Camera Craniums: The Photography Community for Enthusiasts

Places of interest / Other Interests, Hobbies etc => CC Meet-ups => Topic started by: picsfor on September 04, 2009, 01:02:39 PM

Title: CC Meet Ups
Post by: picsfor on September 04, 2009, 01:02:39 PM
I've changed this thread in line with later posts etc.

This has now become the thread to discuss having meets. The Speakers corner Meet has now been moved to a new thread all of its own.

For those thinking of arranging meet ups, remember these simple following rules:

1. Consider transport facilities to the location of the meet up - not every one has transport and not every location has decent parking facilities
2. Make sure there are some refreshment facilities - walking around photographing for up to 6 hours can be demanding (yes the meets have lasted for 6 hours with ease)
3. Apart from the meet up point, have a basic plan with options for photographing and allowing for changing circumstances - such as the weather

For me, the trick has been to propose a meeting, with a date (or dates) and see what feed back you get.We are lucky in the South in that we have London with a good transport infrastructure and quite a large amount of photographic opportunities. From my own experience i know that Manchester, Birmingham and Liverpool have just the same facilities and i suspect that would also be true of Newcastle, Leeds, Edinburgh and Glasgow.
As for dates - well they can be changed.

Once you have a quorum - then you can announce a full blown meeting.
Believe it or not 3 can work - and any more becomes a bonus.

The most interesting thing about these meets is - just because you can't see any obvious inspiration - another attendee will - and that will help you find the shot.
Title: Re: First Official CC Meet!
Post by: magicrhodes on September 04, 2009, 01:35:47 PM
Any plans for a Northern meet??
Title: Re: First Official CC Meet!
Post by: stevebedder on September 04, 2009, 01:41:33 PM
Great idea picsfor, sounds like it will be a great meeting as speakers corner always has 'colourful' and interesting people.

I get down south on a regular basis for business but thats usually during the week so won't be able to attend what I suspect will be a good get together.

Like you magicrhodes I was thinking if anyone was thinking of organising a northern get together?!?!

Steve
Title: Re: First Official CC Meet!
Post by: Sarasocke on September 04, 2009, 01:43:47 PM
How about one in Frankfurt  :legit:
Title: Re: First Official CC Meet!
Post by: Alfonso_Frisk on September 04, 2009, 02:09:03 PM
Quote from: magicrhodes on September 04, 2009, 01:35:47 PM
Any plans for a Northern meet??

Where abouts North ?
Title: Re: First Official CC Meet!
Post by: hevans on September 04, 2009, 02:12:22 PM
Quote from: Sarasocke on September 04, 2009, 01:43:47 PM
How about one in Frankfurt  :legit:

Or Amsterdam....cheap QuesyJet Flights...
Title: Re: First Official CC Meet!
Post by: picsfor on September 04, 2009, 02:17:15 PM
Those familiar with the old DCM meets will be familiar with the idea.

A northern meet? But where do people live?

So, i'll throw open some ideas - a Manchester Meet, Windermere Meet, York Meet, Newcastle Meet.

If we can get some feed back on whre people live and what their weekend plans are. Also need to remember transport links as not every one can drive.

A Frankfurt Meet? I'd be interested - as my wife has spent time living nearby. I'd also be keen on a Berlin Meet - fasinating place with soooooo much to photograph.

So, feedback required please Ladies and Gentlemen.
Title: Re: First Official CC Meet!
Post by: skellum on September 04, 2009, 02:25:31 PM
For those interested in a Northern meet I would suggest Blackpool Illuminations which officially start this weekend.  Dave....... :legit:
Title: Re: First Official CC Meet!
Post by: stevebedder on September 04, 2009, 02:28:20 PM
I'm based just south of Manchester (at the moment) but don't mind travelling to meet up.

I guess we would need to find the geographical extremes of those wanting to meet and then find somewhere interesting to meet\shoot somewhere in the middle(ish).

Dave - great idea!!!

Steve
Title: Re: First Official CC Meet!
Post by: ABERS on September 04, 2009, 03:14:05 PM
Quote from: picsfor on September 04, 2009, 01:02:39 PM


It is hoped the Mr Abercrombie will be attending so any one not sure how to photograph strangers and Joe Public will be able to witness a master at work  ;)


Blimey Andrew that's put the pressure on. I'll be the one in running shoes and sporting a black eye!
Look forward to it and thanks for your usual impeccable arranging expertise.

Alan

PS less of the Mr please. :-[
Title: Re: First Official CC Meet!
Post by: Eileen on September 04, 2009, 03:28:53 PM
I'm in for the Speakers Corner meet. Should be fun.  :)
Title: Re: First Official CC Meet!
Post by: magicrhodes on September 04, 2009, 03:32:42 PM
I'm in Sheffield and that has the Peaks to hand! Rundown factories and modernish sculpture.... and is on the right side of the Pennines! ;D
Title: Re: First Official CC Meet!
Post by: Jonathan on September 04, 2009, 03:41:05 PM
Can I make a suggestion?  Cos I've seen this happen many times on many sites.

Let's have 2 threads.  One for the meet in London.  Another to discuss where other meets could be.  Any time there's an actual meet we just create a dedicated thread for that.

