Photography History

HANDS-ON (Bring your notebook or laptop computer...) Have you ever taken a workshop and asked yourself why your images didn't look like the instructors or your images just don't have the polish that other photographers have? "FINISHING" YOUR IMAGES IS A KEY TO PROFESSIONAL PHOTOGRAPHY SUCCESS! If you have taken any of our NVPPA workshops, PPA Super 1 Days, other 3rd party workshops, or held your own client sessions, this is the chance to get the knowledge on exactly what to edit to strategically take your images to the next level. Competition judges will notice these flaws first! The techniques applied are targeted to make your images way better -- FAST! You will LEARN HOW TO improve your portrait and lifestyle people photography by applying strategic edits to one or more images in Lightroom accompanied by some Photoshop (when necessary). These Lightroom techniques and unique application of these tools are seldom used but fast and effective. The students will be able to follow along with the edits using the same image as the instructor. A follow-along outline and practice files are provided. The Lightroom portion focuses on- and demonstrates the specific use of the basic and ADVANCED tools of the Develop Module; it's assumed you have some knowledge already of the Library Module, rating images, and organizing your images into Collections. PLEASE COME TO THIS WORKSHOP WITH YOUR SELECTED IMAGES FOR CRITIQUE OR EDITING ORGANIZED INTO COLLECTIONS AND READY-TO-VIEW! This will save us valuable time :-). HERE ARE JUST SOME OF THE TECHNIQUES YOU WILL LEARN: • Lighten & Resolve Shadowy Eye Sockets With Just a Click (No Brush)! • Add More Depth & Dimension to Your images! • Correct Bad Skin-tone & White Balance • Learn 5 Ways To Resolve Glare Or Highlights On Face, Cheek, Hands, or Shoulders (Lr And Ps) • Correct Catch Light Problems: Quickly Add a Missing Catch Light in an Eye W/O Ps and Only 2 Clicks! • Change Light Direction From Broad to Short • Identify & Correct Blocked Up Blacks. Why is this Bad? • Identify & Improve Bad Composition • Improve Focus or Sharpness: Quickly Understand the Sliders and Identify What Each Controls • Reveal & Correct Overexposed Highlights • Remove Stray Hair (Ps, Studio Example) ONE-ON-ONE INSTRUCTION! For the final portion, we will answer specific questions about your own images. Due to the small class size, you will receive individual and specific instruction! QUESTIONS: We will be glad to help with any questions. Please contact the instructor and host of this workshop by clicking on Philip's profile image above. You can also email workshops@gallery252.com (no spam please). TO REGISTER: 1. Please RSVP to the right or message/Contact Philip Brasch via his profile in the right sidebar to express your interest. You will not be able to RSVP with the button in the upper right sidebar if you are not a member in this group. 2. Either way, PLEASE complete this short and secure (https) Registration and Contact Information FORM (https://goo.gl/forms/HFsiT6bL9Ntx4nfx2) <== Click this to register for this course! We will not share this information to other parties. Or click or paste this URL into your browser: https://goo.gl/forms/HFsiT6bL9Ntx4nfx2 . *** RSVP NOW! *** INVESTMENT: There is an investment for this professional photography workshop of $89. NVPPA Gold Members (paid) receive a $10 discount. Contact Philip for the discounted link. • FIRST, please RSVP on this site so we can meet you and know you're attending. • SECOND, classes are purposely kept small so we need a commitment to hold your spot beyond 24 hours; please remit your investment here via PayPal for $89: https://tinyurl.com/yxsvw5rd • Onsite registration or after Wednesday 11:59pm the day prior to the workshop: $109 https://tinyurl.com/y4y8lzf5 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------

