe wrapped around a rock to high winds that won’t allow you to paddle, there are many stories to be told and photographs taken. The husband-and-wife team of Richard Spener and Toni Armstrong entertained us with stories and images of some of their misadventures in the far North.
Richard and Toni have traveled in Alaska 25 times.Toni is a current board member of the Alaska Wilderness League. Their love of wild areas encompasses not only Alaska but also Missouri. In celebration of the 50th anniversary of the Wilderness Act, they spent two years photographing Missouri’s eight Wilderness Areas. They created a photographic display that documented the beauty of all eight wilderness areas. The display was exhibited at the Missouri History Museum and then traveled around the state of Missouri for 18 months. In addition, their images have been widely published by environmental organizations.

February 2023

Creative Flower Photography with Jamie Konarski Davidson. Jamie is an award-winning freelance outdoor and nature photographer with a passion for capturing the intimate moments and beauty of the natural world. She discussed some of the endless possibilities for photographing flowers beyond the documentary style. In this program, Jamie shared a variety of techniques and approaches for getting creative with flowers, as well as ways to extend the creativity in post-processing. Techniques range from macro and close-up to motion and multiples, using creative lenses such as Lensbaby, and processing using Photoshop, textures, image blending, Nik Collection and Topaz. In all instances, the goal is to create images that evoke emotion, have visual impact, and tell or make up stories.
Jamie’s images range from macro and abstracts to intimate, grand and rural landscapes. Jamie is enamored with flowers of all kinds. In fact, if someone told her she could only photograph one subject for the rest of her life, it would be flowers. Her interpretive style reflects an intentional approach. Through New Life Photos, Jamie leads photo workshops, teaches and presents at conferences and other events. Her goals are to educate, encourage, and inspire, helping people grow skills, connect with subjects and see beyond the obvious to discover their visual voice. A Lensbaby Ambassador, Jamie has been an instructor/presenter with Out of Chicago, CanAm Conference, NANPA Summits, CNPA webinars, Mike Moats Macro Conference and more. Find her at www.newlifephotos.com

January 2023

Conservation Storytelling: Creating Photos with a Purpose
National Geographic Explorer and photographer Gabby Salazar shared how she uses photography to support environmental conservation efforts around the world. She took us on a visual journey to the island of Mauritius in the Indian Ocean, where conservationists are saving endangered birds and reptiles, and to Zimbabwe, where she created a short film about a scientist who studies lions and wildlife conservation. She also shared tips for using your own images to support local environmental efforts.
Gabby is a nature and conservation photographer, and a social scientist. As Associate Fellow of the International League of Conservation Photographers, she has worked on environmental photography projects across the globe, spending months at a time living in tropical rainforests and on tropical islands. Gabby has an MSc in Conservation Science from Imperial College London and is currently a doctoral student at the University of Florida’s School of Forest, Fisheries, and Geomatics Science, where she studies environmental marketing. She is committed to environmental education and uses photography to get kids outdoors and to connect them with nature. Her website is gabbysalazar.com. She is also the author of a forthcoming children’s book called No Boundaries: 25 Women Explorers and Scientists Share Adventures, Inspiration, and Advice, published by National Geographic Kids Books.

July 2022

All About Owls, with Taryn Leach of the World Bird Sanctuary (WBS), was the July presentation. Taryn brought along several different education ambassador owls. She talked about owls in general, the story of each individual ambassador, and about the World Bird Sanctuary and its mission. MONEP members had the opportunity to photograph the owls, which were on the glove of WBS staff so we were able to get within a couple feet of them for our pictures!
Taryn is a Naturalist at the World Bird Sanctuary and has been in this role for three years. Prior to coming to WBS, she worked for seven years at several facilities in Ohio as a wildlife specialist. She combined her love of caring for birds and other animals and educating the public about them. Her dream goal was to work with cheetahs or raptors and she has been thrilled to bring her passion for birds of prey to adults and children alike through her programs.

