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November 2008
MEETING: Thursday, November 20th, 2008, 7PM: Ernie Cowan.
The desert sands of eastern San Diego County were the playground for Ernie Cowan since his early days as a Boy Scout. His San Diego Troop often hiked and camped in Palm Canyon, Dos Cabezas and Shell Canyon.
But his years of discovery in Anza-Borrego Desert State Park really began at age 16 when he obtained the freedom of a driver’s license. With friends be began spending most free weekends and school holidays in the desert, drawn by the vast open spaces, unique wildlife, the opportunity of discovery and sense of adventure. Combined with his growing love of photography he began a lifetime of recording the beauty and unique landscape of Anza-Borrego Desert State Park.
At San Diego State University, Cowan realized that photography was his passion. He gravitated to journalism and got a job as a reporter for the San Diego Evening Tribune. Soon he was assigned to cover San Diego’s growing North County and his beat included Anza-Borrego Desert State Park.
Cowan spent as much time as possible in the desert, gaining friendships with many rangers and park superintendents. He was one of the original founders of the Anza-Borrego Desert Natural History Association and served for a time as a director for the Anza-Borrego Foundation.
As a resident of Escondido, Cowan got involved in local politics and was elected to the City Council and served as Mayor. But he never lost touch with the desert and continued his photographic journey. He authored many articles for Desert Magazine, hiked hundreds of miles through some of the parks most remote wilderness areas, and remained an advocate for preservation and expansion of Anza-Borrego.
Recently Cowan has been under contract with the State of California to explore, map, and document in photographs the 28,000 acre Carrizo Impact Area. This remote area of Anza-Borrego Desert State Park has been closed to the public since 1942 when it was designated a military bombing range. It is a unique area of geological, archeological and historical significance that hopefully someday can be returned to public use.
Cowan’s greatest joy is introducing others to the beauties of the desert. He can often be found with a group of friends or photography enthusiasts in the most scenic areas of the park as he reveals the many wonders found here. His life has been a photographic journey through Anza-Borrego Desert State Park and he is thrilled to be allowed to share that journey.
Ernie's book is Anza-Borrego: A Photographic Journey (Adventures in the Natural History and Cultural Heritage of the Californias).
Q&A with Ernie Cowan
How did you become interested in Anza-Borrego Desert State Park?
The desert sands were a playground for me since my early days as a Boy Scout—my troop often hiked and camped in Palm Canyon, Dos Cabezas, and Shell Canyon. But my discovery of Anza-Borrego Desert State Park really began at age 16 when I obtained the freedom of a driver’s license. After I graduated from studying journalism I got a job as a reporter for the San Diego Evening Tribune—and got lucky enough to be assigned to cover Anza-Borrego Desert State Park (ABDSP).
How did this book come about?
I did a series of articles for the North County Times and ever since then I’ve wanted to do a pictorial about the Park. I met Diana Lindsay while working for the Park as a volunteer and we got to talking a few years ago—it’s taken a while to happen!
What would you tell our audience that they might not know about ABDSP?
There are lots of lush green places: Oak groves, marshes, and swamps, plus alpine sections of the park. There are also over 500 miles of dirt roads, some requiring 4-wheel-drive vehicles. These roads lead to wild places where visitors can camp where they wish.
What is it about the desert that you like the most?
It is a lonely place where I never feel alone! It’s a place where you can be alone with yourself, eternity, nature, and beauty. There is timeless solitude as you sit on a high point looking across the vastness of the landscape. Views like this have not been altered by man and allow the mind to see what others have seen for thousands of years. And as a photographer, I love the beautifully colored flowers that bloom in Spring.
Which of the wildflowers is your favorite?
I have too many to name! The Dune Primrose has such delicate blossoms—such a contrast to the coarse sands of their harsh environment; so delicate yet so hardy they thrive where no one would suspect anything could grow.
Are there any safety issues you’d like to mention?
