Photography

✨ Public Holiday Sketchathon - Labour Day ✨ For this event we will be sketching in the gardens outside the Exhibition Building in Carlton Gardens ✏️ Bring any art supplies you like and a picnic blanket or camp chair, we will just be chilling in the area sketching. If you aren’t sure what to draw the club has a weekly drawing theme, just ask me what the prompt is 😊 ✏️ We welcome all artists of any skill level or medium, Whether you’re a beginner or pro, traditional or digital, absolutely anyone can join. ⚠️IMPORTANT⚠️ Please do not attend if you are sick. I have multiple chronic illnesses so my immune system is extremely weak. keep everyone safe by staying home if you are unwell ☔️ If the weather changes this event will either be moved or canceled —————————————————— Check out our instagram @shypeoplesdrawingclub to see more about our awesome group. We also have a Discord group for online events if you would like to join and chat with more artists. ✨

Monday is Labor Day a public holiday and the forecast is a warm **30°C**, so we’re heading to **Lysterfield Lake** for a slow, relaxing day by the water. Expect shade, swims, shared food, gentle conversation, and the simple joy of spending time outdoors together. ### 🌿 **What You’ll Experience** Lysterfield Lake is one of Melbourne’s most peaceful summer spots — calm water, grassy banks, tall gums, and plenty of space to unwind. We’ll set up near the **beach‑access picnic area**, where you’ll find: * Shaded lawns perfect for relaxing * On‑site BBQs and picnic tables * A calm, designated swimming area * Plenty of room for floating, paddling, or lawn games Bring whatever helps you settle in — a floatie, a book, a paddleboard, or just yourself. This is an easygoing, social day with no fixed schedule. If the weather ends up cooler than expected, we’ll simply swap water time for a **gentle walk around the lake**, keeping the day relaxed and enjoyable. ### 🥾 **Activity Options** * Swim, float, or paddle in the lake * Join in on lawn games * Relax in the shade with good company * Enjoy a picnic or BBQ lunch * Take a casual walk if the weather cools ### 🎒 **What to Bring** * 2–3L water * Picnic lunch or BBQ items * Sunscreen, hat, sunglasses * Bathers, towel, something to float on * Picnic blanket or camp chair * Optional: paddleboard, inflatable, lawn games, book * Weather‑appropriate layers ### 📍 **Meeting Point** **Lysterfield Lake – Beach Access Picnic Area** After entering the park, **take the first left** and follow the road all the way to the **furthest carpark**. We’ll set up on the grass near the swimming area. **Start Time:** 11:30 AM onwards (Arriving a little early helps us secure a good spot.) ### 🌦 **Weather & Safety** We’ll go ahead in warm or mild weather. If conditions become unsafe — storms, extreme heat, or strong winds — we may adjust the plan or postpone. Updates will be posted on the event page. Swimming and paddling are at your own discretion. Please stay within designated swimming areas and be mindful of your comfort and ability in the water. ### ⚠️ **Safety Disclaimer** This is a social, community‑led outing rather than a guided or professionally supervised activity. By attending, you accept responsibility for your own safety and wellbeing. Natural environments may include uneven ground, slippery surfaces, and changing water conditions. Please bring suitable gear and look out for one another. ### ❤️ **About Walking With Grace** Walking With Grace is a faith‑inspired, non‑profit community that welcomes people from all backgrounds and beliefs. Our events are community‑led, volunteer‑run, and centred on connection, kindness, and enjoying nature together. Because Adventures Are Meant to Be Shared. ### 🧭 **GPX & Route Maps** This event is part of **club.hiking.org.au**, a free online community where you can download GPX files, explore route maps, share your outdoor adventures, and connect with other hikers. ### ✨ **RSVP Etiquette** If your plans change, please update your RSVP so we can make space for others on the waitlist.

