Club Meetings Held on the Third Thursday of Each Month (except December)
Live Training Session(s) at 6:00 PM and Program at 7:00 PM
West Plano Presbyterian Church - 2709 Custer Road, Plano, Texas
Online Training Session(s) Open to Members of Plano Photography Club and Dallas Camera Club
On Thursday, October 3, 2024, organizers of the club's long-planned fall field trip to the Blue Ridge Mountains notified registered attendees that the trip had been canceled because of the impact of Hurricane Helene on the area.
Road washout near Gooch Gap (MP 336 on the Blue Ridge Parkway) - NPS
The death toll from the storm has surpassed 225 (with hundreds unaccounted for). More than half of the deaths are in North Carolina, where entire communities were uprooted and devastated by the deadliest mainland storm since Hurricane Katrina in 2005.
The following excerpt from The Drive summarizes the current state of things in the region regarding the Blue Ridge Parkway:
"The United States’ most-visited scenic road, the Blue Ridge Parkway, has been closed by the National Park Service with no estimated reopening date. The closure coincides with the arrival of Fall colors to Appalachia and the Southeast, which are typically the Parkway’s busiest season. But this year, the full length of the Parkway will be shut down as the Park Service scrambles to aid in recovery efforts following Hurricane Helene.
"Even before the storm’s conclusion on Saturday, September 29, the National Park Service announced that the Parkway would remain closed until further notice for repairs and rescue efforts. The 469-mile route, the longest linear park in the country, suffered innumerable road washouts that are complicating recovery efforts across the region.
"While only segments of the road closed initially, an updated closure notice on Thursday, October 3 declared the Parkway’s full length off-limits as 250 Park Service personnel from 32 states and the District of Columbia coordinate to reverse Helene’s 'catastrophic' damage."
Club activities chair Mary Ruehle has approved rescheduling the event for October 2025. Work will begin in December 2024 on planning for next year's trip.
Our hopes and prayers are with all the affected residents of North Carolina and other states impacted by the storm.
Call For State Fair of Texas Images
If you have attended or plan to visit the State Fair of Texas this year, we hope you had/have a wonderful time while capturing some terrific photos.
As is common with club member activities, we would like to feature your images from the Fair in a slide gallery that will appear on the website.
If you wish to submit pictures for that gallery (remember, no one can download copies of submitted photos), here are the guidelines:
- SEND UP TO SEVEN (7) of your best photos to clubphotos@planophotographyclub.com.
- The maximum dimension (long edge) for submitted images is 4096 pixels; the maximum individual file size is 10MB.
- Please include YOUR NAME and the TOPIC in the file name(s) (e.g., BigTex_StateFair_1.jpg).
- The deadline for submitting photos is SATURDAY, OCTOBER 27, 2024.
We look forward to seeing your pictures.
Call For Reunion Tower Photo Shoot Images
If you attended the September 24 evening photo shoot at Reunion Tower, we invite you to SEND UP TO SEVEN (7) of your best event photos to clubphotos@planophotographyclub.com.
Submitted images will be displayed in the gallery at right.
As always, please include YOUR NAME and the TOPIC in the file name(s) (e.g., RobertFolsom_ReunionTower_1.jpg).
The maximum dimension (long edge) for submitted images is 4096 pixels; the maximum individual file size is 10MB.
This gallery is CLOSED. Thanks to all for your submissions.
Gallery | Full-Screen Slideshow | All Galleries and Slideshows
Big Boy No. 4014 Comes Back Through North Texas Next Week
On Wednesday, August 28, 2024, Union Pacific's Big Boy No. 4014 left its home base in Cheyenne, Wyoming for its Heartland of America Tour, which includes travel through ten states, including Arkansas, Oklahoma, and Texas.
This will be the Big Boy's third trip to the Lone Star State since its multi-year restoration was completed in 2019.
- 2019: the giant locomotive visited 32 cities and towns in Texas in celebration of the 150th Anniversary of the completion of the Transcontinental Railroad
- 2021: Big Boy toured the southwestern portion of the Union Pacific system as part of The Great Race Across the Southwest, passing through Sherman, Denton, and Fort Worth, among other nearby North Texas cities. Many PPC members took advantage of the opportunity to capture spectacular images of this amazing relic of American railroad history.
- 2024: #4014 is spending nearly a month in Texas, including a two-week maintenance stop.
