On Saturday, December 6, 2025, Lancaster Photography Association will practice our Architecture photography skills with a field trip to Caltech in Pasadena. It is known for its blend of historic Mediterranean Revival buildings, modern scientific facilities, and beautifully manicured courtyards. There are elegant arches and colonnades, reflecting pools, courtyards, and fountains, geometric facades and bold contemporary forms all available on the Caltech campus. 

You will be able to sharpen your architectural photography skills - from capturing grand exteriors to discovering subtle architectural details. Make sure to look for light and shadow, vanishing points, patterns, and compelling angles highlighting form and structure.

We also hope to have time before sunset to go to the Colorado Street Bridge area after Caltech. Then we will grab some dinner and head home. 

The theme for our next competition in January is Architecture, so this will give you some great options!

Bring: Your camera and wide-angle lens. A polarizer will help manage reflections. Make sure to wear comfortable shoes, and bring a hat, sunscreen, and water.

Time: 1:00 p.m.

Place: Meet on Del Mar Boulevard at the Neuroscience Research Building (corner of Wilson Ave and Del Mar Blvd)

Parking: Grant Park (232 South Michigan Street - street parking, with bathrooms available) or North Wilson Parking structure at 341 S. WIlson Ave, Pasadena, CA - Free on weekends.

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On Wednesday, November 5, 2025, LPA will gather in the Sequoia National Forest to go fishing for airplanes. (Fishing, not catching). We will be sitting on a hillside, amongst the bushes and boulders, as aircraft MIGHT come through the canyon at low levels and high speeds (500 feet, 500 knots). We could get traffic from Edwards AFB, Naval Air Station Lemoore, Air National Guard planes from Fresno, Nellis AFB or other places. Planes we MIGHT see could include F35s, T38s, F/18s, F15s, odd and assorted helicopters, perhaps some surprises or unicorns. (Cargo planes, bombers, F117s COULD come through, again....nothing is ever guaranteed)

We will depart the Sierra Gateway Market (13432 Sierra Way, Kernville, CA 93238) at 8:00 A.M. Get there early to grab snacks, drinks, use the restroom, get gas, etc. We will caravan about 14 miles to the turnoff, then head one mile up a very well-maintained dirt road (easily passable with a passenger car) to where we'll park. It's about a 300 foot walk to where we will sit to watch the planes. It's not a strenuous hike, but it is in between the bushes, and you want to watch for rocks, stumps, and other tripping hazards. It's an easy walk.

Things you need to know:

• There is NO SCHEDULE for the flights. We are NOT guaranteed any traffic, and we do NOT know when or if anything is coming.
• We are on the side of a hill. There are NO facilities. There are pit-style toilets a mile away at a campground.
• There is no cell signal.
• Things to bring:
  • Camera with the longest lens you have. I shoot with a 180-600 mm.
    • Empty/extra memory cards
    • Full/extra batteries
  • Folding, camping-style chair
  • Water
  • Snacks
  • Sunscreen
  • Scanner (optional) - sometimes we get warning, sometimes we don't
  • Patience. We can go an hour or two between passes. (Did I mention there's no set schedule, nor guarantee that we'll see anything?)

The planes can come through anywhere from sunrise to sunset. My goal is to be in location and set up by 9AM. We usually stay until 2 or 3 in the afternoon. Remember, we have a 3(ish) hour drive home. Some may choose to stay in Kernville the night before or after the trip. There are decent motels, restaurants, stores in town.

Hit me with Questions - Andrew (805)512-2277

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On Sunday, October 5, 2025, we will be having a field trip down to the Aquarium of the Pacific in Long Beach for their Photographers' Night.

YOU MUST GET A TICKET AHEAD OF TIME! They do sell out. Cost: $44.95  CLICK HERE FOR LINK.

We will be able to be there from 6:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. They will open the doors at 6:00 p.m. and start with an Introductory Workshop with tips, tricks, and guidelines for the night. There will be vendors like Tuttle Cameras where you can rent and test new equipment. A coffee cart will offer drinks and snacks for purchase during the early evening.

