Enchanted Lens Camera Club

ZOOM discussion and master presentation: “Photographing Sandhill Crane & Snow Geese in the Central Rio Grande, New Mexico.“
2026-01-12 19:00 - 20:00 (America/Denver)
On Monday, January 12, 2026 from 7:00 – 8:00 PM, the Enchanted Lens Camera Club will host a ZOOM discussion and master presentation on “Photographing Sandhill Crane and Snow Geese in the Central Rio Grande, New Mexico.“ This Zoom meeting is open to non-members as well! The purpose of the meeting will be to:

Present a brief description of crane and geese resources, information and photography in the middle Rio Grande.
To show that there are more than ten ways to photograph cranes and geese. Don’t always try for the same “birds at roost” or “birds in flight” shots! Long lenses are also not needed for all bird photography.
We will present five ELCC master bird photographers and let them tell you, “How they got the shot.”

This presentation precedes the ELCC Photo Marauders trip/outing to the Bernardo Waterfowl Management Area (BWMA) on Saturday, January 17, 2026, 3:00pm to 5:15 PM. Non-members welcome! The Marauders Outing is an hour south of Albuquerque and the BWMA is part of the Ladd S. Gordon Waterfowl Complex. We will see the cranes and geese coming back to roost in the evening, catch evening golden hour and probably see deer and maybe elk at BMWA also. As we did last year, we will be having dinner at Las Dos Gringas restaurant in Belen afterwards.
INFORMATION FOR LOGGING INTO THE ZOOM MEETING
Topic: Bird Photography Meeting
Time: Jan 12, 2026 07:00 PM Mountain Time (US and Canada)
Join Zoom Meeting
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/89790230680?pwd=[REDACTED]
Meeting ID: 897 9023 0680
Passcode: [REDACTED]

Marauders Trip to Bernardo Waterfowl Management Area (BWMA), which is part of the Ladd S. Gordon Waterfowl Complex, Bernardo, Socorro County
2026-01-17 15:00 - 17:15
The Marauders are heading to the Bernardo Waterfowl Management Area (BWMA), which is part of the Ladd S. Gordon Waterfowl Complex, Bernardo, Socorro County for the Sandhill Cranes, Snow Geese and more.
Join us Saturday January 17th, 2026, 3:00 PM to 5:15 PM, for an afternoon/evening outing of birding at the world-class and famous Waterfowl Complex for Sandhill Cranes and Snow Geese, nature, environment and landscape photography. And don’t forget the camaraderie with fellow photographers!
At 3:00 PM, meet at the first two story steel viewing stand on your left as you enter the main Refuge entrance. Here’s a chance to use your new Christmas photography gear! Mike McGovern and Mike Story will give a brief intro on the Ladd Gordon facility and photographing cranes, geese and other denizens (deer, raptors, roadrunners, meadowlarks and more)!
Golden Hour starts at 4:41 PM on Jan. 17th, so we will get some of the great light for our shots as well. We’ll also try to get Mike Chavez, the NM Game & Fish Manager of the Ladd S. Gordon Complex and other nearby NM state facilities to brief us on their operations when we arrive as well.
Optional dinner on the way home at about 5:30-5:45 pm at La Dos Gringos in Belen. 2100 Camino Del Llano, Belen, NM 87002

Photography Exhibition and Critique
2026-01-22 19:00 - 21:00
Zoom Meeting at 7:00 pm. Judge Beth Buelow will be juding the Assigned Topic of Architecture and the Open Images

Marauders Outing to Mama's Minerals
2026-01-28 10:00 - 11:30
Wednesday, January 28th (10:00 am – 11:30 am) Mama’s Minerals to photograph rocks, minerals, fossils, beads, etc. Great opportunities for macro photography. located at 2500 12th St NW Ste F, Albuquerque, NM 87104. You may use tripods, monopods, and a flash / LED lights. All the owners ask is not to include persons shopping in the store in our images. At 11:30, walk south for a great lunch at the 12th Street Laguna Burger, located in the Avanyu Plaza on 12th Street, just north of Interstate 40. The Mama’s Minerals website is https://www.mamasminerals.com/.

Casual Critique
2026-02-03 19:00 - 21:00
Casual Critique with Emily Mount on Zoom. Submission deadline is 10PM, Friday January 30th. See Casual Critique page on the website for details. Zoom details to be sent before event.

Speaker for February - Joe Edelman
2026-02-07 14:00 - 16:00 | Online Zoom Meeting
Hi – Pablo here. The February speaker’s meeting will NOT be in person at St. Mark’s due to a scheduling conflict. This presentation will be on Zoom.
Date: February 7th (Saturday)
Where: On Zoom. Link to be sent before event
Time: 2:00-4:00 PM
Speaker: Joe Edelman (via ZOOM)
Talk: The Art of Seeing

Mentorship Presentation: Cell Phone Photography | How To Take Better Photos with Your Cell Phone
2026-02-14 14:30 - 16:30 | Esther Bone Public Library, 950 Pine Tree Rd SE, Rio Rancho, NM 87124, United States
Cell Phone Photography
How To Take Better Photos with Your Cell Phone
Presented by Mike Stoy
Sponsored by Enchanted Lens Camera Club
Saturday, February 14, 2026 from 2:30 – 4:30pm
Esther Bone Public Library, 950 Pinetree Rd SE, Rio Rancho, NM 87124
Free to the public
Modern cell phones have amazing cameras. This class is intended for beginner or intermediate level photographers who want to get more from their cell phone’s camera. You will learn about recent improvements to cell phone camera hardware and software and how to best use them. You will also learn how your choice of light, composition and subject can dramatically improve your photos.

