Outings
Coming Up
2009 outings tba
Enjoyed
2008
South Coast Day Trip Bus Tour Saturday 8th November
Images
Denis
Penny
Jen
Trip Details
This trip we were lucky enough to have two reports - just to clear up an anomaly between the two - We
had a full bus with 18 passengers and the 3 spare seats were used to store our equipment out of the way.
Report by Alicia Simpson
Our latest outing was to the south coast and a good day was had by all. With Bob
as our driver, we headed to Kiama. Our first stop was the Mt Keira lookout, luckily we were
able to get coffees there, as we missed the Maccas stop on the way down. We got great
photos at Cathedral Rock (watch out for spiders!), then on to the sandstone walls, where
we were lucky enough to see whales. We were also lucky enough to enjoy the tasty nibblies,
courtesy of Eva, which tided us over till our lunch stop.
A quick stop at the bird hide, then onto Collins St for lunch, and some shopping. The Blowhole
provided awesome views, and some of us got pictures of the blowhole blowing. The native
gardens wasnt much to see, but then we had some time left to check out the Little blowhole.
With 18 of us on the bus, there was plenty of chatter and jokes. This meant plenty of
photographers to snap pictures of the unlucky ones who fell asleep on the return trip!
Extra Report by Bronwyn Elliott
Little Red Riding Trolley and the Three Sh*ts
Or
"Layers Are My Friends"
Q. What do you do with 19 borderline maniacs and a spare Saturday?
A. You lock them into a small bus with their cameras and take them to Kiama
for a day of photography.
continue Bronwyn's report on our trip to the South Coast
City Street Photography Saturday 18th October
Images
Jen
Penny
Trip description
Report by Linda Death
10.30 under the clock. This is where 8 adventurers met, cameras at the
ready. Leaving Central we headed off towards Oxford Street, where we should
have seen street performers and buskers around Taylor Square. We did not
find them. Undeterred we continued along Oxford St. At this stage Jen
decided to wait for us, she must have a crystal ball. We walked and walked
the locals said 'it is just up there' eventually we gave up and caught the
bus. We found Paddington Markets, this gave us a chance to have some lunch
and do some window shopping. Once bitten , twice shy - we caught the bus
all the way back to Hyde Park. there was lots of activity in Hyde Park,
the photo exhibition was great, amazing photos. As we were about to enter
St James station we found a street performer - Mr Icredibubble. Thanks to
Penny and Bob for organising the day it was fun but tiring.
Camera Rally Sunday 28th September 2008
Camera Rally Results
Mt Annan Botanical Gardens 16th August 2008
Images
Jen
Penny
Val
Trip description
Our Trip to Mount Annan
Penny our "OBCCTA" (Organising Blacktown Camera Club Travel Agent") informt as last meeting after
we got a sheet of paper put in our hands, 'We going on the 16th Aug 2008 to "Mount Annan".
You bring your camera gear, walking shuhs*, & a pullover. No back chatt - Bob will pick you
up at 9:45 sharp'.....
(continue Eva's story of our trip to Mt Annan)
Parramatta Park 5th July 2008
Images
Jen
Penny
This was a special day out with a pre-booked workshop component provided by Government House.
It was a bit disapointing that no everyone turned up as we still had to pay for those not attending.
For those who did turn up, Penny, Bob, Eva, Anne, Jen, Doug, Denis and John, the day started with a
roam around the park and focusing on a flock of cockatoos. At 11:30 we had a tour booked of
Government House - no photos please - if you are caught taking photos we revert back to 1815
and you will be flogged. The tour was with a guide who knew what he was talking about and was
extended half an hour because he had an audience who were interested. It was a win win situation.
Lunch didn't eventuate as the restaurant was busy and ignored our requests for quick service,
but they didn't charge us for the coffee we drank while waiting for service.
The afternoon workshop
started with a brief history on photography and then experimenting with light sensitive paper that the
lecturer got specially for us from Melbourne, and experimenting with coloured papers and materials when
doing photography.