Having passed through Dallas in September, it will return to DFW on October 9-13, stopping for three days in Fort Worth before continuing north to Oklahoma.
DIY Photo Activity
In 2021, many PPC members took advantage of the locomotive's visit to North Texas to capture spectacular images (see the gallery at right) of this amazing relic of American railroad history.
The club is sponsoring a two-part DIY activity built around the engine's 2024 return to the Lone Star State.
Part one of the activity was in September, as the train passed through East Texas and Dallas on its way to Houston for a two-week maintenance stop.
Next week, the locomotive returns north, passing through Central and North Texas.
Wednesday, October 9 through Sunday, October 13
On October 9, the Big Boy will travel from Bryan, Texas into Fort Worth, stopping for three nights - two public display days and a private Union Pacific event.
The Fort Worth stop will be the public's first chance to see the locomotive up close in North Texas.
It'll be displayed at the downtown Fort Worth train station at 275 West Lancaster from 9 AM to 3 PM on October 10 and 9 AM to 1 PM on October 11. Admission is free (parking and event information).
Then on Sunday, October 13, the locomotive will take leave of the city to continue its trip north into Oklahoma.
As in 2021, we have created a detailed resource page for photographers who want to capture images of the Big Boy rolling through North Texas.
The page expands upon the scheduled whistle-stop list provided by Union Pacific by identifying the locations of many train crossings in intermediate locations and providing supplemental Google Maps and Google Street View links.
So check out the information page to get the full schedule details and plan where you can get the best shots.
We invite you to SEND UP TO SEVEN (7) of your best Big Boy No. 4014 photos in North Texas to clubphotos@planophotographyclub.com.
As always, please include YOUR NAME and the TOPIC in the file name(s) (e.g., EdDickens_Big Boy_1.jpg). The maximum dimension (long edge) for submitted images is 4096 pixels; the maximum individual file size is 10MB.
The submission deadline for part two of this DIY activity is SATURDAY, OCTOBER 19, 2024.
BIG BOY 4014 TEXAS 2024 INFORMATION PAGE | TRACK THE BIG BOY INTO FORT WORTH | TRACK THE BIG BOY OUT OF FORT WORTH
Parvin Stiles
The Beauty of Photography in October
As the summer heat fades into crisp autumn air, I eagerly grab my camera for a photography adventure. October bursts with vibrant cultural traditions and a kaleidoscope of colors.
The State Fair of Texas attracts over two million visitors yearly, offering stunning opportunities to capture neon-lit rides against darkening skies through long exposures. Photographing people enjoying themselves is a joy, and the diverse food options provide endless inspiration. Special thanks to Cliff McKenzie for again obtaining photographer passes; participants, please submit your five best images.
When it comes to capturing the essence of fall colors, the crown undoubtedly goes to the Dallas Arboretum, where seasonal blooms and a quaint pumpkin village, boasting over 100,000 pumpkins and gourds, create a feast for the eyes. The Dallas Farmers Market also offers vibrant colors and fresh produce ripe for photography.
For those eager to refine their skills in fast-action sports photography, the American Quarter Horse racing season is in full gallop at Lone Star Park at Grand Prairie. It promises exhilarating moments and captivating subjects to capture in motion.
Another thrilling opportunity is photographing the majestic Big Boy 4014 steam locomotive as it travels through Texas, especially during its two-day stopover in Fort Worth (October 10-11).
Our well-planned and meticulously crafted trip to North Carolina for fall foliage along the Blue Ridge Parkway was canceled due to Hurricane Helene. Our thoughts are with everyone living there, and we hope they stay safe.
What plans do you have for Halloween-themed photography? Embrace the lovely weather and enjoy capturing the world through your lens!
We want to make club members aware of two free virtual training opportunities coming in October and November 2024: the Adobe MAX 2024 Creativity Conference and the Photoshop Virtual Summit 6.
Adobe MAX 2024 Online Creativity Conference (October 14-15, 2024)
Attend online sessions for free
50+ online sessions on Adobe products, including Illustrator, InDesign, Lightroom, Lightroom Classic, Photoshop, Premiere, and more
Keynotes and sneaks
Luminary and Creativity Super Sessions
ONLINE SESSION CATALOG | REGISTER FOR THE ONLINE EVENT
Photoshop Virtual Summit 6 (November 11 - November 15, 2024)
23 expert instructors teaching 40 Photoshop classes over 5 days
Instructors include Jesus Ramirez, Colin Smith, Blake Rudis, Glyn Dewis, Ben Willmore, Tim Grey, Lisa Carney, Matt Kloskowski, Nicole Young, Anthony Morganti, and many more
Every single training session is designed to take your Photoshop knowledge and skill to the next level - regardless of whether you're just starting out, or have years of experience.