***In Person Location:*** Rockville Library, second floor meeting room (Collaboration Room 3). We are experimenting with a new virtual join link - [https://meet.jit.si/mocomakers](https://meet.jit.si/mocomakers) If you can make it in person, that's always recommended! We want to continue with full systems testing, after the powerline component repair - and overall just 'get back into it'. Let's resume repeated full end-to-end testing cycles and continue to iterate our design and resolution. Our community is building (and documenting for other teams) how to build a scanning tunneling microscope using a mix of common and 3D printed parts. This will allow us to scan and visualize a single atom - an ambitious we are doing over the course of a few months. The MoCo Makers community is one of the most innovative and competent groups in Maryland, and we've done everything from [publishing cancer research](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38136356/), to [launching products](https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/gotim/cozy-curvy-multi-contour-pillow), [winning grants](https://covidinfocommons.datascience.columbia.edu/awards/2014255), and inspiring thousands. Now our biggest challenge yet has appeared. We are building a Scanning Tunneling Microscope, that will allow us to scan and visualize single atoms. Does it sound hard? Perhaps.. However! I have every confidence that we are now operating at a level were we can take on this mean, cross-functional project. We continue to build on our past successes, and a key technology we previously applied was increasing the signal of small voltages using OpAmps - which we did during our custom pH Probe project - [https://www.mocomakers.com/ph-probe/](https://www.mocomakers.com/ph-probe/) \- That technology is exactly what we need to get this machine working\, and at a high precision\! To get a better idea of what we are doing, see our reference project here: [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7N3OqTEq08g](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7N3OqTEq08g) All starting CAD, code, and reference files should exist. However, let's be the first Maker community to document the build process and share it with learners around the world. We have a bit over $2,000 in materials costs, so if you want to sponsor this project, and get banners at events with 20K attendees, and access to our email broadcast of 30K members, please contact matt@mocomakers.com We are also open to university, lab, or community partnerships so feel to reach out if you want to be part of this project. Together, we can do incredible things. ***In Person Location:*** Rockville Library, second floor meeting room (Meeting Room 3). To Join Virtually: https://meet.jit.si/mocomakers

Explore the library's Digital Preservation Lab and learn how to digitize your keepsakes and preserve your family history. This drop-in orientation will provide a general overview of the lab’s resources and equipment. Additional appointments can be made for Saturday, January 24, between 10:30 a.m.–4:00 p.m. Contact [LibRelic@pwcgov.org](mailto:LibRelic@pwcgov.org) directly to book your appointment.

Come Craft with us. Don't let the lack of RSVPs stop you, they aren't required, nor is membership to our group. Bring your project and join a boisterous group of crafters in the Kogod Courtyard of the Smithsonian Portrait Gallery - American Art Museum. This glass roofed space is climate controlled and has the most beautiful light for crafting. (If there's an event in Courtyard head over to the MLK library Cafe.)

You must read the following NVHC Sign-in Sheet Statement/Liability Disclaimer, [https://nvhc.com/signin.pdf](https://nvhc.com/signin.pdf) and then answer the question that you will see when you RSVP with "I accept" to be permitted on the hike. This is an enjoyable hike with shaded trails and a sandy beach to take our break on. The hike is \~7,3 miles with \~800 feet of elevation gain in Seneca Regional Park. We'll start by hiking through a beautiful full growth hardwood forest and will then connect to the Potomac Heritage Trail. We'll take our break on a sandy beach. Thanks to Bob G for the photo. We hike at a pace of 2.3 to 2.5 mph while moving. *You must have experience with hikes of this length and elevation gain.* Dogs are permitted on this hike in accordance with the NVHC Dog Policy. [https://tinyurl.com/nvhcdogpolicyhttps://tinyurl.com/nvhcdogpolic](https://tinyurl.com/nvhcdogpolicy) Leader: Steve Frith cell 703-629-0174 Park Entry Fee: $0.00 Map for hike: https://www.gaiagps.com/map/?loc=15.0/-77.3190/39.0474&pubLink=obOQ48o079O4P48KYoJBIMa9&trackId=b81b5829-efdf-4bad-bb66-9e9de4a74efd

In this book launch presented by The Gurdjieff Society of Washington DC, Roger Lipsey and translators Thierry Guillemin and Anne Sullivan introduce a unique memoir, just published, of life and learning with G.I. Gurdjieff: A Path Out of Exile with Gurdjieff in Post-war Paris.

