2026 calendar entries

Interclub Competition – Flagpole Photo Selection

7:00 PM – Final Team Selection

Objective: Select the final slate of 25 photos (one per category) while ensuring a variety of members are represented. Constraint: No single photographer may have more than two photos in the final competition.

Selection Procedure

We will determine the final slate using the results from the People’s Choice voting:

Step 1: Prioritize Top Scoring Photographers Identify all photographers who placed 1st (or tied for 1st) in more than two categories.

1. Rank these photographers by their total number of 1st place finishes.
   • Tie-Breaker: Use the last initial of their last name.
2. Select: Asking in ranked order, each photographer chooses which two of their winning photos they wish to enter.
3. Lock: These photos are locked in, and these photographers are now “capped” at two entries.

Step 2: Fill Remaining Categories Review the categories that do not yet have a selected photo.

1. Select the highest-scoring photo in that category.
2. Exception: If the winning photo belongs to a photographer who has already reached their 2-photo limit, skip it. Move to the next highest-scoring photo in that category.
3. Note: This discussion will mirror the tie-breaking conversations used during standard category judging.

Strategic Review (Rationalization)

Once the draft slate of 25 photos is complete, reviewing the lineup for strategic adjustments is permissible without changing the number of photos per photographer.

• Discussion Point: “Does a swap make sense?”
• Example: If we selected a 5th-ranked photo in one category to satisfy the “2-photo limit,” does it make sense to swap one of that photographer’s other selections to allow a higher-ranked photo into the mix?

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Interclub Competition – New Haven vs Flagpole Showdown

Help Decide our Photos

More info at https://flagpolephotographers.com/competitions/flagpole-vs-nhcc-2026/

Agenda

7:00 PM – Final Team Selection

Objective: Select the final slate of 25 photos (one per category) while ensuring a variety of members are represented. Constraint: No single photographer may have more than two photos in the final competition.

Selection Procedure

We will determine the final slate using the results from the People’s Choice voting:

Step 1: Prioritize Top Scoring Photographers Identify all photographers who placed 1st (or tied for 1st) in more than two categories.

1. Rank these photographers by their total number of 1st place finishes.
   • Tie-Breaker: Use the last initial of their last name.
2. Select: Asking in ranked order, each photographer chooses which two of their winning photos they wish to enter.
3. Lock: These photos are locked in, and these photographers are now “capped” at two entries.

Step 2: Fill Remaining Categories Review the categories that do not yet have a selected photo.

1. Select the highest-scoring photo in that category.
2. Exception: If the winning photo belongs to a photographer who has already reached their 2-photo limit, skip it. Move to the next highest-scoring photo in that category.
3. Note: This discussion will mirror the tie-breaking conversations used during standard category judging.

Strategic Review (Rationalization)

Once the draft slate of 25 photos is complete, reviewing the lineup for strategic adjustments is permissible without changing the number of photos per photographer.

• Discussion Point: “Does a swap make sense?”
• Example: If we selected a 5th-ranked photo in one category to satisfy the “2-photo limit,” does it make sense to swap one of that photographer’s other selections to allow a higher-ranked photo into the mix?

Competition Categories

• Technique & Artistry: High Key, Shadows/Silhouettes, Motion Blur, Forced Perspective, Monochrome, Creative Artistry, Blue.
• Nature: Landscapes, Waterfalls, Nightscape, Fire, Cold, Birds, Roses.
• Architecture: General Architecture, Houses of Worship, Railroad, Zoo Photography.
• People: Faces, People at Work, Street Photography.
• Still Life & Details: Books, Shoes, Tools, Motorcycles.

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January Field Trip to New York Botanical Garden

We’re kicking off the new year with a warm, colorful winter escape! Join us for a photography field trip to the New York Botanical Garden in the Bronx. The Haupt Conservatory is the perfect place to shoot in January—expect tropical plants, dramatic light, textures, reflections, train show and plenty of macro opportunities.

The Holiday Train Show: We’ll be visiting during the final days of the famous Holiday Train Show, featuring model trains traveling through miniature cityscapes made entirely of plant parts!

