Art Center of Citrus County & Art Center Shutterbugs Announce, “Celebrating the Art of Photography” Exhibition in May
The Art Center of Citrus County, in partnership with the Art Center Shutterbugs, is pleased to announce Celebrating the Art of Photography, a month-long photography exhibition celebrating National Photography Month. The exhibition will be on display May 1 through May 29 at the Art Center (2644 N Annapolis Ave) and will showcase a diverse collection of photographic work highlighting creativity, technical skill, and artistic vision.
An Opening Reception will take place on Friday, May 1, from 6:30 to 8:30 PM at the Art Center. The public is invited to attend, meet the photographers, and enjoy the opening of the exhibition.
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Photographer Call for Entries
Photographers are invited to submit work for consideration in Celebrating the Art of Photography. Each participating photographer may submit up to two framed photographs for a $20 entry fee.
Entry Specifications:
• Maximum framed size: 16 x 20
• Photographs must have been taken within the last two years
• No AI-generated artwork permitted
Artwork Intake Day:
Saturday, April 25 | 1:00–3:00 PM
Art Center of Citrus County
2644 N Annapolis (Corner of Annapolis and Norvell Bryant)
Awards will be presented for First Place, Second Place, Third Place, and a People’s Choice Award, which will be selected by exhibition visitors.
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Additional programming during the exhibition includes a Camera Club Meeting on May 4, featuring the club’s photography challenge and a presentation by Judy Boyd on Black and White Photography, as well as an educational workshop planned for Sunday, May 17, from 12:00 to 2:00 PM (details to be announced). Additional events will be announced in the coming weeks.
The Chronicle is the media sponsor for Celebrating the Art of Photography, supporting the arts and the local photography community.
The exhibition is open to the public during regular Art Center hours throughout May.
For more information about the exhibition or entry details, please email
Workshops:
The Shutterbugs Camera Club at the Art Center of Citrus County invites photography enthusiasts to attend an educational workshop, “Introduction to Basic Editing in Adobe Lightroom,” on Monday, April 13, from 6:00–8:00 PM at the Art Center.
This two-hour session will introduce photographers to the fundamental editing tools available in both Adobe Lightroom and Lightroom Classic, with the primary focus on the modern Lightroom platform. Through a live demonstration and visual presentation, participants will learn how simple adjustments can dramatically improve their images, including basic techniques for exposure, color balance, cropping, and enhancing overall image quality.
The class will be presented primarily as a PowerPoint presentation and guided demonstration, allowing attendees to clearly see the editing process step-by-step. While participants are welcome to bring a laptop and follow along, the session is designed as a demonstration-based overview rather than a hands-on troubleshooting workshop due to time limitations.
“This workshop is intended as an introduction to the editing tools available in Lightroom and Lightroom Classic,” said organizers. “It will also help gauge interest in future, more in-depth editing workshops for photographers who want to further develop their post-processing skills.”
The workshop is part of the Shutterbugs’ “Celebrating the Art of Photography” Educational Series, a program designed to help photographers of all experience levels expand their technical and creative abilities.
Admission:
Free for Shutterbugs members
$5 for non-members
RSVP: accameraclubnews@gmail.com
Photographers interested in learning how editing can elevate their images are encouraged to attend this informative evening program.
Framing Your Photography: Presentation with Bart Stephens from the Frame Shop at the Art Center of Citrus County
Photographers and art enthusiasts are invited to a special presentation on the art and importance of framing photography, presented by Bart from the Frame Shop. The event will take place Monday, April 20, from 6 to 8 p.m. at the Art Center of Citrus County.
This informative session will explore how the right frame can elevate a photograph from a simple print to a finished piece of art ready for display. Bart will discuss three key reasons why framing matters for photographers and collectors alike:
• Preservation – Proper framing techniques help protect photographs from environmental damage, ensuring that images last for generations.
• Showcase – The right frame and mat draw the viewer’s eye and enhance the visual impact of the photograph.
• Inspire – Thoughtful presentation can transform a photograph into a statement piece that inspires both the artist and the viewer.
The presentation is designed for photographers of all levels, from hobbyists to experienced artists preparing work for exhibitions.
This event is part of the programming leading up to the Celebrating the Art of Photographyexhibition in May at the Art Center of Citrus County, a month-long showcase highlighting the creativity and talent of photographers in the community.