NuCalm is a patented, drug-free neuroscience technology designed to rapidly reduce stress, improve sleep quality, and aid recovery by shifting the body from a "fight-or-flight" state to a deeply relaxed parasympathetic state within minutes. [https://stamina.xosialx.com/nucalm.html](https://stamina.xosialx.com/nucalm.html) It uses neuroacoustic software, a biosignal processing disc, and light-blocking eye masks to guide brain waves from active beta states down to alpha/theta (relaxation/meditation) levels NuCalm uses a patented, clinically proven pitch and frequency matrix with non-linear oscillating algorithms to safely present your brain with precise signals, prompting what is known as a frequency-following response. Your brain synchronizes with the incoming NuCalm signals helping you naturally and effortlessly manage your state of mind by speeding up or slowing down your brain wave frequencies. NuCalm has mapped all of your brain wave frequency zones and created products to safely and predictably guide you to whatever mental state you desire. The amazing thing is, NuCalm is all-natural and works every time you use it within minutes. The best thing to do now is to watch the video on the website and download the NuCalm app. All you need is a headset and eye mask. This app purchase is covered with a 30-day money-back guarantee. Get started today and FEEL the difference even 15 minutes can make. WATCH THE VIDEO ON THE WEBSITE. [https://stamina.xosialx.com/nucalm.html](https://stamina.xosialx.com/nucalm.html)

**PLEASE NOTE THE FOLLOWING DETAILS:** This group is suitable for an intermediate type player. You need to be able to play a good level of tennis to participate. Beginners should participate in the Monday program. **YOU WILL NEED TO REGISTER AND PAY VIA THE ATTACHED LINK TO SECURE YOUR SPOT:** https://play.tennis.com.au/RoyalParkTennisClub/Coaching **Players who just register their interest on Meetup, do not have their spots secured and may miss out.** **Registration Opens:** 6 Days in advance at 9am **Registration Closes:** Close 6pm the day *before* the event. This is to finalise player numbers and organise a playing roster. **Social Tennis Structure:** * Location: Royal Park Tennis Club (333 The Avenue, Parkville, Melbourne) * Day: Tuesday * Time: 10.00am-12.00noon Cost: $10 for Non-Members, $0 for Members. * Participants will play 3 sets of tennis: emphasis on having a good hit of tennis, getting some exercise and making friends. * After each set, participants will rotate around. * Balls are provided each week. * Racquets are available for hire if required. * Some refreshments are available for purchase. * Please remember to wear shoes suitable for tennis! * Maximum of 12 spots for each session.

**NOTE: Meeting location change from 6 pm till finish will be entirely at [Fonda Mexican restaurant, 248 Swan Street, Richmond](https://maps.app.goo.gl/eytwnmbDGrmTY7GX7)** **This will be a scaled-down meeting (primarily discussion only) due to lack of access to the normal meeting room.** **Apologies for any disruption to everyone's plans for this evening.** **Aim** Developing A.I / Machine Learning systems ... optionally with Robots **Web-site: [https://ai-ml-robots.github.io](https://ai-ml-robots.github.io)** **Discussions: [https://tinyurl.com/ai-ml-robots-discussions](https://tinyurl.com/ai-ml-robots-discussions)** **Pre-meeting catch-up:** 6:00 pm at [Fonda Mexican restaurant, 248 Swan Street, Richmond](https://maps.app.goo.gl/eytwnmbDGrmTY7GX7) ***(our table will have orange traffic cones)*** ... great opportunity for casual discussion and especially for newcomers to get acquainted with the group **Activity:** Using [Google Colab](https://colab.google) and [Aiko Services](https://github.com/geekscape/aiko_services), we will build a project ... where the details will be provided / updated a couple of weeks prior to the meet-up date. **Agenda: 7:00 pm: Continue at [Fonda Mexican restaurant, 248 Swan Street, Richmond](https://maps.app.goo.gl/eytwnmbDGrmTY7GX7) (no access to regular meeting room)** **Please bring a laptop, as these are hands-on build sessions.** Just think of a laptop as a robot without wheels or legs ! If you are a newcomer to Machine Learning or robotics, you are still very welcome. If you do have a robot, please bring it along !

