End of June, Weekend 2018, 12P-4:30P
30-Sat

Picnic & Pictures Day.  Celebrating 15 Years.  Open to Mayhem Photographers & Models, that Appreciate the Opportunity and can Work with Others.  Near LA-OC, Pomona.  Digital camera needed.  Very Low Attendance.  They're brief shoots.  Almost like 1 on 1's.  Models may be scheduled together or at different times.  Some days will have 1 model, other days could be 2 or more, it's up to you. Photographers can also bring models.  Fashion/casual to fashion to costume. Try to be On-Time and Help-Out.  Someone is bringing all the stuff and/or paying for you.

For This Day, we'll plan for 2 models and 2-4 photographers. We may also have a mua. We're using a very nice park.  (Shaded with a Breeze.) Location offers a variety of backdrops, including a building.  We'll reserve an entire picnic area.  The area is spacious. Free snacks and beverages. Pizza this time, sliced fruit, bottled water. Free parking.

-Also...Some of us are going to San Manuel, (afterwards). I have $25 free extra credit coupons. We may also get a snack.

Beginners to experienced.  Models ages 15+.  No nudity or lingerie, no alcohol.  It's a Gathering for networking and pictures.  Models may promote themselves.  Pre-Registration Needed.  Exempt are parents and non-photographing spouses.  No Other Escorts allowed, no pets.  Freeway close.

Pre-Registration:
>Models.  Limited Spots.  Free registration without past no shows.
>Photographers Pre-Registration $15.  Paypal required.

Photographers may also use 1 light stand with strobe.  Stand with reflector Ok.  Camera flash on camera Ok.

*Photographers Motto;
-Must Appreciate the Opportunity and Can Work with Others.
-Must have some photos in your port.
-Must give photos to models, emailed or download site.

The management does NOT allow for their name or address to be used.  Please contact Prior to shoot for info.  Directions sent about 4 days prior.

Reserved Space for Original Poster;
Yep, we've been around. Shoots have been held periodically in Yucca Valley. Why, large lot great for shoots, private property and something different and fun.  Sometimes a home is open for a studio setup. All great reasons.

-Important updates (like date---So, now 6/30-Sat, about 12P)
6/5; Registered photographer not available 6/23-24
6/7; Pizza at 12:15P (May be earlier)
6/13; Added Registered photographer
6/26; Registration closed

-Rule changes (like camera phones, something new, mostly applies to models)

I'm still around too, and interested. but need more concrete info as I'd still be coming up from Escondido and would need to allow for travel time as well as shooting time on the calendar.

Ok, the date choices were updated today. My preference is 6/30, if open.

Alan-Photog wrote:
I'm still around too, and interested. but need more concrete info as I'd still be coming up from Escondido and would need to allow for travel time as well as shooting time on the calendar.

Right now June 30th is open; I'll watch for updates.

A couple of us are going to San Manuel afterwards, and using $25 Free extra credit coupons. Plus, maybe getting a snack. Others attending are invited, must be 21+. Only 30 min away. I can advise on types of machines that give the best chances of winning. Ideally you'll win $12.50 or better.

Try to arrive around 12p. You can say hello and help out a little. This way there's someone there before I get the pizza...Expected pizza time 12:15P. Yep this things are planned in advance.

-If anyone follows horse racing, the Belmont is later today. The favorite is Justify, winner of the first 2 legs of the Triple Crown. He just starting racing this year, which is unusual for this series. But, my spoiler pick is Tenfold. Also lightly raced, but a good 3rd last time in the Preakness, behind Justify. In that race, 'Fold switched leads in deep stretch and probably cost himself 2nd, which went to Bravazo.  So, with some improvement and a longer distance 1 1/2 miles, to find his stride. My plays are Tenfold to win and place. Then exacta combinations w/ Justify and Bravazo.

We plan to have 2 models and a mua. Requires pre-registration. No walk-ins. it's a really nice place, get there, relax and have some pizza.

-Justify did it, Triple Crown winner. Tenfold was stuck inside and never got untracked, 5th. Luckily, I bought souvenir tickets on Justify, which I already sold some.

I was okay with the previously posted later start time; but with the current earlier start time and un-organized end time, and lack of model information, I've got to withdraw.

A little insight and some common knowledge about get-togethers in general. First about some of the people,,,You need a few people to count-on, for planning and just making things work. These things depend on people that can commit, but Not bring personal issues or drama.

We had a special photographer that passed away a few years ago, named Paul. That's why he has a message on the website. He appreciated every get-together (gt) or shoot. He Never complained about anything, whether it was hot/cold, far away, late in day,...etc. I think others that had events can attest to it. The models also appreciated his positive outlook, plus he gave them photos. He also committed early and I knew I could count on him for planning. When he passed, that's when adjustments were needed. Plus, times were changing; models were switching out of MM to social media.