A very late lunch at 3:30 at the kiosk in the park ended the day. Very enjoyable
For those interested in the light sensitive paper the address is:
Haines Learning Centre
20 Dalgety Street
Oakleigh Vic 3166
http://www.haines.com.au/Gee_Store/Scripts/prodView.asp?idproduct=7045
Fagan Park 8th June 2008
Photos
As it was a bleak day not many people took on the weather and so missed an opportunity to practice
photography in the face of adversity.
Those who did venture out namely Bob, Robin, Eva, John, Penny & Sister Geraldine, where very
impressed with what they found.
We arrived at Fagan Park in the mist and wet. We set up our picnic on a spare undercover table
and had a quick cuppa before setting off to discover what Fagan Park had to offer. We wandered
around visiting the different gardens looking for the best position to snap that award winning
pic. There was a lot to choose from between the North American Garden to the Dutch Garden then
on the Australian Garden, Japanese garden, Chinese Garden and lastly the Mediterranean Garden.
Each was designed to capture the essence of the nation they represented. Plenty of open spaces
provided scenic views. Springtime shots will be delightful when we return.
We just made it back to the picnic area in time as the heavens opened and down it came. Who cared,
no one. Eva had done her magic and produced a picnic fit for kings & queens. We ate heartily and
after packing up the many leftovers we visited the Fagan Homestead & museum.
This tour is available on the 2nd Sunday of every Month & Tuesdays. The volunteers were very friendly,
only happy to show us their domain. We were allowed to take photos and they would move items that were
in the way. 4 pm was close up time so we bundled ourselves into our cars and headed home.
Although not many member turned up for this outing is was very pleasurable and relaxing. Good photography,
happy people, great food means success and that's what we had.
Thanks To all for a great day.
Cockatoo Island 17th May 2008
Images
Trip Description
Just a brief note to let all those who were unable to attend that the outing to Cockatoo
Island was a great success. We had a good roll up with 11 members attending. Those who
attended were Anne, Andrea & Bill, Penny, Eva, Bill Mac, Jay, Bob & Robyn, John & Bronwyn.
From all the comments at lunch time everyone seemed to enjoy the time on the island.
I am sure that some of the photos will surface in upcoming competitions. We will be
running one of these outings each month and the next one will be to Parramatta Park
which promises to be a good day. Please let Penny know ASAP if you are attending on
the 5th of Julyasthis outing will have a Workshop element with it. Back to Cockatoo
Island we arrived at Circular Quay 9.30am and boarded the ferry to the island upon
arrival we split up into groups wandering the island snapping anything that moved or
stood still. This location is steeped in history with lots of information available at
the site. At lunch we discussed the different spots on the island and there were lots of
machines, buildings, seascapes,wildlife(mainly Eva) who insists on keeping her camera
warm in the depths of her bosom. It was certainly good going out with a sizable group
as there is always someone to give advice and suggest taking the photo from another
location to get a better shot. All in all a very pleasent day and I for on am looking
forward to Parramatta Park, along with the rest we will organise for the remainder of the year.
Big Bad Bob
Homebush Bay 15th April 2008
Images
Penny
Jen
Weather was glorious for a middle April day. There were nine of in all and we arrived at Homebush Bay at 4pm for the night shoot to find a
Swans game on at the stadium and half the roads closed. Luckily we all had phones with us and met up at the Brickpit
instead of the fountain. Around the ring walk to get photos of the Brickpit and then down to the wharf for sunset shots.
Heading back to the station we grabbed some of the last parking as the game crowd arrived. Meal time at Maccers (and other places)
and the photos of the cauldron. leaving early before the game finished.
2007
Taronga Park Zoo 29th September 2007
Another successful trip with 15 of us turning up. We met up inside at 9am. It was a beautiful warm day,
but a bit windy at first. Making our way down the hill at our own pace and meeting up at 12 noon
for the bird flight show Continuing to make own way afterwards and bumping into each other wherever we went.
White Water Rafting
Saturday 2nd June
Photos
It was a beautiful day to be out in the sunshine. There was action a plenty all morning.