📅 Event Details

• Date: Saturday, Jan 10, 2026
• Meet-up Time: 9:00 AM
• Location: Exit 2 Commuter Lot (I-84), across from Trader Joe’s.
  • We will carpool from here. It is approximately a 1-hour drive.
• Skill Level: All welcome! From beginners to pros.

🎟️ Tickets & Parking

• Cost: Tickets are approx. $35–$39 | Parking is approx. $22 per car.
• Important: Purchase admission tickets that include the Holiday Train Show using timed entry.
• Action Required: Please purchase your tickets in advance via the NYBG.org website for a 10:45 AM entry.

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🎒 What to Bring

• Lenses: A generic “walk-around” zoom (e.g., 24-70mm, 24-105 …) is great for the train show and landscapes. A macro lens may be handy for the conservatory details.
• Tripod: Tripods are not allowed inside the Conservatory.
• Backpack Rule: You are allowed to bring a backpack, but while inside the Conservatory, you must wear it on your front to avoid knocking over plants or blocking narrow paths.
• Clothing: Dress in layers! It will be tropical and humid inside the conservatory but freezing outside. You will want to peel off layers to avoid fogging up your viewfinder.
• Polarizer: Handy for cutting glare on the pond and glass surfaces.

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📝Attendees Sign-Up Sheet

Please let us know if you are attending! We need an accurate headcount to help coordinate carpooling from the Exit 2 lot.

📝 Sign Up here for Field Trip to New York Botanical Garden

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📸 NYBG Photo Challenge

We’ll have an optional scavenger hunt to spark creativity. Try to capture these specific prompts!

Download the Printable PDF Challenge List Here

Hope you’ll join us for a warm, green, photography-filled day!

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2026 Flagpole Photographers Workshop Day

Overview

Ready to elevate your photography? Join Flagpole Photographers for our hands-on Workshop Day on Saturday, May 2, 2026! Spend the day capturing the beauty of historic Newtown and Sandy Hook while learning side-by-side with our award-winning club photographers.

This engaging workshop features morning outdoor sessions focused on practical shooting techniques, followed by an afternoon indoor session diving into digital darkroom skills to make your photos shine for print and social media. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to refine your skills, bring your camera or phone and prepare for a day of creative exploration!

Agenda

• 8:50 – Meet at in Newtown
• …
• 2:30 Finished
• If the weather is bad the workshop will move inside the Newtown Senior Center

Cost

Free for all Flagpole Photographer members. $25 for non-members. Bonus – this $25 includes membership for the rest of current season, which ends August 31, 2024

Registration

To register, use our normal contact from. Please mention you are registering for the workshop.

2025 Flagpole Photographers Workshop Day

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Mentor Night: Panning Kickoff Topic by Sue Thompson

Panning: Following a moving subject with your camera while using a slow shutter speed to create a sharp subject against a blurred background.

At Mentor Night, our club members collaborate to elevate their photography skills and improve their photos. We believe in the power of questions, shared knowledge, and the joy of learning all aspects of photography. This event is free and open to the public. Most sessions begin with a concise presentation on a topic chosen from our annual survey.

Agenda

• 7:00 PM: Social Time
• 7:30 PM: Meeting Starts – Kickoff Topic
• 7:45 PM: The Story Behind the Photo – A club member shares the inspiration and techniques behind a specific photograph.
• 7:50 PM: Q&A and “How to Improve This Photo?” Discussion
• 8:30 PM: Meeting closes

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Mentor Night: Creating Backgrounds Kickoff Topic by Rich Kunsch

Backgrounds: The part of the scene that is behind the main subject, used to add context or be blurred to make the subject stand out.

At Mentor Night, our club members collaborate to elevate their photography skills and improve their photos. We believe in the power of questions, shared knowledge, and the joy of learning all aspects of photography. This event is free and open to the public. Most sessions begin with a concise presentation on a topic chosen from our annual survey.

Agenda

• 7:00 PM: Social Time
• 7:30 PM: Meeting Starts – Kickoff Topic
• 7:45 PM: The Story Behind the Photo – A club member shares the inspiration and techniques behind a specific photograph.
• 7:50 PM: Q&A and “How to Improve This Photo?” Discussion
• 8:30 PM: Meeting closes

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Mentor Night: Packing for Trips Kickoff Topic by Rhonda Cullens

At Mentor Night, our club members collaborate to elevate their photography skills and improve their photos. We believe in the power of questions, shared knowledge, and the joy of learning all aspects of photography. This event is free and open to the public. Most sessions begin with a concise presentation on a topic chosen from our annual survey.

