Let's get together.

[Swampy]

I'd like to put together a get together here in the States for anyone who can make it. I'm just opening up the dialog right now for discussion. Nothing is firm, but there's a lot of things to consider so as not to hurt other people's feelings.

Sorry, but I want to put it together in the States. This will hurt some feelings, but, hey, I'm putting it together and I'm HERE. I need suggestions for where to get together. Keep in mind that your prime location is someone else's worst. We're talking about getting out and doing some shooting, not just meeting. I'd also like to keep it central to everyone, unless the bulk of everyone can agree not to. Meaning, just because I'm trying to put this together doesn't mean that it's going to be in Southern California. Keep Hub City's in mind when thinking about this to cut down on flight time and flight costs if you gotta fly there.

I'm not talking about 5 or 6 people getting together in Wichita and driving around shooting for a day or two either. Not that I didn't have fun doing that, I had an awesome time. I'm saying maybe 4-7 days. Where we can do a little more than hustle and bustle shooting 20 hours a day.

I've done this many times for other areas of hobbies. The more people we can get together, the more benefits can come from it. I want to contact Nikon, Fuji, Sigma, Memory Manufacturers and other vendors to let them know what we're doing. I'm sure I can get a few pieces of CF memory for giveaway's. I don't want to say anything yet, but there's word that Fuji will chip in already for who know's what. Large groups get group discounts at hotels. The usual stuff.

This isn't going to be for everyone, I'm sure. Come up with some idea's on a place. And again, keep your fellow shooters in mind. We have people here with physical issues, smokers, drinkers. Let's try and make it as painless as possible. The location is going to be the hardest thing to do here. We got people who like portraits, landscapes, nature, indoor. Just about every flavor of shooter you can find. So I can't stress this enough about the location. This could also be a dual location thing too, if they're close enough together, we could break up into groups.

I'm just starting this, so ideas will come flowing through, and I'm not going to let this drop like the DC get together.

Let me know your thoughts (besides limiting it to the States. :))

[Sleeping Bear]

Sounds like a great idea. Would anyone be adverse to camping out? You become much more mobile and are in the shooting envinronment 24/7 that way. Hotels? We don't need no stinking hotels! Just a thought. How about Western Colorado (and not just because I live here)? It's close enough to arhces in Utah, Four Corners (Mesa Verde), Grand Mesa, Colorado National Monument, Aspen, my favorite water falls, The Black Canyon in Gunnison County, Rattlesnake Canyon (second largest group of arches in the US), The Fairy Caves, Redstone, Marble, Crystal City (with the most famous 'mill' in the country), and so on and so on. We could shoot for a week and still not get it all in. Just depends on the type of terrain you want to shoot. We've got bighorn sheep, elk, deer, coyote, etc. Mull it over. Wherever we go, let's plan ahead big time so we don't kill any shooting time. This summer would be a good time (would still be green at higher elevations) and early fall may even be better due to the turning of the leaves at higher elevations. Well, that's my $1.50.

[Swampy]

Guess I should also mention that I'm looking to do this around the end of Summer or even during Fall.

Spouses/Signifigant others are welcome to come or stay home. Either way.

[jhawk1000]

My vote would be for Colorado. I like the Rocky Mountain National Park area and in summer, the goats of Mt. Evans are hard to beat. In late September and early October, you have the Elk rut with literally hundreds of elk being herded around by the males, fights for dominance, etc and the nice thing for those with physical limitations, much of the action can be captured from parking areas near the road.

Mel

[jhawk1000]

By the way, by camping, did you mean Holiday Inn???? :)

Mel

[Linda G]

I want to be in! I think Colorado would be an awesome spot for many different types of photography but camping out? Sorry, bear, is there a place that offers camping for those who want to and those who don't? I hope many will be flying in and couldn't bring such equipment and I know me....my camping days are over. Had fun, but I want to be rested when we rise to the challenge of the next day.

I know eastern Colo better than I know western but as for colorado I can think of so many places in just a short drive. you've got the wildlife of Rocky Mountain National Park north of Denver, the Garden of the Gods to the south, Denver for a big city, the National Monuments on the west coast, the four corners area that is totally rich in opportunities! It's possible we could contract with a modeling agency to get models out there for those who wish to do that type photography plus set up a room in a hotel with studio lights and different equipment, maybe even a macro setup. Oohhh! I can't stop!!!

Brain overflow...off to the showers.

[jhawk1000]

Forgot something---Linda and I are tentatively planning to be in RMNP over Memorial Day. We generally get a cabin in Estes Park so we can get to the park early (Dawn-30) and then have a place to relax during the harsh light.

Mel

[Sleeping Bear]

Camping was just a tossed in idea, I don't think it would be very practical either. Late summer or early fall would be a great time. Denver International Airport is a major hub. We could shoot Rocky Mountain National Park, swing down to the Springs and shoot Garden of The Gods and then head west to the other areas I mentioned earlier. I also forgot to throw in Sand Dunes National Park which has the largest sand dunes in the USA at 700 feet. As far as elk go, I now have permission to shoot a herd of privately held elk out in the sticks. The bulls are not tame, but are not afraid since they are not hunted (3600 acre ranch with fence). They will be in full velvet in about 3-5 weeks! Just in time for my new used Nikkor 180mm 2.8 lens.

