Meet-ups, FIELD TRIPS, photo ops
& workshops
The Napa Valley Photographic Society offers field trips and workshops to many locations. Mode concentrations such as flash, HDR, panoramic, sports, macro, night photography and Astrophotography can be explored. Whether it's morning, midday or night, our base location, the Napa Valley, is one of the most breathtaking regions in the world, with its vineyards, wineries, foothill-size mountains, gardens, fall colors, etc. To the west is the Pacific Ocean and to the east are the Sierra Nevada mountains. Join us and visit some of these beautiful locales, where photographers can learn from one another and do what they love ... shoot, shoot, shoot!
For current and future events volunteers are needed to act as point persons and to ensure all are accounted for .
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2023 PHOTO OPS, FIELD TRIPS, ETC.
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PHOTO OPS
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Thanks to the efforts of NVPS secretary Gary Sampson the following is a list upcoming fall photo opportunities:
Napa Blues Brews and BBQ – Napa Valley Expo, Saturday, Oct. 7, noon to 6 p.m. Free admission but fee for Beer Garden wrist band and fee for food vendors.
(The Peanuts Gang – “It’s the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown” would be excited to participate in all the pumpkin events in our area this month. GS)
Elk Grove Giant Pumpkin Festival, Oct. 7 and 8.
50th annual Safeway World Championship Pumpkin Weigh-Off, Half Moon Bay, Oct. 9
Check out the website for Pronzini Farms Pumpkin Patch, 3795 Adobe Rd. Petaluma. If you have ever driven by that site on the way to Petaluma or to Bodega Bay you will have noticed the expanding collection of “Yard Art” – old trucks, tractors, bus, etc. The photographer for the website has used “light painting” on the old collection. Field Trip anyone?
On going through October. Then will become a Christmas tree lot.
Dixon Corn Maze/Cool Patch Pumpkins – now through Oct, 31
Napa’s Stanley Lane Pumpkin Patch – founder Billy K. Wilcoxson recently passed away, but I assume family members will keep tradition going
45th annual Yountville Days Parade and Festival, Saturday Oct. 7, 11 a.m.
Pumpkin Patch Festival and Train Rides – Western Railway Museum, Suisun City (on the way to Rio Vista) Saturday, Oct. 14, 10 a.m. (when leaving, consider turning right and going down to the new traffic circle to come back our way.)
Also, Haunted Railcar House Paranormal Halloween Tours – Western Railway Museum, Oct. 21, 6 p.m.
St. Helena Hometown Harvest Festival, Saturday, Oct. 21, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Dia De Los Muertos Car Procession and Fest Downtown San Rafael, Saturday, Oct. 21, 3 p.m.
Hometown Halloween Trick or Treat 2023 – Downtown Napa, Saturday, Oct. 28, 11 a.m.
Howl-O-Ween Pet Parade & Costume Contest Vacaville,
Saturday, Oct. 28, 11:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m.
Halloween ‘Witches & Wizards on The Water’ The Floathouse, Petaluma, Saturday, Oct. 28, noon
Free Halloween Carnival & Costume Contest, Yountville, Saturday, Oct 28, 2 p.m.
Dia de Los Muertos Veterans Park, Napa, Saturday, Nov. 4, 3 – 8 p.m.
Fall Color will be coming to the Valley and area and into November. Already I've seen a few trees turning color. Look for Maples, Chinese Pistache, Crape Myrtles, Gingko, Persimmon, some Dogwood, Poplars and later, of course, the vineyards. Poplars/Aspen in the foothills and Sierras should be great this year.
All you NVPS birder’s and members please send me your favorite “Birding” place/s to go and we can compile a list to send out the end of this month/first of November.
Member Judd Howell already shared the Lodi Sandhill Crane Festival, Nov. 3 to 5. I’m interested.
Napa Blues Brews and BBQ – Napa Valley Expo, Saturday, Oct. 7, noon to 6 p.m. Free admission but fee for Beer Garden wrist band and fee for food vendors.
(The Peanuts Gang – “It’s the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown” would be excited to participate in all the pumpkin events in our area this month. GS)
Elk Grove Giant Pumpkin Festival, Oct. 7 and 8.
50th annual Safeway World Championship Pumpkin Weigh-Off, Half Moon Bay, Oct. 9
Check out the website for Pronzini Farms Pumpkin Patch, 3795 Adobe Rd. Petaluma. If you have ever driven by that site on the way to Petaluma or to Bodega Bay you will have noticed the expanding collection of “Yard Art” – old trucks, tractors, bus, etc. The photographer for the website has used “light painting” on the old collection. Field Trip anyone?
On going through October. Then will become a Christmas tree lot.
