(Southern California) Living Desert Workshop and Get-Together

[Belmondo]

Our local camera shop changed owners recently. The new manager is an active photographer, and is making great strides in updating the store, not just in appearance, but also in services to photographers, depth of stock, and greater involvement in the regional photographic community. The manager is also a POTN member (jotphoto), and a Canon user himself.

Recently, he suggested the possibility of a get-together at The Living Desert (http://www.livingdesert.org/) in Palm Desert. Depending on the number of participants, he believes there is a strong possibility that we could even get some involvement from Canon. Perhaps we could get them to send along some of their hardware for hands-on testing.

This is still just the seed of an idea, but if it looks feasible, it will happen fairly quickly. We don't want to wait till summer when the daytime temperatures are over 110 degrees.;)

Anyone that might be interested in attending such an event, please let me know. There will be a minimal cost (as yet unknown). It will likely take place on a weekend, and should be a great time. Either post here, or send me a PM if you think this would be interesting. I will assemble a list of names for future contact as soon as they iron out some of the details.

[Bignerd]

Hi Tom,
I would be interested

[thomascanty]

Subscribing to thread so I can watch this and see if it works out for me...

[Belmondo]

Thanks, Larry and Lonnie. We'll keep you posted.

[JWright]

Any prospective date yet? You can put me down as possibly interested. We might have some other from our group here in SD that might be interested also. Once you have a date, I can post up something on our site.

[Belmondo]

Any prospective date yet? You can put me down as possibly interested. We might have some other from our group here in SD that might be interested also. Once you have a date, I can post up something on our site.Not yet. It will likely be in the spring. The first step is to gauge interest, then start the planning.

Stay tuned. It would be great to meet so many relatively local shooters in person. I'm sure we have hundreds, perhaps thousands, of POTN member in SoCal. It shouldn't be that hard to pull a few dozen of them together in one place.

[sevans16]

it is a quick drive for me. I would be up for a weekend date maybe a friday included

[jotphoto]

Hello All
At this time as posted we are gauging the intrest and of course waiting for a reply from the Living Desert folks. If we can work something out with the living Desert our target dates will be end of March or first of April.
I will post more details as they become available.

Thanks for the all the input.

[nat869]

I think it would be a blast to come............but it looks like a 7 hour drive for me :shock:

[Belmondo]

I think it would be a blast to come............but it looks like a 7 hour drive for me :shock:It would be a blast to have you and Samantha. The drive isn't that bad. We're constantly shuttling back and forth between here and the Bay Area...2 or 3 times a month. You get used to it.

[shannyD]

that sounds like fun.. i should see if i can get out to this.

i would love to meet some fellow POTNers. :)

and maybe learn from some of the more seasoned guys.

thanks for the heads up on this. i will see if i can make it out.

shannon

[WMS]

Tom while I will not commit (I live between Fresno and Bakersfield so it would be a bit of a trip for me) I would like to be added to you contact list for this 'adventure'. It sounds like a good place to get in some Ultra wide angle and Macro practice.

Wayne

[Belmondo]

that sounds like fun.. i should see if i can get out to this.

i would love to meet some fellow POTNers. :)

and maybe learn from some of the more seasoned guys.

thanks for the heads up on this. i will see if i can make it out.

shannon

Tom while I will not commit (I live between Fresno and Bakersfield so it would be a bit of a trip for me) I would like to be added to you contact list for this 'adventure'. It sounds like a good place to get in some Ultra wide angle and Macro practice.

Wayne

We'll keep you informed.

[Zonieart]

This Arizona boy might be interested - If you'll let us foreigners attend. Post the date and I'll check my calendar.

[Belmondo]

This Arizona boy might be interested - If you'll let us foreigners attend. Post the date and I'll check my calendar.Sure. Go west, young man, go west.

[Rumjungle]

I'll keep an eye on this as well. I'd love to do this if I'm free.

[evorgsumaf]

Tom,

I am up for the get-together, as long as I have off of work the day of; or I might actually be feeling a cold coming on for the day of! (Only about a 50 mile drive for me) Saving this thread, for reverence. Or feel free to PM me.