Admission is free for Art Center members and $5 for non-members.
For more information about the event and other programs and RSVP, email acccameraclub@gmail.com.
iPhone Photography Workshop Helps Participants Capture Stunning Images with Everyday Technology
Learn how to turn your iPhone into a powerful photography tool at an upcoming iPhone Photography Workshop scheduled for Wednesday, May 6, 2026, at 6:00 p.m. at the Art Center, 2644 N. Annapolis Ave in Hernando. This workshop is being held during the “Celebrating the Art of Photography” Exhibition and is sponsored by the Art Center Shutterbugs Camera Club.
This informative and hands-on workshop will be led by Zach Banks and David Forgang of Verizon, who will share practical tips and techniques to help participants take beautiful photos using their iPhones. The session will cover helpful tricks for composing images, adjusting camera settings, and making the most of built-in iPhone photography features.
Participants will also have the opportunity to practice what they learn during guided, hands-on exercises. Whether you are new to smartphone photography or looking to improve your skills, this workshop is designed to help photographers of all experience levels feel more confident capturing everyday moments, portraits, and creative images.
The workshop is free for Art Center members and $5 for non-members. To reserve your spot, please RSVP by emailing accameraclubnews@gmail.com.
This workshop is a great opportunity for community members to discover how powerful their smartphone camera can be and to gain practical skills that can immediately improve their photography while celebrating the creativity and storytelling power of photography during this special exhibition.
Call for Photography: “Celebrating the Art of Photography” Exhibition
The Art Center Shutterbugs and the Art Center of Citrus County invite photographers of all skill levels to participate in the upcoming “Celebrating the Art of Photography” Exhibition, a month-long showcase honoring the creativity, storytelling, and artistry of photography.
Photographers are encouraged to submit up to two of their favorite works for display in this exciting exhibition. Entry fee is $20, maximum framed size is 16×20 and photos must be framed and wired for hanging. Photographs must have been taken within the last two years and no AI-generated artwork permitted.
Artwork take-in will be held on Saturday, April 25, from 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. at the Art Center, located at 2644 N Annapolis Avenue in Hernando. The exhibition will run from May 1 through May 29, with an Opening Reception on Friday, May 1, at 6:30 p.m., where artists, friends, and the public are invited to celebrate the show’s opening.
Cash prizes will be awarded to outstanding entries, including:
• 1st Place: $100
• 2nd Place: $50
• 3rd Place: $25
• Best Student: $25
The exhibition will be judged by acclaimed wildlife photographer Heather Earl. Heather Earl is known for her compelling wildlife photography that bridges observation and conservation. Her work captures authentic moments in nature, telling meaningful stories about wildlife, survival, and ecological balance. With a lifelong connection to the natural world, her photography encourages viewers to look closer and consider their role in preserving the environment. Her images have been featured in publications and galleries, and she remains actively involved in conservation, advocacy, and education supporting vulnerable species and habitats.
The organizers would like to extend sincere thanks to the exhibition sponsors for their generous support:
The Frame Shop
Studio 3
The Citrus County Chronicle
What the Fox Wildlife Rescue
This exhibition celebrates photography as both an art form and a powerful storytelling medium, welcoming a wide variety of subjects and styles. Community members are encouraged to participate, attend the reception, and support local photographers throughout the month-long show.
For additional information about submission guidelines and participation, please email accameraclubnews@gmail.com.
Creative Photography Workshop to Explore Composition Techniques at the Art Center of Citrus County
Photographers of all skill levels are invited to expand their creative vision at an upcoming Creative Photography Workshop hosted at the Art Center of Citrus County. This engaging session will take place on Sunday, May 17, 2026, from 12:00 PM to 2:00 PM, and is presented as part of the “Celebrating the Art of Photography” Exhibition.
Sponsored by the Art Center Shutterbugs, this hands-on workshop will focus on essential composition techniques that help transform ordinary photographs into compelling works of art. Participants will learn how to see scenes creatively and apply proven photographic methods to enhance visual storytelling.
Topics covered during the workshop include:
- Leading Lines — Using natural or architectural lines to guide the viewer’s eye
- Rule of Thirds — Creating balanced and visually pleasing compositions
- Foreground Interest and Depth — Adding dimension to photographs
- Fill the Frame — Emphasizing subjects by minimizing distractions
- Rule of Odds — Using odd numbers of elements to create visual interest
Attendees will gain practical knowledge that can be applied immediately to improve composition and artistic impact in their photography. The workshop is designed to be informative, interactive, and inspiring for both beginners and experienced photographers alike.