Agenda

• 7:00 PM: Social Time
• 7:30 PM: Meeting Starts – Kickoff Topic
• 7:45 PM: The Story Behind the Photo – A club member shares the inspiration and techniques behind a specific photograph.
• 7:50 PM: Q&A and “How to Improve This Photo?” Discussion
• 8:30 PM: Meeting closes

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Mentor Night: You Be the Judge Topic by Chane Cullens

Judging: Chane will share what he discusses with our competition judges before they score and comment our photos.

At Mentor Night, our club members collaborate to elevate their photography skills and improve their photos. We believe in the power of questions, shared knowledge, and the joy of learning all aspects of photography. This event is free and open to the public. Most sessions begin with a concise presentation on a topic chosen from our annual survey.

Agenda

• 7:00 PM: Social Time
• 7:30 PM: Meeting Starts
• 8:30 PM: Meeting closes

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Mentor Night: Focus Stacking Kickoff Topic by Chane Cullens

Focus Stacking: Combining multiple photos taken at different focus distances to create a single photo that is sharp from front to back.

At Mentor Night, our club members collaborate to elevate their photography skills and improve their photos. We believe in the power of questions, shared knowledge, and the joy of learning all aspects of photography. This event is free and open to the public. Most sessions begin with a concise presentation on a topic chosen from our annual survey.

Agenda

• 7:00 PM: Social Time
• 7:30 PM: Meeting Starts – Kickoff Topic
• 7:45 PM: The Story Behind the Photo – A club member shares the inspiration and techniques behind a specific photograph.
• 7:50 PM: Q&A and “How to Improve This Photo?” Discussion
• 8:30 PM: Meeting closes

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Competition – Golden Hour or Blue Hour, Nature, Color, Monochrome and Monthly Challenge

Join the Flagpole Photographers for an exciting competition night! Attending this event is free and open to the public – everyone is welcome to learn and be inspired.

During our competition meetings, experienced judges provide valuable educational comments on each submitted photo. This constructive feedback is designed to help all photographers, from beginners to advanced, improve their skills and refine their artistic vision. Judges will also select the top three photos in each category, fostering growth, learning, and friendly competition within our vibrant club.

Competition Categories

• Assigned Subject – “Golden Hour or Blue Hour”
• Monthly Challenge – “TBD one month before”
• Nature: Our world without any sign of human-made artifacts.
• Open Color: Any subject allowed. Enter in either Class A (advanced) or Class B (basic), but not both.
• Open Monochrome: Any subject allowed. Enter in either Class A (advanced) or Class B (basic), but not both.

Competition Rules & Uploads

• Review our comprehensive competition rules and category definitions before submitting your photos.
• Upload your photos here: Upload page. The Upload Help page provides detailed instructions on file formats and sizes.
• Upload Deadline: Photos must be uploaded by 9:00 PM on the Sunday before the competition meeting.

Agenda

• 7:00 PM – Social Time: Connect with fellow members before the meeting starts.
• 7:30 PM – Meeting Starts: Welcome and club announcements.
• 7:35 PM – Competition Begins: We’ll introduce our judges, and the photo comments and tie-breaking will start!

Learning Through Competition: A Note on Feedback

Competitions are a great way to sharpen your photography skills and discover new perspectives. Constructive feedback from judges is a valuable learning tool. However, remember that judging art is inherently subjective. Judges offer their perspective based on their experience, but they can’t see your original vision or thought process.

• Embrace Helpful Feedback: If a judge’s comments resonate with you (for your photo or another’s), consider how you might apply that insight to your future work.
• It’s Okay to Disagree: If you find feedback unhelpful or it doesn’t align with your artistic goals, it’s perfectly fine to acknowledge it and move on.
• Your Art, Your Choice: Ultimately, the decision to incorporate or disregard any judging comments rests entirely with you. The most important thing is that you are happy with your own photos.

Where

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Competition – Flowers, Nature, Color, Monochrome and Monthly Challenge

Join the Flagpole Photographers for an exciting competition night! Attending this event is free and open to the public – everyone is welcome to learn and be inspired.

