Holiday Celebration Dinner and Member's Show

We've been looking to build a tradition based on last year's successful NEO Shoots Holiday Dinner and think this is something that should have even wider appeal, easier to accommodate, and truly an evening of enjoyment amongst the friends that we've become as field companions. Here's your invitation to join us, with guest or without. Please act now - paid reservations have to be made in advance.

This year we will gather and dine in the Brecksville Room at Eddie's Creekside conveniently located in Millside Centre at 8803 Brecksville Road in Brecksville. (See www.eddiescreekside.com for more info.) The date is December 19, 2007. Doors open for cash bar at 6:30 PM; full-course sit-down dinner served at 7:00 PM; our member's "favorite photos of the year" show (digitals; projected) afterwards.

Please confirm your intended attendance with an email to bkulon@hotmail.com.

This information was last updated on 11/1/07.

Rockefeller Park Greenhouse

Tucked away in the University Circle district is this often overlooked gem, just waiting to serve up a holiday treat.

You may want to pack some macro equipment. Tripods are allowed. Parking and admission is free. You gear will need to acclimate to the warm humid environment when you arrive. Anticipate lens fogging for a while unless you take precautions.

Please confirm your intended attendance with an email to bkulon@hotmail.com.

This information was last updated on 11/19/07.

Niagara Parks Butterfly Conservatory (Ontario, Canada)

We're going to visit the amazing Niagara Butterfly Conservatory in Niagara Falls, Canada. The NEO Shoots group will visit on Saturday November 10, at 9:00 AM when the doors open. Most of us are driving up early that morning. The reason for the early hour is that the butterflies are less active then and easier to photograph. Also, there are fewer visitors to contend with.

A few things to be aware of:

• Tripods are not allowed so figure that into your strategy. Personally, I'm using a macro lens and a ring flash, but you can make other adjustments to the conditions to get by.
• You might want to review Michael Reichmann's online article at: http://www.luminous-landscape.com/1photo-pages/b/butterflys.shtml
• You will need some strategy to keep your gear from fogging up when you arrive in the moist warm environment. I suggest sealing it in a plastic bag until it warms up. Keeping it warm on the way might help too.
• Figure on meeting outside the facility just before the doors open.
• Does your cell phone support Canadian originated calls? If so, share the number with the group. Those that indicate they will participate will receive private phone list updates next week via email.
• If you have a passport, by all means use it. All though it isn't yet a requirement, I am told that it make re-entry into the US much easier.

Please notify me ASAP if you will be attending and what your level of participation will be: bkulon@hotmail.com.

This information was last updated on 11/1/07.

Autumn Wrap-up Shoot:

• Blue Hen Falls
• Sylvan Pond

These are two classic Autumn hotspots in our own Cuyahoga Valley National Park. Blue Hen Falls is great for the waterfall landscape, intimate scenic, and water reflections. Sylvan pond, if the wind cooperates, delivers the most vibrant tree reflections around.

Please confirm your intended attendance with an email to bkulon@hotmail.com.

This information was last updated on 10/21/07.

Flyer

Jack Graham

Bob Kulon

D-Day Conneaut 2007!

photography courtesy of Dee Riley

Last year we attended one of many Civil War re-enactments. This year we're "kicking it up a notch".

This is a full-scale major re-enactment of the WW2 Normandy Invasion orchestrated on the shores of Lake Erie.

We will meet up for this event at 10 AM at Beef and Beer Restaurant for brunch before heading into the reenactment. This restaurant is located at the I-90 Conneaut exit (Rt-7). If coming from Cleveland, turn right onto Rt 7 and look at the top of the hill on the left hand side of the road. Great view of Lake Erie. (Events start at 8:00 AM but the shore invasion is at 3:00 PM. 11:00 AM seems to be the time for the public to see anything.)

For specific information contact Dee Riley at riley@adelphia.net. Dee has graciously agreed to coordinate this event.

Please confirm your intended attendance with an email to bkulon@hotmail.com.

This information was last updated on 9/10/07.

Zoar Village at Harvest Season

This pristine German agricultural encampment is waiting to give you bucolic images, inside and out. Get your sepia toners ready.

Meet at the marked public parking lot behind the town square at 8:00 AM.

Please confirm your intended attendance with an email to bkulon@hotmail.com.

This information was last updated on 9/5/07.

Sunrise City Skyline Shoot

We're going to start the Air Show day "above" Perkins Beach, a small beach next to Edgewater that has great early sunrise views of the skyline. We plan this for 6:00 AM! By 7:00 AM the good light is over. Then, we'll pack it in and get breakfast before the Air Show opens.

Note: The Perkins Beach parking may not be open at this hour. If so, we will meet on Cliff Drive as indicated on the map.

Please confirm your intended attendance with an email to bkulon@hotmail.com.

