• Step into the world of 35mm photography with the Photography Discussion Roundtable, heard every Monday evening at 7:00 PM ET on BrandMeister DMR Talkgroup 31266 — the MichiganOne Nets channel. This engaging net is your chance to explore the art and science of photography, ask questions, and sharpen your skills in a welcoming, knowledge-rich environment.

    Hosted by James N8TMP, Bob KB8DQQ, Rick AD8KN, and Dave N8SBE, each brings a wealth of experience to the mic. Bob and James are seasoned wedding photographers, while Rick and Dave add deep technical insight and practical know-how. Together, they guide discussions on camera features, techniques, terminology, and everything from aperture to artistic vision.

    Whether you’re just starting out or looking to refine your craft, tune in and join the conversation. Your next great shot starts here!


    Previous and upcoming Photography Discussion Roundtable topics:

    Date Topic
    8/11/2025 What is Aperture in photography
    8/18/2025 What is the Golden Triangle?
    8/25/2025 Top photo editing software available in 2025
    9/1/2025 What is Depth of Field?
    9/8/2025 What is Bokeh in photography?
    9/15/2025 Understanding Lens Focal Length
    9/22/2025 What are leading lines?
    9/29/2025 What is Back-Button Focus?
    10/6/2025 5 important photography facts that I didn’t know when I started
    10/13/2025 How to shoot in manual mode
    10/20/2025 The different types of lenses
    10/27/2025 All about camera filters
    11/3/2025 On-camera flash vs off-camera flash
    11/10/2025 How to use tripods and stabilizers
    11/17/2025 What is ISO?
    11/24/2025 Film vs digital?
    12/1/2025 How to find and organize your photos in a logical manner
    12/8/2025 Understanding long-exposure photography
    12/15/2025 Enhancing the sky in your photos
    12/22/2025 Where and how to learn more about photography techniques
    12/29/2025 DSLR vs mirrorless cameras
    1/5/2026 The exposure triangle
    1/12/2026 How to develop your own personal photography style
    1/19/2026 Color theory (histograms) in photography
    1/26/2026 Photography ethics in the digital age
    2/2/2026 The future of film and where the analog industry is going
    2/9/2026 How to build a portfolio
    2/16/2026 Photography hints and tips
    2/23/2026 How to take action/motion photo
    3/2/2026 Explaining photography terms
    3/9/2026 Macro photography hints and tips
    3/16/2026 Landscape photography hints and tips
    3/23/2026 Portrait photography hints and tips
    3/30/2026 Portrait photography, part two hints and tips
    4/6/2026 Night photography hints and tips
    4/13/2026 F-stops and how to use them
    4/20/2026 What are the AE-L, AF-L, and *-buttons?  What do they do?
    4/27/2026 Photography Discussion Roundtable with James N8TMP, Bob KB8DQQ, Rick AD8KN, and Dave N8SBE.  White balance explained
    5/4/2026 Photography Discussion Roundtable with James N8TMP, Bob KB8DQQ, Rick AD8KN, and Dave N8SBE with an open forum about photography terms, cameras, and techniques
    5/11/2026 3-D Printing with Allan N4ALK
    5/18/2026 Photography Discussion Roundtable with James N8TMP, Bob KB8DQQ, Rick AD8KN, and Dave N8SBE.  What is Aperture in photography?
    5/25/2026 Hotspot Helpdesk/DMR Support with Jeremiah W9JAM
    6/1/2026 Photography Discussion Roundtable with James N8TMP, Bob KB8DQQ, Rick AD8KN, and Dave N8SBE.  What is Depth of Field?
    6/8/2026 3-D Printing with Allan N4ALK
    6/15/2026 Photography Discussion Roundtable with James N8TMP, Bob KB8DQQ, Rick AD8KN, and Dave N8SBE.  Understanding Lens Focal Length.
    6/22/206 Hotspot Helpdesk/DMR Support with Jeremiah W9JAM
    6/29/2026 Photography Discussion Roundtable with James N8TMP, Bob KB8DQQ, Rick AD8KN, and Dave N8SBE.  What is the Golden Triangle?
    7/6/2026 Photography Discussion Roundtable with James N8TMP, Bob KB8DQQ, Rick AD8KN, and Dave N8SBE.  What is Bokeh in photography?
    7/13/2026 3-D Printing with Allan N4ALK
    7/20/2026 Photography Discussion Roundtable with James N8TMP, Bob KB8DQQ, Rick AD8KN, and Dave N8SBE.  What are leading lines?
    7/27/2026 Hotspot Helpdesk/DMR Support with Jeremiah W9JAM

