Gallery at Laurel - Photographers Joseph Mancino and Marlene Leffson

Join us!
Gallery Opening for Photographers Joseph Mancino and Marlene Leffson
Penn Camera Laurel
Friday, October 15th
5pm-7pm

Joseph "Joe" Mancino was born in New York City July 16, 1954. While growing up on Long Island, Joe became an avid Yankees and Giants,collecting baseball and football cards of all his heroes. This is where Joe developed his love for sports photography. Joe's interest is not limited to sports, as he has always loved wildlife. This love of animals led Joe to pursue a career in veterinary medicine. Joe received a B.S in biology at the State University of New York at Stony Brook, then attended veterinary school at the University of Parma in Parma,Italy. Upon his return from Italy, Joe completed is training at the University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine.

In 1999, Joe became the sideline photographer for the publication "Inside Football for the Informed Giants Fan", covering the New York Giants. This continued through the 2004 season. In 2005, he began working for "Inside Action Sports" located in New Jersey, covering the New York Jets. Along the way, Joe has done some free lance work for Wire Image and Prolook which lead to some of his images being used in Sports Illustrated and for Upper Deck football cards. He also did some free lance work for the now defunct Baltimore Examiner.

Wherever he goes, Joe always makes sure his cameras are by his side.



Marlene Leffson became interested in photography in the early 1970’s as a hobby but put it aside for many years to raise five daughters and pursue a career as a Labor & Delivery nurse. Her own children’s interest in photography helped rekindle her passion for the art form, sparking a pursuit on a serious level. Her subject matter spans a wide range including wildlife, nature, sporting events, weddings, maternity and newborn photography. She has said, “My experience as a mother and as a Labor & Delivery and Neonatal Intensive Care nurse has been invaluable working with expectant couples, newborns and children.” She and her daughter work as a team to create maternity and newborn portraits. As for her love of wildlife, “I was raised on a farm and animals have always been a big part of my life. My favorite wildlife subjects are the Big Cats. I am in such awe of their immense power and grace.” Being a Washington Redskins and Baltimore Orioles fan, she carries her camera with her to every game she attends. Her photography appears on the Schmap Las Vegas, 6th Edition, Flamingo Hilton Hotel Wildlife Habitat website, and the Smithsonian National Zoo’s FONZ website. She has had her photography featured in the monthly magazine, "All Animals," Assateague Island Wild Ponies in Maryland (July 2009), published by the Humane Society of the United States, and photographs of the Washington Redskins (November 2008) and the Baltimore Orioles (January 2009) were published on NowPublic. She uses a Canon 7D, a Canon XTi and multiple Canon lenses to create her photographs. You can see more of her work on Facebook: Leffson Photography, and online at www.flickr.com/photos/thrumarleneseyes/ or www.flickriver.com/photos/thrumarleneseyes/.

Gallery at 18th Street: Photographer Allison Bailey

Join us!
Gallery Opening for Photographer Allison Bailey
Penn Camera 18th Street
Thursday, September 30th
4pm-6pm

Allison brings a variety of experience to photography: she has a Ph.D. in political science, is a business owner, and has worked extensively in community service positions. As a Ph.D. candidate at Emory University, Allison lived overseas while researching ways to bring permanent ends to civil wars, a dissertation that was motivated largely by the human costs of war. After graduation, Allison became a specialist in African affairs, and has spent a great deal of time on the continent, from rural villages in Ghana, to the magnificent Okavango Delta. Her work involved working with African, French, and American officials to facilitate development and security in Africa.





As a result of her work and personal experiences, Allison’s photography often captures images of everyday life, and aims to evoke an emotional response. This may be a new look at the experience of riding the Paris Metro, modern life in a medieval village, or a unique view of a well-known landscape. Motion and emotion drive her selection of subjects, and she focuses on the intangible in each of her photographs.

You can view more of Allison's work at http://www.allisonbaileyphotography.com/.

