Light Painting and other Light Effects at Night - Christmas Theme
Saturday 02 December
Woonona - 7:30pm - 2 Hours
Sue Curtis
Get into the Christmas spirit with festive-themed light painting and other effects.
Using a suitable and safe location near Woonona Pool and Beach we will experiment with burning steel wool, sparklers, torches, and coloured lights to create special effects using long exposure camera settings.
Perfect for decorating cards, emails and social media.
Learn how to control the amount of light and choose the camera settings. Ideally, you will have some knowledge of using your camera in manual mode to get the most out of this meet-up.
Cascade Falls, Macquarie Pass at Night
Wednesday 06 December
Cascade Falls, base of Macquarie Pass - 7:30pm - 2 Hours
Sue Curtis
Stroll along the Cascade Falls track at night listening for night wildlife and ending at the Cascade Falls
Hopefully, if luck is on our side we may find some bioluminescent life.
Please be aware of the potential risks of walking along a bush track at night with steps and rocks and therefore the potential for trip hazards, slippery rocks, mosquitoes and leaches!.
2km return trip.
Composition in Landscape Photography
Sunday 04 February
Wattamolla, Royal National Park - 9am - 2 Hours
Sue Curtis
Composition is one of the most important factors that will set your landscape photographs apart from others.
We will go beyond the standard "Rule of Thirds" to consider the best framing and arrangement to connect the features in a scene to create a photo with impact.
We will have various landscape options from the lagoon and headland, spectacular rock structures, and sweeping coastal views.
Capturing Star Trails in the Night Sky Class
Saturday 10 February
Stanwell Tops - 8pm - 3 Hours
Sue Curtis
In this 3-hour class, you will learn how to plan, map and set up your camera to capture multiple timed images of the night sky creating a circular star trail around the south celestial pole.
You will be provided with some preparation tasks to complete prior to the class, to maximise your success in capturing star trails on the night. We will aim to set up a two-star trail series, using different time methods. While the cameras are recording the images, we will be able to further discuss techniques or if you have a second camera - take other night sky photographs.
This class includes a complimentary Zoom session to help you with post-processing your images.
Location: Stanwell Tops - note location may change or be postponed at the last minute depending on the weather conditions. Details will be provided to participants
Skills for Astrophotography and the Night Sky
Saturday 13 April
Bombo - 5:30pm - 2 Hours
Sue Curtis
Learn the night sky constellations, especially in the context of astrophotography, such as how to locate our milky way galaxy and its path during the year, nearby galaxies, planets in our solar system and the location of interesting objects in the sky.
In this meet-up, we will concentrate on the skills required to master astrophotography such as planning, focusing skills, exposure settings, camera settings, foreground composition and more. Stars will be visible during this session, but not the Milky Way, which will rise later in the night.
The location is not within the quarry, so an easy 5-10 min walk to the headland.
We will also capture the lights of Kiama as a seascape.
A tripod is essential, your current camera equipment will be suitable for this meet-up.
This meet-up is recommended if you are new to astrophotography. An understanding of how to change your camera exposure settings is required.
A separate meet-up "Up-late for the Milky Way" will follow this skills session, if you are keen for a double session to put your skills to the test.
Up-Late for the Milky Way at Bombo
Saturday 13 April
Kiama - 8:30pm - 2 Hours
Sue Curtis
Bombo Quarry is a renowned geological feature that provides a sheltered location from the urban lights for night photography. We will use the towering rocks to add some foreground interest to our night sky photos or aim our cameras to the east to capture our Milky Way Galaxy as it rises above the horizon.
For this meet-up, it will be assumed that you will have a good understanding of using manual mode and ideally have previously photographed the night sky.
Please be aware that this session will be subject to suitable weather and ocean conditions
You will need a tripod, and torch and be able to navigate the path down into the quarry in the dark, using steep steps and uneven rocky ground.
A separate meet-up "Skills for Astrophotography" will proceed this session" If you have not photographed the night sky previously it is highly recommended that you start with the skills session.
Embrace Blur and Multiple Exposure - Unlock Your Creative Mind
Sunday 28 April
Wollongong Botantic Gardens - 9am - 2 Hours
Sue Curtis
Let go of the need for a sharp focus image and explore the concepts of intentional camera movement (ICM) and multiple exposure techniques.