**\*\*\*This is a pre-booking event. Please visit [artmasterclass.com.au](https://www.artmasterclass.com.au/) choose your cheeseboard and coaster, use the *MEETAMC10* coupon code, and make a reservation.\*\*\*** Unleash your creativity at our Resin Art Workshop in the heart of Melbourne! Join us for a fun and interactive session where you'll learn the art of resin pouring from expert instructors. Whether you're a complete beginner or looking to refine your skills, this workshop is perfect for everyone. You'll create stunning, unique pieces to take home and enjoy, all while surrounded by like-minded creatives. Our workshops provide all the tools, materials, and guidance you'll need to bring your vision to life. Discover the mesmerizing flow of resin, explore vibrant pigments, and watch your art evolve into a glossy masterpiece. Each session is designed to be both educational and relaxing, making it the ideal activity to unwind, socialize, and spark inspiration. Spaces are limited, so book your spot today and dive into the colorful world of resin art with us!

**\*\*\*This is a pre-booking event. Please visit [artmasterclass.com.au](https://www.artmasterclass.com.au/) choose your lamp, use the MEETAMC10 coupon code, and make a reservation.\*\*\*** Join us for a hands-on workshop where families can learn the art of creating beautiful Turkish lamps together. This unique and engaging class will guide parents and kids through crafting intricate and colorful lamps. No prior experience is required, as our expert instructors will provide step-by-step instructions on design, assembly, and decorating techniques. This workshop is perfect for families and friends to bond, unleash their creativity, and take home a stunning handmade craft that can brighten any room. Come discover Turkish lamp-making's magic with your little ones in a fun and supportive environment. In this 2.5-hour workshop, you'll lose track of time and end up with a beautiful lamp to take home!

This is not another portfolio build. The aim is to teach you actual lighting techniques to elevate your photography to award wining levels over an intense 3.5 hours of creative lighting techniques. • half hour group chat about finding your own creative style. (3.00pm to 3.30pm) • 3 hours Art Nude Lighting setups Time: 3pm to 6,30pm (3.5 hours) Date: Saturday 14, March 2026 Price: $240 per person ( limited spaces up to 8 attendees) Location: TDA Studio. Factory 4, 200 Chesterville Road, Moorabbin Enquiries: Instagram via either @ni.ck5374 or @humanart_1 or email to [nick@ncpdesign.com.au](mailto:nick@ncpdesign.com.au) Things to bring: Your own camera WITH camera card and spare batteries. Model will be @[sailor__moonika2.0](https://www.instagram.com/?hl=en#) ##

