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Join us for our First Wednesday Monthly Meeting with San Diego-based photographer Krisztina Scheeff!
Called the ‘Grebe Whisperer’ by many of her students and fellow photographers, professional wildlife and nature photographer Krisztina Scheef has spent years studying and photographing grebes on Lake Hodges in San Diego County. The unique mating behavior of grebes, rushing, is one of the most photographed of all animal behaviors. Krisztina will take you on a photographic journey into the world of grebes and provide details on why and how they ‘walk on water’ to find a mate. Krisztina will also share stunning photographs of some of her other wildlife favorites.
About Krisztina:
Based in San Diego, CA, Krisztina Scheeff is an award-winning and professional nature photographer. Recognized for her photographic work in the National Audubon Society as well as a finalist in the prestigious Wildlife Photograph of the Year competition, Krisztina’s photos have been published in magazines and articles around the world, including National Geographic, Wild Planet Photo Magazine, California 101, San Diego Audubon Society, American Wild Magazine, Birders Digest, Marine Conservation Magazine – UK, North American Nature Photography Association, and more. They have also been featured in Art Shows and Galleries around the country.
Krisztina operates a successful business leading Photography Workshops and tours to Scotland (Puffins), Ireland, the Galapagos Islands, Costa Rica, Ecuador, Hungary, Bosque del Apache, Grand Teton NP, and more. She also leads workshops for Bird Festivals around the country and presents at various events.
Krisztina spent years studying and photographing the Rushing Grebes. She now guides her clients at Lake Hodges in San Diego to experience this amazing behavior and capture their own photos. She is known as the “Grebe Whisperer,” as their clients like to call her. In 2023 she was the Field Assistant and Grebe Expert filming the Courtship of Grebes with the BBC Natural History Unit. The show titled “The Secret Lives of Animals” episode #8 features her and her work, streaming on Apple TV.
One of the unique features of Darkroomers is our commitment to printing and sharing our photographs for monthly critique and exhibition. A beautifully matted and mounted print can elevate your work, but mastering this skill, especially if you plan to cut your own mats, takes practice and the right tools.
To support our members in this process, we host an Annual Matting and Mounting Workshop, where you’ll learn the art of creating custom mats and mounting your prints using archival tools and techniques. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or just starting out, this workshop offers valuable hands-on learning and an opportunity to connect with fellow members.
What to Bring:
- Mat Cutter (if you own one): If you don’t have a mat cutter, this is the perfect chance to explore what others use and try before you invest.
- Uncut Mat Board (16×24 recommended): Bring enough to practice and complete your project.
- Printed Photograph: Ready to mat and mount.
- Adhesives and Tools: Any supplies you typically use or want to learn with.
This workshop is a must for all members, both new and experienced. It’s a great way for long-term members to share their expertise and for newer members to gain confidence in matting and mounting.
NOTE: This is a members-only event. Not a member? Click here for more information and to join Darkroomers!
Let’s refine our craft together and ensure our prints are exhibition-ready!
Members and their guests along with Judges from our year end competition look back on the year and celebrate our accomplishments and recognize those that have excelled in individual categories and hand out awards to those who have won ribbons in our annual event. This is a gala event not to be missed.
This is a pre-paid RSVP in advance event. Members must RSVP no later than February 12th and there is a strict limit of 30 at this event.Entree selections will be made at dinner service.
Social activities begin at 1p in the Bar while luncheon will begin at 2p
The meeting will start promptly at 7 pm, but we’ll open the building at 6 pm for setup and social hour.
Join us for our Monthly Critique Night!
Our judge for Feburary will be Stephen Burns.
Members bring prints for critique on the third Wednesday of each month. Prints accepted by the Judge will hang for up to 2 months in the Photographic Arts Building gallery.
Visitors are welcome, however, submitting images for critique is available for members only. If you’d like more information about joining Darkroomers, please check out our membership page and email us if you have any questions.
About Stephen
Stephen Burns is a digital artist, photographer, educator, and author who has spent over 30 years exploring the intersection of photography and digital art. With a deep passion for creativity, his influences range from the great Abstractionists and Surrealists—including Jackson Pollock, Wassily Kandinsky, Pablo Picasso, and Mark Rothko—to the evolving world of digital media.
As an Adobe Educational Leader (AEL), Stephen has dedicated the past 23 years to teaching and corporate training in digital art and design. He is the president of the San Diego Photoshop Users Group, which boasts a membership of over 5,000 creatives. His expertise extends beyond Photoshop, incorporating 3D animation, digital video special effects, and photographic techniques.
Stephen’s fine art has been exhibited internationally in prestigious venues such as the Durban Art Museum in South Africa, Citizens Gallery in Yokohama, Japan, and the CECUT Museum in Mexico, among others. His work has earned top honors, including 1st place in the Seybold International Digital Arts Contest.
As an educator, he leads digital manipulation workshops in San Diego and teaches at institutions like Golden West College and Otis College of Art & Design. He is also a prominent instructor for Photoshop Café, producing in-depth educational content on Adobe applications.
Stephen is the author of multiple books on digital creativity, including:
• 3D Photoshop for Creative Professionals
• The Art of Poser & Photoshop
• Photoshop CS Trickery & FX (and advanced editions through CS5)
• The Art of Poser Pro & Photoshop CS4
His teaching style is known for making complex digital techniques intuitive and accessible. Whether leading workshops, writing instructional books, or exhibiting his work, Stephen is committed to pushing the boundaries of digital creativity and helping others unlock their artistic potential.
Learn more about Stephen at chromeallusion.com.