This is beautiful country, but it can be deadly for the unprepared. Even in winter months, daytime temperatures can reach into the 80’s and summer temperatures well in excess of 100 degrees. Never travel without plenty of water, and let someone know where you are going and when you expect to return. Soft sand can quickly trap vehicles not equipped with 4-wheel-drive.
Where should the first time visitor begin?
The first-time visitor to Anza-Borrego should make the park Visitor Center at the western edge of Borrego Springs their first stop. The Visitor Center offers maps, interesting displays, and volunteers and employees who can answer any question. They maintain a “wildflower watch,” and advise visitors of the progress of the spring bloom and the best places to see them. You can also call the Park’s Wildflower Hotline for the latest news 24 hours a day at (760) 767-4684, dial your car radio to 1610 AM when in Borrego Springs, or visit the online web site at www.anzaborrego.statepark.org.
What’s next for you?
My greatest joy is sharing the beauties of the desert with others—I’m going to enjoy doing more interviews like this, and giving slideshows and lectures to introduce others to the wonders of this amazing Park.
MONTHLY MEETING LOCATION: Wesley Palms, 2404 Loring Street, Pacific Beach 92109, (858) 581-8423. Directions.
October 2008
Lodge Weekend: 11-12 October 2008. details.
MEETING: Thursday, October 16th, 2008, 7PM: Lance Milbrand.
Lance Milbrand is a video producer, cameraman, editor and storyteller with over 20 years of experience in motion picture production. He and his wide Jeanne live in Carlsbad, CA.
For the October Sierra Club event, Lance will show DVD segments and talk about the balance between nature and corporate video, stills and video. As a businessman and craftsman, its become an art form in itself just charging for services. Different clients require different budgets and mindsets. (If the club wants, Lance will do a question and answer).
His recent works include “Restoration of the San Dieguito Wetlands,” a three-year contract for the State of California’s largest nuclear generating station, Southern California Edison. Have you driven along I-5 and seen all the earth moving machines? Lance is often standing right next to them, creating an environmental affairs video and future KPBS film. The wetland restoration project is part of the San Dieguito River Park trail from the mountains of Julian to the beaches of Del Mar. Still photos are also an important part of the project, especially the before and after shots. A nine-minute video will show work progress.
In a completely different environment, Lance was brought in for documenting underwater archeology, becoming the first filmmaker for the Waitt Institute for Discovery, recording the survey of a prominent underwater archeologist and creating a short video for the Turks and Caicos National Museum “Surveying Endymion Reef.” This 1790 British shipwreck site video will be shown and the difficulties of working underwater will be discussed.
These two video projects are quite a bit different but share the passion for working outdoors and creating stories, overcoming the obstacles while making a living.
MONTHLY MEETING LOCATION: Wesley Palms, 2404 Loring Street, Pacific Beach 92109, (858) 581-8423. Directions.
September 2008: Meeting: Scavenger Hunt results.
August 2008
Aug 25-Sept. 1: Burning Man Festival. Black Rock City, CA (clothing prohibited.)
Starting August 18: Bonneville Salt Flats Speed Week (Utah).
MEETING: Thursday, August 21st, 2008, 7PM: Jim Cline
Journeys in Latin America
Join award winning travel photographer Jim Cline on his recent journeys through the fascinating and beautiful countries of Mexico, Guatemala and Peru. Jim’s presentation features the very best from his recent travels on many trips to these countries, both traveling solo and while leading groups on photo tours:
We’ll begin the journey by land, diving south across the border at Tecate. We’ll then head south down the Baja Peninsula, photographing the colorful desert blooms, giant Cardon cacti and the incredible gray whales getting up close and friendly to our small boat. After cruising the islands in the turquoise Sea of Cortez where we’ll encounter dolphins, whales, sea lion colonies and numerous seabirds, we’ll explore desert oasis towns, historic missions, seascapes and desert scenes, and everywhere the friendly inhabitants.