The workshop is free for Art Center members and $5 for non-members. Advance registration is requested.
To RSVP or for more information, email: accameraclubnews@gmail.com
This workshop is one of several educational opportunities offered during the “Celebrating the Art of Photography” Exhibition, which highlights photography as both an artistic medium and a powerful storytelling tool during the month of May for National Photography Month.
For additional information about upcoming classes, exhibitions, and events, visit the Art Center of Citrus County or follow them on social media.
From the Citrus County Commissioners on 4/28/26:
WHEREAS, photography is a vital and expressive art form that documents history, preserves culture, and encourages creative expression throughout the community; and
WHEREAS, the Art Center of Citrus County and the Art Center Shutterbugs are dedicated to advancing the art of photography through education, exhibitions, and outreach, providing opportunities for artists of all skill levels to learn, create, and share their work; and
WHEREAS, National Photography Month is celebrated each May to recognize the artistic, educational, and cultural contributions of photography nationwide;
NOW, THEREFORE, be it proclaimed by the Citrus County Board of County Commissioners that the month of May is hereby designated as Celebrating the Art of Photography Month in Citrus County, sponsored by the Art Center of Citrus County and the Art Center Shutterbugs, in honor of National Photography Month; and the Board does hereby encourage all residents and visitors to participate in and support the May photography events and exhibition, celebrating the creativity and talent of our local and regional photographers.
Art Center of Citrus County & Art Center Shutterbugs Announce, “Celebrating the Art of Photography” Winners
The Art Center of Citrus County and Art Center Shutterbugs proudly celebrate the success of the first annual “Celebrating the Art of Photography” exhibition, a vibrant showcase highlighting the creativity, vision, and technical skill of photographers from across the region.
This year’s exhibition brought together a diverse collection of 52 photographic works, ranging from striking landscapes and compelling portraits to imaginative abstract compositions. The exhibit not only reflects the talent within our community but also underscores the growing appreciation for photography as a powerful art form.
We are pleased to announce the award winners of this year’s exhibition:
- First Place: Judy Boyd for “Innocence” ($100 winner)
- Second Place: Ken Voegele for “Weathered Life” ($75 winner)
- Third Place: Charlie Hatton for “Photographers Delight” ($50 winner)
- Honorable Mention: Mary Beth Miklos for “Nippers Galore”
- Honorable Mention: Dianna Haynes for “Tangle of Transit”
- Honorable Mention: Robert Gonciarz for “Chicago Skyline”
The attendees voted for the People’s Choice Award during the reception and “Weathered Life” by Ken Voegele was chosen.
A special highlight of this year’s exhibition was the participation of five student photographers from Lecanto High School. Their involvement brought fresh perspectives and creative energy to the show, demonstrating the importance of nurturing young artistic talent within our schools and community.
We are pleased to announce the student award winners of this year’s exhibition:
- Student First Place: McKenzie Ricker for “Charismatic Coach” ($25 winner)
- Student Honorable Mention: Savana Gauna for “Performance Ready
In addition, the Citrus County Board of County Commissioners officially proclaimed the month of May as National Photography Month in Citrus County. This meaningful recognition celebrates the impact of photography in preserving memories, telling stories, and connecting people through visual art.
The “Celebrating the Art of Photography” exhibition serves as a testament to the strength of the local arts scene and the continued enthusiasm for photographic expression. Visitors have enjoyed an inspiring collection that captures both the beauty of our surroundings and the unique viewpoints of each artist.
The Art Center of Citrus County and the Art Center Shutterbugs extends its congratulations to all participating photographers and award recipients, and its gratitude to everyone who helped make this exhibition a success, including our sponsors: The Citrus County Chronicle, The Frame Shop, Studio 3 Photos, Allen Mast Loves Painting and What the Fox Wildlife Rescue.
The exhibition is open to the public during regular Art Center hours throughout May.
Plans are already underway for the second annual exhibition with take in day scheduled for Saturday, May 1st, 2027 and Opening Reception on Friday, May 7, 2027 at 6:30 pm.
For more information about the exhibition or programs sponsored by the Art Center Shutterbugs, please email accameraclubnews@gmail.com.