June 2022

Dan Zarlenga posed the question: “Can putting less in an image make it more?” One thing, an idea without distraction, a solitary shade of color. Celebrating simplicity. The symmetry of solo. An embrace of emptiness.
Dan (from Missouri dept. of Conservation) likes to explore several forms of photography but has a special leaning towards landscapes and astro-landscapes. Dan’s photography has appeared in multiple Missouri Department of Conservation publications.

May 2022
William Fields is a full-time art photographer and published author. In his presentation at the April 19th meeting, he will primarily discuss his photo work since 2015. William Fields presented many of his images taken from the Missouri River Valley around Hermann, New Mexico, the Colorado Plateau, and various foreign travels.

April 2022
The April meeting gave members a chance to ask Adobe Certified Expert Jeff Hirsch anything they wanted to know about establishing a digital photography workflow based around Lightroom and Photoshop.
Jeff covered the entire process of importing, organizing, culling, editing, exporting, and archiving images. Jeff presented best practices for file and folder naming, keyword strategies, how to export images for print or web, and how to make backups.
Jeff Hirsch is a photographer and photo-educator with over 30 years of experience in the field of photography, digital imaging, and graphic design.
A master of “geek-to-english” translation and an Adobe Certified Expert in Lightroom and Photoshop, he teaches photography and photo workflow to individuals and groups.

March 2022
Topic: How to Find an Owl in Your Neighborhood
Mark H.X. Glenshaw, also known as The Owl Man, has studied great horned owls in Forest Park since December, 2005. Mark’s talk showed which owls you are most likely to see or hear in the metro area, where to look for them, how to look for them in a safe and ethical manner, what to listen for, and the importance of research and collaboration.

Mark is a Certified Interpretive Guide, a certified Missouri Master Naturalist and a volunteer for Forest Park Forever. In addition to this, he helps people all over the St. Louis metro area find owls in their neighborhoods whether in subdivisions, city neighborhoods, pocket parks, or large public parks. When not studying owls, Mark works at Fontbonne University where he is the Manager of University Services.

February 2022 – via Zoom
Jamie Konarski Davidson is an award-winning freelance outdoor & nature photographer with a passion for capturing the intimate moments and beauty of the natural world. Her images range from macro and abstracts to intimate, grand and rural landscapes. Jamie is enamored with flowers of all kinds. In fact, if someone told her she could only photograph one subject for the rest of her life, it would be flowers. Her interpretive style reflects an intentional approach. Techniques range from macro & close-up to motion & multiples, using creative lenses such as Lensbaby, and processing using Photoshop, textures, image blending, Nik Collection and Topaz. In all instances, the goal is to create images that evoke emotion, have visual impact, and tell or make up stories. Through New Life Photos, Jamie leads photo workshops, teaches & presents at conferences and other events. Her goals are to educate, encourage and inspire, helping people grow skills, connect with subjects and see beyond the obvious to discover their visual voice. A Lensbaby Ambassador, Jamie has been an instructor/presenter with Out of Chicago, CanAm Conference, NANPA Summits, CNPA webinars, Mike Moats Macro Conference and more. Find her at www.newlifephotos.com

November 2021
Location: Powder Valley Nature Center
Speaker: Shelly Colatskie
Topic: Bats

Shelly Colatskie presented a program on bat biology and ecology. She covered a bit about bats of the world, what makes a bat a bat, bats of Missouri, threats to Missouri’s bats, and how we can help Missouri’s bats.
Shelly has been a Naturalist for the Missouri Department of Conservation at Powder Valley Conservation Nature Center since May 2017.

September 2021
Location: Powder Valley Nature Center
Speaker: Jane Palmer
Topic: Techniques for Capturing Wildlife Images

MONEP member, Jane Palmer, was back with us as a presenter in September, sharing information and her images during her presentation Techniques for Capturing Wildlife Images. Jane’s presentation emphasized birds and other wildlife subjects.