[HulaMike]

I'm down for Colorado late summer / early fall. Another good thing about post Labor Day is less traffic in the national parks. I need a change of vista! This sounds good to me. Camping on the floor or couch of a condo is a good solution for large groups. Much like many dive trips I've been on. Married couples snag the bedrooms, singles sleep catch as catch can. A condo also gives us a kitchen for first light coffee (VERY important), pre-dawn breakfasts and evening cookouts if we want. I'll bring my wok!

[Wilm]

I´ve double-checked flight-costs from Germany to Denver. Approx. 750$ for a two-way flight. With these costs I would prefer camping (without rattlesnakes and monster-spiders :rolleyes: )

End of summer, beginning of fall sounds good !


:cheers:
Wilm

[HulaMike]

That's cheap Brudda! Costs me about the same to fly from Hawaii. Might I suggest a combination of condo with nearby camping for those who want to go that way? Keep in mind that at elevation that time of year it will likely be cold at night and wet. Maybe even snow. Sure you want to camp out?

[chaser of light]

Now you all go putting ideas into my head :)
For heavens sake thats 5000 miles for me!

[HulaMike]

ah common Max! Its about 3500 miles for me.

[Andre]

Gee, in the early fall you'd want to be as close to my area as possible for the colors! :)

If it has to be in the US, I vote for Ogdensburg New York!

[Sleeping Bear]

I've never been there Andre, It must be nice in the fall. The great thing about this part of the USA during the early fall is that you have three different seasons in one. The high country will be sporting fantastic fall colors as well as some snow in the really high country, while down below it will still be late summer. Depending on how early in the fall, you'll be able to get some elk bugling. The sun will give us a great angle all day, esp when shooting arches and so on. I'll contact AAA and get some maps/mileage/routes to and from all the great sites, just in case we do go with Colorado. They might even be able to get us some deeper discounts, who knows. It doesn't hurt to plan ahead as I'm with Swampy, when I'm shooting I'm shooting. I enjoy my day but I will shoot until I drop, then I'll shoot the bugs around my face in the dirt. :) Again, where ever we get together, let's maximize shooting time.

I know it's a long ways to travel for many folks and I don't think I could afford that kind of trip right now myself. If we do decide to shoot here then next year we can plan on going 'over there'?

[Andre]

I was just joking because I'm about an hour's drive from Ogdensburg :)

Colorado is probably better, but I probably couldn't make it.

[jhawk1000]

Andre

Many years ago, I took a trip to your area during the summer. We went to Niagra Falls, the Finger Lakes, Canada, and I saw the beauty of the area. In many ways when we midwesterners think of New Yorkers and Canadians, we see something different than ourselves but upstate New York reminded me of the friendly Kansas people as did the Canadians. I told my self that one day I would get back to this area. I have been to NYC many times but have not found the time to return. I am afraid that my "one day" has become a maybe and as I get older, I feel those "one days" slipping away. I would love to be in your area during fall. I would love to see the beauty of Maine, Vermont, New Hampshire again but it is a maybe that I will see them as we embark on our next trip to Romania. Just as surely as a young person fails to see everything of beauty when they visit an area, us older guys and gals see the beauty even while not there---in memories. With photography we chronicle what we see and relive it in our minds--unfortunately, my pictures, negatives and slides are scattered through out several different households and the memories of long ago are brought to the top of my mind by the pictures you all submit at places I have been and might not return or places I have imagined being and might never see myself. Sorry for the rambling post but us old lawyers feel mortality once in awhile, even when we win in Court :)

Mel

[Andre]

Mel,

Your rambling just serves to remind me of what I am constantly telling myself - that this is not a practice, and we have to do now those things that we want to do. Well, OK, that's what I tell my wife when I want to buy a fancy new car! :)

I understand what you mean about young people not seeing the beauty in things. I am starting to - though I think that this photography hobby has caused a lot of that - because I am still young! (Life begins at 40, right?).

But I know what you mean. I want to get out travelling before it is too late. There are so many places I want to see and photograph. I don't want to leave this world without having seen as much as I can.

I should try and get to wherever the group decides to meet.

This area is quite beautiful though in the fall. Nothing beats the fall colors that can be found in Gatineau Quebec (just north of here).

[/RAMBLE MODE OFF]

Andre

[Linda G]

It's possible I know of a few studios (one very large one) in the Denver area that may open their doors to us for a day or maybe two if we want to try that and the condo idea sounds good to me.....I've done it before with all guys and Mel will vouch, I do try to cook. Hamburger helper anyone? <g>

[chaser of light]

Now dont you go putting ideas into my head....this is just too tempting !
Ive beed to Colorado enough times to put it at the bottom of my travel priority list ( I have a son who studied at UD ),but getting together with all of you may change that...... :D

[HulaMike]

Andre

Sorry for the rambling post but us old lawyers feel mortality once in awhile, even when we win in Court :)

Mel

Mel,

The AARP (yes, I'm a member) has a new tagline, "60 is the new 30!" Lets not hear any more of this 'I'm an old man' hooey. You're as young as you feel and you appear to be a man of 40 from things I've seen and read here. Like Stimpy might say, "Get on with eet, man!"