We also had another photographer named Cal. I haven't seen him in years and assume he passed. He gave a lot to the events. Whether it was time, knowledge, use of his home, cards,,...etc. He helped on countless days basically for free or dinner. He also gave photos. He was also there early to help with setup, and later with cleanup. He was sometimes outspoken, but he meant well. It's hard to do events without people that help.

Another photographer that also passed, named Rueben. He attended nearly all of my events for years. He was usually there early and late, and he tried to help. He had an injury, so we didn't work him too hard. We also did many shoots together in the studio, besides the events. But, for years he was always there, someone to count-on. He used film, which unfortunately was outdated and the times called for digital. So, at some point he couldn't attend these events per the models wanted digital. But, he also meant well and is missed.

About TF's. 4 weeks prior is too early to book models, they may also not want to commit themselves. We don't know what time they'll arrive or how long makeup will take. Example; We did a larger event a few yrs ago, renting an entire park. It was a great one with 20 new photographers. We planned for 10-12 models and 3 mua's. Most of the models showed, but the makeup took hours. So, for anyone to say exactly what time, is difficult. In this case, it was a closed rental, so we had to end at a certain time. But, the advantage of the picnic situation is that we can stay a bit longer to overcome delays. It's also a great chance for a new photographer to join. You'll have time to chat a bit, and maybe become someone that helps and makes it better.

So, If anyone else can find a person that will give their valuable time, pay costs in advance, find models, go out and buy food,...etc.  Plus, a MUA that's also giving their valuable time...All for $15...Let us all know!

1 photographer spot open, closes next week Sun or Mon. Only $15. No late registrations. A new policy effective yesterday; for any future inquires, you will only receive registration info. Nothing else will be included.

-More tidbits about how things work. Displaying models for upcoming events. First, none of us can guarantee anyone. Some Past Removed Organizers on MM, were allegedly making continuous lists of events showing models, 2+ events per month,,,but most of those models were not even booked. Have many of you already forgotten, how you complained later that the models they were showing weren't even there? There was also an organizer that allegedly had stolen photos in their port. Technically, we as photographers are Not supposed to include other peoples photos into our portfolios on MM...Because it's not ours. Many of you already knew these things, but weren't man-enough to complain to those other organizers, and chose to blame other honest organizers. Stay tuned for more..."sneak" peek-hint, about photogs being burned by a model running shoots...

Everyone is looking forward to next Saturday. The models are now starting to be added.

Also the gaming coupon is still the same, you Cash what you win. Happened to stop by the other day, used a coupon and won $27, which is the high zone. Still expect between $12.50-$19. Also get a discount at most food places. At the most, we'll get a light snack or beverage.

This Saturday, pizza time may be moved-up

Is there still an opening for a photographer?

Thanks for asking. Right now, we'll need an extra model before adding another photog, just in fairness to everyone else. It's a pre-registration though. Plus, just noticed it's actually 16yrs total. 2003-2014, then some studio, home or desert, 2015-2018

Great Day and very friendly people. Afterwards as planned, a couple of us went to the casino and used $25 play coupons, and we got lucky. $25 & $28 winners. It looks like photobucket is back.  So, we'll try to add some recent models onto the next time.

The next one is planned for mid-late August, depends what's open. We have No control of these things. Could be a past private location, but depends if open and the costs.

I miss Reuben...

He would smile if he knew that I had returned to shooting film again.

Most likely the same person.  This year we're remembering and celebrating some of the people from the past, including the person who Helped Start this Shoot, named Richard. Way back in maybe 2009, we included a party for him and for 1 of the models at a shoot. He was recently emailed, and hopefully he gets it. Next shoot planned to be a larger one in Mid-August.

So, we're celebrating the 15/16 Year Anniversary this year, instead of last year,,,Per I feel it's the right time, the economy is doing better after a couple bad recessions (2001 & 2008), and people are feeling better about themselves. Plus, you never know when it may be over, how true. Some things I mentioned way back, was that it's getting harder to find locations and the events had to change, to continue. So, here we are today. Some of us are having a meeting this week, to discuss the next shoot, buying a horse, and using more $25 coupons

It's nice that people remember him. Also nice of you to add some of your history. This year's plan is to mention and dedicate shoots to some of the people that came along, so they're not forgotten. Rueben, later began attending an Adult Photo School, (some of us later joined), from the Early 2000's. He spent much of his day at the School, which he Enjoyed. He enjoyed giving advice and just talking. This is where we did several shoots in the studio and color printing from negatives, til the film/lab went away. The School which ran for years before us, later failed in 2017.

At some point, I would like to compile a briefing of Photodays, but can't possibly cover all. Cal knew much of the history, and I did ask questions. I also played cards at his place with Bear-Western Photographer, John Baie and a few other interesting photographers.
ADD: Thinking about this, I feel Sad, but Privileged

Update; Plans for Mid-August. Trying for Aug 11, 12 or 18. A meeting is scheduled with management next week. We're trying for Aug and Oct. If other photographers have date choices (not guaranteed), you may request. Some others already informed they're Open.

Location booked for Aug, new post shortly