Meetup.com...no, not a dating site.

It's actually a website with groups. I am in The Lakeland Shooter's Club.  Once a month (or more) I get to meet people local to me who share my interest.  Sometimes we do a photowalk (it's exactly what it sounds like, walk and take photos) sometimes we have models, and sometimes we shoot each other.

I usually learn something when I go. This past meet up was a model one. I typically don't go to those ones (just a preference), but I went to one last weekend because a friend of mine was hosting. I wanted to come and support. I was able to bring a gorgeous model. (See her up there? hehe)  You've seen her before if you've follow me at all anywhere on the internet.  Our challenge was "One Light Portrait". For some reason (my hosting friend thinks I'm more talented and knowledgeable than I really am) I was assigned to teach...Luckily my buddy, and one of the group organizers, showed up. 

My buddy, Ken, knows the technical terms, the whys and the hows...Me? I do what looks OK and keep trying till I get it. So....I'm very happy he was there. He taught technique, and the why. He's a natural teacher..I can really only teach the basic exposure triangle to people I talk to on a regular basis.  Outside of that I'm not so great. 

Ken, Dick, Jervaris, Luis, Sheryl, Hanif, and others have become what I consider friends. We get together and do something we are passionate about. We vent our frustrations with the craft, we talk gear, we talk light...It's nice to have something in common with other souls. Something separate from home and work.

 Browse meetup.com. Search your hobby and interests. You might find people you have something in common. Use good judgement, meet publicly, and just be smart all the way around with it. 

Still trying to place her? She was my Lady in Pink from October.

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