I thought I’d take a bit of time here and respond to a comment Floris made with regard to our forum activity overall. The comment was: (Side note, why are the other regional forums so much more active compared to this one?). Floris, a very good question asked from time to time in this forum.
This subject comes up every once in awhile in the CANP forum similar to the Comment to Post ratio issue does over in the General Discussion area, especially with regard to the ES&S gallery. My immediate thoughts on the question were somewhat along the same lines that Floris may have had on the subject. In fact when I first joined CANP Anil Rao who was one of the moderators at that time asked me about my thoughts back then with regards to the same issue. So, apparently it was nothing new on this subject, or at least a similar perception or possible viewpoint back during that time period.
However, after taking about 15 minutes to review the other forums I had a real surprise. Yes, there are a few that are very active and obviously more so then CANP. But, upon review and counting of the postings for the month of June the facts bare out a somewhat different perspective with my quick review. Basically all I did was count the number of posts during the month of June in each forum, not the number of comments there was not enough time for that. But, the straw poll at least helped me understand some of the activity levels in the other forums during the June time frame. Some areas maybe seasonal due to weather conditions, but I think June is a good time in most all areas for springtime photography overall & general activity posts as well.
Something to make note of with regard to the posts in the forums is that the forums according to Jim were never meant to be a location for Posting & Commenting on an image, which is obviously the main intent behind the various Galleries. This issue came up recently and was presented to all forum moderators as a few ideas were passed around on some proposed forum changes, including the image posting issue. At the time I spoke up stating that without image posting in the forums we would see little or nothing taking place. Some of the other moderators saw it the same way. I have not heard anything further on this subject at this point in time. I would say I do not think any of the forums abuse this image posting & reviewing as a possible prelude and then follow up to posting in the other galleries.
I did see an eye opening level taking place with the UK/European forum. They had about 350 posts last month, most all were image posts & reviews. WOW that’s a lot.
Anyway, I have listed below the straw poll for the posted activity in each forum for the month of June. This maybe of interest and help us understand the activity levels a bit better.
· Alaska (AKNP) (10 posts)
· California (CANP) (40 posts)
· Canada (CANNP) (no posts)
· Central States (CSNP) 8 states total (68 posts)
· Midwest (MWNP) 9 states total (28 posts)
· Northeast (NENP) 7 states total (7 posts)
· Pacific Northwest (PNWNP) 2 states total (44 posts)
· Rocky Mountain (RMNP) 7 states total (188 posts)
· Southeast (SENP) 8 states total (18 posts)
· UK/European (UKNP) (350 posts)
Posted by Richard Wong on June 30, 2009 at 2:13 AM
Thanks for pointing that out Paul. I don't think there is that much of a disparity looking at the numbers and also just from the number of posts. There has been at least one post every day this month on CANP for example.
If there is a perceived lack of participation here for the size of the state may have to do with maybe people have to work harder to afford a house, longer commute times, or just more opportunities to shoot photos.
Posted by Steve Sieren on June 30, 2009 at 3:12 AM
Well at least we are not Canada.
I don't know with that extra N in CANNP, hopefully nobody confuses us.
The numbers show pretty well not compared to RMNP which is doing the highest amount of commenting besides the UK.
I guess we could always consider expanding(adding Nevada)? Like it shows we did way before I showed up here and maybe possibly change the cover every month as was previously done. By the way, congrats to Jason for the showing cover.
Richard & Steve, all good points. To be honest I was running with a gut feeling that the other areas were much more active then our own. However, with the basic quick survey I took yesterday it proved otherwise by the numbers shown above.
I also agree with your observation with regard to the monthly cover photo, Steve. That was typically updated with collective input between Preston and myself prior to the end of each month. But, most recently Preston and myself were both fighting for time to do much of anything. Hopefully with Preston approaching retirement here shortly he will be able to update that area in the future months. I do not have access to that cover process area and have not worked in that part of the site at all.
I would also mention, there were a few months were Preston would email people asking for a copy of the selected photo along with a brief history on the shot and he would never hear back from the person. As such time would slip by and it would be a new month before we knew it and the interest seemed to just dry up after awhile.