Drawing inspiration from the flowers and features in the garden we will create impressionistic scenes using light, colour, and shape. It's rewarding and addictive as every photo is unique.
Shallow Depth of Field
Saturday 16 December
Paddington - 1pm - 2 Hours
Mel Koutchavlis
Join us for an immersive workshop where we delve into the captivating world of creating radiant images using a shallow depth of field. Our skilled guide will adeptly steer you through the process, simplifying complex concepts like understanding and effectively utilizing principles of photography such as aperture focal length and distance. This comprehensive session isn't just instructive, it's transformative - equipping you with skills to create impactful moods, artistically blur out distracting backgrounds and masterfully employ shallow depth of field for a 'bokeh' effect to accentuate your subjects. A hands-on exploration into honing your photographic prowess awaits you.
Motion Blur - Using Blur in Photography
Saturday 13 January
Bronte Beach - 10am - 2 Hours
Mel Koutchavlis
Motion blur is an intentional technique used to show movement in images.
We will use the water and waves to learn and explore pastel for motion blur images.
Understanding how to control the blur can help lead you to new creative opportunities, expanding your photographic possibilities.
We will meet at Bronte Beach to shoot and explore this technique.
Abstract Photography
Saturday 20 January
Marine Parade - 1pm - 2 Hours
Mel Koutchavlis
Abstract photography involves capturing a subject in a way that renders it partially or completely unrecognisable, emphasising instead on the interplay of shapes, colours, and form.
In this workshop, we will use nature to create abstract imagery with composition, colour, black and white and texture, experimenting with different angles and perspectives with your individual vision and inspiration.
Intermediate Photography Class
Saturday 03 February
Paddington - 11am - 3 Hours
Mel Koutchavlis
Intermediate photography is for everyone with a basic understanding of photography with the intention to feel more confident in using their camera with ease.
We will concentrate on exposures - shutter speeds, F-stops and ISO and when to use what to achieve the look and feel intended.
This workshop relies on using a DSLR
Natural Light Portraits
Saturday 17 February
Centennial Park - 1pm - 2 Hours
Mel Koutchavlis
This meet-up will explore how we can take beautiful portraits using natural light and backgrounds. We will explore how to recognise flattering light and how to manipulate it whilst shooting in a less controlled environment than a studio. We will explore how we can work collaboratively with our subject to achieve a portrait that captures their personality and style. We will also look at posing and setting your subject at ease. Technical learning points will include accurate focusing and metering for skin tones. A model is present during the session.
On the Road
Saturday 02 March
Paddington - 11am - 2 Hours
Mel Koutchavlis
In this workshop, we will be looking at roads to photograph what is right in front of you every day you travel. We will also combine motion blur with traffic and create some unique street / road scenes.
Street style photography with a twist.
Nature Photography Meetup
Saturday 16 March
Centennial Park - 1pm - 2 Hours
Mel Koutchavlis
Join this session for tips on how to use your camera settings to creatively capture nature in a visually interesting way. We will be looking at composition, focus, and colour.
Many professional offices and places of business have large prints gracing their wall space of things such as fields of flowers, a butterfly perched on a leaf, and a single dew drop on a rose petal. These beautiful images are all around us in nature. It just takes that special "eye" to not only see it but to capture it in a way that will turn that simple little piece of nature into a beautiful piece of art. We will learn how to use different angles, light and shadows, and settings to make subjects pop.
Backlighting, Bokeh and Bursts
Saturday 30 March
Centennial Park - 1pm - 2 Hours
Mel Koutchavlis
This workshop is all about using various techniques to maximise the behaviour of the light. Backlighting is one of my favourites and can be used for portraiture or nature. Bokeh is Japanese for blur but is a term used for soft out of focus balls of light which can look very pleasing. Burst in this case is star burst which can be achieved when you have strong areas of light and a correct choice of aperture. Use all three to create some amazing compositions.
SmartPhone Photography Meetup
Saturday 13 April
Centennial Park - 12pm - 2 Hours
Mel Koutchavlis
We all have a smart little device with us all the time that can capture great photographs.
In this workshop we will learn to understand it's true power for photogrpahy and how to capture stunning images. No DSLR needed!
You will gain the knowledge and confidence needed to capture picture-perfect moments on your smart phone.
This workshop would be particularly useful for you if you need to understand how to take great pics on your phone for work or for travel and don't wish to use a DSLR.