This is a 2.5-hour outdoor walk/workshop to give you confidence in using your speedlight flash on-camera. I'll teach you the basic principles and some cool flash tricks. There's so much more to flash lighting than ugly pop-up flash... At first glance, flash lighting appears to break some of the rules of exposing a photo. This session explains why flash is different and covers the basic tricks that make flash a fascinating creative tool for a photographer. Topics covered: • TTL metering and flash exposure compensation • camera sync speed • basic principles: use of aperture and shutter speed • blending flash and ambient light sources • using flash with movement • creative flash effects • using speedlight zoom control • bouncing flash off surfaces - indoor and outdoor I will take a couple of minutes to explain each concept and then give you a specific exercise with suggested camera settings so that you can try it for yourself. As with my "available light" ( http://photos.gilliver.net/teaching/workshops/night-portraits ) walk, you'll be pairing up to take photos of each other. This is the first in a series of 3 sessions on lighting with flash. This walk has been designed for photographers who have a speedlight-style flash (eg. Canon 430EX/580EX/600EX, Nikon SB700/800/900/910/5000, Godox TT685/V860/V1 etc) that you "bolt on" to the top of your camera. A number of the set exercises can be done with pop-up flash but some are speedlight-specific. The concepts taught apply to both DSLR and mirrorless camera systems. The main flash features required are the ability to control the flash power level manually and the ability to swivel the flash head in different directions. Tripods, light stands, umbrellas and remote triggering systems are not required on this walk - this session does not discuss off-camera flash. I recommend bringing a general purpose zoom lens for this session. For example, a 24-70mm, 17-55mm, 24-105mm etc. Please ensure that both your camera and flash have freshly charged batteries and your camera has a blank memory card. You won't need a tripod. This session is best suited to photographers who are comfortable with camera concepts such as film speed/ISO, shutter speed, aperture and white balance but have no understanding of their flash beyond knowing how to turn it on/off. As this event is outdoors after dark, please ensure you have warm clothing and if rain is forecast, bring an umbrella (although the session runs mostly undercover if rain is about). If you are interested in this walk but are not able to attend this date, feel free to leave a comment with your preferred time/date. If you are having difficulties making payment via Meetup, you can go direct to Paypal ( https://www.paypal.com.au ) and make payment to "david@gilliver.net". Make sure you include a note indicating which session you're making payment for so that I can set your RSVP correctly. Payment in advance is preferred for my sessions. -- Some feedback from previous sessions... "It was one of the best training educational sessions I have been to for a long time - simply presented, indepth, but well pitched. I had a lot of fun and learnt so much!" - Sean, April 2021 "Thank you so much David. What an eye opener. Taught me so much about flash photography in 2 1/2 hours. Highly recommend the class." - David, March 2018 "This is an amazing course, packed with lots of valuable technical information, David took the time to explain every single concept and demonstrate it with a practical exercise, this is a must do course for whoever wants to start with flash photograph !!! Really worth it." - Oscar, October 2016 "I'm studying a Diploma of Photo Imaging and was struggling to grasp flash. Until yesterday's session. David explained things in a way that made sense. The exercises clearly demonstrated why and how flash works. David made sure I understood each concept before we moved on to the next. He provided notes to reinforce the message after the session and even had spare batteries for power-hungry flash units. I was lucky enough to be the only person in his session last night and was grateful for the one-to-one tuition. Thanks David!" - Emma, January 2016 "This is the best value photography course I've ever done (and I've done plenty online and in real life)! David was incredibly professional and is actually an excellent teacher ... a skill that is hard to come by. He presented each new concept in a structured way before building on what had just been learned. The whole night was full of practical examples in a beautiful location overlooking the city lights. I went back to work the following week full of confidence to take excellent pictures to use on the company website. I cannot recommend David highly enough! Thank you David - I'll be back for another course soon." - Michelle, June 2015

