Summer meeting – Tring Reservoirs

After many months sat behind our computer screens, connected only by technology it was a fine evening to kick off the summer program. Around a dozen members made the trip to Tring Reservoirs and were treated to a fabulous warm evening. Clearly ticking the sunshine box on the calendar booking had worked.

It was so good to actually see club members for real again. A few had turned up well equipped to capture the many birds around and on the lakes, others travelled somewhat lighter. One member – remaining nameless – had picked up the camera bag with no memory cards in it, and was a little disconcerted to find that there was also no card in their camera. Fortunately a spare card was available to borrow and disaster averted.

I had a nice evening stroll, talked to some members who were exploring new capabilities that their cameras have had for a long time, they’d just never used them. It’s great to see people taking the time to learn a little more of what their cameras can do and giving it a try. Heck I even tried an in-camera HDR myself, but clearly I’m not that kind of photographer so the results will stay on the computer.

Chris pointed out the areas that were being maintained around the lake, and a particular spot that he said is one of the best on the lake now for a landscape shot. I also saw some members making use of the water draining through the lock gates for a long exposure shot. Clearly people had read the Summer Challenge set by the Chairman and getting started already.

As I left the reservoir and returned to the car park I saw a swan making ripples on the water. Since I liked the pattern of the ripples I raised my camera to my eye and took a shot. I don’t think bird photography is really my thing…

In two weeks time we’re meeting outdoors again, over in Chinnor. When filling in the calendar entry I also checked the “sunshine” box, so bring sunscreen and a hat with your camera, lens, battery and memory card.