May Competition - “Botanicals”

This month’s competition will be judged by Joe Matus. His bio is as follows:

“Joe Matus has enjoyed a 40-year career in the electronics and aerospace industry, spending the last 18 years at NASA’s Marshall Space Flight Center (MSFC) in Huntsville, Alabama. He contributed to numerous high-profile projects, including the Space Shuttle Program, where he was a key member of the NASA photographic analysis team, reporting imagery findings for each Shuttle launch. His work was vital in helping to ensure the safety of astronauts by analyzing and reporting photographic data to managers for each Shuttle mission.

From a young age, Joe had an interest in photography, but after an introduction to digital cameras in December 2000, he began a serious and dedicated pursuit of the subject. Throughout the last 25 years, Joe has immersed himself in photography forums and literature, focusing on digital photography, photography as an art form, and creative self-expression. He submitted his photographs for online critique by experts and talented peers, investing thousands of hours in learning technical skills, understanding what differentiates a good photograph from a snapshot, and how to provide constructive feedback to others.

Joe owned a small business specializing in ice skating action shots, portraiture, and other photographic services and served as the photographer for the Decatur Figure Skating Club for many years. He also has a particular interest in narrow band solar imaging, a specialized field that reveals intricate details of the sun’s chromosphere (outer atmosphere).He was a member of the NASA solar eclipse team during both the 2017 NS 2024 Great American Solar Eclipses providing photography technical consulting to the NASA team as well as live feeds from his two telescopes to NASA TV during the solar eclipse.

Joe loves sharing his knowledge and love of photography. He is always willing to provide thoughtful feedback and critique to those seeking to improve their craft.”