What we’re about
This group intends to bring people together for local area adventures with a passion for or an interest in photography. Our purpose is to share skills and knowledge about photography and explore regional opportunities for getting out with our cameras.
Expect most events to be outdoors, with landscape, wildlife, and nature photography to be the primary genres. But more specific themed events such as street, trains & railroad tracks, gardens & flowers, sunset & sunrises, etc., will be planned. For this reason, events will occur at different times and locations, with a varying social group each time.
NOTE: I have been thinking about safety and security for our group events and recently completed a blog for my current photography project on this issue. You can read about and contemplate my thoughts here:
https://www.bdionne.photography/creativity52-blog/2024/3/22/creativity52-a-photo-project-post-8-of-52-unsafe-photography
Expect a slower pace than dedicated hiking groups, as photography is best served by more contemplative and intentional attention to our surroundings, with stops along the journey to compose and shoot the "scene" that calls to us. But some events may demand a real hiking effort on demanding trails to get to a photo location. Event difficulty and physical concerns will be included for each event.
For anyone new to photography, perhaps dusting off the 10-year-old camera from the closet or the proud new owner of the latest tech, you can benefit by searching Youtube for your camera model and viewing tutorials on use and controls. Additionally, basic tutorials can help demystify the "exposure triangle". It is perfectly OK to shoot in "Auto" mode!
Fast hikers and non-photographers are welcome, but you have to be patient with the "artistic" crowd. Group size will be limited so as not to overwhelm the peace of the environment we are hoping to capture.
Events will be scheduled with distance and travel times in mind. I will strive to avoid rush hour traffic times and times of heavy use at event locations. Event times will vary depending on season and weather and lighting.
Please read events fully and ensure you have any prerequisite equipment and ability. Sign up for events that interest you, and remove your RSVP if you cannot attend.
- Behavior: Let's leave politics, religion, and cultural issues behind for each event. Instead of letting our differences separate us, let's focus on what connects us. Problematic behaviors at events or inappropriate and offensive messaging will result in being banned.
- Profile: Members must post their real name and photo on their profile. The photo must include the member's face and must be appropriate for a safe social group (nothing objectionable).
- Liability: Organizers are volunteers, and members are volunteers. Liability is on each individual for the well-being of self and property.
- Due to limited group sizes, and event popularity, please update your RSVP if you change your mind, so others on the Waitlist have the opportunity if available. Repeat No Shows will result in detention.
Upcoming events (2)
See all- Zoom Meeting for PDX Photography Outers & ScoutersLink visible for attendees
Let's try this again. Apologies for the last meeting difficulties! I will make sure to provide the passcode for the meeting this time.
NOTE: We will be attempting photo sharing in this meeting. At the end of this event description are guidelines/rules for the "Photo Salon" concept. Anyone is welcome to participate.
With colder, wetter, and darker conditions, it will be more difficult to schedule outdoor photography walks for this group. I intend to schedule some excursions during the winter, but I also want to provide a forum for our members to stay connected when we can't get out.
So, I will try scheduling Zoom meetings for the next few weeks, Thursday evenings at 6:30 PM PST for one hour. These meetings will be posted as events on Meetup. If you sign up for the event, you will get access to information for the scheduled Zoom meetings.
My intention for these meetings is to have conversations about photography in general, locations and experiences that would interest fellow photographers, perhaps do some image sharing and constructive critiquing, and possibly do some high-level training on specialized photography techniques.
This is not intended to be a place to learn basic operations and/or troubleshoot issues with specific camera gear or software. The web has plenty of resources for answering specific technical questions and how-to guides. Plus, RTFM.
If you have not used Zoom for remote meetings, please search YouTube for tutorials on attending remote Zoom meetings. Please check that your computer is capable and tested for Zoom.
I will firm up a generic agenda for the first meeting, and then create the following meeting agendas based on member feedback and interest.
Ground rules will be added here soon, and will be summarized at the start of each meeting. Basically:
- Stay on topic
- Treat each other with respect
- Avoid giving direct advice
- No politics, religion, divisive language, or negativity
Please read the "What We're About" statement for the Meetup Group as a refresher.
