POTLUCK SOCIAL AND ASTROPHOTOGRAPHY TRAINING

The potluck social initially scheduled on the summer solstice has been rescheduled to Friday, June 27th. In addition, immediately following the social we will have an optional backyard telescope and star tracker presentation/training. More on this later in this announcement.

First, we will hold a potluck social as outlined in the previous announcement. In the past, our socials have been great opportunities to build relationships with others sharing a similar passion for photography. Currently, we have many relatively new members we would love to welcome to take the next step in getting to know other members. We also have many longtime members with whom we would love to see again and to rekindle those relationships. Our lives go so many different at this time of the year. This could be a great time to reconnect.

We will meet at Tim’s home for a relaxing backyard social and potluck. You're welcome to bring a guest to spend the evening with others and enjoy an evening of food, fun, and fellowship. As this will be an outdoor event bring a light jacket or wrap for when the sun dips behind the mountains, especially if you plan to attend the after party session.

INTRODUCTORY DETAILS

While many signed up on the initial announcement, we ask that you please RSVP again for the new date. This announcement includes the basics. As before, after you RSVP, you will receive a more detailed email that provides more information on the address, places to park, etc…

FOOD AND DRINK

Below, in the comments section of this announcement, please add what food and drink items you’re thinking of bringing. We ask that you provide this information again so your contribution will appear on the new announcement and make it easier for folks planning what to bring.

This group has done a lot of potlucks over the years and things always seems to work out. Just remember to bring something you want to enjoy and some more to share.

THINGS TO DO

In addition to the potluck, a few options are listed below on how you might like to enjoy the evening.

First, we will have horseshoes and corn-hole games available. But anyone can bring another lawn game if desired.

Second, expect to find some photography opportunities. You can hope to take zoom and/or landscape photos of birds and blossoms, maybe even butterflies and a bambi? We can also hope for a nice sunset photo and crescent moonset during the golden hour. More on the moonset later in this announcement.

Third, if it's hot, there are plenty of places to sit and relax in the shade or in the sun while visiting with others.

TENTATIVE TIMETABLE

5:00pm Early arrivals for social butterflies and
those helping with final setup tasks

06:15pm Dinner

08:52pm Sunset

09:00pm Telescope, Star Tracker Presentation

AFTER PARTY NIGHT SCHOOL

Around 9pm, if you are interested in staying longer, Oscar will gather together folks on my patio and share a presentation and show and tell about night sky photography using a telescope and star tracker. If you have ever wondered about using a long telephoto lens or telescope for deep sky photography, or thought about using a star tracker for longer nighttime exposures, this would be a good opportunity to learn about this genre of astrophotography.

Oscar hopes that the information members learn will benefit them on an upcoming outing. You are welcome to stay longer on Friday even if you don’t have one of these night sky items.

In addition, if you are bringing a camera to the social, you might be interested in photographing the 10% crescent moon as it sets in the Northwest. Around 9:30 and the end of civil twilight, the crescent moon will be descending to the right of North Sister, elevation 15 degrees. This could be the kind of opportunity during golden hour leading when both the crescent side and the dark side of the moon are visible. A camera with a landscape lens or modest zoom lens (e.g., 70-200mm) could be used to capture an image you like as Oscar begins his presentation.

Lots to look forward to seeing and doing. Look forward to seeing you too.