[jhawk1000]

You are correct, Hula, about being as old as you feel. I feel much younger traveling and photographing and older in Court and in conflict. In fact, Linda sometimes has a hard time staying up with me in high altitude areas and she is much younger so I guess it is called "selective geriatrics". :)

Mel

[HulaMike]

The Keys would be B O R I N G after about 10 minutes unless you dive and shoot UW Kim. Flat as a pancake and about 15 feet wide.

You bring up an interesting idea though, how to combine city thrills with nature so all can enjoy? How about Vancouver, BC? A beautiful, cosmopolitan place with the Coast Mountain Range right across the bay. About 2 hours (if I remember correctly) up to Whistler and grand mountain vistas. We could day trip along the Fraser River Valley (Vancouver east to Alberta) through some incredible scenery. You can take an amazing ferry ride north through cloud shrouded islets and inlets towards Alaska. Ferry over to Vancouver Island too and rent cars.

(lived there in the 70's. Worked for an art museum, wasn't dodging the draft....really!)

[Melody]

That's incredible I was just talking about that area today! I've got a friend moving there in a few weeks and heard it's just stunning. For something like that even I might take a vacation :)

Melody

[jhawk1000]

I will agree with HulaMike on the Keys. I dive so it would be fun for me but it is like the Cayman Islands, beautiful for a day or two unless you dive. And don't forget the expense of these tropical paradises.

Mel

[Linda G]

Kim,

We find Colorado very economical. We don't look for a place with pool and bar, maybe a kitchenette but as long as it has a comfortable bed, we're happy. Wildlife around isn't bad, either!

Vancouver wouldn't be bad, I've never been there so that's a plus, but Vegas is a no go for me. Never been there, don't plan on going. Hope you're happy there!

[jhawk1000]

We will be in the Estes Park area over Memorial Day to shoot in RMNP, Grand Lake and maybe on the Henderson mine road if it is open. We always rent a cabin since it does have some amenities we enjoy like privacy and a place to make coffee and breakfast since we are out before dawn in the park. The last time we were there, the Stanley Hotel, scene of the movie "The Shining" was not that expensive for those who like hotel life. We do not regularly stay in Motel 8s unless it is on the way to a destination and we need a few hours sleep. It seems to me to be a waste of money to pay good money for a luxury room to just sleep a few hours. Now when and if we ever go to a resort area, we have different criteria. I recall staying at a nice hotel in Schwangau Germany with all the amenities of the large chains and only sleeping in the room and then sitting on the balcony for hours. You see, the hotel was just across a valley from the wonderful castle of Neuschwanstein and we took day photos, night photos and just enjoyed the fact that we were there. Yes the room was nice, but I did not come for the room.

Mel

Mel

[HulaMike]

Well, I guess we need a poll somewhere along the way.

Kim, darling, love of my life (outside of Karen that is); I visited the Keys twice annually for maybe 10 years. I had an UW dive product to sell and so could write off the trips. Let me tell you straight, Key West is fun for two days tops and you WANT to get from Key Largo to Key West just as fast as humanly possible. Other than that, not much to see other than 1000 dive shops and a bunch of people in cars and swimsuits at the Tiki bar. It is a beautiful place but not worthy of a week long top side photo expedition.

Vancouver on the west or Eastern Canada still holds potential for both citified and wildlife photo ops. So does Phoenix, Portland, Seattle. I'm sure others have ideas. I'm gonna bail out of this discusion for awhile as I'm too omnipresent on this site. Lets see what others suggest.

[Sleeping Bear]

Colorado is a very economical place to visit. There is Denver for the city type shots and the mountains for the not city type shots. I agree, it's probably time we took a poll. Hey, Swampy, wanna post a poll with Colorado, Vancouver, Eastern Canada and maybe one other place? Here's a thought, why not pick two places and we'll just divide into two groups and then compare shots, notes and stories afterwards? We'll choose two places that are far enough apart that at least one might be reachable to most.

Mel and Linda G., I would love to meet up with you guys one day this Memorial Day weekend and do some shooting. PM me if you want to get together while you are in Colorado.

[critter]

I like Colorado it is a beautiful state and we had a great time there last summer. One big plus from us Wichita folks is that my wife and I can hop in my MDX and be up in the Estes Park area in about 9 hours. Mel where is this cabin at? Below is a shot of Bear lake at Estes Park.

[jhawk1000]

Tony

We stay at several different areas. One is on the Big Thompson River about 3 miles East of Estes. Large Cabins, nice clean rooms, friendly owner. It is called Flo's Cabins and we also stay right next to the park with another very nice owner with clean cabins, good cable, and the added attraction of a black bear that lives in the woods behind and robs the trash every morning. It is called Amberwood.

Mel

[Swampy]

Kim - We know there's more than just nature shooters here. I did express that at the begining. So what's wrong with shooting downtown Denver? You have everything every other major city has for the most part, plus Linda is looking into a studio to use there as well.

