Quail Creek Photography Club Winners
The monthly Quail Creek Photography Club winners are here! This month, we challenged members to capture the stunning beauty of blooming flowers. The response was overwhelming, with members submitting breathtaking photographs that showcase the incredible diversity and vibrancy of the natural world. Here are the top three winners:
First Place: A Cactus in Close-Up
Larry Hudson took home the top prize with his captivating photograph titled “Cactus Flower.” This close-up shot highlights the vibrant color of the flower against a simple brown background, drawing the viewer’s eye to the delicate details. Larry captured the image using his iPhone 11 ProMax, proving that exceptional photos can be achieved with readily available technology.
“The color of the flower against the simple brown texture” of the pot is what initially caught Larry’s attention while exploring Desert Meadows Park. He utilized a combination of settings – 4.25 mm focal length, f/1.8 aperture, 1/320 sec shutter speed, and ISO 32 – to achieve a crisp and well-lit image without the need for flash.
Second Place: Capturing the Peak Bloom
Tom Cadwalader’s “Showtime” secured the second-place position. This photo showcases a vibrant cactus landscape in full bloom. Tom shared that his visit to Desert Meadows Park coincided perfectly with the peak flowering season, resulting in this awe-inspiring capture.
He utilized a professional setup – a Leica SL3 camera with a 24-70 mm zoom lens set at 70 mm – for this shot. Tom’s settings (f/8 aperture, 1/250 sec shutter speed, ISO 400) ensured a well-exposed image. Additionally, he employed post-processing techniques in Lightroom to enhance the final product.
Third Place: A Serendipitous Encounter
Lois Haglund rounded out the top three with her entry titled “Ladies in Red.” This photograph captures the beauty of a cactus adorned with vibrant red flowers. Interestingly, Lois didn’t have her camera on hand but seized the opportunity using her Samsung Galaxy S9+ smartphone.
While volunteering at the Animal League of Green Valley, Lois stumbled upon this stunning sight. She describes the cactus as “in all its glory,” with the flowers at their peak bloom. The perfect timing resulted in a captivating image with the following settings: 6 mm focal length, f/2.4 aperture, 1/640 sec shutter speed, and ISO 32.
About the Photography Club of Quail Creek
The Photography Club of Quail Creek offers an engaging community for photography enthusiasts of all skill levels. They host monthly photo contests with specific themes, allowing members to explore different creative avenues. Photos must be taken within the last 13 months with minimal post-processing. Winners are chosen by a panel of esteemed judges.
For those seeking more artistic freedom, the club also hosts quarterly challenges with extensive post-processing permitted. These challenges encourage experimentation and creative expression, with winners determined by club member votes.
Regular meetings are held on the second Wednesday of each month at 7:00 PM in the Kino Conference Center’s Mesquite Room. Additionally, the club organizes occasional field trips and educational workshops to enhance members’ photographic skills and knowledge.
Join Us!
Whether you’re a seasoned photographer or just starting your journey, the Photography Club of Quail Creek welcomes all Quail Creek residents to join their community. Visit their website or check the HOA’s “What’s Happening” section for more information. Get clicking and join the fun!
Contributions by Bruce Hartsell
Quail Creek: A Haven in Green Valley
Nestled in the picturesque Sonoran Desert foothills, Quail Creek offers breathtaking mountain views and a vibrant community brimming with opportunities. Quail Creek is more than just a place to live; it’s a place to thrive. Located in Green Valley, this engaging community welcomes 55+ residents to discover a life filled with purpose, connection, and endless possibilities. Visit or contact us today to learn more!