During our competition meetings, experienced judges provide valuable educational comments on each submitted photo. This constructive feedback is designed to help all photographers, from beginners to advanced, improve their skills and refine their artistic vision. Judges will also select the top three photos in each category, fostering growth, learning, and friendly competition within our vibrant club.

Competition Categories

• Assigned Subject – “Flowers”
• Monthly Challenge – “TBD one month before”
• Nature: Our world without any sign of human-made artifacts.
• Open Color: Any subject allowed. Enter in either Class A (advanced) or Class B (basic), but not both.
• Open Monochrome: Any subject allowed. Enter in either Class A (advanced) or Class B (basic), but not both.

Competition Rules & Uploads

• Review our comprehensive competition rules and category definitions before submitting your photos.
• Upload your photos here: Upload page. The Upload Help page provides detailed instructions on file formats and sizes.
• Upload Deadline: Photos must be uploaded by 9:00 PM on the Sunday before the competition meeting.

Agenda

• 7:00 PM – Social Time: Connect with fellow members before the meeting starts.
• 7:30 PM – Meeting Starts: Welcome and club announcements.
• 7:35 PM – Competition Begins: We’ll introduce our judges, and the photo comments and tie-breaking will start!

Learning Through Competition: A Note on Feedback

Competitions are a great way to sharpen your photography skills and discover new perspectives. Constructive feedback from judges is a valuable learning tool. However, remember that judging art is inherently subjective. Judges offer their perspective based on their experience, but they can’t see your original vision or thought process.

• Embrace Helpful Feedback: If a judge’s comments resonate with you (for your photo or another’s), consider how you might apply that insight to your future work.
• It’s Okay to Disagree: If you find feedback unhelpful or it doesn’t align with your artistic goals, it’s perfectly fine to acknowledge it and move on.
• Your Art, Your Choice: Ultimately, the decision to incorporate or disregard any judging comments rests entirely with you. The most important thing is that you are happy with your own photos.

Where

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Competition – Minimalist, Nature, Color, Monochrome and Monthly Challenge

Join the Flagpole Photographers for an exciting competition night! Attending this event is free and open to the public – everyone is welcome to learn and be inspired.

During our competition meetings, experienced judges provide valuable educational comments on each submitted photo. This constructive feedback is designed to help all photographers, from beginners to advanced, improve their skills and refine their artistic vision. Judges will also select the top three photos in each category, fostering growth, learning, and friendly competition within our vibrant club.

Competition Categories

• Assigned Subject – “Minimalist”
• Monthly Challenge – “TBD one month before”
• Nature: Our world without any sign of human-made artifacts.
• Open Color: Any subject allowed. Enter in either Class A (advanced) or Class B (basic), but not both.
• Open Monochrome: Any subject allowed. Enter in either Class A (advanced) or Class B (basic), but not both.

Competition Rules & Uploads

• Review our comprehensive competition rules and category definitions before submitting your photos.
• Upload your photos here: Upload page. The Upload Help page provides detailed instructions on file formats and sizes.
• Upload Deadline: Photos must be uploaded by 9:00 PM on the Sunday before the competition meeting.

Agenda

• 7:00 PM – Social Time: Connect with fellow members before the meeting starts.
• 7:30 PM – Meeting Starts: Welcome and club announcements.
• 7:35 PM – Competition Begins: We’ll introduce our judges, and the photo comments and tie-breaking will start!

Learning Through Competition: A Note on Feedback

Competitions are a great way to sharpen your photography skills and discover new perspectives. Constructive feedback from judges is a valuable learning tool. However, remember that judging art is inherently subjective. Judges offer their perspective based on their experience, but they can’t see your original vision or thought process.

• Embrace Helpful Feedback: If a judge’s comments resonate with you (for your photo or another’s), consider how you might apply that insight to your future work.
• It’s Okay to Disagree: If you find feedback unhelpful or it doesn’t align with your artistic goals, it’s perfectly fine to acknowledge it and move on.
• Your Art, Your Choice: Ultimately, the decision to incorporate or disregard any judging comments rests entirely with you. The most important thing is that you are happy with your own photos.