Following each class, you’ll be able to watch (and re-watch) for 48 hours at no charge
After 48 hours, classes are available for VIP members as an optional purchase
VIEW THE CLASS SCHEDULE | GET YOUR FREE PASS | GET INFO ON THE VIP PASS (EARLY BIRD PRICING NOW AVAILABLE)
Winning Images from the August 2024 Club Contest
Topic: Open (Electronic)
(Click any image to see it full-screen)
Award recipients in the August Plano Photography Club contest were announced at the monthly club meeting on Thursday, September 19, 2024.
Detailed results are listed below; honored photographs are visible at right. Congratulations to the awardees and thanks to all competitors.
Entry
- 1st: WHO? - David Valdez (Best of Show)
- 2nd: Jumping spider with prey - Bob Robinette
- 3rd: Castle in the Sky, Wurzburg, Germany - Dennis Hahn
- HM: First Sedona Snow - Gary Berger
- HM: Vivid Colors - Janet Yiu
Intermediate
- 1st: Jin Li - To See A Sunset
- 2nd: Pelican coming home, Skimmer Island, Florida - Gary R. Allen
- 3rd: Mt Tipsoo Sunrise - Jodi Smith
- HM: Flamingo - Melanie Sandager
- HM: An Itty Bitty Bali Aquatic Longhorn - Lily Mak
Advanced
- 1st: Wild Horses, Patagonia - Alan Abair (3rd Place overall)
- 2nd: Gnarly Cutback - Randy Ratzlaff
- 3rd: Rustic Rose - Richard Kidner
- HM: Point Vecchio Bridge of Arno River - Siu Wong
- HM: HYPNOTIC - Daniel Dailey
Master
- 1st: Get back to work! - Russell McGuire (2nd Place overall)
- 2nd: Farmhouse Cabinet - Lois Lehman (Honorable Mention overall)
- 3rd: Championship Rodeo - Nock Wong
- HM: Monsoon - Anita Oakley
- HM: Shhhh, Mommy is Napping - Janice Goetz
Full-Screen Slideshow | Gallery | Judge's Commentary
Standings: All Classes | Entry | Intermediate | Advanced | Master
Training - 6:00 PM CT
Street Photography (1 of 3) (Library)
Program - 7:00 PM CT
Larry Golden: What Is The Best Camera To Use?
Larry Golden
Bio: Larry is currently retired living in Forney. When he started planning for retirement, he decided to once again focus on photography. Larry owned his last SLR camera back in the last century.
When he started researching a new camera, he was amazed at how photography had changed since his SLR days. Larry’s interest in photography started when he joined his high school yearbook staff and was handed a twin-lens Rolleiflex Camera. After college he was able to buy a Minolta SLR. Life got in the way and his camera was put on the shelf.
His first digital camera was a Sony Cyber-Shot purchased when his first grandson was born. At retirement, his research led him to his first DSLR. It was a Canon 70D with a Tamron 150-600 lens. His interest was bird photography which over time expanded beyond birds to a more generalist focus. He currently takes photos for the weekly Forney Messenger as well as being a volunteer photographer for the state UIL ranked Forney High School Band.
Currently Larry is active in the Dallas Camera Club and the East Texas Camera Club in Tyler, TX. Larry currently is using the Olympus Mirrorless System along with his iPhone 13 Pro Max.
Program Description: The best camera to use is the one you have with you. In many cases that may be your cell
phone camera. How do you make the most of your cell phone camera?
Samples of Larry's Photography
The Plano Photography Club's October contest is a PRINT competition with the theme OPEN.
Please review the print contest procedures before producing your image for submission.
Matching electronic entries must be uploaded to the PPC Competition Site before 11:59 PM CT on Thursday, October 17, 2024.
NOTE: You must be a Plano Photography Club member to submit contest images.
Jay Miller | Aviation Photography
Janet Cunningham | Lensbaby
Ben Jacobi | Jacobi Creations, LLC
Graham Hobart | Infrared Nature and Wildlife Photography