[Karl C]

If I'm in SoCal during that time, I'd be interested. I just won't have a camera. :cry:

[Belmondo]

If I'm in SoCal during that time, I'd be interested. I just won't have a camera. :cry:Not a problem, Karl. I have a couple.

[Karl C]

Not a problem, Karl. I have a couple.

Thanks for the offer, Tom. I really appreciate the offer!

Being camera-less these days sucks...

[noirb74]

Tom,

I would love to attend. Please add me to the list and keep me informed. Thanks.

Brion

[Belmondo]

Tom,

I would love to attend. Please add me to the list and keep me informed. Thanks.

Brion

You're on the list. We're just waiting for particulars.

[joayne]

Put me on your list Chief, I'm just down the road :)

[yonni]

Hey Chief, I'm down. My schedule isn't very flexible though. The weekend of April 11,12,and 13 is very good for me, otherwise I'd have to jump through some hoops at work.:( Incidently, if we had some extra time and it's in close proximity, I wouldn't mind going up the Tram again.

[hlcowan]

If my girls aren't in a color guard competition that day, I'd love to come! It wouldn't be toooo far from the high desert;)
Please let me know the details as it develops.
Thanks!

[Belmondo]

Put me on your list Chief, I'm just down the road :)Yup, I have a pretty good idea where you are.:lol:

Hey Chief, I'm down. My schedule isn't very flexible though. The weekend of April 11,12,and 13 is very good for me, otherwise I'd have to jump through some hoops at work.:( Incidently, if we had some extra time and it's in close proximity, I wouldn't mind going up the Tram again.Actually, that would make a fun weeknd...Living Desert on one day, Palm Springs Tram on the other.

If my girls aren't in a color guard competition that day, I'd love to come! It wouldn't be toooo far from the high desert;)
Please let me know the details as it develops.
Thanks!You're on the list. We're just waiting for the Living Desert and Jeff (the camera store guy) to work it out.

[Maureen Souza]

Keep us posted. I am going to be in Italy from March 26-April 9 but otherwise, I am usually off on weekends. And I can stay at mom's. :)

[Mike Reynolds]

I'm interested. It would be my suggestion to invite Canon to bring along their tech or training crew to bring something new or educational to ad to the social thing.

[Belmondo]

Keep us posted. I am going to be in Italy from March 26-April 9 but otherwise, I am usually off on weekends. And I can stay at mom's. :)Thatwoud be great.

[Belmondo]

I'm interested. It would be my suggestion to invite Canon to bring along their tech or training crew to bring something new or educational to ad to the social thing.That's what really got this idea underway. The local Canon dealer (Johnson Old Town Photo) is in touch with Canon and expects to be able to get something from them. Their level of participation will depend on the likely number of attendees we get.

[joayne]

^^ Chief, get Canon and I guarantee at least 3 people besides myself :)

[Calicajun]

Hi All,
A photo shoot in the Living Desert sounds like fun, just let me know what date. I'll even bring my other three photographers (wife, daughter and son) along, we were already planning to make a tram day anyway so this works out good for us.

Craig

[joayne]

Welcome to the forum Craig!

[Belmondo]

Welcome to the forum Craig!

Indeed. Welcome to the forum. I missed your low post count.

Joayne, thanks for reminding me of my manners.

[joayne]

No Worries Chief.. I know what a gentleman you are :)

[MDJAK]

I am very interested in this. Will we be able to stop for lunch at Dante's? I want a burger.
me

[Belmondo]

I am very interested in this. Will we be able to stop for lunch at Dante's? I want a burger.
me Great. So map-reading is not your strong suit.

Bubba's is a hair over 500 miles from here. Should be a quick trip in your Bentley, though.

[Karl C]

Great. So map-reading is not your strong suit.

Bubba's is a hair over 500 miles from here. Should be a quick trip in your Bentley, though.

He can't help it - he's from the wrong coast.

;)

[Citizensmith]

Interested depending on when it happens so I'll keep an eye on the thread.

[Calicajun]

Indeed. Welcome to the forum. I missed your low post count.

Joayne, thanks for reminding me of my manners.

Thank you both for the welcome.

