WINNING PHOTOS Unreliable lighting. Distance from the subject. Fast, unpredictable action. Snapping great photos of children’s sports events can pose a challenge, even to parents with state-of-the-art camera equipment.
John Keklak, a father, engineer, and photographer in Sudbury, wants to help. “Most people are very unhappy with the photos they take of their kids doing sports,’’ Keklak has observed in his many years on the sidelines. “Sports events aren’t like a wedding, where you can get people to pose. You have no control over your subjects.’’
But Keklak noticed he was doing better than many other parents when they started asking him for copies of his pictures. So on Monday, June 13, he’ll share his expertise at a free presentation at West Concord’s Fowler Branch Library.
Keklak, who has loved photography since he was a teenager, has had photos published by USA Track & Field and ESPN, along with local publications. His shots from the 2014 USATF Masters National Championships are featured in the book “Mastering Running’’ by world-ranked runner and coach Cathy Utzschneider.
One of the first steps to taking better photos, Keklak said, is simply knowing your equipment well. Whether you have a state-of-the-art digital camera or use the photo app on your smartphone, you should be aware of all its features and options. “It’s almost like playing a musical instrument,’’ Keklak said. “Your camera is not going to read your mind.’’
Keklak’s presentation starts at 7 p.m. Admission is free, but registration is requested; register on the library’s online calendar at www.concordlibrary.org or call 978-318- 3349. The Fowler Branch Library is at 1322 Main St., West Concord.
COMEDY ON STAGE “Picasso at the Lapin Agile,’’ a comedy written by actor and author Steve Martin, runs through June 19 (cast pictured above) at the Center for the Arts in Natick, 14 Summer St., Natick, with performances at 8 p.m. on June 16, 17 and 18; and 2 p.m. on Sunday, June 12 and 19. Tickets are $22 general admission/$20 for members. Senior and student discounts are available through the box office. For tickets or more information, call 508-647-0097 or go to www.natickarts.org.
TEENS ONLINE The Littleton Education Fund, in conjunction with Littleton Middle School, presents “Screenagers,’’ a documentary about the impact of the digital age made by physician and filmmaker Delaney Ruston. She took a personal approach as she probed into her own family life to explore struggles over social media, video games, academics, and Internet addiction. The screening takes place on Thursday, June 16, at 7 p.m. at the Littleton High School Performing Arts Center, 56 King St., Littleton. Tickets are $10. For more information on the film or to purchase tickets, go to www.screenagersmovie.com.
SOUTHERN COOKING On Friday, June 17, at 6:30 p.m., Pantry, the restaurant at The Verve-Crowne Plaza Natick, kicks off summer with a five-course, Southern-inspired dinner featuring creations by chef Jim Booth including pork belly sliders, hush puppies, clams with linguica, smoked baby pork shanks, and coffee rubbed beef ribs. Cost is $60 per person (tax and gratuity not included). Reservations are required and can be made at 508-416-1352. Pantry is at 1360 Worcester St., Natick.
PARADE OF THE BEASTS Arlington’s first-ever Fox Festival Parade, the kickoff to this year’s 18th annual Feast of the East, takes place on Saturday, June 18, at noon. Starting in Capitol Square on Massachusetts Avenue, East Arlington, and organized by Arlington Public Art, the parade will feature whimsical animal puppets created by the community out of recycled cardboard and colored paper; the Second Line Social Aid and Pleasure Society Brass Band; and more. The parade is free and open to all. For more information, go to www.arlingtonpublicart.org/the-fox-festival; visit www.capitolsq.com/feast-of-the-east for Feast of the East schedule.
BACK IN TIME The Millis Historical Commission hosts a Civil War reenactment at Oak Grove Farm, 410 Exchange St., Millis, on Saturday, June 18, and Sunday, June 19, with battles on both days starting at 1 p.m. along with re-creations of a blacksmith shop, hospital, weapons display, artillery demo, fashion show, candle light tours, and a cannon blast at dusk. Admission is $5 per person; $20 per family; free for children younger than 5. For more information, go to www.millishistory.org.
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