Member Bios
Jill Attaway
I began my photography journey like most people - capturing images of my family, friends, and travel memories. I soon became more passionate to learn and explore the world around me with my camera.
My first DSLR was a crop sensor format - Canon's 60D. I now use a 5D Mark IV which I've owned for 1.5 years and am still learning its functionality.
Photography allows me to be creative, continue to learn, and challenge myself in capturing life - from the everyday to the spectacular.
I've been an adjunct faculty member for the University of Wisconsin Consortium MBA program since January 2016 after retiring from Illinois State University. I'm currently teaching one of the core courses titled, Developing New Products & Services as well as a capstone course, Refining Your Plan for Success. I live in Central Illinois and enjoy traveling, cooking & finding the perfect bottle of wine to serve with dinner.
Marilyn Ross
I retired in 2004 after working as a computer scientist in the federal aviation administration system. I got my first SLR camera in 2010 and am still learning the fine aspects of it. I have been working on my skills for the past three years trying to improve both the camera and post processing. I currently own Photoshop CS5.
I truly enjoy photography, loving the creativity involved. I now see objects in an entirely new way. I find it fascinating but challenging as well. I currently belong to a camera club and joined PSA to improve my photography by learning from such a talented group.
Group Admin
Richard Stauber
I have been interested in photography from a young age when I watched my Dad develop film and create prints with a Beseler enlarger in his basement darkroom. My first SLR was Asahi Pentax Spotmatic (~1973) which served me well for many years until digital. With the evolution digital, I purchased several models as desirable new features were added but none were SLR until 2014 when I got a mirrorless Sony A6000. I upgraded to Sony A7iii in 2020 and I'm quite pleased with it.
Santosh Kumar Balekari
I love capturing moments and am deeply enthusiastic about photography. My passion began when my parents bought our first camera, a Yashica MF2, in 1994. Since then, I've been captivated by photography, finding joy in every image captured and fueling my curiosity further. I particularly enjoy capturing subjects in their natural environment, embodying the essence of naturalism in photography.
Currently, I am honing my skills through photography as a member of the Shutter Bugs Creative Forum in Dubai. I have a keen interest in landscapes, cityscapes, street photography, and portraiture.
Julia Parrish
I grew up in Virginia with a long career in retail management and information systems. The last 10 years were spent designing and developing applications for the Army and DoD. I moved to South Carolina in 2017 and retired in 2018. I live in an over 55 community with a very active and talented photography club. I have taken lots of classes and joined critique groups. I am a novice who is enjoying this hobby so much. I especially enjoy the nature and wildlife of the low country and combine my nature walks with photography. I also enjoy genealogy and still do some web development.
Jacqueline Murphy
Bio Coming Soon . . .
Oleg Mamaev
My name is Oleg
My first camera was "Zenith E" with "Helios 44-2" lens (58 mm f/2) - very famous kit from the USSR. It was camera of my father...
Next camera was "Zenith 11" with "Helios 44M" lens - next generation of Zenith's models. I bought this camera myself. It was nice kit!
Unfortunately, that camera broke down and I couldn't to repair it.
After that were some point-and-shoot cameras...
Nowadays I have Canon EOS 600D and small set of nice lenses.
I like manual lenses - old and modern. These lenses have own spellbinding spirit... But I also have autofocused lenses and even use them sometimes. I like to take photos calmly and slowly, thinking about each shot. And I prefer not to use photoshopping and other digital special effects. Just lenses, filters and camera - they are enough! Often unique but little-known lenses and filters can discover new creative horizons.
My favorite genres are scientific photography and macro photography, portrait and landscape photography.
I will be happy to share my creativity and hear advice on how to make these photos even better.
I'm sorry for my English. But I'm learning it and I hope it will get better soon.
P.S. I am not the only one in my family who likes taking photos. Fortunately, my wife has the same hobby, so we use the same Instagram page.
You can see my work on: Instagram page of me and my wife