Again, I'm trying to keep this off of the coasts to prevent higher flight costs. Not that I think it's out of the question, but generally, flight costs are more when there's a second flight involved, plus the extra time. Although, if people like Max or JPS or Brian can make this, maybe we can force it over to the east coast to help accomodate our, for lack of a better term and by no way labeling anyone, foriegn delegates.

If we can find other things besides Nature to shoot in Denver, I think it's a prime spot. And if it ends up being Denver? I'm not going to shoot all nature. I'll be going downtown or where ever the non-nature shooters are going as well. That will help me learn new techniques and help build my shooting abilities.

Mike (Hula) - you're doing fine. I agree with you about the keys.

Bear - Not enough to vote on yet I don't think. Eastern Canada and Vancouver, I think those will be hard pressed for some people to make. But not saying they're out of the question. I also think we need more people to chime in, or is 10 people all that are interested here? And it would look like 3 of those 10 are just joining the conversation because they're interested in how it's going to turn out more so than that they'll be there.

We need about 10-15 more people in here otherwise I don't see any reason to really organize anything. Just set a time, date and place and say be there and maybe do a few different places at different dates if it's only going to be 5 people showing up.

[Swampy]

Don't know why you're backing out so quickly Kim.

What is it that you're looking for to shoot so we can keep that in mind?

[Linda G]

Kim,

I didn't mean to irritate you or alienate you at all.

My preference? NYC with Coolrun! Expense wise, I could maybe last six hours. I thought the Denver area would have enough variety for a group of people meeting up from around the (hopefully) world with nature, cityscapes (Denver isn't the best, sure, but pretty good on variety) plus the use of a studio or two.

A word for Canada, I don't know if my Fuji connections cross that border but the ones I do have may give us names that can help.

[deMille]

Just waiting to see what sort of decision is made and if it's practical to go there. Being west coasterly, I like the Puget Sound, Vancouver BC, etc. Colorado might be do-able, depending on when, etc.. No interest in the east coast, been there lots through the years, just does not excite me. I like Canada a lot and with dollar exchange, those with cost concerns would just have to consider getting there. I'll just watch and see what happens and if I can make it.

Dale

[Serge]

Now you all go putting ideas into my head :)
For heavens sake thats 5000 miles for me!


Ditto...

and

Ditto :)

But what a great initiative!

I did a workshop last September in our Central Queensland rainforests,
that's where I was sold on going digital. It was sponsored by Canon,
so Swampy's idea of sponsorship is great.
Camping doesn't phase me per say, but practicality of bringing gear across the pond, does somewhat.

Of course if there is enough interest in Down Under or New Zealand :rolleyes:

Keep mulling the ideas around :righton:

[lightwrangler]

NYC would be cool, but I feel like going to more compact place. I might even like COL. I like a mix of urban and country for shooting. Not into birds or animals. Niagara falls would be nice (Nature, museums, butterflies etc) but only cause I could drive there in an hour and a half. LOL But seriously, I do like to photograph water, waterfalls and the edges of waterways. A session or two with a model in an interesting setting would work for me too.

I don't camp, I like hotels. Don't need anything fancy, Hojos, Holiday Inn, Motel 8 are all fine. MUST have fresh coffee available first thing in the morning and places to eat that offer more than fast food (salads, low fat, low sugar - healthy stuff). Don't mind smokers but prefer not to be in cars or restaurants with them. I wouldn't be attending with my spouse since she doesn't share my interest in photography, and I would be shooting a lot!

Enough info?

[S_Leeper]

...we had a meeting like this a few years ago for another group I belong to ...
How did you like that event???

Maybe consider an agenda with a couple of days more focused on nature, landscapes, etc & a couple of days focused of arch, bldgs, people, etc.
Or with dual agendas for each day & discussions/socials afterwards.

Also, consider more small get togethers (5-10)...

Unfortunately, my ability to travel more than day trips will be very limited for the next several months.

[chaser of light]

Dear all,
To my mind the whole venture would be more about meeting people....poeple who shared a common passion, the key word being people!
Shooting? where to go? where to sleep? what to eat?is secondary to getting to meet each other!
If I wanted all my creature comforts, or if I wanted to shoot the series of the century......I would stay home or travel as far away from you as possible!

I would be perfectly happy to sit in a cramped chair for 10 hours delivering my life unto a maybe novice pilot or worse some fanatic from one camp or the other. To feel humiliated by immigration and customs officials upon arrival, suffer jet lag and lost baggage, eat junk food, endure secondary smoke for a few days and sleep wherever i end up..... just to meet you all !
:D

[LightWriter6208]

I'll throw in my 2 cents...
I'm still with the DC area...I've been out that way and you've got the city AND you've got some extremely beautiful countryside very close together...I'm sure enough of each to satisfy everyone. Personally, I'm more interested in meeting everyone than I am in shooting. I can shoot anytime, this will probably be a once in a lifetime chance to meet many of the people I now consider my friends. Shooting while we're together will be fun, but my primary idea is "together" ; "shooting" is secondary to me.

Alice

[jhawk1000]

I guess I did not know about it. Certainly did not choose to ignore it. If the tides are right, if our ship comes in, we should be in Romania in September. We probably could make a trip closer by us but I doubt if either coast is in our future.

