Is there anybody out there . . . ? (the sequel)

Calling all Nocturnes! Well, it's that time again! - For our 14th AlumNight (now a semi-annual) event, sponsored by The Nocturnes Night Photography Web site, at a "secure undisclosed location" in the SF Bay Area, on October 27th.

We have a number of announcements to make, much to talk about, and work (from you!) to see. All this, and a few more surprises - should be a another great AlumNight! So-o-o, if you're an Alum, be sure bring your latest work, promo pieces, 'leave behinds,' and just news of what's goin' on in your photo-life!

We are posting this notice here to catch a few of our "fair-weather Nocturnes," whose email addresses may have changed since our last event - in the hope they'll catch the news here!

If you're alumni, and for some reason have NOT rec'd email re: this event - please contact us (you know where to find us . . . ) re: the details for AlumNight. Or, if you know of an Alum who fits this category, give them a buzz, won't you?

Death Valley

"As I walk through
This wicked world
Searchin' for light in the darkness of insanity.

"I ask myself
Is all hope lost?
Is there only pain and hatred, and misery?

"And each time I feel like this inside,
There's one thing I wanna know:
What's so funny 'bout peace love & understanding? Oh-h-h
What's so funny 'bout peace love & understanding?"
(Lyrics by Nick Lowe via Elvis Costello)

Hey, we've got lots of hi-tech weaponry and computers (and schools to teach us how to use them) - who needs arts and humanity, anyway? The answer, of course, if you're reading this - is YOU do!

And, while our Joshua Tree Workshop (offered thru the now-long gone, I'm afraid, Arts and Humanities program at U.C. Santa Cruz Extension - see below) has been cancelled, there is still a great opportunity to photograph at night with The Nocturnes, in the California desert, coming up over the Thanksgiving Day weekend (November 23-25, 2007). This workshop will be held in the spectacular, surreal, extreme landscape of Death Valley, and while the ghost of Gram Parsons might not be roaming the hills with us on our Nocturnal treks, there are plenty of other characters* that might be present at night!

Dream Date #3, Death Valley by Tim Baskerville

Death Valley, at more than 3 million acres, is the largest National Park in the contiguous United States. From Telescope Peak (11,049 foot) on the west to Dante's View on the east (5,475 foot and offering a vista of nearly all of Death Valley), the park features spectacular desert scenery, unusual wildlife, and is an area of great geological, historical, and cultural interest to many. Badwater is the lowest point in the Western Hemisphere (282 feet below sea level). The average high temperature during the day in November is a very mild 76 degrees, followed by cooler nights at around 50 degrees!

This is the dramatic landscape we will find ourselves visiting this November, during the Full "Frost" Moon - to photograph the nocturnal beauty of Death Valley! We will photograph around Furnace Creek Ranch, and such sites as the Ghost town of Rhyolite, Zabriskie Point under the light of the full moon, and the majestic Sand Dunes near Stovepipe Wells, near the north end of the Park.

Deadline to register with us and reserve accomodations down at Furance Creek is October 19th - more info at:

http://www.thenocturnes.com/workshops/deathvalley.html AND http://www.thenocturnes.com/forms/reg_dv.html

*(various 'free spirits' and raconteurs like Charley, Scotty, etc.)

"Studio Nocturne"

"Fortunately, art is a community effort - a small but select community living in a spiritualized world, endeavoring to interpret the wars and the solitudes of the flesh."
(Allen Ginsberg)

(Image by Tim Baskerville)

Once again "Studio Nocturne" returns to Fort Mason. The Nocturnes will be hosting 10 photographers at Fort Mason, October 13 and 14, in building “A.” This is the fifth "Studio Nocturne" exhibit at Fort Mason. While this group of photographers can usually be found practicing their art under the full moon or city lights, they will again brave the daylight to show their work as part of San Francisco Open Studios 2007. "Studio Nocturne" is always one of the larger groups of artists showing their work at Fort Mason, but there is plenty of other art to be seen there during San Francisco Open Studios as well. As in years past, visitors to "Studio Nocturne" will have an opportunity to purchase fine art photographs at studio prices.

Why not come on out and have a look?

(See us blogged on Andy Frazer's NPy Blog this past Sunday)