Past Workshops, field trips,
MEET UPS & photo ops
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At the Lighted Art Festival 2023 ...
Three images from Napa's Lighted Art Festival by Phil Venable
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Napa Valley Museum photo exhibit visit
Napa Valley Museum Deputy Director Jeff Rodgers welcomes NVPS members and their guests to the Jeff and Susan Bridges photography exhibit- The group included Jean Timken, Zach Berkowitz, Tom Edwards, Angie Johnson, Mitchell Glotzer, Gary Sampson, Karen Noyes, Phil Venable, and Ann and Lee Seronello -- Betty Malmgren photo
A dozen NVPS members met at the Napa Valley Museum Feb. 9 to view the Jeff and Susan Bridges photo exhibit thanks to efforts of club president Phil Venable. The group was welcomed by Jeff Rodgers, Deputy Director of the museum. The show is up through April 30 and is well worth a visit.
“For more than 30 years, Bridges has captured the creative world of moviemaking through scenes shot on a variety of film sets using his specialized Widelux F8 panoramic camera. The exhibit is described as a fascinating, surprisingly candid body of photographic work offering a vision of Hollywood that is both intimately human and formally beautiful,” on the museum's website,
https://napavalleymuseum.org/exhibition/jeff-bridges-pictures/)
The club held its annual show at the Napa Valley Museum for three months in the fall of 2021.
Museum location: 55 Presidents Circle, Yountville, on the Veterans Home of California property.
Museum hours: Thursday through Sunday, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
“For more than 30 years, Bridges has captured the creative world of moviemaking through scenes shot on a variety of film sets using his specialized Widelux F8 panoramic camera. The exhibit is described as a fascinating, surprisingly candid body of photographic work offering a vision of Hollywood that is both intimately human and formally beautiful,” on the museum's website,
https://napavalleymuseum.org/exhibition/jeff-bridges-pictures/)
The club held its annual show at the Napa Valley Museum for three months in the fall of 2021.
Museum location: 55 Presidents Circle, Yountville, on the Veterans Home of California property.
Museum hours: Thursday through Sunday, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
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Behind the scenes at the Wine Train
In September Irena Miles organized a field trip to the Napa Valley Wine Train's rail yard on Soscol. Here are a few of the images captured during the visit.
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Skyline Park:
A Community Treasure
A Community Treasure
NVPS member Roland Dumas and a group of fellow photographers (Zach Berkowitz and Betty Malmgren among them) recently set out to document the many users of Skyline Park's 850 wooded acres in Napa's southeastern hills. These include bikers, hikers and horseback riders and well as participants in a tribal powwow. Other users include local Scouts, the Native Plant Society and disc golf players.
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Vallejo's Obtanium Cup Rally
Phil Venable captured these images among a number of others in July the Obtainium Cup Contraptor's Rally on Mare Island -- an event he describes as a 'kind of a free-form parade', which made for some great street photography.
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Napa's Lighted Art Festival
with Field Trip Chair Jean Myers
with Field Trip Chair Jean Myers
Meet-up organizer Jean Myers was joined by a group NVPS members at Napa's Veterans Memorial Park in mid-February, 2022, to photograph Napa's Lighted Art Festival. Among the photographers joining Jean for the first meet-up of the year were George Bartolome, Nancy Hernandez, Carol Howell, Judd Howell, Betty Malmgren, Gary Sampson, Ann Seronello and her sidekick, Lee Seronello, Phil Venable, Joe Sinclair and Carolyn Younger.
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Some useful night photography learning links:
https://www.format.com/magazine/resources/photography/night-photography-tips
https://www.bhphotovideo.com/explora/photography/tips-and-solutions/10-essential-tips-for-night-photography
https://fixthephoto.com/night-photography-ideas.html
https://digital-photography-school.com/ultimate-guide-night-photography/
https://www.format.com/magazine/resources/photography/night-photography-tips
https://www.bhphotovideo.com/explora/photography/tips-and-solutions/10-essential-tips-for-night-photography
https://fixthephoto.com/night-photography-ideas.html
https://digital-photography-school.com/ultimate-guide-night-photography/
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At the Pow Wow
A dancer at the pow-wow (adjusted using the Waterlogue app in post processing) . Gary Sampson photos
The one-day 26th annual Suscol Inter-tribal powwow was held Oct. 5, 2019 in Skyline Wilderness Park and Gary Sampson was there with an iPhone 7 to capture to mood and the artistry of the event.
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Do you have images to share? Contact Carolyn Younger, [email protected]
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A visit to Bale Grist Mill
Brian Kearney photo
A group of NVPS members -- Elizabeth Bush, George Bartolome, Tom Edwards, Nancy Hernandez, Brian Kearney, Gary Sampson, MJ Schaer and Carolyn Younger -- led by Rick De Bernardi, turned their lenses on the historic Bale Grist Mill in St. Helena at the end of March and came away with these views of an Upper Valley landmark that once played an important park in the lives of early residents and continues to draw visitors interested in learning about the Valley's past.
