Starting in 2026, we are using Zoom’s ability to record and summarize our meeting conversations. The transcript outline most of the discussions about the groups activities, technical discussions during photo-sharing, and our next month’s themes & plans. This is a work-in-progress so we will see how it goes:

Zoom Transcript of Jan 21 2026 PhIG meeting:

The Photography Interest Group meeting covered various photography-related topics, including travel experiences, upcoming events, and technical discussions. Members shared their recent photography work, including astrophotography, king tides, and macro photography techniques, while also planning future meetups and exhibitions. The group discussed upcoming photography opportunities, including a workshop and fair, while providing technical advice and suggestions for improving photography skills and submissions.

Quick recap

• All interested members: Review the SD Fair website for entry categories and prepare questions for Lois regarding photo submissions.

• All interested members: Work on potential photo submissions in black and white, macro/still life, and animal themes for upcoming meetings and the fair.

• James: Look up the San Diego Electric Flyers website/calendar and share relevant information with the group for possible future meetups.

• All interested members: Consider visiting HawkWatch on Saturdays through February for bird photography (optional, individual follow-up).

• James: Send a reminder about Kim’s exhibition/reception at the Faculty Club (if not already sent).

Summary

• Photography Group Updates and Welcome Cathy and Gary discussed their recent travel and photography experiences, with Gary showcasing a hydration pack that doubles as a camera bag. James discussed his collaboration with Larissa to promote the Photography Interest Group to a wider audience, including Retirement Association members. The group welcomed Karen, a member of the Poly Photo Club, and discussed a solo exhibition by Kim, which is taking place the following day.
• February Photography Meetup Planning
  The group discussed upcoming photography meetups and events in February. They agreed to meet at the San Diego Safari Park on Tuesday, February 10th at 10 AM for a photoshoot, taking advantage of the park’s free admission for seniors that month. James suggested several other photography opportunities, including a 5K dog race at Liberty Station and various festivals. The group also briefly discussed a Photoshop virtual summit scheduled for February 23-27.
• Photography Events and Workshop Planning
  The group discussed upcoming photography events and opportunities. James shared information about a the SD Fair photography workshop during February’s Zoom meeting. They also planned the March meeting theme to be animals, coinciding with a visit to the Safari Park. The group explored potential photography locations, including the San Diego Electric Flyers’ events and tide-related shoots. The conversation ended with a discussion about a weather forecasting app that Cathy found helpful for planning photography outings.
• Photography and Weather Forecasting
  The group discussed weather forecasting apps and their use for photography planning, to predict cloud cover.
  Sharon presented two photographs: one of a Chihuahua’s footprints on Coronado Beach, and another of a man ignoring his children while looking at a dinosaur exhibit at a science museum.
• Death Valley Photography Insights
  James shared his photography experience from Death Valley, showcasing landscapes and the impact of recent rains. He discussed his approach to capturing the area’s unique features, including the presence of people in his shots to provide scale. James also compared photos taken with his iPhone and Z8 camera, noting the iPhone’s limitations in low light. The group briefly discussed the unusual presence of water in Death Valley, with James clarifying that it was primarily around Badwater Basin.
  Astrophotography and King Tide Images
  James shared his photography work, including photos taken with a SeeStar telescope that captures long-exposure images of celestial objects like the Orion Nebula. He demonstrated how the device, which costs $549, allows amateur astronomers to capture detailed images of stars and nebulae using a smartphone app. James also presented King Tide photos from Children’s Cove, explaining that faster exposures (around 1/2000th to 1/5000th of a second) worked better for capturing waves and light conditions.
• King Tides and Photo Techniques
  John shared King Tides photos from 2019 & 2026. The group discussed the 2019 Audubon Society study on king tides at Dog Beach in Del Mar, which showed 8 feet of tide variation but is no longer possible due to sand being pumped to Carlsbad for shoreline protection.
  Gary presented several photos he had reprocessed using HDR techniques to improve lighting and color, including images from Yosemite, British Columbia, and Australia. Cathy shared photos taken with three different cameras (R6 Mark II, Rebel with macro lens, and iPhone) during a desert trip, demonstrating different perspectives and lens capabilities.
• Desert Photography Techniques and Tips
  Cathy shared her photography techniques and results from a recent trip to the desert, focusing on capturing unique photos with different angles and lighting. She explained her approach to shooting during blue hour and the importance of clouds in adding interest to landscapes. Cathy also discussed her experiments with a macro lens, learning to manually focus and adjust aperture settings for better bokeh effects. James provided technical advice on macro photography and depth of field, suggesting Cathy try different aperture settings to experiment with bokeh.
• King Tides and Nature Photos
  Cathy shared her photos from recent king tides, including a close-up of a sea star in a tide pool, though she noted the location was crowded. James discussed his experience with king tides in Oceanside and La Jolla, explaining that the best photos require both high tide and good surf conditions.
  Barbara showed a photo of a hummingbird taken with a 40mm lens, and shared that the plant it was perched on blooms only once every 10 years.
• Classic Car Photography Tips
  The group discussed vintage cars, focusing on features like rumble seats, sunstars, and wooden wheels. Barbara shared photos of classic vehicles and sought advice on camera settings and lenses. James and Gary provided tips on controlling sunstars and recommended a versatile lens for Barbara. They also mentioned an upcoming meeting with Lois about the fair, where Barbara could potentially submit her photos for awards.
• Photography Fair Planning Discussion
  The group discussed plans for an upcoming photography fair, including potential themes and categories like black and white photography, macro photography, and Safari Park animals. Cathy advised submitting photos to appropriate categories rather than the cell phone category, and suggested considering HawkWatch for bird photography opportunities. James mentioned he would request access to a recording of the fair for those unable to attend. The group also briefly discussed upcoming social events.

Zoom summary includes a lot but it’s convenient and comprehensive.