This information was last updated on 8/16/07.

Discussion

Map

Cleveland Air Show from the Flightline!

Last year, NEO Shoots reserved a sponsors box for 10 photographers along the airshow flightline - virtually on the runway, near center show, with no obstructions. We had a great time and were rewarded with glorious photographs, unobtainable in any other manner. This was, beyond a doubt, the best shoot of 2006.

Here's how we're doing this. This is fair to all...

• Some people have already expressed an interest. They have first dibs.
• Additional people are considered in the order in which your request is emailed to bkulon@hotmail.com.
• You may ask for at most 2 tickets. Your second ticket must be used in the second row. We want all photographers in the front row. The second row is good for your gear, your guest, or a photographer if that's all that is available.
• We will maintain a waiting list, in order received, because this is certain to sell out.
• Tickets are $25 each. You pay your own parking at the gate.
• If it rains, it rains. The show may allow you to attend the following day, but there are no guarantees. You pays your money and takes your chances.
• Once I confirm your reservation is confirmed, and not until, send us a check and a self addressed, stamped return envelope. We will provide you with an address. If we don't have your check by July 15th, we will move onto the next person on the waiting list. We don't have time for reminders.
• Ticket will be mailed out by mid-August. Be patient. The show doesn't distribute them until August.
• Plan on taking hundreds of shots. Last year we averaged about 500 shots each and a few people ran out of memory cards. Prepare with adequate memory (or film) and batteries.

Please confirm your interest in attendance with an email to bkulon@hotmail.com.

This information was last updated on 6/8/07.

Mansfield Haunted Reformatory Junket

We're going to the big house! The legendary abandoned Mansfield Reformatory is an abandoned ancient prison that is now open to the public under controlled conditions.

This was the site where Shawshank Redemption was filmed. We are planning to arrange a nighttime ghost tour as well as a sunrise tour the morning after.

Address is: 100 Reformatory Road, Mansfield, Ohio. See maps linked on the right for an idea of where this is located.

Meet in the parking lot at 7:30 AM so we can organize. There is no general admission, so don't be late - you will miss out.

Please confirm your intended attendance with an email to bkulon@hotmail.com.

This information was last updated on 8/19/07.

Lakewood Kar Kulture Show

photographs courtesy of Pam Calvey

Every year the Lakewood Kiwanis sponsor this popular classic car meet. We plan to get there when the crowds thin out a bit. (The show actually runs from 11:00 AM until 7:00 PM.) Location is on Madison between Grace and Lewis Drive in Lakewood.

Meet at 4:00 PM on the corner of Madison and Grace - park in Madison Park.

Please confirm your intended attendance with an email to bkulon@hotmail.com.

This information was last updated on 8/9/07.

Show Flyer

Kendall Hills Butterfly & Sunrise Shoot

The Kendall Hills are located in the Cuyahoga Valley National Park.

Beyond the picturesque rolling hills, there is a grove of tasty wildflowers that draws butterflies like -- well -- you choose the metaphor. Adjacent Kendall Lake provides a secondary diversion.

Please confirm your intended attendance with an email to bkulon@hotmail.com.

This information was last updated on 8/9/07.

Train & Boat Spotting at Wendy Park

photography courtesy of Kathy Nelson

Northeast Ohio's newest transportation photographic hot spot featuring trains and freighters. A one stop train and freighter photographers dream. Somewhere around 60 trains a day, freighters daily in season.

Wendy Park is a 22-acre park that runs along both the Cuyahoga River and Lake Erie in the heart of Cleveland, Ohio. It’s home to a variety of animals - barn swallows, blue heron, turtles, deer and even some coyotes – to name a few. The wildlife share this beautiful space with boaters, kayakers, jet skiers, fishermen, volleyball players, hikers, bikers, bird watchers, and even the occasional train watcher.

Wendy Park’s green space stands out among the stone piles, warehouses and smokestacks that are part of Cleveland’s heritage. The unique and amazing bridges that span the Cuyahoga River are a wonderful backdrop for the cottonwood and birds that life the eye to the impressive downtown skyline.

The Park sits right at the water’s edge, and the spires of the city’s buildings loom gracefully on the bluffs above – exposing what many believe to be the best view the City of Cleveland has to offer.

Please confirm your intended attendance with an email to bkulon@hotmail.com.

This information was last updated on 7/22/07.

Summer Scenes at Beaver Creek State Park

photographs courtesy of David Caldwell & Dan Flocke

This park located on the eastern edge of Ohio was one of our most enjoyable jaunts in 2006. We're planning to return to concentrate on the wildlife and intimate scenery. The historical buildings are a bonus. Something for everyone and very well presented.

Details to be posted closer to the event. Please return.