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Lighted Balloons at Oxbow
Geoff Hansen, Rick De Bernardi, Betty Malmgren, Gary Sampson and several other NVPS members braved the weather and parking dilemma in mid January to photograph a trio of hot air balloons tethered on the Oxbow Commons.
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What you needed to know: NVPS exhibit, CIA at Copia
Among the 19 attendees at the recent CIA-Copia workshop were, from left, Brian Kearney, Joseph Sinclair, Kathryne Bandrowski, Marilyn Ferrante, Karen Noyes, Ann Saronello, Rick De Bernardi, workshop moderator Geoff Hansen and, back to camera, Elizabeth Bush -- Gary Sampson photo
In August, 19 photographers attended the Napa Valley Photographic Society-sponsored workshop to help participants prepare for the club's upcoming annual exhibit, this year at the CIA at Copia.
The pre-exhibit resource workshop was held at the Napa Valley Art Association building, the regular NVPS meeting site on Behrens.
The informational workshop, led by Exhibit Chair Geoff Hansen, featured a panel of photographers discussing a variety of issues ranging from exhibit format options (traditional paper, canvas, metal, etc); the merits of online or brick and mortar printing resources; framing options and how to price images as well as any questions participants may have had.
Hansen (www.geoffhansen.photography) explained that the purpose of the clinic was "to share information with those in attendance regarding our experience, recommendations and knowledge gained from entering various exhibitions in the past."
The pre-exhibit resource workshop was held at the Napa Valley Art Association building, the regular NVPS meeting site on Behrens.
The informational workshop, led by Exhibit Chair Geoff Hansen, featured a panel of photographers discussing a variety of issues ranging from exhibit format options (traditional paper, canvas, metal, etc); the merits of online or brick and mortar printing resources; framing options and how to price images as well as any questions participants may have had.
Hansen (www.geoffhansen.photography) explained that the purpose of the clinic was "to share information with those in attendance regarding our experience, recommendations and knowledge gained from entering various exhibitions in the past."
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TOUR OF NAPA VALLEY MEET-UP
The Tour of Napa Valley over a recent August weekend was caught through the lenses of several Napa Valley Photographic Society members, including meet-up organizer, Geoff Hansen and NVPS president Gary Sampson.
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'ART OF SEEING' WORKSHOP WITH LOWELL DOWNEY
Photographer Lowell Downey, second from left, works with NVPS photographers Elizabeth Bush, left, Brian Kearney, Gary Sampson, and Ann Marie Howle. Carolyn Younger photo
Mill Valley photographer Lowell Downey -- co-owner of Napa-based Art & Clarity www.artclarity.com and the club's July guest presenter -- provided an opportunity for a group of NVPS members to participate in a three-hour Art of Seeing workshop in early August. The workshop began in the French Laundry kitchen gardens in Yountville and then moved on to a nearby rural road, offering a host of subjects to photograph: flowers and vegetables, hungry spiders, foraging birds, wide open vistas, gnarled oaks, grazing land, cattle and raucous woodpeckers.
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Napa River Meet-up
A group of NVPS members -- Jeff Bailey, Rick Di Bernardi, Brian Kearney, Gary Sampson, Terry Smith, and Dana and Mark Stevenson -- joined an evening meet-up organized by NVPS interim treasurer Geoff Hansen.
'Everyone had a good time shooting and comparing notes,' Hansen said. 'We will work on planning another one in a couple of weeks or so.'
'Everyone had a good time shooting and comparing notes,' Hansen said. 'We will work on planning another one in a couple of weeks or so.'
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Exploring the Western Train Museum
Wayne Lipps organized a recent trip to one of his favorite places to visit, the Western Railway Museum in Suisun City on Highway 12. The museum, open year round on Saturdays and Sundays, from 10:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., is a project of the Bay Area Electric Railroad Association and run by volunteers. In addition to the restoration of Sacramento Northern's interurban combine 1005, it provides visitors a chance to see and learn about electric streetcars and trains, and, at certain times of the year, go for a train ride. For more information visit www.wrm.org
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june picnic at chateau montelena
Pavilion and foot bridge -- Wayne Lipps
This year, through the efforts of Wayne Lipps and Diana Barr, a picnic field trip was held at Chateau Montelena in early June at one of the pavilions overlooking the winery's Jade Lake.
Chateau Montelena, one of the premier wineries in the Valley, dates to the late 1880s and was the winner of the white wine division in what has come to be known as the “Judgement of Paris,” an award credited with putting the Napa Valley wine region on the map.
Chateau Montelena, one of the premier wineries in the Valley, dates to the late 1880s and was the winner of the white wine division in what has come to be known as the “Judgement of Paris,” an award credited with putting the Napa Valley wine region on the map.