Dixon Corn Maze/Cool Patch Pumpkins – now through Oct, 31
Napa’s Stanley Lane Pumpkin Patch – founder Billy K. Wilcoxson recently passed away, but I assume family members will keep tradition going
45th annual Yountville Days Parade and Festival, Saturday Oct. 7, 11 a.m.
Pumpkin Patch Festival and Train Rides – Western Railway Museum, Suisun City (on the way to Rio Vista) Saturday, Oct. 14, 10 a.m. (when leaving, consider turning right and going down to the new traffic circle to come back our way.)
Also, Haunted Railcar House Paranormal Halloween Tours – Western Railway Museum, Oct. 21, 6 p.m.
St. Helena Hometown Harvest Festival, Saturday, Oct. 21, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Dia De Los Muertos Car Procession and Fest Downtown San Rafael, Saturday, Oct. 21, 3 p.m.
Hometown Halloween Trick or Treat 2023 – Downtown Napa, Saturday, Oct. 28, 11 a.m.
Howl-O-Ween Pet Parade & Costume Contest Vacaville,
Saturday, Oct. 28, 11:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m.
Halloween ‘Witches & Wizards on The Water’ The Floathouse, Petaluma, Saturday, Oct. 28, noon
Free Halloween Carnival & Costume Contest, Yountville, Saturday, Oct 28, 2 p.m.
Dia de Los Muertos Veterans Park, Napa, Saturday, Nov. 4, 3 – 8 p.m.
Fall Color will be coming to the Valley and area and into November. Already I've seen a few trees turning color. Look for Maples, Chinese Pistache, Crape Myrtles, Gingko, Persimmon, some Dogwood, Poplars and later, of course, the vineyards. Poplars/Aspen in the foothills and Sierras should be great this year.
All you NVPS birder’s and members please send me your favorite “Birding” place/s to go and we can compile a list to send out the end of this month/first of November.
Member Judd Howell already shared the Lodi Sandhill Crane Festival, Nov. 3 to 5. I’m interested.
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MEET UPS
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Sturgeon’s Mill, more than 100 years old, is a steam powered sawmill and working museum that is open four weekends a year to the general public. Demonstration hours are 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., with a crew lunch break from noon to 1 pm
Weekend demonstration dates for the 2023 season are:
Sept. 16-17
Oct. 14-15.
Demonstration run hours are 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., with a crew lunch break from 12 noon to 1p.m.
The steam-powered sawmill depends on donations to help pay for our continued operating expenses throughout the year. Admission is free (no advance tickets required) and donations are gladly accepted.
The mill is located at 2150 Green Hill Rd, Sebastopol
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2023 WORKSHOPS
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Discover Photography Experiences with
The Ansel Adams Gallery
The Ansel Adams Gallery
Classes for Beginner Photographers, Hobbyists, and Ansel Adams Enthusiasts offered
November 4 - 6, 2023
The weekend package includes elegant accommodations at Château du Sureau inclusive of all meals and transportation to and from the park. During a full-day expert-guided experience in the park, participants will gain insight into the artistic creativity of Ansel Adams through a curated discussion and presentation of Adams’ original photographs. They will visit Yosemite’s most picturesque locations, where they will be taught how to best use their cameras to incorporate Adams’ photographic techniques and compositions.
Questions: Contact The Ansel Adams Gallery
Village Mall
Yosemite National Park, CA 95389
info@anseladams.com
650-692-3495
November 4 - 6, 2023
The weekend package includes elegant accommodations at Château du Sureau inclusive of all meals and transportation to and from the park. During a full-day expert-guided experience in the park, participants will gain insight into the artistic creativity of Ansel Adams through a curated discussion and presentation of Adams’ original photographs. They will visit Yosemite’s most picturesque locations, where they will be taught how to best use their cameras to incorporate Adams’ photographic techniques and compositions.
Questions: Contact The Ansel Adams Gallery
Village Mall
Yosemite National Park, CA 95389
info@anseladams.com
650-692-3495
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WORKSHOPS FOR FALL, EARLY WINTER
Join photographers Susan and Neil Silverman at one of their upcoming workshops.
Check the website for specific details and information on each of the workshops as well as how to register:
www.silvermansphotography.com
Still have questions or need additional information, contact them at:
https://silvermansphotography.com
Check the website for specific details and information on each of the workshops as well as how to register:
www.silvermansphotography.com
Still have questions or need additional information, contact them at:
https://silvermansphotography.com
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Jeff Sullivan Photography
A past presenter Jeff Sullivan and his business partner, Lori Hibbett, offer workshops through their Great Basin School of Photography.