We could all meet in Deva, Romania and I have a friend there that could teach us all Romanian dance. The photos of that would be enough to keep the list jumping for years. Then we could go to the Olympic school and shoot pictures of the gymnasts training, go to Dracula's castles in Sighisoara and Bran, climb to the top of the Cetate (fortress) and watch out for the poisonous adders. And for an encore, we could take pictures of the older gentlemen playing chess in the park, even until midnight. Budapest is about 200 miles away or we could take a train and go visit Igor in the Ukraine. Lots of photo ops---nature (black bears), urban (gypsies and dogs), architecture (if you like soviet style and/or very old and shopworn), sport (gymnasts and soccer), landscape (mountains and forests of Transylvania) and very nice hotels for less than $60.00 with meeting rooms and bars. A little bit of everything. Probably not a good idea though, that many digital SLRs coming through customs at one time would probably set off alerts.

Going to go to Colorado over memorial day and do my Ansel Adams and Moose Peterson imitations. Trying to get rooms is a joy over Memorial day since it seems that the entire city of Denver is going there.

Mel

[Wilm]

Mel,

I agree with you. Most of the members of this forum are from the States and a destination like Romania would be excellent for everybody to takes photos.

But, please allow me to add my two cents for the discussion about Romania:

1st: I agree with an excellent portfolio of challenges.
Old fortresses, Transsylvania, old people playing chess, but also an uncountable unemployment, high criminality and the chance to loose all the equipment during this convention. No, Romania is not bad, but with something like 100$ monthly income, the information that there are dozens of people with expensive cameras are entering customs, is worth more than that.....

2nd: I doubt it might happen, but what is, when somebody has an accident ? Medical service over there is, let´s say, is problematic ....

If we might vote for Europe, there are a lot of countries entering the european union May 1st. What about Hungary ? What about Czech ? Prague ?
What about the good old Britain ? Nature, Castles, rushhour in London ? What about Poland ? Old people playing chess, industry, nature ? A short way for Igor, a payable trip for us Europeans and also payable for the "domestics".

Just an idea .....

(don´t kill me for that )

:cheers:
Wilm

[sandman]

I think a little realism is needed in the present climate , hardly any americans would travel to europe , even if they had too , let alone for a get together.
Travelling from this side is not going to be made any easier either , , just heard that queing for toilets on U.S flights is now banned , and 5 hr waits at airport check ins is now the norm ,(thats the info we're getting , maybe this can be confirmed) and from mid-summer the new passport regulations for travelars from britain and europe are being introduced , this may mean a visit to an american embassy/consulate to get a visa and be vetted. and the vetting will be severe i understand .
So the american/canadian members will stay their side of the pond , we will stay on ours , and maybe us europians can get one as well .

Brian

[Sleeping Bear]

Last I heard on the radio it was a 10 minute check in for screening at DIA. But I think you are right, it is more realistic to have a get together 'here' and 'there'. Maybe soon we can all be at the same one. I really think it's time we decide on the 'where' as the 'when' is coming up quickly. Time to vote?

[jhawk1000]

The suggestion for Romania was somewhat self-serving since Linda and I will probably be there in September. We did travel to Romania last year in November and will concur with your assessment of unemployment and some criminality. We lost a laptop while there but not from forceful theft but from an equal amount of carelessness on our part, lack of sleep again on our part and a taxi driver that took off with it still in the taxi. Of course it was not returned and I understand the problem of low wages. A laptop was probably about a years wages for the driver. We were by and large not bothered except by beggar children and even then it was no worse than many areas we have traveled in our United States.

We found that most Romanians in Transylvania were not only honest but eager to meet and host Americans. We went to several family homes for dinner and I would venture to say that most of a month's wages was spent on the dinner. The underlying problem with Romania is the "scratch my back" syndrome in which you need to grease the wheels with a few dollars to get action in many areas such as government. The Romanians are aware of the problems and are working as hard as they can with the limited funds from the West to eliminate some of the most glaring problems. Problems such as white slavery is way down after the Peace Corps and our government worked to set up safe houses for children of the streets, closed down some of the notorious adoption mills, and worked to get Women's Crisis centers started. Romanians will ask for help but never, outside of street beggars, did we ever get asked for money. They want those with more resources to help them try to get in line for the European Union bid by 2007.
The children that we met at the Olympic Gymnastic School and Academy were aware of the economic problems of Romania and asked us often about America and expressed their wish to one day go to America. We would tell them that America was not a panacea and that we had our problems with corruption but at much higher levels and with many more billions at stake. They could not fathom our high violent crime since most of Romania's crime is crime against belongings which includes picking pockets and grabbing items. We kept our money and cards in pouches around our necks, we kept our cameras firmly in hands with straps wrapped tightly and had no trouble. We were out at night in Ploiesti and Deva and felt less fear than being in some of the American cities. Romania has had mandatory English for years and most of the youth speak English very well. They are impatient to join the prosperity of the West and I can not blame them. Most of the investment now in Romania is from Germany and Austria and even then the Romanians see the factories closed, shut down and falling in price on the open market. Most know that as soon as the prices reach rock bottom, the speculators from the West will buy them up at pennies on the dollar. Many are very wary of Western promises to help since they have had those promises before but it seems that each new war puts the end to any plans of help.
In 2005, I retire and if in good health and if the country does not have a revolution, Linda and I plan to retire there. We will be looking for a place near the Olympic Gymnastic Center since we have bonded with some there. It is our hope that we can earn extra money by hiring Romanians, paying them a decent wage and starting a business there. We also plan to volunteer our meager services to the school and the Country in helping them promote tourism by photographing the areas and hiring those with knowledge to set up and maintain websites for Romania. We also have been asked to teach English. We traveled with my friend who retired at a very early age from the practice of law and who spent several years in Romania as a Peace Corps volunteer. He also plans to return to Romania one day on more than as a visitor and to once again teach English to the lawyers and Judges as well as a class for anyone who wants to become proficient in English. We think this is a country with enormous prospects and at my age, I do not go there for monetary investment with expectations of reaping benefits because the citizens are poor and unemployed but rather to try in some small way to help them try to help themselves.
By the way, the only other time I ever was a victim of crime was in Munich when thieves ran on the subway, grabbed my jacket, camera, and packages from me and then beat the door as it closed leaving me with little to do but make a police report. I certainly still love Germany.

