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For more than half a century, Bernard Mendoza has captured the beauty and complexity of everyday life through his lens. In Seeing With New Eyes, Bernard shares the evolving perspective of a photographer whose world has become smaller in size—but deeper in meaning. As his physical mobility has slowed, his creative vision has sharpened, drawing him closer to the often-overlooked moments and quiet stories that unfold nearby.
This heartfelt and visually rich presentation will explore how limitations can lead to unexpected inspiration, and how photography remains a powerful medium for storytelling, connection, and reflection. With wisdom shaped by decades of work and recognition from some of the world’s most esteemed institutions, Bernard invites us to slow down, look again, and discover the extraordinary in the ordinary.
About Bernard
For over 55 years, Bernard Mendoza has used photography as his voice—an expressive medium that transcends language and connects people through shared human experience. Growing up in post-World War II England, Bernard dreamed of becoming a writer, inspired by tales of Roy of the Rovers, Biggles, and Rudyard Kipling. However, navigating dyslexia at a time when it was scarcely understood made traditional storytelling difficult. Photography became his way of communicating—his tool for telling meaningful, visual stories that resonate universally.
Bernard’s work is deeply rooted in the belief that life is composed of fleeting sensations and moments of consciousness. His photographs honor the beauty of ordinary existence—capturing people and places not for their fame or spectacle, but for their authenticity and individuality. From Hasidic Jewish communities in New York to revitalized neighborhoods in East Los Angeles, Bernard has chronicled lives with empathy, nuance, and a profound sense of respect.
His work has been exhibited internationally and honored by institutions such as the National Portrait Gallery (UK and Scotland), The Royal Photographic Society, The Museum of Fine Arts Houston, and Lincoln Center in New York. His photographs are also part of public and private collections including the City of Denver’s Art in Public Places and the Dolph Briscoe Center for American History.
Bernard is the recipient of numerous awards, including two portraiture grants from the John Kobal Foundation, a fellowship from the Colorado Council on the Arts, and support from Steven Spielberg’s Righteous Persons Foundation. His work has appeared in publications such as the University of Michigan Quarterly Review, the M.I.L.K. book series (Family, Love, and Friendship), and Art Directors Index to Photographers.
Through photographic essays like From Generation to Generation, Veya en Paz, The Projects are Dead, Long Live the Projects, and Benches, Bernard continues to document the world with curiosity, compassion, and an unwavering commitment to telling stories that matter.
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 June will be Roy Ang.
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 Roy
Roy has been a professional photographer since the mid-1980s. He has done portrait, wedding, event, commercial, and landscape photography. His clients have included NBC Studios, the US Coast Guard, and airports. Due to his level of security clearance, he has been one of the few photographers with access to airport runways and lighthouses throughout the US. Recently, Roy has been engaged with overseas wildlife conservation organizations by providing hybrid source imagery. He is an experienced photography instructor and enjoys teaching surf imaging techniques.
Ready to take control of your lighting and elevate your portrait photography? Join us for a hands-on workshop led by San Diego Portrait Club member Dan Graham, covering the fundamentals of Off-Camera Flash (OCF)—perfect for photographers who want to shape light and create dynamic, professional-quality images.
We’ll begin by breaking down the gear—triggers, strobes, sync speeds, and High-Speed Sync (HSS)—and then move into practical techniques for creating controlled studio-style lighting, even in daylight.
You’ll learn essential lighting patterns including Butterfly, Loop, Rembrandt, Split, and Clamshell, and how to use key, fill, and rim lighting to build depth and dimension. We’ll also explore short vs. broad lighting, using a higher light angle to mimic natural light, and the classic three-point lighting setup for professional portraiture.
Whether you’re brand new to flash or looking to build confidence with your off-camera lighting skills, this workshop is for you.
📅 Registration opens June 8, 2025, at 10:00 AM
💵 $20 per person (model compensation fee)
From Passion to Profits: How to Easily Sell Your Photographs
Selling your photos doesn’t have to be overwhelming or risky. In fact, for many, it is an enjoyable and achievable way to supplement income or even build a sustainable business. The key is knowing certain creative techniques and specific learnable skills, which we’ll explore in this session.
Whether you’re just curious about selling your work, considering your first sale, or looking to expand your existing efforts, this session will provide practical, down-to-earth insights. We’ll explore how to identify the right buyers, showcase what makes your images unique, understand the basics of pricing, and utilize simple tools to share your work and profit from your passion.
Additionally, we’ll delve into effective communication strategies, helping you connect with potential buyers and build trust—whether you’re communicating in writing or verbally. Understanding different buyer communication styles can make a significant difference in turning interest into sales.
To support your progress, two e-tutorials will be available to attendees: one focused on designing your action plan and the other on mastering effective communication. These resources are offered at a special club discount for those interested in furthering their education and enhancing their success.
About Char Webster
Char Webster is an award-winning photographer, digital artist, author, speaker, and trainer. She is known for simplifying complex techniques into clear, actionable steps, helping others develop their skills and confidently achieve their goals.
An avid adventurer, Char’s photography has taken her to diverse locations—including Alaska, Africa, Australia, China, India, and Europe—enriching both her personal journey and professional work. She specializes in artistic composites, transforming images into one-of-a-kind works of art that her clients enjoy.