Plano Photography Club
Learn. Shoot. Share.
A friendly community for photographers of every skill level, serving Plano and North Texas since 1984.
The Plano Photography Club (PPC) aims to promote enjoyment, mastery, and further development of photography through cooperation, effort, and good fellowship.
Our club had an active October.
Alan Daniel
Members enjoyed Colorado’s fall colors on a wonderful trip to the San Juan Mountains, visited the State Fair of Texas in its final days, and practiced close-up and macro photography on succulents and other plants at “Irwin’s Garden.” Irwin, thank you for welcoming us into your home and greenhouse. And finally, Halloween capped off the month!
As the clocks turn back, November brings leftover Halloween candy and an extra hour of sleep—though sunrise and nature photographers will be heading out earlier.
Our November outings include the Fort Worth Zoo and the Amon Carter Museum. “Holiday at the Arboretum” runs from November 11 through year’s end, giving you one last chance to enjoy the famous “12 Days of Christmas.” There’s plenty to photograph—visit our website for the complete activity list and details.
Join us on November 19 for our final monthly meeting of the year. You'll get to enjoy several slideshows, including a first look at photos from the Colorado trip, plus an engaging program on The Art of Black and White Photography. I hope to see you there!
Happy Thanksgiving to you and your families!
Call for Photos - Succulents
Did you participate in the October 24 succulents photo shoot at club member Irwin Lightstone's home?
If so, we want to feature your favorite event photos in the slide gallery on the right.
Photo submission: Send your best 5-7 photos to ppcsendphotos@gmail.com for posting in the gallery on the right and viewing at a future club meeting.
Include YOUR NAME and the TOPIC in the file name(s), such as MichaelMyers_Spooky_1.jpg.
The maximum dimension (long edge) is 4096 pixels; the maximum individual file size is 10MB.
Send all photos to ppcsendphotos@gmail.com by Sunday, November 8, 2026.
We look forward to seeing your photos.
Call for Photos - Spooky Places and Things
Our “Spooky Places and Things” DIY photo activity (now through October 31) invites you to grab your camera and seek out subjects that capture the spirit of the Halloween season.
Wander through an old cemetery, photograph a weathered and seemingly haunted building, explore a shadowy alleyway, or discover something ordinary that takes on a sinister appearance in just the right light.
And don't forget the Halloween festivities! Jack-o'-lanterns, elaborate yard decorations, costumed characters, spooky storefront displays, and creatively decorated neighborhoods all offer wonderful photographic possibilities.
Photo submission: Send your best 5-7 photos to ppcsendphotos@gmail.com for posting in the gallery on the right and viewing at a future club meeting.
Include YOUR NAME and the TOPIC in the file name(s), such as ImogenCunningham_Succulents_1.jpg.
The maximum dimension (long edge) is 4096 pixels; the maximum individual file size is 10MB.
Send all photos to ppcsendphotos@gmail.com by Sunday, November 15, 2026.
We look forward to seeing your photos.
Call for Photos - State Fair of Texas
The State Fair of Texas is over for another year, and Big Tex has gone off to soak his aching feet and do whatever he does for the other twelve months of the year.
Did you attend the fair during its 24-day run? If so, we want to feature your favorite event photos in the slide gallery on the right.
Photo submission: Send your best five to seven (5-7) photos to ppcsendphotos@gmail.com for posting in the gallery and viewing in a slideshow at a future club meeting.
Include YOUR NAME and the TOPIC in the file name(s), such as ThomasMarsalis_StateFair_1.jpg.
The maximum dimension (long edge) is 4096 pixels; the maximum individual file size is 10 MB.
Send all photos to ppcsendphotos@gmail.com by Sunday, November 1, 2026.
Holiday at the Arboretum | The Twelve Days of Christmas: One Final Chorus (DIY)
As the season turns toward winter, Holiday at the Arboretum brings a sparkling close to the year.