We’ll continue the journey on the mainland of Mexico where we’ll visit colonial cities and Aztec ruins. We’ll experience the mystical Day of the Dead celebrations in Oaxaca, and visit Chiapas, the most beautiful and less-traveled state in Mexico. There we’ll take river excursions where we’ll photograph crocodiles at close range, and visit ancient Mayan ruins and indigenous people still clinging to centuries-old traditions.
Continuing south we’ll explore Guatemala, visiting both well-known tourist sites and off-the-beaten-path locations as well. We’ll visit traditional families and photograph them in exquisite light. We’ll meet a local saint who drinks rum non-stop. Then we’ll explore magical Tikal, home to ancient Mayan temples amid a jungle teaming with monkeys, toucans, and other wildlife. We’ll experience sunrise and sunset from atop the pyramids which rise out of the jungle canopy.
Finally we’ll head to South America and venture high in the Andes in Peru where we’ll visit world-famous Machu Picchu and lesser known Inca sites such as Sachsaywaman and Ollantaytambo – locations that are difficult to pronounce, but breathtaking to see. We’ll go to villages situated high in the Andes and photograph the colorful inhabitants who still carry on many of the traditions of their Inca ancestors. We’ll finish our journey at the spectacular Inca citadel of Machu Picchu, one of the New 7 Wonders of the World.
Jim’s wanderlust and search for compelling images has brought him to 30 countries around the globe, but his area of special interest is in the countries of Latin America. He especially enjoys exploring less-traveled areas, photographing the indigenous peoples and traditional cultures found in the developing world. He always strives to transcend ordinary travel pictures, and to convey a strong sense of place, and the spirit of the people in his photographs. His work has been displayed in galleries and the San Diego History Museum, and published in numerous books, magazines, websites, brochures & CD covers. Jim leads photographic tours to various locations in Mexico, Guatemala and Peru. For information on the tours and to see some of Jim’s images go to www.JimCline.com.
OUTING: Saturday, August 23rd, 2008, 5PM: Scavenger Hunt!
Hooray ! One of our club’s most popular, educational and challenging events is soon approaching. It’s also a great time out with fellow SCPS members. Scavenger Hunt participants will meet at a coffee shop in Ocean Beach called Jungle Java (5047 Newport Avenue) on Saturday, August 23 at 5pm. There will be a list of 12 categories given out. Scav Hunt photogs will spend the next three hours exploring the streets and beaches of OB “finding” photos to fill each category. At 8:15pm, we will meet again to turn in images (digital only) and grab a bite to eat. September’s SCPS meeting will include a Scav Hunt slideshow and awards.
Directions:
Take 8 East towards the beach
Turn Slight Left onto Sunset Cliffs Blvd.
Turn Right on Newport
End at 5047 Newport Avenue
Parking may be limited but usually available within a
couple blocks of the meeting point. If necessary,
there are pay parking lots close by.
Questions? Contact Theresa Vernetti
tvernett@yahoo.com
July 2008
July 23rd Outing, Wednesday:
Location:
La Jolla
The location is right across from 333 Coast Blvd S, La Jolla, CA. map
There is a large sidewalk across from the address above, overlooking the beach/ocean right by the green seating gazebo type structure. There is plenty of parking on the street around that area. It's just south of the grassy wedding spot in La Jolla overlooking the ocean.
When:
Wednesday July 23.
Meet at 7pm.
Plan on shooting till after the sun goes down to get the optimal long exposure images.
Don't forget to bring your TRIPOD!!!!!!
I konw some people aren't keen on using a tripod but it's difficult to do 15-30 second exposures no matter how steady of a hand you have.
Hope to see some of you there.
Thanks
Jonathan Fennell
JFennell@JFennellPhoto.com
Cell: 619-861-7873
MEETING: Thursday, July 17th, 2008, 7PM:
Into The Night: Painting with Light and Long Exposure Photography
Presentation by Will Gibson
Night-time and other low light situations give the photographer unique opportunities for making expressive imagery. While many strategies that work well in daylight do not at night, there are just as many that work only after the sun goes down. Through long exposures, both film and digital cameras can record scenes and colors that our eyes cannot, opening up a whole world of possibilities. Not only can one capture a scene, one can create the scene in various ways, chief of which is a technique generally called light painting.
