Engine683, Nikon D7000, Tokina 12-24mm f/4 @ f/11, ISO 200, 1/500sec, Single Shot HDR
Until the last couple of weeks, I’d never heard of “Meetup.com”, which is basically a variety of social networking groups that share common interests and occasionally ‘meetup’ to talk, trade secrets and just socialize with like minded individuals. I was introduced to the group by Charles Gilliam, a fellow photographer whom I met commuting on the light rail one day. I overheard Charles telling another rider that he liked to photograph abandoned buildings and such. That perked my ears up and I had to interrupt to ask him if he’d ever shot the deserted Gates Rubber plant. He replied he’d tried four separate times to get permission, but with no luck. We chatted on for a while and I gave him my business card and he told me what his website address was. I looked it up and dropped him an email – when he responded he told me about the Southwest Denver Photo Team meetup. I liked what I saw there, and the rest, as they say, is history.
Train1, Nikon D7000, Tokina 12-24mm f/4 @ f/11, ISO 400, 1/25sec, Single Shot HDR
What I enjoy about the group is the informal nature of it. The organizer is Bob Strle and the idea is simply to learn from each other on these group excursions. There’s no requirement to attend of course, it’s purely sign, show and go (though some of the workshops have limited availability).
I quickly joined the group and just as quickly signed up for the meetup held yesterday at the Colorado Railroad Museum in Golden, Colorado. The weather was chilly, but the photographers I talked to were warm and friendly. I got about half way through, maybe a bit more, and called it a day making a mental promise to myself to come back when it’s a little warmer and drier. The place is pretty amazing if you love trains – I’ve never been much of a train guy myself, but found myself drawn in.
If you’re ever in the metro area this is definitely a place that should be on your short list to visit – especially if you have kids.
If you’re interested in visiting Charles Gilliam’s website, I strongly encourage you to do so, he has some marvelous shots including some from Alcatraz. The address is: http://chasphotof8.smugmug.com/.
Just don’t linger too long in the Boudoir gallery!
Thanks for reading,
John
I have the Meetup.com application on my phone and keep track of when the Charlotte Photographers group meets. I’ve attended one of their free shots, a wedding shoot where they had models, etc. They have a number of them, probably about one per month, but some of them cost $100 or better, but you can get lots of experience. They always have lots of models, make up artists, etc.
Glad that you found meetup.com. Now, you can find lots of folks with your same interests!
Thanks Paul, they’re a good group – but then, I’ve found that to be largely true of all photographers!
I love the second train shot here. I have, so far, avoided shooting in groups, probably because my availability for shooting is a bit too spontaneous to be scheduled. But it does sound like a fun thing to try.
Charles has some beautiful work on his site. Thanks for the link.
It was fun – I don’t know how often I’ll be able to participate in their meetups, but when one sounds interesting I’ll know what to expect. Thanks for the comments!
Hey John,
The museum looks fun!! Of course, David will want to go. The pics are great, I love the first one. And I will have to check into meetup.com, thanks!! I wanted to go to the National Geographic photo thingie here this weekend, but I found out too late, rats!!
I thought of Dave when I was out there – he would love it! If I’d heard about the Photo Seminar at the museum I would have taken time off to go. Like you, too late.
I love photos of trains and so wish I had an opportunity to see this museum. You got some terrific shots. I will look forward to your next photo meetup. It sounds like a great group. Thanks for the tip on Charles G.’s site. I will drop by and check it out.
I guess this “meetup” thing is nationwide – Paul Lester in North Carolina mentioned being part of the meetup group in Charlotte. Thanks for your comments!