Weekly trips

We had a pretty good turn out at the trip tonight. I hope everyone got the message that we were going to Springfield Lake instead of the Rutledge-Wilson Farm. If any one went to the farm instead, I apologize, but I hope that you were able to find some good shots. The trip to the lake was not the most spectacular photo trip ever, but you win some, you lose some. I did get some interesting shots of some geese, and I was told that some got some shots of some deer that were hanging around.

Keep watching this blog for upcoming trips.

brit-ride@sbcglobal.net

Jim A.

Mondays Trip

Well, I was checking the web site and found that the farm closes at 5pm. I think this trip will be better planned for a Saturday. Let's plan instead on going to Springfield Lake below the dam, we can move from there to the boathouse area if it's still open, if not, there should be enough things to shoot below the dam to keep us busy for awhile. To get there, drive South on Fremont past Republic Road, Fremont ends at a T, take a left and follow the road around several curves, when you cross the dam, you will see the power plant on the right, there is a road to the right that goes down to the parking area for the public fishing access. I will be in the parking lot at 6:15pm.

If you know of anyone that was planning on going to the farm, please try to contact them and let them know of the change.

See you all there!!

brit-ride@sbcglobal.net

Jim A.

Weekly trip

I don't think I could post this any later if I tried.

Tonight, let's meet at the coffee ethic at 6:15pm. The Coffee Ethic is on the South West corner of the square. I'm thinking we can go from there to Jordan Valley park, or any place else we think of to go around the downtown area.

brit-ride@sbcglobal.net

Jim A.

Weekly Trip

Sorry I am so late getting this posted, it has been a busy week and weekend. Tomorrow let's plan on going to Ritter Springs Park, we will have to go in at Sac River Trails. To get there, head North on Highway 13 (Kansas Expressway), when you leave Springfield, you will pass the road that leads to Fantastic Caverns, then pass the carpet store on the left, then part way up the next hill you will see a drive to the left. There is a propane tank lot there and there is a small sign that says sac river trails. follow that drive into the area and you will come to a parking area on the right. Park there and I will be there about 6:15pm. If you have any questions or need better directions, email me or if you have my cell # (from the directory given out a few meetings ago) call me.

brit-ride@sbcglobal.net

Jim A.

Monday Trip

This Monday, let's go to the Springfield Nature Center. I've been told that it is finally re-opened after the storm damage clean up. I will be there about 6pm in the parking lot as close to the building as possible. I'm not sure what time they close, but we will stay as close to sunset as possible. See you then.

Email me with questions.
brit-ride@sbcglobal.net

Jim A.

Prairie Field Trip

Kay is leading a prairie field trip on Saturday May 3rd. This trip is going to be awesome, so if you can, rearrange your schedule so you can attend.

Everyone will meet in the North West corner of the parking lot of the Walmart Supercenter at West Sunshine and West Bypass. The group will leave the parking lot at 6:00am so don't be late.

The destination is Woods prairie which is South West of Republic and should take about 30 minutes to drive. Expect the ground to be wet, so if you have them, bring a set of knee pads and maybe something to sit on (like a foam pad or even a trash bag). The prairie has been cut and baled so expect the grass to be shorter which is great since the flowers will be that much more visible. Kay says there is lots of Indian Paintbrush and about 10 other species of flowers, so this will turn out to be a great opportunity for anyone interested in flowers.

brit-ride@sbcglobal.net

Jim A.

Weekly Trip

The trip Monday will be to Close Memorial Gardens. We will meet in the parking lot at 6:15pm. If you don't know where it is, from Sunshine and Scenic head South on Scenic. After you get past all the new construction on the left (East) side of the road, the entrance to the park will be on the left across from the golf course. if you reach the railroad underpass, you have gone too far. When you turn into the drive, cross the railroad tracks and take the road to the right, follow it to the parking lot. If you are coming from Battlefield and Scenic, head North on Scenic. After you go under the railroad track, you will pass the Habitat for Humanity building and the entrance to the park is on the right.

Again, the trip will be Monday at 6:15pm. We will probably start taking pictures immediately so just look for the cameras.

brit-ride@sbcglobal.net

Jim A.

Weekly trip

I have had a few people in the club tell me that it would work better with their schedule if we had the weekly trips on Mondays instead of Tuesdays. So until further notice (or until I get tarred and feathered) we will have the weekly trips on Mondays.

I am still working on plans for the trip on Monday, so check back here and I should have something posted later today.

brit-ride@sbcglobal.net

Jim A.

Next Tuesday

Next Tuesday we will be going to Drury University for the weekly meeting. We will meet at 6:15pm at the parking lot on the South East corner of Drury Lane and Central St. Lets meet at the South West corner of the parking lot. If you are unsure of where that is, go to Google Maps
Just type in Drury University in the search and it will bring you to the map of that area of Springfield. The parking lot is South of Drury and one block East of Benton. If you want more detail, try Google Earth.

We will wait around until 6:30pm and then off we go. We may have to find a different place to park, so stay flexible.

I'm not 100% sure what we will photograph, but I'm sure we will have fun doing it. See you there!!

brit-ride@sbcglobal.net

Jim A.

