2024 Local Club Activities

November 2024

Fort Worth Zoo Photo Outing

Fort Worth Zoo

Please plan to join us on Saturday, November 9, 2024 (the rain date is November 16), for a photo outing at the Fort Worth Zoo.

The oldest continuous zoo site in Texas, the Fort Worth Zoo was founded in 1909 with one lion, two bear cubs, an alligator, a coyote, a peacock, and a few rabbits. From these humble beginnings, the Zoo has grown into a nationally ranked facility, housing more than 7,000 native and exotic animals.

Details

Location: Fort Worth Zoo | 1989 Colonial Parkway, Fort Worth, Texas 76110 (map)
Time: 10:00 AM CT
Parking: $5 per vehicle

How To Buy Tickets

At the Gate: Adults (under 65): $20 | Seniors (65 and older): $16
Online: Adults (under 65): $19 | Seniors (65 and older): $15 PURCHASE TICKET(S) IN ADVANCE

Plan to meet at the gate at 10:00 AM as a group. After the photo outing, attendees are invited to attend a group lunch at Maggie's R&R, a short drive (map) from the zoo.

 


September 2024

Reunion Tower Late Afternoon/Evening Photo Shoot

Please plan to join us on Tuesday, September 24, 2024, for a late afternoon/evening photo shoot at Dallas' iconic Reunion Tower.

Looking West From Reunion Tower - Dallas, Texas

If you've never been there, the stunning and breathtaking 360-degree panoramic view of the city from the tower's observation deck must be seen to be believed. From 470 feet above the ground we can see and photograph the scenery for miles in any direction. While the views are spectacular no matter when you visit, they're extra special at sundown.

Details

Location: Reunion Tower | 300 Reunion Blvd E, Dallas, Texas 75207 (map)
Time: 6:00 PM - 9:00 PM CT
(Golden hour begins at 6:48 PM; Sunset is at 7:22 PM; Nautical twilight is at 7:45 PM)
Parking: Self-parking for visitors is available in Lot B, just a short walk from Reunion Tower located at 601 Sports Street. Parking is $10 for 0-4 hours. Handicap parking is available at 300 Reunion Tower Boulevard with the Hyatt Regency Valet.
Directions to Entrance: From the Lot B parking lot, walk toward Reunion Tower and to the stairways that lead down to the entrance, which is to the left via the glass doors. Upon entering the facility, follow the hallway and go up the escalators and the ticket counter is to the left through the double doors.

How To Buy Tickets

Step 1: GET THE DISCOUNT CODE (AVAILABLE FOR PPC MEMBERS ONLY)
Step 2: PURCHASE DISCOUNTED TICKETS FOR SEPTEMBER 24 (6:00 PM) 

If you have questions about this event, please contact Activities Chair Mary Ruehle.

 


August 2024

Dallas Derby Devils / Ice Hockey Photo Shoot

Dallas Derby Devils

We have the perfect remedy for those of you tired of the Texas heat stifling your summer photography.

Please plan to join us and members of the Dallas Camera Club on Saturday evening August 17, 2024, for a photo shoot during two exciting bouts of Dallas Derby Devils Roller Derby.

Founded in 2004, the Dallas Derby Devils (FAQ) are a flat track roller derby league in the Dallas/Fort Worth metroplex area.

A proud member of the Women's Flat Track Derby Association (WFTDA) and Junior Roller Derby Association (JRDA), the Dallas Derby Devils is a nonprofit organization to not only spread their love of roller derby, but give back to the community through charitable contributions, local sponsorship programs, and collaboration with other roller derby leagues worldwide.

Location: NYTEX Sports Centre | 8851 Ice House Drive, North Richland Hills, TX, 76180 (map)
Time: Doors open at 6:00 PM CT; Koko (one of the skaters) will conduct an orientation session at 6:15 PM CT near the DDD merchandise table | First match begins at 6:30 PM CT
Tickets: Discounted tickets are available from the team website.

NOTE: Closed-toed shoes are required if you want to get on the track to take photos; this is either on the corners or two available squares in the middle of the track.

Refreshments: Food and drinks (including beer and wine) are available.

Roller Derby 101: The basics of flat track roller derby

The NYTEX Sports Centre has an ice hockey rink down the hall from the roller derby arena, in the event that members want to shoot there as well.

If you have questions about this event, please contact Activities Chair Mary Ruehle.

 


July 2024

Mesquite Championship Rodeo

Mesquite Rodeo

Please plan to join us on Saturday evening July 27, 2024, for a photo shoot at First Responders Night atthe Mesquite Championship Rodeo.