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A PHOTOGRAPHER'S PARADISE:
CAPTURING THE BEST OF COSTA RICA
CAPTURING THE BEST OF COSTA RICA
Ann Seronello and her husband, Lee, traveled with a group of Road Scholars to Costa Rica in mid February and returned with stunning photographs of the wildlife they saw there -- from the elusive quetzal to the tiniest of hummingbirds and a yawning jaguar. Their travels took them from the Costa Rican capital of San Jose to a rainforest reserve and a macaw farm in Sarapiqui and a nature reserve in the Savegre Valley of San Gerardo de Dota. During their time in Costa Rica the photographers worked on developing macro and nighttime photography skills, as well as finding the most effective settings for capturing birds in flight. Below are some of the images Ann took during her visit and shared at the March NVPS meeting.
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Photographing the Blue Supermoon
and eclipse
January's supermoon rises over the Hatt Building on Napa's waterfront -- Carolyn Younger
An early evening field trip to a turbine farm in the Montezuma Hills in eastern Solano County put together by Phil Venable to photograph January's supermoon (also a blue moon) attracted NVPS members George Bertalotto, Frederike Heidger, Wayne Lipps, Brian Kearney and Gary Sampson. Closer to home, Betty Malmgren and Carolyn Younger settled in at the Hatt Building on river front to wait. While the night before had been clear, the evening of the 31st was cloudy and hazy. Undaunted, the photographers were able to capture the moon rising behind the fiberglass turbine blades, half as long as a football field. Meanwhile, the downtown Napa contingent watched the moonrise over the Vacca range through the haze, disappointing from a photographer's perspective, but impressive nevertheless. And it was a lunar trifecta after all -- a supermoon, a blue moon (two full moons in one month) and a lunar eclipse all in the space of 15 hours.
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Napa's inaugural Lighted Art Festival
Top left: 700 Main Street, 'Line' by Ross Ashton and Karen Monid; Top right: 1333 Third St., First Presbyterian Church, 'Language of Love' by Berlin Festival of Lights; Below: 942 Main St., 'Duette: Shared Vision Clear Water' by Marissa Carlisle -- Carolyn Younger photos
The work of NVPS member and professional photographer Marissa Carlisle was part of Napa's first Lighted Art Festival, a special exhibit which ran through Dec. 17.
At left is a sampling of the festival's light installations in the downtown and Oxbow districts that utilized building walls as larger-than-life canvases.
Among the nine exhibits was Carlisle's 'Duette: Shared Vision Clear Water,' a series which Carlisle describes as merging 'intimate images of two people, folding into one abstract representation a partnership born of our human ecology.'
In all, the art festival included nine juried participants, including one from Australia, one from Italy and another from Berlin.
At left is a sampling of the festival's light installations in the downtown and Oxbow districts that utilized building walls as larger-than-life canvases.
Among the nine exhibits was Carlisle's 'Duette: Shared Vision Clear Water,' a series which Carlisle describes as merging 'intimate images of two people, folding into one abstract representation a partnership born of our human ecology.'
In all, the art festival included nine juried participants, including one from Australia, one from Italy and another from Berlin.
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STEPPING BACK IN HISTORY AT STURGEON'S MILL
Ann Seronello photo
Wayne Lipps photo
A group of NVPS members and friends visited Sturgeon's Mill in Sebastopol on Sept. 16, one of only four weekends a year the historic sawmill is open to the public. Field trip organizer Wayne Lipps, his guest Diana Barr, as well as Ann and Lee Seronello, George Bartolome and Nancy Hernandez, made the trek north. The 105-year-old steam-powered sawmill is a working museum. On the weekends it's open, historians, gear heads, steam heads and students of California history visit the mill for an opportunity to "step back in history."
After touring the mill and watching demonstrations, the group headed to the coast for additional photographic opportunities and a seafood dinner.
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Porchfest 2017: 'out of the garage and onto the porch!'
Porchfest, Napa's annual one-day local whirl of music, this year featured 70 local bands performing on porches in Napa's Old Town, the Alphabet Streets and in Alta Heights. It attracted more than 15,000 music fans and among the throng walking or riding bicycles (and in one instance, a motorized recliner) were NVPS members Marissa Carlisle, Wayne Lipps, Gary Sampson and Carolyn Younger -- cameras ready. As often happens, the audience was as intriguing as the performers.
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MEANWHILE: AT BRIDGEFEST ON THE OXBOW COMMONS ...
PhotosByMarissa
The day before Porchfest, Marissa Carlisle wandered over to the Oxbow Commons to take the musical menu at Bridgefest sponsored by Cornerstone Ministries. In addition to live bands, there were informational booths spotlighting local nonprofits, food trucks and family-friendly activities.
