Zoom Meeting for PDX Photography Outers & Scouters

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

1. **Stay on Topic**: Keep discussions relevant to the images being shared. Avoid straying into unrelated topics during the photo critique or sharing time.
2. **Presentation Time**: Limit your photo presentation to a set amount of time (e.g., 5-10 minutes) to allow everyone to share and engage.
3. **Sharing Method**: Use the "Share Screen" feature to present your images. Ensure your photo is open and ready to share before starting.
4. **One Image at a Time**: Share one photo at a time for better focus and discussion. Avoid rapidly cycling through multiple images.
5. **Image Quality**: Share high-quality images (in their native resolution) to ensure clarity when displayed on the screen.
6. **Mute During Presentations**: All participants should mute themselves when someone is sharing photos to reduce background noise and distractions.
7. **Respect Privacy and Consent**: If your images include people, make sure you have obtained proper consent for sharing them in a public forum.
8. **Feedback and Critique Etiquette**: Offer constructive, respectful feedback. Avoid negative or overly critical comments. Focus on positive aspects and helpful suggestions for improvement.
9. **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.
10. **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.