Photography Class at Massee Lane Gardens

Massee Lane Gardens and the American Camellia Society are pleased to present a photography class on Saturday, the 14th of February. “Fun Flower Fotography” will be taught by King Davis, a member of the West Central Georgia Shutterbugs. He will address many aspects of picture-taking, with an emphasis on macro and outdoor photography. The class is suitable for beginner to intermediate level photographers. It will begin at 10 AM in the auditorium and will last approximately two hours. Following the indoor instructional time, participants will have opportunity to practice their photography skills outside in the beautiful Massee Lane gardens, weather permitting. Pre-registration is not required. There is no charge for the class, but participants will need to purchase an admissions ticket ($5) to the gardens. Also, a boxed lunch ($15) may be ordered upon arrival. If desired, participants may bring their own lunch/snack to enjoy in one of the many scenic spots throughout the gardens.

Massee Lane Gardens is a 100+ acre botanical garden located on Georgia Highway 49 approximately 5 miles south of Fort Valley. The American Camellia Society, headquartered there, holds a “Festival of Camellias” each February. Throughout the month, visitors are invited to attend special events that, this year, include a floral arranging workshop, a camellia waxing class, a Japanese flower arranging class, various symposiums, etc., some of which require pre-registration and a small fee. Visitors will enjoy strolling through the various gardens: the camellia garden (nine acres), the Japanese garden, the children’s garden, the rose garden, the day lily garden, and the environmental garden. In addition to a gift shop filled with unique, reasonably priced items, there’s also a greenhouse and a collection of porcelain art by Boehm and others. The gardens are open every day in February from 10:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. For additional information on the 2009 Festival of Camellias, please contact the American Camellia Society at 1-877-422-6355 or log onto http://www.camellias-acs.com

Members Only Photo Shoot April 8th

In lieu of our regular meeting on April 8, Shutterbugs will be participating in a “members only” photo shoot from 6-8 p.m. Guests will be invited, as always, to attend our next regular meeting on Tuesday, May 13th, 6:30 p.m., at the Thomaston-Upson Arts Council (TUAC) Gallery, located on the courthouse square. The May 13th program will focus on how to upload/store/sort photos, as well as how to set up a photo gallery on www.betterphoto.com and participate in contests offered there.

Other Photo Opportunities:

• A photography contest being sponsored by the Georgia Strawberry Festival in Reynolds, GA. Click for more information.
• The cherry trees on Griffin Avenue in Thomaston are in bloom and are a beautiful sight! As you approach the square, follow the signs for 36 West. Once on 36 West, follow it for about 1.5 miles. After you pass Providence Nursing Home on the left, go to the bottom of the hill and turn RIGHT onto Nelson Drive. Griffin Avenue is the first street on the RIGHT.
• Two events at New Hebron Church in Pike County: The Franklin Family drum, fife and bugle corps on April 20th & Founders Day Picnic May 18th at 2 p.m. Click for more information.

Georgia DOT Wants Your Best Photos of our State!

Georgia DOT invites you to send us your pictures depicting Georgia’s transportation system, scenic beauty, attractions or historical sites. State Transportation Board members will select a winning entry to represent their respective congressional district on the Official 2009 Highway and Transportation map. The highway map photo contest is open to all Georgia residents.

Photos can be submitted online at http://statemapphoto.dot.state.ga.us until April 30, 2008.
Once the submission period closes, Board members will select one photo to represent their congressional district. The winning photographers will be notified in writing and receive full photo credit for their submission.

The State Highway and Transportation Map is Georgia’s official travel guide. Over a million maps are printed each year and distributed throughout the country. Photos from all over Georgia have been placed on previous maps to provide travelers with a visual depiction of our history, statewide attractions and nationally recognized transportation system.

Good luck!

Workshops at Callaway Gardens

Instructor: Jim Henderson, award winning “serious amateur” photographer of LaGrange, GA.

A Fun and Easy Introduction to Digital Photography: How to Take Great Pictures
Saturday, January 26, 2008
9:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Fee: $70.00; includes lunch and course syllabus.

Taking Your Photography to the Next Level: Creative Photography Beyond the Auto Mode
Saturday, February 23, 2008
9:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Fee: $70.00; includes lunch and course syllabus.

Mastering Exposure: Intermediate Topics in Digital Photography
Saturday, March 8, 2008
9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Fee: $70.00; includes lunch and course syllabus.

More information on the Calloway Gardens Workshop Website.

My Latest Photo To-Do List.

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