Stretching Yourself
September 14, 2012 
It's not that long ago that I was happy to haul my camera around with me where ever I went and snap "pix" of anything and everything adhoc and make the best of what I could in Photoshop. However since going to Venice in February on a photo travel workshop I have become quite obsessed with what I see through the viewfinder, more concerned with composition, depth of field, bracketing, ISO etc - yes all those geeky types of technical photography terms that I never really thought should concern me.
Since that workshop I have also actively sought out lots of new ways to connect with other photographers and find opportunities to go take pictures in places and of things that I would normally not have done. So I have been late night walking around Manhattan and across the Brooklyn Bridge to take nightscapes, traipsing off to upstate New York hunting for Hot Air Balloons, tucked inside a dark dingy Soho studio taking Fine Art Nude pictures, driving hours away to take photos of Birds of Prey and LOTS of other things...... all accomplished by way of connections that I have made via Meetup.
It's a fabulous facility and I am not sure whether the same thing exists outside the US, but certainly within the boundaries of this country it is massive, flourishing and really quite fantastic.
So far I think I belong to about 15 groups. Some more active than others. Some with specific focus such as night shooting or street photography, glamour etc. Others which are more event specific where a group of photographers meet at an event at a certain location. Then there are groups which are workshop oriented with information and learning being the key objective.
The universal element seems to be the cameraderie amongst the photographers, their willingness to share and their enthusiam for their craft.
Whilst I still hunger to adventure further with more travel workshops I'm also happy with the varied opportunities to stretch and grow my picture taking abilities right around my front door and explore and do stuff that perhaps I might not think to do by myself.
So if you can play Meetup in your part of the world, I'd highly recommend it. Oh and it's not just for photographers, they do all sorts.......
Meetup, Photography.
Reader Comments (21)
Is seem to be such an interesting venue to meet people sharing your passion for photography, I am going to see if there is such a thing here in Canada. Thank you for sharing.
Your photograph is amazing :-)
That sounds truly wonderful - as is your attitude. Growth and learning all intertwingled. I love it. Thank you.
The essential piece here for me today was the return to what you "see through the viewfinder." There is such simplicity and connection for me with that notion of what the camera and you can do together and how you then share it in community. Yes!
I clicked on Meetup and WOW--everything came up for groups here in the Netherlands, Marie. i had no idea. So THANKS for that piece of connecting to others nearby!
In the meantime, it's like becoming hand-in-glove with our cameras, isn't it. Some have called it their best friend. I do like the challenge of photography, taking ourselves to the next level, whenever possible. But in the end, it really is about having eyes to see. I want to get better at that myself, so thank you for the inspiration!
What a great idea!! Lots and lots of them here in the Boston area...what a wonderful way in which to connect. Love how you stretch yourself..always willing to grow and explore different parts and pieces of yourself. Very inspiring!!!
meet up has been a place where many of my friends have made new friends when they've moved. my sister looked into it when she relocated from cleveland to the bronx. it is a super thing...as for your desire to learn how to photograph what you see, i applaud you heartily!!!! there is an old joke that no one asked the gallery owner what fstop ansel adams used for "moonrise...," but had he not known about depth of field, fstops, shutter speeds, his 8x10 negatives would never have printed themselves into glory.
digital photography from iphones to point-and-shoots has given the world easy access to pleasure, and depending on what you are doing with those photos, learning how to get the image in the camera still rings my bell. and...it is very hard work...like anything else. thank you for this thoughtful post about your path.
Stretching & connecting & sharing ~ well done!
I can really identify with what you say, Marie, about finding others with the same interest. In the past 18 months or so I found a local photography club, but the best part of that has been the couple of friends I have made who really like to go to new places and take photos. We have a good time together and we have learned a lot from each other.
Beautiful image!
I'll have to look into the meetups. Great photo.
It is with photography as it is with so many things, you have to know the rules before you can break the rules. I haven't heard of Meetup so i thank you for the link. Sounds great as i move around a lot.
I've started a meetup for writing. No takers yet...but I go and write. It's good for me and will be even better when others join me.
what a great shot! it sounds like a fabulous way to encourage yourself to grow and reach beyond your comfort zone!
I went to quite a few meetups when I first bought my camera and they were a lot of fun. Alas, other activities have taken precedence and I don't have time to improve myself like I'd like to I applaud the work you are putting in. Now if only meetup had as many available writing groups...
I have to check Meetup for my area. The community you describe is something I'd like a lot myself. Thank you so much, Marie, and enjoy your future photo outings.
it sounds great and i wish we had something similar here - sadly we don't, it's a bit of a cultural void out here in so many ways; although of course there is much that is good here too. great photo!!!
How lovely that you have found others to share that 'stretching yourself' with. I keep meaning to go to our local outdoor meetup but never quite get around to it.
Everyone around here always is talking about meetups, but they usually have to do with country/western dancing or kayaking. Maybe I need to explore a little further!
Great post Marie! I've known about "meetup" but most of the time I'm not in one spot long enough to research and sign up, ha! Can I say that I adore your blog! Just able to spend a little time on it today and I'm a new follower!! I would so love to do some nude photography so hats off to you for stepping out of your comfort zone! Your photos are fabulous! Will keep an eye out for the "new class" you mention...always up for on-line classes especially with the cold weather approaching! If our schedules ever coincide, please know you always have a photo buddy in Manhattan if you ever want some company!
While I haven't explored the concept of meet-up as you have described it, I do belong to several photography groups. In those groups we do most all of the same thing you have talked about. Those photography groups have been a wonderful source of inspiration, exploration, and a way of forming great friendships.
Marie! What a great shot!
We've seen a lot of the fruit of your recent explorations and stretches, and I say, the stretches are paying off!
It's always rewarding to delve further into a subject we're passionate about, and I love hearing that you're doing that. We all should be so brave.
Marie! What a great shot!
We've seen a lot of the fruit of your recent explorations and stretches, and I say, the stretches are paying off!
It's always rewarding to delve further into a subject we're passionate about, and I love hearing that you're doing that. We all should be so brave.