Guest Speaker: Ted Koelsch

This month, SCPC welcomes Ted Koelsch for a fascinating presentation that blends science, art, and the way we truly see the landscape around us.

A professional geologist for more than 45 years, Ted’s passion for geology began early—sparked by a childhood surrounded by rocks collected by his mother, an enthusiastic rockhound, and deepened through years of backpacking in the Sierra Nevada.

That curiosity led him to earn geology degrees from Occidental College and the University of Illinois, and to a career that spanned petroleum exploration, environmental geology, field mapping in the San Gabriel Mountains, the Highlands of Scotland and the coast of Wales, and laboratory research studying rocks under extreme pressures and temperatures.

Along the way, photography became a parallel passion. Ted’s photographic work has been exhibited at the OC Fair and the Borrego Springs Art Institute, and published in newsletters and club magazines. His images reflect not only an artist’s eye, but also the perspective of someone who understands the stories written in stone.

In his presentation, “More Than a Rock – How a Geologist Sees the World,” Ted explores how geology shapes the way he views landscapes—and how his scientific training initially became a surprising obstacle to “seeing as a photographer.”

Using examples from the work of legendary photographers Edward Weston and Ansel Adams, along with images from Yellowstone National Park, Death Valley National Park, Joshua Tree National Park, and Anza-Borrego Desert State Park, Ted will reveal how understanding geology can deepen both the visual and emotional experience of landscape photography.

Whether you love sweeping vistas, intimate desert details, or simply seeing the natural world in a new way, this promises to be an engaging and inspiring evening. Don’t miss this unique presentation that connects the science beneath our feet with the art behind the lens.

Featured Photographer:  Delores Lopez

I’m a photographer and light painter who uses creativity, movement, and long-exposure techniques to transform light into art.

My work blends photography with imagination, creating distinctive images that tell stories through color, motion, and atmosphere.

I enjoy sharing the beauty and creative potential of light painting, and inspiring others to see photography in fresh and artistic ways.

In my presentation, I’ll discuss the process, techniques, and creative possibilities behind light painting, while sharing examples that demonstrate how light itself can become a powerful artistic medium.

June 2026 Challenge - "Written in Stone"

This month, we are focusing on the permanent, the weathered, and the enduring. From the grand scale of ancient geology to the fine details of human craftsmanship, we want to see how you interpret the world "Written in Stone."

To spark your creativity, don't just look at the rock itself—look for the contrast where the unyielding stone meets the fleeting elements of life and travel.

Where to Find Your Shot:

• The Contrast of Growth: Look for the resilient side of nature. A bright flower or a delicate green seedling pushing its way through cracked pavement or clinging to a stone wall.

• The Path of Travel: With summer here, focus on the stones beneath our feet. Look for the patterns of historic cobblestone streets, old flagstone paths, or weathered steps that imply a journey.

• The Hand of Man: Focus on carved history—high-contrast shots of grand stone arches, weathered statues, chiseled cornerstones, or the textures of an old stone cottage.

• The Raw Earth: Look to the grand scale of nature. Rugged canyon walls, layered rock formations, sea stacks, or field stones showing the passage of time.

Quick Creative Tips:

• Texture and Tone: Stone is the perfect subject for high-contrast images or rich black-and-white processing.

•Use early morning or late afternoon side-lighting to really bring out the roughness of the material.

• Story of Wear: Look for stone that has been smoothed out by time, water, or human footsteps—like the center of an old staircase worn down by generations.

1st, 2nd, and 3rd place winners will be announced at the July 1st meeting, and will be displayed on the SCPC website. Upload only one image, your best! Please summit a full resolution image (5,000 on the long side) with NO watermarks or description. And don’t forget to include your name in the metadata. 

If shot with a SmartPhone, please email your name and description of the photo to scpc-membership@googlegroups.com before the submission deadline.

Take and upload your photo between Saturday, May 30  and Friday, June 26, midnight. Click here to review the challenge rules.

Entry links are in the newsletter and will be sent again mid-month.

Challenge and Best Shot Guidelines
Before posting, read the guidelines for detailed Challenge and Best Shots images. Do not put watermarks on the Challenge entries, however,  watermarks are encouraged on the Best Shots. 

Outings

Antique Tractor Show

Saturday, June 27 10:00am Led by Deana Denlinger

Join your leader Deana Denlinger on a trip to see the antique tractors and other antique machinery at the AGSEM (antique gas and steam equipment museum)

Antique machinery running, wagon rides, grain being made into flour, sawmill in action, spinners cottage and weaver’s barn showing demonstrations, blacksmithing, short track railroad running, clock and watch museum, music, food, and drink. Many displays of antique tractors and equipment to photograph.

You can find outings information on our events calendar.

Workshops

Planned Workshops

Processing Wildlife Images / Part 2 - Up Your Game for Wildlife

June 22 6-8pm at the Duck Club led by Bob Greenberg 

Bob Greenberg has added a second session to his "Up Your Game Shooting Wildlife Images". The focus of this workshop is on processing Wildlife images to take them to a higher level.

In July we will have Mary Madden conduct a Photobook Workshop, and in August Manny Olmedo will cover the Library Module of LrC with an emphasis on catalog management and Publishing Services.

Click herefor details on what is in the works.  You can also find them in our events calendar.

Monthly Casual Shooting Workshop (CSW) Series

CSWs are scheduled on the third week of the month to work on a specific shooting method.  The leader will select the location and will post links that illustrate the shooting method. Afterward, we'll get together at a local coffee shop or another place to share images and experiences. 

Join us for June’s Casual Shooting Workshop as we explore the creative world of Night Street Photography:

When: Thursday, June 18th, 6:00 PM

Where: Meet at the fountain, 2111 W. Oceanfront, Newport Beach

Led by: Susie Quinn and Robin Hall

Click here to learn more.

One of our important club activities is to support local non-profits in their fundraising events and celebrations by photographing their events. It's a great way to have fun, practice your skills,  and support your club in outreach. And it is so appreciated by the groups that we support. 

See all Outreach images here.

Upcoming Events:

Parentis Pickleball Classic, June 12th

Lemons-to-Lemonade Summer Camp, June 15th

Our Events Calendar lists additional upcoming events.

June 2026 Best Shots

Submit your best shot—any subject, any style! This is your opportunity to showcase your current work and share what you’re exploring as a photographer. Take and upload your best shot between Saturday, May 30th and Friday, June 26th, midnight.

This is not a contest. Your only reward will be the fun of posting your best shot of the month and seeing others' best shots. Please limit your submissions to one shot.

Watermarks are encouraged for Best Shots. It makes it easy to see who the photographer is and to give them proper credit.

You'll find the upload links in the March newsletter, and they will be sent again mid-month before the challenge ends.

The photos will be shown here on this website in April.