We are heading to Grampians National Park, one of the most incredible places in Victoria to lose yourself in nature for a while. We will book a bus with a driver. Our events are only open to people aged 18 years and older. Please follow these two steps to confirm your spot: Step 1: Please RSVP to this event on meetup. Step 2: Please buy the bus ticket via Trybooking ($99 - Early Bird, $119 - Regular): [https://www.trybooking.com/DIMXJ](https://www.trybooking.com/DIMXJ) Payments are managed through Trybooking and not Meetup. You will see an **"Unpaid"** status on your RSVP. The only thing you need is the Trybooking ticket which you will receive by email. I will manually update the meetup payment status closer to the event date. Trybooking payments are non-refundable. There is no option to transfer the ticket to a new date. Trybooking payments will be refunded only if the event is cancelled or moved to a new date. If you are a digital creator or youtuber, please message the organizer before buying the ticket. Meeting Point: Let's meet in the Corner of Russell and Flinders Street (Federation Square Bus stop) at 8:45 AM. We should be back at Federation Square Bus Stop around 9 pm. Map: [https://www.google.com/maps/search/?api=1&query=-37.817028%2C%20144.97006](https://www.google.com/maps/search/?api=1&query=-37.817028%2C%20144.97006) This is a rain or shine event. Cost: Bus Ticket: $99 - Early Bird $119 - Regular Lunch: Varies (depends on what you buy at Halls Gap). Tentative list of locations we will be visiting: **Halls Gap**: Stop at Halls Gap for a lunch break (own expense). **If you are lucky**, The Halls Gap Recreation Reserve is a fantastic place to see **Kangaroos** in the Grampians. 🕒30 mins **Boroka Lookout**: Picturesque views of mountain ranges, lakes & plains. (Please **stay within the safety barriers for your own safety**. In the news: [https://bit.ly/3o3MvAI](https://bit.ly/3o3MvAI) ) 🕒15 mins \| 1\-2 mins walk **Reed Lookout:** From the summit of Reed Lookout you will enjoy stunning views over the entire Victoria Valley, Victoria Range, Serra Range, Lake Wartook, and the Mt Difficult Range on a clear day. (Not much walking involved) 🕒15 mins \| 1\-2 mins walk **Pinnacles Lookout:** The Pinnacle is the Grampians’ most iconic lookout — and for good reason. The sweeping views are nothing short of spectacular, making it one of the most breath-taking vantage points in the entire Grampians National Park. 4\.2km return hike \| 🕒2 hours **Grand Canyon -** Climb your way through a stunning gorge beneath towering rock walls on this short but challenging hike. Take a moment to pause, listen to the gentle stream, and soak in the natural echoes all around you. It's short strenuous walk up and the downhill coming back. 🕒45 mins Please follow us on Social Media for photos, videos & updates: [YouTube](https://www.youtube.com/@explore-melbourne) \| [Facebook Page](https://www.facebook.com/exploremelb) \| [Facebook Group](https://www.facebook.com/groups/exploremelb) \| [Instagram](https://www.instagram.com/xpmelb/) \| [TikTok](https://www.tiktok.com/@exploremelbourne) \| [ExploreMelbourne.AU](https://exploremelbourne.au/) Explore Melbourne is the largest meetup group in Australia with more than 42,000 members. We know these group rules won’t suit everybody, and that’s okay—there are many other groups where you might feel more at home. To keep things safe, fun, and positive, we have 8 simple rules for people attending our events. Over the past 9 years, we’ve removed 342 people (around 0.8%) for breaking them—so please read carefully! ❌ Not a dating group – We’re here to make friends and share experiences, not find soulmates. 📵 No phone numbers – You’re welcome to swap social media if you both agree, but please don’t share or ask for phone numbers. Please don’t add people to WhatsApp or other groups. 🔞 Our events are only open to people aged 18 and older. 📢 No advertising – Please don’t promote other events, groups, or businesses here. 😅 Don’t be clingy – Give people space to mingle and chat with others too. 🚗 No carpooling – For safety reasons and insurance coverage, we don’t allow carpooling or ride-sharing through the group. 💰 No sales pitches – That means no selling, MLMs, pyramid schemes, or “life-changing mentorships.” Keep it scam-free. By joining an event, you agree to follow these rules. Breaking them means removal from all our groups—no exceptions. Thank you! **Liability Waiver:** The organizer of this group cannot accept any liability for any loss, damage, injury, or accident to participants or their property at this event. By participating in this event, you're taking responsibility for your safety and well-being. By joining this event, you agree to the liability waiver mentioned here: [https://exploremelbourne.au/explore-melbourne-liability-waiver/](https://exploremelbourne.au/explore-melbourne-liability-waiver/)

This event is dedicated to Theo Angelopoulos and his two masterpieces, Landscape in the Mist and Weeping Meadow. Remember to watch the films before coming and we will have an insightful discussion about them. Our topics include but not limited to how he manipulates time, the effects of the long take, social commentary in his films, and the juxtaposition of music and image.