You will be allowed to bring a tripod or monopod, flashes, soft boxes, and strobes, but lighting restrictions must be observed based on exhibit/animal needs. You may bring screens to block off reflections or to control lighting. All photos taken will be for personal use only. 

Bring a camera, wide lens (24-70) with a large aperture (to let in the most light), a flash or constant light if you like. A rubber hood to reduce reflections is a great option!

The Aquarium has a photo contest you can enter after the event.

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THE FIELD TRIP HAS BEEN CANCELLED.

LPA will be going on a field trip to Alabama Hills from September 11 (evening) through September 13 (morning), 2025. You are invited to join us at the Alabama Hills to do some Night Photography at Boot Arch and Mobius Arch rock formations. 

We will meet at 5:00 p.m. September 11th at Mt. Whitney Restaurant for dinner. After dinner, we will carpool up to the Arches to take some night images.

We will be shooting from about 7:30 p.m. to about 1:00 a.m.

The next morning after breakfast (9 a.m.) we will be heading up to the Whitney Portal trailhead to photograph the beautiful waterfalls. 

It will be cooler up there at 8,000 feet. Bring a lunch or eat at the Whitney Portal Store. After lunch, we will explore the area for more interesting images or head back to your hotel room for a rest. We will meet again at 5:00 Friday evening for dinner and then head back to the Arches for more night photography. 

Bring a hat, sunscreen, dimmable white flashlight, plenty of water, a tripod and remote trigger for some great night-time photography! Bring a neutral density filter to capture smooth waterfall photos at the waterfall.

Saturday morning, you will be free to head home or explore other close-by landmarks, such as Manzinar or Mt. Whitney Fish Hatchery.

Hotel Recommendation: Dow Villa in Lone Pine. There is a variety of hotels available, 

Call Steve at (720)436-9094 or Kathy (661)317-1884 for more information.

Date: Friday, August 15, 2025

Location: Manhattan Beach, CA

Meeting Time: 9:30 a.m.

Meeting Spot: Pier Entrance, Manhattan Beach

Join us for a fun-filled day of photography at the Manhattan Beach Open Volleyball tournament! This event is a fantastic opportunity to capture the energy and action of professional beach volleyball in one of the sport's most iconic locations!

Parking: We recommend parking at Pacific Elementary School (1200 Pacific Avenue, Manhattan Beach). Parking is free, and shuttle service to the tournament site begins at 9:00 a.m. So be parked before 9:00 to grab the first shuttle!

Meeting Time & Location: We will meet at the Pier Entrance at 9:30 a.m. Please be on time, as this will allow us to get settled and find the best vantage points for photography. Make sure to move around the various courts to find the best backgrounds and light angles.

What to Bring:

• Camera/Lenses: Bring your camera and medium-length lens. A 70-200 mm lens or comparable is ideal for capturing the fast-paced action.
• Water: Stay hydrated throughout the day. 
• Small stool: A portable stool or seat cushion will make it easier to get comfortable as you shoot.
• Sunscreen/Hat: Protect yourself from the sun, as we'll be outdoors for most of the day.

This is a wonderful chance to practice sports (photojournalism) photography and enjoy a day at the beach with fellow photography enthusiasts. We look forward to seeing you there!

If you have any questions or need further information, feel free to reach out to Kathy at (661)317-1884.

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The Lancaster Photography Association invites all members to join us for an exciting field trip to the U.S. Open of Surfing in Huntington Beach on Saturday, July 26, 2025. This premier surfing competition offers a dynamic mix of world-class athleticism, colorful beach culture, and endless photographic opportunities.

Meeting Time and Location: 9:00 a.m. at the entrance to the Huntington Beach Pier. Look for friendly LPA faces, cameras in hand, ready to capture the waves, surfers, and beach atmosphere. Expect high-energy surfing action from the beach and from the pier, beach crowds, and our California sunshine!

