About us
WELCOME to the Southeastern Photographic Society Meetup page.
Click here to go to the SPS website where you will find everything you need to know about us.
Click here to join or renew your SPS membership. Note: Signing up on the SPS Meetup page does not make you an SPS member. SPS members pay dues to engage in many activities that are unavailable to guests who simply sign up on the SPS MeetUp page.
The Southeastern Photographic Society (SPS) is a registered non-profit Atlanta-based community of photographers established in 1976 to help members learn the skills for creating great images and sharing them with others.
We use Meetup to announce all of our events, so please look below to see what is coming up.
Thanks for visiting us here on Meetup.
Upcoming events
3
The Ins and Outs of Flower Photography
Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Atlanta, 2650 N Druid Hills Rd, Atlanta, GA, USThe Ins and Outs of Flower Photography
Almost everyone enjoys photographing flowers — especially during spring! Here in Atlanta, we're lucky to have a long blooming season with so many beautiful subjects to capture. But sometimes what you see and what the camera captures aren't quite the same thing.
And what about those chilly months when little is blooming outdoors? Shooting purchased flowers indoors is one of the easiest ways to keep your camera clicking when you'd rather stay warm inside.
Debra Mercaldo will present what she does to create flower portraits in the best and the worst conditions. You’ll learn: How to approach a flower to capture its best angle and preserve the feeling it offers. What tools and techniques offer better lighting and composition. How can textures be used (including ones you've shot yourself!) to enhance a flower's natural beauty. And finally, how the approach changes when photographing flowers indoors.Join us on Tuesday, April 21st as Debra shares her tricks and tips for turning flowers into beautiful portraits — indoors and out.
Come join us and bring questions! We'd love to see you there.Please note:
Our April 21st Learnshop will be IN PERSON.
***SPS has three standing meetings each month for its members and guests. The First Friday meeting features an outside speaker and a members’ image competition. While competition entries at these monthly meetings are restricted to currently paid-up members, we ALWAYS welcome visitors interested in photography to attend. The Learnshops (fourth Tuesdays) and Coffee & Critique (second Saturdays) are intended for members, but again, we welcome visitors. If you attend regularly, we ask that you help support the club (which pays for the rental of the facilities, supplies, and equipment) by becoming a member!
Signing up on the SPS Meetup page does not make you an SPS member. SPS members pay dues to engage in many activities that are unavailable to guests who only sign up on the SPS MeetUp.
To find out more about SPS visit:
www.spsatlanta.org
To become a member, visit:
www.join.spsatlanta.org47 attendees
Color Theory for Photographers
Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Atlanta, 2650 N Druid Hills Rd, Atlanta, GA, USDoes it matter what colors we use in our photographs? If we are taking natural photos of our subjects do we have any control over the colors in them? Is it okay to manipulate the colors in an image? Is there a line between photography and art?
In this session we will explore the ways that humans perceive color, what color combinations work well together and the emotional responses we tend to have as a result.Please consider entering our Digital Competition - The theme is Dramatic Lighting - Subject enhanced by back, above, below or side lighting. See below for more information.
About Thomas Yackley: Thomas is a nature photographer, workshop leader, and digital artist. Digital photo painting, compositing, and multiple exposure are among his favorite techniques. The natural world is a major theme in his images. Besides shooting landscapes and wildlife, Tom enjoys teaching photography and post-processing techniques and leading workshops in the Smoky Mountains and in Cypress swamps with business partner Ben Ayling (www.naturephotoworkshops.com). Tom is a member of Georgia Nature Photographers Association, Southeastern Photographic Society, North American Nature Photographers Association, and Professional Photographers of America. He is a frequent presenter for GNPA chapter meetings and other photo clubs. His award-winning photos have been displayed in galleries throughout the United States. He has over thirty years high school music teaching experience and a dozen years teaching photography. His photo work is available at www.thomasyackley.com. In addition to visual art, Tom and his wife, Robin are Co-Artistic Directors of the Alpharetta Community Chorus and lead the Park Place Social Singers. Tom conducted the Alpharetta Community Chorus in Carnegie Hall in June, 2024.
Please note:
- This month’s meeting will be in-person, at our regular meeting location, the Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Atlanta at 2650 N. Druid Hills Road, NE.
- The presentation may be recorded and made available after the meeting. If recorded, the recording will be posted as soon as possible after the meeting, and a link will be emailed to all SPS members.
