Presentations and Speaking Appearances

Betsy and Jim have given many presentations to camera clubs and other organizations about their photography. Here is a sneak peak at some of them

If interested in having one of these presentations for your camera club via Zoom or in-person (within one and a half hours of Malvern, PA), contact Betsy at bwilson1773@gmail.com

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“Still Life – Beyond Fruit Bowls and Flowers”

presented by Betsy Wilson

Betsy Wilson explores the world of still life photography through her unique perspective.  A combination of traditional still life subjects, nature’s fascinating still subjects, and a few whimsical and unusual creations, Betsy’s still lifes provide studies in composition and lighting. Unlike landscape or street photography, the photographer is in complete control of subject matter, composition, shape, color, depth of field, lighting and presentation.  The true skill lies in the ability to take something mundane and everyday out of its normal habitat and transform it into something of beauty by using our skills as photographers.

“It was like a wedding: something old, something new, something borrowed, something blue. And all of, seen anew. Beautiful imagery, wonderful imagination, technical chops, and passion. Betsy Wilson is a photographer who proves one does not need $139,000.00 worth of gear to make a million dollar photo. Wish there were ten stars available.” – Geoffrey, Grand Rapids Camera Club

“Outstanding presentation. Your body of work is inspiring!” – Julie, West Shore Camera Club

“Thank you for waking up my experimental side and for inspiring me to try something new. You are a gifted photographer! You are also an incredible teacher. Every little point illustrated!” – Rosanne, Syracuse Camera Club

Still Life – Beyond Fruit Baskets and Flowers; presented to:

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“Capturing Motion”

presented by Betsy Wilson

Creativity and experimentation motivates Betsy to explore the world of motion photography.   A combination of traditional techniques of controlling shutter speed with some non traditional concepts using camera motion and light-painting, Betsy’s images inform and inspire us to try new ideas. Using your camera to capture motion in ways beyond what we see with our eyes results in endless creative possibilities. 

“Regardless of the images (captivating), techniques, & energy you showed, the flow of your actual presentation is excellent. Thanks for a most enjoyable evening. – Marty, Churchville Camera Club

“Your zoom presentation was outstanding. I was enthralled by your images and the depth of your creativity. You have a good eye for seeing a different point of view and the extraordinary talent and patience to make it happen.” – Robert, Columbia Camera Club

Capturing Motion presented to:

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“A Different Point of View”

presented Betsy Wilson

“Thanks so much! This was a wonderful presentation and a great sense of humor injected into it! “- Debbie, South Jersey Camera Club

“What an elegant and beautiful presentation.  Visual poetry!” – Steve, Florida Council of Camera Clubs

“A Different Point of View”  Looking to enhance your images with an unusual or interesting new look? Need some ideas to jumpstart a photo slump or spark some new creativity?  Betsy Wilson shows some new twists to spark ideas to make your images look different than the ordinary.

A different point of view can be quite literal, such as shooting from up high or down low, or it can mean making use of other tools such as creative depth-of-field or specialty lenses. Or maybe, it is when we, the photographer, look at our subject, or even ourselves, in a different way. Many images and techniques will be shared to enrich any photographer’s portfolio of new and very different ways to add some “wow” to images.

A Different Point of View presented to:

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“Chasing Wyeth”

presented Betsy Wilson

Something very different for Betsy as she goes on a photographic journey. It is actually both an artistic journey and a photographic journey.  And there will be a few twists and turns along the way as she celebrates the magic of the paintings of Andrew Wyeth and family, and infuses the locations and feelings into her own photography.

Designed to be shared with groups that have already seen one or more of her presentations, this one weaves landscapes, still lifes and portraits along with some new techniques, while enriching her photography with the benefits derived from immersing oneself into a project, or in this case, a journey.

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“How Did You Get that Shot?”

presented by Jim and Betsy Wilson; sometimes Betsy goes solo.

Get ready for some creativity! Join us as presenters Jim and Betsy Wilson show us how to remove the roadblocks and add that spark to getting great images.

Betsy and Jim share a sampling of some before and after images and explain how they got from the original image to the final creation.  Sometimes it is merely getting creative with cropping and some minor edits, sometimes it involves blending several photos together to create something completely different.  “It’s not just the destination, but the journey – what we saw and felt and wanted to capture, and then the steps (and mistakes) along the journey to create the final image.” 

• Berks Photo Society, PA, January 2023
• Brentwood Photography Group, TN, August 2022
• Bristol Photographers Club, PA, May 2020
• The Photography Workshop, PA, May 2020
• Main Line Camera Club, PA, January, 2020
• Maris Grove Photography Club, PA, November, 2018
• Lehigh Valley Camera Club, PA, December, 2017
• Upper Uwchlan Community Photography Club, PA, November, 2017
• Chester County Camera Club, PA, February, 2017

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presented by Betsy – sometimes Jim joins in the fun

“Indoor Photo Creativity – Oodles of Ideas” 

Being limited geographically due to nasty winter weather, (or an unforseen pandemic), does not mean our photographic opportunities need to be limited.  Betsy and Jim have experimented with a plethora of fun ideas to create unique and unusual images in the comfort of our home. From fun kitchen techniques such as making abstracts with oil and water, or throwing fruit into a fishbowl, to photographing macro water droplet refractions, there is no shortage of new ideas! Jim has worked with speedlights and multi-flash to create fascinating portraits, and Betsy explores the world of still life photography through her unique perspective, which goes way beyond fruit bowls and flowers.  

There is no need to go further than your own home for interesting photo subjects and techniques!

“It is perhaps the most inspirational presentation I’ve seen!!! I absolutely love it. So many ideas! Not only are the images terrific, but the presentation style is well metered. If Ms. Wilson is willing, I would love to see another presentation in the future, of whatever topic she deems interesting. “

– Claude, Brentwood Photography Group

“Indoor Creativity” – presented to:

• Greenbrier Camera Club, NJ, September, 2024
• Brentwood Photography Group, Tennessee, August, 2020
• Doylestown Camera Club, PA, July, 2020
• Upper Uwchlan Community Photography Club, PA, December, 2018
• Chester County Camera Club, PA (workshop) Feb, 2020 and January, 2017

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Indoor Creativity Workshop

And for those who want to try some of these fun indoor ideas, we have conducted a few workshops so our home-town camera club members can get some hands-on experience. We bring a fish tank, a lightbox, a scanner, the water droplet station, oil and water, bokeh set-up, and lots of still life materials to shoot. This is a bit of an undertaking, as it involves a lot of set-up, preparation and clean-up, but participants have really enjoyed it, and have gone on to win awards from images taken at the workshop.

Here are a few images from past workshops:

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And a few others…

• Creating Memorable Canoeing Photographs (Jim and Betsy are active members of the Wooden Canoe Heritage Association.)
• Macro and Close-up Photography
• Valley Forge through the Lens
• Camera Techniques: Shoot thru and Flash & Blur

Want to know more? Send us an email at bwilson1773@gmail.com