Field Trips

[DangerouslyMoody]

Hey guys!! We are trying to set up our field trips for the next few months...any that you would like to see?? We have noticed a decline in sign ups for some of our newer field trips...not sure if its due to lack of interest, timing or high gas prices....how can we make these better for you guys?? Thanks

[MarkBarbieri]

Monday night's portrait shoot got me thinking about whether we should add more targeted workshops to our list of "field trips." Instead of going someplace and taking pictures of the place, we could meet to work on a particular subject or technique.

Here are some ideas that fit the workshop model rather than the field trip model:

Still Life - One possbility having someone host a "still life" shoot where we practice shooting a particular subject (like an arrangement of flowers, a bowl of fruit, or a consumer product). We could work together on the subject trying different lighting setups, backgrounds, perspectives, etc.

Macro - Someone could gather a couple of subjects (flowers, bugs, cool little things). We could practice macro lighting, combining pictures with different focus distances to maximize DOF), and figuring out how to best focus for a macro shot. We could try different equipment like closeup filters, extension tubes, and macro lenses.

Action Shooting - We could get some athletic models (which excludes most photographers) and practice action photography techniques like panning, freezing motion, and getting the best perspective to acentuate the action.

I love the field trips, but I think we should also include more educationally focused photo shoots where we have a targeted focus and the purpose of the shoot is to teach and learn from each other.

I'd be happy to host a workshop shoot. For Canon shooters, I can tether their camera to my computer for nearly instant feedback on the shot. I'm pretty sure that Nikon has similar software that we could use. I've also got a basic set of lights that can be used.

[DangerouslyMoody]

I really like this idea!! We should definitly talk about this at our next board meeting!!!!

[DangerouslyMoody]

I think this is a great idea! We need to discuss this at our next board meeting!! Thank you for your input!!

[Bella]

For me, it's been a split between timing and health issues (which are finally starting to get under control!!). I do think that as gas prices continue to rise, the people who carpool should contribute a dollar or two each to the driver of the car.

I like the workshop idea . .. maybe shoot for one field trip and one workshop per month?

-Cindy

[MarkBarbieri]

Mercer Arboretum - Flowers
Brazos Bend - Gators, birds, other critters

Lake Stubblefield from the water - canoeing (we can supply a two person and a four person canoe).
Buffalo Bayou - A different perspective on the city. Again, we can supply 2 canoes.

A daytime high school sporting event

Shoot a new home for sale

Rehearsal for an event at the pavilion

A work site, like a drilling rig, a manufacturer, or an assembly plant

Macro shoots:
Bring your own bug, gems and jewelry, or shoot each others camera gear.

[DangerouslyMoody]

Those are some great ideas!! I have some of those written down already!!

[vbanh]

Yeah, I think the targeted workshops would be great. It will allow people to try things they've never done before. I was definitely glad to have gone to the turning point workshop as my people picture skills were definitely lacking.

[vbanh]

I was just talking to a co-worker and she told me that Woodlands High is going to have a blowout spectacular pep rally for the opening of their new stadium over in Shenandoah sometime in August. She's going to talk to some friends on the PTA to see if our Photo club could get special access with cds of images as payment.

[DangerouslyMoody]

That would be awesome!! keep me updated :)

I just got the butterfly house set up for July...emails should be going out soon

[LDB]

I like the idea of workshops. I'm a long way away but would drive for some of them if I was in town at the time.

[dr_nuke]

I like many of Mark's ideas about both the field trips and the workshops. In addition, I'd suggest the following:

Another night shoot on the Woodlands Waterway in the fall - for those that weren't available for the last one.

The George Mitchell Nature Preserve in Creekside - I haven't been on the trails yet, but I would think it would offer some good photo opportunities - particularly in the fall and spring.

[mccls1030]

All great ideas! I haven't been able to make many field trips (or meetings!) due to day job overload (groan!) and my photo business picking up (no complaint on that one!). But I'm sure sooner or later date and time will click with me! I'm looking forward to seeing y'all again soon!

[arcproducts]

Hey Sharon ---- glad to see you here. Miss getting together. Janice is teaching two photoshop classes this weekend for members. The one in the morning is beginners and afternoon is intermediate/advanced.

I am gonna take both. I can't tell you how many 'beginner' classes I have taken all around.... geez. I am making a career out of just that. LOL

Had a real good meeting last night. Hope to see you around soon.

Susan

[DangerouslyMoody]

Don those sound great! I will mention them at the next board meeting...I definitly want to do the waterway again...even if its not an official "WPC" trip we can get a few people together and go out there!!

Sharon good to see you on here!! :)