By: Marc Gaudet
Once every 2 years or so, the Urban and Nature groups come together for a combined event. This year the groups converged on October 1st, when some 20 members of the RAPC gathered to take photos of star trails and to do some light painting at Mackenzie King’s estate in Gatineau Park.
The evening was suppose to have cloud cover but once it got dark the sky cleared up beautifully. The loss of cloud cover meant it was a tad cool out that evening making people add an extra layer of fleece if they had it with them.
It was an evening to be introduced to these photographic techniques.
Some people did some light painting of the ruins around the estate while others shot star trails through the ruin’s arches. In actuality, there were too many participants to do serious light painting. Other people’s flashes were going off in the distance while people were painting the ruins with a flashlight. Errant flashlight beams accidentally crossed open shutters. Personally, I have found that it is best to do light painting in small groups. It makes it easier to communicate instructions, ensuring work isn’t being overlapped. Also, it is easier to coordinate the activities of the group to come up with an amazing painted landscape.
As twilight came upon us the sky cleared up beautifully which allowed us to shoot some star trails. By nature, star trails are long exposures. When combined with Noise Reduction, which effectively doubles the processing time, you don’t get many images in an evening. It was a time to learn the techniques to be put in practice when visiting friends in the country or when up at a cottage.
At the end of the evening, 13 participants went to the Old Chelsea Pub, in Old Chelsea for a few drinks and more great photographic conversations. The kitchen was closed when the last group came in but they happily reopened it for us.
The next urban event is the Iron Butt, on November 6th, we’re heading up the Ottawa river towards Pembroke. Us straight line and concrete photographers do cordially invite all nature photographers, as well as all members of the RAPC, to join us for the day’s drive and photo adventures.
[PS There are some great tips from Marc for night shooting here at the web site. Ed.]
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what a super event. Sorry I had to miss this.
Seeing some very neat images pop up on other places like FaceBook too.