Discussion Group Notes November 21, 2008
Most of the regulars were out but we still had a magnificient group of seven. Some were there from 6 PM to almost 9 PM.
We talked of cameras as Ed and Pat were packing 40Ds with appropriately intimidating lenses. They had crossed the country shooting birds and everything else they found interesting. They had a few questions about settings and features and we did our best to answer those. They told us of missed shots, like the day in Wyoming where a herd of wild horses went through their camp. We talked of flowers and flower gardens and field trips. Pat passed around her photo album with lots of interesting birds. Ed asked if I'd heard more on the definition of "Closeup" and I told him no, but I would define it as "It's a closeup if, when printed, it's larger than life." I hope that's close enough.
Don, who is a volunteer at the Prime Desert Woodland Preserve (PDWP) in Lancaster, gave a fascinating dissertation on "canis latrans" (coyote), their presence in the PDWP, their hunting locations and techniques, and how to catch them on camera. He said that it's best to go in at opening (at dawn, 30 minutes before sunrise), go down the South side to the end near the big cottonwood tree, get setup, and be quiet and you may catch them returning from their morning meal. Near sunset you may catch them on the North side by the long bridge. Another location is along the fence line next to the school where kids throw their sandwiches over the fence. A lot of the smaller critters tend to be around the North end. He also recommended the Ripley Desert Woodland State Park about 7-8 miles past the Poppy Reserve. It's smaller and less maintained than the PDWP but more open. He said that they are working on some trails and that more area should be open in late December. Oh yes, there are lots of birds to photograph too.
We talked of black powder shooting, including cannons. I've seen a few Canons with lenses that looked like cannons but they don't make as much noise or smoke. Still, they can be very impressive.
Pat says she has a hot-press for mounting photos onto boards that she doesn't need so I suggested she talk to Dave.
Don said that he had PaintShop Pro and we suggested he get Photoshop Elements. I found, early on, that Paintshop Pro is good software but trying to apply what I learned in the Photoshop tutorials to Paintshop click-ology was just too confusing. Someone suggest that he check into JourneyEd.com which has some incredibly good prices if you're a student.
Pat recommended Cambria, CA, as a good place to take pictures of elephant seals.
Those were some of the highlights of discussions spanning nearly three hours. I invite everyone to come by, even if only for a few minutes to ask about a pressing issue they have. Of course, a longer stay would also be welcome.
Refrain: We meet each Friday at Bianco's Cafe at the South end of the Lancaster Market Place, behind and across the street from Movies 12. The core times are from 7 to 8 PM but there's typically someone there from 6:30 to at least 8:30. Bianco's will keep the lights on for you.
Glenn Olson
Coordinator and Moderator
oglenn@earthlink.net