• What we'll do Learn how to take great pictures BEFORE you go on that expensive trip! And we will teach you how to use your camera IN THE FIELD, not in a classroom! Join our standard Monuments and Memorials workshop, offered Wednesdays and Saturdays, in which the instructor takes you to some of DC’s most popular attractions: White House, Lafayette Park, the Einstein, Lincoln, Korea, and Vietnam Three Servicemen Memorials, and finally to Union Station, where you learn to make all the moving people DISAPPEAR! Remember, it was Confucius who said: "I hear and I forget. I see and I remember. I do, and I understand." At Washington Photo Safari, we help you "do " and understand! That is why our motto is "See. Click. Learn." This $71 Safari (a 20% discount from the regular $89 price) begins with a 45-minute travel photography orientation, giving you basic tips in composition, F-stops and shutter speeds, portraiture, and interior photography. While you are taking pictures, you receive hands-on guidance on how to make those images even better! Advanced and smartphone photographers will appreciate the instructor’s extensive knowledge of the best camera angles in DC. This is suggested as a preliminary course before taking special safaris. Open to any photographers at any skill level with any camera, phone, or tablet. Transportation from site to site is provided by the instructor. • What to bring camera and all lenses • Important to know travel, architectural, portrait and street photography techniques

Last year, members of our group went to the National Portrait Gallery to see a show of work by the late gay conceptual artist Felix Gonzalez-Torres. (Gonzalez-Torres died from AIDS at age 38 in 1996.) Now, that exhibition's curators have released a catalog for the show, and they are appearing at Politics & Prose in DC on Sunday, January 25th at 5 p.m. to talk about Gonzalez-Torres in relation to portraiture and identity. To learn more, here is the event page from Politics & Prose: https://politics-prose.com/charlotte-ickes-and-josh-t-franco-012526 The event is free. If someone wants a copy of the catalog, Politics & Prose is selling copies for $60.

MODELS ACTORS DANCERS ATHLETES NEEDED for Studio & Lifestyle Portrait Workshops: Teens, 20s, 30s ok! FEMALE, MALE, or COUPLES MODELS NEEDED: If you're an amateur or new to modeling, ACTING, or DANCE this gig is a perfect and easy way to practice and start building your portfolio. Do you have goals in a modeling career or other reasons for your interest? TWO (2) STEPS TO APPLY: 1). PLEASE complete this *** REQUIRED ONLINE FORM ***. It asks for a brief background, a few photos (selfies OK :-), contact information, and city of residence and it's the best way for us to qualify you further. We will not share your information with 3rd parties: https://goo.gl/forms/HFsiT6bL9Ntx4nfx2 2). If you're new to our events, WE REQUIRE A CONVERSATION with each model several days before the event. Without the form completed, we can't interview you, sorry. DO NOT WAIT UNTIL THE LAST MINUTE to complete the form! The online form gets your info into our SELECT list so we can call and schedule you in when needed. TFP: Please note that this is a TFP gig BUT IF YOU'RE EXPERIENCED, you'll be getting a highly professional set of images in exchange for your time... DESCRIPTION: These ongoing lifestyle and portrait photography workshops require models! The genres of photographs taken are lifestyle, glamour, fashion, and teen-senior oriented. The poses will include waist up; full-face portraits; two-thirds portraits; profile; 3/4 and full length. Creativity and uniqueness are encouraged of both the models and the photography students. Teens are welcome as *some* classes will focus on high school senior portrait photography and photographing teens. Working with us for just 2-3 hours is a great way to get awesome high school senior portraits or to ENHANCE YOUR PORTFOLIO as TFP. Having a good responsive attitude and appropriate manners is important to the group. If you think the "F" word is a useful and necessary adjective, you need not apply. BACKGROUND: The workshop instructor is a PPA international award-winning professional photographer with over 19 years of *professional* experience and has already conducted over 60 workshops and lectures to professional photographers since 2009. Students are both male and female pro-path to professional photographers and can offer you amazing professional photographs in exchange for your time. Collaboration with Instructor prior to- and after the workshops is welcome so that everyone's needs are met! PROFESSIONAL, TASTEFUL, & STUNNING IMAGERY: If you're female and wary of the GWC, you'll be pleased to know that there are NO GWC's (guys with cameras) and the majority of the students are female! These are serious professionals that want to learn more, need you to practice, and me to professionally coach them. You're guaranteed to get some great images and style variety from the instructor and pro-path to pro students! TIMES: 3-4 Hour Window Prior to Sunset. Please be aware that the time will change every week! DATES: RIGHT NOW! These dates are already scheduled: • SEE THIS POST & upcoming opportunities posted every week on this site! Periodic Saturdays & Sundays, approximately 3 hours prior to sunset. Only 2 to 3 models will be chosen for each session. STARTING LOCATION: See the sidebar to the right. BENEFITS FOR THE MODEL: You will... • Get DIGITAL IMAGES to add to your modeling portfolio (TFP)! • GAIN EXPERIENCE by working with a variety of photographers' techniques and styles. You will be trained to pose by professionals. • Interact with photographers that love your *inexperience*! Then, you will make them work harder for their best shot :-). • LEARN better photography if you're interested. (You're going to be listening to the awesome instruction. Right!? :-) • Experience multiple HUGE lenses, strobes, & cameras aimed at you all at the same time! PLEASE NOTE: • Please don't apply if you can't keep a commitment. • Model release required. • Under 18 is OK but you will need a parent or guardian present.