Jane is an award-winning landscape and underwater photographer. She started her photography adventure in high school and picked it back up again when her daughter left for college. A lifelong love of nature and animals led her to spend more time outdoors with her camera, and she soon developed a passion for nature photography. After learning to scuba dive, it seemed only natural to take a camera underwater! Jane now travels the world capturing the magic of the underwater world with her camera. Jane’s work can be seen on her website janepalmerphotography.com. In addition, Jane is a contributing author on Visual Wilderness, writing articles that are seen by thousands of photographers. Jane shares her enthusiasm for photography with her students, whether in the classroom teaching post processing, in the field talking about light and composition from behind the camera, or working side by side during a dive to teach underwater photo skills.

August 2021
Location: Powder Valley Nature Center
Speaker: Aileen Abbott, World Bird Sanctuary
Topic: All About Eagles

Aileen brought along a few different education ambassador eagles. She spoke about eagles in general and told the story of each individual ambassador. She also talked about the World Bird Sanctuary and its mission. There will be a question and answer session.

Aileen Abbott is the Director of Education at World Bird Sanctuary. She has been in this position for almost a year, but has been a volunteer at WBS for several years. Aileen has been in Environmental Education for over 25 years and has worked in several states. She is passionate about teaching people of all ages about nature and the flora and fauna. She is a great presenter and her program on wolves was wildly popular.

July 2021

Time: 7:00 pm (Central)
Speaker: Joe and Mary McDonald
Topic: The World of Macro

Still no travel due to Covid-19? No problem! There is an entire world of different images right in your backyard or local park. Join us as renowned photographers, Mary and Joe McDonald present on The World of Macro: Look high and low. Look Far and Near. There are images right in front of you.

Flowers, insects, mushrooms, and more are right in front of you if you know where to look and how to photograph what you find. We’ll talk about different techniques for capturing macro subjects from set-ups to flash, softboxes to in-field shooting. You will never be bored again as we hopefully open up a new, challenging, and fun world to photograph.

Joe has been a full-time professional wildlife photographer since 1983, but his career began while he was in high school when he sold images to the National Wildlife Federation. He is the author of more than 15 books on photography and natural history and is a frequent columnist for several print and electronic magazines. Mary began her career after taking a workshop Joe was leading in the Everglades, and together they have been leading photo tours and safaris around the world since 1989, sometimes traveling for over 32 weeks in a year. They have a special interest in the wild big cats, and have seen all 7 of the world’s big cats in one year four different times. Both Mary and Joe enjoy teaching, and regularly conduct workshops and give lectures and seminars on photography across the US, and have been active mentors during NANPA’s annual conference for the High School and College students.

Aphids and tending ants for honeydew, on plants, Mifflin County, Pennsylvania, United States

May 2021, via Zoom
Speaker: Alyce Bender
Topic: Impressionistic Photography: Using Creative In-Camera Techniques to Create Artistic Images

Photographer Alyce Bender will lead us as we explore the world of Impressionistic Photography in her presentation Using Creative In-Camera Techniques to Create Artistic Images. She will cover a variety of topics including pre-visualizing scenes, selecting camera settings, in-field techniques, and a few tips on post processing these special images. She will give participants the basic tools to start experimenting on their own in the field to create unique images in popular shooting locations or with common backyard subjects.

Alyce is a nature photographer, writer, educator, and adventurer. Camera in hand since childhood, her passion developed into a career after serving in the U.S. Air Force. Her passion for wildlife and the natural environment compels her to connect others with nature through both her visual art and in-field experiences that promote conservation, protection, and ethical photography.

She is a Tamron USA Ambassador, columnist for the Journal of Wildlife Photography, and her work has been featured in both group and solo gallery shows across the US. Bender leads photography adventures around the world to help beginner through advanced photographers explore and expand their personal vision and naturalist skills ethically. When not in the field, she offers a variety of educational programs both in person and virtually for photography organizations large and small. You can see more of Bender’s work at www.abenderphotography.com.

April 2021 Via Zoom
Presenter: Chris Hartley, the Butterfly House
Program: Missouri Native Butterflies

Learn how to identify the 25 most common butterflies in the St. Louis region from Chris Hartley, Entomologist and the Science Education Coordinator at the Butterfly House. Chris will cover field marks that are useful for ID in the field and discuss look-alike species.