About us
The Bend Photographers Meetup Group aims to bring together photographers of all age levels, all skill levels, and all photography interests. Our goal is to help photographers to improve their skills and expand their knowledge and passion about photography through group outings and sharing our knowledge in an informal, social context.
MEMBERSHIP DUES: NEW FOR 2026. NO MEMBERSHIP DUES.
We have typically charged membership fees to 1) cover admin costs, 2) purchase equipment and supplies to directly support members, and 3) build a reserve towards paying for a meeting place. Since we did not pay meeting space fees in 2024 and 2025, we have a surplus. As a result, we are directing the bulk of our surplus towards our operating expenses in 2026. We have no plans to charge the membership dues in 2026.
If circumstances change during the year, we will reevaluate our budget and may decide to start up dues again. Prior dues were $35 for 365 calendar days.
EVENT FEES
We have rarely charged fees for individual event. If we need to provide funds for an event honorarium or big event photocopying expenses, we may charge a small event fee, like $5.
Membership and Activity Fees Schedule and Policies
MORE ABOUT THE GROUP
We began in 2008 as a focal point for local, aspiring photographers to come together to share, learn, network and explore their passion for photography. We are a welcoming, inclusive group of photographers ranging from beginning through professional levels of skill. We emphasize an interactive development of our skills through a diverse blend of classes, outings, socials, and photo reviews. We emphasize both the technical and artistic aspects of photography. We foster learning as a community of photographers through shooting, sharing, and discussing our photos.
Come join us!!
Upcoming events
1
Paulina Peak Potluck, Sunset, Moonrise
Fred Meyers parking lot, SE 3rd street, Bend, OR, USHi Folks,
We're long overdue for a potluck social and Paulina Peak is a great place we can meet and stay to take some photos.
This will be a perfect time to meet new people and renew old acquaintances. Then, the full moon will rise over the Fort Rock Basin about 20 minutes before sunset over the Cascades.If you have never been to the summit, Paulina Peak literally stands out above the rest of most venues. At the 7,984 feet, Paulina Peak is the highest point on the Newberry Volcano and accessible on the second highest road in Oregon. This site offers a grand overview of the Newberry Caldera, the south and west flanks of the Newberry Volcano, the Cascades, the Fort Rock Basin, and much of Central Oregon. On a clear day, the Cascade Range is visible extending into California (Mt. Shasta) and Washington (Mt. Adams).
ABOUT THIS POTLUCK
We normally just loosely orchestrate these potlucks and it seems that things always work out. The general rule is to bring something you like to eat or drink and a little extra to share. We will bring a table and picnic supplies (napkins, plates, bowls, plasticware, cups). If your offering needs a serving spoon, corkscrew, or large knife, please bring those items along.
There is no water available but it's good to know that there is a restroom at the summit.
No trash receptacles. This is a pack it in/pack it out event.
ABOUT TRANSPORTATION
We normally meet and rideshare to the location. But with the extra food and drink logistics, let's plan to meet at the top. This makes it easier if we each bring a chair for when we eat. If some folks prefer to carpool, please say so when in the question and answer section of this announcement.
TENTATIVE TIMELINE
06:30 pm: Arrive at Paulina Peak.
06:45 pm: Tailgate Social
08:31 pm: Moonrise over the Fort Rock Basin.
08:50 pm: Sunset
09:27 pm: Civil Daylight ends
09:40 pm: Drive back to BendPHOTOGRAPHY CONSIDERATIONS
We will experience both sunset and moon rise conditions with wide open grand vistas. The moon rises over the expansive Fort Rock basin a few minutes before the sun sets to the south of the prominent Cascade peaks. A moon rise around sunset is a lot easier to photograph as ambient light from the moon more closely matches the natural light of the landscape.
For the sunset, a wide lens and a telephoto lens will capture both the full scene or zoom in on the mountain peaks near the setting sun. A tripod for long shutter speeds will be helpful. A polarizing filter for your lens can help capture deeper contrasts in the evening sky and landscape.
For the moonrise, you might try to enhance your image by including foreground elements such as trees or shrubs to add to your composition of the landscape and moonrise.
A long telephoto lens might be useful for zooming in on the moon after it initially rises.
DIRECTIONS TO PAULINA PEAK
Below you will see a map link from Fred Meyer to Paulina Peak. It takes around one hour. The gravel road to the top takes extra time due to bumps and switchbacks.
Fred Meyer to Paulina Peak on Google Maps
https://maps.app.goo.gl/zjWmkRBVRW4PCqpBATHINGS TO CONSIDER, THINGS TO BRING
- Drivers are encouraged to have either a Northwest Forest Pass or Interagency Pass. These cannot be purchased onsite.
- Wear sturdy boots. We will be walking across the summit looking for various sunset/moonrise locations across uneven natural surfaces.
- Bring warm clothes. Since we'll be at almost 8,000 feet elevation, anticipate much cooler temperatures and possibly breezy conditions. Forecasts show highs in the 60s.
- A head lamp.
- A flashlight,
- A sturdy tripod,
- A wide angle and a telephoto lens, or a zoom lens for both long and wide compositions
- Fresh and extra camera batteries
- An empty memory card
- A tailgating chair
- Serving utensils (if needed)
SAFETY CONSIDERATIONS
Low light conditions increase the possibility of encountering unseen obstacles and hazards. Tripping on rough, uneven basalt surfaces is a real concern at Paulina Peak. It could be a very big drop off. Personal safety must be the constant focus as locations with unmarked level changes, abrupt drop-offs, and cliffs without warning signs or protective handrails can be fatal. Always SAFETY: before, during, and after shooting.
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