What we’re about
This group intends to bring people together for local area adventures with a passion for or an interest in photography. Our purpose is to share skills and knowledge about photography and explore regional opportunities for getting out with our cameras.
Expect most events to be outdoors, with landscape, wildlife, and nature photography to be the primary genres. But more specific themed events such as street, trains & railroad tracks, gardens & flowers, sunset & sunrises, etc., will be planned. For this reason, events will occur at different times and locations, with a varying social group each time.
Expect a slower pace than dedicated hiking groups, as photography is best served by more contemplative and intentional attention to our surroundings, with stops along the journey to compose and shoot the "scene" that calls to us. But some events may demand a real hiking effort on demanding trails to get to a photo location. Event difficulty and physical concerns will be included for each event.
For anyone new to photography, perhaps dusting off the 10-year-old camera from the closet or the proud new owner of the latest tech, you can benefit by searching Youtube for your camera model and viewing tutorials on use and controls. Additionally, basic tutorials can help demystify the "exposure triangle". It is perfectly OK to shoot in "Auto" mode!
Fast hikers and non-photographers are welcome, but you have to be patient with the "artistic" crowd. Group size will be limited so as not to overwhelm the peace of the environment we are hoping to capture.
Events will be scheduled with distance and travel times in mind. I will strive to avoid rush hour traffic times and times of heavy use at event locations. Event times will vary depending on season and weather and lighting.
Please read events fully and ensure you have any prerequisite equipment and ability. Sign up for events that interest you, and remove your RSVP if you cannot attend.
- Behavior: Let's leave politics, religion, and cultural issues behind for each event. Instead of letting our differences separate us, let's focus on what connects us. Problematic behaviors at events or inappropriate and offensive messaging will result in being banned.
- Profile: Members must post their real name and photo on their profile. The photo must include the member's face and must be appropriate for a safe social group (nothing objectionable).
- Liability: Organizers are volunteers, and members are volunteers. Liability is on each individual for the well-being of self and property.
- Due to limited group sizes, and event popularity, please update your RSVP if you change your mind, so others on the Waitlist have the opportunity if available. Repeat No Shows will result in detention.
- Please limit photo posting for each event to 5, your favorites. Meetup is cumbersome for sharing photos and it is difficult to navigate and comment on many images.
Upcoming events (2)
See all- A Golden Hour Photo Walk - Sunset at Tualatin River National Wildlife RefugeTualatin River National Wildlife Refuge Visitor Center, Sherwood, OR
TOTAL DISTANCE: <3 miles
ELEVATION GAIN: <100 ft
PACE: <2 mph
ESTIMATED HIKING TIME: ~ 2 hours
RATING: Easy, Gravel and forest trailsDescription:
We will begin from the Refuge visitors center and walk the full River Trail, plus parts of the Seasonal Trail to get us close to the water and wildlife. This will be a contemplative and comfortable pace, with time for photography and observation. Our return to the visitor center will be timed to allow us to capture the sunset from the observation deck.
Sunset is expected just after 9 PM, but stay for a while if you can to catch the last light.
The current weather forecast calls for part sun/cloud with no rain. I'll do my best to make sure it doesn't change.
Parking is free, and restrooms are available. No dogs are allowed.
For more details about the Tualatin River National Wildlife Refuge:
https://www.fws.gov/refuge/tualatin-river
https://www.friendsoftualatinrefuge.org/Notes:
- If you sign up and realize you must change plans, please update your RSVP to "Not Going" so that others may have the opportunity.
- My hiking style is to pay attention to our surroundings and take photos of whatever captures our sight. Please do not expect a fast-paced hike. It’s important to stop, see and feel our world! But we also need to keep pace as a group and not stop too often or for too long, or we'll never finish.
- I am a passionate hobbyist photographer, not a “pro”, camera expert, or classroom teacher. This is not a photo workshop, we are shooting for pleasure, perhaps asking questions and sharing tips on composition and photo processing. We can learn much from each other about photography, plants, wildlife, history, culture, and geography in our environment.
- Smartphone cameras are fine for this walk, but bring whatever gear you like.
WHAT TO BRING:
- Binoculars for birding - optional
- Best behavior
- Rain gear and layers depending on the weather
- Good footwear
- Water/snack if needed
- Smartphone, dedicated camera, journal, or anything to capture your art.
WHAT NOT TO BRING:
- Anything illicit or illegal
- Dogs are not allowed in the wetlands.