Just Announced: New Nikon Coolpix Cameras

By Brendan Keenan, Penn Camera Tysons Corner

It's a great time of year for the photographic industry. Every other year, the Photokina trade show is held in Germany, and since it is a bi-annual event, most manufacturers make big product announcements and we learn what kind of toys we'll have to play with in the months to come. While Nikon is sure to be no exception, they have already announced a few new compact cameras ahead of the big show that are currently getting a lot of attention. With good reason. Their recently announced models offer an ultra stylish compact, a super versatile compact with a long zoom lens, and a high performance model offering quality and precision good enough for serious photography.

If you like a camera that is pocket sized, but offers style and a good range of features, the recently introduced Coolpix S80 may be just what you are looking for. An ultra thin compact, this 14 megapixel camera still packs in a 5x wide angle optical zoom lens to give the user a good range even in such a slim and sleek camera. It also boasts a high resolution huge 3.5" OLED touch screen, for outstanding ease of use, as well as amazing image clarity and color. It also comes with 720p HD video, Nikon's VR image stabilization, and is available in a variety of colors. This may well be the hottest new compact come the holiday season.

If you are looking for a camera that offers even more versatility, but without having to carry around multiple lenses and big bodies, the new Coolpix S8100 is perfect. This camera packs a big 10x optical zoom into its fairly compact frame, plus a lot more. It has an advanced high performance CMOS image sensor for outstanding image quality, and can shoot full 1080 HD resolution stills and video. And you won’t miss a shot either, since it offers high speed shooting of five frames per second in continuous mode! With fast start up time, fast auto focus, and a very quick shutter, you can be ready at a moments notice to get those great shots other cameras might miss. It also has a large, high resolution 3” LCD screen, as well as Nikon’s VR image stabilization, which will definitely come in handy, since this camera has a 300mm equivalent telephoto lens. Looking for big range and performance without the big camera? Look no further than the Coolpix S8100.

Which brings us to their last recently announced model, the P7000. This camera is the highest end Coolpix camera to date, and is aimed at serious amateurs, even professionals who like to have high performance cameras that are more portable than some of their other gear, but offer precise control over all aspects of shooting. From low light, to fast action, to wide angles and close ups, this camera can do it all. It even offers compatibility with Nikon Speedlights, and offers lens attachments for even more range and control. If a more run of the mill point and shoot just won’t do, and you’re looking for the highest level of quality in a nice portable package, than the P7000 is perfect. Precise image control, and versatile features allow more advanced photographers to unleash their creativity, without a whole backpack full of gear.

So if this is what they announce before the show, what will Nikon have waiting to debut at Photokina? We’ll be here to bring you all the best new cameras as soon as we hear about them. Until then to learn more, visit our website, or stop by one of our stores to learn more about all the newest gear and equipment that is coming soon.

Gallery at Fair Lakes: Photographer Allen Pearson

Join us!
Gallery Opening for Photographer Allen Pearson
Penn Camera Fair Lakes
Friday, October 8th
7pm-8:30pm

Allen’s art has been described as “unique, beautiful, and natural”. Allen captures the unique beauty of nature missed by most people during their hectic schedules. Although digital photography is used for his art, no image is ever touched up or edited to get that perfect photo. “Nature’s beauty doesn’t need help from me,” Allen says. Having a passion for nature and an eye to capture its beauty, the natural world is his studio.





He has photographed at National Parks, however, most of his work has been done in Northern Virginia parks, including Green Springs, Mason Neck, River Bend, Runnymeade, and Walney Nature Center. Allen’s passion for nature photography began when creating a wildlife garden. Creation of the wildlife garden attracted butterflies, birds, and rabbits allowing photo opportunities of various species.

Allen has coupled his passion for dogs and cats with his photography skills too. “Dogs and cats are a part of nature so I focus on creating fine art of these furry friends to portray their natural beauty” Allen says.

Allen participates in arts festivals throughout the Shenandoah Valley and Northern Virginia and with the Loudoun Arts Council, Manassas Arts Guild and Vienna Arts Society.