Because it's far too easy for the original idea to get swamped with "hey, why are there never any meets on Mull/in St Tropez/Cambodia/Mars?" and lose track of who's going and where it is.
Title: Re: First Official CC Meet!
Post by: hevans on September 04, 2009, 03:56:21 PM
And I would recommend a dedicated forum for the meet-up threads. Much easier to find them.

How about in the "Places of Interest" (http://cameracraniums.com/forum/index.php?action=forum#16) Section? have a 3rd forum, so it would be:
Title: Re: First Official CC Meet!
Post by: Mick on September 04, 2009, 05:24:27 PM
Quote from: hevans on September 04, 2009, 03:56:21 PM
And I would recommend a dedicated forum for the meet-up threads. Much easier to find them.

How about in the "Places of Interest" (http://cameracraniums.com/forum/index.php?action=forum#16) Section? have a 3rd forum, so it would be:

  • places of interest
  • Up Your Street
  • CC Meet-ups

Done.  ;)
Title: Re: First Official CC Meet!
Post by: irv_b on September 04, 2009, 10:25:42 PM
Quote from: Eileen on September 04, 2009, 03:28:53 PM
I'm in for the Speakers Corner meet. Should be fun.  :)
Me too please should be a good day out :)
Title: Re: First Official CC Meet!
Post by: picsfor on September 05, 2009, 12:33:03 AM
All points are valid and i'm glad to see Mick has enabled them.

In the morning i will add a new thread entitled Speakers Corner so we can follow through with Jonathan's suggestion.

Title: Re: First Official CC Meet!
Post by: skellum on September 05, 2009, 01:50:36 AM
Quote from: magicrhodes on September 04, 2009, 03:32:42 PM
I'm in Sheffield and that has the Peaks to hand! Rundown factories and modernish sculpture.... and is on the right side of the Pennines! ;D

The right side of the Pennines for our allready had weather  :) :legit:
Title: Re: First Official CC Meet!
Post by: greypoint on September 05, 2009, 07:17:19 AM
I'll be sure to watch the news to see the item about a gang of suspicious characters being arrested for taking photos at speakers corner then :2funny:
Title: Re: First Official CC Meet!
Post by: magicrhodes on September 07, 2009, 09:18:45 AM
Quote from: Jonathan on September 04, 2009, 03:41:05 PM
Because it's far too easy for the original idea to get swamped with "hey, why are there never any meets on Mull/in St Tropez/Cambodia/Mars?" and lose track of who's going and where it is.

Oooo oooo Can I sign up for the Mars one but instead of Mars cane we make it Venus???? :legit:
Title: Re: CC Meet Ups
Post by: Trickee on September 07, 2009, 09:33:07 AM
I am in Nottingham which is fairly central-------could we have northern, midland and south meet up threads :)
Title: Re: CC Meet Ups
Post by: picsfor on September 07, 2009, 12:20:39 PM
The trick is to actually propose a meet. Just because it being proposed in a location - does not mean others can not attend.

So - if you're from Nottingham which is fairly central as the north goes - why not propose a meet at Nottingham. It has some extremely interesting places to photograph as well as a bussling town center.
Right from the off you have the old London Midland Railway Station to contrast with the new Tram system. You have the shopping center to contrast with the "old shops and lanes" and some amazing pubs etc that still have the old rustique qualities (My daughter read Law at Nottingham Trent!)

So, why not propose a meet - i would probably suggest a Saturday as public transport can be some what adventurous on Sundays up there - unless you can make enquiries to confirm what is running.
So - template for proposal would be...

Nottingham CC Meet Proposal

Meet at the Tram Terminus with the Railway Station. I would suggest a meeting point of 11am or 11:30 - plenty of time for people to get there without getting out of bed at the crack of dawn.. Now you need to give an idea of where you will be going and what the general type of photography will be (i think p.2 has enough to be going on with) and allow for refreshments and also advise on suitability for those who struggle with walking long distances (not all photographers are ramblers).

Places to photograph start with the old London Midland Railway Station via the new Tram System to the town center area with a selection of old and new shops and buildings, along with usual Saturday town center activity.
Any special activities going on, for that date to be posted here.

Refreshments almost any where in the town - to be decided as we go along. The area in question is reasonably compact so not a large of amount of strenuous walking involved. There is car parking nearby the railway station as well.

Finally - the date. Nottingham is blessed with 2 football teams - so pick a date with the least impact from football - as that can be a turn off.

OK, over to you...
Title: Re: CC Meet Ups
Post by: Trickee on September 07, 2009, 10:04:08 PM
well notts county only draws a crowd of 3 so a saturday when they are at home would be good, oh sorry 4 now sven has joined them :legit:
for me a saturday is a problem day as i have to work 3 saturdays in a month--the joys of working in retail ::)
Title: Re: CC Meet Ups
Post by: picsfor on September 08, 2009, 09:42:46 AM
So if you're arranging the meet - make it on the Saturday you're off or risk arranging it for a Sunday.

I'm a Train Driver - i have to work Saturdays and i have to work Sundays. When arranging a meet i usually propose a date or multiple dates when i'm off and get feed back before committing to a date.
There has to be some benefit to arranging a meet - and that is organising it when you can make it!