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UNDER THE BRIDGE AT PIER 24 PHOTOGRAPHY
Lanny Johnson photo
The club's most recent outing, under the leadership of Wayne Lipps, was to Pier 24 Photography, a gallery at the edge of San Francisco bay. The group included Lanny Johnson, Linda Johnson, George Bartolome, Nancy Hernandez, Ann Seronello, Diana Barr, Elizabeth Bush and Wayne. The day began at the Vallejo Ferry terminal where the group boarded the 10:30 a.m. ferry for the City. It was a beautiful day for the smooth ride that got them to the Ferry building and Gott's in time for lunch. From there some members of the stalwart group walked along the Embarcadero to the gallery, while others climbed aboard the Muni E car. Their destination, the historic and restored pier under the Bay Bridge. Pier 24 Photography is free and open to the public Monday through Friday by appointment, and houses the permanent photography collection of the Pilara Foundation.
The view from Pier 24 -- Wayne Lipps
Elizabeth Bush and Wayne Lipps confer -- Lanny Johnson
Nancy Hernandez and George Bartolome study a selection of group portraits -- Lanny Johnson
One of the images on display at the Pier 24 Photography -- Lanny Johnson
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May field trip to cornerstone
A starling stops for a sip on a floating island of water lilies -- Carolyn Younger
There was no guest presenter in May.
Instead, the usual Monday meeting was a field trip to Cornerstone in Sonoma for a photo shoot and picnic. NVPS members and their guests -- Wayne Lipps, Diana Barr, Ann Seronello, Lee Seronello, George Grossman, George Bartolome, Terry Smith and Carolyn Younger -- wandered through Cornerstone's gardens, galleries and shops as well as Sunset Magazine's five demonstration gardens, photographing as they went before stopping for a picnic lunch under an olive tree. The nine Cornerstone gardens were inspired by the International Garden Festival at Chaumont-Sur-Loire created to celebrate the connection between art, architecture and nature. The Sunset gardens highlight food production, bee habitat, cut flowers and composting.
Except on special event days, admission to both the Cornerstone and Sunset Gardens is complimentary and all gardens are open to the public, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily.
Instead, the usual Monday meeting was a field trip to Cornerstone in Sonoma for a photo shoot and picnic. NVPS members and their guests -- Wayne Lipps, Diana Barr, Ann Seronello, Lee Seronello, George Grossman, George Bartolome, Terry Smith and Carolyn Younger -- wandered through Cornerstone's gardens, galleries and shops as well as Sunset Magazine's five demonstration gardens, photographing as they went before stopping for a picnic lunch under an olive tree. The nine Cornerstone gardens were inspired by the International Garden Festival at Chaumont-Sur-Loire created to celebrate the connection between art, architecture and nature. The Sunset gardens highlight food production, bee habitat, cut flowers and composting.
Except on special event days, admission to both the Cornerstone and Sunset Gardens is complimentary and all gardens are open to the public, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily.
Picnicking at Cornerstone
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Daffodil Hill -- California's other 'gold'
NVPS field trip organizer Wayne Lipps, whose planned April excursions to Daffodil Hill in gold country have been thwarted two years in a row by spring rains, decided in late March to take a look at the McLaughlin's popular daffodil farm before a predicted "pineapple express" swept Northern California. In the past, heavy rains made the mountain roads impassable, forcing the McLaughlin family to close their gates to the public at the height of the viewing season.
Visitors may not have a chance to marvel at the annual spectacle until next year, but Wayne thinks the trip is well worth the wait, and provided these images to underscore his belief.
Visitors may not have a chance to marvel at the annual spectacle until next year, but Wayne thinks the trip is well worth the wait, and provided these images to underscore his belief.
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A rail trip through snow country
Betty Malmgren photographed Terry Smith and Joe Orsini on their return from the Reno the last weekend in January. The young man taking the selfie is a new friend met on the train.
When Wayne Lipps organized a train trip to Reno and back on Amtrak over the last weekend in January he promised snow. Mother Nature helped him keep that promise.
On the overnight excursion were Gary Sampson, George Bartolome, Nancy Hernandez, Betty Malmgren, Kathy Bandrowski, Terry Smith, Joe Orsini, Wayne Lipps and Diana Barr.
Gary considered the trip a photographic success, thanks to being on "the perfect side of train, with the perfect window for taking pictures on the way up." Being stuck behind a freight train in the mountains resulted in an hour delay getting in to Reno, "but the slower speed helped in taking photos. Thanks, Wayne for good trip."
(Wayne has put together a video of the trip. To view it on YouTube go to https://youtu.be/ax-b-B2GXbY )
On the overnight excursion were Gary Sampson, George Bartolome, Nancy Hernandez, Betty Malmgren, Kathy Bandrowski, Terry Smith, Joe Orsini, Wayne Lipps and Diana Barr.
Gary considered the trip a photographic success, thanks to being on "the perfect side of train, with the perfect window for taking pictures on the way up." Being stuck behind a freight train in the mountains resulted in an hour delay getting in to Reno, "but the slower speed helped in taking photos. Thanks, Wayne for good trip."
(Wayne has put together a video of the trip. To view it on YouTube go to https://youtu.be/ax-b-B2GXbY )
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Corralling the supermoon
Angela Johnson captured the supermoon on Nov. 13 from a perch on Mt. Veeder.