Exhibitions:

• “Creation Sings”, Loudoun Arts Council’s “Leesburg’s First Friday”, Leesburg, VA, 20176, (July 1-31, 2010).
• “Creation Sings”, Vienna Arts Center, Vienna, VA 22180, (March 23-May 1, 2010).
• “Creation Sings”, an audiovisual presentation featuring images of nature and music by pianist, Mary Dart, Convergence: A Creative Community of Faith, Alexandria, VA (September 1-30, 2009).
• 39th Annual Treasures of Arts Show; Juror Ann Gordon, (November 2008).
• Ballston Arts + Crafts Market, (May-September 2008, June-July 2009, September 2010).
• Vienna Arts Society Photography Exhibition, (July 2008, 2009, 2010).
• 38th Annual Treasures of Arts Show; Juror Marian Van Landingham, Founder of the Torpedo Factory, (November 2007).
• Annual Fine Arts Festival, Manassas, VA, (October 2007, 2008, 2009, April 2010).

Memberships:

• http://www.photomission.com/, an International Community of Christian Photographers
• Cornell Laboratory of Ornithology
• http://www.naturephotographers.net/
• Fairfax Art League
• Loudoun Wildlife Conservancy
• Loudoun Arts Council
• Manassas Art Guild
• Ox Hill Baptist Church, Chantilly, VA
• Vienna Arts Society

Website: http://www.allenpearsonsphotos.com/

Email: allen@allenpearsonsphotos.com
Blog: blog.allenpearsonsphotos.com
http://www.facebook.com/ Allen Pearson’s Photos
www.Twitter.com/AllensPhotos

Special Event at Penn Pikesville THIS WEEKEND

Special Event this Weekend
Join us for Picture It!
at Penn Camera Pikesville
Create better images
Saturday, September 11th from 10am -5pm

- Great Deals for Back to School (savings valid in all stores)
- Canon T1i Kit PALLET SALE: Major savings on this popular digital SLR!
- Meet representatives from top brands
- Free Clean & Check (limit 2 items)
- $50 On-the-Spot Sensor Cleaning: A $25 savings
- Free Mini-Seminars (space is very limited)
- Free Camera Appraisal by our Collectible Camera Expert - let us make you an offer.
- Enter to Win Prizes!

Festival at Woodholme (Next to Trader Joe's)
1809 Reisterstown Road, Pikesvile, MD 21208
401-486-9810

Meet with representatives from:
Canon Video
Tamron
Manfrotto
MAC Group
Inkpress
Lowepro
Tamrac
Sandisk
Think Tank
Black Rapid

Your personal theater on the go – The Nikon Coolpix S1000pj

By Brendan Keenan, Penn Camera Tysons Corner

In the world of point and shoot cameras, consumers might perceive that most look the same, and usually offer like or near identical features, and controls. All too often, companies don't take chances, but go with what has worked in the past, adding a mega pixel or two, and giving last years model new colors and a bigger LCD screen. So how do you really set one or two apart from the bunch? Luckily, Nikon has always managed to find an answer to that question. They had one of the very first Wi-Fi cameras a few years back, a couple years ago they debuted the first point and shoot with built in GPS, and they continue their tradition of design innovation with their latest unique entry, the Coolpix S1000pj; the first camera with a built-in projector.

Of course any camera with a new, unique feature has to prove it is, first and foremost, a good camera. So let’s put the S1000pj through its paces. On the surface it looks and feels much like any other good compact point and shoot. Not too small, and ergonomically comfortable to hold and control. Resolution is 12 megapixels, considered fairly high with current comparable models ranging typically from 10-14 megapixels. The picture detail is certainly sufficient for most people, with image quality remaining high even when the image is cropped or enlarged for bigger prints. Colors are accurate on automatic under varying types of light (a must for those looking for a true point and shoot), and lighting is well controlled, though in low light using one of the dedicated scene modes can make a difference and give a better exposure. Only in those really tricky times though. The flash range is average for this size camera, meaning about 10-12 feet. Overall, it stacks up solidly against even the newest point and shoot cameras on the market.