There will be police cars, ambulances, SWAT team vehicles, and canine units outside in the parking lot to photograph as part of the First Responders Tribute.

Location: Mesquite Arena | 1818 Rodeo Drive, Mesquite, TX 75149 | 972.285.8777 (map)
Time: Opening Ceremony and Rodeo begin at 7:30 PM CT | Doors open at 6:00 PM CT


Event Tickets

We have obtained a limited number of great seats at special pricing. Attendees will have the opportunity to sit close to the action and capture some amazing images.

Rodeo tickets ($31) must be purchased in advance and WILL SOON GO ON SALE via the registration button below. 

The event ticket cost of $31 DOES NOT include parking at the Mesquite Arena ($10).

It also DOES NOT include any food inside the venue - including the optional BBQ dinner - which you may also purchase in advance via the second button below.

REGISTER AND PURCHASE MESQUITE RODEO EVENT TICKETS


Meal Tickets

BBQ dinner tickets ($34.50) must also be purchased in advance and WILL SOON GO ON SALE via the registration button below. 

REGISTER AND PURCHASE MESQUITE RODEO BBQ DINNER TICKETS


Additional Information

  • Upon arrival visit Will Call at the outdoor kiosk. They will have your packet with your entry ticket, meal ticket (if applicable) and a note for permission to bring your photo equipment inside.
  • Group seating will be assigned near the bucking chutes but feel free to spread out and move around (Section 102, Rows E,F,G,H).
  • 4 additional VIP seats (Section 14) will be rotated among the club participants (stay seated as not to bother those behind).
  • Our Mesquite Rodeo contact Brother Van will take small groups of 5-8 photographers behind the scenes for additional photo opportunities.
  • NOTE: You may bring a monopod, but tripods are NOT allowed; flashes are also prohibited
  • 5-7 images from the rodeo are to be submitted to clubphotos@planophotographyclub.com by Saturday, August 10, 2024.

If you have questions about this event, please contact Activities Chair Mary Ruehle.

 

DIY Fourth of July Fireworks

The goal of this DIY activity is to capture fireworks and other scenes and activities that illustrate the Fourth of July holiday.

Maybe you are attending a big public event like Addison Kaboom Town or Fair Park Fourth in the Cotton Bowl.

DFW FIreworks Options

Or perhaps you are going to check out some of the other, less crowded events in the region.

Of course, you might just be staying home and lighting sparklers in your front yard.

Whatever you do to celebrate the holiday, we would love to see your photos.

Please send your best 5-7 pictures (4096 pixels on the long side; 10MB maximum) to clubphotos@planophotographyclub.com by Saturday, July 13, 2024, for inclusion in a gallery to be posted on the club website.

Below you will find some tips on how to capture and edit fireworks photos for the best results. Good luck and we look forward to seeing your images.

Capturing Fireworks Images

Post-Processing Fireworks Photos

Questions? Contact Mary Ruehle.

 


June 2024

Heritage Farmstead Museum Photo Shoot

HERITAGE-FARMSTEAD-MUSEUM-PLANO-MAGAZINE-AERIAL-LABELS
Overhead View of Heritage Farmstead Museum

Date: Saturday, June 29, 2024
Time: 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM CT
Location: Heritage Farmstead Museum (1900 West 15th Street) in Plano)
Cost: $5.00 for admission to the four-acre homestead; an additional $5.00 admission for a tour of the 1891 home (no flash or tripods in the main house)
Additional Information: Visit the Farm


After the shoot, we will travel a couple of blocks away and meet up for lunch at Eddy's Pizza (2108 West 15th Street).

Bring your tripods since we’ll be practicing HDR from our June club meeting with Dennis Fritsche.

If you attend this event, please send your best 5-7 photos to clubphotos@planophotographyclub.com for posting in a gallery on the club website and viewing at a future club meeting.

  • As always, please include YOUR NAME and the TOPIC in the file name(s) (e.g., MaritaCovarrubias_HeritageFarmstead_1.jpg).
  • The maximum dimension (long edge) for submitted images is 4096 pixels; the maximum individual file size is 10MB.
  • The deadline for submitting photos is Saturday, July 6, 2024.

April 2024

Wildflower Shoot in Richardson

Crowley Park Wildflowers

Because the wildflowers at Crowley Park look so nice this spring, the club has decided to have a pop-up photo shoot at this beautiful park, and all club members are invited to join us.

The original plan was to have the shoot this Saturday, but the weather forecast is currently calling for rain, so we're moving it to next week instead.