How could a photographer resist? The brightest, largest looking full moon in more than six decades was destined to rise over Napa's eastern hills over a two-day period, including one reasonably mild November evening just after sunset. And it would be an 18-year wait for another moon with these attributes. (The next full moon is Tuesday, Dec. 13, at 4:41 p.m., clouds notwithstanding.)
With this in mind, NVPS member Angela Johnson found a spot on Mt. Veeder to capture the moonrise just as the sunset worked its magic on a cloudy sky.
With this in mind, NVPS member Angela Johnson found a spot on Mt. Veeder to capture the moonrise just as the sunset worked its magic on a cloudy sky.
The supermoon makes its appearance--Carolyn Younger photos
Meanwhile, from a vantage point on a county road in the Carneros district, Carolyn Younger was startled to see a sliver of deep red cresting the Vaca Range. The moon faded as the sun set, and as it lifted above the earth's atmosphere, eventually took on its familiar silvery sheen.
A more familiar moon continues on its path across the night sky.
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October picnic at chateau montelena
Chateau Montelena's venerable stone winery -- Carolyn Younger
An October field trip to Chateau Montelena Winery on Tubbs Lane in Calistoga on a beautiful fall day turned out to be the last mild weather before the onset of a week of rain. NVPS members who took advantage of the opportunity were treated to a serene setting, a European-style potluck picnic on the edge of the winery's Jade Lake, and photo opportunities at every turn.
One of the premier wineries in the Valley. Chateau Montelena, dates to the late 1880s was the winner of the white wine division in what has come to be known as the “Judgement of Paris,” an award credited with putting the Napa Valley wine region on the map.
One of the premier wineries in the Valley. Chateau Montelena, dates to the late 1880s was the winner of the white wine division in what has come to be known as the “Judgement of Paris,” an award credited with putting the Napa Valley wine region on the map.
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VietNam adventure
The river side of a bustling market in Hoi An, an ancient town in VietNam's
central Quang Nam province--Photos by Rick De Bernardi
Earlier this year Rick De Bernardi traveled to VietNam with a group led by NVPS member and professional photographer, Vi Bottaro. During the 22-day workshop they stopped in north, central and south VietNam, including all five UNESCO World Heritage sites: Hanoi, Ha Long Bay, Sapa, Hue and Hoi An.
Bottaro, an artist who speaks the language, provided tips on how to photograph the country's people, its culture and its landscapes. The group also turned their cameras on Ho Chi Minh City, the beaches of Mui Ne and life on the Mekong Delta. The experience included glimpses of the old and new VietNam, as well as the art and the foods of the different regions. This collection of De Bernardi's photographs were taken during stops in Hoi An, Da Lat,Ke Ga, Mui Ne, Ho Chi Minh City, along the Mekong Delta, and at temples in the Angkor region, Cambodia.
Bottaro, an artist who speaks the language, provided tips on how to photograph the country's people, its culture and its landscapes. The group also turned their cameras on Ho Chi Minh City, the beaches of Mui Ne and life on the Mekong Delta. The experience included glimpses of the old and new VietNam, as well as the art and the foods of the different regions. This collection of De Bernardi's photographs were taken during stops in Hoi An, Da Lat,Ke Ga, Mui Ne, Ho Chi Minh City, along the Mekong Delta, and at temples in the Angkor region, Cambodia.
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Angel Island explored
Note: Wayne Lipps and several other NVPS members went on an outing to Angel Island July 12,
Below are his impressions of the island, now a state park, and some of its history.
The ferry left Tiburon at 10 am. As is my normal style, I was parked and at the boarding site early. Waiting to board with us was a group of about 50 kids aged from about 5 to 7. My first reaction was "Oh no." I was pleasantly surprised as they were very well behaved and enjoying themselves. They all had back packs and almost all had completed their rite of passage and had most front teeth missing. They were cute as could be and as excited about their adventure as I was.
On our 20-minute sail I had an opportunity to talk with a man who had a jacket with patches displaying his position as a national parks volunteer. I immediately engaged him in conversation and asked directions. He said he was a docent at the immigration station. He gave us great directions about the tram and schedules and was a great personal guide. Outings like this create great opportunities for new friends. Next we landed and bought the tickets he suggested then followed him to the appropriate open van, which took us to the immigration station.
History
About 2,000 years ago the Coast Miwok people established camps and used the island as a fishing and hunting site. In 1775 Lt. Juan Manuel de Ayala anchored in what is today Ayala Cove and christened the isle “Isla de Los Angeles” (Angel Island).
In 1863, during the Civil War, the U.S. Army established Camp Reynolds on the island to protect San Francisco Bay. The Army later designated the entire island Fort McDowell and used it as a detention camp for soldiers returning from the Spanish American War.
Below are his impressions of the island, now a state park, and some of its history.
The ferry left Tiburon at 10 am. As is my normal style, I was parked and at the boarding site early. Waiting to board with us was a group of about 50 kids aged from about 5 to 7. My first reaction was "Oh no." I was pleasantly surprised as they were very well behaved and enjoying themselves. They all had back packs and almost all had completed their rite of passage and had most front teeth missing. They were cute as could be and as excited about their adventure as I was.