Nikon doesn’t skimp on the features with this small camera either. It comes equipped with a wide angle 5x optical zoom (28-140mm equivalent) lens for a good range, with Nikon’s VR, or vibration reduction technology, to help counter camera shake. It has Nikon’s now standard set of over a dozen specialized scene modes, for those hard to get pictures. It has a few other new features as well, such as smile shutter, which will actually set the camera to go off when your subject smiles. It can come in handy with kids who are all smiles until you ask for one, and just trying it out usually makes people laugh. It also has a blur warning, which will tell you if the picture is not sharp after it have been taken, giving you the chance to take the picture again. It has one other thing many point and shoot cameras don’t have, which is support for a wireless remote. This can come in handy while taking photos, as well as in the projector mode.

Which brings us to the one truly standout feature on this camera, its projector. The first of its kind, it is deceivingly well-integrated into the camera design. It appears to be just another window or lens on the front of the camera, and when activated, focus can be controlled by using a slider on top of the camera. The projected image is 640x480, or standard VGA resolution, with a brightness of 10 lumens. This is not particularly bright as projectors go, which makes sense - it is built into a small camera. What this means is that it is best suited to use in a dark room, at a range of about 6-8 feet max. This will produce a decent sized image on the wall, and trust me, watching the video you just shot move across the wall (or the ceiling!) is never disappointing. Don’t expect home theater quality, we are talking about a camera here. It makes for a great slideshow in a small room. Want to show off those vacation photos? Now you can just dim the lights.

All things considered, the Nikon Coolpix S1000pj would hold its own against similarly priced cameras with similar specs. Of course, the Nikon has one thing those cameras don’t. If you just love to have something fun, and functional, something you can use all the time, and show off when the time is right, the S1000pj might be just the camera for you. If you never turned on the projector, it would only take good pictures. When you do turn it on, it becomes the center of attention. Nikon may not always do things by the book, but they know cameras and imaging, and they have another winner on their hands.

Photographing Autumn Leaves

By Brendan Keenan, Penn Camera Tysons Corner

One of the most exciting times of year is coming for photographers. Few times of year offer such a unique opportunity to capture wonderful landscapes and scenic shots as in the fall. Particularly in this area, the change in foliage is a truly beautiful event that many photographers want to capture. Here are a few tips on how to get the most out of your shots when photographing the leaves in autumn.

When shooting large vistas, or panoramas, make sure to use a small aperture (high f-stop), to capture as much detail as possible. A wide angle lens is a must have if you want those expansive shots, full of ranging colors. Another great tip is to shoot from a lower angle. This can give a more unique effect than some shots when held at normal height. This is a lot easier with the use of a tripod, which will also come in handy when using available light since you can shoot slower shutter speeds. A long enough exposure can even help you capture the leaves falling, not just the wide variety of colors in the trees.

Close up photography of leaves on the ground, or floating in a puddle can also capture the essence of fall. This is a great time of year to get out into nature and experiment with macro. A brightly colored leaf or two, floating in a puddle that is catching the sun just right can be a beautiful sight, and photograph. If you can't find it in nature, you can always fake it. Spraying leaves with water can give that beads of morning dew effect at any time of day, in any lighting; and if you can't find a puddle, a dark bucket will suffice, provided you crop the frame tightly enough.

Sometimes the sharpest pictures aren't always the best. A winding forest path, with the sun shining through the leaves can be given a dreamy effect with the correct use of soft focus. A special effects lens, a soft filter, even a little breath on the lens can produce this effect. Obviously using a special effects lens like a Lensbaby or a filter is preferable to breathing on your lens or filter, but it's a trick that can work. The effect of selective soft focus that a Lensbaby can give will let you control sharpness very precisely, for some stunning results.

The lighting will change throughout the day, so there will always be ample opportunities if you use the light to your advantage. Experiment with your images, delete what doesn't work, and try to improve on what does. As with everything in photography, practice makes perfect, so try as many different things as possible. Just imagine the possibilities. From a shot up high of an entire valley of vibrant colors, to a single tree on a hillside slowly dropping its leaves for the winter, down to the intricate detail of a single leaf itself, fall provides photographers of all levels the chance to get out, and just have fun with your photographs. For photographers, this is one of the best times of the year to get out and shoot.

To learn more and continue to build your skills, visit our Classes section on PennCamera.com for information on upcoming seminars and classes covering a wide variety of areas.