Mel

Brian, I agree with you. Why anyone would want to subject themselves to being fingerprinted, profiled, herded around like cattle to visit America is beyond me. Pretty soon, we will have chips implanted so everyone will know where we are at all times. But then again, don't get me started on some of the laws we have passed and the potential for harm.

Mel

[chaser of light]

Brian,
You are very right, sadly the devide betwee the US and Europe is widening!
My last visit to the US was last spring, at Frankfort airport just as I boarded the plane several poeple including myself were asked to step aside for questioning.....that took about half an hour, but what really upset me was the arrogance and incredible ignorance of my interogator....I had half a mind to refuse to get on the plane altogether, but knowing the fuss that would have caused I contained my anger and got on.
Leaving Denver airport was no less a harrowing experience which entailed a 2.5 hr security check.....and I was only going to vancouver!
Needless to say I understand that the US is feeling vulnerable because of 9/11...once bitten they are being twice shy!
I will be applying for the new passport this week.....I understand it will take three months to issue....!

[sandman]

Max
the wife and me are having long discussions about our holiday this year .
first it was Canada to stay with relatives , Then the U.S.A was discussed , Japan and Australia , were also hotly argued about .
To be honest untill the whole world settles down a bit , there are so many places in this country where we've never been , i think we will just have a month off over here , it's not cheap but i get so heated in ques and things , that i honestly think i'd end up being arrested in the states .


Brian

[chaser of light]

Brian,
I know exactly how you feel.....being as outspoken as I am and not suffering fools easily, it is a wonder I am still a free man :D

How about Greece....good poeple, tasty food and very laid back atmosphere in general.....it used to be very cheap, but that is changing quickly with the introduction of the euro! :cheers:

[Swampy]

I guess you can call me lucky. My airport experiences have not been bad at all. Last trip to Missouri, from Orange County, I started out with about a 30 minute process to get our tickets, check our bags and go through security. The usual delay for me is that I always get pulled aside because I have metal plates throughout my body, but they're always cool about it and we all have a fun time joking about it. With the 400mm lens in a large backpack, they did check that by hand and I can also understand that as it could be construed as a weapon by it's shape in the xray. But still, not a problem.

Coming back, Kansas City, that took all of 15 minutes to get our tickets, check our bags and go through security.

A few years ago, I do remember at the begining, waiting for an hour just to get through security, let alone parking, getting your tickets and checking your bags. And then there was the second check right before boarding the plane. But nothing like today. It's pretty smooth here now.

I'll be going to Denver in a few weeks, I'll let you know how that goes on the way back now, although, the last time I was there 2 years ago, it was still pretty smooth.

[HulaMike]

Brian,
I know exactly how you feel.....being as outspoken as I am and not suffering fools easily, it is a wonder I am still a free man :D

How about Greece....good poeple, tasty food and very laid back atmosphere in general.....it used to be very cheap, but that is changing quickly with the introduction of the euro! :cheers:

I'm good with Greece!

Here's my take. We live all over the planet. Most of us will have to endure long, tiresome travel to get anywhere away from our back yards. And so I think we should all adopt the attitude that we should choose a somewhat spectacular location to meet, dine, shoot and explore. Places like Washington, DC or NYC are wonderful, been to both many times; but they don;t ring my chimes as a place to do intensive photography with a group.

And so let it be Greece! Romania! Australia or New Zealand!! Someplace out of the ordinary with both urban and scenic potential. But let's do consider Greece seriously. An opportunity to photograph the Parthenon? Are you kidding me? Coctails on Max's boat at dusk! The white washed adobe homes of Santorini with the blue, blue Med as a backdrop??!? Not to mention all the Spanakopita and Retcina you could handle.....Opah!

I'm also down with those who require little from their accomodations other than a dry bed and access to a coffee pot and a good breakfast spot nearby. How much time does one spend in their room on such an adventure? Not much.