On our 20-minute sail I had an opportunity to talk with a man who had a jacket with patches displaying his position as a national parks volunteer. I immediately engaged him in conversation and asked directions. He said he was a docent at the immigration station. He gave us great directions about the tram and schedules and was a great personal guide. Outings like this create great opportunities for new friends. Next we landed and bought the tickets he suggested then followed him to the appropriate open van, which took us to the immigration station.
History
About 2,000 years ago the Coast Miwok people established camps and used the island as a fishing and hunting site. In 1775 Lt. Juan Manuel de Ayala anchored in what is today Ayala Cove and christened the isle “Isla de Los Angeles” (Angel Island).
In 1863, during the Civil War, the U.S. Army established Camp Reynolds on the island to protect San Francisco Bay. The Army later designated the entire island Fort McDowell and used it as a detention camp for soldiers returning from the Spanish American War.
A typical men's barracks. During its time as an immigration station, there were
separate barracks designated for Chinese men and for Chinese women
as well as for non-Chinese women and non-Chinese men --Wayne Lipps
Meanwhile, until 1910 Chinese immigrants landed directly in San Francisco. American immigration officials soon realized, however, that these newcomers were “escaping” into the city without proper papers. As a result, Angel Island was established as an immigration station. The island was nicknamed “The guardian of the western gate” and would eventually process nearly a million immigrants from more than 80 countries.
Waiting for papers to be approved could take as long as two years. During this wait, some exquisite poetry was scratched on the walls --Wayne Lipps
Whether escaping war, persecution or poverty, immigrants came and continue to come to the United States for the ideals it represents. However, not all immigrants are welcomed with open arms. During the years from 1910 to 1940 Angel Island’s purpose was to enforce the Chinese Exclusion Act. Ellis Island in New York welcomed all. Angel Island did all it could to make immigrants feel unwelcome.
Commemorative bell at Angel Island's China Cove --Wayne Lipps
The immigration station was closed following a fire in 1940 that destroyed the administration building. The Army continued to use the island for various purposes until it was turned over to the California state parks system in 1963 as surplus property. A year later the Chinese American community was successful in its campaign to have the State designate the immigration station as a California landmark. In 1997 Angel Island was awarded National Historic Landmark status.
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Vintage race cars rumble through sonoma
In early June NVPS members headed to the historic town of Sonoma for another historic event, the Sonoma Motorsports Festival of 350 authentically prepared and presented antique race cars. The colorful autos paraded from Sears Point Raceway in the late afternoon, led by a Highway Patrol escort, and circled the town square before stopping to let visitors inspect and photograph their cars. Included were Packards, Rolls Royces, Ferraris, Jaguars, Corvettes, Porches, many no longer being produced, according to NVPS field trip coordinator and auto enthusiast, Wayne Lipps.
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Exploring fort point
On the first weekend in May Wayne Lipps and Lanny Johnson grabbed their cameras and headed to San Francisco. Their destination was Fort Point built in 1861. When the Golden Gate Bridge was designed nearly 80 years later great care was taken to preserve the historic structure in the shadow of its southeast corner. Wayne Lipps spoke with a guard who explained that the fort continues to attract visitors from around the country, including students of military history. Many believe Fort Point has the finest examples of brick work of any of the nation's remaining forts. The images below illustrate its unexpected beauty as well as the bridge's intriguing, and usually unseen, underpinnings.
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spring color explosion
at Napa Country Iris Gardens
Welcome to the gardens-Wayne Lipps photo
At the end of April, NVPS members took a photo jaunt to John and Lesley Painter's Napa Country Iris Gardens on Steele Canyon Rd. NVPS members visiting the garden, which usually opens in spring when the iris (peonies, too) begin to bloom, included field trip planner Wayne Lipps, as well as George Bartolome, George Grossman, Nancy Hernandez, Mick Imfeld, Lanny Johnson, Joseph Sinclair, Terry Smith and Carolyn Younger. Perfect weather with a brilliant sky, drifting clouds and spectacular flower colors -- cool, hot and hotter -- couldn't help but capture the visitors' imaginations.
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George Bartolome's
Death Valley Adventure
The word was out: The wild flowers in Death Valley this spring were spectacular! Possibly the best display in decades, perhaps in living memory.
As soon as George Bartolome and photography buddy Gene Piscia heard the news they were motoring to the desert, bags fully packed with cameras, lenses, spare batteries and memory cards. Here is a sampling of what George saw.
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Discovering the art, history
and culture of Mexico
Wayne Lipps went in search of warmth in late winter and traveled south to Mexico. Everywhere he turned he found a 'photo op.' Wayne included some of his favorites in this video.
