Digital Photography

* 🌏 **MELBOURNE → DANDENONG RANGES** 🌲🏙️ * 📅 SUN **8 FEB, DAY TRIP☀️** * ☀️ *Forest air, gentle trails & big views* 🌿🥾🌄 \-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\- 🌿 **JOIN US FOR A SOULFUL DAY IN NATURE!** 🌿 Escape the city and step into the cool, green heart of the **Dandenong Ranges** — where towering mountain ash, fern gullies, waterfalls and panoramic lookouts create the perfect setting for a slow, nourishing adventure. 🥐 We’ll begin with a gourmet bakehouse stop in a charming village for coffee and fresh pastries before heading into the forest for an easy, scenic hike along peaceful trails. 🥾 Our guided walk (up to 9 km) is unhurried and accessible, with plenty of pauses to breathe, take photos, and enjoy the sounds of the forest. 🧺 After the hike, we’ll enjoy a relaxed picnic lunch surrounded by greenery, followed by a gentle **meditation & grounding session** to fully reset and recharge. 🌄 In the afternoon, we’ll visit **SkyHigh Mount Dandenong** — wander the gardens, visit the Wishing Tree, and take in sweeping views across Melbourne and Port Phillip Bay. 💧 We’ll finish the day with a peaceful waterfall stop and a final lookout in soft afternoon light — the perfect closing chapter to a calm, connection-filled day. **\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-** 🎒 **All-Inclusive — Just $99!** ✔️ Guided 9 km hike + all gear 🥾 ✔️ Unlimited **snacks** & refreshments 🥤 ✔️ Coffee & tea throughout the day ☕ ✔️ **Fruit** platter 🍏 ✔️ **Meditation** & relaxation session ✨ ✔️ **Comfortable Mercedes minivan transport** (round trip) 🚐 \-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\- **📍 Your Adventure Itinerary** 🌅 **07:30** – Meet at **St Paul’s Cathedral**, Flinders Street 🌟 **08:30** – Gourmet **bakehouse** stop & break ☕ **09:00** – Morning **coffee, tea** & snacks (included) 🥾 **09:30** – Easy forest **hike** (up to **9 km**) 🍽️ **12:30** – **Picnic lunch** (BYO welcome) with unlimited drinks, snacks & a fresh **fruit platter** 🧘 **13:30** – **Meditation** & grounding in a leafy green setting 🌿 **14:30** – Garden walk & Wishing Tree at **SkyHigh Mount Dandenong** 🌄 **15:00** – **Scenic lookout** over Melbourne & the bay 💧 **16:00** – **Waterfall** visit (short, easy walk) 🌅 **16:30** – Final **lookout** stop 🦘 **17:00** – Enjoy a **scenic drive** 🏙️ **18:30** – Return to Melbourne with a head full of stories and a camera full of memories * 📍 Drop-off: Hammer Hall, Melbourne \-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\- **🎒 What to Bring** ✅ **BYO lunch** 🥪 (we can buy on the way) ✅ **Warm, wind-water-resistant clothing** 🧥 ✅ **Hiking shoes** (available for free if needed) 🥾 ✅ **Long sleeves, long pants, hat** 🧢 ✅ **A positive attitude** \-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\- **💰 How to Book?** Secure your spot with a **$99 transfer** **Please note:** An RSVP alone does not secure your spot — only a transfer confirms your place on the trip. Thanks for understanding! 🔹 **PayID:** 0414 661 458 🔹 **Bank Transfer:** **NAME:** KARAPETIAN G **BSB:** 013233 **ACCOUNT:** 226325836 **Ref:** DR 🌟 **Limited spots available—RSVP now!** S*pots are only confirmed once payment is received !!!* \-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\- ❗️**Please Note:** **Payments are only credited or refunded if the event is canceled or rescheduled by the organizer.** In all other circumstances, payments are **non-refundable and non-transferable**. ❗️Thank you for understanding and supporting the planning involved in creating these experiences! 🌿 \-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\- **Feel free to ask if you have any questions!** 😊 \-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\- 📩 **Got questions? DM me anytime!** \-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\- 🌿✨ Don’t miss this **epic day of adventure, nature, and fun!** ✨🌊 \-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\- Visit our sources: https://www.facebook.com/groups/812911556223655/?ref=share Instagram: nogeography.hike.kayak https://www.meetup.com/en-AU/no-geography-hike-and-kayak/ * **✨ A day designed for nature lovers, gentle movers, and anyone in need of fresh air, stillness, and beautiful moments.** \-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\- **LIABILITY WAIVER** The organizer of this group cannot accept any liability for any loss, damage, injury, or accident to participants or their property on this event. By participating in this event, you're taking responsibility for your own safety and well-being. By joining this event you agree to these terms. ## **COVID-19 Safety Measures** * The event host is instituting the above safety measures for this event. * Please do not attend if you are experiencing any flu-like symptoms, such as fever, cough, or sore throat. * If you have recently tested positive for COVID-19 or have been in close contact with someone who has, we kindly ask that you refrain from attending. * Thank you for your understanding and cooperation in keeping our community safe!

