What we’re about
This a group for photographers who explore urban areas seeking a particular aesthetic. It is not the modern, clean, well-ordered architecture or landscape environment nor it is a sentimental view of beauty: a flower, beautiful people, a loyal pet, a scenic vacation... it is a darker vision. It is not necessarily "urban" as you can see from past meetups. It has been a decommissioned Navy base (Mare Island), former prison (Alcatraz), pet cemetery (Presidio), industrial shoreline (Pt. Richmond) and others. All have common features of worn or abandoned buildings, rusted equipment, signs of past industry and forgotten history, graffiti-tagged, etc. For the uninitiated it could look like old gritty places ready for the bulldozer, but for us there is beauty there ready to be captured in film/pixels.
There are some risks exploring these places but because of the various abilities of the members the risks here are minimum as long as you follow the host’s lead. Therefore, members should willing to make the extra effort, be adults in good shape, able to walk uneven terrain and climb a ladder if necessary - guests or children (<19y.o.) or pets not allowed. Those who cannot, who stray from the group, exhibit bad behavior or language will be banned from the group.
A meetup is generally composed of 6-10 members (small nimble group), a 3-hr. field shoot and a 1-hr. Show & Tell at the end where we show recent photos, relax and enjoy a bite/drink at a nearby eatery. The "meet" of meetup is Show & Tell where we discuss and show recent work, and "talk" photography. It is not a critique, nor competition but a recognition that we all have a unique point of view. We're basically a group that shoots and then socializes/shares. Meetup.com is a social organization.
There are other photography groups doing head-shoots, seminars, models, social outings, etc. that have more meetups than us but members here are free to make suggestions that the leadership team will consider. Because our meetups are usually designed for limited small groups, a "no show" is not tolerated, last second dropouts are discouraged, and could result in your membership being cancelled without notice.
We are also not a site to sell your products or promote your services, get you a date, cure your ills, etc. but a safe place to express yourself in photography with like-minded people.