The morning started with white water Kayak classes with all sorts of action around the
whole circuit and even some flat water training off to the side, Then about 11 the lessons
ended, the turbulence was turned up and the rafts came out. Now there was a mixture of kayaks
and rafts on the water. With long action sequences, cards and film were soon used up. Well worth
visiting again some time in the near future
Anzac Day - Blacktown RSL Club
Wednesday 25th April 2007
Photos
The Anzac Day March was a cancelled this year - not that it was raining, but the heavens were
expected to open at any time. The ceremonies were held in the auditorium where it was standing
room only. There were three photographers, myself, Nic and the press. The lady from the press
left a 70-200 f1.28 lens just laying around (under the eagle eye of a friend). Whilst I was drooling
- she returned and actually let me attach it to my camera and take a couple of photos, thus I took my
best photos of the morning. Thank you Louise.
Linnwood House, Guildford
Saturday 17th March 2007
Photos
An extra outing not on the the official program, the Linnwood House Outing was
set up to coincide with an exhibitions to held there later in the year.
A dull morning for our dawn shoot, but at least the rain stayed away. Breakfast at McDonalds
then a few of us went onto the aquaduct to to shoot in the hot steamy conditions.
The afternoon shoot inside the house went well with Geoff orchestrating the models.
Thank you ladies you looked lovely in the period costumes and thank you to the
anonymous convict who brightened up our day.
Just looking forward now to the exhibition to be held there later in the year.
2006
Camera Rally
Saturday 16th September 2006
Results of the camera Rally
The Camera Rally this year was a great success. Everyone enjoyed themselves
and most people visited at least one spot they did not know existed.
Pam and Nic won the trivia again with John and Brendan very close behind.
The voting was by peoples choice so click on the
result
link above to see who won.
Featherdale Wildlife Park
Sunday 9th July 2006
Photos
Mary Hearn
Jen Keys
A very successful turnout for this freezing early morning we were thirteen in
all and we were there before the park opened to the public. We were not alone
as we thought we would be - we got there at the same time as the tour buses
heading for the mountains for the day. A wonder around the park, a free cup of
coffee and another wander around the park, laughing at the antics of the
animals especially the kangaroo who thought my tripod was his breakfast and got
quite agro when someone tried to separate him from his meal. Later the same roo
decided he was a red kangaroo and he should mate with my red coat - I couldn't
escape the enclosure quick enough. The Japanese tourists seemed think this was
a show put on for them - so watch out for me on funniest home videos.
Hills District Interclub 2006
5th July 2006
Photos coming soon
Not really an outing, but a club special occasion. It is the first time we have
hosted this annual event and we had we had a very good turnout for the show.
I would like to thank David Miller from Saint George for doing the judging.
There were five sections with, each with ten photographs so it was quite a
long night. I would like to thank all our members for providing the supper,
every one brought a plate , orchestrated by Ceara who tried make sure we had a
mixture of both sweet and savoury. I would also like to thank all our members
for turning up early to help set up. A special thanks must go to Alicia and
Peter for organising the changing of the colour prints to the Black and White
during the slides so the B&W were on display during the break. I would like to
thank both Castle Hill and Parramatta clubs for getting their list of entries
to us early so we could print a catalogue to help to follow the judging -
making it more interesting - also creating 60 scorers rather than 3.
Equestrian Centre
6th May 2006
Photos
Valerie Bower
Jen Keys
A beautiful autumn day to be out in the country, even if we were only ten minutes from home.
Elegant horses with elegant riders, what more could we ask (no Val - elegant groomers wouldn't work)
The dressage events were on as we arrived with prize givings hard on its heels. The afternoon moved
into judging the young horses whose training was not yet complete. Then more dressage moving into the evening.
There was plenty to photograph with the Indoor Arena, the training arena and the stable area with its walkway to the arenas
The only disappointment of the day was not being allowed into the stables themselves.
