Lehigh Valley Photography Club » Shoots

Ahh The Smell of Lavender, The Carousel Lavender Farm, 12 June 2011

Brian — Tue, 05 Jul 2011 22:21:28 +0000

We linked up with the owner, Niko Christou at 10:00 a.m. for a grand tour of the farm. We were able to visit areas of the farm that are normally off limits to the general public (thank you Rhonda for arranging this). Some of the areas that we were able to see include the wine cellar/spring house, the guest quarters (that looked like something out of a home and garden magazine), and Niko’s photo studio. Niko is a photographer in Manhattan and has a magnificent studio (Carousel Studio) at the farm as well. The studio has some very pleasant but rugged light brown woodwork, accent lighting that added to the mood of the room, and some extraordinary large windows with breathtaking views of the farm. While in the studio, we received an informal quick class on full format cameras (maybe a future LVPC monthly meeting topic) and some of the lighting that Niko uses in his studio. To be honest, I could live in his studio; the only additions I would need are a kitchen and a shower!

As we continued our tour, we were able to see how the farm processes the lavender to extract the oils used in manufacturing soaps, candles, and skin care products that the farm has for sale. Our last stop before another free shoot was the gift shop where Niko showed off his photo book of the awe-inspiring pictures he has composed of the farm, the smaller photos available for purchase, and the large (50 inch wide if I remember correctly) wall mounted photo of the breathtaking purple lavender in full bloom.

After the guided tour, Niko locked the public gate and we had free reign of the farm, minus the house and pool area. Some of the many things there to photograph include cattle, horses, donkeys, barns, the springhouse, a small pond, one of the most amazing private gardens (my favorite), the lavender processing building, chickens, bees, butterflies, alpacas, a vast number of plants and flowers, some very tasteful landscaping, Niko’s studio, wagons, antique farm equipment and of course the lavender. Bottom line is there is no shortage of subject material at the farm.

Around lunchtime we decided to meet at The Cactus Grill to have a bit to eat (the food was excellent), drink some cool beverages, and learn about each other’s interests.

This was a great photo shoot, the lavender wasn’t quite in its purple full splendor but this was one of my favorite shoots so far; thank you Rhonda for putting together some awesome shoots so far this year. If you haven’t been to the lavender farm the following link has information

http://www.carouselfarmlavender.com/index/CAROUSEL_FARM_LAVENDER.html

We hope to see you at the next shoot!

–Scott Nelson

Camp Geiger Civil War Days!

Brian — Sat, 18 Jun 2011 20:02:48 +0000

Image Copyright LVPC Member Scott Nelson

The newly elected LVPC VP-Buddy, Stephanie, new member-Rich, my lovely wife, and I homesteaded out a spot on a grassy knoll in order to photograph the impending battle.

As we waited photographic opportunities were abundant such as; artillery cannons, cavalry soldiers riding by, soldiers practicing their battle drills, and men, women, and children in period costume wandering by. As we waited and photographed, we compared notes on post processing our photographs, tripod ball heads (I was admiring Buddy’s tripod and ball head), and Stephanie and Rich engaged in a long conversation about Olympus cameras.

We thought that because of rain the battle was delayed, so the group split up to photograph the many other interesting sites at the camp. Most were able to photograph President Lincoln and his wife as the President inspected the Union troops.

As my wife and I had made our way back down to the Union tents and were learning about 1860’s weather technology from the Union Hospital Steward, the roar of rifles filled the air. I rushed back up the hill to see and photograph a demonstration of the Union and Confederate armies slugging it out on the field of battle!

The photo opportunities were plentiful, but I must say that there was no shortage on interesting period actors to speak with. One in particular stood out, and I hope he sees this article. He is a 12-year-old boy who is the assistant to the Union Surgeon. He could explain the surgical procedures of the day, the equipment and medicine they used, and he was very polite. I was very impressed!

I think all of us had a great time; we learned from each other and were able to take some unique photographs as well! Applause to Rhonda for setting up another great event, we all hope your ankle feels better soon.

We hope to see you on a future shoot!!