Please confirm your intended attendance with an email to bkulon@hotmail.com.

This information was last updated on 11/11/06.

Pitcher Plants at the Bog - Kent area

Triangle Bog is home to the unusual carnivorous plants. Their blooms are most unusual and will be in full glory this time of year. Afterwards, we may venture over to nearby Kent Bog - home of the Tamarack trees.

Please confirm your intended attendance with an email to bkulon@hotmail.com.

This information was last updated on 11/11/06.

Wildflower Fields of the Brecksville Reservation

Just 1/2 mile east of the Brecksville town square you find yourself immersed in and amazing array of wildflowers. Last year it was poppies and bachelor buttons (red, white, and blue). This year it looks like a profuse field of daisies was planted. Some of them have the look of Mexican sunflowers. Macro equipment workout time.

On the off chance that this field is not in full bloom, we will check it out first, and then if needed, move over to the prairie reconstruction adjacent to the Nature Center in Brecksville Reservation. There is some stuff in bloom there already.

Please confirm your intended attendance with an email to bkulon@hotmail.com.

This information was last updated on 6/3/07.

Chagrin Falls Blossom Time Balloon Race

photography courtesy of Ron Skinner

Weather permitting, this annual event features scores of hot air balloons lifting off.

If the weather scrubs this event, we will try again on Sunday night 5/27. Either way, the same schedule is planned.

Please confirm your intended attendance with an email to bkulon@hotmail.com.

This information was last updated on 5/21/07.

Schoepfle Gardens Metropark - Lorain County

It's not you - no one can pronounce Schoepfle!

This is a truly unique park in the Lorain County Metro Parks system. We hope to give you some idea of the beauty of Schoepfle Garden - 70 acres of botanical gardens and natural woodland bordered on one side by the Vermilion River. The garden features collections of rhododendrons, roses, cannas, hostas, various shade plants, along with many varieties of shrubs, topiaries and trees.

Please confirm your intended attendance with an email to bkulon@hotmail.com.

This information was last updated on 5/21/07.

Gardenview: Spring Cottage Garden

Things are popping at Gardenview Horticultural Park in Strongsville. This is the time for the spring flora to be in full bloom. Bring your macro lens. There will be an admission fee of $5 to this private facility.

Everything has been arranged with Gardenview and they are expecting us. Please confirm your intended attendance with an email to bkulon@hotmail.com.

This information was last updated on 5/14/07.

Beaver Pond in the Mist

Cuyahoga Valley National Park is home to this much-loved nature area. This time of year is ideal for Spring foliage, misty morning scenes, and the sighting of wildlife. Meet at the Ira Road Trailhead parking lot.

The photo possibilities are numerous this time of year...

• An emerging wild iris field (expect mud)
• Snapping turtles sunning themselves in family clusters
• Families of ducks including the cute little newborns
• Sly beavers scurrying about
• Migratory birds in the trees
• Wild flowers
• Misty canal scene with foliage
• Scenic marsh landscapes
• Maybe even a hungry heron hunting for a protein snack

This is a nature lover's delight. Very rich possibilities and enjoyable. Just the walk down the path and boardwalk is a delight. This is considered the jewel of Cuyahoga Valley National Park. Join us.

Please confirm your intended attendance with an email to bkulon@hotmail.com.

This information was last updated on 4/30/07.

Nesting Heron Rookery - Cuyahoga Falls

On the south edge of Cuyahoga Valley National Park is an intriguing Heron Rookery. Every Spring, the amazing Great Blue Herons put on a show with their nest-building rituals.

Please confirm your intended attendance with an email to bkulon@hotmail.com.

This information was last updated on 11/11/06.

Hocking Hills "Shoot the Hills" Junket

photography courtesy of Ron Skinner

We are planning a trip to Hocking Hills for some glorious scenery. This is scheduled during the prime Spring season, at the time of the annual "Shoot the Hills" photography event.

Let's plan on meeting at headquarters cottage #23 (amongst the state cottages at the cul de sac) each evening at 8:30, after sunset, for some conversation, planning, and viewing of the photos we are working on.

Cell phone coverage is nil in most areas of Hocking Hills. We do have several powerful little sport radios available that might help people coordinate while shooting. Channel 7 - full power. Ask to borrow one of these, and leave it turned on.

Please confirm your intended attendance with an email to bkulon@hotmail.com.

This information was last updated on 4/6/07.

Lakeview Cemetery & Daffodil Hill

center photograph courtesy of Ron Skinner

A classic Cleveland treat enjoyed for eons! We'll visit the Wade Chapel stained glass, the amazing monument details, and the breath-taking hillside with 100,000 blooming daffodils.

We will be meeting up at Daffodil Hill, located, more or less, in the center of Lakeview. The map link to the right has been annotated to show where this is

Please confirm your intended attendance with an email to bkulon@hotmail.com.