Posted by Derek Sedillo on June 30, 2009 at 12:16 PM
You know this was the first thing I had observed after moving here from CO. I thoroughly enjoyed participating in the RMNP forum. It is a vibrant and active group with participation from a state with a smaller population than one of CAs major cities. And yes they include other states as well. But the majority of participants live along the Front Range of CO.
So quite honestly I was trying to figure out what the differences were and how we might increase interest here. CA has no shortage of photo opportunities.
So the question for me is can certain things be gleaned from these more active groups and applied or do we simply say 'it just is what it is' and move on?
Here are a few observations as to why I think the RMNP group is very active:
1. Beautiful scenery - this one is obvious
2. A tight knit group of professional and hobbiest landacape photographers
3. An openess to share one's hot finds and encourage others to 'get out there!'
4. A desire to get together with others for small group shoots and larger gatherings
such as Fall Colors at the Bells or in the San Juans. This is just down right fun!
5. Annual get togethers with slide shows - 'the Shindig' Holiday party in Denver
6. 'The Spirit of the Rockies' - I know this may sound a bit corny to us Californians. But there is a genuine, authentic spirit friendliness toward ppl.
7. Smaller geographical region (when considering CO). So even though there are fewer ppl they are concentrated along the Front Range (Denver & the Spring primarily).
All these factors and more create inertia. I think the PNWNP is normally the most active BTW if you look at the trends throughout the year. They have a similar inertia.
I am not saying we will or necessarily should have similar numbers. But it would be nice if there was more inertia overall and participation.
Ok... your first point, isn't valid. California has some friggin' amazing scenery! That's why I came back. We've got more variation in habitat than the whole RMNP collection of states combined (world class mountains, the biggest US desert, slot canyons, badlands, phenomenal coastline, rainforests, volcanoes, wildflower extravaganzas, the biggest trees in the world, geysers (ok they're sort of lame compared to yellowstone), the pacific flyway of migrating birds... there is obviously no shortage of scenery here!
But I think the fact that there's not as many meet ups is a very valid point. I've only met a few CANPer's. The state being so giant doesn't help, though I do seem to think most of us live at or below the Bay Area, and the majority in official 'SoCal' terrain. So that's really not that bad. Just need someone to organize something far enough in advance that folks can plan on it (I can't volunteer myself, sorry!). And then we actually would need to participate. We got fall colors too :D
I agree on all counts. I wasn't implying CO has more to shoot. As I said in my original post CA has no shortage of photo opportunities in the similar way as the Rocky Mountain states and the PNW. So for me that is not an excuse for lack of participation.
When I posed this same question ~ a year ago Richard W. illuded to the 'Disneyland Effect' as a potential reason. And CA does have so much to see and do that maybe ppl are involved with more things. But I still think that the serious photographers are thinking about photography. That is not to say we don't have outside lives, additional interests, busy schedules, jobs, etc... But for me after thinking about this more I think it just simply comes back to inertia.
Yes, the majority of us live from the Bay area to SoCal. And we shoot many times in the middle somewhere like Bishop for Fall Colors. I am really looking forward to Fall this year as I was starting my new job last year and couldn't shoot it in CA.
I know the guys in CO who put on the annual shindig put a lot of work into it. We would meet at a graphics business (QUBE Visual), do a slideshow, potluck/pizza, bring 4x5 negatives and view them on a light table, gift exchange, etc... It was a always a good time and chance to meet other photographers, exchange ideas, pass business cards out, etc... Most ppl would bring recent enlargements which were laid out on tables for viewing. Turn out is usually pretty large 35+ ppl including sigificant others.
It actually takes a group of guys/gals to pull off an event like this as well as someone finding a business or place to meet. It is no small effort but still worth it. I honestly don't know if there is enough interest and/or volunteers to make it happen.
Even though most of us live within ~ 6 hours of each other the place to meet should be somewhere in the middle (eg - SLO, etc...). In a way distance is more of a challenge. In CO I carpooled with guys from the Springs to Denver which is ~ 1 hour. And some ppl drove from further out. If you are talking about 3+ hours that is usually an overnight trip. I am not saying I woudn't be interested. But this would have to be factored into it.
If an annual holiday type party like this would not work maybe something more like the seasonal on location meetups would. I think the group met last year for Fall Colors for example. We could even do a party on location if there was interest. Like Winter in Yosemite, Summer in the Sierras, ...
