Originally posted by hwblanks Out of the suggested places, I'd be OK with Maryland, as my sister lives in Odenton. In that case, I would combine this, plus a visit with her. I might even get my husband to come along, as he's interested in checking out the Eastern Shore area.
Another suggestion that I would make is to move it further south, so those of us in the southeast could attend without having to shell out for a plane ticket or having to drive 2 days to get there. I would be interested in places like Charleston, SC or Savannah, GA + the outlying islands on the GA coast.
I'm wondering if it might be better to do regional get-togethers, so nobody has to come too far to participate. It would make it financially easier, as well.
As for timing, my preference would be late summer/early fall, as I've already forked out $500 for a workshop at GSMIT (
Spring Photography Program at Tremont in Great Smoky Mountains National Park) and probably wouldn't be able to afford anything else until at least then. By then, the weather will start to be cooling down, as well.
Just my 2¢...
Heather
Good points...
(also applies to everyone)
This is meant to be a "east-coast" thing, various others arrange "local" get togethers, and I would look into your area and use the forum to see if you could even try for a day-trip down your way. I started this event last year with permission from Adam (site owner) under encuragment by others during a few "local" get togethers as a way for those who wanted to really have a nice fun photo vacation with fellow pentaxians, learn some new photo-related stuff but did not want to shell out tones of $$$ for a workshop.
Last year we got some great sponsorship and hope for the same again. (Crumpler alone gave everyone a bag!)
I pick the places based (so far) on those that I have been to enough that I am comfortable leading the trip to. Its a lot of planning to begin with but to top it off with the sponsors products etc it is a major undertaking. I am willing to look into more places for next year (or if we had a unified "other" place I would be willing to pre-travel, scout out and plan from there, with the assistance of someone else thats been there before too.
Last year we had folks from as far as Ohio drive to the Va. mountains, and this year hope to have more and from farther away too. I try and keep everything as low cost as i can with the most benefit thrown in which is why most places I look into are where they are. Largest cost usually is the room/travel though this year I am increasing the "fee" as everyone last year suggested I should since I bascally footed $200 on top of my own room and travel cost. And frankly I just can't afford to do that much again, on top of my time put into organizing etc.
I look into the begining part of summer because weather is usually not an issue, kids are out of school and its not yet the peak of travel. I would love to do a fall thing but most places that are "prime-color" areas charge $$$ for rooms, so most "local-chapters" do day-trips.
Next year I am doing a spring expedition to AZ to see the desert blooming, and have been looking into the Georga area for a photo trip too.
If you would like to arrange a fall gathering round your way I wouldn't mind helping, and it can become a "fall-event" for the forum
Hope all the stars can align for this year for you, and everyone else.