[HulaMike]

I guess you can call me lucky. My airport experiences have not been bad at all. Last trip to Missouri, from Orange County, I started out with about a 30 minute process to get our tickets, check our bags and go through security. The usual delay for me is that I always get pulled aside because I have metal plates throughout my body, but they're always cool about it and we all have a fun time joking about it. With the 400mm lens in a large backpack, they did check that by hand and I can also understand that as it could be construed as a weapon by it's shape in the xray. But still, not a problem.

Coming back, Kansas City, that took all of 15 minutes to get our tickets, check our bags and go through security.

A few years ago, I do remember at the begining, waiting for an hour just to get through security, let alone parking, getting your tickets and checking your bags. And then there was the second check right before boarding the plane. But nothing like today. It's pretty smooth here now.

I'll be going to Denver in a few weeks, I'll let you know how that goes on the way back now, although, the last time I was there 2 years ago, it was still pretty smooth.

You might have been lucky Swampy. I travel back and forth to the Mainland a lot. Average time at Honolulu airport to clear security is 1 to 2 hours.

[lightwrangler]

Ok, admittedly I'm a middle aged white guy with a Canadian citizenship, but my last foray into the US by air was fairly smooth. Canadian security did want to look over my camera bag, but it was brief and I cleared US customs without a hitch. On the return trip, US security spent less time on my camera bag than Canadian security did. Canada customs was slow and asked a slew of questions before letting return to the country of my birth. All in all it went pretty smooth.

As for get togethers, I'm liking Greece or Rhodes. Chaser of Light has me dreaming of white washed houses and rocky faces with endless mediterrean water and skys! But I have to be real, that's gonna cost me - huge. I'm still up for something closer to home, NYC, Niagara region (hey Smunky they have Casinos!) or even the west coast. Vancouver area is beautiful, however, it can be expensive. I guess it all depends on what turns you on. I wouldn't even mind a trip to DC, I've never been there. So lets keep on talking this up and see where it goes.

[HulaMike]

The time for a poll approacheth! Let's start a simple list here, refine it and then put it up for a vote. So far we have under consideration:

Colorado
Vancouver / British Columbia
Eastern Canada
Greece
Romania
NYC
DC
Niagra Falls
Australia / New Zealand


Add your choices and lets see where this goes.

[Swampy]

The only thing I've seen talked about seriously is Colorado. Where we have nature/landscape, City stuff, plus the possibility of the use a a studio. More investigation can be done on that later though as Colorado is only a suggested place.

Everywhere else, it looks like nature/landscape/city stuff, but no reference to anything else.

We're going to need some discussion on other things to do. I won't make it out of the country with the exception of Canada possibly. Greece and Romania are out of the question for the "U.S. get together". If you'd like to start a thread about a European get together, by all means, we can do that as well, but seperately.

[HulaMike]

Thanks for the reality check Swampy. Let's keep this one to North America then.

As I mentioned about 100 posts ago, I'd enjoy Colorado. Haven't seen the Rockies for 5 years or so. I remember a teriffic ride between Nederland (sp) and Estes Park that's stunning. (Hwy 77??) A great old lodge or two along the way, etc.

And so the places under consideration for the North American S2 Bretheren are:

Colorado
NYC
DC
Vancouver
Eastern Canada
Niagra Falls

[Sleeping Bear]

I vote Colorado. And not just because I live here, but because of the numerous photo ops that exist here and in Utah, just a short drive away. How many days are we thinking of? Six shooting days or five? I do have an opportunity to shoot a 'secret' military installation near DC this summer and would also be open to a get together in DC. Although I don't think I would have much time to shoot with the group, given the type of project I may be shooting. Okay, it's Colorado for me.

[Swampy]

I'm talking 5 days of whatever for this get together. Some people may choose to stay longer due to the weekends or whatever. The days and which part of the week are up in the air still though. We need to come to a decision on a location first. From there, that will help dictate for some as to how many days and what part of the week. Again, we're looking for a end of summer~begining of fall time frame regardless of where we're going.

Anyone have any perks they can muster up in any of the other locations?

Linda has said she might be able to get us some studio time in Denver for example.

[Linda G]

Thanks for the reality check Swampy. Let's keep this one to North America then. Our international brothers and sisters can plan their own get together.

And so the places under consideration for the North American S2 Bretheren are:




AAHHH! I don't like the way you put that! It sounds like those who live elsewhere are not welcome to join us! PLEASE don't let that be the case!

I'm sure that's not what you intended it to read but I want to make SURE no one gets that idea!

[HulaMike]

Good point. Everyone's welcome of course. The Rockies in the Fall are a wothy destination for anyone in the world. I've edited the post above to reflect that.

[chaser of light]

Dont worry Linda, I did not read it as an unwelcoming statement, it would be great if everyone could come to my neck of the woods...but rather impractical!
I will do everything in my power to join the group where ever it ends up meeting, but I must stress that I will be looking forward to friendship not photo ops....I may even turn up without a camera! But I will definitley be bringing my drinking hat :D

[globug]

Dc would be my first choice mainly because I live here and I am about out of money and leave for this year, and it would be mainly for me, meeting people and learning from the gathering.