Posted by Steve Sieren on June 30, 2009 at 4:50 PM
SLO does sound like a good place to meet up. Or maybe Los Osos right next to it. The Lepp institute of digital imaging would be a perfect place. The owner is a lot nicer than you might think and could probably work out something but there would be a fee of course. Maybe if he combine some sort of open house with a group meet he might give a discount. It would definitely be something to think about. There is a ton of stuff to photograph up there too. I know the area very well.
On the other hand the fall meetup we do doesn't cost anything at all. Everyone just meets up eats in Lee Vining and shoots til you can't shoot anymore.
Any camping trip doesn't really cost much at all. I figure if you all want to meet up just mention where you're going before hand and see what happens.
Derek, let me know if you be headed into the Sierra at all this summer or Big Sur. I'll be gone and occupied until the 13th of July though but after that.
I find the comments and input all to be for the most part very valid, but no doubt all with positive thoughts and concerns about the original theme here.
Although I think the two very active forums mentioned have great areas to work in, I would also have to agree California has a tremendous diversity to work in too. I will say, for us that live in the concrete jungle in So Cal it typically takes upwards of at least two to three hours to get to the fringes of those areas. Where as the smaller areas of the two other forums one might even cross state lines with those drive times.
The forums are really designed for exchanging all kinds of ideas as well as for meet ups or planned outings. In fact I know that Lon, Harley, Dan and others have met numerous times in Yosemite since I have been here at NPN. This seems to always be a very good location for the Bay area people if they have the time to get out and do some field work. Additionally, in the past some of those same people would meet in Sonora Pass in July usually. Although I’m not sure that is taking place this year.
I would also mention that many of the folks in CANP usually try their best to make the fall color outing in the October time frame. Last year was an excellent turn out and was extremely easy for all that did attend not to lose out on any precious shooting time as we met in Lee Vining for a mid-day lunch at the Tioga Mobile station one Saturday.
I have made many trips to the eastern sierras over the years and I have met numerous CANP and NPN members over time. In many cases it is just in the timing of the trips.
My recent trip to Capitol Reef I never even saw any other serious photographers out and about during my week there. But, I did meet Guy Tal for coffee in the town of Torrey the morning I was leaving and he was just arriving for a few days there.
So, for me CANP & NPN in general does work well for the most part. I guess as it has been stated in the past and over time it is what it is. Or maybe more aptly put, it is what each individual wants to get out of it I suppose.
Posted by Debjit Ghosh on June 30, 2009 at 7:08 PM
grt8 topic Paul. I like what Steve just mentioned in his last post. a more frequent meet in the sierras and coastal california probably makes more sense for a hobbiest like me...it takes almost no effort for these type informal meets, shoot and exchange ideas, and its grt8 way to make this group interact and post their photos...if anybody is up for a weekend trip to sierras/big sur this July, i would be happy to join
Cool Steve and Debjit. I was just thinking about starting a backpacking in the Sierras for dummys thread.
I have been dying to go for an extended weekend to places like Thousand Island Lakes which require an overnight stay. But from what I hear things like Bear Cannisters are required amoung other things. But I still want to give this a go if not this Summer then the next. I do need to upgrade some things first (e.g. backpack, sleeping bag,etc...).
Derek - You can rent bear cans at many ranger stations as far as I know, but it's nice to have your own.
The most important thing about the Sierras is to be prepared. While 90% of the time it's blue skies and no problems... I've had significant snowfall and wild hailstorms in mid august, and my parents were stuck in 3 days of constant torrential downpour once. Several parties died during that storm, the only reason my parents survived was they got sick of it, and decided to leave before the rivers became impassable. It kept raining for several days after they left. The creek they camped next to raised in water level by several feet... ie. it turned into a raging river!
Posted by Debjit Ghosh on June 30, 2009 at 9:32 PM
Sure Derek, I am up for it. yes, bear canister is needed but as floris says, u can rent at ranger station or at your local rei...i am up for it but not extended trips since I am still in a learning phase...a single overnight trip maybe a a good starting point though..
