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.

Sign up below in the comments (available after you log in to the website and click on the article title). Indicate if you want to carpool!

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!

Sign up by clicking on the article title and commenting in the comments section. 

Date: Saturday, April 19, 2025

Time: 12:00 p.m.

Location: Willow Springs International Raceway, Rosamond, CA

The Lancaster Photography Association invites members to an exciting field trip at the legendary Willow Springs Raceway to capture the thrill and beauty of vintage motorcycles in action. Join us on Saturday, April 19, 2025 at 12:00 p.m. (noon) for a day filled with high-octane photo opportunities and classic motorsport vibes.

Why You Should Come: This is a unique chance to photograph beautifully restored vintage motorcycles both on and off the track. You'll experience the roar of engines, the blur of speed, and the character of machines that have stood the test of time - all in a dynamic setting that challenges and inspires photographers.

Whether you're into action shots, detail work or candid moments in the pits, this event offers something for every photographic style.

What to Bring:

• Camera with zoom or telephoto lens (70-200 mm or longer recommended for track shots)
• Wide-angle or prime lens for pit and detail photography.
• Tripod or monopod optional
• Sunscreen, hat and plenty of water.
• Comfortable shoes

We will meet at 12:00 p.m. at the designated area (sign up to get details of field trip). This trip is a great opportunity to learn, share tips, and grow your skills.

Come for the bikes, stay for the photography - and enjoy a fantastic day at one of California's iconic raceways!

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On March 12-14, 2025, John Geldermann is leading a field trip to the Las Vegas Red Flag airplane activities at Nellis AFB, NV. This exercise is expected to run from March 10th to March 21st. They don't work the week-ends. March 12 and 14 are traveling days, but we can meet up for other activities as desired. 

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John will be there at 10:30 a.m. on March 13th as the on-site host. We will meet on Las Vegas Blvd adjacent to the Las Vegas Motor Speedway halfway between Gate 6 and Gate 7 (near the "SouthPoint 400" billboard). Look for John's Teal Blue Jeep Wrangler Rubicon. Here's the Coordinates (36.270052, -115.003921)

Directions: For those going North on I-15, take Exit 54 (Speedway Blvd/Hollywood Blvd). Turn East (right). Turn Right on Hollywood Blvd. Turn Left on Las Vegas Blvd. Proceed to the meetup point past Gate 6 and halfway to Gate 7. If you are staying near the base, you can set your GPS for the Nellis Main Gate and when you reach Las Vegas Blvd, turn North.

Parking is on the Speedway side of the road. Do not park on the Nellis AFB side of the road. Please note that this whole area is undergoing road construciont, so be prepared for traffic weirdness as you arrive. Carpooling is encouraged since the area will be crawling with photographers. 

Bring food/snacks, drinks, a chair, a long lens (you'll want a minimum of 400 mm of reach). Also bring warm clothes, a hat and sunscreen. Las Vegas temperatures in March are unpredictable. You'll need to drive a couple of miles to take a restroom break. There are some truck stops in the vicinity for breaks and for picking up snacks.

Aircraft typically used during Red Flag include the B-1, B-52, B-2, Tankers, A-10, F-22, F-35, F-15, F16, EA-18G, and more. Be prepared for a full day, especially if you want to photograph the aircraft returning to base.

Rules/Security: Do not go near the base fence line. Stay out of the street.

Hotels: Some of the hotels near the base include the Cannery Casino - Craig Rd., Hampton Inn - Speedway, Best Western, La Quinta, and Comfort Inn. Most of these are on Craig Rd. Of course, there are tons of hotels on the Strip and in Downton-Fremont St.