Joined a Local Camera Club

[Second Hand Pat]

and had a blast last night at my first meeting. A guy who makes props at Universal Studios brought a bunch of props to the meeting and everyone was invited to take photos of the props during the meetings. At first I was not sure I was interested but meet a guy who offered to be my mobile flash stand. Turned out he taught photography and had me play with various lighting angles. I had so much fun that I only took pictures of two of the eight set of props.
Pat

[rickztahone]

and had a blast last night at my first meeting. A guy who makes props at Universal Studios brought a bunch of props to the meeting and everyone was invited to take photos of the props during the meetings. At first I was not sure I was interested but meet a guy who offered to be my mobile flash stand. Turned out he taught photography and had me play with various lighting angles. I had so much fun that I only took pictures of two of the eight set of props.
Pat

I forgot you had this coming up Pat! I'm glad you had fun. They typically are. Keep going to the meet and you meet so many like-minded individuals willing to do things that regular people wont (photography-wise of course).

Please share shots with us if you get a chance

[Second Hand Pat]

Here was the first table of stuff. I was fascinated by this skull and the variety of color and texture in this setup.

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In this photo the skull looks like it has eyes.
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[Second Hand Pat]

This little nasty dude captured everyone's attention.

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Had to try it in B&W
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[SMB2]

Cool stuff.
I am not much of a joiner, but when I moved back to the US 5 years ago, I joined a local camera club. They meet every week which is amazing in itself. Lots of good speakers, info, field trips. Some very talented people in the club as well.
I have to say I really enjoy it.

Pat, also look for local photo meet-ups. It does get you to go out and shoot and meet photographers.

[Second Hand Pat]

Cool stuff.
I am not much of a joiner, but when I moved back to the US 5 years ago, I joined a local camera club. They meet every week which is amazing in itself. Lots of good speakers, info, field trips. Some very talented people in the club as well.
I have to say I really enjoy it.

Pat, also look for local photo meet-ups. It does get you to go out and shoot and meet photographers.

Stan, this club meets every two weeks and for regular photo shoots. There is also two groups; a novice group and a fine arts group. Both which meet once a month. The club seems to attach some nice speakers. I am looking forward to this journey.
Pat

[dragon1974]

following +1

[Discus-n00b]

I'm going to have to find one in my area, sounds like a good time! I've always been the I'd rather just look it up and teach myself kind of person but having a group for field trips or a little photography travel might be nice.

[SMB2]

There is a National WLP about two hours from DC that I should go to more often. Went with a meet up group two weekends ago. Met some nice people, had a nice lunch and worked the morning and afternoon hours. Only downside is you have to be on the road at 4am to catch the morning light!

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[Second Hand Pat]

Nice Stan, Wildlife WP? Snow geese right. Don't get many geese down here.

I am signing up for a local shoot on February 13 at Gatorland to shoot their Bird Rookery and Alligators.

"The famous Gatorland Bird Rookery was created in 1991 as an alligator breeding marsh. This unique habitat has grown into one of the largest and most accessible wading bird rookeries in Florida. Today, this area provides protected nesting, foraging, and roosting area to over 20 different species of birds, many of which are listed as Endangered or Species of Special Concern. Gatorland's boardwalks provide birders and photographers with close access to these incredible birds, allowing people to safely observe them and capture stunning photographs."

[SMB2]

WildLife Park.

Have you been to St Augustine?

BTW are you interested in a used 200-400 f4G ED VR II ? (Good price for you ;~)) It would be killer with a D500 !!!

[Second Hand Pat]

Stan, I got this for Christmas, AF-S FX NIKKOR 80-400mm f.4.5-5.6G ED Vibration Reduction Zoom Lens so think it is the same lens?
Pat

[Second Hand Pat]

Yes, been to St Augustine a long time ago. Bet it is wonderful for photography?

[rickztahone]

Stan, I got this for Christmas, AF-S FX NIKKOR 80-400mm f.4.5-5.6G ED Vibration Reduction Zoom Lens so think it is the same lens?
Pat

His lens is faster glass, but with less range. I actually used to have a 70-400 and a 70-200 faster glass but decided that the longer end wasn't used as much as 200 was so off it went. Now I regret it as I do not do nearly as much bird photography any more.

[SMB2]

Pat,
The 200-400mm is a whole different beast. Not hand holdable (for long). Because it is an F4 lens throughout it's range it has to be made with bigger glass so it is heavy and best on a sturdy tripod. Autofocus is much faster than the 80-400 and it is somewhat sharper. Also has nicer bokeh.
With a Dx camera you have a true birding lens.

St Augustine in the spring is a blast. I try to go each year for 4-5 days.
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