Were you among the PPC members who attended Illuminature, the Dallas Zoo’s nighttime lantern festival, where large glowing lanterns, sculptures, performances, and interactive activities transform the zoo?

If so, we'd very much like to see some of your photos from the event.

Here are the guidelines for submitting images:

• SEND UP TO SEVEN (7) of your best/favorite photos from the event to ppcsendphotos@gmail.com.
• The maximum dimension (long edge) for submitted images is 4096 pixels; the maximum file size is 10 MB.
• Please include YOUR NAME and the TOPIC in the file name(s) (e.g., KariStreiber_Illuminature_1.jpg).

Your photos will be included in the slide gallery on the right and in a slideshow at a future club meeting.

All submitted photos must be received by SUNDAY, JUNE 28, 2026.

 

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Full-Screen Slideshow Gallery of Photos All Slideshows and Galleries

The FIFA Fan Festival in Dallas will be a free, public World Cup fan zone from June 11 to July 19, 2026, with live match broadcasts, concerts, games, food, and cultural activities. It’s being positioned as a 1-million-square-foot gathering space and can host up to about 35,000 fans at once.

It will be held near the DART light rail station and the Exposition/Parry Avenue area. The official site describes the layout as a walkable fan village with giant viewing areas, mini-pitches, sponsor zones, and food courts spread across Lots 9 and 10 and The Pavilion.

Expect a big social atmosphere with match screenings, entertainment, interactive games, giveaways, and kid-friendly soccer activities. FIFA says it will be the central fan destination for both local communities and visiting supporters.

Dates: June 11, 2026 - July 19, 2026
Time: Operating hours vary daily
Location: Pavilion at Fair Park (aka Dos Equis Pavilion) | 1818 1st Avenue, Dallas, Texas 75210

Tickets (General Admission): Free (limited to 8 tickets per day) | Children under 2 do not require a ticket

Dallas Match Days: June 14 · June 17 · June 22 · June 25 · June 27 · June 30 · July 3 · July 6 · July 14

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Photos: Send your best 5-7 images to ppcsendphotos@gmail.com for posting in a gallery on the club website and viewing at a future club meeting.

Include YOUR NAME and the TOPIC in the file name(s) (e.g., ChristianPulisic_FIFA_1.jpg).

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

Submission deadline: Sunday, August 2, 2026.

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Questions? Contact club Activity Chair Lily Mak.

Activity		Activity Date(s)		Time		Notes
Fourth of July Fireworks (DIY)		July 3-4, 2026		N/A
DFW Car & Toy Museum		July 11, 2026		9 AM - 12 PM
Tabletop Workshop		August 15, 2026		TBA
Plano Balloon Festival		September 17-20, 2026		Schedule varies
Ouray, Colorado Field Trip		September 28 - October 3, 2026		N/A

Meredith Fontana

Meredith Fontana is a Denver-based landscape photographer, naturalist, and educator whose work is shaped by her background in paleontology and outdoor adventure. She brings a distinctive blend of scientific curiosity and artistic vision to landscape photography.

Over the past five years, she has focused on photographing Colorado’s diverse and often remote wilderness landscapes, using her work to celebrate their beauty and encourage their protection.

Meredith is the founder of Nature Photography Academy, an online school and community that helps nature photographers grow both technically and artistically while fostering meaningful connections with other like-minded creatives.

Through her workshops, courses, and mentorship, Meredith has guided thousands of photographers in refining their skills, discovering their unique creative voice, and cultivating a deeper relationship with the natural world.

Learn more about Meredith at her website: www.meredithfontana.com.

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Program Description

Join Meredith for an in-depth look at essential digital scouting tools and techniques that will help you find unique photo locations and create images that stand out from the crowd.

In this presentation, you will be introduced to Meredith's favorite software, apps, and websites for finding hidden compositions, anticipating perfect lighting, and predicting ideal weather conditions.

You’ll see a live demonstration of these tools in action, where you will learn how to scout a new location step-by-step.

We’ll walk through a real-world scouting scenario that integrates these digital tools, from terrain research and lighting analysis to weather tracking and field preparation. In this presentation, you will learn:

• How to apply Meredith's LITA framework to plan compelling photo shoots with confidence.
• Which digital tools are best for terrain analysis, light prediction, and weather tracking.
• How to identify and evaluate potential compositions before you arrive on-site.
• Field-tested strategies for improving efficiency and success on location scouts.

By the end of this presentation, you will have actionable insights that will help you scout like a pro and create truly unique images.

The Plano Photography Club's June contest is an ELECTRONIC competition with the theme OPEN.

NOTE: You must be a Plano Photography Club member to submit contest images.

Electronic entries must be uploaded to the PPC Competition Site by 11:59 PM CT on Thursday, June 18, 2026. Submit contest image

As I reflect on May, our trip to Palo Duro Canyon is one of the first memories that comes to mind. Although the canyon was closed due to wildfires shortly after we arrived, I was encouraged by how everyone made the most of the situation.

Alan Daniel

Our photographers stayed positive, explored nearby areas, and captured some excellent images. Be sure to visit the club website’s photo gallery to see them.

Another highlight of the month was our End-of-Year Awards Dinner. It was a pleasure to spend time with friends, share a meal, and reflect on all we’ve experienced together this year. Thank you to everyone who attended and helped make the evening so special.

June always provides a welcome reminder to slow down and enjoy the beauty around us before the full heat of summer arrives. I hope each of you can spend some time outdoors this month.

Whether you are traveling or simply walking through your neighborhood park, take advantage of the season and make a few photographs.