Calendar

Join us for a special Member Spotlight featuring Dennis Miller, an award-winning toy photographer whose artistry brings small-scale illusions to life through visual storytelling with action figures.

Dennis’s journey into photography is as unique as his creations. Growing up as an only child with Cerebral Palsy, he found joy and inspiration in the toys and stories of the ’80s and ’90s. Today, he channels that love into creating high-quality toy art designed to reconnect us with the magic of play and the child within.

An active member of the Articulated Comic Book Art community since 2015, Dennis has made significant contributions to the toy photography world, including co-creating the 50-week online contest Figure Photo Fight in 2020. His work is a staple in local art scenes, showcased in juried exhibitions like the San Diego County Fair and the Small Image Show at Gallery 21, as well as themed art events at venues such as the San Diego Japanese Friendship Garden, Thumbprint Gallery, and the Comic-Con Museum. Dennis has also proudly displayed his work at the Official Comic-Con Art Show for the past two years.

Dennis’s commitment to inclusivity and creativity extends to his partnerships with organizations like Art Hang and Mal Bicho Collective, and his workshops for Revision San Diego and Outside the Lens, which empower artists with developmental disabilities.

Prepare to be captivated by Dennis’s extraordinary ability to blend nostalgia, humor, and inclusivity into his toy art creations. Don’t miss this opportunity to meet the artist behind the magic and experience his work firsthand.

www.dennismiller.photography | @DENXMEDIA

CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP (MEMBERS ONLY)

Join the Darkroomers Photographic Club for an exciting day of action photography at the Galway Downs Horse Trials, where you’ll capture the elegance, precision, and thrill of the Olympic sport of eventing.

SIGN-UP REQUIRED (CLICK HERE) – This event is for Darkroomers members only, with a maximum of 10 attendees.

What is Eventing?

Eventing is an equestrian triathlon that combines three disciplines:

•Dressage: Showcasing the graceful partnership between horse and rider.

•Show Jumping: Demonstrating precision over a course of fences.

•Cross Country: Testing bravery and endurance through solid obstacles and varied terrain.

Tentative Schedule for the Day

•8:00 AM: Meet at Galway Downs entrance for orientation.

•8:00 AM: Dressage (M, T, N, BN, S).

•10:30 AM: Show Jumping (A CT, M, T, N, BN, S).

•1:00 PM: Cross-Country (I/P).

Levels of Difficulty (easiest to hardest):

•BN: Beginner Novice

•N: Novice

•T: Training

•M: Modified

•P: Preliminary

•I: Intermediate

•A: Advanced

We’ll photograph a variety of events throughout the day, so bring your camera gear and be ready to move around the grounds to capture the best angles. Please be respectful of the onsite photographer, Tina Fitch, and avoid interfering with her work.

Location:

Galway Downs

38801 Los Corralitos Rd, Temecula, CA

Prepare for a day filled with action, beauty, and the challenge of photographing these incredible athletes. Don’t miss this opportunity to practice your skills and experience the thrill of equestrian eventing!

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!