    https://thediabeticham.com/previous-and-upcoming-photography-discussion-roundtable-topics/ 


    Last Week’s Topic: AE-L, AF-L, and * Buttons

    Last week we discussed the AE-L, AF-L, and * buttons and how they give photographers more control over exposure and focus. AE-L locks exposure so the camera does not change its meter reading when you recompose, while AF-L locks focus so the camera does not refocus unexpectedly. On many cameras, the * button is also used for back-button focus, separating focusing from the shutter release for faster and more flexible shooting.


    This Week’s Topic: White Balance Explained

    This week we move into white balance, one of the most useful tools for getting color to look natural or intentionally stylized in your photos. White balance is the process of removing unrealistic color casts so that white objects look white and other colors appear more accurate under different lighting conditions. Cameras use white balance to account for the color temperature of the light source, since daylight, tungsten, shade, fluorescent light, and flash can all shift color in different ways. Read more …


  • Step into the world of 35mm photography with the Photography Discussion Roundtable, heard every Monday evening at 7:00 PM ET on BrandMeister DMR Talkgroup 31266 — the MichiganOne Nets channel. This engaging net is your chance to explore the art and science of photography, ask questions, and sharpen your skills in a welcoming, knowledge-rich environment.

    Hosted by James N8TMP, Bob KB8DQQ, Rick AD8KN, and Dave N8SBE, each brings a wealth of experience to the mic. Bob and James are seasoned wedding photographers, while Rick and Dave add deep technical insight and practical know-how. Together, they guide discussions on camera features, techniques, terminology, and everything from aperture to artistic vision.

    Whether you’re just starting out or looking to refine your craft, tune in and join the conversation. Your next great shot starts here!


    Previous and upcoming Photography Discussion Roundtable topics:

    Date Topic
    8/11/2025 What is Aperture in photography
    8/18/2025 What is the Golden Triangle?
    8/25/2025 Top photo editing software available in 2025
    9/1/2025 What is Depth of Field?
    9/8/2025 What is Bokeh in photography?
    9/15/2025 Understanding Lens Focal Length
    9/22/2025 What are leading lines?
    9/29/2025 What is Back-Button Focus?
    10/6/2025 5 important photography facts that I didn’t know when I started
    10/13/2025 How to shoot in manual mode
    10/20/2025 The different types of lenses
    10/27/2025 All about camera filters
    11/3/2025 On-camera flash vs off-camera flash
    11/10/2025 How to use tripods and stabilizers
    11/17/2025 What is ISO?
    11/24/2025 Film vs digital?
    12/1/2025 How to find and organize your photos in a logical manner
    12/8/2025 Understanding long-exposure photography
    12/15/2025 Enhancing the sky in your photos
    12/22/2025 Where and how to learn more about photography techniques
    12/29/2025 DSLR vs mirrorless cameras
    1/5/2026 The exposure triangle
    1/12/2026 How to develop your own personal photography style
    1/19/2026 Color theory (histograms) in photography
    1/26/2026 Photography ethics in the digital age
    2/2/2026 The future of film and where the analog industry is going
    2/9/2026 How to build a portfolio
    2/16/2026 Photography hints and tips
    2/23/2026 How to take action/motion photo
    3/2/2026 Explaining photography terms
    3/9/2026 Macro photography hints and tips
    3/16/2026 Landscape photography hints and tips
    3/23/2026 Portrait photography hints and tips
    3/30/2026 Portrait photography, part two hints and tips
    4/6/2026 Night photography hints and tips
    4/13/2026 F-stops and how to use them
    4/20/2026 What are the AE-L, AF-L, and *-buttons?  What do they do?
    4/27/2026 White balance explained
    5/4/2026 Open forum about photography terms, cameras, and techniques
    5/11/2026 What is Aperture in photography
    5/18/2026 What is Depth of Field?
    5/25/2026 What is the Golden Triangle?
    6/1/2026 How to build a portfolio
    6/8/2026 Understanding Lens Focal Length
    6/15/2026 What is the Golden Triangle?
    6/22/206
    6/29/2026
    7/6/2026
    7/13/2026
    7/20/2026
    7/27/2026

