March 2014 Meeting Notes

 Business Meeting

Welcome: Mary Ann Kurtz welcomed all members and introduced four guests. More members than last month noted signs of spring. There were a few grumbles about possible snow flakes to come.

Plant Sale May 17, Saturday, 9 a.m. to noon: Mary Ann stressed the importance of the plant sale.  Bring plants to Northmont U.P. Church by 7:30 a.m.  Please label the plant and note its color, light needs, size, and if you have a picture of the bloom, please attach.  This is our only fund raiser and all members are encouraged to contribute in some way to ensure our success.  Each member should bring 10 or more 4-6” pots for the sale. This size sells the best and is priced accordingly; $2.00 - $5.00.  Our customers want good looking, healthy perennials so you must divide your plants at least 2-3 weeks before the sale.  Since this is our only moneymaker, it needs to be publicized. Add the sale to your Facebook page, tell your friends and give out flyers.

Other: Received thank you from Western Pennsylvania Conservancy for LAGC donation. Esther, Rose Mary and Claudia were thanked for LAGC blog updates.

Announcements: Thanks to Chunnie Bussinger for dessert and Rose Mary Highman for the arrangement. 

Program

The Digital Camera in the Garden, Tips for Flower Pics:  Bill Goff introduced speaker John Kendelhardt from Premier Imaging at Northway Mall and Monroeville.  John, a professional photographer for over 10 years, used stunning photos to illustrate his presentation pointers. Classes are offered at Premier for those wanting more instruction.

Take home points:

·        Use the Macro mode on point and shoot cameras for close-ups

·        Watch the weather—best photos are on bright, overcast days

·        If windy,  and not after artistic blur, use a clamp on stem

·        Use a tripod and delay timer to prevent shaking

·        Change your perspective—is a shot from below better

·        Use the 1/3 rule, place subject 1/3 from edge rather than centered

·        Is vertical format better for the shot you want

·        Use contrasting backgrounds

·        Spray a little water (dew drops) for more interest

·        Take your time, the better the original exposure, the better the photo

Next meeting: April 22, “Culinary Herbs”

Submitted by:  Rose Mary Highman