Do have one question about this outing and that is (wife is making me ask) can my wife come even though she owns a Panasonic camera? As I can't quite afford to buy another 40D, at least yet anyway.

[Belmondo]

Thank you both for the welcome.

Do have one question about this outing and that is (wife is making me ask) can my wife come even though she owns a Panasonic camera? As I can't quite afford to buy another 40D, at least yet anyway.No problem at all. I'm sure the camera shop owner and the Canon Rep would be happy to 'convert' her. My wife will probably be there, and she doesn't know what a camera is, much less how to use it.

[Calicajun]

Good to hear, as for converting her that should be no problem. Now my daughter on the other hand wants the Oly 510 system. Wonder if it's possible to have too many cameras in one house?:rolleyes:

Looking forward to seeing what date the photo shoot will held.

[MDJAK]

Hmm, it's quite possible I'm losing it, but I could swear I posted here that I was interested in this but now it's gone. Little heavy handed moderation, huh?
me

[MDJAK]

cancel that. Just saw my post. I definitely AM losing it. Oy.
me

[MDJAK]

He can't help it - he's from the wrong coast.

;)

thank you. at least somebody sticks up for me once in a while.

so I'm a bit geographically challenged, so sue me. :lol:

and I ain't never been to California.

Hey karl, don't let lack of equipment stop you from coming. I got two bodies and a few pieces of glass. You're welcome to use any of it.
me

[Belmondo]

Hmm, it's quite possible I'm losing it, but I could swear I posted here that I was interested in this but now it's gone. Little heavy handed moderation, huh?
meSee post #36 above. Even you are starting to ignore MDJAK's ranting.:p

[MDJAK]

MDJAK does not rant. He may whine, cry and complain a bit, but rant? Nope.

me

[jotphoto]

Nothing set in stone yet, but it looks as if it will be around the 1st weekend of April, Still waiting for the right people from the living desert to give us all the details so we can set this thing up. but we are getting closer. Will post as soon as I know more.

[Belmondo]

Thanks, Jeff.

[4g63photo]

Im game. I even have an extra body your wife could use Calicajun. You provide the glass.

[snails]

I am interested in this gathering... and new here!

[Calicajun]

Im game. I even have an extra body your wife could use Calicajun. You provide the glass.

Well thank you for the offer, can't say if the wife would really use someone else's camera. Now my daughter (she'll be 17 by the shoot) on the other hand would say thank you right off the bat and then ask you which of my (2) lenses is the best to use. Which I would let her take, seeing as she is the best photographer in the house. But they should both do well with their own cameras, besides if everything works out I'm planning on getting her a DSLR for her birthday in March. Just as soon as I can get her to Samy's so she can try them all out at one time, poor salesman.
We are all looking forward to the photo shoot.

[4g63photo]

Great Cali, and good luck with the purchase. It should be a fun experience. I hope this meet goes through.

[bishop13]

Wooo...I can't believe I hadn't seen this thread until now. Definitely interested.

[grimie09]

How cool!!! Since we collect Cactii/Succulents this speaks to 2 hobbies at one time. Count me in.

[miralee]

I'm very interested in theory, but I don't know the likelihood of actually being able to go (small kid, lots of work, 2-3 hour drive, all that).

[ryant35]

I am interested, of course it's depending on a date. Race season starts in spring, I hope it doesn't fall on a race weekend.

[L.Morey]

Sounds loke fun I will attend

[Karl C]

Hey karl, don't let lack of equipment stop you from coming. I got two bodies and a few pieces of glass. You're welcome to use any of it.

Thanks for the offer, I really appreciate it.

[Belmondo]

And you're welcome to any of my things (including tripods if I haven't lost them all).

[Karl C]

And you're welcome to any of my things (including tripods if I haven't lost them all).

Thanks for the offer too. I thought your fellow POTN'ers came up with the tripod leash for you. ;)

[Belmondo]

Thanks for the offer too. I thought your fellow POTN'ers came up with the tripod leash for you. ;)I lost the leash, another tripod, and my dog.

All at the same time.:lol:

[Calicajun]

I lost the leash, another tripod, and my dog.

