A get together in 2014 for forum members FREEPORT, MAINE/MARCH 27-30, 2014

scoobysmak

@bland

Daytona.....yes.....actually, St Augustine/Daytona combo....but, not many want to shoot motorsports on NRF....as far as I know. But, any beach venue offers a lot of photo ops.

I am in for motorsports shooting and lots bird shooting in/around St Augustine.

Denver Shooter

I would second this, not sure if you can get a press pass to do that or just take photos from the stands. Last NASCAR race I went to you had to have a clear bag to carry anything into the stands. Then I stuffed my 70-200 into some tube socks to hid it. Not sure if I went over board but didn't want to find out the hard I couldn't have it.

Of course I won't be avalible for Daytona until most likely 2015. I need to improve my birding skills as well, I have a hard enough time with planes much less something that doesn't fly in a straight line, lol.

Msmoto

My experience regarding a NASCAR press Pass.....related to the metal unobtainium. At a NASCAR road race one cannot even get into to the pit area...very high security. The only people with influence are sponsors with lots of money. The size of what you can bring into the stands is limited to where a 400mm f/2.8 is banned.

But, there are many other motorsports where one can almost stand on the track.....so....

And, for an interesting motorsports photography related movie...Hitchcock's 'Rear Window'....

Photobug

Msmoto said:
Maybe we need to think in categories.....

Do we want historical sites, e.g., Williamsburg, VA?
Ocean...Atlantic Coast....
Animals....zoos in the US...
Special landscape opportunities like this year with the Sand Dunes, Pike's Peak, Garden of the Gods in Colorado
Street people as in a medium city....
Large city.....means much higher costs...e.g., Chicago is about $250+ per day, New York more.
Museums/Aquariums....

If we choose an "off season" site, like fall in the northern hemisphere we may be able to obtains a special rate for "NRF Members"

Of course we could do this at a race track....LOL cars or bikes.....

In any case, for the next month we will keep dropping thoughts on this thread and then the mods and Peter can decide....maybe by the end of September.

From my perspective, we should avoid large cities to control cost. I am willing to pay $400 or $425 for 3 days for the room.

My preference is historical sites, and landscapes, and no large cities. Spring or fall gets you out of the heat and less cost for hotels.

Garden of the Gods, CO, Williamsburg, VA, Sedona, AZ, Smoky Mountains, TN, Hocking HIlls, Ohio south of Columbus, Griss Mill in Babcock State Park, in WV are all great photo opportunities. Most people never heard of Hocking Hills and few have gone to Babcock State Park. Both parks photograph differently in the morning and afternoon. Lots of other opportunities around Babcock. The Griss Mill is the most photographed mill in the NE-mid Atlantic area.

That my two cents.

dissent

As much as I'd like to attend one of these, next year is probably not in the cards for me. Nevertheless, this post over at NSN may have some info for those looking for fall color -
http://www.naturescapes.net/forums/viewtopic.php?f=1&t=235891

Msmoto

Coming soon....the decision on the next meeting of forum members......

spraynpray

UK! :-h

Msmoto

How did you guess? )

Msmoto

And, the decision:

FREEPORT, MAINE FROM MARCH 27 - 30, 2014

I will be providing a link, on this thread, to the Hampton Inn Freeport so we can obtain a special rate for NRF members. This will save members a significant amount and having stayed at dozens of Hampton inns around the country, I have found the accommodations exceptional.

Hope to see many of you there in 2014...... ;;)

Golf007sd

I'm in.

michael66

Um... what happened to the fall foiliage? March is cold up here, more so up there.

Golf007sd

Lots of consideration were taken into account. Photographing is part of meeting each other, but the purpose of the gatherings is and will be far more than taking pictures. Hope we can get as many members, family and friends to attend.

Lastly, as photographers we should be able to take picture in as setting...hot, cold, wet, sandy, etc..etc. It is all about pushing ourself beyond the ideal conditions.

michael66

@Golf007sd Heh. Fine by me, I'm used to it. So it's your tuchus.

rmp

The average temperatures in Freeport for March are: High = 43F and low 23. ~O)

Msmoto

Late March weather is high 40'3 low 50's. But, having been on Prout's Neck about five times in early November, this area on the coast can be quite mild as well. I never found the weather objectionable and it may mean a snow covered shooting op. Of course the fact I was raised in South Dakota may have something to do with this. LOL

proudgeek

I live in Vermont. Maine on the coast will be downright balmy.

michael66

Cool Sounds like you folks are all made of stern and hardy stock. Something them d*mn Yankees appreciate.

To foreigners, a Yankee is an American.
To Americans, a Yankee is a Northerner.
To Northerners, a Yankee is an Easterner.
To Easterners, a Yankee is a New Englander.
To New Englanders, a Yankee is a Vermonter.
And in Vermont, the Yankee lives down the road a bit, but you better announce yourself.

Benji2505

It's going to be all grey in March, no spring, especially on the water. Snow is a definite possibility.

ttsisgood

Count me in, please. This will be fun! -- Juergen (the other one, ttsisgood)

Msmoto

And for the special rate for NRF Members....

http://hamptoninn.hilton.com/en/hp/groups/personalized/P/PWMFPHX-NRF-20140324/index.jhtml?WT.mc_id=POG

Peter

Booked, thanks Msmoto!

ttsisgood

Booked...

Golf007sd

Got my confirmation. All set here as well...woohoo

DenverShooter

I will bring the 800mm F/5.6

Denver Shooter

Golf007sd

@DenverShooter. Perfect. Looking forward to that. Missed out on playing with it this year. Cheers

proudgeek

I will likely be there. However, I have relatives in Freeport so I won't be staying at the hotel.