Resources
Digital Photography Lab Resources
The photography facility at Club House 4 is equipped with an array of equipment and supplies for use by Camera Club Members and Laguna Woods Village residents, upon signing a GRF waiver agreement for the current year.
Digital Photo Lab
The Digital Photo Lab is equipped with two iMac computers, and two Windows 7 PCs. Each computer is equipped with several versions of Photoshop, Photoshop Elements, ProShow Gold, and Professional software for editing images and software for scanning slides and photos to create digital images. There are also three photo-quality printers installed which can be accessed from any of the four computers. The Epson 4800 and 4900 Professional Printers will print photos from 8.5 inches wide to 17 inches wide on sheet paper stock or on roll paper stock. Also available are one Nikon Slide or Negative Film Strip Scanner and one Epson Flat Bed Scanner, which will scan from slides, negative film strips or printed photos.
In order to provide Village residents the best possible service with the resources available, the hours for the Photo Lab are 9:00 to 4:00 every day by appointment only. To make an appointment, select the supervisor that you think can best help you from the following list (also available on our Facebook page and posted on the door of the Photo Lab). Call or email that supervisor and arrange a mututally agreeable date and time.
Photo Lab Appointment Only List.
Handout for using the Epson 4800 Printer (PDF 767 KB)
Printer charge slips are available for residents and members for purchase of printing and matting supplies. Fees are payable by cash or check to the Camera Club.
Be sure to bring your images to the Digital Photo Lab on removable Flash Disk or Rewritable CD and store all your work onto the removable media when you end your session; images and files left on the computers will be deleted periodically.
Mat Cutting Room
The Mat Cutting Room is equipped with tools and supplies for cutting Mats and mounting prints. All users pay a fee for supplies used.
Saddleback College Emeritus Institute
The Saddleback College Emeritus Institute was established as an educational opportunity for the pursuite and enhancement of lifelong learning, primarily for the older adult. As such, the Emeritus Institute offers several photography-related courses that meet in the Photography Classroom of Clubhouse 4. The Emeritus Institute has an office in Clubhouse 4 where you can pick up a copy of the catalog that lists semester courses. You can also access information about the Emeritus Institute Classes online at http://www.saddleback.edu/emeritus/.
Ideas for Local Shoots
Heritage Hill Historical Park, Lake Forest
Heritage Hill Historical Park, near the Ralphs Shopping Center at Serrano and Lake Forest Drive in Lake Forest has historical buildings and old farm equipment that you can photograph. The park is open on Wednesday through Sunday from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm. Admission is free. During the school year, be aware that groups of school children frequently tour the park in the mornings, so it is best to plan your visit for the afternoon.
Flower Fields
The 50-acre Flower Fields in Carlsbad is a great place to shoot spring blooms. The site is open only between March 1 and May 13 in 2012, so be sure to plan a visit. Hours are from 9:00 am to 6:00 pm daily. Admission is $11 for adults and $10 for seniors who are 60+.
Laguna Niguel Regional Park
Laguna Niguel Regional Park at 28241 LaPaz Road offers opportunities for images of Great White egrets, geese, and squirrels before noon. A small stream flows through the park near the entrance. Further into the park there is a lake with fishing from the shore and small boats.
San Juan Capistrano
The city of San Juan Capistrano offers several areas for photography. Get there by taking the 5 Freeway south and exit at Ortega Highway. Turn right to access the mission and the historic district.
Los Rios Historic District
The Los Rios Historic District includes 31 structures which line both sides of Los Rios Street between Del Obispo and Mission Streets. The District comprises one of the oldest continuing neighborhoods in Orange County, and includes three adobe homes built in 1794 for Mission families. Park at the San Juan Capistrano train station and walk across the tracks to Los Rios Street. You must purchase a photography permit from the city to be able to take photos in this district.
Mission San Juan Capistrano
Historic Mission San Juan Capistrano is an architectural jewel that attracts thousands of visitors and offers myriad possibilities for photographers. After exiting the freeway at Ortega Highway, turn right and proceed approximately three blocks. The Mission is on the right side of the street, with free parking is available in two adjadent lots. Hours are 8:00 am to 5:00 pm daily. Admission is $9 for adults and $8 for seniors.
Segerstrom Center for the Arts
The Segerstrom Center for the Arts in Costa Mesa provides good opportunities for architectural images and reflections. Be aware that security guards are very protective and might ask you to leave.
Soka University
Soka University offers excellent opportunities for architectural images. The fountains in front of the complex are active subjects in early morning. Late afternoon offers great opportunities for architectural studies with shadows and reflections.
Union Station, Los Angeles
Take the Metrolink into Union Station for an opportunity to photograph this art deco architectural treasure. Tripods are not allowed, but you can freely roam the site and take unlimited hand-held shots. Be sure to increase your ISO for the dim lighting.
Share your favorite locations for photography in Southern California. Send email to Elaine Randolph (webmaster) about your favorite locales, any links associated with them, and other tips (such as the best time of year or best time of day to photograph that locale).