## 🇯🇵 Progressi部: Japanese-English Language & Culture Exchange 🇦🇺 **"Serious Study, Authentic Community" — 本気で学び、本気で交流する。** Join us for our weekly exchange designed for those dedicated to practicing Japanese and English. This is a space to improve your language skills, share cultural insights, and make new, like-minded friends in a respectful environment. ### 🎯 Who This Group Is For We welcome individuals who are here to **actively practice their Japanese or English**. Whether you are looking for a study partner or want to learn more about culture, this is a community for focused and meaningful interaction. **✅ 受付方法 / Event Check-in (Strictly Required)** 到着の際、必ず主催者に以下の提示をお願いします / Upon arrival, please present the following to the organizer: * **Meetupの参加申し込み（RSVP）画面をご提示ください。** / Show your Meetup RSVP confirmation screen. * **予約なし（No RSVP）での参加はお断りしております。** / No walk-ins permitted without a confirmed RSVP. * **Participation Fee: $3 CASH** Non-Japanese citizens. ### 🚫 Conduct & Safety Policy To ensure a high-quality experience for all members, we maintain a strict standard of behavior: * **Immediate Ban:** Any individual found guilty of misconduct or creating "trouble" will be banned from the group immediately.**.** * **Organizer Authority:** The Organizer reserves the right to remove any member at their sole discretion to maintain the safety and integrity of the community. * **Respectful Interaction:** All members are expected to be polite and mindful of others. Do not make fellow participants feel uncomfortable or pressured. * **Privacy:** Please respect the personal boundaries of others. Do not pressure members for private contact information. **If any member makes you feel uncomfortable, please report it immediately to the organizers: Shin, David, or Ray.** *** ### 📝 Event Details * **Time:** Saturday, 4:00 PM – 6:00 PM * **Arrival:** Please arrive **10–15 minutes early** due to limited seating. * **Entry Fee:** **$3 CASH** (Non-Japanese citizens). This contribution covers monthly meetup hosting fees. * **Photography:** Photos will be taken during the event for our community archives. ### 🇯🇵 日本語でのご案内 メルボルン市内のカフェで、本気で学べる日英言語文化交流会を主催しています。 * **目的:** 日本語・英語の練習、そして同じ目標を持つ友人作りを目的としています。 * **参加費:** 日本国籍以外の方は $3ドル（現金のみ）。 * **ルール:** 迷惑行為やトラブルを起こす方の参加は一切禁止です。主催者の判断により、即座に退会・出入り禁止の措置を取らせていただきます。 * 困ったことがあれば、すぐにオーガナイザー（Shin, David, Ray）までお知らせください。 ### 🔗 Connect With Us * **Facebook:** [facebook.com/groups/progressibu](https://www.google.com/search?q=http://www.facebook.com/groups/progressibu) * **X (Twitter):** [twitter.com/progressibu](https://www.google.com/search?q=http://twitter.com/progressibu)

Okay, so here's another one by request... **"An Evening with Topaz Labs"** The Topaz Labs tools are regarded as some of the finest photo editing plug-ins that you can add to your photo editing workflow. From noise reduction to resizing to sharpening, the results of these plugins are highly regarded and well reviewed in industry editing blogs. Join us for the evening and I will give you a preview of the most popular Topaz Lab tools and show you how I have used them in my digitial editing workflow. Meeting Schedule: 1. 6:00 - Introduction, Meet New Members 2. 6:10 - Old Business 3. 6:20 - New Business 4. 6:30 - Pre-Shoot Briefing/Education 5. 7:15 - Break 6. 7:30 - Image Critique 7. 8:00 - Adjourn Pre-Shoot Brief/Education: Topaz Labs Image Critique: Previous Photoshoot Images (TBD). If anyone has images they would like critiqued, please provide them at the beginning of the meeting. Providing Images for Critique: For now, I will collect images at the beginning of the meeting on a USB memory stick. My computer has USB-C ports, so a USB-C memory stick or one with dual (USB-C / USB-A) ports will be needed. Images should follow these format rules: JPG - 80% quality or higher 132 dpi resolution 2048 pixels across the long edge Embedded colorspace - sRGB

