Topics: Nature, Macro, Sunrise, Sunset, Landscape, Reflections and Night Photography

Based on the survey response, members should book accommodation at Greenup Individually, or group up together. Bookings can be done here and should be done ASAP.
https://www.greenupmeetingplace.com.au/book-now

Below is a general plan for the weekend – this may change slightly before the date based on feedback. If you have any suggestions on locations or things to photograph please let the committee know ASAP. committee@tpsi.org.au

Day trippers are welcome as well.

Date: October 21-22, 2023
Time: No specific time, but see below for recommended times for activities.
Remember to group up with other members and get to know each other.
Please note that members may arrive at different times feel free to explore the area at your own pace as well.

Please ensure you fill in this form if you are attending this outing.
https://tpsi.org.au/field-day-form/

If you are not currently a financial member or you are bringing a visitor; an associate membership should be purchased to be covered by insurance. This only needs to happen once a year.
Purchase membership here:
https://tpsi.org.au/store/associate-membership-2023/

Notes about Greenup:
Greenup Meeting Place is a picturesque 10 acre property, with frontage on Bracker Creek and Coolmunda Dam located near Inglewood, close to the Queensland border, coffee and meals at CC Cafe Thursday-Monday 7am-4pm.

Note About Location: Ticks may in this area. It is recommended to ensure members employ methods to reduce tick bites and know how to remove them.
https://www.poisonsinfo.health.qld.gov.au/bites-and-stings/tick-bites
https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/tick-bites

Phone service might be patchy

Saturday 21 October

8am – 10am : Morning Nature and Macro Photography

Some Nature that you might find here:
https://www.inaturalist.org/observations?nelat=-28.40310795844796&nelng=151.27798322516455&place_id=any&subview=map&swlat=-28.491537008221066&swlng=151.2021575179995

Some more info about nature at Greenup:
https://bird-spots.com/2022/01/20/greenup-meeting-place-jan-2022/

Explore the surroundings to capture close-up shots of flowers, insects, and other small details.

Explore the areas near Macintyre Brook and Bracker Creek

Use a macro lens (if available) to capture intricate textures and patterns.

Suggested Focal Length for Macro: 50mm – 100mm.
Suggested Focal Length for nature / birds: 200mm – 600mm+

10 – 11 AM: Morning Tea & Coffee
Take a break at the Cafe and meetup with other members to share photos and locations.

12PM – If you intend to have dinner at the Cafe you MUST let the Chef know before 12 PM so that they can cook you a meal.

Evening meal: Spoil yourself while camping! Let our Chef, Col, know before 12pm and we will cook you an evening meal for $30 head / BYO!

11AM – 2PM Free time – Check out some of the surrounding area.
Grab some lunch during this time:
Possible locations to visit:
Yelarbon Silo Art:
https://www.australiansiloarttrail.com/yelarbon

Texas Water Tank Art:
https://www.australiansiloarttrail.com/texas

Leven K Lavender Farm:
https://www.levenklavender.com.au/

Goondiwindi Region Website:
https://goondiwindiregion.com.au/things-to-do/

2PM – 3PM – Afternoon Tea & Coffee
Take a break at the Cafe and meetup with other members to share photos and locations. Share some of the locations nearby that you have found.

3PM – 5PM – Afternoon Nature and Macro Photography
Some Nature that you might find here:
https://www.inaturalist.org/observations?nelat=-28.40310795844796&nelng=151.27798322516455&place_id=any&subview=map&swlat=-28.491537008221066&swlng=151.2021575179995

Some more info about nature at Greenup:
https://bird-spots.com/2022/01/20/greenup-meeting-place-jan-2022/

Explore the surroundings to capture close-up shots of flowers, insects, and other small details.

Explore the areas near Macintyre Brook and Bracker Creek

Use a macro lens (if available) to capture intricate textures and patterns.

Suggested Focal Length for Macro: 50mm – 100mm.
Suggested Focal Length for nature / birds: 200mm – 600mm+

5PM – 6:30PM – Golden Hour – Blue Hour

Capture the beauty of the Brook and Creek and its surroundings in the golden hour lighting.
Experiment with different compositions, including leading lines, foreground interest, and reflections.
Graduated ND filters can be used to balance exposure between the bright sky and darker land.
Suggested Focal Length: 16mm – 35mm for wide-angle landscape shots.

6:30PM: Onwards – Dinner (Time to be confirmed with Chef)
Enjoy dinner at CC Cafe. Share your photography and locations.
Take a break to relax and socialise with fellow photographers.
Check your camera settings and review the photos you’ve taken so far.

7:30 PM: Night time Photography – Light trails, moon on water, intentional camera movement

Unfortunately this will not be an optimal time for Astro photography. The moon will be at 39% and rises at 10AM – setting around 12:30am on Sunday.
This however could be an interesting subject with the moon reflections on the water, or playing with torches / light sources and capturing light trails.

Alternatively you could setup in an area that can see the road and capture headlights / brake lights of passing vehicles. You might even be able to convince another member to be a vehicle model for you ;).