DC does offer a nice diversity of urban, monumental, people, nature, garden shots. And, well, 'tis the capital city.

Altho I have been to Colo in Sep, and the beauty knocked my socks off.
Globug

[Tom V]

...
I'll be going to Denver in a few weeks, I'll let you know how that goes on the way back now, although, the last time I was there 2 years ago, it was still pretty smooth.

Be carefull of Denver! It has a huge reputation for losing or destroying luggage!

The late great Galen Rowell pointed out that Denver Airport was the only place in all his travels that ever damaged his equipment*. His equipment was packed the same way he packs it for transport on mules on mountain trails, which had survived several falls. He wrote an article in Outdoor Photographer about the problem.

*Until his last trip. (Sorry about that.)

[Swampy]

Sure Tom. Jinx me now that I just booked my flight there in a few weeks...

[Sleeping Bear]

I'm not aware of DIA having a bad rep for losing or damaging luggage. When DIA first opened, they had numerous problems with the new automated luggage system, which might be what Tom is talking about. That was years ago, and I don't think you'll find DIA to be any different than any other international airport. Then again, I've never flown out of there either! Several family members have over the years and they have never had any luggage problems. Rest easy, Swampy. If something does go wrong you can always blame Tom for the jinx. :)

[Swampy]

But who's going to loan me equipment to use if it does??? :cool:

Just Finished all my bookings. Land Rover for 3 1/2 days, motel/cabin stuff (at least the motel is done, Mel was supposed to have reserved a cabin for the first 2 nights already), flights and everything. I'm all set, just make that weekend happen now. I'm ready. hehe

[Auminer]

See what I miss when I don't show up for a while? Just read all the posts and I would like to be added to the Colorado get together. Not sure at this point if I can get away, but I can start planning! Just might drive in and I know another suv could be used if we are going to be shooting Elk :). The last time I spent time there was around the Gunnison area doing a little gold prospecting. Few of those old mines in the mountains would give a good workout for a couple shooters, can't forget the beaver dams and trout fishing too. How I wish I would have had the S2 then! Maybe now is the time, eh?

Dave

[dreiner]

Hi everybody !
I suggest a gathering here in Israel.
No matter what your interest is in photography you will find it here in a very small place. You can cross the country from north to south in one day. Israel is a small country fully packed with attractions and photo-opportunities.

- Religion, culture and history : Jerusalem, Betlehem, Nazareth
- Diving and underwaterphotography : The red sea
-Bird photography : Gallilee and the border towards Lebanon.
(Thousands of birds stop over in this area on their way from
Europe to Africa.)
-Photojournalism, action and documentary photography : Gaza
strip and the Westbank etc
- Nature photography : The dead sea region and the desert.

And more....

Good hotels, good food and wine for reasonable prices in a friendly atmosphere.

You are most wellcome. I will be happy to host you.


Daniel

[Swampy]

Dave: which Colorado trip you talking about? Hehe. There is an impromtu one Memorial Day weekend, but mainly, we're talking for a End of Summer, begining of of Fall get together with lots of stuff to do. Anyway, if you meant the later date one, that's great! Another vote for Colorado looks like. :)

Daniel: Are you talking about hosting your own get together in Israel? The get together we're planning here is for the States somewhere. But, as mentioned, it would be great to have one put together out that direction too. Even better, for the same week so we can all flood the board with posts about people and sites. :)

[Sleeping Bear]

See what I miss when I don't show up for a while? Just read all the posts and I would like to be added to the Colorado get together. Not sure at this point if I can get away, but I can start planning! Just might drive in and I know another suv could be used if we are going to be shooting Elk :). The last time I spent time there was around the Gunnison area doing a little gold prospecting. Few of those old mines in the mountains would give a good workout for a couple shooters, can't forget the beaver dams and trout fishing too. How I wish I would have had the S2 then! Maybe now is the time, eh?

Dave

Not to try and sway the vote (okay, I'm swaying) but check out these shots from Colorado taken yesterday.

http://theswampbbs.com/forums/showthread.php?t=6532

http://theswampbbs.com/forums/showthread.php?t=6531

[TimothyH]

Any firm idea of date?

I don't know if my schedule will permit but I'd like to meet you all and learn some of your techniques.

I know I've learned a lot on my own mainly by doing it wrong lots of different ways.

Tim

[Swampy]

No firm date. Just people saying they would like to go.

If no one comes up with any other idea's for a location, then there's almost no need to vote. Colorado has the most benefit to the most types of shooters with the wildlife, landscape, city stuff and even the possible use of a studio.

Speak up people. Who has perks for other locations that wants to do this???

[Swampy]

Ok. I posted a preliminary vote for the get together here:

http://theswampbbs.com/forums/showthread.php?t=6761

We need to get moving on this. I see some interest, but it doesn't seem like a lot. Maybe some people just want to see where it's going to end up with out interacting on thier own, then make a decision on whether to go. Who knows. If this turns out to be 5-8 people, fine. I'm still doing it. If it turns out that 35 people will make it, that's great.

So, let's move to round two in the other thread now. :D