To learn more about scheduled workshops visit https://www.jeffsullivanphotography.com/blog/about-us/
To see examples of Sullivan's work visit
https://www.jeffsullivanphotography.com/
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No need to wait for a special event, a walk through the neighborhood can offer unexpected photographic opportunities. So why not take advantage of the season -- rain or shine -- and use your camera to capture nature as it brings changes to gardens and street trees you pass during your walk. The only criteria is to be considerate and not intrude on your neighbors' privacy. These unexpected images, captured in the spur of the moment, are considered Photo Ops and anyone can participate. Members with photo op images to share should contact Carolyn Younger. They will be posted in a new feature: A Walk Through the Neighborhood. (See below) Send your collection of images with your name and the neighborhood in the subject line. Images should be formatted for the web (72 ppi and no more than 600 pixels on the long side) and emailed to Carolyn Younger. (Check your club roster for the email address.)
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iPhone Opportunities
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Lizard escape
A cell phone is something most of us always have with us, so if you haven't thought to bring your usual DSL that doesn't mean you can't photograph something that catches your photographer's eye. If you have found something -- an insect, a flower, a moment you've captured with your mobile phone's camera -- send it to Carolyn Younger along with a brief description of where the image was taken.
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Van Winden's July 2021 dahlia competition
and show
and show
Encouraged by an announcement sent out by NVPS president Gary Sampson (a landscape designer and longtime Van Winden's Garden Center mainstay) Carolyn Younger stopped by with her iPhone and an Olympus PEN F camera to take in the colorful display of locally grown dahlias at the Van Winden's show and was fortunate to capture one of the prize winners in the colorful array.
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A walk through the neighborhoodS
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Jean Timken out for a stroll
New NVPS member Jean Timken and her camera have been exploring different neighborhoods during the pandemic. Here are a few of their discoveries.
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Backyard Birds
Nancy Hernandez, getting to know her new home and the world around it this spring, learned that her yard is a haven for numerous 'birds' and other winged critters.
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The allure of pumpkin spice cookie crumbs
In the first month of 2021, opportunistic -- and sharp-eyed gulls -- caught sight of a small cookie crumb on a railing along the Napa River walk. The result was a lively tussle. With the help of Betty Malmgren, who portioned out crumbs, Carolyn Younger used her iPhone to capture the antics of the hungry gulls.
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Al fresco dining on Pearl Street
Just before sunset on two mid-summer evenings, Betty Malmgren and Carolyn Younger stopped near the Pearl Street bridge over the Napa River, hoping to come across the resident beaver family. Below are some of the images from the visits to the watery neighborhood as the family was preparing and enjoying an evening meal.
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The New Normal: Nancy Hernandez documents
the rhythms of life during the pandemic
the rhythms of life during the pandemic
While walking with her dog, Nancy Hernandez came across some neighborhood children and their mother working on a special rock painting project. She was impressed and inspired to photograph their efforts.
Nancy also stopped at the Big Ranch Road produce stand and nursery, based on a suggestion from fellow NVPS photographer, Ann Seronello. "I was a little worried with the virus and all," Nancy admits, "but Ann said it was safe and set up for social distancing. I was very pleased to see she was right. "
Nancy also took her camera with her on a trip to Trader Joe's where customers follow the six-foot distancing rule as they wait their turn to enter the store.
Nancy also took her camera with her on a trip to Trader Joe's where customers follow the six-foot distancing rule as they wait their turn to enter the store.
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'Captured' by Judd Howell in Kennedy Park
One bright Friday afternoon Judd and Carol Howell were taking a walk through Kennedy Park when he came across a Swallowtail butterfly executing a graceful ballet over a stand of wild radish -- off came the camera lens cap. He also spotted a White-crowned sparrow, a seed clamped tightly in its beak, resting briefly on a wire fence. All in all, he said, it was "just fun just to be out and about."
Swallowtail butterfly -- Judd Howell
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White -crowned sparrow -- Judd Howell
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Angie Johnson shares a venerable collection of rhizomes
On a morning walk through a Yountville neighborhood, Angie Johnson was captivated by this colorful expanse of Japanese irises which got its start 38 years ago.
Japanese irises -- Angie Johnson
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Neighborhood gardens are bursting into bloom.
Carolyn Younger finds wildlife is active, too.
Carolyn Younger finds wildlife is active, too.
In early April Carolyn Younger took up her camera and went for a walk along Palmer Street near Napa's Fuller Park. The street was quiet except for the hum of bees and the tapping of a Nuttall's woodpecker exploring a nearby utility pole.
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During the past two weeks, Carolyn Younger also took her camera to a more remote neighborhood -- two back roads in Napa's Carneros district, Henry Road and Buhman Road.
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Joe Sinclair and his camera out for a walk
Here's what captured Joe Sinclair's attention during a recent walk through his Glen Cove neighborhood in Vallejo near the Carquinez Strait.