All at the same time.:lol:

Well I hope you got the tripod back, just kidding, hope you found your dog. You may want to add a bigger leash and anchor to your camera gear.

[4g63photo]

I think it would be easier if the tripod puts a leash on you Belmondo.

[fear7950]

I have never been to one but I would like to check it out and I just live in Riverside:)

[elwood58]

I would be very interested in the Living Desert event. In-Laws live in Desert Hot Springs, so two birds with one stone.

[snails]

Well my camera is with Canon for 2 weeks or so, but you're not going to suprise us with the date are you?

[Trisha418]

I'm interested...I already live in the Inland Empire..so not that far for me....lmk the dates

[Belmondo]

Well my camera is with Canon for 2 weeks or so, but you're not going to suprise us with the date are you?

As soon as we know, you will. The Living Desert is someting of a bureaucracy, and it's just a matter of getting to the right person. Jeff is working on it.

I'm interested...I already live in the Inland Empire..so not that far for me....lmk the dates

A neighbor!! Where are you?

[Connor P Price]

Looking forward to hearing a date, I'll try to head out there for a day. Can't take to much time off work as I've already put my name in the vacation book for a few races I'm shooting, but I could get out there for a day.

[Pinto]

Put me on the list, Tom. Sounds like a great trip.

[Belmondo]

Great. Hopefully Jeff will be pressing Living Desert for a date.

[Calicajun]

Looking forward to getting a date for the shoot.:D

[S.Horton]

Posting up -- going to see my brother in LA shortly; would depend on timing, but this sounds like a great idea.

[wernersl]

i would be honored to join y'all.

[Trisha418]

A neighbor!! Where are you?

In Riverside exactly...

[intrinsicvalue]

Sounds great. It's a bit of a drive, but I've made it for Coachella and it ain't that bad. :D

[Belmondo]

Sounds great. It's a bit of a drive, but I've made it for Coachella and it ain't that bad. :D

We drive to San Diego fairly often. You're right, it isn't bad (depending on traffic).

[wernersl]

lots of neighbors here. im here in murrieta.

[Cybnew]

I might be interested depending when, where, and how much money I have...Long drive from San Francisco though :(

[Belmondo]

I might be interested depending when, where, and how much money I have...Long drive from San Francisco though :(
It's a piece of cake, Mat. My wife and I do it all the time.

[Cybnew]

Yeah yeah yeah...but there is the whole lodging thing...and gas money! :)

[frydryce]

Hey Tom! not sure if you remember me from the first Central CA meet, but i'm interested in joining you guys depending on the dates involved. Please keep me informed. Haven't seen the SoCal crew in a long time. It would definitely be nice to catch up with everyone again.

[Belmondo]

Hey Tom! not sure if you remember me from the first Central CA meet, but i'm interested in joining you guys depending on the dates involved. Please keep me informed. Haven't seen the SoCal crew in a long time. It would definitely be nice to catch up with everyone again.I do remember you, and I'd love to see you again. You only live a couple hours from here, so you don't even have to wait for a get-together to come out here.

[eddarr]

Any update on this? Thinking about scheduling.

[3Honu]

I too am in the IE and might be interested.

[DwightMcCann]

I've workshops and seminars galore scheduled but I want to keep my fingers on the pulse! :-)

[LightRules]

Tom, depending on the exact date, this could be fun. Put me down on the potential list. See if you can sway Davey/CondyK from his ten African safaris he does each year to come on by. I want to look that man in the eyes and challenge him to thumb wrestling. LightRules/Jojo

[Belmondo]

I'd love to see Dave here. I have many things to discuss with him (for example: what language is that he's speaking?)

I checked with Jeff, and the Living Desert is a little slow on committing to a date right now. They just announced a major addition which they're supposed to start construction on later this year. The plans are to add an African Lion compound, and the scope of the project is apparently quite major.

In the meantime, we might have to settle for something less ambitious there, but we're working on it. It could end up just being a get-together, but that would be fun, too.

