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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2024 PHOTO OPS, FIELD TRIPS, ETC.
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PHOTO OPS
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Night Skies and Full Moon Shoots
with the Silvermans
with the Silvermans
November can be spectacular on the coast; and photographers Susan and Neil Silverman plan to make the most out of it as they lead a group to photograph Redwood Forests, dramatic coastal scenes and as well as night-time scenes, in addition to planning for a private full moon shoot from the top of the Pt. Arena Lighthouse.
There will also be access to some private locations that are unique and fun to explore and photograph.
The group will be small and there will be the ability to tailor to the opportunity of the moment. All levels of experience and gear are welcome (phone cameras included).
Based out of Gualala and The Sea Ranch (approximately three hours north of San Francisco), there is plenty lodging available in the area. Check with with the Silvermans for recommendations.
The shoot will begin at 6 p.m. on Wednesday, Nov. 13 and end mid-afternoon on Saturday, Nov. 16, with an optional sunset shoot for those who do not need to get back on the road early.
"We look forward to sharing our enthusiasm and love for this area that we know so well. Check our website for details." Susan and Neil Silverman
www.silvermansphotography.com
There will also be access to some private locations that are unique and fun to explore and photograph.
The group will be small and there will be the ability to tailor to the opportunity of the moment. All levels of experience and gear are welcome (phone cameras included).
Based out of Gualala and The Sea Ranch (approximately three hours north of San Francisco), there is plenty lodging available in the area. Check with with the Silvermans for recommendations.
The shoot will begin at 6 p.m. on Wednesday, Nov. 13 and end mid-afternoon on Saturday, Nov. 16, with an optional sunset shoot for those who do not need to get back on the road early.
"We look forward to sharing our enthusiasm and love for this area that we know so well. Check our website for details." Susan and Neil Silverman
www.silvermansphotography.com
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SPRING ON THE COAST
Photograph the views of the Pacific Coast line -- from dramatic oceanic surf to the quiet of the Redwoods, wildlife and wildflowers and tide pools ---- with Susan and Neil Silverman. June tends to be lovely weather on the coast; and we will make the most out of it. There is a lot to see, experience and photograph.
The group will be small and we will have the ability to tailor to the opportunity of the moment. It is based out of Gualala and The Sea Ranch (approximately three hours North of San Francisco). There is plenty lodging available in the area. Check with us for recommendations,
If you have not experienced the northern Pacific Coast, it is truly beautiful and if you have spent time here, come and join us to see some new and unusual places that we are familiar with and are our favorites.
We will begin at 6 p.m. on Wednesday, June 12 and end mid afternoon on Saturday, June 15 (with an optional sunset shoot for those who do not need to get back home before dark).
We look forward to sharing our enthusiasm and love for this area that we know so well. Please join us.
Specific details on our website:
www.silvermansphotography.com
SUSAN AND NEIL SILVERMAN
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Link to website
Photograph the views of the Pacific Coast line -- from dramatic oceanic surf to the quiet of the Redwoods, wildlife and wildflowers and tide pools ---- with Susan and Neil Silverman. June tends to be lovely weather on the coast; and we will make the most out of it. There is a lot to see, experience and photograph.
The group will be small and we will have the ability to tailor to the opportunity of the moment. It is based out of Gualala and The Sea Ranch (approximately three hours North of San Francisco). There is plenty lodging available in the area. Check with us for recommendations,
If you have not experienced the northern Pacific Coast, it is truly beautiful and if you have spent time here, come and join us to see some new and unusual places that we are familiar with and are our favorites.
We will begin at 6 p.m. on Wednesday, June 12 and end mid afternoon on Saturday, June 15 (with an optional sunset shoot for those who do not need to get back home before dark).
We look forward to sharing our enthusiasm and love for this area that we know so well. Please join us.
Specific details on our website:
www.silvermansphotography.com
SUSAN AND NEIL SILVERMAN
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Link to website
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Submit images in one or more of these nine categories by March 31, 2024:
- Birds
- Mammals
- Baby Animals: young of any species
- Other Wildlife: underwater life, reptiles, amphibians, insects, spiders, macro and more
- Landscapes & Plants: from broad vistas to single blooms
- People in Nature: responsibly enjoying wildlife or the outdoors
- Mobile: taken with phones or tablets
- Young Nature Photographers: open to ages 13 to 17
- Portfolio: a collection of up to 10 images built around a common theme related to nature or conservation
Winners receive cash prizes, with the grand prize winner garnering the National Wildlife Nature’s Witness Award and $5,000.
The winner of the portfolio category receives $750.
In each of the eight additional categories, first place wins $500, and second place wins $250.
All winners will be announced in a press release, highlighted through our social media channels and published in print and/or online in early 2025.
Photo contest entrants are also eligible for the People’s Choice Award.
Anyone 13 years of age or older can support their favorites and vote! Photo contest entrants are also eligible for the People’s Choice Award.
Anyone 13 years of age or older can support their favorites and vote! Browse the photos submitted so far.
Now in its 53rd year, the contest celebrates wildlife, habitats and the natural world, with an emphasis on conservation and ethical photography honoring the well-being of animals in the wild.
The entry fees support the National Wildlife Federation’s conservation work.
For details visit:
https://photocontest.nwf.org
The winner of the portfolio category receives $750.
In each of the eight additional categories, first place wins $500, and second place wins $250.
All winners will be announced in a press release, highlighted through our social media channels and published in print and/or online in early 2025.
Photo contest entrants are also eligible for the People’s Choice Award.
Anyone 13 years of age or older can support their favorites and vote! Photo contest entrants are also eligible for the People’s Choice Award.
Anyone 13 years of age or older can support their favorites and vote! Browse the photos submitted so far.
Now in its 53rd year, the contest celebrates wildlife, habitats and the natural world, with an emphasis on conservation and ethical photography honoring the well-being of animals in the wild.
The entry fees support the National Wildlife Federation’s conservation work.
For details visit:
https://photocontest.nwf.org
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Napa Lighted Art Festival 2024
Site A: First Presbyterian Church
Artist: Hotaru Visual Guerilla, Donostia - San Sebastian, Spain
The Napa Lighted Art Festival -- Jan. 20 to Feb. 18,
was a celebration of creative arts, technology and lights, and supports innovative techniques using light and light technologies as a growing art medium.
This walkable outdoor experience in downtown Napa features 10 lighted art sculptures for five weeks . The projection artwork on three iconic downtown buildings was held the first nine nights of the festival.
Festival recap videos can be seen HERE!
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WORKSHOPS
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WORKSHOPS FOR WINTER, EARLY SPRING
Join photographers Susan and Neil Silverman at one of their upcoming workshops.
Hands-on photography, lively discussions, and shared knowledge can be valuable for both beginners and those looking to improve their skills. Whether it's about personal growth, artistic development, or discovering hidden gems in the Mendonoma location, the Silvermans' knowledge and familiarity with this area can open opportunities for exploration and innovation.
For additional information on upcoming workshops, contact them at:
https://silvermansphotography.com
Hands-on photography, lively discussions, and shared knowledge can be valuable for both beginners and those looking to improve their skills. Whether it's about personal growth, artistic development, or discovering hidden gems in the Mendonoma location, the Silvermans' knowledge and familiarity with this area can open opportunities for exploration and innovation.
For additional information on upcoming workshops, 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 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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