Lifestyle Photography and the Art of Natural Light -- Achieve Studio-Perfect Portraits Outdoors! HANDS-ON! Plus Male and Female MODELS! TESTIMONIALS: "I knew lighting was something that I need to improve in my photography skills but had no idea how much I didn't know about it until I took Philip Brasch's workshop "Lifestyle Photography / Show me the Light!" I look forward to attending his other workshops in the future." "Outstanding session. Learned an incredible amount of information and how to see light in a whole new way. Philip provides outstanding hands-on lessons that are invaluable to enhancing one's photographic skills. Highly recommend!" —Kym J. “Philip's course was one of the most beneficial I have ever taken. In a few hours, I improved from taking average pictures to taking professional-level photographs..." VOTED #1! If you have taken Philip's Super 1 Days or this workshop more than once, you know it's different each time as models, locations, seasons, & environmental conditions change. For the student that hasn't taken it or has, this workshop will continue to help you to "see the light" & nail those all-important outdoor people images with beauty, consistency, style, & confidence! \*\*\* RSVP NOW! \*\*\* All of the images in this post were created without a reflector, diffusers, or flash... https://secure.meetupstatic.com/photos/event/2/b/f/a/600_452891258.jpeg "The 'Lifestyle Workshop' presented by Philip was inspiring, it moved along in a smooth rhythm that seemed to hold the interest of the audience; it certainly held mine. Philip was so knowledgeable of his subject matter that he presented it with such ease. The hand out "TipsLifestyle" was most informative, and his explanation of each item on the list was given in a way that it was easily understood. There were some things on this list that I knew but did not know how to put it to use in a practical and hands-on way. After this workshop the dots were connected, now all I have to do is go out and practice!" —R. Virgil, Photographer https://secure.meetupstatic.com/photos/event/a/4/6/7/600_452862087.jpeg https://secure.meetupstatic.com/photos/event/3/0/a/a/600_460992458.jpeg Anyone can buy a camera but it's lighting techniques that truly set the professionals apart. In this course, you'll learn how to up your game by improving your lighting skills. Learn how to maximize your use of available/existing light and your environment for ENGAGEMENT sessions, WEDDINGS, seniors, children, and more. Learn to understand, control, and plan the use of existing light while not sacrificing traditional lighting patterns, lighting ratios, and multiple light directions. Become comfortable with- and identify if fill light is necessary; determine when and where to use flash. We will teach you to use the light, your environment, and how to naturally pose your clients for images with natural emotional impact. https://secure.meetupstatic.com/photos/event/9/c/6/4/600_464740036.jpeg Above: The newest addition from the Outdoor Night and Low Light Portrait Workshop (this is a one-light Q-flash)! https://secure.meetupstatic.com/photos/event/8/e/f/3/600_18336595.jpeg Whether you are a photographer for passion or profit, this course will teach you innovative and portable techniques for capturing stunning natural light and breathtaking composition in any situation. Be ready to change the way you think about natural and existing light photography — using street lights, pathway lamps, & iPhone controlled LED lights as our main, fill, kicker, and hair lights to create portraits after dark! These night portraits techniques are ideal for the wedding couple in front of their venue! This course begins with classroom instruction & Q&A and then take it outside to experiment and "find the light!" You will use multiple lighting options, pose a model or two & get instructor feedback in the field! https://secure.meetupstatic.com/photos/event/3/0/c/3/600_460992483.jpeg https://secure.meetupstatic.com/photos/event/3/0/a/b/600_460992459.jpeg \*\*\* RSVP NOW! \*\*\* TO REGISTER: 1. Please RSVP in the upper right sidebar to express your interest. 