Club Meetings Held on the Third Thursday of Each Month (except December)
West Plano Presbyterian Church - 2709 Custer Road, Plano, Texas
Live Training Session(s) at 6:00 PM and Program at 7:00 PM
Online Training Session(s) Open to Members of Plano Photography Club and Dallas Camera Club
Clymer Meadow Preserve Photo Shoot
Location: Clymer Meadow Preserve (4318 FM1562, Celeste, TX 75423)
Date: Saturday, May 24, 2025
Arrival Time at Preserve: Approved entry time is 5:00 PM CT | Specific meet-up/gate address will be provided closer to the event date
REGISTER FOR CLYMER MEADOW PRESERVE SHOOT COMMUNICATIONS
Registration closes on Thursday, May 22, 2025, at 10:00 PM CT.
Click for more details about this photo shoot ...
What's It All About
This is a joint activity with the Heard Nature Photographers Club.
Expect wildflower photography! Native prairie! Birds! And bugs!
From the March 2018 issue of Texas Highways: “Researchers say 99 percent of the Blackland Prairie habitat that once covered 15 million acres has been lost. What remains exists mostly in small chunks. Clymer Meadow Preserve contains one of the largest contiguous remaining pieces.
"Even more remarkably, no plow blade has ever cut through the soil on some sections of the property. Its gently rolling land, pockmarked by micro-topography—wetlands just a few meters wide perched atop hillsides—acts as a laboratory for researchers studying everything from monarch butterflies to water quality.”
Clymer Meadow Preserve (photo by Jacqueline Ferrato)
About the Preserve
Clymer Meadow Preserve, located about sixty miles northeast of Dallas, contains some of the largest and most diverse remnants of the Blackland Prairie—the Texas version of the tallgrass prairie that once stretched from near the Texas coast to southern Manitoba. This rare, 1,475-acre “island” of natural history is part of a larger conservation area that includes land owned by The Nature Conservancy (TNC) and other private owners. As an excellent example of remnant prairie, the preserve is a key site for research and educational activities.
Equipment
Dress to protect yourself from scratchy weeds and chiggers, chiggers, and more chiggers (DEET has been suggested if you are comfortable using it. Heavy doses suggested!) Snakes are possible. Tall boots are recommended.
Bring your tripod and a lens selection appropriate for flower, birds, and bug photography.
Don't forget water, a hat, and sunscreen (very little shade is available).
Important Things to Know
The terrain is not level and is very uneven with tripping hazards.
On-site, each participant must sign the Nature Conservancy’s Liability Release and acknowledge their photography policy (no selling of images, etc.).
If you have questions contact Mary Ruehle (email).
The following club members were honored during the PPC End of the Year Awards at the May 15, 2025, club meeting. Congratulations and thanks to all the honorees mentioned below.
Special Interest Contests
Members could submit one image in any or all 4 categories; there were 113 submissions this year.
- Cell Phone (30 submissions)
- First Place: Julie Yu - Underground Baths in Real Alcazar Palace
- Second Place: Eddie Yu - Sunset at the Plaza de Espana, Spain
- Third Place: Anita Oakley - Pike Place Flowers
- Nature (32)
- First Place: Julie Yu - Antelope Canyon
- Second Place: Randy Ratzlaff - Orchid
- Third Place: John Lehman - Dandelion days
- Photojournalism (25)
- First Place: Parvin Stiles - Can a horse win a race if the jockey falls off?
- Second Place: Robert Turnage - First Concert
- Third Place: Randy Dull - Vets Day Honors
- Portraits of People (26)
- First Place: Randy Ratzlaff - Before the Gala
- Second Place: Lynn Barrett - Abigail at the Arboretum
- Third Place: John Lehman - Wizardly
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Competition Class Winners
Winners were determined by the highest total image points from the ten monthly contests.
- Entry Level
- First Place: Dennis Hahn
- Second Place: Lisa Wilkins
- Third Place: Audrey Burns
- Intermediate Level
- First Place: Jodi Smith
- Second Place: Craig Rowen
- Third Place: Chung Oey
- Advanced Level
- First Place: Eddie Yu
- Second Place: Clive Fernando
- Third Place: Alan Abair
- Master Level
- First Place: Janice Goetz
- Second Place: Anita Oakley
- Third Place: Linda Grigsby
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Images of the Year
Winners were chosen from all the first and second-place finishers in the 2024-2025 print and digital contests, respectively.
