February's Guest Speaker
Brad Ohlund
Brad Ohlund, our February 4th guest speaker, will present an exclusive program featuring rare behind-the-scenes footage from legendary IMAX productions.
He will share firsthand insight into the creative and technical process of large-format filmmaking. Open to all, this presentation offers a rare opportunity to learn from a celebrated IMAX camerman.
Brad Ohlund has worked closely with Greg MacGillivray at MacGillivray Freeman Films in Laguna Beach, the world’s most successful producer of large-format IMAX films.
He has served as Director of Photography on numerous groundbreaking IMAX and giant-screen productions, celebrated globally for their stunning cinematic beauty, breathtaking visuals, and immersive storytelling.
Brad’s bold vision and exceptional creativity have helped capture some of the most awe-inspiring imagery ever seen on the giant screen—from the summit of Mount Everest to the depths of vibrant coral reefs and far beyond.
February's Featured Photographer
Debbie Lefever
I will shoot anything in front of my lens. My husband teases that I shoot wedding rings to boxing rings – cradle to grave. I made my money as a professional event photographer for 17 years.
My favorite OMG photo is a zebra giving birth while on an Africa Safari. After each photo trip, my husband had “Welcome Home” flowers waiting for me, which is how I got into shooting flowers.
I have a photographic memory…I have to photograph it to remember it.
During my presentation, I’ll share images for our upcoming outings to Descanso Gardens and The Flower Fields. I’ll also talk about the Multiple Exposure Workshop to San Juan Capistrano.
Upcoming Outings and Workshops
Outings
Imaging in the Mojave National Preserve
February 3 - 5, Led by Ted Rigoni
Three-day trip to various locations in the Mojave National Preserve with imaging opportunities of abandoned facilities and nature within the preserve.
Lake Manly Death Valley
Feb 19 - 22, All Day, Led by Scott Stetzer
Lake Manly, located in the driest location in Death Valley, has water and we are set to go! This is a rare opportunity to capture the lake and reflections of the mountains to the east and west
Double Milky Way, Trona and Death Valley
March 17 - 19 (ending Friday AM on the 20th), Led by Scott Stetzer
The time comes only once per year when a double Milky Way can be captured. This outing will be mid-week due to the timing of the New Moon in March.
Goffs, CA Night Photography
March 20 – 22, 2026, Led by Jaime Diaz
Goffs, CA is an amazing spot for Night Photography and Light Painting. You'll find an incredible assortment of old vehicles, a caboose, old mining equipment, etc., which are the ideal foreground/background for doing some amazing photography after the sun goes down.
Descanso Gardens Tulip shoot
March 26, Led by Debbie Lefever
Every year Descanso Gardens plants over 30,000 tulip bulbs for a spectacular display of color, texture, and magical bokeh. Tulip season at Descanso never disappoints. There is so much to see and photograph in a relaxed and unrushed environment.
Workshop News
2026 Planned Workshops
We are excited about the range of topics and skills to be covered in our upcoming Workshops. We have two specific workshops in February:
Event Photography on the 7th: Learn some of the "secret settings" of professional photojournalists.
Lr Classic Print Module on the 14th: Session focuses on the print and develop modules of Lr Classic.
Click herefor what is in the works. You can also find them in our events calendar.
Monthly Casual Shooting Workshop (CSW) Series
CSWs are scheduled on the third Saturday of the month to work on a specific shooting method. The leader will select the location and will post links that illustrate the shooting method. Afterward, we'll get together at a local coffee shop or another place to share images and experiences.
Our February CSW on the 21st is on leading lines, led by Arpad Petrass. Click here for more information. A sign-up sheet will be sent out.
Outings & Workshops
Community Outreach
Community Outreach
One of our club activities is to support local non-profits in their fundraising events and celebrations by photographing their events. It's a great way to have fun, practice your skills, and support your club in outreach. And it is so appreciated by the groups that we support.
Upcoming Events:
MS Ends With US, March 5, 5 - 7 pm
Walk4Alz, March 14, 7:30 - 10 am
Swallows Day Parade,March 21, 10:30 am - 2 pm
MS Bike Annual Awards, March 21, 11 am - 1 pm
Our Events Calendar lists additional upcoming events.
The upcoming Event Photography workshop on the 7th is aimed at helping you with tips and trick on shooting events. Click here for more info.
Challenges!
February 2026 Challenge - Be Mine
Be Mine February's challenge is capturing love and/or connection with, among other possibilities, cozy winter scenes, candid moments, Valentines Day and, of course, chocolate! .
Links to get you started:
https://blog.mimeophotos.com/tips-for-capturing-perfect-valentines-day-photos
1st, 2nd, and 3rd place winners will be announced at the March 4th meeting and will be displayed here on this website.
Upload only one image, your best! Please submit a full-resolution image, NO watermarks or description. And, don't forget to include your name in the metadata.
Take and upload your photo between Saturday, January 31st and Friday, February 27th, midnight.
Entry links are in the newsletter and will be sent again mid-month.
Challenge and Best Shot Guidelines
Before posting, read the guidelines for detailed Challenge and Best Shots images. Don't put watermarks on the Challenge entries. Watermarks are fine on the Best Shots.
January Challenge - New Beginnings
Best Shots
February 2026 Best Shots
For Best Shots, post your favorite image taken on or after Saturday, January 31st, and submitted no later than Friday, February 27th, 2026.
This is not a contest. Your only reward will be the fun of posting your best shot of the month and seeing others' best shots. Please limit your submissions to one shot.
Watermarks are encouraged for Best Shots. It makes it easy to see who the photographer is and to give them proper credit.
You'll find the upload links in the February newsletter, and they will be sent again mid-month before the challenge ends.
The photos will be shown here on this website in March.