Member Bios
John Gary McDavid
I’m a retired lawyer. I’ve been photographing more seriously for about 20 years. I learned a lot in photo clubs in Bethesda, MD where I live most of the year. Since retiring, I’ve traveled a lot sometimes on photo workshops and sometimes with my wife. I enjoy taking pictures while traveling and find that I often get the best pictures while in a workshop. The workshops get me up and out early when the light is best and the workshop leaders help find good locations.
Group Administrator
Zhicai Ren
Zhicai Ren MPSA AFIAP
Ren Zhicai comes from Shanghai, China. He was born in 1962 and is currently 62 years old. He is a senior engineer who enjoys photography creation, as well as tourism and urban landscape photography in his spare time. He is a member of the China Photographers Association. He joined the American Society of Photographers on July 9, 2019 and won dozens of PSA gold medals and other awards in international salon competitions recognized by the PSA. The American Society of Photographers is honored with the title of MPSA and the International Federation of Photographic Arts is honored with the title of AFIAP, and was awarded the "PSA China International Photography Top 10" in 2022.
Alistair How
I have had a life long interest in photography and the outdoors, starting my career at Kodak after studying Geography at Southampton University.
These days I still enjoy taking photos and sharing the craft and my experiences with others. Passing on those skills in an approachable and friendly manner allows others to become more skilled. I am happiest when I see others succeed.
After many years taking personal and family photos I returned to more serious photography a few years ago when I had the time to spare. I became president of Harrogate Photographic Society for the 101st year in 2023/24 season and was asked to be president again for 2024/25.
Based in North Yorkshire I am right on the doorstep of a number of photographic hot spots, but also travel far and wide looking for new locations and opportunities. I have been lucky in my professional life to travel to some unusual places and am still opening up new locations for photography.
My work has been recognised by various bodies including awards at the Yorkshire Photographic Union, FIAP, BPE and publications in Outdoor Magazine and the RPS.
Whilst my core interest remains landscapes, but I am also very keen on city photography, including architecture, plus sport, documentary and travel. Favourite locations remain the Yorkshire Dales, especially the area around the three peaks, and Northumberland.
Gary Walter, QPSA
Gary explored film photography from the late 1960s, but joined the digital revolution in 2003 and has never looked back. Although lighthouses are a common theme in Gary's photography, he also explores the rest of the world through the digital lens. He is most interested in travel, landscape and portrait photography.
Gary is a member of the Delaware Photographic Society and the Photographic Society of America.
He has had images accepted at the National Lighthouse Museum, Longwood Gardens, Mt. Cuba Center, PNC Bank of Delaware, Tower Hill School and the Wilmington News Journal. His images have been accepted in national and international photography competitions.
See more of my work at https://garywalterphotography.smugmug.com/
Rui Zhang
I come from Urumqi, Xinjiang, China, which is the farthest city from the ocean in the world. My photography journey began in 2016. That year, I rode through one of China's top ten most beautiful highways, the Duku Highway. In order to record this beautiful journey, I purchased my first camera, the Nikon D750. Now, I am using a Nikon Z6 camera. I have been focusing on photography in my spare time, mainly shooting beautiful scenery and portraits. I have participated in several photography associations in China and participated in some photography competitions and exhibitions.
Lisa Cirincione, QPSA, AFIAP
I am from Pittsburgh, PA, born and raised, and recently have relocated to State College, PA, with my husband. I've been into photography since high school and in college spent most of my free time in the darkroom. I still have a few of those film cameras in my collection. I tried my first digital camera in 1996, and now have a few more of those in my collection too.
In the past 10-15 years, I have tried to step up my photographic knowledge by taking classes, going on photo workshops and attending expos and conferences. I'm excited about learning from fellow photographers in the digital dialogue.
I travel for my job, so I am very lucky to be in a different place each week. I enjoy learning about the country and the world through my photographic adventures.
I am a member of the New Kensington Camera Club and the State College Photo Club. My instagram is lisac.photography.
Sylvie Tas
I am an amateur travel and wildlife photographer, originally from Belgium, living in the NYC metropolitan area.
My passion is traveling and discovering new places.
I look forward to be inspired and learn from you all!
You can see my work on: Sylvie Tas Photo