PNWNP activity brainstorming

As I mentioned in my previous note, just some topics that came to mind over lunch. Things we might be able to do here, if there were interest.

- Group outings: in the field or in the digital darkroom (have done several in the past)

- Some tie-in to local photo equipment industry (Pro-Photo, Advance camera, heck maybe even Wolfs/Ritz, etc..)
Equipment demo's session
Tutorials/training: photoshop tips, how can this great new gadget help you...

- A photo tour or field workshop led by a local pro (scale back your typical offering, try to get people interested in what you offer, build word-of-mouth, show-off what you know) free or at a reduced fee for NPN members

The Forum website aside from the actual Q&A portion is pretty static maybe some added content might generate more activity? Some ideas:
- Contests
- Invited articles (regular contributions)
- Google Map of photo locations/hot spots (think of how many people have said "I'm coming to the PNW in xxx, and am wondering where to go shoot?"
- Meetup: something over lunch, over coffee, small thing for co-located folks to shoot the breeze about photos.
- Photo events partnered with local business (Wooden shoe Tulip farm, japanese garden, etc.)

I realize this is unsolicited, and that people (like me) would actually have to volunteer to pull these types of things off. If there were no interest, then it would be very un-rewarding for the organizer. I just thought it might be worth a little back and forth here in the forum to see if anything sticks.

Let the arrows fly ,
-Brett

i think most of this sounds like a great idea. I'm new to the area and forum so would love the opportunity to meet and even get out with some of the regulars from PNWNP. I'll read with interest everyone else's thoughts.
andy murray
portland.

Curtis Knight used to coordinate these, but no one stepped up to replace him when he had to retire if memory serves correctly.

That's about the size of it John. Participation was minimal. I had one outing that had good turnout. About 7 of us for a weekend camping for Fall color near Trout Lake. But the rest of them were a lot of time and effort with lots of no shows, and non-committal "I'll try to make it" or "I'll probably show up" etc...

There was a time when PNWNP events had great turnout. I expect it probably has as much to do with the organizer as anything else. I'm not a great people person, and not the best organizer, but I tried anyway, because it was something that I wanted to happen for the group.

So the bottom line is, IMHO, if the right person were to step up to be Event Coordinator, it would probably be much more successful.

Just my $.02

I take that back, there were two others that good turnout. The Wooden Shoe trip last spring had good turnout, but I had a lot of help from another forum member for that one. And the Central Oregon trip (Smith Rock and Painted Hills) that I organized 2 or 3 years ago had about 8 or 10 if memory serves.

Anyway, I wish someone better qualified had the time to lead these events. I'd even be willing to help out. But leading them just ain't my forte'. They are a ton of fun when half a dozen or more turn out.

Sounds like a good time to have with other members. I may still be moving to The Dalles area, up in the air for the next few days, but I still like to get to that area as its only 3 to 4 hours away from where i live now. My problem in showing up, if i dont get my job at the Dalles, is that i work graveyard and am not off till saturday morning for the weekend. Would definitley take some time off friday for things such as this though. :)

How it would be nice to say, "I'll step up to that." But the kids and work prevent me from this. Even though the turnouts have been lackluster, I think it's fun to go out as a group. I've been in PDX since '01 & I still haven't seen most areas outside of town. There's a lot of places we could all meet. There's many lakes around Mt. Hood, for example.

Someday the kids will be more independent, and even might want to come along. I myself would like to see the mountains and inland more, my wife always wants to go to the beach.

Kevin

I'm not sure if the task necessarily would need to be headed by just one individual. At a few points in the past, various members would step forward to help lead a group in a particular area they liked. I remember volunteering for a Gorge trip - the attendance was phenomenal, and Jim Leigh took half the group to one area, while I went with the others on another trail.

I hope this is something that can happen again. It would be fun - especially since there are so many new members, eager to get out to shoot and meet fellow members. When I first joined the forum I was thrilled to find other like minded individuals to shoot with. I'm sure the excitement is still there, it just needs a group effort to get it going. I'd be happy to try to plan something this spring in the prime time for the Gorge again.

Ned, I remember that Gorge trip. It was my first outing with PNWNP. I think we started the day with about 14 people. It was the best trip we've had that I can remember. We all met for lunch, stopped at Chanticleer Point for a group shot at the end of the day, and then met for dinner that evening. It was loads of fun (in spite of the Punch Bowl log ), and a great model for these events. You and Jim did a terrific job that day.

My Photoshop Geek Night had great turn out. We had lots of fun, drank some beer, ate some pizza, shot some s#$t and maybe even learned something. I'd host one of those again sometime this summer or spring.

That was enjoyable Mark.. I liked it a lot.. and learned some too...

I'm up for all of the above and would be happy to help. My only problem is being gone a lot in the Spring & fall.... but these are all great ideas.
let me know
JG

I'd be down for a photoshop geek-fest. Or anything, really. Hey Mark, you bring some beer - good beer preferably, and I'll bring some s#$t to shoot!

Actually, one of the best lines coming out of the Geek fest was that "You can't jack s#$t".