In line with our upcoming Birds Competition in May, Tom Jordan will be leading a field trip to Lake Casitas near Ventura on April 18, 2026.

We will be leaving very early to get to the lake for morning light and bird action. Only Tom and Kathy signed up, so we will be carpooling at 4:30 a.m., not from Lowe's.  If you want to meet up with us later, just call when you get to Lake Casitas Recreational Area, and we can tell you where we are. Please let us know early, so we will look for your call.

We will photograph near the lake shore, and near the eagle nest. A variety of shore birds, egrets, herons, small birds, and birds of prey frequent the area, as well as various mammals. The eagles do have one hatchling. 

Carpooling is recommended. 

You will need: Camera, a long lens (the longest you have), a chair, jacket for possible cool temps, sunscreen, water and snacks, extra battery/memory card.

We will stay for a few hours, and then head down into Ventura for lunch at Andria's Seafood (Yum!).

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On July 31, 2026, Lancaster Photography Association is hosting a tour of Tejon Ranch at sunrise.

Rise before the sun and join fellow photography enthusiasts for an unforgettable morning on one of California's most iconic and storie landscapes - Tejon Ranch.

We will meet at 5:30 a.m. at approx. 300th West north of Highway 138 for an amazing tour! We will park our vehicles inside their gate and climb aboard their vehicles for a guided tour of the area, climbing high into the mountains. Bring a jacket in case of cool temps and/or wind.

Cost: $45.00.

What to expect:

• Stunning sunrise light over open landscapes
• WIldlife and nature photography opportunities
• Scenic vistas and wide-open terrain
• Great company and a shared love of photography

Space may be limited (18 spots) - reserve your spot today.

Bring water and snacks - the tour will last approximately 6 hours.

Those who have registered will receive an email a day or two before the tour with additional information and the Pin for the meeting location.

To register: https://www.zeffy.com/en-US/ticketing/lancaster-photography-association-tejon-ranch-tour

On July 9-10, 2026, Steve Kochie is leading a field trip to the Bristlecone Pine Forest. We will plan on getting to the Schulman Grove Ranger Station at 5:00 p.m. on Thursday, July 9th to take some late afternoon photos of the Ancient Bristlecone Pines and scope out where we want to set up. 

Be aware - there will be no cell service.

At dusk we will start taking some astrophotography images of those same beautiful 4,000 to 5,000 year old trees. with some lightpainting, milky way, and star trails in the images. The moon (almost new moon) does not rise until 1:04 a.m., so the skies will be dark.

It takes about 3-1/2 hours from Lancaster to reach the Ranger Station where the trees are located. If you are coming from Big Pine, it takes about 45 minutes to the Ranger Station, which is about 9,500 feet in elevation. The park charges $3.00 cash per person or $6.00 per car. Children under 18 are free and America the Beautiful Passes are accepted for fee entry. You can check into your hotel and then head up the mountain. There are 3-4 motels in Big Pine, so make your reservation soon to ensure a room. There is also Grandview Campground 5 miles from the Ranger Station if you are into camping.

Be sure to bring warm clothes, flashlights, tripod, a chair, sunscreen, mosquito repellant, snacks, and water, since there is not much available at the trees. The park closes at 10:00 p.m., but they keep the gate open, so we can be there as late as we want, before heading back to the hotels in Big Pine for some rest. The next morning, we will grab breakfast and discuss possibly stopping at Alabama Hills or Whitney Portal on the way home for some extra photos if there is interest (and temperatures cooperate).

If you have any questions, call Steve at (720)436-9094 or Kathy at (661)317-1884. 

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Header image: ID 3775051 © Dennis5514 | Dreamstime.com

 

On June 20, 2026, Lancaster Photography Association is planning a photo adventure to the historic Biltmore Hotel and the bustling sidewalks of Los Angeles for street photography. 

This field trip offers us the opportunity to photograph one of Los Angeles' most iconic landmarks and explore the rich visual storytelling opportunities found throughout downtown's urban landscape. From elegant interiors and grand staircases to historic buildings, colorful murals, and candid street scenes, we should all find endless inspiration.

Transportation - We will meet at the Lancaster Metrolink station by 8:00 a.m. (Train leaves at 8:11) and ride down together. This will allow us to relax, socialize and avoid the challenges of downtown parking. Purchase your SoCal Day Pass for $10.00 online that morning for access to Metrolink and LA Metro all day.

 

 

Photo Opportunities:

    Biltmore Hotel

•     Historic architecture and design
•     Ornate ballrooms and public spaces
•     Elegant lighting and interior details
•     Architectural abstracts and symmetry.