Ready for Back to School? Essential for Learning the Traditional Art of Photography

By Brendan Keenan, Penn Camera Tysons Corner

Well it's that time of year. The kids, and many college students are getting back to school. While this may be bad news for many students, luckily some subjects are always entertaining for students at almost every level. Of course, photography is very popular, and many students study photography in place of traditional "paint and clay" art classes.

Even with digital photography dominating the future of photography, film is still hanging on strongly (and serving as a great way for students to learn the fundamentals of exposure and camera settings, not to mention printing and composition). Many people study photography at every level every year, and they all need one thing: good prices on the specialty photography goods they will need to complete their assignments. Luckily there is one place you can get all your photography supplies, at discounted prices. That place of course, is Penn Camera.

Whether you are in a beginning class, using manual film cameras and learning to do your own developing in the darkroom, or taking a college level photography or graphic arts class, Penn carries all of the supplies you will need this coming semester. Let's examine what you will need for a beginning photo class, like a high school photography class, from camera, to film and paper, and some other essentials along the way.

For these classes students will need the essentials, since they will be learning the basics. A good film camera, with full manual control will be needed. A 50mm lens is usually all you will need to start. Students may choose to experiment, but in class most photography will be black and white, developed in the darkroom. So of course, you will need plenty of black and white film, as well as paper. Get enough because trust me, at first, there will be a lot of bad exposures. These are all valuable lessons in the long run, but make sure you are fully stocked. Don't wait until the last minute when an assignment is almost due to run to the nearest Penn Camera. You'll need paper and film, as well as developing reels and tanks, negative sleeves, gloves and tongs for use working in the darkroom, and many other things. Your school will probably provide you a grocery list of supplies to pick up, luckily, they are all available at Penn Camera. We are happy to offer student discounts on almost all of these items. Click here for a complete list of student equipment and prices.

Of course we carry all the essentials for college photography too. High end image editing programs, professional grade inkjet printers, papers and inks, and a wide selection of digital cameras, video cameras, and other imaging equipment. This year, make your one stop for back to school Penn Camera. We offer many discounts for students, carry a full selection of basic to advanced photographic and imaging needs, and we will match any local retailers prices on the same item. Good luck this semester, we'll see you soon!

Keeping Your Equipment in Great Shape – Camera Care

By Brendan Keenan, Penn Camera Tysons Corner

While it is all too easy to overlook the importance of proper camera care, it is equally simple to make sure that your camera equipment is being properly cared for. With correct storage and maintenance you can ensure you will be using your digital camera at peak performance for years to come. All you have to do is follow a few simple rules; including using good protective gear, observing proper storage, and performing routine cleaning.

Protection: Your first line of defense in caring for your camera is obviously protecting the camera and each important part, whether it is a lens, the memory card, or even a battery. The two most common things that can damage cameras and equipment are shock or impact damage, and moisture. Shock can be prevented many ways. The easiest is simply to get a good protective case, and properly package all the equipment so that it is padded and well protected. A good strap can keep your camera from falling while you shoot. You should always use protective filters and cases for all lenses as well. If traveling, make your camera bag your carry-on if at all possible. Take proper care when using the camera too. Keep in mind the environments you are shooting in. If the environment is very dusty, for example, or especially humid. Smoke, steam, mist, all of these things can impact your equipment. Any extreme of temperature can affect your equipment as well. If your glasses fog up from changing temperatures quickly, you can bet your exposed lens just did too. Keep your equipment well protected whether you have your camera in hand or not.

Damage Protection Plans: There are as many different things that can go wrong as you can come up with, trust me I've heard every story (and keep hearing new ones), and I have seen the results. One of the best things you can have to protect your equipment is an actual Damage Protection Plan. Manufacturers warranties are very limited, and none will cover damage caused by external forces, such as impact, moisture damage, dog attack, etc. Yes, I've seen cameras that suffered dog attacks. Luckily there are contracts you can purchase to cover just such damage. Penn Camera offers up to three year damage protection plans that are available for everything from a point and shoot or video camera, to a DSLR or other interchangeable lens camera, as well as any lenses, flashes, and some other equipment. In addition to protecting your equipment from accidental damage, they vastly expand the manufacturers coverage of malfunctions and defects as well. For the cost of a few dollars a month, you can enjoy peace of mind knowing that if you do damage your camera, you're covered. Some people won't even take a camera places like the beach for fear of sand, and water, but no one wants to miss a great shot because they're worried about their equipment.

