Pittsburgh Photography: Monthly Nature Photo Meetup
Do you love photography? How about nature? Or maybe a combination of the two? If so then you must join me and a group of like-minded enthusiasts for the Pittsburgh monthly nature photo meetup!
What is the monthly Nature Photo Meetup?
Regardless of gear or skill level everyone is welcome to participate. This is a family friendly event and one that is welcoming to those with mobility challenges as well. In addition, all of my photography classes and events are LGBTQ+ friendly, open to people of all races, ethnicities, religions, and status. In fact, the only thing not welcome at any of my classes is hate or discrimination.
Most months we meet in Frick Park. However, please see the list of current classes here. Too, you can also check my social media accounts or Eventbrite.
FAQ
The following is a list of commonly asked questions about these monthly nature photo meetups.
What kind of camera do I need?
Any camera or even none at all. Phone cameras are great as are big expensive DSLRs and Mirrorless cameras. Want to bring a film camera? Please do. In fact, you can literally bring any camera or none. While I don't have any cameras for rent or to lend you're more than welcome to join us even if you don't have any camera and just want to explore nature with us.
What Does It Cost To Join?
The nature photo meetups are free. However, donations (and tips) are gladly accepted. Generally speaking, many of the participants choose to donate anywhere from $5 to $50. On average most people give $20 either when buying the ticket or in the form of a tip as they're leaving.
Where Do You Meet?
Most months we meet in Frick Park. However, we've also met in North Park and may meet elsewhere in the future. Therefore it's best to check this month's location on my Pittsburgh photography classes page. Additionally, you can sign up for my monthly newsletter which always includes information on that months meetup.
The History of the Pittsburgh Photographers: Nature Photo Meetup
As life began to normalize somewhat during the pandemic but before we had vaccines I was looking for a way to socialize and lose the weight I was putting on trying to support my local restaurants. My wife Zhanna and I were already doing regular non-photo walks in Frick Park near our home.
With this being the case I decided that it might make sense to invite others along on a photo specific walk through Frick Park.
Weekly Nature Photo Walks
I began by sharing information about weekly nature photo walks in Frick Park on Facebook. As these were sometimes well attended and sometimes sparsely so I decided to find other means of letting people know about them. As a result I began to use Eventbrite.
Eventually, after the vaccines were rolled out events and other photography jobs meant that my availability to lead weekly walks was done. However, I decided to continue offering them monthly.
Monthly Photo Walks
I transitioned to monthly photo walks in 2022. As a result my turnout got better and I began to see more regulars. Too, I began to accept donations to help me continue doing the small administrative work of hosting the walks.
After a few months one attendee mentioned that we hadn't really walked and they were therefore disappointed. As a result I changed them from "walks" to "meetups" instead to prevent confusion.