- Print Image of the Year
- Entry Level
- First Place: Dennis Hahn - Natures dynamics
- Second Place: Colleen Galles - Solitude
- Third Place: Janet Yiu - Natural Craft
- Intermediate Level
- First Place: Jennifer Wu - Grand Teton NP
- Second Place: Chung Oey - Tranquility with Mountain View
- Third Place: Lily Mak - Whitetip Sharks Resting in Cave
- Advanced Level
- First Place: Parvin Stiles - timeless artistry shaped by hands and heart
- Second Place: Eddie Yu - Riding The First Light
- Third Place: Alan Abair - Upper Yosemite
- Master Level
- First Place: Alan Daniel - Scissor-tailed flycatcher
- Second Place: Linda Grigsby - Sunset over Lofoten Island
- Third Place: Janice Goetz - The Magic of Autumn Is in the Air
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- Digital Image of the Year
- Entry Level
- First Place: Dennis Hahn - "Bow practice"
- Second Place: Maggie Hutchison - "Sunrise at Moonscape Overlook"
- Third Place: Bob Robinette - "Jumping spider with prey"
- Intermediate Level
- First Place: Jin Li - "To See A Sunset"
- Second Place: Lynn Barrett - "Starfish Splash"
- Third Place: Frank Barnhart - "Serenity"
- Advanced Level
- First Place: Eddie Yu - "Twilight Over Manhattan"
- Second Place: Fred Manchester - "The Dying Light Beneath the Rim, Grand Canyon"
- Third Place: Alan Abair - "Star Trails Over Bristlecone Pine"
- Master Level
- First Place: Linda Grigsby - "BItchu Matsuyama Castle of Clouds"
- Second Place: Michael Farnham - "Fallen Star"
- Third Place: Jason Ware - "Rotunda, The Breakers at Cedar Point"
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Photographer of the Year
This honor is awarded to the person with the highest number of Photographer of the Year (POY) points during all ten contests during the competition year.
The 2024-2025 PPC Photographer of the Year is Jason Ware.
Eddie Yu and Linda Grigsby finished the competition year in Second Place and Third Place, respectively.
Presidential Recognition Award
The Presidential Recognition Award is presented to any PPC member(s) who have assisted in accomplishing the aims of the Plano Photography Club.
The 2024-2025 PPC Presidential Recognition Award recipients are Mary Ruehle and Greg Rains.
Distinguished Service Award
The Distinguished Service Award may be presented annually to a Plano Photography Club member whose contributions of time, talents, and service have significantly impacted the Plano Photography Club and its membership.
The recipient of the 2024-2025 PPC Distinguished Service Award is Cliff McKenzie.
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PPC Showcase Prints Exhibited on the Curved Wall at Haggard Library
Update - May 9: The PPC Showcase 2025 is currently on display at Haggard Library in Plano through June 30, featuring more than 50 works by 28 club members.
A souvenir book of the collection will soon be available to purchase for about $27.
If you would like to reserve one or more copies of this keepsake, please complete and submit the form linked below.
https://form.jotform.com/251284011476149
NOTE: This form is now CLOSED.
Instructions for ordering the book(s) will be provided at a later date.
Update - May 1: The Plano Photography Club's Photo Showcase 2025 is now underway at Haggard Library Photo Showcase.
Prints are mounted in several areas on the library's second floor; you can visit them at any time during the library's standard operating hours.
The exhibit lasts until Monday, June 30.
Click for prior updates ...
Update - April 25: All PPC exhibitors have been informed whether they need to complete any of their library-required paperwork for the Haggard Library Photo Showcase.
All prints must be delivered to the library for the exhibit installation on Thursday, May 1, 2025, at 10:00 AM.
Exhibitors who cannot be there at that time must ensure delivery of their prints by some other means. James Stover will be accepting dropoffs at his home on Sunday, April 27, and Wednesday, April 30.
Update - April 23: We received word back from our library contact that only five submitters completed and signed all of the required library forms correctly. The rest are missing small details or pages; some are missing one entire form.
They have identified what they believe to be a simple solution.
When each photographer brings their work to the library to install, they will be asked to complete the missing forms/sections at that time.
Speaking of the install date and time, the library informed us that the exhibit install will occur on Thursday, May 1, 2025, at 10:00 AM.
Thank you to the twenty-eight (28) Plano Photography Club members who registered for the PPC Photo Showcase at Haggard Library from May 1 to June 30. Collectively, these talented photographers will display over fifty (50) prints, highlighting the exceptional skills of our members.
Our library contact is currently reviewing all submitted paperwork to ensure its completeness and accuracy. If any issues arise, we will directly contact the affected participants to resolve them. We anticipate this process will be completed within the week.
Once everything is finalized, we will provide additional details to exhibitors, including instructions on when and where to drop off their prints. Stay tuned for further updates!
Questions? Contact Club Historian Cindy Vaillancourt.
The Log Cabin Motor Court
The Plano Photography Club will travel to North Carolina for a fall foliage tour this fall.
There are many details to be shared in the weeks and months ahead, but attendees must REGISTER NOW for lodging at our planned headquarters via the Reservation Process detailed below.
Trip Dates: October 20-24, 2025
Our Headquarters: The Log Cabin Motor Court (330 Weaverville Highway, Asheville, NC 28804)
Phone Number: 828-645-6546
Proprietor: Susie
Reservation Process: DO NOT make your reservation(s) via the lodge website. Call Susie at the Log Cabin Motor Court; leave a message, and she will get back to you.