Where

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Competition – Picture a Song, Nature, Color, Monochrome and Monthly Challenge

Join the Flagpole Photographers for an exciting competition night! Attending this event is free and open to the public – everyone is welcome to learn and be inspired.

During our competition meetings, experienced judges provide valuable educational comments on each submitted photo. This constructive feedback is designed to help all photographers, from beginners to advanced, improve their skills and refine their artistic vision. Judges will also select the top three photos in each category, fostering growth, learning, and friendly competition within our vibrant club.

Competition Categories

• Assigned Subject – “Picture a Song
  “
• Monthly Challenge – “TBD one month before”
• Nature: Our world without any sign of human-made artifacts.
• Open Color: Any subject allowed. Enter in either Class A (advanced) or Class B (basic), but not both.
• Open Monochrome: Any subject allowed. Enter in either Class A (advanced) or Class B (basic), but not both.

Competition Rules & Uploads

• Review our comprehensive competition rules and category definitions before submitting your photos.
• Upload your photos here: Upload page. The Upload Help page provides detailed instructions on file formats and sizes.
• Upload Deadline: Photos must be uploaded by 9:00 PM on the Sunday before the competition meeting.

Agenda

• 7:00 PM – Social Time: Connect with fellow members before the meeting starts.
• 7:30 PM – Meeting Starts: Welcome and club announcements.
• 7:35 PM – Competition Begins: We’ll introduce our judges, and the photo comments and tie-breaking will start!

Learning Through Competition: A Note on Feedback

Competitions are a great way to sharpen your photography skills and discover new perspectives. Constructive feedback from judges is a valuable learning tool. However, remember that judging art is inherently subjective. Judges offer their perspective based on their experience, but they can’t see your original vision or thought process.

• Embrace Helpful Feedback: If a judge’s comments resonate with you (for your photo or another’s), consider how you might apply that insight to your future work.
• It’s Okay to Disagree: If you find feedback unhelpful or it doesn’t align with your artistic goals, it’s perfectly fine to acknowledge it and move on.
• Your Art, Your Choice: Ultimately, the decision to incorporate or disregard any judging comments rests entirely with you. The most important thing is that you are happy with your own photos.

Where

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Competition – Vintage, Nature, Color, Monochrome and Monthly Challenge Ice

Join the Flagpole Photographers for an exciting competition night! Attending this event is free and open to the public – everyone is welcome to learn and be inspired.

During our competition meetings, experienced judges provide valuable educational comments on each submitted photo. This constructive feedback is designed to help all photographers, from beginners to advanced, improve their skills and refine their artistic vision. Judges will also select the top three photos in each category, fostering growth, learning, and friendly competition within our vibrant club.

Competition Categories

• Assigned Subject – “Vintage”
• Monthly Challenge – “Ice” (captured after January 18)
• Nature: Our world without any sign of human-made artifacts.
• Open Color: Any subject allowed. Enter in either Class A (advanced) or Class B (basic), but not both.
• Open Monochrome: Any subject allowed. Enter in either Class A (advanced) or Class B (basic), but not both.

Competition Rules & Uploads

• Review our comprehensive competition rules and category definitions before submitting your photos.
• Upload your photos here: Upload page. The Upload Help page provides detailed instructions on file formats and sizes.
• Upload Deadline: Photos must be uploaded by 9:00 PM on the Sunday before the competition meeting.

Agenda

• 7:00 PM – Social Time: Connect with fellow members before the meeting starts.
• 7:30 PM – Meeting Starts: Welcome and club announcements.
• 7:35 PM – Competition Begins: We’ll introduce our judges, and the photo comments and tie-breaking will start!

Learning Through Competition: A Note on Feedback

Competitions are a great way to sharpen your photography skills and discover new perspectives. Constructive feedback from judges is a valuable learning tool. However, remember that judging art is inherently subjective. Judges offer their perspective based on their experience, but they can’t see your original vision or thought process.

• Embrace Helpful Feedback: If a judge’s comments resonate with you (for your photo or another’s), consider how you might apply that insight to your future work.
• It’s Okay to Disagree: If you find feedback unhelpful or it doesn’t align with your artistic goals, it’s perfectly fine to acknowledge it and move on.
• Your Art, Your Choice: Ultimately, the decision to incorporate or disregard any judging comments rests entirely with you. The most important thing is that you are happy with your own photos.