    Downtown Street Photography      

•     Urban landscapes and city life
•     Landmark buildings - LA Public Library, The Last Bookstore, St Vincent Court
•     Street performers and local culture
•     Reflections, shadows, and creative compositions
•     Candid moments and visual storytelling

WHAT TO BRING: Camera and favorite street photography lens (don't bring a lot of gear), extra batteries and memory cards, comfortable walking shoes, weather-appropriate clothing, water, sunscreen, and a sense of curiosity and creativity!

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On May 23, 2026, Lancaster Photography Association will be hosting a field trip to see the Oak Creek Wild Horses near Tehachapi.

This herd of wild horses is on private land and is only accessible with permission, so this is a great opportunity to photograph them up close. It is truly a magical experience to spend time with them. They are reasonably comfortable with people around, but you will have to sign a Release of Liability to be able to visit them. There are more than a few new babies!

These horses are unbranded and free-roaming for at least 100 years. They are possible descendants of animals released by or escaped from early ranchers, miners, soldiers, or Native Americans. They bear a strong resemblance to the Morgan horse breed.

Where: We will meet at the gate on Tehachapi-Willow Springs Road and Oak Creek Road on the left (just past Cameron Canyon Road on the right). We will meet at 9:30 to sign release forms and then enter around 10:00 or earlier. We will email a map to those who sign up.

How much?: $10.00 per person. We need to cover the cost of alfalfa that Diana will bring with her to coax the horses closer. This cost is based on 10 people attending, but more attendees is better, as it helps Diana to cover costs in caretaking this herd. 

Bring: Camera, wide-angle and medium telephoto lenses (24-70 and 70-200 or similar), extra battery and card, water, hat, sunscreen.

Higher clearance vehicles are recommended, but the road is reasonably well-maintained. We can car pool in once we are inside the gate as need be.

Please make sure to sign up if you are going, so that we have a good head count to let Diana know.

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On May 9, 2026, Lancaster Photography Association will be taking a field trip to a local fire station, Station 129, for their Fire Service Day Open House.

Where: 43110 6th Street West, Lancaster, CA 93534

When: Meet at 10:00 - open until 3:00

What: Fire apparatus demos, including helicopter drop, jaws of life, dousing a car fire, etc. Great opportunities for Photojournalism and Hum

an Interest photos. 

Bring: Camera, wide angle and medium telephoto lenses, extra battery and card. Bring sunscreen, a hat, and water. It will be a warm day.

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Lancaster Photography Association is going to have a field trip to the Huntington Library, Art Museum, and Botanical Gardens on March 14, 2026.

With 120 acres of stunning themed gardens, historic architecture, art collections, and seasonal blooms, this location offers endless creative opportunities for photographers of all skill levels. 

Time: Meet at 10:00 at the Entrance.

Address: 1151 Oxford Road, San Marino, CA 91108

Cost: Tickets are $34.00, Seniors (65+) $28.00. Click here to purchase your ticket on their website as reservations are required.

Bring: Camera, wide angle and macro lens recommended, extra batteries and memory cards. Don't forget water, hat, sunscreen, comfortable shoes. You may bring a tripod for photos on the grounds (no blocking pathways). 

We will eat lunch there.

The botanical gardens include a Japanese Garden, Desert Garden, Rose Garden, and Chinese Garden. 

We look forward to seeing you on Saturday, March 14, 2026 at 10:00 a.m. for a day of creativity, learning, and inspiration!

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Lancaster Photography Association will be going on a field trip to the Palm Desert area from Thursday, February 19, 2026 to Saturday, February 21, 2026. Please comment at the end of the article to sign up for the field trip.

Kathy Newman will be leading us for the three days. The planned activities will include:

• Thursday 3:00 p.m. - Hotel check-in; 3:30 - Meet at designated location to drive to Borrego Springs to see various Ricardo Breceda sculptures before sunset. Night photography and light painting at 2-3 sculptures.
• Friday - Morning - Meet to caravan to Salvation Mountain, Slab City, Sonny Bono Wildlife Preserve, Later Afternoon-evening - Bombay Beach sunset and night photography.
• Saturday - Morning - Living Desert Zoo - Head home.

There will be a variety of photography opportunities, including wildlife, night photography, lightpainting, zoo, and landmarks. You will need a wide-angle lens for night photography, long lens for the Sonny Bono WIldlife Preserve, and a medium zoom lens for the zoo and other activities. Also a remote trigger or intervalometer and a tripod for night photography.

Bring a chair for sitting, a hat, sunscreen, extra water and snacks.

We are looking at hotels in Indio due to room prices - Options are: Days Inn by Wyndham Indio - $146/night, Motel 5 Indio $117/night, Rodeway Inn near Coachella - $108/night, Budget Inn Motel Indio $64/night. These hotels are all fairly close to each other in Indio.

If you have any questions, call Kathy at 661.317.1884 or email her at kc_newman2001@yahoo.com

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