2. PLEASE COMPLETE this short and secure (https) Registration and Contact Information FORM (REQUIRED for your contact info.): https://goo.gl/forms/HFsiT6bL9Ntx4nfx2 QUESTIONS: workshops@gallery252.com The workshop will be *POSTPONED* if a minimum of 2 students are not signed up and remit investment by Thursday at 11 pm, prior to the Sunday workshop! INVESTMENT: Early registration is $169 and is due by Sunday midnight, 7 days prior to the workshop date. Late registration is $189. Complete the FORM above & we will email you a very convenient and easy-to-use PayPal invoice. Please don't wait; we want to get the models-per-student ratio right! $15 DISCOUNT: Get a $15 discount if you're a Gold Member of NVPPA! LOCATION: We have chosen convenient & gorgeous environmental scenes for the shooting portions. Register on this page for *Starting* Location in Woodbridge, VA 22192. ITEMS TO BRING: snacks, water, your longest and fastest lenses INSTRUCTORS: • Philip Brasch, NVPPA President & Founder, Speaker, IPC Medalist, Wedding & Portrait Photographer 20yrs+ https://secure.meetupstatic.com/photos/event/8/b/d/c/600_464675804.jpeg Above: Night portrait. It's dark! Ambient doorway light, pathway lamps, and sconces create ambient and fill while a camera-right LED panel creates the main. The hair and rim light is an LED flashlight placed far to camera-right in the rear. https://secure.meetupstatic.com/photos/event/3/0/a/e/600_460992462.jpeg Above: Night portrait. 3 pathway lamps triangulate the light to form main, fill, and hair while an additional LED panel kicks up more light on the hair on camera-left. BIO: Philip Brasch is an international award-winning professional photographer (PPA http://www.ppa.com) that is inspired by people (portraits), landscapes, and the technology we use to enhance it. He is the president and founder of www.NVPPA.org and a pro photographer specializing in weddings, lifestyle portraiture, and commercial photography. He also lectures and holds seminars and workshops on the same. Philip has now led over 50 lectures and workshops over a period of 10 years to peer-professionals, aspiring professionals, and most recently, the enthusiast. He will share a career of photography secrets with you... pulling highlights from his many highly-rated workshops as on this one from 4/28/2011 http://www.meetup.com/Prince-William-Professional-Photographers-VA-DC/events/15233723 with over 21, 5-star (out-of-5 :-) reviews! In addition, Mr. Brasch has earned the distinction of PPA Medalist, one of the most prestigious awards presented through the industry's most prominent photographic competition, the International Photographic Competition (IPC) of PPA. This is an incredible accomplishment. "...I love helping others exceed their photographic potential and that’s why I promote these professionally-led workshops at an incredible value. Once you remit your investment, you are guaranteed a spot in these limited-enrollment hands-on training sessions. These special sessions are fun, inspiring, creative, & technical – all my enthusiastic students learn and improve each and every time we head outdoors! I guarantee it (or just ask them yourself)!" —Philip Brasch