No prior photography experience is needed for this workshop.
Portraiture With Natural Light
Saturday 27 April
Centennial Park - 12pm - 2 Hours
Mel Koutchavlis
Natural light portraits are beautiful!
In this workshop we will discuss and learn how to take beautiful portraits using available light.
There are different approaches and we will look at shaded light, backlight and soft side lighting.
This workshop is designed for intermediates wishing to gain a greater understanding lighting for portraiture for hobbyists and professionals alike.
DSLR experience is useful
Beginner's Crochet Class
Saturday 09 December
120 The Avenue - 10am - 3 Hours
Minh Thuy Truc Pham
Welcome to a skill-building session designed for beginners, refreshers, and those seeking to perfect basic crochet stitches. This instructive gathering will initiate with essential techniques of holding the yarn, then smoothly transition to forming the prime stitches essential for a traditional granny square. To make your learning experience even more enjoyable, all crochet materials are provided within the session, complemented by a complementary tea or coffee. Be part of this warm, supportive environment and immerse yourself in the intricate art of crochet.
Wollongong Botanic Gardens
Sunday 10 December
40 Murphys Ave.
Do you need an updated family portrait? Come along to our mini photo sessions.
Mini-sessions are short 30 minute photo sessions for up to 6 people - perfect for families with little ones who can't sit still for too long.
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Christmas Crochet Decorations Class
Saturday 16 December
120 The Avenue - 10am - 3 Hours
Minh Thuy Truc Pham
Participants should enthusiastically consider joining the Christmas Crochet Decorations crochet class to infuse the holiday season with a personal touch and warmth. This class offers a delightful opportunity to craft charming and festive decorations that will adorn homes and create treasured memories. Whether you're a seasoned crocheter or a novice, this class provides step-by-step guidance, enabling participants to create ornaments, stockings, and other Christmas-themed crochet items. Joining this class not only allows you to customize your holiday decor but also serves as a rewarding and creative way to celebrate the spirit of Christmas. Come and join us to craft unique, handmade decorations that will bring joy and a sense of togetherness to your festive celebrations.
Amigurumi 101 Class
Saturday 13 January
Figtree - 10am - 3 Hours
Minh Thuy Truc Pham
Discover the charming art of Amigurumi, a traditional Japanese craft of crocheting adorable miniature creatures. Ideal for those who have completed our Beginners Class, you'll delve into the basics of Amigurumi and embark on a simple heart project within this workshop. This course provides not only comprehensive instructions and crochet materials but also includes a refreshing non-alcoholic beverage for a more enjoyable crafting experience. Delve into the diverse world of crochet and bring your creativity to life.
Corner to Corner Crochet Class
Saturday 20 January
120 The Avenue - 10am - 0.5 Hours
Minh Thuy Truc Pham
Experience a unique and innovative style of crocheting at the Corner to Corner (C2C) Crochet event! Make patterns or pictures by working with stitches diagonally and following a graph. Expand your refinement by learning how to read and work from a graph, while increasing, decreasing, and altering colors to make your creations stand out. This creative journey in crocheting is not to be missed!
DIY Crochet Flowers Class
Saturday 27 January
120 The Avenue - 10am - 3 Hours
Minh Thuy Truc Pham
In our Flower Crochet Class, participants will embark on a creative journey where they'll learn to craft exquisite crochet flowers. From mastering the fundamental stitches to creating lifelike petals and leaves, participants will gain the skills and techniques needed to bring the beauty of nature into their crochet projects. They'll also delve into the art of color selection and customization, enabling them to design unique floral creations. With expert guidance and a welcoming atmosphere, our class is perfect for all skill levels, promising to cultivate a newfound appreciation for the art of crochet and a talent for crafting stunning floral motifs. Join us and let your creativity bloom!
Beginner's Crochet Class
Saturday 03 February
120 The Avenue - 10am - 3 Hours
Minh Thuy Truc Pham
Welcome to a skill-building session designed for beginners, refreshers, and those seeking to perfect basic crochet stitches. This instructive gathering will initiate with essential techniques of holding the yarn, then smoothly transition to forming the prime stitches essential for a traditional granny square. To make your learning experience even more enjoyable, all crochet materials are provided within the session, complemented by a complementary tea or coffee. Be part of this warm, supportive environment and immerse yourself in the intricate art of crochet.