TOPIC (TBD): Meeting Schedule: 1. 6:00 - Introduction, Meet New Members 2. 6:10 - Old Business 3. 6:20 - New Business 4. 6:30 - Pre-Shoot Briefing/Education 5. 7:15 - Break 6. 7:30 - Image Critique 7. 8:00 - Adjourn Pre-Shoot Brief/Education: NIK Collection 8 Image Critique: Previous Photoshoot Images (iPhone images and Christmas Cards). If anyone has images they would like critiqued, please provide them at the beginning of the meeting. Providing Images for Critique: For now, I will collect images at the beginning of the meeting on a USB memory stick. My computer has USB-C ports, so a USB-C memory stick or one with dual (USB-C / USB-A) ports will be needed. Images should follow these format rules: JPG - 80% quality or higher 132 dpi resolution 2048 pixels across the long edge Embedded colorspace - sRGB

**To Be Announced!**

Come out to Improving for our monthly iOS and Mac meetings. This Month's Presentation: **Python Tips and Tricks on iOS** **Mike Kennedy** What is Cocoaheads (http://cocoaheads.org/)? CocoaHeads is a group devoted to discussion of Apple Computer's Cocoa Framework for programming on MacOS X and iOS (including the iPhone, iPad and Apple Watch). During monthly meetings, members present on their projects and offer tutorials on various programming topics. What is BuckeyeCocoa (http://buckeyecocoa.org/)? BuckeyeCocoa is a group of Objective-C/Swift developers/enthusiasts. We host monthly Cocoaheads and near-weekly NSCoder meetings in Columbus, Ohio. The meetings are free to attend. Presentations! Presenters welcome! We are always in need of people willing to present material. Any Swift and/or Objective-C related topic is welcome. Times can be 5 minutes (i.e. lightning talks) to a maximum of 2 hours. Interested? Contact info is on the BuckeyeCocoa website. To volunteer for a presentation contact us at @BuckeyeCocoa on Twitter. Follow us on Twitter! @BuckeyeCocoa (https://twitter.com/#!/Buckeyecocoa/) For more information: http://buckeyecocoa.org/

So this month's prompt is more general. I think we can all agree that we are living in "unique" times that require coping skills. I think that one role and/or purpose of philosophy is to help us deal with our daily lives and our "unique" times. So, let's share our feelings and thoughts about which philosopher/philosophy we turn to in order to deal with our crazy events. Who/what helps you stay focused in your daily life and helps you sleep at night. I find that Stoicism with a little philosophical pessimism mixed in goes a long way in helping me deal with what I see as very destructive, fearful and mean spirited public policies at both the state and federal levels. Hope to see you on March 28th!

NFT's are here to stay folks! This is a group for like minded people interested in understanding, leveraging, using, creating for, profiting from, trading too i suppose, NFT's.. everything around them, complexity, fear and exploits, best practices and more. **PLUS** This group will talk AI ART tools, techniques, artists, video, audio, prototypes and more in the AI assisted production space- ART specifically, but we can get into any aspect of some of the cooler things happening in AI in general.

