Sierra Photographer's Newsletter: May 2001.

Flowers, flowers, flowers, spring is here and the desert is starting to show its colors. The flower and water photography class starts May 14, by then the creeks will be swollen presenting excellent opportunities for photographic studies of water in motion. There are only a few places remaining in the class so call Susan (872-8234).

Tips for flowers: try back lighting with a reflector card in front and a dark mount board behind. (Thomas Photography has mount boards in different colors). Remember your tripod for flowers growing in shaded areas. Bright gray days are ideal for flower photography.

Tips for water photography: When shooting streams avoid direct sunlit days (too much contrast). Wait for the direct sun to leave before giving it your best try, and consider using your polarizing filter to slow your shutter speed down, thereby increasing the affect of water in motion.

Stop by Phillips Camera to see the student work of the last landscape photography class. The work is a lovely reflection of the beautiful area we live in. Job well done by all the students involved.

For those interested in doing your own darkroom work, my darkrooms are available for rental. The rate is $7.50 minimum, for an hour and a half and $3.50 for each additional hour. By reservation only, call 872-8234.

I am planning a one-day workshop to the Cerro Gordo Mine, located above Keeler, about fifteen miles from Lone Pine. It's your opportunity to visit a pristine ghost town without the crowds found in Bodie. It also has some great views of Mt. Whitney. The workshop also includes photographing in the Alabama Hills. June 9 is the tentative date with a critique night scheduled for June 15. Cost: $45.oo. For info. call 872-8234.

May enlargement special, 8x10 custom cropped, dodged, and burned as necessary: $6.50.

Accessories for your camera bag: Zip lock bag filled with beans, sand, or Styrofoam makes a great table top camera support that can be substituted for your tripod. It is especially good for photographing things from ground level (flowers). Also, be sure to keep a large black plastic bag in your camera bag. It can save your camera in a storm,

Serve as a ground cloth for low angle shots, or be used as a backdrop to eliminate cluttered backgrounds.

I desperately need a couple more students for the darkroom class starting May 3 at six p.m. so if you are interested call 872-8234.

If you know anyone who would be interested in receiving this photographers newsletter let me know.

There are revisions to the class schedule enclosed.

If we are to have a successful photo program here in Bishop we not only need your support, but also for you to tell your friends. We need to get them involved, too.

You can E-mail me at aperture92629@yahoo.com