Using simple tools of a tripod and any of a number of light sources, the photographer can literally enter the scene and 'paint' it with light. Showing examples from 15 years of night photography, I will discuss lighting techniques and tools, differences in approach using film and digital gear and the meditative aspect of light painting.
Will Gibson started doing his own photographic processing and printing in 1968 and became a professional in 1979, operating his own commercial studio in San Marcos for 18 years. He has shown in many gallery and art fair venues across the country including the Ordover Gallery in Solana Beach. He currently teaches photography at Palomar College in San Marcos, and continues doing commercial projects, including fine art pigment printing for other photographers and artists.
MONTHLY MEETING LOCATION: Wesley Palms, 2404 Loring Street, Pacific Beach 92109, (858) 581-8423. Directions.
June 2008
MEETING: Thursday, June 19th, 2008, 7PM: Brant Bender/Brant Bender Photography.
Brant Bender
Owner of Phoenix Photography, Brant Bender’s career started with the Pomerado Newspaper Group in 1987 while attending Poway High School. At the time, his focus was sports and community news. While in college, Brant freelanced for The North County Times and United Press International (UPI). He has been published in USA Today, The San Diego Union-Tribune, and The Houston Chronicle.
After attending Long Beach State, Brant took a brief hiatus to get married, start a family and move the Bender “clan” back to Poway. He then chose to continue the dream of owning his own photography business, starting Phoenix Photography in 1999. Brant utilizes his vast photojournalism experience for shooting conventions nationwide, as well as local community and charity events.
Phoenix Photography and Brant are best known for wedding photography. Brant is an outgoing, people-minded individual who is recognized for his professionalism. Again drawing on experience, Brant combines his artistic ability with photojournalist style to create a complete wedding day package for the bride and groom.
Brant's business and work continue to evolve as he approaches his tenth year in the industry. He is now preparing to incorporate as Brant Bender Photography, Inc., better promoting his individual attention to detail and artistry.
Brant will show images from his wedding collection, discuss current trends and share his perspective on wedding photography "do's and don'ts."
MONTHLY MEETING LOCATION: Wesley Palms, 2404 Loring Street, Pacific Beach 92109, (858) 581-8423. Directions.
May 2008
MEETING: Thursday, May 15th, 2008, 7PM: Roy Toft
Botswana has become the premier place to experience the “African Bush” in all its splendor and magnificence. This Texas sized country located just north of South Africa, is home to the famed Okavango Delta, with it’s meandering waterways, lush vegetation and prolific game which include Lion, Giraffe, Elephant, Leopard, Wild Dog, Cheetah, dozens of species of antelope, and over 400 species of birds. Wildlife photographer Roy Toft first visited Botswana in 1991 and most recently has led three years of trips to Botswana in 2006, 2007, and March of 2008. His slide show and lecture will demonstrate why it is his favorite destination for wildlife photography and one of the best places in all of Africa to travel to for a safari.
Award winning photographer Roy Toft is dedicated to documenting our natural world for future generations, focusing on wild images that convey a sense of the animal’s character and spirit. In 2007, Toft’s image of a rare African wild hunting dog running with his “prize”, won first place and the Gerald Durrell Award for endangered species in the prestigious BBC Wildlife Photographer of the Year contest, and was featured in The Wildlife Photographer of the Year Competition exhibition at the Natural History Museum in London. The same year his portrait of a young female leopard was highly honored by Nature’s Best Competition and was featured in the Smithsonian’s Natural History Museum exhibition in Washington, D.C.
Toft’s images have been featured in National Geographic, Nature’s Best, Smithsonian, Audubon, Wildlife Conservation, Discover magazines and other notable publications to advance conservation efforts globally. As a result, he has been named a founding fellow of the prestigious International League of Conservation Photographers (ILCP). Toft's striking wildlife images are also available worldwide through the National Geographic Image Collection and Getty Images.
