Photography Group
We are a self-directed group of AOPR members who create, enjoy and explore photography as both art and form of expression. We share our enthusiasm and curiosity about photography through activities open to all members of AOPR.
Events
Themed Meetups
We set a theme every other month and invite our members to create and upload images on that theme. These images are visible to all for comment and inspiration. Then we meet - usually online - to discuss selected images, beginning with a lightening round of five minutes for a single image from each attendee. We pick a new theme for the next session in two months time.
Current Theme
Café Stories (Sep-Oct 2025)
Zoom Meeting October 30, 2025. 6-8pm
Zoom link for tonight's meeting is
https://us06web.zoom.us/j/87309312394?pwd=vZcj4XIpWgSvh5t90lczaovzCbcLtD.1
Theme and meeting host: Ward Bell
The "Café Stories" Theme
We are looking for images - set in a café, bar or restaurant - that inspire stories.
The ideal image captures a pivotal moment in a story. It's not certain what that story is; there is no obvious reading. But there clearly is a story being told and some viewers think they know what that story is; they want to tell the story; they have answers to questions such as ...
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Who are the people in the story?
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What brought them here?
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How do they know each other?
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How do they feel about each other?
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What are they doing or saying?
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How will they feel later?
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What will they do next? Why?
As their minds race backward and forward, suddenly they realize that they have been in this story themselves - or something like it. Maybe they were one of these people, faced similar choices, felt the same comfort or anxiety. Do they feel regret? Could they have done differently? What then?
Discussion Flow
The meeting to discuss these images will run a little differently.
We still have a lightning round with 5 minutes per artist. The artist selects a primary image and asks the group "what is the story?".
The artist may not say what the story is. At most, the artist may suggest a title to spur the group in a direction.
You may not answer questions about the story. You may not answer questions about how you composed the shot, your techniques, your inspirations. The group agrees not to tell you that it's a lovely image. The aesthetics are worth talking about later but not at this moment.
How do I know I have a good image?
The success of your image in this forum depends entirely upon how the group responds.
This is a collaboration between you and the group. You provide the image; they provide the story. If you hear only banalities, you know that you've missed; move on to the next image. If the group is talking over itself, each member trying to tell its version of the story or amplify another's story, you know that you have a hit.
You may want to preview your image with a friend or two before the meeting to see if it generates the kind or interest and response that you are hoping for.
Why set in a "café"?
In truth, the café setting is an arbitrary constraint, intended to drive you into the arms of your camera. While a café is preferred, any food-and-drink setting is acceptable.
You might already have a good story-photograph that you could pluck from your personal library. I doubt that you have a café story in your portfolio. To contribute to this theme gallery, you'll probably have to create an image while the strictures of this theme are at the top of mind.
You might find the perfect image in a surreptitious candid shot; lucky you! But it might be more fun and effective to stage the shot with friends as actors.
This is a difficult assignment. Fortunately, it's equally difficult for both the amateur and professional photographer. Camera skills and aesthetics always important. But they are not the focus of the discussion at this meetup.
After the lightning round
It would be great to discuss how this assignment did or did not work for you. Does this approach bear repeating or never again.
Inspirations
Many images inspired this theme, starting with Vermeer's "Mistress and Maid". I've collected a few of them on a separate page with my thoughts on how they demonstrate an aspect of story telling we hope to pursue in this theme.
AOPR Photographers Exhibitions
Jackie Mucha & Carol Gray at the Point Richmond Post Office
May 12 - July 7, 2025
Bay Area Resources
Our Bay Area offers many photography resources including
Contact
Our group is self-directed with no formal membership or leaders. Every activity is suggested and hosted by someone who has the joy and energy to make it happen. That someone could be you!
For general questions about meetings and procedures, you can email Ward Bell (wardbell@gmail.com) or Sharon Taylor-Ward.