We still cannot have in-person meetings at the library. So we will use Zoom.

Date: Monday May 25, 2026
Time: 7:30 PM ET  You can join the Zoom meeting starting at 7:20.

Join Zoom Meeting
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/85700964826?pwd=Xs8AOWrwVAT0y5uMOSjecJ3v0m7s5a.1

Meeting ID:    857 0096 4826
Passcode:       173345

Although Zoom works in many browsers we STRONGLY recommend using the dedicated app on your device with the largest screen for the best experience.
You do NOT need a Zoom account to join a meeting!
If you need instructions, go here: https://mugoo.com/index.php/Main/UsingZOOM

Agenda:

0 - Group chin-wag during log on                                                                                                  7:20 - 7:30
                                                                 
1 - News and Views - Members' new tech arrivals                                                                          7:30 - 7:40

2 - 10+ ways AI will make you a better photographer                       with Jamie Johnson              7:40 - 8:30

3 - Knit and Natter - group chat
     - a possible subject is how AI can help with
       important decisions like purchasing a vehicle                                                                          8:30 - 9:00                     
     
 
Unfortunately, no after meeting wings or desserts at the Royal Oak, but feel free to prepare your own snacks and share them with us on screen!

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Don't forget the Ottawa Public Library!
Even though we are unable to meet in person at the library, the OPL still offers a wealth of services you can access online. Go to https://biblioottawalibrary.ca/en

1 - News and Views - Members' new tech arrivals
The meeting began with casual conversation about recent acquisitions and several technical items. Gillian recently purchased a new MacBook Pro, which LeRoy helped set up. Marc discussed his new Keychron V6 Max mechanical keyboard and his preference for mechanical keys due to his heavy typing style. Marc and several others in our group took typing in high school "because there were more girls in that class" but in retrospect, typing has turned out to be extremely helpful in the age of computers. Wally quipped "Girls come and go but keyboard skills last for ever."

John has automatic macOS updates, but found he was two versions behind. Marc clarified that automatic updates only apply to point updates within the same major version (e.g.from 1.0 to 1.1), and significant updates require manual initiation. John then raised a question about receiving promotional emails from bark.com, which seems to be targeting entertainers and musicians. Others had not encountered this one

2 - 10+ Ways AI Will Make You a Better Photographer - with Jamie Johnson
The main focus of the meeting was Jamie Johnson's fascinating presentation where he demonstrated how various AI tools and features can enhance photography workflows across five steps: Prepare, Capture, Organize, Enhance, and Share. Jamie showed how ChatGPT can provide photography topic inspiration and location suggestions, NotebookLM can help find events and locations, and camera AI features like eye control focus and subject detection can improve capture quality. He also covered how AI assists with photo organization through facial recognition and content-aware tagging, image enhancement through intelligent masking and denoising, and auto-tagging for easier sharing.

The presentation included practical demonstrations using Jamie's own photography examples and discussed both beneficial AI features and some limitations, particularly around generative AI usage in photography. You can view the slides in Jamie's presentation at https://itsallaboutthelight.ca/presentations/10-ways-ai-will-make-youa-better-photographer-without-generative-ai A summary slide has also been included in the attachment below.

Jamie also explained how iPhones handle focus stacking and HDR (High Dynamic Range). He confirmed that Wally's iPhone 14 Pro Max has the necessary capabilities for exposure stacking. The conversation also covered image sharpening tools and techniques, including third-party software like Topaz Adjust and AI-based solutions.

3 - Knit and Natter - group chat
The group discussed AI tools and their applications, with Graham sharing his experience using Perplexity AI to research hybrid cars and David describing how he uses ChatGPT as a trusted advisor for a wide variety of topics. Graham mentioned developing his own "10 commandments for AI" as guardrails, which he could potentially present to the group.

The meeting conversation ended with Wally announcing the passing of member Keith Hanton and mentioning our upcoming in-person lunch gathering scheduled for June 16th 1:00 pm at the Royal Oak in Centrepoint. He will send out a separate reminder.