Arnaldo Utrera Interview
July 16, 2025
7pm, Zion Lutheran Church
I have been captivated by Arnaldo’s street photography and the stories that those photos tell. But Arnaldo has captured so much more; as a life-long well traveled photographer, his images are intimate, imaginative, and sometimes uncomfortable. It has been my privilege to get to know Arnaldo, and I’m excited to hear about his art!
*** Interview will be in Spanish with no english interpretation.
website: https://arnaldoutrera.wordpress.com/
Natalie Pivoney Interview
July 22, 2025
7pm, private studio in Elgin
Most who know Natalie know of her wonderful paintings of typical midwestern scenes, but I learned that in many cases, she photographs the scene first. I look forward to talking about her creative process as an artist, painter, and photographer.
website: https://www.nrpivoney.com/paintings
Hank Erdmann Interview
July 30, 2025
7pm, Gallery Seven, Lockport
I first heard Hank present in 2012, and I was struck by his ability to take a regular walk through the woods and transform it into a beautiful scene on his camera.
Hank writes a monthly newsletter where he speaks about all things photography, and I look forward to tapping into his decades of knowledge of nature, photography, and teaching.
website: https://hankphoto.photoshelter.com/
Mike Baker Interview
Aug. 6, 2025
7pm, Centre Point Cir., Naperville
I have long admired Mike's wonderful abstracts, monochrome, and cityscapes. In many ways, I hope to learn from his artistic eye and his editing techniques. You can see his attention to detail and passion in every image he creates.
website: https://www.3rdeyephotographic.com/
Dariusz Lachowski Interview
unscheduled
Centre Point Cir., Naperville
I met Dariusz over 10 years ago, and we immediately connected over our love of photography, but in contrast to my work, Dariusz's images capture the human experience. Through his travels to his native Poland or his frequent trips to India, he conveys the culture and life of those around him.
website: https://www.transcendentphoto.com/
about the host
Joshua L Smith is an amateur photographer who enjoys helping other photographers develop their art. Joshua has taught classes at Chicago Area photo clubs on night photography, light trails, waterfalls, and macro photography. Over 10 years ago, he attended his first meeting at the Elgin Area Camera Club, and since then he has met hundreds of talented local photographers. You can find his photography by visiting https://www.fourpointedstar.com/gallery/
(photo credit: Berto Martinez)