CMPG Hands-On Meeting
"Ask Anything"
When:
18 Nov 2026, 6:30 to 9:00 PM
Where:
The Lutheran Village at Miller’s Grant, 9100 Fathers Legacy, Ellicott City, MD 21042 Learning Center, Terrace Level. Click HERE for map.
Introduction:
Ask Anything, the November Hands-On Group activity is a group discussion on equipment operation with a focus on maintenance. Bring your questions. We’ll reserve the last half-hour or so for a critique of the Hands-On activity, including what we should be doing. Bring your ideas.
Overview:
“The camera is an instrument that teaches people how to see without a camera.” -- Dorothea Lange*
First, during the meeting, we’ll have an expert demonstrating sensor cleaning. The main topic of the meeting will be a group discussion of questions on equipment operation... with a focus on maintenance. Bring your questions.
- Photo Backups.
- Camera Straps.
- Camera Bags.
- L Brackets and quick releases. Time to tighten
- Tripods. For us lever-leg users, time to tighten
- Lens cleaning.
- Programmable buttons: Any favorite functions?
During the 6:30-7:00 gathering time we’ll have a show and tell: If you have a useful gadget, bring it and show it off.
The last half hour will be a critique of this year’s hands-on group. What went right, what went wrong, what can I do better. Thumbs up or Thumbs down
- Close-up Fundamentals
- Simulated Roll of Film
- Intro to timelapse
- Wheel of Composition
- Video Settings
- A Touch of Color
- Golden/Blue Hour
- Bokeh
Also, what should we do? Ideas for next year? As always, bring your patience and cooperation.
Sharing Images:
Submit up to 5 images from this challenge. Please format files as follows, limiting to 30MB per image:
CMPG-2026-HandsOn-NOV18-LastName-FirstName-01.jpg
What to bring:
What to prepare:
- Camera and other equipment questions.
- What you would like to see from the Hands-On group next year.
Reference:
*1978, Dorothea Lange, Dorothea Lange: A photographer’s Life, p. vii