Toft shares his love for teaching & photography by regularly instructing photographic classes, tour groups and workshops in the field. His company, Toft Photo Safaris & Gallery, sponsors annual workshops for photographers of all levels in destinations including Costa Rica, Japan, Alaska, and Africa. His ever popular Rainforests of Costa Rica workshop has been filmed for television. The show, Fine Living Network's Fantasy Camp, has appeared on television and airline flights. Toft makes his home in the scenic mountainous region of beautiful north county San Diego.
MONTHLY MEETING LOCATION: Wesley Palms, 2404 Loring Street, Pacific Beach 92109, (858) 581-8423. Directions.
Outing: Saturday, 10 May 2008: Joshua Tree. Contact Mark Malter (858) 361-6344.
Mark says we will be leaving San Diego at about 8am. We will park in the Grantville Trolley parking lot off the Interstate 8 at the Mission Gorge exit. We will form carpools at the trolley station. Drivers are definitely encouraged. It's comfortably about a 115 min trip. Bring at least 2 liters of drinking water and any snacks that you might want for the day. Cell phones usually do not get coverage inside the park.
It'll be hot, so sunscreen, long sleeves (layered) and head protection are encouraged. Make sure you charge your batteries, bring your spares and plenty of storage media.
It has been a really fun trip in the past for all ages, so I think it will be even more fun this year. Hope to see everyone who is available there. My phone # is 858-361-6344
April 2008
Outing: Sunday, 20 April 2008: The Getty Center and Los Angeles Architecture.
NEW DEPARTURE TIME. Meet at 8am in front of the Photo Arts building in Balboa Park (behind the Natural History Museum).
Let's get out and explore some of Los Angeles' gems ! The morning will be spent walking and getting to know some downtown architecture such as the Disney Concert Hall, Grand Central Market, Bradbury Building, LA Times Building and Caltrans District 7 Headquarters. Re-grouping around lunchtime, we will head over to the Getty Museum. Either pack a lunch or enjoy one of the museum's dining options.
The Getty Center is an experience not to be missed. We will allow time to browse the exhibits...including the photography of Graciela Iturbide and Andre Kertesz, shows such as "Ten Years in Focus", California Video and tours on Getty Architecture, gardens and sculpture. We will also make time to wander the artistic and orderly grounds and buildings for some photographic practice in composition.
The Getty Center closes at 6pm.
Admission to the Getty Center is free. Parking is $8/vehicle. Parking downtown may be up to $10/vehicle.
See also Theresa's previous photos and The Getty's own site
Free.
Contact: Theresa Vernetti at tvernett@yahoo.com
MEETING: Thursday, April 17th, 2008, 7PM: Don Gale
Don Gale.
His expertise in the areas of commercial, industrial and portraiture photography already firmly established, Don returned to the field that first inspired him to become a photographer, nature and landscape. Since that time over ten years ago, Don has shared with students his experience and the techniques used to capture some of the most beautiful settings and wildlife in the country.
Don’s passion for what he does, in both his teaching and his award-winning photography, has earned him national recognition. Numerous articles and interviews have appeared featuring Don and his work, on air and in such publications as Outdoor Photographer, Rangefinder, Studio Photography and Tamron's Viewfinder.
When not out in the field, Don is a faculty member teaching at Tri Community Photography and was recently invited to teach photography at the new REI Outdoor School established for the LA Area. This is in addition to his ongoing workshops, seminars, lectures and exhibitions.
With the increased resources offered by the Internet, instruction is not limited to a single physical location. Don’s blog allows anyone to view tips and techniques at their convenience. Through the collaborative efforts of companies with a similar dedication to photography, Don has been able to extend the range of photographic instruction. Don’s continuing participation in programs such as; Fuji’s “Talent Team”, Tamron’s “Learning Center – Lessons, Podcasts & National Workshops”, Nik Software’s “Team Nik”, ExpoDisc’s “Tips From the Pros”, Lexar’s “Elite Photographers”, Bogen’s “Local Heroes”, FJ Westcott’s “ProTips”, typify his commitment to the art form.
