Author: jrwilkinson

Sept 17 2024 Moon Rise Meetup

September 17th will be a full supermoon rising right after sunset. Weather-permitting, hopefully we’ll have a clear view of Univ of San Diego’s Immaculata Church Dome & Steeple . A photo taken by Stephen Bay posted on Instagram is our inspiration.

We are hoping to capture similar images from Ski Beach or Fiesta Island on Mission Bay. According to the Photographer’s Ephemeris, Ski Beach on Mission Bay San Diego should be the right angle to photograph the moon rising over USD. Moonrise is 6:51pm; sunset is 6:51pm so the light conditions could be optimal.
Mission Bay Park on Fiesta Island could be a better location depending on weather and lens focal range.
I will arrive early, if possible, to scout the view and can update participants on which spot is more favorable. There should be plenty of space for everyone to setup their tripods. I hope to see you on Sept 17th.

21 Aug 2024 Beach & Summer Theme: Cathy

Cathy did a beach walk-about, people-watching with her camera. La Jolla Shores can be crowded and she used her long lens’ perspective to emphasize the density of people enjoying the sun, sand, and ocean. She also shared a wonderful fireworks photo of Sea World’s short summertime fireworks show. Fireworks photography is always a challenge and she got a great shot. Here are the photos she shared:

21 Aug 2024 Beach & Summer Theme: Jim

I have been struggling to be motivated to take photos lately. The monthly meetings are actually motivation for me to make an effort to take my camera out. Without my usual travels lately, I’ve felt less interested in photographing locally. That’s a mistake. Fortunately a lack of theme-related images in my archives for this month’s “summer/beach” motivated me to bring my camera during a beach walk. People-watching at the beach can be fascinating with such a diverse crowd. Trying to catch moments with your camera is fun and challenging. Here are a few of my recent favorites:

21 Aug 2024 Theme: Beach & Summer

Appropriate themes for an August Photography Interest Group meeting, Beach and Summer photos were shared. Living in Southern California, it’s not difficult to find subjects that fit the theme. BUT with everyone’s busy summer schedules, it can be hard to schedule time to take photos. An “EDC” (every day carry) camera is often suggested by avid photographers so I try to bring a small camera everywhere I go. Everyone has a cell phone camera so the need for an EDC camera is lessened. But I still prefer a small zoom lens camera that I can take ‘grab shots’ when something catches my attention. Cathy and I did a beach ‘walk-about’ and looked for interesting moments. Barbara always carries her Olympus camera when she walks. The beach can be a really fascinating place to people watch. Here are the photos shared, most fit the theme or are close enough.

Barbara – shared an awesome surfer photo and pelicans at La Jolla Cove from early in the year.

Cathy – shared photos from a beach walk-about and summer fireworks from Sea World

Gary – shared some photos of his boat in Mission Bay and photos converted to watercolor-style paintings using the Waterlogue iPhone app. He also talked about astrophotography using the Seestar astrophotography camera. Images from that camera are copyrighted so I did not post them here.

Jerry – shared some great shots from Sunset Cliffs during a recent beautiful summer sunset.

Jim – shared photos taken during a recent beach visit with his grandson. Always a great place to catch photos that capture the summer theme and people watch.

21 Aug 2024 Beach & Summer Theme: Gary

Gary spend a lot of time outdoors and on the water. Much of his photography is focused on his trips and travels, even locally. He has a 17ft skiff he’s renovated and uses regularly around San Diego Bay. He shared photos of his beloved boat on the shoreline of San Diego Bay. Additionally, he’s been experimenting with an iPhone app, Waterlogue, that converts photos into watercolor images. He’s been really happy with the result and how easy the app is to use. Here are the photos he shared:

17 July 2024 Theme Food/Color: Heather

Our newest member has some great feedback to offer the group during photo share. Plus she’s presented some wonderful images. One thing I’ve discovered with attending these meetings each month. Everyone has a unique vision on what catches their eye or how they compose. Heather’s photos are a great example of that. After seeing her photos a few times, I can start to see her photographic style.