Cleaning: If protection is your first line of defense, maintenance is certainly the next. It isn't enough to just keep your equipment clean; dust can creep onto your image sensor, or into your lens, and will worsen over time, affecting the quality of your images. It is important to have sensor cleanings done on interchangeable lens cameras at least once a year, more often depending on the type of environments that you frequently shoot in. Yes this is true even for the cameras that do automatic in-camera "sensor cleaning"; believe me, that is no substitute for a true cleaning. The best option is to have your equipment professionally serviced, but if you are feeling confident, you can at least tackle sensor cleaning on your own. Penn Camera carries multiple options for home sensor cleaning, and instructions can usually be found in your camera's instruction manual (yes you need to keep that). Keeping the lens clean is just as important, so always make sure there is no dust, or fingerprints, or especially any kind of residual buildup. When you are cleaning a lens, don't use compressed air. Use a soft blower or brush for dust and dirt particles, and a microfiber cleaning cloth or a lens pen on things like fingerprints. When it comes to cleaning, remember the old saying, an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.

Storage: This is where most people are a little more lax caring for their equipment. Many people tuck away their gear in a closet or somewhere convenient and out of the way, and it may sit there for weeks, or months. Where you decide to leave your equipment is important though. Cameras should never be stored anywhere humid or dusty. Temperatures should be neutral, and the environment should be clean. It can be a good idea to leave the desiccant packages that come in your camera bag in, to prevent condensation. You should also not store your digital camera near magnets, or leave the battery in the camera while it is being stored.

With the right protective equipment, and proper camera maintenance and storage, you can keep you camera in great shape for years, and ensure that each picture you take is as good, or hopefully even better than the last one.

Gallery at Springfield: Photographer Bill Hamm

Join us!
Gallery Opening for Photographer Bill Hamm
Penn Camera Springfield
Thursday, September 9th
7pm-8:30pm

Bill Hamm spent his early childhood in a small, rural town in Michigan. He enjoyed the river that flowed through his town, and all that the river had to offer him. Walking home from school he would always find a way to take a detour so that he could walk along the riverbanks and see what he could find. Frogs, fish, birds, baby raccoons, you name it and Bill would find it and bring it home. His back porch on his house was more like a zoo than a back porch. Thus his love of nature was born. On his 8th birthday he received a Kodak Brownie camera. Put the two together and what do you have - a nature photographer.





His father was transferred to Colorado Springs, Colorado for a short time, this gave Bill a chance to fall in love with the Rocky Mountains. Again his father was transferred, this time to Washington DC. This is where Bill finished high school, fell in love, got married, raised his family, and started his automotive repair shop in the Maryland suburbs.

During this time, his high school years, raising his family and starting his business he had no time for hobbies such as nature photography.

Fifteen years ago when his children started graduating from college, getting married and raising their own families, Bill found the time to get out the old Kodak Brownie, dust it off and then realize photography had changed a little since the fifties. He purchased his first Nikon FE from Penn Camera and started snapping away. He joined the Gaithersburg Camera Club and that brought his photography to a higher level.
Bill now shoots with a Nikon D300S and his favorite lens is his Nikon 200 / 400 Zoom and his 600mm for those long shots.

He and his wife love to travel to their “wild” spots. They love Alaska, Denali and Katmai National Parks and Kenai Fjords National Park in the summer. In the fall it is Yellowstone for the elk rut. Late fall it is north to polar bear country, Churchill, Manitoba or if they stay locally they travel to Chincoteague for the snow geese in November. February is time for Florida birds. Springtime is spent in Shenandoah National Park photographing fawns and black bears.

Bill is a past-president and an active board member of the Gaithersburg Camera Club. He organizes and leads photo trips to Yellowstone National Park, Montana, Canaan Valley in West Virginia and Chincoteague.

Bill is working on a wildlife photography website. Hopefully it will be on-line by Thanksgiving.