Don has released two instructional videos. The second video, "Photographing San Francisco and California's Central Coast" was released by Don Gale Productions in conjunction with Tamron, and was a Telly Awards Winner for best "How To" instructional video as well as the Axiem Award Winner for "Best Editing". A new video is currently in the final production stages.
MONTHLY MEETING LOCATION: Wesley Palms, 2404 Loring Street, Pacific Beach 92109, (858) 581-8423. Directions.
March 2008
Outing: Saturday, 29 March 2008: Salvation Mountain: Niland, California.
Salvation Mountain: Saturday, March 29. Meet at
9:30am in front of the Photo Arts building in Balboa
Park (behind the Natural History Museum). Join us for
a day long road trip out to the Salton Sea. We will
have time to explore and photograph the colorful and
creative decor of this famous and funky landmark
(featured in last year's movie "Into the Wild." As
time permits, we will make our way to a few other
local sights with photographic possibilities.
check out Theresa's Salton Sea gallery.
Free.
Contact: Theresa Vernetti at tvernett@yahoo.com
Gallery Exhibit Opening Reception: OPT Underground Gallery, 918 Mission Avenue, Oceanside, 2 to 5 p.m., Sunday, March 30, 2008: Del Mar photographer Michael Vander Vorst: “Ancient Stargazers and Modern Mountains.” The exhibit begins on Saturday, March 29 and continues through Sunday, May 3. The gallery is open Thursday through Sunday.
MEETING: Thursday, March 20th, 2008, 7PM: USMC Corporal Ray Lewis.
Stationed in Camp Pendleton, Corporal Ray Lewis was named the 2006 Photojournalist of the Year by the Marine Corps Combat Correspondents Association.
Cpl. Lewis sticks to one rule when performing as a combat correspondent: “Never limit myself to the last shoot. I’ll get dirty if I have to. The riflemen do it, so why should I be exempt? If you don’t take risks, you won’t know how far you can go,” said Lewis, who graduated from El Camino High School in Oceanside, Calif., in 2000 and attended ITT Technical Institute in San Diego.
After receiving his associate’s degree in computer-aided drafting in 2003, he worked in fast food for a little while before deciding his life needed more discipline. So like any hard-charger, he went to his local Marine Corps recruiting office and signed up.
“I went home, told my mom, and she was horrified,” said Lewis. “My mom thought, with all my education, I should have joined the Air Force.” When telling the Marine Corps story, Lewis tries foremost to focus on the ground troops.
“A fellow combat correspondent once told me ‘You got to tell their story, man. It’s important because they might not come back,’” said Lewis, currently stationed in Iraq with 3rd Battalion, 2nd Marine Regiment, Regimental Combat Team 5. “He was so passionate about it, and he was right. I didn’t really understand what he meant until my battalion lost a Marine.”
Lewis assumes his role in the infantry battalion with great relish: “Who in their right minds would dodge bullets and bombs just to take a picture? Me, that’s who. I appreciate each crazy moment because some civilians would love to be this close to Marines in combat.”
To see some of Corporal Lewis award winning photographs, click here and then click on “Contributors of Note”.
MONTHLY MEETING LOCATION: Wesley Palms, 2404 Loring Street, Pacific Beach 92109, (858) 581-8423. Directions.
Outing: Anza-Borrego Wildflowers. This weekend, March 1st.
The Anza-Borrego website says the wildflower bloom is already underway and should peak this year the first two weeks of March. With the abundant sun forecast for this week it should get even better.
Dale Osborne is planning to go this Friday, February 29th, and find a nice isolated area to camp. He'll take sunset pictures, do some moonlight photography, and take some sunrise and daytime pictures on Saturday. He plans to head back late Saturday afternoon or evening.