–Scott Nelson

Mid-Atlantic Regional Aerial Show Photo Shoot – 4 June 2011

Brian — Tue, 14 Jun 2011 14:31:16 +0000

Photo copyright LVPC member Scott Nelson

We arrived early; about 7:50 a.m. and after about 20 minutes in stop and go traffic from the exit ramp to the parking lot we secured a parking spot and walked 40 feet to the bus stop (free buses took people to and from the parking lots and the venue). We were dropped off at the main entrance, got our tickets, and went inside. We were suddenly walking through a mock French village that was occupied by American and German forces; well, they were really “actors” in period clothing, but interesting all the same.

We worked our way around to the “flight line” where the many aircraft such as a B-17 bomber, a P-51 Mustang, bi-planes, a Japanese Zero, and the only flying B-29 bomber in existence were on display! I used my Canon 18-135mm kit lens to photograph the parked aircraft, focusing on the artwork the servicemen painted on the sides of the aircraft.

I moved closer to the runway, switched to a Canon 70-200mm lens to photograph airplanes that were refueling, taking off, and landing. This was a very exciting time for me; growing up with the many WWII based TV shows I have always fantasized about being aboard these great aircraft. Something I also love is the sound of finely tuned engines, and the odor of oil and aviation fuel, it just pleases my nose!

Photo copyright LVPC member Scott Nelson

I was able to speak with some of the owners and pilots as well. I learned some interesting facts such as when the mechanics used to rebuild the airplane engines they would place a penny in the recessed area visible to anyone who walked by. I asked why they would do this? Wouldn’t an unfastened penny work its way free and cause damage? The owner told me, “No, they would use a wire to hold the penny in and the reason for the penny is the penny’s date indicated what year the engine was rebuilt (records were often destroyed in combat).”

We departed the airfield edge after starting to hear gunfire in the distance from the massive historically correct tent cities and hard buildings that housed the re-enactors. I even bumped into FDR (Franklin Delano Roosevelt), his secret service detachment, and some MPs guarding the ex-president and his car along the way.

I took several photos of weapons, antique cars, combat vehicles, and the most cool photos were of a field war photography unit’s tent. Inside was all the period photo gear and they even had a working dark room tent in the rear of the photo office tent!

Photo copyright LVPC member Scott Nelson

All in all it was an AWESOME morning! I think my photo count is in the 2000 range (three and a half 8 GB cards full, shooting in RAW), lots of interesting things to photograph and people to talk with! If you missed the show this year, I highly recommend attending next year. Lastly, for all who are curious, yes my wife found a vendor who made funnel cake!

–Scott Nelson

Mayfair 2011 Photo Shoot – Music, Artwork, Crafts, Animals, and Elephant Ears!

Brian — Thu, 09 Jun 2011 20:41:28 +0000

After about 30 minutes at the dog obstacle/agility course, the smell of deep fat fried elephant ears drew my lovely wife (with me in tow) toward the concession stands, where she scored a large elephant ear! I was feeling a rumble in my stomach as well and my nose directed me toward the cheese steak vendor. I must say this was one of the best sandwiches I have ever had, in fact it went down so fast, I failed to get a photograph of the culinary work of art.

Once our tummies were full we wandered down the main walkway, taking in the sights of all the hand made crafts, jewelry, the graffiti artists artwork, and the sounds of music coming from the various stages, snapping a few photos along the way.

I was drawn to a shade tree along side the pond where the ducks were hanging out. I spent almost an hour there photographing the ducks and the people in the paddle boats. As the heat of the day and the fatigue of walking built up we decided to head home to the air conditioning and a comfortable sofa.

All in all this was a pretty unique photo shoot with animals, art work from the park, kids playing at the playground, still life art work, water features, and musical performers; really there is something for everyone!

