Gauteng missions?

[Nick Holmes]

Would love to meet and go on a few nature excursions with ODP members in the Gauteng region. Please let me know if there is a general meet happening anytime or if I can tog along on a Sat/Sun sometime.

[Forgiss - Sean Nel]

At some point there was a sunrise drive out to rietvlei, and almost every weekend you will find ODP'ers at marievale

[Footprint]

Hi Nick, a bunch of photographers (various levels of experience), (including some ODP members), (not necessarily all from Pretoria), have formed a group called PRETORIA PHOTOGRAPHERS.

We try to arrange regular photographic outings to various areas in and around Pretoria. Last Sunday we did a 5:30am shoot in Pretoria CBD and Church Square. We are planning another outing in March for a shoot at the Pretoria Station. Thus far it's been CBD venues, but I'm sure that at some point we will also visit some nature spots.

The idea originated out of a need to have safety in numbers, especially for areas in and around Pretoria that are a bit dodgy for a photographer to wander around on his/her own.

If you are interested please visit the thread that was started here on the ODP forum:
http://www.outdoorphoto.co.za/forums...aphers-Outings

or alternatively go onto Facebook and befriend the group there
http://www.facebook.com/groups/pretoriaphotographers/

Feel free to leave some suggestions of where you would like the group to venture out to next.

[Forgiss - Sean Nel]

Thanx Michelle!

[Footprint]

Thanx Michelle!

[Nick Holmes]

Hi Footprint. Thanks very much, will check the links shortly.

[Bothma van Tonder]

The March shoot at the Pretoria Station will be on Sunday the 11th of March, at 06:00 am. We'll post some more details closer to the time for anybody who might be interested in joining us. If the turnout, excitement and people are anything like the CBD one, it promises to be an awesome morning.

[Footprint]

Thanks Bothma, once again for arranging.....I will for sure be there, the first trip was amazing so I'm really looking forward to the next one. See you then.

[Karin Leibbrandt]

VERY close to ODP, there is also the Struben's dam. (Lynnwood Glen - I think)

I have never been there and I am a little nervous of going on my own.

http://www.tshwane.gov.za/Services/N...Sanctuary.aspx

I see that it is also popular for bass fishing.

Has anyone been there?

How to get there

Take the Atterbury turn-off from the N1 to the east. Turn left into Ingersol Road and then left into Ilkey road. Turn right into Innes Road . The main gate is on the right –hand side.

[Johann van Staden]

VERY close to ODP, there is also the Struben's dam. (Lynnwood Glen - I think)

I have never been there and I am a little nervous of going on my own.

http://www.tshwane.gov.za/Services/N...Sanctuary.aspx

I see that it is also popular for bass fishing.

Has anyone been there?

How to get there

Take the Atterbury turn-off from the N1 to the east. Turn left into Ingersol Road and then left into Ilkey road. Turn right into Innes Road . The main gate is on the right –hand side.

Karin,

I live quite close to Struben Dam, and I've been there many times. There are some great photo opportunities, especially during the golden hours. Winter-time is great with lots of mist over the water ; there are some birdlife too. For me I've taken some nice photos there, but although there are security on duty, I would not venture on my own out there. You are welcome to send me a PM, and we can meet there sometime if you wish, early morning or late afternoon. Some nice sunset reflections over the water if you position yourself on the concrete wall on the far east side.

[Karin Leibbrandt]

Thanks Johan I'd love to go. I do the parent visit every Saterday afternoon, but any other time I would love to go. Whenever you are available? My time is my own.

[Johann van Staden]

Thanks Johan I'd love to go. I do the parent visit every Saterday afternoon, but any other time I would love to go. Whenever you are available? My time is my own.

Karin, I was thinking to visit Strubendam again this weekend. Are you saying that Saturday afternoon is totally out of question ? Sunset there sometimes makes for good shooting opportunities ; otherwise we can tomorrow morning (not to...) early ; say 06:30 ; should not be too bad. And we can then decide for an afternoon visit if we want. Please SMS me if tomorrow morning is ok - 0 8 2 5 seven 3 two 9 double zero.

Of course, anybody else is also more than welcome.

[Karin Leibbrandt]

Johan, 6:30 tomorrow a.m. is FINE! I'll be the ugly woman in the black citi!
See you at the gate!
Anyone else joining?

[Johann van Staden]

Johan, 6:30 tomorrow a.m. is FINE! I'll be the ugly woman in the black citi!
See you at the gate!
Anyone else joining?

Great, see you there early tomorrow morning. We can meet at the security gate. I will also put this on the Pta Photographers FB page ; short notice, but maybe some body else may pitch too...

[Karin Leibbrandt]

That would be GREAT!
(You DO remember I am a beginner... but I won't bug you guys!)
My number is
08 and two two's and two sixes, and count five, six, seven, eight!

[Johann van Staden]

So am I, Karin ; we learn together. I have added to FB - link = http://www.facebook.com/events/293162784084412/

Have a great evening...

[Footprint]

Thanks Johann for taking the initiative on what's bound to be another great photo outing opportunity. Wish I could join you guys. Unfortunately I already have a prior engagement for tomorrow. I will however definitely be attending the March 11 outing to the Pta Station so I'm hoping to see you all there and meet all the new faces.

Enjoy your outing tomorrow and remember to post some of your images here for us to see.

[Karin Leibbrandt]

What a FABULOUS early morning!!! You all missed a very special time, and you all will see me REGULARLY at the dam. Thanks Johan, you are a honey!

Lessons to us newbies:
- Go with someone who KNOWS what he is doing.
- Go on every opportunity available.
- Don't take your whole camera bag.
- Go with someone who KNOWS what he is doing.
- Don't take anything extra to carry.
- Don't plan to hang stuff over your arm.
- Don't even think of using only long distance contact lenses!!!!! You need to see the camera, NOT the opposite side of the lake! If YOU can't see it, chances are, neither can the camera!
- Go with someone who KNOWS what he is doing.

(Edit to say: Johann, what a pleasure to go out with you. Thanks for all the advice!)

[Johann van Staden]

Karin, it was equally great meeting you ; I really enjoyed the time. It's true, we sometimes learn valuable lessons and not just about photography ; I've also done the 'carry the camera and heavy tripod and backpack full of lenses' too many times to admit ; mostly ending up using only one lens. I must admit I did miss a longer lens a few times this morning, as well as the macro for those really nice flowers and spider webs, but so be it.

But I think there is also an important lesson in that. By having only one lens with you, it forces you to think and plan a little more. It forces you to push the limits, and it often forces you out of a comfort zone. Well, that's what I think and it works for me since I've 'discovered that truth...'

I'm very happy we managed to go. Looking forward seeing you pictures ; you gave everything so the results will be there !

And thanks for the nice words ; you're too kind...

[Johann van Staden]

I've loaded most of the pictures I've taken @ Struben Dam Bird Sanctuary in my FB album and the Pretoria Photographers FB group, but here's two of my favourites...