To join this outing, Dale's cell number is (858) 354-4448 and his email is dosborn@thinkgroupinc.com. for details.
MEETING: Thursday, February 21st, 2008, 7PM: Brian Wright: Moonlight Landscape Photography.
After graduating from UCLA in 1970, Brian spent four years in the Navy which provided an opportunity to explore Europe and Asia while developing basic 35mm photography skills. The camera was retired for the next thirty years while he pursued other interests – notably solo cycling adventures in Europe. These trips gradually focused on locating and, more recently, photographing remote megalithic monuments that are now threatened by development, vandalism, and ill-conceived preservation projects.
Five years ago, Brian began experimenting with his original Pentax Spotmatic using long exposures lit only by moonlight. As his techniques improved, remarkable images began to appear on the light table along with the realization that here was a relatively unknown aspect of nature photography with many creative possibilities.
Brian’s nighttime images have been well-represented at the Del Mar Fair and have twice been selected by the Fair’s Photography Coordinator, Donna Cosentino, for display in her personal gallery exhibition. Great Basin National Park just opened its permanent Night Sky exhibit featuring a mural made from one of his photos.
Tonight, Brian will share some of his images and nocturnal adventures, and will discuss the equipment and techniques he has found successful for nighttime photography. These include cameras and lenses, films, exposure calculations, subject selection, interpreting astronomical data, and safety considerations.
To see some of Brian’s photos, visit his website at BrianWrightphoto.com
MONTHLY MEETING LOCATION: Wesley Palms, 2404 Loring Street, Pacific Beach 92109, (858) 581-8423. Directions.
SECOND ANNUAL ANZA-BORREGO DESERT STATE PARK PHOTO CONTEST. Deadline: 30 January 2008.
Death Valley Trip Starts 25 January 2008. From Peter Nagainis:
This is an update for this upcoming trip this weekend. Although there is some rain forecast for this upcoming weekend, it looks like most of the worst weather will have passed through by Friday, and we should be in for some great photos. Those who complain about vast expanses of nothing but blue skies may be rewarded by spectacular cloud formations. Before setting off, check the local driving conditions posted daily at:
http://www.dvnha.org/morning_report/Morning.pdf
If it is rainy Saturday morning, we might want to switch the schedule around, as soggy dunes may not be the best for photography, and we might want to do Zabriskie point instead. We’ll see…
Remember, Death Valley is a desert, so bring lots of drinking water with you. If you have never been before, it may be very chilly in the morning, and warm up considerably in the middle of the day. Bring warm clothes, perhaps even a pair of gloves for handling your camera and tripod, and dress in layers. You might wish you had brought that pair of shorts about noon. Other things to remember:
A cooler for sandwiches, drinks and snacks
A pair of running shoes or hiking boots for the canyons
Check your spare tire to make sure it is inflated. Most of the roads are paved, a few are dirt roads and completely passable with a passenger car, but some roads such as the one to the Pinnacles are not well traveled. You wouldn’t want to be stuck in the boonies without a spare.
For those of you that inquired about camping, at the last meeting, check the links section. There's a campground near Furnace Creek Ranch that costs $18 a night. Reservations this time of year are not usually required.
That's about it. See you there on Friday.
Peter Nagainis
-----------------
I have set up the Death Valley trip for the last week in January.
We will be driving out Friday, Jan 25, meeting at the Pinnacles
Natl. Monument at about 3:00 PM 'til sundown at 5:11PM according to
the tables, then proceeding on to DV after that. I and a small
group have reservations at the Furnace Creek Ranch, so we can meet
in the bar to plan the rest of the trip.
As usual, we will meet at the Furnace Creek Gate before sunrise on Saturday, and probably head out to Zabriskie Point for a sunrise shoot from there (Sunrise: 6:55; meet at the front gate at 6:20), then out to the dunes before the sun gets too high. The rest of the trip will depend on what people want to shoot, but Beatty is always good for lunch and local color shots.
