CMPG Hands-On Meeting
Seeing the light
When:
16 September, 2026, 6:00 to 8:30 PM (sunset: 7:13 PM) NOTE the earlier start!
Where:
Old Ellicott City. Meet at Tiber Park, Maryland Avenue and Main Street (across from the B&O museum, train station)
Dinner first? Anyone interested in a bite or beverage first, meet up at the Trolley Stop, just over the bridge! We'll be there at 4:30pm.
Introduction:
We’re starting a half-hour early to explore the light. Our Hands-On Group activity will be an exploration of the Golden and Blue hours in a city environment. This is an activity for all skill levels. Our assignment is to observe and use the golden light produced in the hour before sunset and the blue light in the hour after to create photographs.
Overview:
There is no blue without yellow and without orange, and if you put in blue, then you must put in yellow, and orange too, mustn't you? -- Vincent Van Gogh1
Gaining understanding of light is one of our most fundamental tools. On what I hope to be a beautiful Wednesday evening, we focus on both observing and photographing during the “best” light of the day. We will chase the light through the canyon and surrounding high points.
The B&O museum lights early then descends into shadow. But the Cabooses are higher and as many observed are lit well into the golden hour. The spiral on St. Paul’s Catholic Church and the old courthouse cupola both light and are visible from main street.
As we approach the equinox the canyon that is Ellicott City itself should light as well. The shadows become long and deep. Reflections stand out. And maybe we’ll be granted some color in clouds as the sun sets. We’ll shoot into the blue hour as well. Taking advantage of the sky as it transitions to dark. As the light trails off, we might mount up on tripods and explore some longer exposure photography.
We'll meet back at Tiber Park to discuss our experiences.
Please bring your patience and cooperation, remember this is an exercise, please do not overly frustrate yourself. Make this an enjoyable experience.
Sharing Images:
Submit up to 5 images from this challenge.
CMPG-2026-HandsOn-SEP16-LastName-FirstName-01.jpg
What to bring:
- Camera
- Favorite walk around lens
- Tripod (if you have one) , we can share if you don’t.
What to prepare:
Review composition elements.
Reference:
1. Vincent van Gogh. Letter to Emile Bernard. Written 6-11 June 1888 in Arles. Translated by Mrs. Johanna van Gogh-Bonger, edited by Robert Harrison, number B06. https://www.webexhibits.org/vangogh/letter/18/B06.htm
