Monday, August 28, 2006

bring your own camera and hippopotamus

Well, the NCC small group guide came out last weekend, so I should probably say hi to any new peeps who may be checking this out for the first time.

........hi!

There, now I am done with you!

While you have that small group guide out, take note of the pictures on pages 1, 5, and 8. We took those pictures on our Eggstravaganza photo shoot. Props to the peeps who came that day! Anyway, take a look around. The links on the right should help give you an idea of who we are and what we do. You'll find FAQs and member profiles in addition to some of our pictures from the last couple semesters.

As for this coming semester, here's an idea of what to expect. Typically we meet and discuss photography for an hour at a coffee shop or something like that, then we grab lunch, then we go out and shoot. That structure has worked in the past, and we'll continue to use that as a guideline. It gives you all a chance to gain head-knowledge about photography, and then go and immediately put it into practice. So this semester will be similar in that regard, but we're gonna kick things up a notch or two.

Personally, there are some areas of photography that I want to learn more about, namely shooting people, lighting, and selling and marketing photographs. As I learn more about these (and other) aspects of photography we'll incorporate them into our discussions, and look for ways to put them into action. Of course, we'll be covering the basics too, so there is no need to worry about anything being over your head. Goodness, if I can understand this stuff, then certainly you all will pass with flying colors =)

It should be an exciting semester! I'll post more details as I have them (so probably like late Friday night =) For now, keep on rockin' and eat some pickles.

Friday, August 25, 2006

The Emerging Photographers...

August lingers on, and that means D.C. at large is still in a mostly lethargic state. Perhaps in the last week you stumbled across an old friend (your camera) and noticed that it was feeling neglected, covered in dust. Well, you and your cameras will be happy to know that we're gonna make like Rambo and shoot it up tomorrow!

We're gonna do a photo shoot at Arlington Cemetery at 11AM tomorrow. Meet at the top of the escalators. We'll forgo the usual instructional session and get straight to shooting since there really isn't much of a place to meet and hang out at the cemetery. We might metro to Pentagon City afterward and grab some grub, or you can pack a lunch or something.

Chances are, it will be a little more laid back (read "less structured" =) than usual since it is indeed still August and everybody's schedules seem to be kinda crazy. For what it's worth, I imagine I'll be taking a lot of Black and White photos, so this would be a great chances to experiment with B&W again.

Call me if you have any questions. Can't wait to see you all again!

Thursday, August 17, 2006

Back inaction! (no typos there)

No no no, those aren't heart palpitations. In fact, it's normal for people to get a little excited when I start talking. Just take a deep breath (repeat as necessary) and you'll be all right.

Anyway, it's been a few weeks since we've gotten together, and everybody's schedules have been rather crazy with traveling and whatnot. Maybe I'm alone on this one, but I'm not quite ready to hit the town and fire the shutter just yet. Instead, I thought we could all get together and hang out at myplace (better than myspace, believe it or not) and watch a movie and chill and hear crazy stories of Africa, Galapagos, Europe, and other really exotic places like Texas.

I'm a bit undecided on what movie to watch. My first thought was Crash because I haven't seen it and would like to, but then it occurred to me that some of you (poor, depraved lads) have yet to see Napoleon Dynamite or (*gasp*) Monty Python and the Quest for the Holy Grail. I own ND, but we would need to rent either of the other two unless one someone has them. Anyway, make use of the comment feature on here and cast your vote.

Indecision aside, meet at my apartment at 7:30 this Saturday (19th). Feel free to bring a snack or drinks. Let me know if you don't know how to get to my apartment and I'll pass some directions your way. I hope you all can make it! I look forward to seeing you guys again.