11/30/2025
President’s Corner
December 2025
Duneland Photography Club has had quite a year in 2025. We learned a lot from each other and have had new opportunities to do photography and share it with others. We appreciate our long-time members who have shared their experience, knowledge, and wisdom. Our new members have added enthusiasm and excitement to our club. Here is a review of some of the things we have done in meetings, classes, and other activities.
Our monthly meetings have provided us with a rich variety of expertise and inspiration. Not only club members, but other experts have shared their passion with us. In January, Kristina Knowski of SFC Gallery (now Ancillaerie) taught us “Framing.” Member and mentor Jim Rettker showed us how to do “HDR” in February. The next meeting was led by Dave Lasayko, who demonstrated a way of combining analog and digital photography through “Albumen Salt Printing.” Member and professional photographer Joel Alderson led a discussion on “Finding Cool Subjects.” A few days later, he led a follow up photoshoot to do that outside the Schoolhouse Shop. In May, Wayne Pope, photography teacher and naturalist, taught us a lot of useful tips about “Smart Phone Photography.” The following month, Rafi Wilkinson, from the Indiana Dunes National Park, shared with us “An Insider’s Tour of the National Park – Lesser-Known Spots.” Tyrell Anderson of the Decay Devils told his and that group’s story, “From Urban Exploration to Historical Preservation: A Journey Through the Lens.” Carol Estes, one of our most creative members, shared her ideas on “Thinking Outside the Box. Again. Science Can Be Fun” in August. Member and new presenter Max Dust shared his passion and photos of “Underwater Photography.” Trent Albert came in October to share “Doing Good with Photography.” Then, a few days later, he led a photoshoot on his fascinating property. The following month, Scott Kinzie, expert photographer from central Indiana, showed us how he works “From Vision to Final Result.” We are ending up the year with a Christmas Party!
The Duneland Photography Club hosted a couple of free classes for the public through the Porter County Parks Department. “Table Top Photography” was led by Norman Turner, John Roquet, Jim Rettker, and Sharon Kerner in the spring. Deb Armstrong taught at class on “Basic Digital Photography” in the fall.
The club did a couple of major exhibits this year. In February, the Art Barn hosted the Duneland Photography Club in an exhibit titled “Winter Wonders.” Our summer exhibit was held at the Promise You Art House in Highland, with the theme “The Days are Longer Now.” Thanks to Dina Heijselaar for coordinating our exhibitions. Our members also displayed their work at various other venues and exhibits, including, The Gardening Show Photo Contest at the Porter County Expo Center, the Art Barn Juried Exhibition, the Woman’s Art Exhibition at Purdue Northwest, the Members’ Show at the Prairie Arts Council in Rensselaer, the Rising Phoenix Gallery, the “Nothing is Real” exhibit at the Paul Henry Art Gallery, the Chesterton Women’s Club Art Show, the “Right Here” exhibition at the Chesterton Art Center, the Salon Show for the South Shore Arts in Munster, VU in View exhibit, the monthly exhibitions at the Artists’ Guild of Valparaiso, and many others. We also had 8 members, Steve Bensing, Linda Camp, Peggy Carter, Dawn Duty, Terry Fairchild, Dina Heijselaar, Chad Howell, and Susan Kirt, who had their photos chosen for permanent display for the Westchester Library in the Baugher Center in Chesterton. We also have members who have had photos selected for the Dig the Dunes calendar, the Town Planner, and other publications.
Volunteers do many things to help our club run and promote the Porter County Parks. We have taken photos at Camp Funset, Trunk or Treat, and Santa Claus with the kids. Thanks to the many members who use their photography to benefit others! There are too many to mention here.
Besides the exhibits, classes and volunteer opportunities, we have activities and photoshoots to improve our skills as we interact with each other. Some examples include; winter at the IN Dunes, the maple sugar events at Chellberg Farm and Deep River Park, Urban Photography in Gary, wildflower photoshoot at the Heron Rookery, Sunset at the Michigan City Lighthouse, West Beach led by Ron Seman, Porter County Fair Night Lights. Valpo Cruise-In at Sunset Hill, Sparkle House in Miller, Car & Bike Show at the 49’er Drive-In, Harvest Festival at Sunset Hill, fall photo shoot at Chellberg Farm, Sandhill Crane photoshoot, Twight Christmas Parade in Chesterton, Holly Days in Valpo, and many others.
As we conclude today, we also remember those who we miss. In late 2024, long-time member Leonard Mak passed away. We are a family, and we miss those we have lost.
I have been told by others outside the Duneland Photo Club that we are a vital and active group. They wonder how we accomplish what we do. I believe that the key is that we have so many willing and able members to lead and participate in the many activities we enjoy. Credit goes to all of you who have been involved this year! I am glad to be associated with so many great people. I look forward to many more adventures in the coming year!
Steve Bensing
President
