Chi-town Get Together Time...

Alright, we should really start talking about this now.

I have been thinking for a while that I would enjoy making it more than just us peeps hanging out eating wings and BS-ing. I kind of would like to make it more of a tangible representation of what PR.com is all about. On that note, I would personally like it wif we made it into a sort of workshop. I think a day with a definite project theme, maybe some models, etc. Could be followed up at night with a critique session of the day's take. We could even rent a studio if people would be willing to chip in for one.

I guess I would like to do what we do here on the forums, but face-to-face.

What do you think? Go ahead and vote and feel free to leave a comment or several...

Of the several photo gatherings that I have attended, we spent more time shooting than eating/drinking. I think that this thought goes in line with the plea to Steve in doing a studio seminar. Irakly would be a great great professor also.

I would love to go back to Chicago and do an outdoor industrial/street photography project or the studio approach works too.

Since we're paying big money to go out to an unknown city I would prefer to have a morning street and an afternoon studio shoot. Then take a two hour break so we can edit and show our images via computer slide show at dinner with many beers and food.

Sunday could be nature/landscape day.

Hell...I would be interested in hosting an event like that in Santa Clara. The loft offers 30 foot ceilings and we have full kitchen/bar and a lot of room.

I had a lot of fun at the SF Gathering when we went to Mt. Diablo and then the rest went to Berkeley day. Chicago vol. 1, we went to no less than three different locations, fun. Paris, Franglais and I went all over Paris to caputure many cool sights. Thanks Charles.

I learned a lot by how other photographers work, even though I usually work solo.

Loren

Yeah, Chicago get together again. We can definitely add more structure to our time here. Early morning outdoor shoot, mid afternoon studio shoot/critique of morning shoot, evening shoot of city scapes, then a night out on the town with the point and shoot cameras.

Not much nature in the city since it's so urban, but we can work in the botanic gardens or shoot in Lincoln Park in the heart of the city.

Last time we were able to secure permission to shoot in a historical building, so we can definitely do something like that again.

Something along those lines.

Dennis

So... I see a lot of gatherings in different places around and i wondered... Is everyone welcome to attend? I'm just a city or so below Chicago and while I will be there on May 6th-9th, I wouldn't mind another trip there especially if it meant meeting other photographers. *smile*

Is when we put Gatherings together, everyone in our PR.com family is invited. That's the point of the gatherings.. Get us all together, face to face, so we can grow our friendships as well as strengthening this great site! :)

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Originally Posted by darkrainfall

So... I see a lot of gatherings in different places around and i wondered... Is everyone welcome to attend? I'm just a city or so below Chicago and while I will be there on May 6th-9th, I wouldn't mind another trip there especially if it meant meeting other photographers. *smile*

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Is there a date already set? If so, please let us know what it is. I'm extremely inteested in making this year's Chicago Gathering!!

Plus, someone needs to be there representing Nikon!
~Brian

I've got a couple obligations that stretch out into October, various weekends I'd for sure be out. So as soon as someone has something, let us know.

Also, one suggestion from last year. Could the official dinner be a lunch maybe? Or an earlier dinner? With the drive, I think it would be easier for others to make it if it was earlier.

adina

Nikon? Whe needs Nikon? I think Sebastion was the only one last year shooting Nikon, and he's learned the error of his ways. :)

Brian,

Thanks for the response... as my schedule allows I will be there... and I will be representing Nikon as well. *smile*

No dates yet, although we are looking at October again. It works well it seems, and the weather here becimes unoredictable in a less anoying, more photogenic wort of way.

THe point of this thread is mainly to see if this idea of the workshops would work. I think One of the weekend days schedule it so it's stuctured stuff with unstructured activities interspersed. Morning shoot, lunch, then maybe a night project, and then maybe critique. And only the ones that wanted to join in the strcutured stuff would, the others could just roam or do things as a seperate group. I am not trying to make it one way or the other, I'm just trying to add to the experience.

Darkrainfall,

You ca not join us until we get your W-9 and you put in thirty hours of comunity service in a photo-related manner. We also need goat blood. It's just to make sure the people that go to these things are "of the correct caliber."

Now where did I put my Canon cloak...

As far as October, the weekend of the 2-3 and the weekend of the 30-31 are definitly out for me.

*Smiles* Let's see.... thirty hours of photo related community service... yeah, I have that... well... kinda... and goat's blood... that's going to be tough... I think I might have a pint in the back of my freezer... now do I bring that with me, or do I just send it to you?
Oh... and that Canon cloak of yours... I think my cat ate it... *smile*

Last fall, we didn't shoot too much because of the usual overcast skies so a back-up plan would be a good idea. I think Loren has a lot of good ideas in his post like morning and afternoon shoots. Since the interests here are so varied, maybe we could have two different ones in the morning and two different ones in the afternoon, etc. Then have a dinner and (for digital shooters) show some of the day's work. If there's enough of us, we could rent a room at a restaurant so we have space to do it. I'll probably get a hotel room this time!

