Post Processing - Intro to Lightroom - Online via Zoom - 7.00pm - 2 hours

While the aim is always to capture the best image in-camera, post-processing can also take your photos to the next level.

We will start from the basics and work up to the powerful features Lightroom offers. Even those who are experienced with Lightroom can still unlock features or better workflows.

We will look at cataloguing, basic edits, the histogram, colour grading, saturation, tone adjustment, brushes, creating your own presets, and the newer upgrades to masks and filters. How to do HDR and stitch panoramas. We will set up workflows and helpful shortcuts and more.

Questions and discussion will be encouraged.

Even if you don't have access to this software platform, seeing how the process works will provide an overview of the endless possibilities of post-processing. The principles can also be applied to other software modules.

Post Processing - Intro to Lightroom - Online via Zoom - 7.00pm - 2 hours

While the aim is always to capture the best image in-camera, post-processing can also take your photos to the next level.

We will start from the basics and work up to the powerful features Lightroom offers. Even those who are experienced with Lightroom can still unlock features or better workflows.

We will look at cataloguing, basic edits, the histogram, colour grading, saturation, tone adjustment, brushes, creating your own presets, and the newer upgrades to masks and filters. How to do HDR and stitch panoramas. We will set up workflows and helpful shortcuts and more.

Questions and discussion will be encouraged.

Even if you don't have access to this software platform, seeing how the process works will provide an overview of the endless possibilities of post-processing. The principles can also be applied to other software modules.

Lake Illawarra and Windang Photo Walk - Pur Pur Point and Windang Bridge - 3.00pm - 2 hours

Join us for an easy walk from Windang Island to Windang Bridge and return.

We will meet at Pur Pur Point making our way to Windang Island to photograph the historical rusty wheels and explore the rock platform at low tide. We will return via the shoreline observing shore birds and beach life to the Windang Bridge for sunset at 4:55pm over Lake Illawarra.

Caution: There will some hazards with slippery rocks and walking over sand. The walk length is approx. 3 km and we will be returning after sunset to the car park (as a group) at approx. 5:30pm

Beginners and Intermediates – Getting off Auto and more - Port Kembla - 9am - 3 hours

Transform your everyday snaps into outstanding images.

The Port Kembla Heritage Park, the site of the original harbour master facilities offers an interesting collection of marine and military related artifacts, along with headland views and rock pools.

We will cover the fundamentals of manual camera settings for correct exposure, practice different compositions, focus and depth of field.

We will also discuss different lens and their applications plus camera care and maintenance.

We will explore different concepts such as landscape, close up, abstract and more.

Techniques will be adapted to your skill level.

Introduction to Astrophotography - Bombo Quarry near Kiama - 7:00 pm - 2 hours

Bombo Quarry is a renowned geological feature that provides a sheltered location from the urban lights for night photography.

We can use the towering rocks to add some special interest to our night sky photos or aim our cameras to the east to capture our Milky Way Galaxy as it rises above the horizon.

Please be aware that this session will be subject to suitable weather and ocean conditions.

Coast Track Landscape Meetup in the Royal National Park - Bundeena, Royal National Park - 1.00pm - 2 hours

Join in a group walk from Bundeena along the northern section of the Coast Track to "The Balconies" with spectacular views of the coastline and hopefully see some whales on their northern migration.

The track is easily negotiated through native vegetation and sandstone landform. One-way distance is 1.5-2(max) km.

Note: your return walk may be outside the session time.

We will use close-up photography to capture native vegetation, rock details, and natural features, with wide-angle for sweeping landscapes. A telephoto lens will be useful if we can spot some breaching whales in the distance from the rock cliffs.

Introduction to Astrophotography - Maddens Plains - 6.30pm - 2 hours

Maddens Plains north of Wollongong is a large natural bushland with a low density of urban lights, making it an ideal location for night sky and astrophotography.

The dark sky will allow our Milky Way Galaxy to be visible as it rises above the horizon, the clear horizon views will enable wide-angle landscape and if the atmospheric conditions are suitable, and you have a telephoto lens, we could try to image some deep sky objects. The moon will rise during the last part of our session.

Please be aware that this session will be subject to suitable weather.

This site has easier access than Bombo, although it still requires walking in the dark it is on level ground.

Capturing Star Trails in the Night Sky Class - Stanwell Park (may be changed due to conditions) - 6 pm - 3 hours

In this 3hr class you will learn how to plan, map and set-up your camera to capture multiple timed images of the night sky creating a circular star trail around the south celestial pole.
You will be provided with some tasks to complete prior to the class. While the cameras are recording the images, we will be able to further discuss techniques or if you have a second camera – take other night sky photographs.

This class includes a complimentary Zoom session to help you with post-processing your images.

Location: Stanwell Park - note location may change or be postponed at the last minute depending on the weather conditions. Details will be provided to participants

Abstracts in Nature - Macquarie pass - 2pm - 2 hours

Explore different methods of creating abstracts in the living world.

You will explore the concept of natural abstracts while walking the Cascade Falls Walk Macquarie Pass. We will use techniques such as macro, selective focus, shallow depth of field, in-camera movement, and multiple exposures to create artistic interpretations.

These techniques have wider applications in many other genres. If you want to expand your creative side – this meet-up will challenge your imaginative thought process.

Bass Point Coastal Walk Meet-Up - 3 pm - 2 hours

Join us for a relaxed walk along the beaches, rocky shore, and bush tracks of Bass Point.

Starting from the gravel loader car park, we walk past sandy inlets, explore rock gutters and wander along sandy trails to the end of the point and return.

The Bass Point Nature Reserve supports coastal vegetation, a wide variety of birds, seashore life and on a lucky day at this time of the year, migrating whales returning to the southern oceans are a regular sight along with this point.

3 km return length with an easy grade.