- This month’s competition is DIGITAL, and the theme is “Dramatic Lighting.” By entering the monthly competition, you will have the opportunity to receive feedback about your image from a professional photographer.
- Entries are limited to TWO per paid member - one Color and one B&W.
- Please see competition rules for more information.
- The deadline for submissions is 9:00 PM on Wednesday, April 29, 2026.
- Competition entries are to be sized appropriately, and files are to be re-named using the SPS naming convention: Firstname Lastname - Title of Image.
- Photos must have been taken within 48 months of the competition date.
- All are welcome for the presentation, but competition entries will be limited to paid SPS members only.
- Digital entries are to be uploaded to the links below:
- Black & White images: SPS Black & White Monthly Submissions
- Color images: SPS Color Monthly Submissions
***
SPS has three standing meetings each month for its members and guests. The First Friday meeting features a guest speaker and a members’ image competition. While competition entries at these monthly meetings are restricted to current dues-paying members, we ALWAYS welcome visitors interested in photography to attend. The Learnshops (Fourth Tuesdays) and Coffee & Critique (Second Saturdays) are intended for members, but again, we welcome visitors. If you attend regularly, we ask that you help support the club (which pays for the rental of the facilities, supplies and equipment) by becoming a member!
Signing up on the SPS Meetup page does not make you an SPS member. SPS members pay dues to engage in many activities that are unavailable to guests who only sign up on the SPS MeetUp.To find out more about SPS, visit:
www.spsatlanta.orgTo become a member, visit:
www.join.spsatlanta.org26 attendees
Gibbs Gardens Wildflower Garden
Gibbs Gardens, 1986 Gibbs Drive,, Ball Ground, GA, USGibbs Gardens Wildflower Meadow
May 16, 2026** This date is subject to change based on the Gibbs Gardens bloom schedule.
What: There is always something interesting to photograph at Gibbs Gardens in Ball Ground, Georgia! On this SPS Field Trip our primary focus will be the Springtime Wildflower Meadow. Last year this area featured Larkspur and Poppies. Other years and seasons, have featured Cosmos and Zinnias. But no matter what particular species of flowers they grow here this year, it will be a perfect opportunity for flower photography, macro photography, bird photography, bug photography and/or landscape photography!
There is even some possibility that the waterlilies may be starting to bloom at this time, but that is not a guarantee.
When: 9:05 - whenever you feel like leaving
Where to meet: We will meet at the entrance to the gardens at 9:05am. You can purchase a pass there (we will wait) if you do not already have an annual pass. From there we will walk up to the wildflower meadow together. I am estimating that it is roughly .3 of a mile.
What to bring: This is the tricky part. You will want to bring everything you own because there is so much to shoot, but alas - you will be uncomfortable trying to carry it all. Some recommendations include: A good multi-purpose lens; a macro; a wide angle; a telephoto. (I have used a 100-500mm lens there the past few visits and been satisfied with the range). You can also pack several lenses and leave some in your locked car. Also remember a tripod, comfortable walking shoes, bug spray, water, sunscreen.
Other things to know: Gibbs Gardens requires a paid admission ($25 per adult; $18 for seniors over 65; Annual membership $60/person) Please note that we plan to have one other field trip to Gibbs in August to photograph water lilies and frogs! Parking is free. Please check the website for details on any special promotions they may offer.
https://www.gibbsgardens.com/. Also, there is a cafe that serves drinks and light food items. Should you want to take a break, this is a shady comfortable place to do so.This event is open to SPS members only. Signing up on the SPS Meetup page does not make you an SPS member. SPS members pay dues to engage in many activities that are unavailable to guests who simply sign up on the SPS MeetUp page.
HOW TO REGISTER:
USE THIS LINK TO REGISTER -Do not use the button at the bottom of this page to register. Register at the link above.
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SPS has three standing meetings each month for its members and guests.
The First Friday Program and Competition features an outside speaker and a members' image competition. While competition entries at these monthly meetings are restricted to currently paid-up members, we ALWAYS welcome visitors interested in photography to attend.
The Learnshops (fourth Tuesdays) and Coffee & Critique (second Saturdays) are intended for members, but again, we welcome visitors.
If you attend regularly, we ask that you help support the club (which pays for the rental of the facilities, supplies, and equipment) by becoming a member!
To pay your SPS dues, visit:
https://form.jotform.com/spsatlanta/club-membership-registration-form
To find out more about SPS visit:
www.spsatlanta.org23 attendees
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