2) the main issues I have with posting more is time... I can't squeeze more hours out of the day and I'm already swamped with submissions and keywording. I did feel like the Rockies and PacificNW groups were more active but my opinion on that is that the states are smaller and it takes less time to get to prime areas... I need 45min just to get out of SF :-(
3) I'm off again, this time to Yosemite back country (Tuolumne to Echo valley and back) 8/9 days. Praying for low mosquito numbers
Posted by Steve Sieren on July 1, 2009 at 12:08 AM
Debjit and Derek, There are quite a few very easily accessible places in the Sierra where one night wouldn't even require much of a hike. Which is the best option for a first timer. I see a variety of people from almost babies to 80year olds. Renting stuff is a better option if you only plan on doing one trip a year. I rented a backpack, pad and bag at sports chalet for around 35 bucks for my girlfriend last year. I do have an extra sleeping bag, pad and a tent and would be willing to take a couple of you to an easy spot out there. Even if you wanted to go back to the car and drive off and find a motel it wouldn't be a problem guiding you back to the car.
Enrique, same with LA. Getting out of here and depending where you're going can be a nightmare
Posted by Debjit Ghosh on July 1, 2009 at 12:46 AM
Steve, first of all thanks for the invite..I have done small places before...hiking in the pre-dawn and reaching to a location, like LLV but I haven't backpacked overnight in the sierras but I do have some camping experience...gear wouldn't be a problem, the rei store rents pretty decent stuff..if you are willing to spare a weekend, I am in the game....
Back when Anil was moderator the problem was a low level of postings and I think that is still an issue. Then I spent a few months posting and responding at higher levels but gave up as why bother when few others respond to anyone's threads. I tried to inject discussion beyond images but there was always little interest in responding. Likewise responding with more detail to others threads only resulted in more sounds in a vacuum. Personally there are endless things that interest me about locations, strategies to photograph at them, nature, and technical issues on photography. Some areas I won't publicly discuss nor strategies while others that are already well known are fair game. Without anyone to discuss such with, some of that ends up on my website like this:
Or as information in my gallery images. Alot of us no doubt live busy lives with little time to do more than respond with a couple atta boys each week. Currently I'm too busy with my real m-f 8-5 job and domestic issues to even post on the board but once every few days. This sub forum has evolved into just a California scenics image posting forum that really doesn't interest me much personally. Without those images there is very little going on. I still post image threads maybe once a month just to show I'm still around and am willing to participate. But I really can't say there is much here to make me feel enthusiastic about.
I would definately be interested in more frequent get togethers. The backpacking for dummys thing sounds great! There are some places I desperately want to go, but have basically no experience with the backpacking approach. Dusy Basin anyone? To be honest, my car camping trip to Yosemite this spring has been the most adventurous thing I have done yet.
Chris
Posted by Debjit Ghosh on July 2, 2009 at 12:55 AM
One thumbs up for Dusy basin...I have heard its a strenuous hike over the bishop pass...Chris, I might join you if the date is right for me :-)
I don't have any answers as to why the CANP forum's posts appear on the low side. I do know I'm going to be able to be a more active participant in the near future though... for what that's worth.
Dusy Basin is high on my short list to do in the next month or so as well. I also wouldn't mind making a trip to the Seven Gables area too. I'm actually planning on camping over-night on Cucamonga peak for the Fourth of July to see what kind of shots I can capture of the valley floor under fireworks... if anyone cares to forgo their BBQ and camp instead.
Well needless to say the thread was met with a lot of input and many ideas were exchanged. The overall positive thoughts of a few CANP folks led to possibly making some backcountry excursions which will no doubt be exciting for those that can make one or all of those trips.
As I stated earlier there is a good amount of posts and comments in CANP, but again it is as active as folks feel like making it or not depending upon their circumstances. For the amount of time I have to work on NPN and CANP is as limited as a lot of folks, even with being retired. This year was my second year in retirement and I had no idea how much life has changed for me in that year.
Anyway, I wish to thank everyone who participated in this thread, as well as your constant visits and overall posts or comments as time will permit. Take care!
Posted by Richard Wong on July 3, 2009 at 12:27 AM
I'd join you Eric but I'm afraid of heights so generally avoid doing much hiking in the mountains. I think a fall / winter shoot in Joshua Tree would be easy for So Cal photogs to meet up.
Generally though it is much easier to informally meet up as time allows since the state is so big. I've gone shooting with CANP photogs from up north but none from So Cal ironically.
Richard, JTNP in fall/winter is always good.