Guests can stroll through the charming Christmas Village, marvel at festive décor throughout the historic DeGolyer House, and experience the iconic 12 Days of Christmas gazebos. Seasonal music and memorable photo opportunities make this one of Dallas’s most beloved holiday traditions.
This year marks the final season of the beloved 12 Days of Christmas Gazebos. Since 2014, twelve glass-sided gazebos have called these 66 acres home, bringing the magic of the season to life for hundreds of thousands of Dallas families.
Date: Wednesday, November 11, 2026 - Sunday, January 3, 2027
Time: Operating Hours Vary Daily
Location: The Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden | 8525 Garland Rd, Dallas, Texas 75218 (map)
Tickets: Daytime Admission: $21.95 | Nighttime Admission (after 5:00 PM CT): $35 |
PURCHASE TICKET(S) IN ADVANCE
Parking: $15 per vehicle
Photo Submissions
Send your best 5-7 photos 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), such as AlexanderCoggin_Holiday_1.jpg.
The maximum dimension (long edge) is 4096 pixels; the maximum individual file size is 10MB.
Submission deadline: Sunday, January 10, 2027.
Questions? Contact Club Activity Chair Lily Mak.
Future Activities
Training (6:00 PM CT) - Macro Photography (Library) | New and Prospective Member Orientation (Room 8)
David Downs
Program (7:00 PM CT) - David Downs: The Art of Black and White Photography
David Downs is a Plano-based Master Photographer, Photographic Craftsman, and Certified Professional Photographer whose work spans portraits, landscapes, fine art, and commercial photography.
He teaches at photography associations across the country and leads workshops through Benton Downs Photography Workshops.
His PPA workshop, “The Art of Black and White Photography,” has sold out every time he’s offered it.
Program Description
In this presentation, David will explore how removing color can bring greater attention to light, shape, texture, and emotion.
Through examples and practical observations, he’ll share how learning to see in black and white can strengthen both the photographs we create and the personal vision behind them.
The Plano Photography Club's November contest is an ELECTRONIC competition with the theme MICRO / UP CLOSE.
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, November 19, 2026. Submit contest image
September 2026 - Street Photography (Electronic)
The Plano Photography Club announced its September contest award recipients at the club's monthly meeting on Thursday, October 15, 2026.
Detailed results are listed below; honored photographs are visible on the right.
Winning Images from the September 2026 Club Contest
Topic: Street Photography (Electronic) (Click any image to see it full-screen)
Congratulations to the awardees, and thank you to all competitors.
Entry
- 1st: Everyone's Welcome - Soup Kitchen in Madrid - Ann Tilger
- 2nd: Hand in Hand Through Seoul - Bernadette Dozier
- 3rd: Pickaboo - Jean-Claude Wakim
- HM: Yum, a snack from Daddy! - David Prichard
Intermediate
- 1st: Bogota Streets - T V Smith, Jr (Best of Show)
- 2nd: Shooting Team between rounds - Gary Allen
- 3rd: Toledo, España - 1982 - el chófer del general (scanned from Kodachrome slide) - Maggie Hutchison
- HM: Not So Happy Birthday - Patricia Coble
- HM: Madrid at last - Sal Young
Advanced
- 1st: High Flying Rider - Richard Kidner (2nd Place Overall)
- 2nd: In the Flow of the City - Chung Oey
- 3rd: Sometimes they sing for themselves - Bill Matlock
- HM: Cat, Chat & Nap - Parvin Stiles
- HM: Church Step Makeover - Steven Wilson
Master
- 1st: Accident waiting to happen! - Mark Bernthal (3rd Place Overall)
- 2nd: NYC Vibes - Danette Volkmer (Honorable Mention Overall)
- 3rd: Funny Story! - Janice Goetz
- HM: Galleria Umberto - Marie Hansen
- HM: No More Free Cotton Candy For You - Alan Daniel
Full-Screen Slideshow
Gallery of Photos
Judge's Commentary
Standings - All Levels
Mike Mezeul II Photography
Meredith Fontana Nature Photography