Or should I say, Happy Semiquincentennial (or SemiQ), or Quarter Millennium, or even America250, as the most popular name is still to be determined. I can confidently say that I hope you and your loved ones enjoyed our record-high temperatures and pleasant Christmas weather. It was wonderful. Now it’s Monday, December 29th, as I am writing, the temperature is a brisk 36 degrees, and it feels like 30. Well, that’s Texas. If you don’t like the weather, just wait. Except, I liked the weather, and I want it back! But hey, it is winter, and I guess it’s supposed to be cold.
Parvin Stiles
When entering a new year, I like to take stock of the outgoing year and remember and archive the good times. What stands out for me are our photo outings because they are a great chance to hang out, get to know one another, and learn. This year, our trips were quite enjoyable. In the spring, we visited the Wichita Mountains National Wildlife Refuge in southern Oklahoma. We didn’t see any moose or grizzly bears, but we did see herds of bison, longhorns, and elk. What I appreciated most was the park’s proximity, having such a wonderful location only a short three-hour drive from Plano.
Our fall trip to North Carolina was amazing. The weather can be unpredictable in the fall. It can rain one week, then have sunshine the next. We were fortunate that Mother Nature behaved herself and gave us sunny days and beautiful fall foliage. Our luck must have been the result of our long-range, detailed planning. Good fun and wonderful photographs were had by all. Still, no grizzly bears.
Looking ahead, our spring calendar is packed with fun events. In January, we will photograph Rugby Dallas RFC at Glencoe Park. This is a perfect opportunity to practice sports photography. In February, we will head to the Fort Worth Stockyards for a scavenger hunt. In March, we will attend the Sherman Celtic Festival and Highland Games.
The yearly spring trip will be in mid-May to Palo Duro Canyon and Caprock Canyons. Palo Duro, located in the Texas Panhandle, is the second-largest canyon in North America after the Grand Canyon. Palo Duro is very big, though not as deep as the Grand Canyon. Its location offers dark skies, and we will have a chance to photograph the Milky Way during a new moon phase. Let’s hope Mother Nature gives us clear skies! Some of us remember our challenge photographing a cute little cottage and the Milky Way during a full moon in New Mexico a couple of years back.
I am excited about our fall trip to southern Colorado in late September to early October. The itinerary includes Ouray, Telluride, Silverton, the Great Sand Dunes, and Mesa Verde -- maybe grizzly bears. Make plans to join us, and stay tuned for details about these fantastic events at our monthly meetings and on our website!
Food for thought! What will you do to commemorate America250? Is it going to be just another year to celebrate with fireworks, or will the celebration be grander? The 1976 Bicentennial was quite memorable for many because it marked an even two-century milestone from the country's founding in 1776. The year 2026 marks two-and-a-half centuries, and it too may someday have its own place in history. When you look back much later, what will you remember? The year has just begun, and this is your chance to make the best of the Quarter Millennium year!
Shari Hunt
Bio: After moving back to Texas from the Pacific Northwest, Shari discovered her love for photographing the night skies while out in West Texas in 2014. This started a passion for nightscape photography and visiting the Big Bend area.
When she isn’t chasing dark skies, Shari leads a training program at UT Southwestern Medical Center, focusing on design, user experience, and how people learn. She enjoys blending her educator’s mindset with her creative side to help others dive into nightscape photography.
This will be Shari’s second presentation to the club; she previously spoke in July 2022 about photographing the Milky Way.
Program Description: I have been to Big Bend more times than I can count, and yet, I still feel like I am not there enough.
During this presentation, rather than give an overview of how to shoot at night, I will share some of my experiences (stories that may or may not involve UFO’s) in Big Bend; including night photography tips and tricks, what to shoot when the weather doesn’t cooperate, how to find different compositions, my favorite compositions depending on the time of year, and much more.
Examples of Shari's Photography