    https://thediabeticham.com/previous-and-upcoming-photography-discussion-roundtable-topics/ 


    Last Week’s Topic: F-Stops and How to Use Them

    Last week we discussed f-stops and how they affect both exposure and depth of field. F-stops are one of the most important controls in photography because they help determine how much light enters the lens and how much of the scene appears sharp. We talked about using wide apertures for portraits and low-light situations, and smaller apertures for landscapes, groups, and scenes where front-to-back sharpness is important.

    We also covered some of the common challenges photographers run into when working with f-stops. A wide aperture can make it hard to keep multiple subjects sharp, while a very small aperture can lead to slower shutter speeds or reduced sharpness from diffraction. The key takeaway was that aperture works best when it is chosen with a clear purpose, not just set by habit.


    This Week’s Topic: AE-L, AF-L, and *-Buttons

    This week we continue with camera controls and take a closer look at the AE-L, AF-L, and -buttons. These buttons are often found on DSLR and mirrorless cameras, and they give photographers more control over exposure and focus. Once you understand what they do, they can make shooting faster, more consistent, and more flexible.

    AE-L stands for auto exposure lock. It lets you lock in the camera’s exposure reading so it does not change when you recompose the shot. This is especially helpful when the subject is in one part of the frame but you want to place it somewhere else for a better composition. Read more …


  • Step into the world of 35mm photography with the Photography Discussion Roundtable, heard every Monday evening at 7:00 PM ET on BrandMeister DMR Talkgroup 31266 — the MichiganOne Nets channel. This engaging net is your chance to explore the art and science of photography, ask questions, and sharpen your skills in a welcoming, knowledge-rich environment.

    Hosted by James N8TMP, Bob KB8DQQ, Rick AD8KN, and Dave N8SBE, each brings a wealth of experience to the mic. Bob and James are seasoned wedding photographers, while Rick and Dave add deep technical insight and practical know-how. Together, they guide discussions on camera features, techniques, terminology, and everything from aperture to artistic vision.

    Whether you’re just starting out or looking to refine your craft, tune in and join the conversation. Your next great shot starts here!


    Previous and upcoming Photography Discussion Roundtable topics:

    Date Topic
    8/11/2025 What is Aperture in photography
    8/18/2025 What is the Golden Triangle?
    8/25/2025 Top photo editing software available in 2025
    9/1/2025 What is Depth of Field?
    9/8/2025 What is Bokeh in photography?
    9/15/2025 Understanding Lens Focal Length
    9/22/2025 What are leading lines?
    9/29/2025 What is Back-Button Focus?
    10/6/2025 5 important photography facts that I didn’t know when I started
    10/13/2025 How to shoot in manual mode
    10/20/2025 The different types of lenses
    10/27/2025 All about camera filters
    11/3/2025 On-camera flash vs off-camera flash
    11/10/2025 How to use tripods and stabilizers
    11/17/2025 What is ISO?
    11/24/2025 Film vs digital?
    12/1/2025 How to find and organize your photos in a logical manner
    12/8/2025 Understanding long-exposure photography
    12/15/2025 Enhancing the sky in your photos
    12/22/2025 Where and how to learn more about photography techniques
    12/29/2025 DSLR vs mirrorless cameras
    1/5/2026 The exposure triangle
    1/12/2026 How to develop your own personal photography style
    1/19/2026 Color theory (histograms) in photography
    1/26/2026 Photography ethics in the digital age
    2/2/2026 The future of film and where the analog industry is going
    2/9/2026 How to build a portfolio
    2/16/2026 Photography hints and tips
    2/23/2026 How to take action/motion photo
    3/2/2026 Explaining photography terms
    3/9/2026 Macro photography hints and tips
    3/16/2026 Landscape photography hints and tips
    3/23/2026 Portrait photography hints and tips
    3/30/2026 Portrait photography, part two hints and tips
    4/6/2026 Night photography hints and tips
    4/13/2026 F-stops and how to use them
    4/20/2026 What are the AE-L, AF-L, and *-buttons?  What do they do?
    4/27/2026 White balance explained
    5/4/2026 Open forum about photography terms, cameras, and techniques
    5/11/2026 What is Aperture in photography
    5/18/2026 What is Depth of Field?
    5/25/2026 What is the Golden Triangle?
    6/1/2026 How to build a portfolio
    6/8/2026 Understanding Lens Focal Length
    6/15/2026 What is the Golden Triangle?
    6/22/206
    6/29/2026
    7/6/2026
    7/13/2026
    7/20/2026
    7/27/2026