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a Field trip to the past ...
with a touch of the present
Wayne Lipps -- An 'other-world' landscape outside Birds Landing
NVPS field trip organizer Wayne Lipps led a group of photographers and friends on a discovery jaunt to two historic Delta towns in October beginning with a stop in Birds Landing off Route12. Joining Wayne were Elizabeth Bush, Mark Mattioli, George Grossman, Christine Grossman, Ann Seronello, Lee Seronello, Karen Noyes and Gee Gee Williams who discovered dilapidated buildings, farm equipment, cattle, sheep and an wind machines both old and new. Wayne calls it "a land that time has forgotten."
The second stop was Locke, another “forgotten land.” The historic town was built by and for the first Chinese immigrants who came searching for gold and stayed to build railroads and farm the land. Today the residents of this once thriving town number less than two dozen. Some buildings are so ancient one wonders if it's safe to be near them, to say nothing about going in. There was a great deal of old timey "stuff" to explore as well as a restaurant /bar with great hamburgers.
Locke was named a National Historic Landmark in 1990. It has the distinction of being the only rural Chinese town remaining in the United States. While Chinese districts survive in several American cities, none claim the unique ethnicity of little Locke.
For more information on the history of Locke, visit www.gluckman.com/Locke
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night sky and perseid meteor shower
One of the most popular meteor showers in the Northern Hemisphere, the Perseid meteor shower that started in early August, often produces 50 to 100 meteors per hour in a dark sky. An extra bonus for us in the Northern Hemisphere is its appearance when the weather is warm. On those early, early mornings in mid-August, and on a few early mornings after, a number of NVPS members were out trying to capture a meteor or two. Among the photographers were George Bartolome, Suzanne Conner and Carolyn Younger.
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when every second counts
Morro Rock at Sunset
Kudos to NVPS member and professional photographer Connie Reid whose stunning photograph of Morro Rock on the California coast appears in Shutterbug Magazine's June fine arts photography issue. As Connie tells it, it was one of those magic moments that almost caught her without a camera.
"I was just coming out of a restaurant there in Morro Bay with my family when we were struck by this amazing sunset," she recalled. "The light was changing so quickly that we ran out to the edge of the dock and I grabbed the only camera I had with me at the time -- my little Pentax WG-3 hiding in the bottom of my purse. "
For those taking notes, the settings were 1/320 sec., f3.5.
Connie's experience is a vivid reminder to always have a camera handy to capture the unexpected moments of grace.
"I was just coming out of a restaurant there in Morro Bay with my family when we were struck by this amazing sunset," she recalled. "The light was changing so quickly that we ran out to the edge of the dock and I grabbed the only camera I had with me at the time -- my little Pentax WG-3 hiding in the bottom of my purse. "
For those taking notes, the settings were 1/320 sec., f3.5.
Connie's experience is a vivid reminder to always have a camera handy to capture the unexpected moments of grace.
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welcome to porchfest 2015
During July's 2015 Porchfest the homegrown music festival an estimated 12,000 or more music fans converged on Napa’s historic Old Town, the ABC streets and Alta Heights to hear as many of the 116 musical acts they could get to. They came by foot, on bicycles, even the two-wheeled, electric Segway scooters to listen to the musical offerings that included folk, rock, jazz, blues, and a string quartet performing on neighborhood lawns and porches. Of course an NVPS photographer or two was there to catch the action.
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at the County Fair
Some unexpected high-flying antics at this year's Napa Town & Country Fair were captured by Lanny Johnson.
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floral photos hit the road
Traveling photo exhibit
One of NVPS member Gary Sampson's floral images are on display in an unusual -- and mobile -- venue these days: The panels on either side of a delivery truck used by Van Winden's Garden Center.
Staff turned to Gary when it was decided that the new truck needed some graphic pizzazz. How long the images will hold up against the vagaries of weather and travel is anyone's guess, Sampson agreed. But for now the photos are bright and enticing. It should also be mentioned that Gary does have a bit of an "in" with Napa's longtime nursery -- the horticulturalist and landscape designer is the manager.
Staff turned to Gary when it was decided that the new truck needed some graphic pizzazz. How long the images will hold up against the vagaries of weather and travel is anyone's guess, Sampson agreed. But for now the photos are bright and enticing. It should also be mentioned that Gary does have a bit of an "in" with Napa's longtime nursery -- the horticulturalist and landscape designer is the manager.
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mules have their day
Wayne Lipps recently took a field trip of his own to Bishop, dubbed the "Mule Capital of the World," on the eastern side of the Serra Nevada off Route 395. He returned with this visual document of an unusual Memorial Day event that started in 1969 with a few hundred attendees and now attracts as many as 30,000 spectators. Among aficionados of mule shows, Bishop Mule Days is considered "The Granddaddy of Them All." Over the six-day event, competitions at Bishop's Tri-County Fairgrounds include barrel racing, calf roping, steer stopping, cow penning, flat racing, and carriage driving, as well as packing, dressage, team chariot racing and mule-shoeing contests.