I typically post my trips here at CANP if they are more then a day or two outings out there. The reason being is those are usually planned events and there is some lead time. My quick one day outings I usually never know about those in advance.
So, as I have done before I will post a comment here when I go to JTNP for a couple days next time.
Too hot now though.
Great thread. I've had the same thoughts as a lot of people here. I would definitely be down for a meetup at a photography hot-spot, even if it's a long drive. E.g. Yosemite, Big Sur, DVNP, JTNP, etc.
Backpacking would be great as well. Dusy Basin is on my list of places I need to visit But I think that most of the popular spots are going to be booked on weekends for the rest of the season. I already have some experience but would love to tag along if there's a party that's not too large
Discussion
27 repliesI thought I’d take a bit of time here and respond to a comment Floris made with regard to our forum activity overall. The comment was: (Side note, why are the other regional forums so much more active compared to this one?). Floris, a very good question asked from time to time in this forum.
This subject comes up every once in awhile in the CANP forum similar to the Comment to Post ratio issue does over in the General Discussion area, especially with regard to the ES&S gallery. My immediate thoughts on the question were somewhat along the same lines that Floris may have had on the subject. In fact when I first joined CANP Anil Rao who was one of the moderators at that time asked me about my thoughts back then with regards to the same issue. So, apparently it was nothing new on this subject, or at least a similar perception or possible viewpoint back during that time period.
However, after taking about 15 minutes to review the other forums I had a real surprise. Yes, there are a few that are very active and obviously more so then CANP. But, upon review and counting of the postings for the month of June the facts bare out a somewhat different perspective with my quick review. Basically all I did was count the number of posts during the month of June in each forum, not the number of comments there was not enough time for that. But, the straw poll at least helped me understand some of the activity levels in the other forums during the June time frame. Some areas maybe seasonal due to weather conditions, but I think June is a good time in most all areas for springtime photography overall & general activity posts as well.
Something to make note of with regard to the posts in the forums is that the forums according to Jim were never meant to be a location for Posting & Commenting on an image, which is obviously the main intent behind the various Galleries. This issue came up recently and was presented to all forum moderators as a few ideas were passed around on some proposed forum changes, including the image posting issue. At the time I spoke up stating that without image posting in the forums we would see little or nothing taking place. Some of the other moderators saw it the same way. I have not heard anything further on this subject at this point in time. I would say I do not think any of the forums abuse this image posting & reviewing as a possible prelude and then follow up to posting in the other galleries.
I did see an eye opening level taking place with the UK/European forum. They had about 350 posts last month, most all were image posts & reviews. WOW that’s a lot.
Anyway, I have listed below the straw poll for the posted activity in each forum for the month of June. This maybe of interest and help us understand the activity levels a bit better.
· Alaska (AKNP) (10 posts)
· California (CANP) (40 posts)
· Canada (CANNP) (no posts)
· Central States (CSNP) 8 states total (68 posts)
· Midwest (MWNP) 9 states total (28 posts)
· Northeast (NENP) 7 states total (7 posts)
· Pacific Northwest (PNWNP) 2 states total (44 posts)
· Rocky Mountain (RMNP) 7 states total (188 posts)
· Southeast (SENP) 8 states total (18 posts)
· UK/European (UKNP) (350 posts)
If there is a perceived lack of participation here for the size of the state may have to do with maybe people have to work harder to afford a house, longer commute times, or just more opportunities to shoot photos.
I don't know with that extra N in CANNP, hopefully nobody confuses us.
The numbers show pretty well not compared to RMNP which is doing the highest amount of commenting besides the UK.
I guess we could always consider expanding(adding Nevada)? Like it shows we did way before I showed up here and maybe possibly change the cover every month as was previously done. By the way, congrats to Jason for the showing cover.
I also agree with your observation with regard to the monthly cover photo, Steve. That was typically updated with collective input between Preston and myself prior to the end of each month. But, most recently Preston and myself were both fighting for time to do much of anything. Hopefully with Preston approaching retirement here shortly he will be able to update that area in the future months. I do not have access to that cover process area and have not worked in that part of the site at all.
I would also mention, there were a few months were Preston would email people asking for a copy of the selected photo along with a brief history on the shot and he would never hear back from the person. As such time would slip by and it would be a new month before we knew it and the interest seemed to just dry up after awhile.