First Weekly Trip

The first of the weekly trips went off without a hitch. Not only that, but I think I can speak for everyone that attended, it was great!! Dave Strong did not show up alone, he brought a model with him. She was incredible - it was cold, she didn't complain - we ran her all over downtown, she didn't complain - she had six cameras stuck in her face, and she handled it all like a pro. Oh, and she was VERY photogenic which made our task so easy that you would think a bunch of amateurs could do it...Oh wait, a bunch of amateurs did do it!!

As soon as I can get permission, and submissions from others in the group, I will post the shots on Picasa. Here is a link to some of Dave's shots. http://www.grizzphotos.com/gallery/jerrica/index.html

It looks like next Tuesday will be a carbon copy of last night. Same time, same place. I won't be there, but Dave Strong will be, so look for him. It's possible that Dave has something special in store for you.

If you have a request for a Tuesday trip, email me and I will get it on the docket.

brit-ride@sbcglobal.net

Jim A.

Tuesday update

It was brought to my attention that there won't be enough time before sunset to eat and take pictures. So we will eat after we are done with the photographic part of the evening.

However, we will still meet at the same place.

brit-ride@sbcglobal.net

Jim A.

Weekly field trips

Tuesday April 1st will mark the first weekly field trip. There will be a weekly trip on Tuesday evenings somewhere close to Springfield (within 10-15 minutes). The time and location will be posted here no later than the weekend prior to the trip. If I can schedule further in advance, I will post locations and times as soon as possible.

The trips will be very casual, arrive when you want and leave when you want. My plan is to continue these trips until late fall when the weather starts to turn cold and wet. But if there is enough interest, then the trips will continue through the winter as well.

This Tuesday we will meet at St. Michaels Restaurant between 6 and 6:30pm. St. Michaels is on South Street one block South of the square right across the street from Nona's. If you intend to eat there, try to be there as close to 6pm as possible to allow enough time. We will eat a quick dinner and then focus on Photography around the square. If you need more information, email me at the link below and I will give you all the help I can.

Hope to see you there!!

brit-ride@sbcglobal.net

Jim A.

New Link

I have added a link to the Club's Picasa Web Page. Look at the upper right side of the page.

Jim A.

St. Patrick's Day Parade

Saturday, March 15th marks the date for the St. Patrick's Day Parade in Springfield. I have attached a link to the official web page here: www.springfieldstpatsparade.org/

For anyone that is interested in the parade, lets plan to meet on the South East corner of Walnut and South Street at 11:00am. That will give us a chance to have lunch before the parade and still have time to be ready when the parade arrives at the square.

brit-ride@sbcglobal.net

Jim A.

Trout Season Opener

Saturday, March 1st marks the opening of trout season for 2008. I will be on a family outing to Bennett Spring park near Lebanon. I would encourage anyone that is interested to make the trip without my involvement. The siren sounds at 6:30am signaling the opening of trout season. If you arrive before that, or even near that time, you can get some neat shots of fishermen and women in the water with usually some fog in the picture. There are always kids and families present and it can be really neat to see the expressions of the children when they catch their first fish. Just remember that some parents are understandably leery of strangers taking photos of their children. There are also something like 12 miles of hiking trails that will take you to the top of bluffs with a view of the surrounding countryside, and/or a natural tunnel that is nearly 300 feet long.

Here is a link to a site containing directions to the park - http://www.mostateparks.com/bennett/map.htm#loc

Here is a link to the parks web page with some basic info - www.bennettspringstatepark.com/

I will probably be at the park by 6:15 or so, but I will most likely not see any of you unless it is by chance.

brit-ride@sbcglobal.net

Jim A.

A blast at Bull Blast

Bull Blast turned out to be a blast, and fun was had by all. Guy Fox, Dave Strong and Larry Daniels along with his lovely wife showed up to join me at Bull Blast, and even though we had to wait 2 hours from the time the gates opened until the start of the event, it seems that everyone had a good time. Dave got some good shots, and Larry sent me one shot that I will post on the Picasa site (SWMOCameraClub Photos). I learned some things from Dave and Guy and my shots are much improved over last year.

For everyone that missed out, I hope you can join us for more photo adventures in the future.

Keep checking this blog for upcoming trip info.

brit-ride@sbcglobal.net

Jim A.

A Note on Bull Blast

I wanted to let everyone know that all seating for this event is general admission. So first come first serve. The sooner you get there, the better chance of getting a good spot will be. I will arrive before 6pm and as soon as I can get in, I will go claim a seat. If you let me know you are coming, I will attempt to hold a seat for you as well but no promises.

Jim A.

Bull Blast

Bull Blast
Friday, February 22, 2008

High Point Rodeo Productions Presents Bull Blast! Ticket can be purchased in advance at Triple J Wester Store, located west of Springfied at 6821 West Independence. 862-7627 Advance adult tickets are only $12, Kids $5. Adult tickets at the gate are $15 and kids get in for $4. Gates open at 6pm For more information regarding this event, contact Wayne West at 417-232-4795! See you at Bull Blast!

I am going to Bull Blast again this year, so if anyone wants to go along I will be there by 6pm. The Bull Blast is held at the indoor arena at the fair grounds just East of the zoo and West of CBC. I know that $12 is kind of pricey unless you like this sort of thing (which I do), but there is an opportunity for some neat photos. Just remember that the lighting is not great, so a good flash helps (you have to remove the eye shine in photoshop later), and if your camera does well with higher ISO's then it can be a fun trip not to mention exciting when the bulls get close.

Email me and let me know if you are interested.

brit-ride@sbcglobal.net

Jim A.