The Photoshop Bootcamp workshop is an intensive training course designed to quickly teach participants the fundamentals and intermediate skills needed to use Adobe Photoshop effectively. This workshop condenses the material covered in introductory and intermediate Photoshop courses into a shorter, information-packed weekend. Participants will learn to navigate the Photoshop workspace, use tools for retouching and color correction, and manipulate layers and adjustment layers. The workshop also emphasizes practical, hands-on experience with real-world image editing and compositing projects. The Photoshop Bootcamp workshop will follow the outline below: I. Introduction to Photoshop * **A. Understanding the Photoshop Interface:** Exploring the workspace, panels, tools, and options bar. * **B. Basic Image Concepts:** Pixels, resolution, image sizing, cropping, and color models (RGB vs. CMYK). * **C. Non-Destructive Editing Principles:** Why it's important and how to maintain flexibility. II. Working with selections * **A. Selection Tools:** Marquee, Lasso, Magic Wand, Quick Selection, and Pen tool. * **B. Refining Selections:** Using Select and Mask, feathering, and other techniques for precise edges. * **C. Creating and Managing Masks:** Layer masks for non-destructive selections and image blending. III. Layers and Adjustments * **A. Understanding and Managing Layers:** Creating, selecting, moving, grouping, and organizing layers. * **B. Blending Modes:** Exploring different ways layers interact and create visual effects. * **C. Adjustment Layers:** Non-destructive color and tonal adjustments (e.g., Levels, Curves, Hue/Saturation). IV. Photo retouching and manipulation * **A. Healing Tools:** Spot Healing Brush, Healing Brush, and Patch Tool for removing blemishes and unwanted elements. * **B. Clone Stamp Tool:** Duplicating and removing areas within an image for seamless repairs. * **C. Content-Aware Tools:** Using features like Content-Aware Fill and Content-Aware Move for intelligent object removal and image manipulation. V. Advanced techniques * **A. Smart Objects:** Working with Smart Objects for non-destructive transformations and advanced compositions. * **B. Filters and Effects:** Exploring the Filter Gallery and applying various effects to images and layers. * **C. Combining Images:** Compositing and blending multiple images seamlessly using selections, masks, and adjustment layers. VI. Output and workflow * **A. Saving for Web and Print:** Understanding image resolution, file formats, and optimization for different output needs. * **B. Exporting and Sharing Images:** Various methods for exporting and sharing your Photoshop creations. * **C. Workflow Tips and Best Practices:** Efficient techniques and organizational strategies for working in Photoshop. VII. Wrap-up and Q&A * **A. Review of Key Concepts:** Brief recap of the main topics covered during the workshop. * **B. Open Discussion and Questions:** Answering participants' questions and providing further guidance. * **C. Next Steps and Resources:** Suggesting additional resources for continued learning and exploration. The Photoshop Bootcamp workshop is a hands-on workshop, and example files and materials are made available to each participant. Each participant is required to have a computer available for use throughout the workshop. That computer must be adequately configured to run the latest version of Photoshop available in Adobe's Creative Cloud software suite (as of the time of this document, that version is Photoshop 2025 (Version 26.9.0)). Photoshop should be installed and operational before the commencement of the workshop. Please don't hesitate to contact me PRIOR TO THE WORKSHOP to confirm that you are indeed prepared for doing the hands-on exercises during the workshop. GENERAL WORKSHOP NOTES: There is a fee of $400 per person associated with this workshop. The Photoshop Bootcamp workshop comprises two sessions (Session 01, November 22nd, and Session 02, November 23rd). The $400 fee covers participation in both sessions. For scheduling purposes, on Meetup.com, the workshop is broken up into two (2) sessions. You only need to sign up for Session 01 (November 22nd), you will AUTOMATICALLY be signed up for Session 02 (November 23rd). The following registration/cancellation policy is in place for this workshop: * The workshop fee is due upon signing up for the event. You will be contacted shortly after you register to make arrangements for processing payment. * Participant cancellations before October 22nd are entitled to a FULL refund of the workshop fee. Participant cancellations after October 22nd, but before November 15th, are entitled to a 50% refund of the workshop fee. Participant who cancel **after November 15th** will not be entitled to a refund of their workshop fee. A continental breakfast is available each morning of the workshop (Session 01, November 22nd, Session 02, November 23rd) and includes coffee, tea, juice, and water. Lunch time (12:00 - 1:00 p.m.) features a catered lunch on each day of the workshop (Session 01, November 22nd, Session 02, November 23rd) and includes a selection of beverages such as coffee, iced tea, soda, and sports drinks.