For the different shoots, maybe we should see who is able to attend and what the interests are. I'm open to anything but would be most interested in trying something new to me like studio work with models.

I made it back from Houston alive and well. Excellent workshop. I'll post a couple of shots tonight (as long as I can get my home computer back on-line...).

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Originally Posted by Kokopeli

Is there a date already set? If so, please let us know what it is. I'm extremely inteested in making this year's Chicago Gathering!!

Plus, someone needs to be there representing Nikon!
~Brian

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YEAH, Baby!

That's a Nikon Samuari talking!

Everyone, list your free dates for October and November. We did it during November last year and it wasn't bad.

Let's try to iron our a weekend that everyone can make.

Any one is OK for me as far as I know. Thanksgiving weekend might be kind of tough though - but street shooting could be good then too with Christmas shopping downtown, etc.

Anyone interested in a print share like at some of the other get togethers? Slightly stupid question - but how does it actually work? What size prints, and do I make the same print for everyone or all different ones?

Nutcracker rehersals and such. But I'll keep the two middles weekends of October open until the date is decided.

adina

Hi Sebastion,

I was just out in the "chi" area last week. April and I went in for her sisters 40th birthday bash (at the loon bar and grill I think). I wanted to try and get a hold of some PR people there just for dinner and a beer but was squeezed for time. April's sister lives off cumberland about a mile form the blue line stop. Anywhere near you?

I'd be interested in coming out in Octobler. I've never gone to a "gathering" but met several people on my journeys. Speaking of which, I need to give deborah a call....

Mike

Sebastian,
I spent a day in Chicago last Labor day, I ended up shooting 9 rolls of film and got some of the best prints in my portfolio. I am definantly in for a shoot in Chicago. I dont know if my opinion matters (it doesnt at my day job), but I personally would be most interested in doing a studio shoot at some point. Dont get me wrong, Chicago is a beautiful city, but the studio is the area where I have the least experience. My weekends are free, with the exception of traveling around (the joys of being single and working for an airline) so I am open for any date that may be decided on.

I look forward to getting together with as many fellow photographers as possible for a meeting of the minds. Hope to see you all soon

OK - I want to rule out Sunday, October 10th. There's a big rowing regatta on the river, about 5 minutes from my house. I shot it two years ago but couldn't make it last year - due to Nikon DSLR school. This is a great place to shoot, lots of bridges to get on top of them as they go by, walk around the prep area where the boats are - pretty much un-restricted.

Heck, if anyone wants to come out to Rockford that day (90 miles NW of downtown Chicago), let me know.

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Originally Posted by another view

OK - I want to rule out Sunday, October 10th. There's a big rowing regatta on the river, about 5 minutes from my house. I shot it two years ago but couldn't make it last year - due to Nikon DSLR school. This is a great place to shoot, lots of bridges to get on top of them as they go by, walk around the prep area where the boats are - pretty much un-restricted.

Heck, if anyone wants to come out to Rockford that day (90 miles NW of downtown Chicago), let me know.

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OK, how about we pick form two:

Oct 8-10

or

Nov 5-7?

-Seb

the Oct 8-10 are questionable...it's our fifth anniversary weeekend and as absorbed as we can get photo wise it may not be the wisest thing :D but Larry said he'd think about it

Maybe Nov 5-7 th ....I'll check back for other responses.

Natalie's coming out!? I was going to say November because it always seems like things come up in October, and I'll be at that regatta on Sunday. Either way, count me in.

Either Oct. or Nov. would be good for me. So whatever the rest of you pick will work.

Hey Sebastian, isn't it cold in November? (I was up for a wedding last October and it was pretty darn cold then!)

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Originally Posted by kkraczek

Hey Sebastian, isn't it cold in November? (I was up for a wedding last October and it was pretty darn cold then!)

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You're in Florida? My dad lives in N Palm Beach and wears a jacket when he's here in July - so I'm not sure how to answer!

OK, yeah, October and esp November can start getting a little chilly. Hard to say - last year our get together was early November (right?) and still pretty nice out. On the other hand, you might need a down parka too...

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Originally Posted by another view

You're in Florida? My dad lives in N Palm Beach and wears a jacket when he's here in July - so I'm not sure how to answer!