**This event has been rescheduled from 12:00pm to 10:00 due to possible rainy weather** Join me for a chill sketch session at Kere Kere Gardens. We’ll be meeting beside Cook’s Cottage at **10:00am** before finding a suitable place to sit on the lawn. What to bring: \- Art materials\. \- Weather appropriate gear\. \- A picnic rug/towel to sit on\. See you then :)

An interactive storytelling lab where you will share, connect and hear your own story told through someone else’s voice. ***12 spots only!*** ***PLEASE NOTE: Tickets MUST BE SECURED via Eventbrite link. RSVPing on Meetup DOES NOT reserve your spot*** ***[Click here to get your ticket on Eventbrite](https://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/besties-biography-lab-sunday-1st-feb-gaswork-creative-precint-tickets-1980166187371?aff=oddtdtcreator)*** Join **The Besties' Biography Lab,** an immersive experiment blending creativity and connection. In this **3-hour workshop**, you’ll share reflect and stories, hear your own through someone else’s voice, and build friendships that go beyond small talk. Making friends in your as an adult isn’t easy, but it doesn’t have to be awkward. This lab is designed by the **New Besties Society** to help women connect beyond superficial conversations and create friendships that truly matter. ***PLEASE NOTE: Tickets MUST BE SECURED via Eventbrite link. RSVPing on Meetup DOES NOT reserve your spot*** ***[Click here to get your ticket on Eventbrite](https://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/besties-biography-lab-sunday-1st-feb-gaswork-creative-precint-tickets-1980166187371?aff=oddtdtcreator)***

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**PLEASE NOTE NEW LOCATION & ATTENDANCE FEE!** Please join us this Sunday as we discuss the similarities, and difference, between Religion and Spirituality at large. **We will meet at the Queensberry Hotel, 593 Swanston Street, Carlton (100m north of previous location) at 2pm for a 2:15pm start sharp.** **We kindly ask attendees to pay $5 to attend to help with MeetUp costs & venue costs. This is not mandatory, but if you are a regular member it would be appreciated. Any extra moneys will go towards buying food and drinks for the table.** There is no pre-requisite preparation necessary, nor a philosophical background, all that is required is a curious mind. These discussions are both a Socrates Cafe style discussion and lively metaphysical dojo, in the spirit of learning and friendly debate, so please feel free to challenge assumptions and be prepared to have your own assumptions challenged. Find below some questions to consider, however these are free-ranging events and the below serve as a springboard for the discussion. * What is the definition of Religion and Spirituality? * What do Religion and Spirituality share, and what do they have apart? * What does it mean to have connection and relationship with the Divine? * What is the purpose of non-dual self realisation? * What is the difference between Wholeness and Holiness? * Is there a transcendent unity of religions as Perennialists suggest? * What is "transcendence", in traditional religion and other spiritual paths? * Are spiritual practices communion with the Divine, or communion with oneself? * How do community centred vs individual experience spiritual paths compare? * Is 'esoteric Christianity' a contradiction? * Is there a relationship between modern moral ideas and Spirituality without religious structure? * What has been the influence of the New Age spiritual movement on medicine and popular psychology? * Is Jung complementary or a rival to historic Christianity? * Is religion just spirituality plus outdated morality? * Is spirituality just religion without the responsibility? Hope to see you there!