This will be an evolving effort, and I want to thank you upfront for your consideration and support.
Bob
As discussed in the last meeting, for our Zoom meeting this week we will be trying the concept of a photo salon. This is not a competition, nor a requirement to attend the meeting. Any attendee may share 3 photos of their choosing, with an explanation of each. Questions and constructive critique will be held to the end of each persons photo sharing. I'll go first to demonstrate the idea.
Basic Guidelines:
- Up to 3 of your photos in your "share", taken anytime, anywhere, any genre, any gear.
- Photos should be suitable for "General Audiences", nothing blatantly offensive.
- Up to 1 minute to describe each photo in your "share", perhaps discussing the intent, challenges, and learnings behind the image.
- No more than 2 minutes at the end of each person's "share" for questions or constructive feedback.
This is voluntary. Attendees can simply observe and learn from the process, perhaps getting comfortable for the next opportunity.
Here is a more comprehensive "Rules" list for our Zoom photo salon:
For photography sharing during a Zoom meeting, it's important to set clear expectations to ensure a smooth and respectful experience for all participants. These rules help keep the sharing process organized, respectful, and focused on the photography itself. Here’s a list of rules to keep in mind.
### Photography Sharing Rules for Zoom Meetings
- **Stay on Topic**: Keep discussions relevant to the images being shared. Avoid straying into unrelated topics during the photo critique or sharing time.
- **Presentation Time**: Limit your photo presentation to a set amount of time (e.g., 5-10 minutes) to allow everyone to share and engage.
- **Sharing Method**: Use the "Share Screen" feature to present your images. Ensure your photo is open and ready to share before starting.
- **One Image at a Time**: Share one photo at a time for better focus and discussion. Avoid rapidly cycling through multiple images.
- **Image Quality**: Share high-quality images (in their native resolution) to ensure clarity when displayed on the screen.
- **Mute During Presentations**: All participants should mute themselves when someone is sharing photos to reduce background noise and distractions.
- **Respect Privacy and Consent**: If your images include people, make sure you have obtained proper consent for sharing them in a public forum.
- **Feedback and Critique Etiquette**: Offer constructive, respectful feedback. Avoid negative or overly critical comments. Focus on positive aspects and helpful suggestions for improvement.
- **Avoid Distracting Backgrounds**: Before sharing, make sure your camera and background are free from distractions. If possible, use a virtual background to keep the focus on your photos.
- **Technical Issues**: If you're experiencing issues with screen sharing or image quality, notify the host or troubleshoot in advance to avoid delays during the meeting.
- Portland Photo Walk - Union Station and the Broadway BridgePDX Union Station, Portland, OR
DETAILS:
TOTAL DISTANCE: <3 miles
ELEVATION GAIN: < 200 ft
PACE: ~2 mph
ESTIMATED HIKING TIME: 2 hours
RATING: Easy to ModerateBeginning inside Union Station, we will walk to and across the Broadway Bridge and back, taking advantage of the many views of the Willamette River and the city.
The 10-day weather forecast is for partly cloudy and cold conditions. The wind can be a bit brisk on the bridge. We will hike rain or shine and hope you can join us.
For more details about Union Station:
https://www.travelportland.com/plan/amtrak-union-station/For more information about the Broadway Bridge:
https://www.multco.us/bridges/broadway-bridgeMy hiking style is to stop to admire scenes and take a few photos. It’s important to stop, see, and feel the world around us, but we do need to shoot and move, or we'll never finish the event together.
Also, know I am a passionate hobbyist photographer, not a “pro”. This is not a photo workshop, we are shooting for pleasure, perhaps asking questions and sharing tips on composition and photo processing. I am learning much from others in the group about plants, wildlife, and history in our environment.
Smartphone cameras are fine for this walk, but bring whatever gear you like.
WHAT TO BRING:
Good footwear.
Weather-appropriate dress.
Water/snack if needed.
Smartphone, dedicated camera, but not required.WHAT NOT TO BRING:
Anything illegal or illicit.