Lodging is available at the Furnace Creek Ranch for $120 to $150 a
night Phone is 760.786.2345. Here's the online link: http://www.furnacecreekresort.com/furnace-creek-ranch-1223.html Members are urged to get reservations early if they prefer
hotel accommodation, and as always, camping sites are available
nearby for about $8.
Here are some directions and map links:
Map and directions to Trona. The Trona pinnacles are about 10
miles before Trona on the right off Hwy 178, about 228 miles. If you
go enter Trona you have gone too far.
From the Pinnacles, it's another 110 miles to Furnace Creek
Total trip time is about 6 hours from San Diego to Death Valley
according to Google.
See also Peter's own dedicated website about this outing.
MEETING: Thursday, January 17th, 2008, 7PM: Expert Avian Photojournalist Steve Cirone: Decisive Moments in Spectacular Light! Honing Your Explorations on the Cutting Edge of Digital Nature Photography!!
Doors open at 6:30, Meeting begins at 7:00 pm
Could it be any better? Our digital cameras are portable, instant results, experimental photo research labs, and we are the mad scientists exploring the light. A lot of us stop action, 10 frames per second types have taken a million or more photos for free since going to digital bodies! Whoo hoo!!!
My show is a quick run through my current nature imagery revealing that which can not usually be seen by the naked eye. Birds snagging prey at 1/8000th of a second, water flying, full frame, eye level approach, spectacular light, perfect pose. Yeah, yeah. But this is not about me, it is about YOU. I want to help you have as much fun as possible exploring our art. I shoot on a near daily basis and have tested and researched. I will share my results, tools, techniques. Some of this might work for you and save you money wasted on buying the wrong stuff as well as time. I will show you the super avian rigs, the ring light/ twin light beamer macro rigs, the lenses, the bodies. Guess what? One lens is the perfect set up for BOTH macro AND telephoto action. See, I said I’d save you money. And the flash you now own is likely the best for macro. Wait until I show you what you can do with it!
We’ll check out some f stop, shutter, and iso tricks, play with a variety photo gizmos I use every day, and most importantly, I will show you how you may be wrecking your equipment without even knowing it, and some critically important gear that costs less than $10 a pop. From 2000-2004 I was President of this group. I can’t wait to photo cavort with my old friends and make new ones. Join us!
Black Skimmer hunting, San Diego River, Canon EOS 1D Mark 2N, Canon 500mm F4 L, @f4, 1/3200 sec, 400 iso, hand held, manual exposure.
Black Skimmer knife blade hunting beak. Canon Mark 2N, 500 mm f4L with 1.4 teleconverter @ f5.6, 1/1250, iso 400, hand held, manual exposure.
Likely, a photographic first. Black Skimmer moment of impact on fish hunt. Canon Mark 3, 500mm f4L @ f4, 1/8000th sec, 800 iso, hand held, manual exposure.
Black Skimmer after successful hunt. Canon M2N, 500mm f4L @f4, 1/2000th sec, 200 iso, hand held, manual exposure.
MONTHLY MEETING LOCATION: Wesley Palms, 2404 Loring Street, Pacific Beach 92109, (858) 581-8423. Directions.
Sunday, 20 January 2008: National Geographic Traveler Presents Travel Photography In The Digital Age
Unravel the mysteries of digital photography with National Geographic Traveler photographers, Bob Krist and Ralph Lee Hopkins as they explain the nuts and bolts of this exciting technology - from choosing the right camera to developing your own workflow to strategies for covering your travel destination. Learn the secrets of these two top nature and travel photographers and get lots of useful, real-world advice to help make the most of the potential of digital photography while avoiding the pitfalls and exploding the myths that surround the medium. This seminar is intended for amateur to advanced amateur photographers new to digital or considering making the switch from film to digital capture. Using a slide show/lecture format, Ralph and Bob will help ease your transition into the digital world.
detailed information and registration
University of San Diego
Kroc Institute for Peace and Justice
5998 Alcala Park
San Diego, CA 92110-2492
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