This information was last updated on 4/6/07.

"Hooky" Shoot at Cleveland Auto Show

It is amazing what images you can create walking around the Cleveland Auto Show when the crowds are thin and you have some room to work. If you have good technique, you can even get away with minimal equipment to make the experience all the more enjoyable.

This shoot is on a Monday, when the show opens. If you can take a day off work, this is a great opportunity for mid-winter creativity when the pickings are slim.

Details to be posted closer to the event. Please return.

Please confirm your intended attendance with an email to bkulon@hotmail.com.

This information was last updated on 11/11/06.

Hocking Hills Winter Ice Junket

photography courtesy of Dee Riley

By popular demand, we are planning a scouting trip to Hocking Hills to get the lay of the land and enjoy some of the famous ice formations. This is predicted to be an idea time for this by Eric Hoffman, a local pro.

This would be a great time to get your bearings for the upcoming Shoot The Hills event (4/20-4/22).

More details to be posted closer to the event. Please return.

Please confirm your intended attendance with an email to bkulon@hotmail.com.

This information was last updated on 2/14/07.

Portrait Posing & Lighting — by special request!

So many people have asked for training on portrait posing and lighting that we asked Dale Kincaid to volunteer his time to show us the basics. We'll get together a small group for a couple of hours to gather around a live studio set in Bob Kulon's home to get explanations on classic lighting and posing techniques. This is not a shoot, there is no need to bring your camera.

You will hear the explanation, see the results in the modeling lights, then see the image outcome as the digital camera feeds a large-screen projector. This is the first time NEO Shoots has ever done anything instructive, but we feel the subject matter requires specialized knowledge. Who know's what you will be inspired to do from here?

Dale has been a great teacher of these techniques and we are delighted to have him volunteer his time to be with us.

This session will be limited to the first 10 people that notify Bob Kulon. Once the list is filled, we will take "waiting list" names. If you must cancel, please make this known so someone can take your place.

Please confirm your intended attendance with an email to bkulon@hotmail.com.

This information was last updated on 2/4/07.

Princess Ledges Ice Formations

This little-known gem lies in Brunswick Hills. It is now a maintained Medina County Metropark that offers some legendary ice flows over the ledges.

Directions: Princess Ledges is located at the end of Spruce Avenue. Spruce Avenue runs west off Pearl Road in Brunswick Hills (but is poorly marked -- very cheesy street sign -- embarrassing really -- shame on you Brunswick Hills). It is just north of Grafton Road. Spruce Avenue is short. At the end is a new parking lot for the park. It holds about 12 cars. Park tight so everyone gets in. Refer to the vicinity map link to get you bearings.

Please confirm your intended attendance with an email to bkulon@hotmail.com.

This information was last updated on 2/4/07.

Full Moon over Snowed-in Hinckley Lake

Imagine the glisten of the snow-covered lake in the moonlight. There are several possibilities for photography...

1. The obvious - the moonlit landscape across the lake. This work if there is a break in the clouds and you are prepared for a time exposure to suit. (This is not a picture of the moon, but a moonlit scene). Long lenses up to 400mm come in handy.
2. Shoreline detail scenic shots during twilight. That's why we are starting at 4:30 PM. Lenses ranging from 18-200 mm can be used.
3. Ice patterns and reeds in the little bay south of the peninsula. Not at the boat docks, but next to them. Very accessible from the parking lot. Again, come early and see what's there. Medium telephoto lenses work well.

Please confirm your intended attendance with an email to bkulon@hotmail.com.

This information was last updated on 1/24/07.

Frozen Bridal Veil Falls Shoot

We'll congregate at Bridal Veil Falls in the Bedford Reservation (but actually located in Walton Hills) of the Cleveland MetroParks for some interesting studies of Winter Ice formations.

Directions:

From I-480 West, take E. 98th Street Exit (Transportation Boulevard). Go through the light at the exit to Turney Road. Turn right on Turney and right on Dunham Road. Park entrance is on the left.

From I-480 (west of I-271), exit at Broadway Avenue (Route 14). Stay left and continue on Broadway Street to Union Street. Turn right on Union Street and right on Egbert Road. The Reservation entrance is on the right.

From I-480 East or I-271, exit at Broadway/Forbes Road. If you're arriving from the north, turn right on Forbes and right on Broadway. If you're arriving from the south, turn left on Forbes and right on Broadway. Continue to Union Street and veer left. Turn left on Egbert Road. The falls are located along Gorge Parkway.

From the Bridal Veil Falls Parking area, it's a short walk down boardwalk steps to the falls overlook platform.

Please confirm your intended attendance with an email to bkulon@hotmail.com.

This information was last updated on 1/21/07.

Bedford Metropark Trail Map