So quite honestly I was trying to figure out what the differences were and how we might increase interest here. CA has no shortage of photo opportunities.
So the question for me is can certain things be gleaned from these more active groups and applied or do we simply say 'it just is what it is' and move on?
Here are a few observations as to why I think the RMNP group is very active:
1. Beautiful scenery - this one is obvious
2. A tight knit group of professional and hobbiest landacape photographers
3. An openess to share one's hot finds and encourage others to 'get out there!'
4. A desire to get together with others for small group shoots and larger gatherings
such as Fall Colors at the Bells or in the San Juans. This is just down right fun!
5. Annual get togethers with slide shows - 'the Shindig' Holiday party in Denver
6. 'The Spirit of the Rockies' - I know this may sound a bit corny to us Californians. But there is a genuine, authentic spirit friendliness toward ppl.
7. Smaller geographical region (when considering CO). So even though there are fewer ppl they are concentrated along the Front Range (Denver & the Spring primarily).
All these factors and more create inertia. I think the PNWNP is normally the most active BTW if you look at the trends throughout the year. They have a similar inertia.
I am not saying we will or necessarily should have similar numbers. But it would be nice if there was more inertia overall and participation.
Derek
But I think the fact that there's not as many meet ups is a very valid point. I've only met a few CANPer's. The state being so giant doesn't help, though I do seem to think most of us live at or below the Bay Area, and the majority in official 'SoCal' terrain. So that's really not that bad. Just need someone to organize something far enough in advance that folks can plan on it (I can't volunteer myself, sorry!). And then we actually would need to participate. We got fall colors too :D
I agree on all counts. I wasn't implying CO has more to shoot. As I said in my original post CA has no shortage of photo opportunities in the similar way as the Rocky Mountain states and the PNW. So for me that is not an excuse for lack of participation.
When I posed this same question ~ a year ago Richard W. illuded to the 'Disneyland Effect' as a potential reason. And CA does have so much to see and do that maybe ppl are involved with more things. But I still think that the serious photographers are thinking about photography. That is not to say we don't have outside lives, additional interests, busy schedules, jobs, etc... But for me after thinking about this more I think it just simply comes back to inertia.
Yes, the majority of us live from the Bay area to SoCal. And we shoot many times in the middle somewhere like Bishop for Fall Colors. I am really looking forward to Fall this year as I was starting my new job last year and couldn't shoot it in CA.
I know the guys in CO who put on the annual shindig put a lot of work into it. We would meet at a graphics business (QUBE Visual), do a slideshow, potluck/pizza, bring 4x5 negatives and view them on a light table, gift exchange, etc... It was a always a good time and chance to meet other photographers, exchange ideas, pass business cards out, etc... Most ppl would bring recent enlargements which were laid out on tables for viewing. Turn out is usually pretty large 35+ ppl including sigificant others.
Derek
It actually takes a group of guys/gals to pull off an event like this as well as someone finding a business or place to meet. It is no small effort but still worth it. I honestly don't know if there is enough interest and/or volunteers to make it happen.
Even though most of us live within ~ 6 hours of each other the place to meet should be somewhere in the middle (eg - SLO, etc...). In a way distance is more of a challenge. In CO I carpooled with guys from the Springs to Denver which is ~ 1 hour. And some ppl drove from further out. If you are talking about 3+ hours that is usually an overnight trip. I am not saying I woudn't be interested. But this would have to be factored into it.
If an annual holiday type party like this would not work maybe something more like the seasonal on location meetups would. I think the group met last year for Fall Colors for example. We could even do a party on location if there was interest. Like Winter in Yosemite, Summer in the Sierras, ...
On the other hand the fall meetup we do doesn't cost anything at all. Everyone just meets up eats in Lee Vining and shoots til you can't shoot anymore.
Any camping trip doesn't really cost much at all. I figure if you all want to meet up just mention where you're going before hand and see what happens.
Derek, let me know if you be headed into the Sierra at all this summer or Big Sur. I'll be gone and occupied until the 13th of July though but after that.
Although I think the two very active forums mentioned have great areas to work in, I would also have to agree California has a tremendous diversity to work in too. I will say, for us that live in the concrete jungle in So Cal it typically takes upwards of at least two to three hours to get to the fringes of those areas. Where as the smaller areas of the two other forums one might even cross state lines with those drive times.