❌THIS EVENT HAS BEEN CANCELLED❌ QV is hosting a free outdoor cinema, Lets go watch some movies! 😄🍿 Tonight’s movie is - Barbie 💖 What to bring? - a picnic blanket or camp chair - your sketchbook if you feel like sketching - snacks! ⚠️ Please do not attend if you are sick ⚠️

**\*\*\*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!

If you’d enjoy a relaxed Sunday afternoon wandering through beautiful spaces, sharing thoughtful conversation, and ending the day over a lovely dinner — you’re warmly invited to join us. This is a women-only gathering designed to make connection feel **easy, unforced, and nourishing**, with art, movement, and shared experience doing the heavy lifting. ### Meet time & place **4:00pm – Meet inside the NGV, Great Hall** Please enter the **NGV (180 St Kilda Road, Melbourne)** and walk through **Federation Court**. We’ll meet in the **Great Hall**. (This meeting spot is easy to find once inside — see map/photo in the event images.) ### Gallery wander + conversation **4:00pm – 5:00pm** We’ll spend the afternoon **wandering a limited area of the NGV together**, moving at an easy pace and allowing conversations to unfold naturally as we explore. This is a relaxed, unstructured wander — there’s no rush and no expectation to see everything. The gallery provides a beautiful backdrop for: * Gentle conversation * Reflections sparked by art and design * Easy connections without small talk pressure As with other **Good Conversations Club** events, you’re welcome to arrive exactly as you are. I’ll have **conversation prompts available** that you’re welcome to use if you’d like — or not at all. They’re simply there to support ease, connection, and meaningful conversation if you want them. ### Walk to dinner The NGV closes at **5:00pm**, so we’ll meet out front, then take a **short walk (approx. 10 minutes)** together towards Flinders Street Station. ### Dinner **5:30pm – 7:00pm** **Chocolate Buddha** (very close to Flinders Street Station) Dinner is a chance to sit, slow down, and continue conversations over (shared?) food. You’re welcome to join for the gallery wander only, or both — dinner is optional but encouraged. ### Who this event is for This is a **women-only** event for those who are: * Young at heart and open-minded * Interested in art, culture, and meaningful conversation * Comfortable in mixed-age groups * Looking for connection without pressure or performance There’s no strict age range — you’ll likely meet women across different life stages who value presence, curiosity, and good conversation. (In general, ages of people attending our events have been around 25-50 years) ### Important notes * Entry to the NGV is free * Dinner is pay-your-own * Please arrive on time so we can begin together * Comfortable shoes recommended for walking This event is about **shared experience first**, followed by **nourishing conversation** — in beautiful surroundings, with ease.

**Photography 101: Discover The Photographer Within** **Are you ready to unlock the full potential of your camera? Then this beginning photography course is perfect for you!** This beginner-friendly photography class is your gateway to unlocking the power of your camera and developing a confident artistic vision. This course offers an engaging and practical approach to essential techniques and creative principles for impactful photography. We will explore the use of camera settings, composition, and light to tell a story that evokes emotion in the viewer. **Through hands-on exercises and insightful lessons, you will learn to:** * **Master Your Camera:** Learn fundamental camera functions, including aperture, shutter speed, and ISO, so you can confidently control exposure and creative effects in any lighting situation. * **Compose Captivating Images:** Explore and apply classic composition principles like the rule of thirds, leading lines, and framing to create visually appealing and impactful photographs. * **Harness the Power of Light:** Understand how different light sources (natural and artificial) affect your images and learn to manipulate them to create mood, texture, and enhance the overall quality of your photos. * **Control Focus and Depth of Field:** Discover how to effectively utilize depth of field to isolate your subject and achieve captivating background blur (bokeh) or ensure sharpness throughout your landscape shots. * **Work with Lenses and Filters:** Explore the impact of various lens types and focal lengths on photographs and learn how filters can add creative control and protection. **This class provides the foundation needed to confidently create high-quality images and begin a photographic journey, regardless of the camera used.** **Prerequisites:** * A camera (film, DSLR, or mirrorless) that has manual controls is required. Hands-on exercises make having the camera in class highly beneficial. You will need at least one lens to evaluate the results of control exercises. * You may attend this class in one of two ways: 1. With a class voucher provided by your retail camera store 2. Purchasing a seat in the class