[Calicajun]

Well the site is Palm Springs, so if we can't shoot the Living Desert how about shooting downtown? It's been a while since I've been to the Palm Springs area but as I remember there is lots of stuff there to shoot. Hey with enough POTN members gather together, they'll think it's Spring break all over again.:lol:

[frydryce]

Well the site is Palm Springs, so if we can't shoot the Living Desert how about shooting downtown? It's been a while since I've been to the Palm Springs area but as I remember there is lots of stuff there to shoot. Hey with enough POTN members gather together, they'll think it's Spring break all over again.:lol:

Spring Break in Palm Springs? where do i sign up? :cool:

[Calicajun]

Spring Break in Palm Springs? where do i sign up? :cool:

Could be like old times, party there once before Mayor Sonny time.

[david888lee]

age limit? :]

[Belmondo]

age limit? :]I don't see any reason why we would have one

[DwightMcCann]

I don't see any reason why we would have one
I am not reason enough? :rolleyes:

[Belmondo]

I am not reason enough? :rolleyes:Excellent point, Dwight. :p;)

[frydryce]

I am not reason enough? :rolleyes:

haha, then age restriction might not be enough.

[DwightMcCann]

haha, then age restriction might not be enough.
Sure, no one over 60 ... oh, wait, yes, I see, hmmm, Belmondo would, uh, er, harumph, well, back to the drawing board. :p

[joayne]

You are on dangerous ground here Dwight :evil::p

[DwightMcCann]

You are on dangerous ground here Dwight :evil::p

Always & Everywhere!

P.S. I'm 62.

[joayne]

I am creeping nearer day by day... :p

[DwightMcCann]

I am creeping nearer day by day... :p
Yeah, the problem is that we're all creeping at this age ... although I shot a VIP event tonight (just got home) at the casino with Sha Na Na as the entertainment and wound up dancing with guests with one hand and shooting with a 1DMIII/24-70mm f/2.8 with the other hand ... what a hoot! The theme was Madi Gras and I wound up covered with beads (I'll show my titties anytime for beads) that I just gave to my six year old daughter! Anyway, I guess if you dance with half a dozen ladies (whose average age is probably 60) things can't be too bad! :cool:

[joayne]

^^ :lol::lol: D Mac, that is too funny! Did you hear that 60 is the new 40 ? ;)

Will you post in the PA forum? give us a linky

[Belmondo]

^^ :lol::lol: D Mac, that is too funny! Did you hear that 60 is the new 40 ? ;)

Will you post in the PA forum? give us a linkyIf 60 is the new 40, that makes me almost 46.


I still don't like the sound of it.;)

[DwightMcCann]

^^ :lol::lol: D Mac, that is too funny! Did you hear that 60 is the new 40 ? ;)

Will you post in the PA forum? give us a linky

If they've said it about being old, I've heard it ... in Spades! :-)

I normally don't post images from these events on my website ... old habit from when the talent wasn't so famous, but I really need to start ... so yes, but it will be a few days. You know I have a lot of stuff out on my website already!?

If 60 is the new 40, that makes me almost 46.


I still don't like the sound of it.;)

To me having another birthday sounds good ... what I didn't like the sound of was, "We're going to replace the arteries feeding your heart!"

[joayne]

Ooooo that's right D Mac, you are bionic :cool:

[DwightMcCann]

Ooooo that's right D Mac, you are bionic :cool:
Well, unfortunately only the "repaired" sense and not in the "enhanced" sense, sigh.

[joayne]

Well... better that the other sense, no sense at all! :rolleyes:

Hey when are we getting together, the wild flowers are blooming, the weather is warming, spring is just around the corner. Anything I can do to help get the Living Desert moving? I was a member. Maybe if I renew my membership :)

*EDIT* Pictures from today.. Wildflowers are going strong
(http://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthread.php?t=451448)

[JWright]

We drive to San Diego fairly often. You're right, it isn't bad (depending on traffic).

Let me know next time you are down this way and we can see about getting together...

[Belmondo]

Well... better that the other sense, no sense at all! :rolleyes:

Hey when are we getting together, the wild flowers are blooming, the weather is warming, spring is just around the corner. Anything I can do to help get the Living Desert moving? I was a member. Maybe if I renew my membership :)

*EDIT* Pictures from today.. Wildflowers are going strong
(http://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthread.php?t=451448)
I'll call Jeff tomorrow and see if there's been any movement.

