Feb 18 - Hidden Lakes Garden Field Trip - Led by Dave Stafford. Admission $3.00
http://hiddenlakegardens.msu.edu While it is cold and snowy outside, the greenhouse is comfortable and has photogenic things including leaf patterns, cacti shapes and flowers.
We will meet in the parking lot at Kroger store on the corner of Sylvania and Harroun Rd in Sylvania. Dave can take 3 additional people in his car. We will be leaving at 9:00am SHARP. It's about a 45 minute drive to the gardens which is west of Tipton Mi. I would encourage members/visitors who want to gain some experience in close focus photography to join us. You will want your camera, and if you have them, a tripod, a close-up lens, a flash (if you have an 'off camera flash cord' that would be good) and maybe some sort of reflector (aluminum foil works in a pinch). You may also want to bring 'normal' lenses as there are always interesting patterns and shapes both inside and outside of the conservatory. Bring a bottle or two of water as well - it can get dry in the green houses. All snacks have to be eaten outside.
We will spend a few hours (or as long as folks want) in the conservatory. From there we would stop someplace on the way home for lunch.
Dave will primarily be acting in the role of 'support' for those folks who have questions or would like some guidance. He also has a focus rail which can be used to manage critical focus and will bring a large reflector for your use as well.
Please RSVP to dmstafford@buckeye-express.com if you plan on coming. Dave would like to be able to give the folks at HLG a heads up on how many will be in attendance and arrange car pooling with other members.

SCHEDULE CHANGE - important notice
Due to a conflict of our awards program being on Memorial Day, we have changed our schedule.
The new schedule is:
Mar. 26 - Digital Nature Presentation #4 - turn in date for year-end prints
Apr. 9 - Digital General Presentation #4
Apr. 23 - Print #4 & Digital Creative # 2 Presentations
May 14 - Year-End Awards Presentation Banquet