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, check out Ted Koelsch's presentation from our June 3rd meeting.  And 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.

The Milky Way over Anza Borrego

Saturday and Sunday July 11th and 12th, Led by Scott Stetzer

The milky way comes every month so let’s take advantage of July’s opportunity Shooting in the Borrego Springs allows shots at the various sculptures Another venue would be the dry lake bed outside of Borrego springs.  For more information, click here.

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! (but only one shot!) 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.