–Scott Nelson

May 29th 2011 Shoot: Mayfair

Brian — Thu, 26 May 2011 00:16:12 +0000

Mayfair – SU – May 29th @ 1:00 p.m.

http://mayfairfestival.org/about/

Cedar Beach Park
2529 Hamilton St.
Allentown, PA

Cuttalossa Farm Tour Photo Shoot – 14 May 2011

Brian — Thu, 26 May 2011 00:11:23 +0000

Even a small amount of intermittent sprinkling from the clouds above could not dampen the interest of the at least 16 members and spouses (see photo), who were on hand to interact with the waterfowl, sheep, other LVPC members and the picturesque landscape. I have to add, that one of the members pointed at the pond and said, “Did you see all the big the fish in the farm pond?” I haven’t seen trout that large and so abundant since I lived on the west coast!

I must say I have been to every photo shoot since I joined the LVPC a few months ago, and Rhonda, the event coordinator really out did herself on this photo shoot. Not only was the area a target rich environment for the photographer but normally, visitors don’t get to walk into the gated area; but Rhonda was able to gain the photo club members, exclusive access so we all could get up close and personal with the animals, nature and structures; a big thank you to the owner as well!!

The miniature Babydoll Sheep and their lambs (see photo. ok, ok I know the photo is a bit out of focus) were absolutely beautiful, the chickens full of personality, and photo club members exchanging ideas on how to capture the moment made the trip more than worth the drive.

If you missed the trip I strongly encourage you to venture out to the farm http://www.minibabydollsheep.com/.

We hope to see you at our next photo shoot event!!

-Scott Nelson

Lockridge May Festival a Success for LVPC!

Brian — Wed, 11 May 2011 20:49:57 +0000

From left to right, Tony, Leroy, Rhonda, MiSuk and Scott

The “crew” (see photo) staked out a spot, set up the canopy, tables and displayed the many photos that members had provided for sale. Other club members that stopped by to share in the camaraderie and speak to potential new members were Alex Telyatnikov, Alice Lipe, Debi Long and Don Campolongo brought by some of his fantastic 8” x 10” photos he took in India to give away!

The “crew” sold several photos and had a great time taking turns taking photographs of the area and manning the booth. All of the visitors to the photo club booth were impressed with the professional quality of photos that were displayed for sale.

The best part of the LVPC’s presence at the festival is that we were able to reach out to at least a dozen potential new members!

Article by Scott Nelson

May 1st 2011 Shoot: Lockridge May Festival

Brian — Tue, 12 Apr 2011 17:46:12 +0000

We have been invited to participate in the Lockridge May Festival. This is a wonderful opportunity for our club to gain publicity and have fun at the same time. We have been given space to set up a table to display any pictures taken from this area for sale. All they ask in return is a 10% donation back given back to the ABRP for any picture that is sold. This event will be held rain or shine (we do have a club canopy). If you are interested in participating, please let us know so we have some idea of how many photographers plan to participate.

February 2011 Shoot: Indoor Hands-on Clinic

Brian — Thu, 03 Feb 2011 22:13:23 +0000

This is your chance to practice your Still Life photography skills. We will be creating the still life on the spot as members bring in objects to share. We also needs lights, boxes to create levels, and any other props that you think might be helpful. Since this is right before Valentine’s Day, I think our theme should be Love is in the Air.

October 9th 2010 Group Shoot: Quiet Valley Living Historical Farm

Brian — Tue, 05 Oct 2010 20:29:08 +0000

Tony and I drove up there today to finalize plans for our event. We will be meeting near the orange tent at 10:00 a.m. This is located directly across from the General Merchandise Store where we buy our tickets. Cost $10. There will be plenty of parking in the field just past the entrance. There is no parking fee and there will be a shuttle bus for those who can’t walk long distances. Please make sure you check the directions on their website as you cannot use their mailing address with your GPS, or you can use the information below.

From Bethlehem, take Rte. 22 to 33 North, Get off at the Snyderville exit. Turn right on Manor Drive. Take this to the end of the road, about 2 1/2 miles and follow the Blue & White Signs for Quiet Valley Farms. It is well marked if you are paying attention. The roads do twist and turn, but eventually you will end up on Quiet Valley Road (which is the road the farm is actually on). It will be on your right hand side.

The GPS coordinates are: N 40 degrees 57.484 – W 75 degrees 15.091. This will take you a different way and we though it was longer (time wise) and was not as direct. We tried that on our way home.