Member Bios
Dean Ginther
Dean W. Ginther was born in Chicago; graduated from DePauw University and the University of Illinois and spent most of his career in higher education in the Texas A&M University System and at Capella University in Minneapolis. He is a past member of Rotary, a certified glider and single engine aircraft pilot, a certified SCUBA diver, a "retired" motorcycle safety instructor for the Motorcycle Safety Foundation, and a certified Master Gardener.
His current interests and activities include bicycling, table tennis, pickle ball, science fiction, boat building and woodworking, motorcycle riding and motorcycle safety, computers, vintage cars, gardening, and, of course, photography. His most frequent photographic subjects are nature and scenic photography, although his photography also captures other opportunities. His first SLR cameras were Nikon F's. Back then, he developed both color and bw film and prints in a basement darkroom. Today his digital cameras include a Pentax K-1 and Panasonic LX100 and he employs Photoshop, Lightroom, Topaz, Photoshop Raw Editor, Photomatix, Affinity, and Nik software for post processing. He resides with his wife near Rapid City, Michigan on Elk Lake in the summers and Georgetown, TX in the winters. He and his wife have two sons, both engineering graduates of Texas A&M University, and four grandchildren. He can be contacted at dean.ginther@gmail.com and some of his photography can be seen at http://dean-ginther.pixels.com/.
Patrick Brosnan
Exploration is the best word for what motivates me. I enjoy nature both above and below the waterline.
I call New England home and a lot of time over the years living and exploring Maine. Living closer to Boston but not too far from the White Mountains or the rocky sea shore. I have worked the NECCC Amherst Council Conference as a 'Red Shirt' equipment committee member for over 15 seasons. I was VP of Technology for the PPA of Massachusetts for 5 years. Which explains why I have so many presentations running around in my head. I still struggle to put all the ideas into practical application. Greater Lynn Photographic Association is my home club and I am actively competing there in Class B. I was the kid walking around with a Yashica camera taking snapshots my Senior year of HS.
My most recent pursuits focus on wildlife and SCUBA. I am a Canon user with a R5 as my go to body. I try to grab video vignettes when the sound and motion are key elements of the story. Patrick Brosnan MNEC
http://pbrosnanphoto.com
Debbie Chasolen
I picked up my first point and shoot film camera in 1979, and I have had a love affair with photography ever since. I converted to a DSLR in 2018, mirrorless in 2019. I love documenting the world as I see it. I will photograph anything that speaks to me, landscape, small details in everyday objects and nature, pets, and people out and about on the street. Photography is like meditation for me, when I am out walking the streets and photographing, I am truly living in the moment.
You can see my work on: Nature, General Photography and Street Photography and Portfolio
Group Admin
Damon Williams
I’m from San Diego, where I spent most of my youth. I joined the military in the early nineties, and subsequently other parts of the government, and so have lived all over the U.S. (including Hawaii), and a several parts of the globe. I’m married, and currently living in a small town on the opposite side of the Puget Sound from Seattle, Washington. Our outdoors is truly majestic around here, and if you’re willing to do it wet, there’s something to do outside all year long.
I’ve been carrying a camera around with me for 35 years, but had never had any formal training, until I finished the PSA Individual Photography course with David Halgrimson recently. My interest and seriousness have progressed gradually, over the course of the last…12 years or so. I was encouraged to submit to a local, county fair, here in Washington, in 2018, which was encouraging. It inspired me to join a local camera club, which brought me here to PSA, to Digital Dialogues, and to you!
John Meiers
Retired 5 years now. First half of life raised on a farm. Since then, have had a variety of jobs with the final 9 years prior to retirement spent as a manufacturing technician for Northrop Grumman. First start with photography was with early film cameras back in the early 70's. Mainly family pictures. Got first DSLR (Nikon D3100) about 8 years ago. No major photography awards other than from local camera club competitions. Member of Minot Camera Club Minot ND. Married 40+ years with 5 grandchildren. Enjoy most types of photography. Use mostly Nikon cameras and lenses. Member of the Nikonians, an online organization for Nikon users.
Anne Sandler
Closing my part-time writing business and facing retirement at age 70, in 2013, I turned to photography to keep my brain and body exercised and have fun. I have not been disappointed. I have grown in my ability by reading tutorials and asking lots of questions of other photographers. Through this hobby, I've met many wonderful people, formed a senior photography group and learned so much about my home area Sacramento, California. Currently, Lightroom is my main processing program with Topaz and NIK software as trusty plugins. I do use Photoshop for taking out unwanted stuff and sky replacement when needed. Groups I belong to: Sierra Camera Club, Sacramento, and Lens-Artists Challenge, an online group. I'm also in DSG group #25.
I'm a wife, mother, grandmother, and great grandmother.
You can see my work on: Slow Shutter Speed Blog
Rita Johnston
I am Rita Ellison Johnston. I have lived and worked in Texas most of my life, and now live in Georgetown, Texas for 8 months of the year. The summer months we live by Port Townsend, WA and greatly enjoy the Pacific NW from May to September. We moved to Georgetown, Tx and Sun City 5 years ago to join with other retirees who have similar interests.
While working I always did travel photography on vacations, but got more interested in nature and bird photography while traveling in Florida in 2016. When we moved to Sun City, I joined the Sun City Photography Club, and have been active in it for the last 5 years. I have learned so much! I participate in the Annual Competition, PSA Digial, PSA Print, and PSA Nature interest groups through the club. I've served on the Board and volunteer in activities to give back.
My two cameras are the Sony RX10iv (24-600mm) and the iphone 13 Pro Max. Previously used Nikon cameras, but I like the ease and versatility of my current cameras. I like to photograph nature, wildlife, birds, people, landscapes, and anything I find interesting and different. Looking forward to participating in this group!