Each week we’ll revisit the core cyberpunk classics — starting with Blade Runner (1982), then Ghost in the Shell (1995), Johnny Mnemonic (1995), Strange Days (1995), The Matrix (1999), eXistenZ (1999), and Blame! (2017).

## Details **Location:** **Crimson Whiskey Bar (Downstairs Bar, Not Rooftop)** The purpose of Thinkers and Drinkers is to facilitate casual but meaningful and interesting conversations with other people in a face-to-face setting. The topics cover a wide variety of issues and are different for every meeting. While conversations may get heated at times, we ask that all members be respectful of each other and refrain from personal insults. # **Topic: When is Foreign Intervention Justified?** Just three days into the new year, the US launched an operation that captured President Maduro of Venezuela and brought him back to the US to stand trial. This occurred in a time when most Americans, regardless of party affiliation, are against getting involved in another foreign war, with memories of Iraq still fresh in their minds. While it may be too soon to definitely judge the consequences of this intervention, there are many examples of foreign interventions by both the US and other countries in the last century. Some of which were more successful than others. The US intervention in the Gulf War (1991) to liberate Kuwait is considered to have been a quick, decisive victory that was very popular in both the US and Kuwait itself. Other intervention examples by countries include: * USA invasion of Iraq (*2003-2011*) * Soviet invasion of Afghanistan (*1979-1989*) * French intervention in Mali civil conflict (*2013-present*) * Chinese intervention in the Korean War (*1950-1953*) * Vietnamese invasion of Cambodia to overthrow Khmer Rouge (*1978-1989*) * USA intervention in Vietnam War (*1965-1973*) * Indian intervention in Bangladesh independence war (*1971*) * Cuban intervention in Angola civil war (*1975-1991*) * South African intervention in Angola civil war (*1975-1988*) * Russian intervention in Syria civil war (*2015-present*) * Saudi-led intervention in Yemen civil war (*2015-present*) * USA support for coup in Chile against Allende (*1973*) * Soviet suppression of Hungarian Revolution (*1956*) * USA intervention in Dominican Republic (*1965*) * Turkish intervention in Syria civil war (*2016-present*) # **Questions to Consider** * How much should human rights affect the decision to intervene? * Is intervening based on ideological grounds warranted? * How important is maintaining international law on intervention? * Should we differentiate between direct military action and covert (CIA-like) operations to topple governments? * Should security and economic interests be the deciding factor? **SUPPORT THINKERS AND DRINKERS:** Thinkers and Drinkers International is a registered 501(c)7 nonprofit organization. We work hard to create an organization that adds value to our communities while keeping membership free for all. If you find value in what we’re doing, please consider donating through Patreon: [https://www.patreon.com/thinkers](https://www.patreon.com/thinkers) CONNECT: Instagram: @ThinkersDrinkersInternational Facebook: [https://www.facebook.com/thinkersdrinkersinternational/](https://www.facebook.com/thinkersdrinkersinternational/) Podcast: [https://www.spreaker.com/user/thinkersdrinkersinternational](https://www.spreaker.com/user/thinkersdrinkersinternational) Email: [ThinkersDrinkersInternational@gmail.com](mailto:ThinkersDrinkersInternational@gmail.com)

Northern Virginia Photographer’s Coffee Chat is a monthly Saturday morning meetup for photographers, videographers, and creators who want to meet more local talent, swap ideas, and leave with new connections (and better shoots). We’ll keep it simple: coffee, quick intros, what you’re working on, and time to network. No pitching, no awkward formal panel, just real people building creative momentum in NoVA. Hosted at The Studio by Nonagon Productions in Falls Church. Every month at 9:00am on Saturday.

This class is a practical, hands-on introduction to creating strong, dramatic portraits using a single light source. We’ll be working in a small studio environment with one model and one light, focusing on how light placement, distance, and modifier choice completely change mood and shape. This is not a lecture-only class—you’ll see the setup demonstrated and then rotate through shooting time yourself. What we’ll cover • How to shape dramatic light with a single source • Light placement for short light, broad light, and high-contrast looks • Controlling shadow depth and falloff in tight spaces • Using minimal gear to create intentional, cinematic portraits • Directing a model efficiently while lighting stays simple What to expect • Small group (10 photographers max) • One shared lighting setup, adjusted live so you can see cause and effect • Time to shoot the model and ask questions as we go • Emphasis on decision-making, not presets or gimmicks Who this is for • Beginner to early-intermediate photographers • Anyone who feels overwhelmed by multi-light setups • Photographers who want stronger, more intentional portraits What to bring • Any camera (DSLR or mirrorless) • A lens in the 35–85mm range is ideal • Fully charged batteries and memory card Lighting gear and model are provided. You just focus on shooting and learning.