Where

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Competition – White on White, Nature, Color, Monochrome and Monthly Challenge Sunrise or Sunset

Join the Flagpole Photographers for an exciting competition night! Attending this event is free and open to the public – everyone is welcome to learn and be inspired.

During our competition meetings, experienced judges provide valuable educational comments on each submitted photo. This constructive feedback is designed to help all photographers, from beginners to advanced, improve their skills and refine their artistic vision. Judges will also select the top three photos in each category, fostering growth, learning, and friendly competition within our vibrant club.

Competition Categories

• Assigned Subject – White on White
• Monthly Challenge – Sunrise or Sunset (captured after Dec 9)
• Nature: Our world without any sign of human-made artifacts.
• Open Color: Any subject allowed. Enter in either Class A (advanced) or Class B (basic), but not both.
• Open Monochrome: Any subject allowed. Enter in either Class A (advanced) or Class B (basic), but not both.

Competition Rules & Uploads

• Review our comprehensive competition rules and category definitions before submitting your photos.
• Upload your photos here: Upload page. The Upload Help page provides detailed instructions on file formats and sizes.
• Upload Deadline: Photos must be uploaded by 9:00 PM on the Sunday before the competition meeting.

Agenda

• 7:00 PM – Social Time: Connect with fellow members before the meeting starts.
• 7:30 PM – Meeting Starts: Welcome and club announcements.
• 7:35 PM – Competition Begins: We’ll introduce our judges, and the photo comments and tie-breaking will start!

Learning Through Competition: A Note on Feedback

Competitions are a great way to sharpen your photography skills and discover new perspectives. Constructive feedback from judges is a valuable learning tool. However, remember that judging art is inherently subjective. Judges offer their perspective based on their experience, but they can’t see your original vision or thought process.

• Embrace Helpful Feedback: If a judge’s comments resonate with you (for your photo or another’s), consider how you might apply that insight to your future work.
• It’s Okay to Disagree: If you find feedback unhelpful or it doesn’t align with your artistic goals, it’s perfectly fine to acknowledge it and move on.
• Your Art, Your Choice: Ultimately, the decision to incorporate or disregard any judging comments rests entirely with you. The most important thing is that you are happy with your own photos.

Where

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Events are returning one at a time dug to problems with the our external event management software.

Upcoming Events

• Mar

  05

  Mentor Night: Packing for Trips Kickoff Topic by Rhonda Cullens

  ⏰ 7:30 pm

  📍 Online

• Feb

  26

  Competition – Vintage, Nature, Color, Monochrome and Monthly Challenge Ice

  ⏰ 7:30 pm

  📍 Newtown Senior Center and Online

• Feb

  17

  Interclub Competition – New Haven vs Flagpole Showdown

  ⏰ 7:30 pm

  📍 Newtown Senior Center and Online

• Feb

  12

  Recreate This Photo: A Hands-On Program

  ⏰ 7:30 pm

  📍 Newtown Senior Center

• Feb

  11

  Flagpole Photo Selection for New Haven vs Flagpole Showdown

  ⏰ 7:00 pm

  📍 Online

• Feb

  05

  Mentor Night: You Be the Judge Topic by Chane Cullens

  ⏰ 7:30 pm

  📍 Online

• Jan

  22

  Competition – White on White, Nature, Color, Monochrome and Monthly Challenge Sunrise or Sunset

  ⏰ 7:00 pm

  📍 Both Virtual and In-Person Choices

• Jan

  10

  January Field Trip to New York Botanical Garden

  ⏰ 9:00 am

  📍 New York Botanical Garden

• Jan

  08

  The Zen of Landscape Photography Program by John Munno

  ⏰ 7:00 pm

  📍 Both Virtual and In-Person Choices

• Dec

  11

  Holiday Party and Competition Subject “Fun”

  ⏰ 6:30 pm

  📍 Newtown Senior Center

• Dec

  04

  Mentor Night: Panoramas Kickoff Topic by Darrell Harrington

  ⏰ 7:00 pm

  📍 Virtual

• Nov

  13

  Competition – Leading Lines or S-Curves, Nature, Color, Monochrome and Monthly Challenge Glass

  ⏰ 7:00 pm

  📍 Both Virtual and In-Person Choices