Save the date: Star Party

By Jeff McGrath

Saturday June 13th, 2009, we will be going out to Stansbury Park (near Tooele) for Star Trail Shots.

The Salt Lake Astronomical Society will be hosting a Star Party at the Stansbury Park Observatory in the evening. Members of SLAS and other enthusiasts bring out their telescopes for the public to look through in addition to the telescopes at the observatory. Check out Saturns Rings or Jupiters Moons while you wait for your Star Trails Bulb shot to complete.

We will be meeting out there at 9:00pm, where I will introduce you to the Vice President of the SLAS. This should also give us enough time so we can be set up by 9:30. Around 10:00pm is about when the stars should really start to shine. Typically the star parties last until 11:00pm, but the ending time for this is still TDB.

You can find Maps to the Observatory on SLAS's website:
slas.us/maps/SPOCMAP.HTM
slas.us/images/MAPS/SPOC_Map.gif (printable)

Once again, the details:
* Stansbury Park Observatory (Not Island)
* June 13th (Saturday)
* 9:00pm

Weather Permitting

Follow the discussion on this Flickr thread.

Save the Date: Worldwide Photowalk - 07.18.09

By Rich Legg

I'm pleased to announce that I will be leading one of the groups on this summer's World Wide Photowalk. The goal of the event is to coordinate simultaneous photowalks throughout the world on July 18th. Scott Kelby came up with the idea last summer and had great participation. This year's event will surely surpass that.

The group I'm leading will be taking an evening walk on the Jordan River Parkway in West Jordan, Utah. Unlike our normal Photowalking Utah outings, this one will require pre-registration and have a cap of 50 participants. Since the registration has already filled up nearly halfway in less than 24 hours, I would recommend grabbing a spot early if you would like to 'officially' participate. To save your space, visit the registration page at worldwidephotowalk.com/west-jordan-ut-usa.

For all the info on the event and to find one in your area (if you're not in Northern Utah), drop by the website at www.worldwidephotowalk.com.

Save the Date: Basics of Exposure Mini-Clinic

by Rich Legg

It's time again for one of my Photography Mini-Clinics at the Salt Lake City Library. These clinics are presented as an additional event of Photowalking Utah. On Thursday June 4th I will be hosting the session. The subject of this clinic is The Basics of Exposure. Understanding the relationship between shutter speed and aperture and how to use it to better one's photography is a question I frequently get asked. In the session I will explain the basics of exposure and teach how to use the manual and semi-manual settings on a camera. As always, there will be plenty of time for Q&A as well.

Here are the details:

Date: Thursday June 4th
Time: 6:30 - 8:00 pm
Location: Salt Lake City Main Library - 210 E 400 South, Conf. room #4, 4th floor
Cost: Zero, zilch, nada - FREE!

These classes are open to anyone who has a desire to expand their photography knowledge. There will be info useful to photographers of any skill level.

For those who plan on attending, please head over to the Photowalking Utah Flickr Group to put down your RSVP.

May 16th photowalk at the Spiral Jetty

By Elizabeth Foote

May's Photowalk is taking us up North to Promontory.

The Plan: Meet in the parking lot of the Golden Spike National Historic Site at 12:00 noon on Saturday, May 16. The Golden Spike charges $7/car or $3/individual, so I strongly encourage carpooling. I have called to let them know we're planning to invade. I assured them we will be respectful, and let them know we will be responsive to the rangers' instructions. They have asked that any photographs we take be for private use and not used commercially. Since there are so many of us, a special use permit may be required. The cost of the permit is $50. I will keep you posted on this.

The driving of the spike takes place at 1:00pm. In addition to the reenactment, there are a number of driving tours with interesting geographical features such as the Chinese Arch.

When we're done at the Spike, we will head out to the Spiral Jetty. It takes about 45 minutes to get there from the Spike to the Jetty. The road is a little rough, but most cars should be able to make it as long as you take it easy.

Given the time, distance, and remoteness involved in this Photowalk, I'm encouraging everyone to pack water and snacks. Anyone interested in a potluck? Hope to see you there!

More info on Spiral Jetty
Meeting location
Discussion on the Flickr group