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The Napa Valley is Rhoda Stewart's 'neighborhood'
As Rhoda Stewart explains it, although she enjoys walking in her Alta Heights neighborhood "I get tired of the usual loops ... so I take drives out to Carneros, park my car, and walk, just as I did for my recent stroll through Henry Lane in Carneros.
"Sometimes," she adds, "I just go exploring, with camera, in favorite back country roads. I’ve long admired the Dutch Belted cows along Golden Gate Drive. As for the Carneros region roads, for many years, I cycled through there many a Saturday, all the way to Sonoma where we would get refreshment from Sonoma bakeries or cafes before our ride back. I’ve given up road cycling, so still like to go out there for a morning or evening walk, when the light is really lovely.
"... I guess I consider all these trails, roads, as well as immediate neighborhood as my neighborhood ... Anyway, these images are result of getting out of my car, as well as just getting out of the house, all the result of taking time to stroll roads, gardens and grounds, and not just treat places as destinations for shopping or eating. " RS
"Sometimes," she adds, "I just go exploring, with camera, in favorite back country roads. I’ve long admired the Dutch Belted cows along Golden Gate Drive. As for the Carneros region roads, for many years, I cycled through there many a Saturday, all the way to Sonoma where we would get refreshment from Sonoma bakeries or cafes before our ride back. I’ve given up road cycling, so still like to go out there for a morning or evening walk, when the light is really lovely.
"... I guess I consider all these trails, roads, as well as immediate neighborhood as my neighborhood ... Anyway, these images are result of getting out of my car, as well as just getting out of the house, all the result of taking time to stroll roads, gardens and grounds, and not just treat places as destinations for shopping or eating. " RS
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Gary and Vicki Sampson discover hidden lanes
Gary Sampson considers himself fortunate to live in Old Town. "On our last walk," he explained, "Vicki and I tried a new route. Since traffic is now negligible we felt we could safely cross Third, Second, and First streets on foot to Clay. We even found an alley way, with a series of small houses, from Clay to First, that we had never seen before. What a difference what you can see on foot rather than when traveling in vehicles, just zipping by. Our area was bounded by Seymour to the West, Clay to the North, Warren to the East, and Laurel to the South, with a walk up First Street in the B&B district. All images were taken with my iPhone 7+ as it is much easier to carry while walking. Of course, with my interest and profession in horticulture, the flowers and landscapes caught my attention. Also, some photos are from my own yard." GS
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CHANGES
New Farmers Market location on West Street in a City of Napa parking lot
Unfortunately, during the coronavirus pandemic the farmers market is no longer a suitable location for photo ops. It is for shoppers only and lingering is not encouraged.
Information on location changes and parking options are available on the market’s website: www.napafarmersmarket.org/map.
Unfortunately, during the coronavirus pandemic the farmers market is no longer a suitable location for photo ops. It is for shoppers only and lingering is not encouraged.
Information on location changes and parking options are available on the market’s website: www.napafarmersmarket.org/map.
Popular Photo Ops locations also on hold for now:
Western Railway Museum, Suisun City
Quarryhill Botanical Garden, Glen Ellen
Luther Burbank Gardens,Santa Rosa
Cornerstone Sunset Magazine gardens, Sonoma
Sturgeon's Mill, Sebastopol
Camel Barn Museum, Benicia
Western Railway Museum, Suisun City
Quarryhill Botanical Garden, Glen Ellen
Luther Burbank Gardens,Santa Rosa
Cornerstone Sunset Magazine gardens, Sonoma
Sturgeon's Mill, Sebastopol
Camel Barn Museum, Benicia
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Egret in tree -- Lanny Johnson
(Right) Lanny Johnson came upon this elegant egret at Kennedy Park.
The Napa River is full of activity despite to wintery weather. But so is your backyard, your daily walk, a drive along the Silverado Trail. What have you seen recently that made you haul out your camera?
If you came across a Photo Op you'd like to share we welcome your images.
The Napa River is full of activity despite to wintery weather. But so is your backyard, your daily walk, a drive along the Silverado Trail. What have you seen recently that made you haul out your camera?
If you came across a Photo Op you'd like to share we welcome your images.
Mother mallard with ducklings hatched under a hedge bordering the Hatt Building parking lot -- Carolyn Younger
(To see what caught the eye of other NVPS members in the past, go to the Past Workshops, Field Trips & Photo Ops page.)
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WORKSHOPS
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Waiting at JFK Airport -- Neil Silverman photo
OUT AND ABOUT WITH A CAMERA
Professional photographers Susan and Neil Silverman -- popular NVPS guest speakers -- teach a variety of photography workshops. For more information visit: www.silvermansphotography.com
OUT AND ABOUT WITH A CAMERA
Professional photographers Susan and Neil Silverman -- popular NVPS guest speakers -- teach a variety of photography workshops. For more information visit: www.silvermansphotography.com
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