By doing it this way, you will receive a discount not available via the website. You may wish to send her an email at logcabincourt@gmail.com.
*** Important – we need all reservations to be made no later than May 31, 2025. ***
REGISTER FOR NORTH CAROLINA FALL FOLIAGE TOUR COMMUNICATIONS
(*) - The trip formerly known as the Blue Ridge Waterfall and Foliage Tour
Wildflower Portraits
Parvin Stiles
The PPC has evolved since its 1984 inception and proudly hosts many public exhibits. This year's exhibition, from May 1 to June 30, showcases over 50 works by 28 talented members. We thank the Haggard Library for hosting and all participating photographers for their contributions. A souvenir book of the collection will be available for purchase.
Mark your calendars! We don’t have a regular meeting in May, but we do have our special End of Year Awards Dinner on May 15. It’s our time to celebrate all the hard work, give out many well-deserved awards, and enjoy a delicious meal with friends. If you haven’t already, hop onto the website and register for the event! We need an accurate head count because the club will handle the meat and drinks. We also ask you to bring your favorite appetizer, side dish, or dessert to share. Who doesn’t love a good feast with friends, right?
Spring blooms are starting to fade, but don’t despair, the wildflowers are stepping up to take their place, ready to show off their gorgeous colors. The spring showers bring full rivers and lakes that make for epic backdrops. The early mornings bring calm waters, perfect for mirror-like reflection shots. It's the photographer's playground! Everything’s still lush and green, and the air is soft and perfect for outdoor adventures, but don’t delay because by the end of May, we will have the first taste of summer heat.
On Saturday, May 24, we’re meeting the Heard Nature Photographers Club to photograph the stunning wildflowers at Clymer Meadow Preserve. Be sure to register. We’ll kick things off with an early dinner at 3:30 PM, then head to the preserve around 5 PM to catch the sunset at 8:25 PM. Check the club website for outing details. It will be the perfect opportunity to capture nature at its finest!
Until then, make the most of this gorgeous weather and get out there and snap away! Whether it’s your favorite subject or a new one, I can’t wait to see what you capture. And I’m beyond excited to hang out with you at Clymer Meadow Preserve for a day filled with wildflowers, birds, bees, and friendly smiles.
The Photographic Society of America (PSA) is sponsoring a free public webinar with travel photographer/videographer Juliana Broste (aka TravelingJules). You need not be a member of PSA to attend.
The webinar title is Unpacking Tips on Travel Photography with TravelingJules.
Date: Tuesday, May 27, 2025
Time: 5:00 PM CDT
With a camera in hand and pen behind the ear, Juliana Broste captures the world through photo and video with signature style. She's an an award-winning Travel Photographer, Filmmaker, and Canon Co-Lab Ambassador. Her high energy and sense of adventure has taken her to 7 continents and 40 countries.
Spend an evening hearing some of her top travel photography tips from her adventures on the road.
REGISTER FOR THIS FREE TRAVEL PHOTOGRAPHY WEBINAR
Training (6:00 PM CT) - My Passion: Moving Water (Alan Whiteside) | New and Prospective Member Orientation (Carol Barlow)
Program (7:00 PM CT) - Cheryl Circo: An Overview of Blackland Prairie Raptor Center (BPRC)
Cheryl Circo
Bio: I did not choose the bird life, the bird life chose me. I have been volunteering and working in animal care since I was 15 and wound up falling in love with birds of prey along the way. I love being able to showcase how special raptors are and why they are so important.
Here at Blackland Prairie Raptor Center I can use my knowledge and experience to help enhance the education department and grow my leadership skills with amazing coworkers by my side.
About the BPRC: Named after the tallgrass prairie that once covered more than 23,500 acres, the Center’s mission is to promote and enhance populations of raptors through rehabilitation, conservation, and education initiatives since 2004.
Located in Lucas, Texas, on the outskirts of the DFW Metroplex, BPRC offers visitors of all ages an opportunity to experience the beauty of North Texas raptors through our educational events and fun activities the whole family will enjoy! We are also a full-service raptor rehabilitation hospital.
Program Description: An overview of BPRC, its mission and goals, along with opportunities for PPC members to get involved.
Birds at the Blackland Prairie Raptor Center
The Plano Photography Club's June contest is an ELECTRONIC competition with the theme OPEN.
Electronic entries must be uploaded to the PPC Competition Site before 11:59 PM CT on Thursday, June 19, 2025.
SUBMIT CONTEST IMAGE
NOTE: You must be a Plano Photography Club member to submit contest images.
Jeremy Woodhouse | Pixelchrome Tours
Andy Hess | Large Format Photography
Larry Golden | Cell Phone Photography
Jay Miller | Aviation Photography