The park has a nice concrete path around the whole perimeter, and there is plenty of free parking.

Date: Tuesday, April 30, 2024
Time: 9:30 AM CT
Location: Crowley Park (2700 N Spring Drive) in Richardson (near the basketball goal)

If you are unable to make this event, we invite you to visit Crowley Park on your own.

Then please send your best 5-7 photos to clubphotos@planophotographyclub.com for posting in a gallery on the club website and viewing at the June club meeting.

As always, please include YOUR NAME and the TOPIC in the file name(s) (e.g., CharlieRussell_CrowleyPark_1.jpg).

The maximum dimension (long edge) for submitted images is 4096 pixels; the maximum individual file size is 10MB.

The deadline for submitting photos is Wednesday, May 8, 2024.


Questions? Contact Mary Ruehle or Janice Goetz.

 


March 2024

Dallas Arboretum Morning Photo Shoot

Dallas Arboretum

Location: Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden (8525 Garland Road, Dallas, TX 75218)
Date: Tuesday, March 5, 2024
Time: 7:30 AM - 9:00 AM CT

During this time window, any member of the Plano Photography Club attending with our group may walk and photograph the grounds of the Arboretum. Tripods will be allowed.

Irwin Lightstone has once again used his connections (Thanks Irwin!) to get us access to the Dallas Arboretum early in the morning to photograph tulips and all the other beautiful plants on display.

Logistics

  1. REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED for this event (click the Registration Information button below)
  2. There is no limit on the number of PPC members who can attend
  3. Attendees must park in the lot accessible at the Gate 1 entrance (located at the intersection of Garland Road and Whittier
  4. Attendees MUST be physically present at the Main Entrance of the Arboretum by 7:30 AM; please plan to arrive a few minutes early so that members can enter as a group
  5. Attendees will be admitted onto the grounds as a group; any individual who arrives at the Main Entrance after the group enters the Arboretum may be denied admission
  6. Attendees will be allowed to use their tripods until 9:00 AM (when the Arboretum opens to the public); no tripods may be used after that time
  7. Attendees may remain at the Arboretum after 9:00 AM and continue taking photographs for as long as they wish, subject to item (6) above
  8. There are no official lunch or brunch plans, but some people will almost certainly get together after the shoot; this will be decided on-site

As a condition of providing access under these terms to the Plano Photography Club, the Dallas Arboretum is requesting copies of five (5) photographs captured by each attendee. Details will be communicated when we collect images for display on the club website.

Registration closes on Monday, March 4, 2024, at 6:00 PM CT. 

If you have questions before the event or when you arrive onsite at the Arboretum, contact Alan Daniel (email/214-676-6469).

 


February 2024

Tabletop Workshop Coming February 24

The club is excited to announce our 2024 Tabletop Workshop, which will take place on Saturday, February 24, 2024, from 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM at the West Plano Presbyterian Church.

This indoor educational photo opportunity is largely in the format of a "hands-on" cafeteria-style photography workshop that encourages learning through participation. We ask that you please be considerate and share time at the various tabletop set-ups and digital stations.

NOTE: The images in the gallery at right were captured at the 2023 PPC Tabletop Workshop.

Here is a list of the currently scheduled activities and stations (subject to change and additions):

Presenter Topic Type
Dennis Fritsche / Mary Ruehle Oil and Water Hands-On
Dennis Fritsche / Mary Ruehle Sensor Cleaning Demonstration
Brian Clark Backlit Botanicals Hands-On
Lois Lehman Paint with Light Hands-On
Terree Stone Frozen Flowers Hands-On
Irwin Lightstone Focus Stacking w/Succulents; Polarized Light to Control Glare Hands-On / Demonstration
Guy Huntley Water Drop Slash Hands-On
Cliff McKenzie Solar Eclipse 2024 – A Once In A Lifetime Event Demonstration
Clive Fernando Creating Artistic Patterns Using Incense Sticks / How to Process These Images in Lightroom Hands-On
NOTES:
  1. Hands-On: Can take photos
  2. Demonstration: Show and Tell
  3. Items to bring: Camera, lenses (including a macro if you have one), tripod
  4. Props will be provided
  5. Oil and Water: A fun station to learn more about Depth of Field, Closeness to Subject, and the proper choice of Aperture and Shutter Speed
  6. Oil and Water: Tripod available for this station IF you have an Arca-Swiss camera mount
  7. For the Paint with Light station, if you would like to bring something special from home (e.g., vase, bottle, etc.), please keep it under ten (10) inches in height


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