Star trails may be possible, however will be difficult with the moon, if you can find a good subject and a break in the trees- set your camera to face south for the best circular motion.

You could attempt some intention camera movement here, zoom pulls, focus pulls etc using the stars.

Use a medium to high ISO setting (800, 1600etc) , wide aperture (f/2.8 or lower), and longer exposure times 20, 30 seconds and beyond.

Consider using a remote shutter release or the camera’s built-in timer to minimise camera shake.

Experiment with different compositions and foreground elements.

Suggested Focal Length: 16mm – 35mm, fast glass preferred (f/2.8, f4 will work but will require higher ISO).

Sunday 22 October 2023

Sunrise: 4:45 – 5:30AM

For those who wish to be up early, Sunrise is at 5:12AM.
You may be able to capture nice filtered light along the creek, or mist on the water of the brook.

8AM – Breakfast, Coffee, Tea at the Cafe
Self explanatory – Use this time to discuss with others potential shoot locations.

10AM Onwards:
Look at Saturdays Plan and follow a similar plan, alternatively travel in the region to check out some other photography locations.
EG:
https://www.grc.qld.gov.au/downloads/file/512/bird-watching-brochurepdf

https://goondiwindiregion.com.au/the-beacon-lookout/

https://goondiwindiregion.com.au/event/gundy-markets-2/2023-10-22/

https://www.grc.qld.gov.au/downloads/file/507/inglewood-top-things–a4-e-brochure—2017-with-linkspdf

Additional Tips:

Bring extra camera batteries and memory cards to ensure you don’t run out of power or storage space.

A sturdy tripod is essential for stable long exposures and night photography.

Consider carrying a flashlight or headlamp for navigating in the dark.

If you’re interested in light painting, bring along some light sources. Torches, battery powered Christmas lights, light bars etc. Just keep in mind other campers.

Dress appropriately for changing weather conditions and bring insect repellent.

Cheat Sheets for Astro & Night Photography
Canon
https://toowoomba.myphotoclub.com.au/wp-content/uploads/sites/111/2022/08/Night-Sky-Canon-Cheat-Sheet.pdf
Nikon
https://toowoomba.myphotoclub.com.au/wp-content/uploads/sites/111/2022/08/Night-Sky-Nikon-Cheat-Sheet.pdf 
Olympus
https://toowoomba.myphotoclub.com.au/wp-content/uploads/sites/111/2022/08/Night-Sky-Olympus-Cheat-Sheet.pdf 
Pentax:
https://toowoomba.myphotoclub.com.au/wp-content/uploads/sites/111/2022/08/Night-Sky-Pentax-Cheat-Sheet.pdf
Sony:
https://toowoomba.myphotoclub.com.au/wp-content/uploads/sites/111/2022/08/Night-Sky-Sony-Cheat-Sheet.pdf

What to Bring:

Camera Gear:

Camera body with fully charged batteries.

Macro lens (60mm – 100mm for crop sensor, 90mm – 150mm for full frame, 45mm – 75mm for micro four thirds).

Wide-angle lens (10mm – 20mm for crop sensor, 16mm – 35mm for full frame, 8mm – 14mm for micro four thirds).

Standard zoom or prime lens (18mm – 50mm equivalent for crop sensor, 24mm – 70mm for full frame, 12mm – 35mm for micro four thirds).

Ultra-wide-angle lens (14mm – 24mm) for Night Photography.

Sturdy tripod.

Remote shutter release or timer.

Graduated ND filters.

Polarising filter.

Lens cleaning kit.

Extra memory cards.

Camera bag or backpack.


Personal Items:

Comfortable clothing and sturdy shoes.

Insect repellent.

Snacks and water.

Sunscreen and a hat.

Layered clothing.

Notebooks and pens.

Night time Photography Essentials:

Flashlight, torches and lights

Warm beverages.

Portable camping chair or blanket.

Miscellaneous:

Photography books or guides.

First aid kit.

Trash bags.

Personal identification and emergency contact information.

Directions from Toowoomba

https://maps.app.goo.gl/r6ZW1RZwW2mZAm136

Toowoomba City
Queensland 4350
Take State Route 48 and National Route 42 to Greenup Limevale Rd in Coolmunda
1 hr 38 min (140 km)
Head south on Ruthven St towards Margaret St
7.0 km
Continue onto New England Hwy/A3
8.2 km
Turn left to stay on New England Hwy/A3
4.1 km
Turn right onto Cambooya Connection Rd/State Route 48
Continue to follow State Route 48
74.3 km
Turn right onto National Route 42
38.7 km
Turn left onto Stanthorpe Inglewood Rd/A89
7.4 km
Continue on Greenup Limevale Rd to your destination
1 min (500 m)
Continue straight onto Greenup Limevale Rd
400 m
Turn right
Destination will be on the left
100 m
Greenup Meeting Place
40 Greenup Limevale Rd, Coolmunda QLD 4387