**\*\*\*This group is filled. Check out our next departure on Feb 20, 2026:** **https://www.meetup.com/moretoexplore/events/310787716/\*\*\*** Gaze at the Northern Lights, enjoy a sleigh ride, be a reindeer herder for a day, learn about the Sámi culture, visit an ice hotel, catch a fish (or two) through a hole in the ice, taste some good Scandinavian delicacies, visit the ABBA museum...My, oh my! These are just some of the fun activities we are planning to do during this once-in-a-life time adventure! Like all our adventures, this one is crafted from the ground up with the true spirit of Meetup in mind. We handle every little detail before and during the trip, accompany and guide the group, creating a stress-free journey with a laid-back, friendly vibe. No big tour operators, no inflated prices — we work directly with locals to give you authentic experiences and unbeatable value. Come as strangers, leave as lifelong friends — and make memories that stick forever! ***We visit:*** * Stockholm * Kiruna (Lapland) * Helsinki * Copenhagen (optional extension) ***The trip includes:*** \* 2 nights in Stockholm \* A night train from Stockholm to Lapland in a private sleeping compartment \* 4 nights in Kiruna \* 3 nights in Helsinki \* Airfare from Kiruna to Helsinki \* Arrival and departure transfers \* Sightseeing tours in Stockholm and Helsinki \* Boat ride in Stockholm \* Food tasting in Helsinki \* Breakfast daily \* 2 dinners and 3 lunches \* Northern Lights Tour \* Jukkasjärvi Icehotel Half-Day Tour \* Full-Day Reindeer Tour \* Ice Fishing or Husky Sleigh Ride **Price per person, double occupancy: $4770** (we match roommates for those wishing to share) **Price for single room: $6320** ***Not Included:*** x Transatlantic Airfare (we can help you arrange that) x Meals not listed above x Tips and any personal and incidental expenses x Optional extension to Copenhagen The only way to secure your spot is a $500 deposit **\*\*\*Deposit link removed as this date is sold out. You can reserve your spot for our next departure on Feb 20, 2026 [HERE](https://www.meetup.com/moretoexplore/events/310787716/) \*\*\*** Deposit is refundable up to 90 days before the departure (less PayPal fees).\*\*\* Final payment due 60 days before departure\*\*\* ***[Click Here](https://forms.gle/MqXy8zWAB6pv2dW37)***[ and Fill out this Form if you are making a Deposit](https://forms.gle/MqXy8zWAB6pv2dW37) For a detailed Day By Day itinerary: **[Click Here](https://forms.gle/cQdqYw74gAYqphXX8)**[ to fill out our info request form](https://forms.gle/cQdqYw74gAYqphXX8) Limited capacity of 14 total. This trip will fill up extremely quickly. \*\*\*Airfare from/to the US not included\*\*\* **OPTIONAL EXTENSION TO COPENHAGEN offered at $590 per person/double or $785 solo occupancy (air from Helsinki to Copenhagen not included)** ***[Click Here](https://secure.meetup.com/messages/?new_convo=true&member_id=131297062)***[ to Message Direct to Anna with any questions including airfare quotes.](https://secure.meetup.com/messages/?new_convo=true&member_id=131297062) She can help you arrange the airfare and answer any logistics questions. [Click Here to see all our other fun events](https://www.meetup.com/CulturalArts/Events) SOT 2000318-10

THIS CLASS IS OFFERED THROUGH CAPITAL PHOTOGRAPHY CENTER **PLEASE REGISTER WITH CAPITAL PHOTOGRAPHY CENTER, NOT MEETUP!** https://capitalphotographycenter.com/classes/class/2026-02-01-photographic-composition-essential-techniques The composition of a photograph is the single most important element a photographer uses to convey an artistic statement. What’s included, excluded and the arrangement of elements within the frame is all part of composition. This class will teach you techniques to improve the composition of your photos with hands-on shooting experience coupled with feedback. Join instructor Michael Koren as you learn about composition in the Postal Museum and Union Station. The class begins with a lesson and viewing examples of compositional techniques from master photographers to help you when composing your own photographs. We'll then go to specific locations to practice those composition techniques. Afterwards, participants will have free time to photograph all the museum has to offer. We’ll follow up with a gentle critique and feedback of your best work of the day. This class is about "seeing" stronger images. Any camera will do from DSLRs to mobile phones. If you *are*bringing a DSLR or mirrorless camera, lenses in the range of 18-135 would work well. No tripods allowed for this class. Questions can be directed to Marie Joabar at info@capitalphotographycenter.com. Class limit: 8-10 *** **THIS CLASS IS OFFERED THROUGH CAPITAL PHOTOGRAPHY CENTER** https://capitalphotographycenter.com/classes/class/2026-02-01-photographic-composition-essential-techniques

HYBRID EVENT, VIRTUAL SPEAKER In this talk, Sean Hoar will explore the transformative journey of AI’s role in modern software engineering, from rapid prototyping (“Vibe Coding”) to strategic AI integration by skilled practitioners. It clarifies the distinctions between AI-assisted, AI-enabled, and practitioner-led approaches, offering insights into how developers can effectively adapt to and harness AI tools. The presentation also highlights recent advancements and practical strategies for leveraging AI in daily workflows and long-term development.