OK, yeah, October and esp November can start getting a little chilly. Hard to say - last year our get together was early November (right?) and still pretty nice out. On the other hand, you might need a down parka too...

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North Palm Beach? No kidding! That's right down the road from me... do you ever come down and visit your Dad (and our beautiful weather ;) ) ?

You're right... I start complaining when it gets under 65 degrees. I say that the weather down here makes your blood thinner. :D

I might just have to call on my cousins and make a visit to good ol' Chicago. I'm originally from Chicago Heights... but I moved down here when I was 11, so, I'm 2/3 Floridian now! ;)

I'll go to Tinbuktu (sp?) in theory...if I make it will still be determined :rolleyes:...my plan is to start buying tickets ahead of time THAT way ---nothing can come up and keep me from going.... but yes I would love to go...

as soon as a day is set.

Lary's question odf the day yesterday
"HOW MANY gatherings are there a year?" he he

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Originally Posted by kkraczek

North Palm Beach? No kidding! That's right down the road from me... do you ever come down and visit your Dad (and our beautiful weather ;) ) ?

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Been awhile - because actually he moved to Palm Beach Gardens (pretty much across the street from North Palm Beach, of course). I usually end up in Florida in the summer for one reason or another, but I should start thinking about heading down there this coming winter.

It's still cold in June here :)

I'm good for either of those weekends.

adina

Alright, let's make it official then, it's:

November 5-7

Come one, come all.

However, due to how busy I've been getting, and since it depends on the turnout, it's not too likely that we'll be able to do the whole studio rental thing. It's not out of the question, it's just that I won't have the time or resources to really persue that idea. I think a goal of having just regular friendly GTG will be more realistic. Although I really want to do a sort of thing where we pick some subjects, go out and shoot, and discuss our takes at the end of the day. I think a lot can be learned fromt hat, how others see, and how we see.

Anyway, let's discuss things more once we get closer to the dates.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Sebastian

Alright, let's make it official then, it's:

November 5-7

Come one, come all.

However, due to how busy I've been getting, and since it depends on the turnout, it's not too likely that we'll be able to do the whole studio rental thing. It's not out of the question, it's just that I won't have the time or resources to really persue that idea. I think a goal of having just regular friendly GTG will be more realistic. Although I really want to do a sort of thing where we pick some subjects, go out and shoot, and discuss our takes at the end of the day. I think a lot can be learned fromt hat, how others see, and how we see.

Anyway, let's discuss things more once we get closer to the dates.

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Guess I'll have to re-schedule that pedicure. Sounds good, count me in. I agree with picking some subjects - maybe a few choices. It's always interesting to see how other photographers work.

As of right now, I'm in.

Nat, are you coming?

adina

will talk it over with Larry...he's owns the bank (but I sure could use a getaway! by myself !!!)
:D

Heh, you're talking about Chicago, it's cold sometimes in July (it was like, 60 degrees today).

I live in Chicago, so it sounds good to me :)

Can I come too? I could make it a day trip, I only live two hours away. I'd love to hang out with y'all. :)

OK now that I've read the whole thread through (should learn to read first, THEN post!), count me in! It's on my calendar already!

I like the idea of having different subjects to shoot and then coming back for critique. I haven't been part of something like that ever and would probably find it extremely valuable.

Are you at all worried about the light in November? Here's hoping that it's not gloomy. But even if it is, could we find perhaps a sporting event to cover, and there's always night shots and even indoors.

It might be great to schedule a shoot at dawn, then another shoot in the morning, then get together for lunch, then something after lunch and again at sunset and dusk, and possibly something at night. Maybe everyone wouldn't do every shoot, (would anyone do the dawn shoot?) but it would give a great variety of stuff to look at during critiques and might show all the possiblilities and give everyone new ideas. It would, of course, be very loosely organized, perhaps just a meeting place and time and whoever shows up goes. Then make sure to schedule it so that people could make it back for the next venue shoot.

Just a thought. Maybe that's how it already works. I can't wait to participate. :)

Kelly,

We never worry about light. Last year we were "blessed" with fog that obliterated most of the skyline, and I walked away with some of my favorite shots ever.

Thou shalt not worry or something...

We'll see what the turnout is, but we'll play most of it by ear I'm sure.:) Glad you intend on making it.

I know last year the "main" dinner was cancelled, as most of us had to head home. Can we do a main lunch? Or an early dinner?

Anyone?

I'm hoping to make it down for Saturday, probably mid-morning. I want to be home Saturday night, which is why I'm hoping we can move it up a bit.

Thanks

adina

fog, and more fog.

This year I'm hoping to shoot a bit more :) I think I have like 5 pics from last year.

adina