Let me know next time you are down this way and we can see about getting together...

That sounds like a plan.

[jarias]

I would be interested never attended a potn get together

[kobe629]

If I can get a baby sitter that day I'm there..

[Radtech1]

...but it looks as if it will be around the 1st weekend of April...


OK. Thats a couple days from now. What's the final status?

Rad

[Belmondo]

OK. Thats a couple days from now. What's the final status?

RadSilence.

I haven't heard from Jeff on this, and I've been too busy to call him. At this point, there are no specific plans that I'm aware of.

[Calicajun]

:cry::cry:

[Killjoy]

Wonder if it's possible to have too many cameras in one house?

There is no such thing as too many cameras in one house. I currently have, uh, lemme see, a bunch.

Wooo...I can't believe I hadn't seen this thread until now. Definitely interested.

Please add me to the list as well. I can come down from the Bay Area for a get together as well.

I might be interested depending when, where, and how much money I have...Long drive from San Francisco though

Do I see a carpool option here? If I can go, maybe we can ride together and split the gas money? I live in Clayton which is about 30 min from SF.

[Pinto]

Please add me to the list as well. I can come down from the Bay Area for a get together as well.

Do I see a carpool option here? If I can go, maybe we can ride together and split the gas money? I live in Clayton which is about 30 min from SF.


Think you ought to re-read Tom's post. Appears that this has died.

[Killjoy]

Think you ought to re-read Tom's post. Appears that this has died.

I can always hope that it gets revived. You can't kill an idea. It's a great idea, and the date can always be revamped. I just wanted to put in my $.02 and now I get e-mails when this link is updated. So if it IS revived, I will know about it. :)

[jarias]

Okay if the new date is issued im still very interested

[number six]

Do I see a carpool option here? If I can go, maybe we can ride together and split the gas money? I live in Clayton which is about 30 min from SF.

And I'm in Concord. Depending on the date I might ride my motorcycle or be interested in a carpool...

-js

[jeptranport]

Man I would love a piece of this..
I get to California about 8 times a year but so far only managed to get the San Diego zoo, San Francisco and Pacific Coast Hwy (Gilroy to LA)..
If I had a chance to hook up with you guys I may never get back to Tennessee:D

[S.E.V.]

So has this happened or still attempting to happen, I went to the living desert while i was in plam spings and loved it for what they had to offer. I would love to go back.

[Belmondo]

So has this happened or still attempting to happen, I went to the living desert while i was in plam spings and loved it for what they had to offer. I would love to go back.

Still pending. I'll try to get an update today or tomorrow.

[S.E.V.]

Thanks, i will be watching this thread. Hopefully it doesn't land on may 3rd and 4th thats the red bull air race in San Diego.

[cfpackerfan]

Subscribing to thread. Just in case. ;)

[jeptranport]

Got a El Segundo run for Saturday morning 19th (not too far):D

[moeronn]

This looks interesting. Keep us posted.

[steve215]

I would love to attend. Any new details?

I must admit I have not read the entire thread. What are the costs involved? (I'm a starving college student!)

[S.E.V.]

Your gas to drive out to the living desert in palm springs, and admission is $11.95. For the price it is worth it.

Here is the link to The Living Desert (http://www.livingdesert.org/).

[Bladedog34]

Am also interested.

[Laramie]

I'm interested.

[DwightMcCann]

I hope this doesn't conflict but Marna and I are looking to host another POTN meeting (http://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthread.php?p=5421641#post5421641) this summer over here where it is a bit cooler.

[joayne]

Dwight.. it really looks like this is a bust.. The month of May would be the last chance as the heat begins to become uncomfortable.. Check with the Chief. I don't think you will have any conflict.. We are just hoping :)

[S.E.V.]

The Living Desert + Heat= Not a good experience. Unless you hit the park early in the morning and run through it while the heat as not heated up. THat way the little guys are out and about.

[Belmondo]

Well, my apologies to all you who expressed interest. Apparently the Living Desert folks weren't all that interested. At least they gave no such indications when pressed.

We'll come up with something else when the weather cools off.

Thanks, everyone.