Night Shoot - Blacktown Show
Saturday 11th March 2006
Photos
Valerie Bower
Jen Keys
Clive Stacey
We had a great turnout for the Show outing with even 3 year old Sophie (Clive's
daughter) taking photos on the night.
There was plenty to shoot for the night
enthusiast. We started off in the daylight checking out the rides taking
daylight photos and staying on as it turned to night giving wonderful night
trails with the light still in the sky.
After night fell we went to photograph
the other rides and got waylaid to take photos of the "purple tree" where the
carnival lights were shining on it turning the bark all shades of green and
purple. We tried to get night shots of the cars but ended up with just headlight
trails -no cars to be seen.
The night ended with the fireworks and for a lot of
us it was the first time. Most of us got at least one good shot and an appetite
to shoot more next time fireworks are on.
2005
Rouse Hill Estate
7th November 2005
Photos
A confusion of times and dates meant we arrived too late to enter into the Rouse Hill Estate,
but not all was lost as Rouse Hill Regional Park next door gave many photo opportunities
to a keen photographer.
There was the creek with the insects flying around, there was the Windsor Road
Bridge over the creek, there were the views up the hill of the Rouse Hill Estate
and there were the people in the park enjoying themselves.
La Perouse and Bare Island
16th July 2005
Photos
Bob Markham
Jen Keys
Not a large turnout for this wonderful place. The light was fantastic and
the air was clear and crisp. OK I had on a sweater, parka and scarf but
if anything I had on too much. The water was sparkling in the fairly large
surf rolling in. The tide was fairly high - something we should watch for
next time we do a shoot at a beach - but not that high we couldn't clamber
around the rocks.
Bob got a boot full of water on an initial exploration of the far side of the
island and did much worse damage to himself trying to avoid a repeat performance
later in the day. A sudden end to the outing - but missed photo opportunities
of me struggling back over the rocks carrying two tripods and three cameras
while Nic helped Bob.
I would like to thank all the strangers who helped down the rocks in awkward
places. Many of you have seen the aftermath of the accident with the long
cut on Bob's head, but he rallied around from it straight away and even drove
home - with Pam for company - after the Ambos patched him up.
I can't say a good day was had by all, but it was certainly interesting.
Camera Rally and Autumn Colours at Mt Wilson
1st May 2005
Photos
Winning Photographs
We had quite a turn up for the camera rally with all of us meeting at Richmond
at 8:30 on Sunday morning.
After a couple of false starts taking photos in Richmond Park we got going
following the route to Smith Park, North Richmond, Kurmond, Kurrajong -
taking photos on the way.
Once we hit the mountains proper there were not many places to pull over
and stop, so the photos petered out for a while and then more at
Mt Wilson when we arrived.
John & Beryl had the kettle boiling and cold drinks available when we arrived.
With a couple of portable bbqs and a stove for the hot water lunch was soon
available with the main topics of conversation being - who had been told
they had to pay to take photos of one of the subjects and what answers
had everyone given to the trivia questions? Nic and Pam won the trivia
with a score of 25/26.
The colour at Mt Wilson was still very vibrant in the park where we had lunch,
but was nearing the end - it's a good job we didn't make it later.
We now have to wait for the competition in October for Autumn.
Night Shoot at Darling Harbour 19th March 2005
Photos
Nic Peters
John Harrison
Jen Keys
We met at 2pm for a session in the Chinese Gardens taking pattern shots in the
fore-ground area waiting for late arrivals. Inside the gardens we took photos
of the people, the plants, the carp, the waterfalls.
You need mind photos to see
the serenity of sitting behind the willows in a tea house with the noise muted
as it wasn't very photogenic.
At 4:30 we met up with Richard for the night
session, taking photos of the flowers and the water features we moved slowly
down to the maritime museum, stopping for a bite to eat at Harbour-side.
The late afternoon light was perfect for the reflections in museum windows and
for the lighthouse and Pyrmont Bridge. We went up to the Bridge and watched it
opening and took colourful pictures of the sky against the city buildings,
then back down to harbour side for more city lights while there was still light
in the sky.
We called it a night at 8:10 after a long session enjoyed by all.