What to Bring:

• Your camera, telephoto lens for surfing, wide-angle for crowds
• Extra batteries and memory cards
• Sunscreen, water, and a hat for sun protection
• Comfortable shoes for walking.
• Optional - monopod or tripod

Travel and Parking - Allow time for traffic and parking. Huntington Beach gets very busy during this popular event. Get there early for parking off of Main Street. Consider arranging carpooling with friends.

Tips for Shooting Surf Events - We will be sharing shooting tips during the outing, but here are a few to keep in mind.

• Use fast shutter speeds to freeze action.
  
• Try panning with surfers for dynamic action shots
• Capture the atmosphere - spectators, beach fashion, signage, and candid moments.
• Don't forget storytellling: think in terms of beginning, middle, and end as you frame the day.

This is a great chance to challenge your skills, hang with other photographers, and enjoy a summer day by the ocean. We look forward to seeing you there!

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On Saturday, June 28, 2025, shift your creativity into high gear as Lancaster Photography Association heads south to Los Angeles for a double-feature field trip. We will be visiting two of the city's most iconic cultural landmarks - the Petersen Automotive Museum and the Los Angeles County Museum of Art (LACMA). This is a perfect outing for photographers of all styles - from automotive enthusiasts and architecture lovers to those inspired by fine art, design, and street photography.

Bring: Camera, lenses for low-light and wide shots, extra batteries, memory cards. 

Both museums require paid admission - see their websites for details (also mentioned below)

Parking - Paid parking is available in the Petersen Museum parking structure for $24.00 or at LACMA for $21.00. There are also other close parking structures (Arrange your own carpool as desired).

Stop 1 - We will meet at the entrance to the Petersen Automotive Museum at 10:00 a.m. The Petersen Museum offers incredible opportunities to photograph classic cars, futuristic prototypes and beautifully curated exhibitions. The architecture of the building itself, with its striking stainless steel facade, is a work of art, and a great subject for abstract compositions.

• Time: 10:00 a.m.
  
• Tickets for the Petersen Museum (excluding the Vault) are $21.00 ($19.00 for 62+). 
• Photo tips: Reflections, detail shots, low-light interiors and wide-angle views of exhibits

Lunch at 12:00 between stops

Stop 2 - LACMA (Los Angeles County Museum of Art)  - After lunch, we will head across the street to explore LACMA. Great architecture, outdoor features and both contemporary and classic installations will give us numerous subjects to capture. 

Time: Approximately 1:00 p.m.

Tickets are $19-$28 depending on age and county residence.

Photo Tips: Architectural elements, people interacting with art, outdoor sculptures, and creative lighting.

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Join us for an exciting field trip to the Los Angeles Zoo on Saturday, May 17, 2025! This is a fantastic opportunity to capture stunning wildlife images, connect with fellow photographers, and enjoy a day of creative exploration in one of Southern California's premier zoological parks. Tom Jordan will be leading this field trip.

Meet-up Time: 10:00 A.M.

Location: Inside the main entrance - we'll gather for a group photo to kick off the day!

Photo Walk: After the group photo, explore the zoo at your own pace. Keep an eye out for great light, animal behavior, and those perfect candid moments. Don't forget the botanical elements and human interest photos that abound.

Lunch: 1:00 P.M. - Meet at the concession stand behind the giraffe enclosure - bring or buy your lunch and spend time sharing your day so far.

After lunch, continue exploring the rest of the zoo, or head on home to review the great images you took.

What to Bring:  Camera, 24-70 lens or telephoto lens for close-ups, comfortable shoes, water, hat, sunscreen.

Get your tickets online at https://lazoo.org/plan-your-visit/reservations/ or in person on the day.

Parking is free.

Let's make this a memorable outing filled with inspiration, learning, and lots of amazing photos. Don't forget to sign up below so we don't miss you for the group photo!

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