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mustang days
June 12-14, 2015
Early morning Carolyn Younger photo
The Napa Horseman's "Mustang Days" held in mid-June at the Napa Valley Horsemen’s Association arena combined the adoption of wild horses and burros collected from public lands by the Bureau of Land Management with adoption of saddle-trained Mustangs from the new Rio Cosumnes Correctional Facility's wild horse training program.
Visitors were able to watch noted trainers Lesley Neuman of Oregon; Robert Gonzales just returned from a training tour of England; Lena Haug of Sebastopol’s Windhorse Ranch; and experienced Mustang trainer Fred Woehl, chairman of the BLM Wild Horse and Burro Advisory Committee, in action. For those more interested in advancing their riding skills, Krista Koenig and David Kneller of Arroyo Grande and Cherie Cross of Marin County held demonstrations and mini-clinics in Cowboy Dressage.
Visitors were able to watch noted trainers Lesley Neuman of Oregon; Robert Gonzales just returned from a training tour of England; Lena Haug of Sebastopol’s Windhorse Ranch; and experienced Mustang trainer Fred Woehl, chairman of the BLM Wild Horse and Burro Advisory Committee, in action. For those more interested in advancing their riding skills, Krista Koenig and David Kneller of Arroyo Grande and Cherie Cross of Marin County held demonstrations and mini-clinics in Cowboy Dressage.
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Dramatic shoreline photography
JUNE 5-7, 2015
Suzanne Conner photo
Point Reyes National Seashore Association sponsored a weekend Dramatic Shoreline Photography workshop with instructor Bill Helsel in early June at the Point Reyes National Seashore. Three NVPS photographers, Terry Smith, Suzanne Conner and Karen Noyes, were there to capture images of the coast and some of its denizens.
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Jaguars in the wilds of Sonoma!
MAY 30, 2015
Wayne Lipps organized a photo opportunity for NVPS members and their guests on May 30 when the Vintage Jaguar car club made its way from Sonoma Raceway to the town of Sonoma where they joined other vintage sports cars participating in Sonoma's first Historic MotorSports Festival, a Gold Medallion invitational event. Engines rumbled as entries circled the square and parked in front of the town's historic city hall.
Some vehicles dated to the early 1900s and many drivers and passengers were dressed according to the period of their cars. NVPS car buffs were among the spectators getting a close look at the magnificent machines and enjoying a late afternoon of photographing and picnicking. The combination slideshow/video was created by Wayne Lipps.
Some vehicles dated to the early 1900s and many drivers and passengers were dressed according to the period of their cars. NVPS car buffs were among the spectators getting a close look at the magnificent machines and enjoying a late afternoon of photographing and picnicking. The combination slideshow/video was created by Wayne Lipps.
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Napa Under your very nose
May 3, 2015
Workshop co-leader Neil Silverman discusses camera settings with NVPS members during a
May 3 workshop.
Terry Smith photo
Armed with a variety of cameras, lenses, even smart phones, and dressed for the early morning chill, a group of NVPS members joined Santa Rosa-based photographers Neil and Susan Silverman for an eye-opening workshop in downtown Napa that included a walk along the Napa River. With the Silvermans was model Krysta Young who, with great patience, posed by sculptures, leaned against walls and zipped up and down stairs countless times while Neil Silverman worked with photographers on shutter speeds and aperture and ISO settings. Later in the day, the group headed for a local vineyard in the south Napa hills where they picnicked before editing and evaluating the day's photographs.
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MARIN fARMERS' mARKET
April 19, 2015
Wayne Lipps, NVPS Field Trips
On Sunday morning April 19, 2015, our group went to the Marin farmers market for some great still-life’s. There were exceptional opportunities to photograph interesting fruits, vegetables, baked goods, fish, meat, crafts, honey, flowers, and more -- all typical Marin quality and displayed in beautiful style, ideal for photography. I was told this market far exceeds the San Francisco farmers market.
The merchants explained they typically set up about 7:30. We arrived there by 8 a.m. and were be able to get good images before too many customers arrived. I didn’t count but I estimated there were at least 100 booths. Parking was free.
... Wayne Lipps
The merchants explained they typically set up about 7:30. We arrived there by 8 a.m. and were be able to get good images before too many customers arrived. I didn’t count but I estimated there were at least 100 booths. Parking was free.
... Wayne Lipps
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Streets of San Francisco
Feb. 20, 2015
Video by Wayne Lipps
To provide club members with a variety of creative photography events, NVPS field trip organizer Wayne Lipps has scouted various regional events and settled on a number of interesting sites.
The results of the first two field trips -- one to San Francisco and the other to the Marin Farmers Market -- were turned into videos. (see the past workshops and field trips page.)
The results of the first two field trips -- one to San Francisco and the other to the Marin Farmers Market -- were turned into videos. (see the past workshops and field trips page.)
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Lassen Volcanic National Park
July 2014
Terry Nathan led a workshop to Lassen Volcanic National Park in Mineral, Calif., July 2014. Below is a video of the workshop created by Wayne Lipps. He was joined by Rick De Bernardi.
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