    https://thediabeticham.com/previous-and-upcoming-photography-discussion-roundtable-topics/ 


    Photography Discussion Roundtable Net Newsletter
    Heard Monday nights on the BrandMeister DMR network, talkgroup 31266, from 7:00 PM to 7:30 PM Eastern


    Last Week’s Topic: Night Photography

    Last week we explored night photography, a creative style that uses low light to capture city scenes, stars, headlights, illuminated buildings, and other subjects after dark. Night photography challenges us to work carefully with long exposures, tripod stability, focus, and exposure control. It can produce dramatic and memorable images because the darkness adds mood, contrast, and a sense of atmosphere that daytime photography often cannot match.

    We also talked about some of the common issues that come with night shooting, including camera shake, noise, and difficulty focusing. Many of those problems can be reduced by using a sturdy tripod, focusing carefully in live view, and keeping ISO as low as possible while still getting a usable exposure. Night photography rewards patience, testing, and a willingness to experiment with different settings and light sources.


    This Week’s Topic: F-Stops

    This week we turn to F-stops, one of the most important concepts in photography. An F-stop is a way of describing the size of the aperture, or the opening in the lens that controls how much light enters the camera. F-stops affect both exposure and depth of field, which means they influence not only how bright the image is, but also how much of the scene appears in focus. Read more …

  • I asked the question had anyone got the frequency for the Artemis trip to the moon. (for those who don’t understand the question to hear comms from the space ship to NASA inflight to and from the moon)
    With the odd helpful reply i went on the hunt and found this info
    While you won’t be able to “tune in” with a standard handheld radio to hear the astronauts chatting, dedicated amateur radio operators with specialized equipment are actively preparing to track and receive signals from the Orion spacecraft.
    The primary communication for Artemis II happens on the S-band (2.2–2.3 GHz) and via a new high-speed Optical (laser) Communications System (O2O).
    • Public Access: You cannot hear them directly on standard VHF/UHF ham frequencies. However, many ham radio clubs (like those at NASA’s Johnson and Goddard Space Centers) often rebroadcast mission audio on local repeaters (e.g., 146.640 MHz in Houston or 147.450 MHz in Maryland) during major mission phases.
    • Encryption: Much of the modern voice and data telemetry is digital and encrypted for security and mission integrity, meaning even if you “catch” the signal, it would sound like white noise without a NASA-authorized decoder.
    • To participate, operators typically use large satellite dishes (often 1.2 meters to 4.5 meters or larger) and Software Defined Radios (SDRs) capable of receiving the S-band spectrum (specifically around 2210.5 MHz).
    • The Crew: Three of the four Artemis II astronauts—Reid Wiseman (KF5LKT)Victor Glover (KI5BKC), and Jeremy Hansen (KF5LKU).
    • If you have a 2.4 GHz dish and an SDR, you can try to “see” the signal spike on a waterfall display as Orion travels to the Moon. If you just want to hear the crew, your best bet is to listen to the NASA TV live stream or find a local ham repeater that is rebroadcasting the audio feed.