Informal Challenge Open for Entries the 1st-14th: The Informal Challenge for May is “Eyes”
Informal Challenges are open to all members regardless of experience. Monthly challenges are great ways to participate in low-pressure competitions. If you are new to competitions, it is a wonderful way to get your “feet wet”!
Submissions can be made on the 1st through the 14th day of the month. Voting runs from the 15th through the 21st.. Winners will be announced after the competition closes.
Reminder: when entering an image to the competitions, please do not include your name in the title or on the image (such as a watermark). Our judging is done blind and as such any entries with the photographer’s name will be disqualified.
You can enter your images https://orlandocameraclub.
May 4th, 2026: Monday, 6:30 pm: Interactive SIG meetings: Abstract/Creative and EBA (Everything But Abstract): All Members are Invited: Zoom meeting
The newly restructured SIGs include the Abstract group and Everything But Abstract (EBA) group. Both SIGs are open to all members.
The Abstract SIG is now the Abstract/Creative SIG and will include open-to-all field trips, new education opportunities, new projects and new ways to be more creative. Come join us and find your Creativity.
The EBA (Everything But Abstract) SIG incorporates the Nature and Landscape SIGs. It will be hosted by the members and will include the types of photography subjects that interest them. It includes nature, landscape, street, travel, B&W, infrared, macro –alltypes of photography except Abstract.
We meet on the first Monday of each month, 6:30-8 pm via Zoom.
Register in advance for this meeting: https://us06web.zoom.us/
After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting.
May 5th through May 29th: Formal Competition Entries are open for submission. The Theme is “Flowers”
Entries are due by 11:59 pm on Friday, May 29th.
Competitions are a great way to improve your photography skills! Learn by listening to the judge’s critiques, as well as observing the diverse ideas and styles of photography from fellow members.
Remember, only images that are completely the work of the individual photographer may be submitted. For a complete set of the rules, more information, and to submit your entries, visit the competition area of our website in the Member area (you must be signed in to access the member area).
Reminder: when entering an image to the competitions, please do not include your name in the title or on the image (such as a watermark). Our judging is done blind and as such any entries with the photographer’s name will be disqualified.
Please be aware that any submissions that do not adhere to the rules or are not consistent with the theme may be disqualified.
You can enter your images https://orlandocameraclub.
Good luck!
Monday, May 11th, 6:30 pm: Abstract Floral Photography with Jamie Davidson. All Members are Invited – Zoom Meeting Only
Program Description:
Abstract Floral Photography
In a world where many look for details to be well defined and clear so that one can identify the subject, the world of abstracts is not about being literal but rather interpretive in nature. Abstract floral photography embraces and celebrates colors, shapes, lines, curves and textures more than identity. Learn how to embrace and celebrate the beauty of flowers and let go of its name. In this session, Jamie will share how she immerses in the floral abstracts with soft focus, macro & close-up, Lensbaby & Helios lenses, intentional camera movement and multiple exposures.
Jamie’s Biography:
Jamie Konarski Davidson is an award-winning outdoor & nature photographer with a passion for finding and capturing beauty in all places, from flowers and still life to landscapes, intimate scenes and ordinary places. Her images range from macro and abstracts to intimate, grand and rural landscapes. She embraces an interpretive style in her work through techniques such as infrared, long exposures, ICM, multiple exposures and Lensbaby in the field and creative approaches to interpret in post. As a photographer and visual artist, Jamie is open to experimenting and playing with new techniques. Based in Greenville, NC, Jamie is a Lensbaby Trailblazer and has been a presenter/instructor for Out of Chicago, NANPA, CNPA, PPSNYS, Mike Moats’ Macro Photo Conference and more. She offers programs online and in person to camera clubs and organizations. Her location workshops on the East Coast through New Life Photos offer a wide range of subjects and learning opportunities in beautiful places. Jamie’s goal as an instructor and presenter is to educate, encourage and inspire people to grow in their photography skills with intention and discover their own visual voices.
Learn more at http://www.newlifephotos.
Register in advance for this meeting:
https://us06web.zoom.us/
After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting.
Saturday May 16th, Field Trip to Avian Reconditioning Center
Greetings OCCers!
We are heading back to ARC (Avian Reconditioning Center) in Apopka to photograph raptors! We were there 2 or 3 years ago, and it was a great success! It’s so special to see these raptors up close! There will also be a demonstration of a bird in flight. The website is https://arc4raptors.org/
WHERE: ARC is located at 323 W. Lester Road, Apopka, FL 32712-2276
DATE/TIME: Saturday, May 16th, 2026. [The gate will open at 7:30am, and shooting will begin at 8:00am]
COST: $35.00 per person, which goes to the care and rehabilitation of these beautiful birds.
GEAR: A mid range zoom for the birds up close, and a long zoom lens for the bird in flight, and a tripod.
BRUNCH: Panera Bread: 1538 W. Orange Blossom Trail, Apopka, FL 32712
*****Please be respectful of the photographer behind you so that all may have the opportunity to capture these majestic birds.*****
Space for this outing is limited to minimize stress to the birds. They are looking for a minimum of 10 attendees, and no more than 15, so be sure to RSVP early. If you do RSVP, then have to cancel for some reason, please let Rita and Brian know at fieldtrips@
Please RSVP to: fieldtrips@orlandocameraclub.
Hope you can join us!!
Rita Ritner/Brian Miller
May 18th: Monday, 6:30 pm: Board Meeting
All our Board Members are volunteers and receive training for their positions. Our board meetings are held on Zoom and are open to all members! We would love to have you join us to share your thoughts and ideas or to just observe!
There is a lot that goes on “behind the curtain” at OCC. If you are interested in attending a meeting or becoming part of the Board, please contact president@
So come find out what is going on, hang out with some awesome photo people, and have fun along the way!!
May 25th: Monday — No In Person Meeting as this is Memorial Day and the “unofficial” beginning of Summer 2026
Memorial Day is a federal holiday in the United States for mourning the U.S. military personnel who died while serving in the United States Armed Forces. It is also considered to be the unofficial beginning of summer. Why not post an image on our FaceBook page that reflects what “Summer” means to you?