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.

May 2026 Challenge - "Wildlife - Beyond the Obvious"

This month, explore wildlife beyond the obvious. This isn’t just about photographing animals—it’s about capturing moments of “wildness” in the world around us.

Wildlife can be found everywhere: in a bird mid-flight, a bee landing on a flower, or in the small, easily overlooked details of nature. But “wild” can also be seen in human moments—how people behave when they’re unguarded, expressive, or fully themselves.

Think beyond the traditional. Look for behavior, interaction, and energy:

• Animals in their environment: From grand to small

• Interactions: Between animals, or between humans and animals

• Candid human moments: Laughter, connection, solitude, routine

• Street Scenes: Revealing something instinctive, expressive, or unscripted

• Urban: Unexpected wildlife encounters • Close-Up: Also close along with abstract views that reveal hidden worlds All photographic styles are welcome.

The goal is to see differently—to find and capture the wild where others might not think to look. Ask yourself: what makes this moment feel “wild?”

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

Take and upload your photo between Saturday, May 2 and Friday, May 29, 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. Don't put watermarks on the Challenge entries.  Watermarks are fine 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 Saturday 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. 

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.

May 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 2 and Friday, May 29, 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.