Lakewood Ranch Digital Photography Club upcoming events

Monthly Meeting with Guest Speaker Bill Cadzow and Foto-Focus (October 12, 2026)

Mon, 12 Oct 2026 21:15:00 GMT

Add to Calendar
Apple • Google • Office 365 • Outlook • Yahoo

Remember to wear your name tag!

Meeting Location: Manatee Technical College – Main Campus, 6305 FL-70, Bradenton, FL

5:15 to 6:00 pm: Pre-Meeting Foto-Focus

Topic: New AI category for Fall Salon

6:00 to 6:30 pm: Gather, Socialize, Buy 50/50 Tickets, Vote for People's Choice

6:30 pm: General Meeting with Guest Speaker Bill Cadzow

Topic: Finding the Light

Lighting is one of my four basic elements to consider when making a portrait. This creative process can make or break the final image. It can be the difference between an award winning meritable image or not. In this session we will break down the basics and some of my simple to understand rules. This journey will be fun and interactive.

About Bill Cadzow FED, FDPE

Tampa Area Professional Photographers Association Portrait Photographer of the year 2022

Florida Professional Photographers Association Prestigious Top 10 2022 and 2023, 2024

Professional Photographers of America Gold Medal Photographer 2022

Bill's website: Liara Studios

Monthly Meeting with Guest Speaker Joe Edelman and Foto-Focus (November 09, 2026)

Mon, 09 Nov 2026 22:15:00 GMT

Add to Calendar
Apple • Google • Office 365 • Outlook • Yahoo

Remember to wear your name tag!

Meeting Location: Manatee Technical College – Main Campus, 6305 FL-70, Bradenton, FL

5:15 to 6:00 pm: Pre-Meeting Foto-Focus
Topic: Bridge vs. Lightroom vs. Lightroom Classic with Pam Truitt

6:00 to 6:30 pm: Gather, Socialize, Buy 50/50 Tickets, Vote for People's Choice

6:30 pm: General Meeting with Guest Speaker Joe Edelman

Topic The Photographer's AI Advantage

Note: This is an in-person meeting and Joe will be presenting live via Zoom.

AI for photographers?

Artificial Intelligence is everywhere right now, and photographers are hearing a lot of noise about it.

Some people claim AI will replace photographers.
Others think using AI is cheating.
Many photographers are simply confused about what it actually means for them.

The truth is much simpler.

Artificial Intelligence is not a replacement for photographers.

It is one of the most powerful thinking and learning tools photographers have ever had.

In this eye-opening presentation, internationally known photographer and educator Joe Edelman shows photographers how AI can be used to learn faster, plan better shoots, and improve their photography.
This is not a presentation about letting a computer create your images.

It is about using AI as a practical tool to help photographers become more thoughtful, more prepared, and more creative.
During this presentation you will discover how AI can help photographers:

Learn photography concepts faster and understand techniques more clearly

Brainstorm creative ideas and develop new shoot concepts

Plan shoots more effectively with better preparation

Research cameras, lenses, lighting gear, and supplies more efficiently

Analyze photographs and receive constructive feedback for improvement

Re-imagine images to explore new creative possibilities

Most photographers are either ignoring AI completely or using it in ways that do very little to improve their photography.

This presentation shows photographers how to use AI as a thinking partner, not a shortcut, so they can grow faster, experiment more, and push their creativity further.

Whether you are curious, skeptical, or already experimenting with AI tools, this presentation will give you practical ways to take advantage of this powerful technology while keeping your photography authentic and uniquely your own.
Learning Objectives

Participants will learn how to:

Use AI as a powerful photography learning resource

Use AI to brainstorm and develop creative photography ideas

• Use AI to plan shoots and lighting setups

Use AI to research gear and equipment decisions

Use AI to evaluate photographs and identify improvements

Use AI to explore alternate creative directions for their images

Focus on Members: A Holiday Celebration (December 03, 2026)

Thu, 03 Dec 2026 23:00:00 GMT

Save the Date!

Registration Deadline is Sunday, November 17!

Our annual Focus on Members: A Holiday Celebration is just around the corner, and this year we’re putting the spotlight where it belongs—on you, our members!

Date: Thursday, December 3

Time: 6:00 – 8:00 PM

Location: LWR Town Hall, 8175 Lakewood Ranch Blvd.

Members Only

RSVP/Register by November 23!

Join us for an evening of celebration, camaraderie, and recognition. Together, we’ll reflect on the many ways our members have contributed, grown, and shared their talents this year.

The evening will include:

1. Celebrating Member Participation & Achievements

2, Special Recognition for Our Dedicated Volunteers

3. Honoring Members Who Have Reached 10 Years

Appetizers and non-alcoholic beverages provided.

This gathering is our way of saying thank you for your creativity, your energy, and your community spirit. Come ready to enjoy good company, share stories, and raise a toast to another year of photography and friendship.

Please join us at your own risk knowing that the Lakewood Ranch Digital Photography Club is not liable for any injury or damage claims resulting from participation with this event. Let's be careful out there!”

We look forward to celebrating with you!