The forums are really designed for exchanging all kinds of ideas as well as for meet ups or planned outings. In fact I know that Lon, Harley, Dan and others have met numerous times in Yosemite since I have been here at NPN. This seems to always be a very good location for the Bay area people if they have the time to get out and do some field work. Additionally, in the past some of those same people would meet in Sonora Pass in July usually. Although I’m not sure that is taking place this year.
I would also mention that many of the folks in CANP usually try their best to make the fall color outing in the October time frame. Last year was an excellent turn out and was extremely easy for all that did attend not to lose out on any precious shooting time as we met in Lee Vining for a mid-day lunch at the Tioga Mobile station one Saturday.
I have made many trips to the eastern sierras over the years and I have met numerous CANP and NPN members over time. In many cases it is just in the timing of the trips.
My recent trip to Capitol Reef I never even saw any other serious photographers out and about during my week there. But, I did meet Guy Tal for coffee in the town of Torrey the morning I was leaving and he was just arriving for a few days there.
So, for me CANP & NPN in general does work well for the most part. I guess as it has been stated in the past and over time it is what it is. Or maybe more aptly put, it is what each individual wants to get out of it I suppose.
I have been dying to go for an extended weekend to places like Thousand Island Lakes which require an overnight stay. But from what I hear things like Bear Cannisters are required amoung other things. But I still want to give this a go if not this Summer then the next. I do need to upgrade some things first (e.g. backpack, sleeping bag,etc...).
Derek
The most important thing about the Sierras is to be prepared. While 90% of the time it's blue skies and no problems... I've had significant snowfall and wild hailstorms in mid august, and my parents were stuck in 3 days of constant torrential downpour once. Several parties died during that storm, the only reason my parents survived was they got sick of it, and decided to leave before the rivers became impassable. It kept raining for several days after they left. The creek they camped next to raised in water level by several feet... ie. it turned into a raging river!
2) the main issues I have with posting more is time... I can't squeeze more hours out of the day and I'm already swamped with submissions and keywording. I did feel like the Rockies and PacificNW groups were more active but my opinion on that is that the states are smaller and it takes less time to get to prime areas... I need 45min just to get out of SF :-(
3) I'm off again, this time to Yosemite back country (Tuolumne to Echo valley and back) 8/9 days. Praying for low mosquito numbers
Enrique, same with LA. Getting out of here and depending where you're going can be a nightmare
http://www.davidsenesac.com/Information/angle_of_view.html
Or as information in my gallery images. Alot of us no doubt live busy lives with little time to do more than respond with a couple atta boys each week. Currently I'm too busy with my real m-f 8-5 job and domestic issues to even post on the board but once every few days. This sub forum has evolved into just a California scenics image posting forum that really doesn't interest me much personally. Without those images there is very little going on. I still post image threads maybe once a month just to show I'm still around and am willing to participate. But I really can't say there is much here to make me feel enthusiastic about.
Chris
Dusy Basin is high on my short list to do in the next month or so as well. I also wouldn't mind making a trip to the Seven Gables area too. I'm actually planning on camping over-night on Cucamonga peak for the Fourth of July to see what kind of shots I can capture of the valley floor under fireworks... if anyone cares to forgo their BBQ and camp instead.
Cheers!
~Eric
As I stated earlier there is a good amount of posts and comments in CANP, but again it is as active as folks feel like making it or not depending upon their circumstances. For the amount of time I have to work on NPN and CANP is as limited as a lot of folks, even with being retired. This year was my second year in retirement and I had no idea how much life has changed for me in that year.
Anyway, I wish to thank everyone who participated in this thread, as well as your constant visits and overall posts or comments as time will permit. Take care!
Generally though it is much easier to informally meet up as time allows since the state is so big. I've gone shooting with CANP photogs from up north but none from So Cal ironically.
I typically post my trips here at CANP if they are more then a day or two outings out there. The reason being is those are usually planned events and there is some lead time. My quick one day outings I usually never know about those in advance.
So, as I have done before I will post a comment here when I go to JTNP for a couple days next time.
Too hot now though.
Hopefully there will be some water this year at Barker Dam. last winter there was none!
Let's not rule spring at JTNP if we get the rain.
Pray for el niño.
Backpacking would be great as well. Dusy Basin is on my list of places I need to visit