If you participated in the club's May 31 Succulents photo shoot at Irwin Lightstone's home, we hope you had a spectacular time and were able to capture some amazing photos.
As is typical with club member activities, we would like to feature your images from the event in a slide gallery at right.
If you wish to submit pictures for that gallery, here are the guidelines:
- SEND UP TO TEN (10) 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 10 MB.
- Please include YOUR NAME and the TOPIC in the file name(s) (e.g., DonWorth_Succulents_1.jpg).
- The submission deadline is WEDNESDAY, JUNE 11, 2025.
We look forward to seeing your pictures.
Great Texas Balloon Race 2025
We invite interested Plano Photography Club members to join us in Longview, Texas, this Friday evening, June 13, 2025, and Saturday morning, June 14, 2025, for an amazing balloon photography experience.
The Great Texas Balloon Race (GTBR) and the Balloon Federation of America (BFA) U.S. National Hot Air Balloon Championship returns June 10-15 to the Longview Convention Complex (map of location/ directions).
One of East Texas’ most-loved events returns in 2025, featuring the top air balloon pilots from across the nation, one of country music’s most acclaimed recording artists, and the return of an entertaining and inspiring Texas-themed drone show.
We plan to focus on shooting the balloon glow on Friday evening and the morning balloons on Saturday.
Activities Schedule
Friday, June 13
A lot is happening, but the key events are the Special Shapes balloons at 8:15 PM, the Balloon Glow at 8:50 PM, and the Drone Show following the Balloon Glow.
Saturday, June 14
Highlights include the BFA U.S. Nationals Hot Air Balloon Championship Competition Flight over Longview and the GTBR and Young Guns Competition Flight at 6:30 AM, and the Special Shapes and Model Balloon static inflations at 7:00 AM.
FULL ACTIVITIES SCHEDULE AND ADDITIONAL DETAILS
Ticket Information
Tickets will be $20 Friday night, $25 if you're staying for Saturday night, and $40 for both nights. Children 12 and under get in free.
You can purchase tickets at the gate or online via the button below:
PURCHASE TICKET(S) FOR THE GREAT TEXAS BALLOON RACE
Lodging
You are responsible for arranging your lodging (visitor guide/hotels and motels) for Friday evening.
Saturday Lunch
Meet the group at 11:00 AM at Country Tavern Barbecue (1526 FM 2767, Kilgore, TX) (903.984.9954).
Other Questions?
Contact Club Activities Chair Mary Ruehle via email.
Future Photo Activities
| Activity |
Activity Date/Time |
Notes |
| Fourth of July Fireworks (DIY) |
Any day through July 4 |
|
| Frontiers of Flight Museum (Love Field) |
July 26, 2025 | 9:00 AM (before the public) |
Group lunch afterward |
| Tabletop Workshop |
August 23, 2025 |
|
| Plano Balloon Festival (DIY) |
September 18 - 21, 2025 |
|
| State Fair of Texas (DIY) |
September 26 - October 19, 2025 |
|
| Red Steagall Cowboy Gathering (Fort Worth Stockyards) |
October 25, 2025 |
|
PPC Showcase Prints Exhibited on the Curved Wall at Haggard Library
Update - June 6: Those PPC members who informed us of their desire to buy a copy of the PPC Showcase 2025 Keepsake book have now received information regarding how to purchase the book.
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
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.
Overview
"Mr. Polaroid" is a recently released documentary from PBS’s acclaimed American Experience series, premiering on May 19, 2025. The film explores the remarkable life and legacy of Edwin Land, the visionary inventor behind the Polaroid instant camera and one of the most influential technology pioneers of the 20th century.
Key Themes and Content
The documentary profiles Mr. Land, a Harvard dropout whose dream was to create “a camera that you would use as often as your pencil or your eyeglasses.” Land’s vision led to the creation of the Polaroid Model 95, which debuted in 1948 and allowed people to see their photographs instantly—a revolutionary concept long before the era of smartphones.
"Mr. Polaroid" highlights how the Polaroid camera transformed photography, making it immediate, accessible, and personal.
It traces Polaroid’s meteoric rise through the 1960s and 70s, when it became a cultural icon - often compared to Apple for its innovation and influence. Land’s approach to technology and design inspired future leaders like Steve Jobs, who considered Land an idol for creating products people didn’t even know they wanted.
The film doesn’t shy away from the company’s struggles, including risky business decisions, a costly lawsuit with Kodak, and ethical controversies—such as Polaroid’s involvement in South Africa during apartheid, which led to internal protests and public backlash.
Despite its eventual decline, Polaroid remains one of the most recognizable brands in photography, celebrated for its sense of playfulness and innovation.
Why Watch?
"Mr. Polaroid" offers a compelling look at the intersection of creativity, technology, and culture. It’s a must-see for anyone interested in photography, innovation, or the stories of visionaries who changed the way we see the world.
You can watch "Mr. Polaroid" on YouTube and on the PBS American Experience website.
The following Plano Photography Club member(s) received recognition in the March 2025 Gulf States Camera Club Council photo competition:
Nature Projected
- 2nd Place: Fighting Birds - Linda Grigsby
- Honorable Mention: Mt Tipsoo Sunrise - Jodi Smith
Color Projected
- 1st Place: To see a sunset - Jin Li
- Honorable Mention: Rotunda, the breakers at Ceda - Jason Ware
To see the winning image(s) and a full list of award recipients, please visit the GSCCC competition results page. Congratulations to those listed above.
Oh, June is Upon Us!
Parvin Stiles
What can I say about June? It comes after May and before July! School is out, so no more slowing down in school zones. Of course, June marks the official start of summer, with the Summer Solstice on Friday, June 20 at 9:41 PM Central Time – the longest day of the year!
But before that, don’t miss the fun at the Great Texas Balloon Race in Longview, Texas, on June 13-14. This colorful event features hot air balloon races, drone shows, and the magical Balloon Glow, lighting up the night sky. We suggest grabbing your tickets online and planning your day around the excitement.
Don’t miss our special Art Showcase on the 2nd floor of the Haggard Library in Plano, running through June 30. This exhibit features over 50 stunning photographs from 28 talented members, a true celebration of creativity and visual storytelling.
This spring, we had a fantastic time capturing the beautiful landscapes and wildlife at Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge. Likewise, please mark your calendars for our fall trip to North Carolina, taking place from October 20 to 24. We’ll be photographing the brilliant fall colors and scenic views of the Blue Ridge Mountains and the Great Smoky Mountains. Our home base will be the Log Cabin Motor Court in Asheville, placing us close to waterfalls, Pisgah National Forest, the Blue Ridge Parkway, and more. Visit our website for full details and to reserve your spot.
Don't forget our upcoming June 19 club meeting. During the training session at 6 PM, Alan Whiteside will talk about photographing moving water. At 7 PM, our guest speaker, Cheryl Circo from the Blackland Prairie Raptor Center, will share her experiences rehabilitating birds of prey and explain why these raptors are vital to maintaining healthy ecosystems.
Let’s kick off the summer with a camera in hand and adventure in our hearts! Whether you're snapping photos at local events, hiking through the wild, or just catching some rays, June is packed with moments waiting for you to capture!
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