**Photography 102: A Deeper Dive Into Photography** **Are you ready to dig deeper into photography? Then this intermediate photography course is perfect for expanding your knowledge of photography!** This intermediate photography class builds upon the foundational knowledge acquired in the Photography 101 class. It focuses on empowering students to move beyond automatic camera modes and take greater creative control over their images. This course uses an engaging and practical hands-on approach to reinforcing these newer and more advanced photographic concepts. **Through hands-on exercises and insightful lessons, you will learn:** * **Master More Advanced Camera Settings** * **Aperture and F-stops:** Understanding how aperture controls depth of field and using it to create blurry backgrounds (shallow depth of field) for portraits or sharp focus throughout a landscape (deep depth of field). * **Shutter Speed:** Learning to utilize shutter speed to freeze fast action or intentionally blur motion for artistic effects. * **ISO:** Exploring ISO settings for optimal image quality in different lighting conditions, understanding the trade-off between sensitivity and potential image noise/grain. * **Exposure Modes:** Beyond "Auto", understanding and utilizing manual (M), aperture-priority (A or Av), shutter-priority (S or Tv), and program (P) modes for specific shooting scenarios. * **White Balance:** Learn how to effectively set white balance controls to represent colors in varying lighting conditions properly. * **Metering and Exposure Compensation:** Understanding how the camera measures light and how to use exposure compensation to fine-tune exposure for desired results. * **On-Camera Flash Basics:** Gaining a basic understanding of when and how to use the built-in flash or external flash units effectively. * **Advanced Concepts and Techniques** * **Composition Beyond the Basics:** Looking at some more advanced composition concepts and taking a deeper look at the Elements of Design, learning to use space more effectively, controlling the elements of the scene that are drawing attention, and mastering visual weight. * **Lighting Beyond Natural Light:** Introduction to artificial lighting, such as off-camera flash, reflectors, and softboxes, to control and shape light for different effects. * **Basic Image Editing:** An introduction to photo editing software like Adobe Lightroom and Photoshop, covering essential tools for adjusting brightness, contrast, color, and sharpness. * **Developing a Personal Style:** Exploring ways to refine a unique artistic voice and create a consistent photographic style. **This class provides the next step in the path to becoming a more proficient and artistic photographer, allowing for more advanced usage of the camera system.** **Prerequisites:** * A camera (film, DSLR, or mirrorless) that has manual controls is required. Hands-on exercises make having the camera in class highly beneficial. You will need at least one lens to evaluate the results of control exercises. * You may attend this class in one of two ways: 1. With a class voucher provided by your retail camera store 2. Purchasing a seat in the class

**To Be Announced!**

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 (Getting Ready for Spring Macro Photography): Insects are hatching, and flowers are blooming soon. Join us for a presentation on Spring Macro photography and get primed for the photographic season ahead. 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

This meetup is a beginner-friendly, hands-on workshop focused on building shaders in Unity using Shader Graph. Instead of slides or theory-heavy lectures, we'll build real shaders together step-by-step. The format is structured but interactive. You'll watch a quick demo, then build each shader yourself with guidance. By the end, you'll have created multiple shaders you can immediately use in your own projects—and understand how to make more. **What to Expect:** * Build 4–5 complete shaders from scratch * Color tints, snow accumulation, scrolling water, dissolve effects, and more * No prior shader experience required * Checkpoint files provided if you fall behind * Resources for continued learning All experience levels are welcome. Whether you've never opened Shader Graph or just want to fill gaps in your knowledge, this is a supportive space to learn by doing. **Food and drinks provided. Join us to learn, build, and level up your shader skills.**

Come out to Improving for our monthly iOS and Mac meetings. This Month's Presentation: Bring a lightning talk with you and let's learn some quick things. 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/