ELCC Marauder Downtown ABQ Architecture & Rail Runner Station
2026-02-19 07:30 - 10:30
ELCC Marauder Downtown ABQ Architecture & Rail Runner Station – Thursday, Feb. 19
Northbound and southbound Rail Runner trains will be at the ABQ Alvarado Transportation Center at 8:43 & 8:48 AM.
To arrive at the platform by 8:15 AM, we will meet at 7:30 AM outside of Lindy’s Diner (corner of Central Ave. and 5th St) and walk east on Central to arrive at the Station at about 7:50 AM. We can photograph along Central as we move east to 2nd St.
The early morning should provide good light and we should see a crowd of Rail Runner customers, so a street photo opportunity also.
For safety, let’s stay in a loose group and pay attention not to step over the Rail Runner yellow track line. After the train leaves, we will return, via Gold Ave. to 5th St. and eat at Lindy’s around 9:30 – 9:45 AM.
Paid two-hour street, metered parking along 5th and Central should be available – bring quarters, but the meters take CCs too. Alternatively, the parking lot at the northwest quadrant of Central and 6th is also available.
Thanks to Mike McGovern, our Marauders downtown Guru, for planning this outing.

Photography Exhibition and Critique
2026-02-19 19:00 - 21:00
Zoom Meeting at 7:00 PM. Zoom details to follow.
The assigned topic is Fall Colors with judge Wayne Suggs.

ELCC Marauder Bio Park Botanical Garden – Saturday, February 28th
2026-02-28 09:00 - 11:00
ELCC Marauder Bio Park Botanical Garden – Saturday, February 28th
To help members prepare for the upcoming March ELCC Photo Exhibition & Critique (Black and White Nature Photography is the Assigned Topic), we will head to the Bio Park Botanical Garden (located at 2601 Central Ave NW, Alb. 87104) from 9:00 AM-11:00 AM on Saturday, Feb. 28th. We will then drive west on Central to EL CHARRITOS MEXICAN RESTAURANT, located at 4703 Central Ave NW, Alb. 87105

Speaker for March - Lance Ozier
2026-03-07 14:00 - 16:00 | St Mark’s Episcopal Church, 431 Richmond Place NE, Albuquerque, NM, 87106, United States
Hi – Pablo here. We look forward to seeing you in person !
Date: March 7th (Saturday)
Where: St. Mark’s Episcopal Church, 431 Richmond Pl NE, Albuquerque, NM 87106
Time: 2:00-4:00 PM
Speaker: Lance Ozier (Live)
Talk: Live Event Photography – Opera

Monument Valley ELCC ATG Trip
2026-03-10 - 2026-03-13
Monument Valley ELCC ATG Trip
The Adventure Trip Group (ATG) will be travelling to Monument Valley March 10-13. Orientation Dinner, Mar 10th, at Stagecoach Restaurant, March 11 and 12 – Monument Valley Tours and dinner, and March 13th heading back to Albuquerque and/or home

If any questions, contact:
Bob Richter-Sand    rrsand@aol.com        (505) 220-1250
Kat Richter-Sand    swkathrs@gmail.com

Marauders Photograph Horses/Equines at Horse Rescue Facility
2026-03-14 09:30 - 11:00
Marauders Outing Saturday, March 14th, 9:30-11:00 am to Photograph horses/equines (in support of the April ELCC Exhibition Assigned Theme). at Koryn’s Rescue horse stable, Address is 732 Camino del Bosque NW Albuquerque NM 87114 She has 4 horses, most rescue horses, and she can walk them down a scenic dirt road if we like. At 11:00 am, we will head for lunch at El Pinto, which is about a 5 minute drive.
Thanks to Marauder Kandyce Kahn for helping to set this up.

Photography Exhibition and Critique
2026-03-19 19:00 - 21:00
Zoom Meeting at 7:00 PM. Zoom details to follow.
The assigned topic is Black and White Nature Photography with judge Sarah Marino.

Marauders Outing to the Corrales Horse Park
2026-03-21 17:30 - 19:00
Saturday, March 21st 5:30 – 7:00 pm at the Corrales Horse Park. They have about 15 horses and the corral that backdrops to the Sandia Mountains and allows for nice shots at sunset. The address is 525 Paseo Dulcelina Rd, Corrales, NM 87048. NOTE: This is outing 2 of 2 to photograph horses/equines in support of the April Assigned category, ELCC Photography Exhibition

Marauder Outing to Lewis Antique Auto & Toy Museum
2026-03-28 09:30 - 11:30
Saturday, March 28th, at 9:30-11:30 AM – Lewis Antique Auto & Toy Museum. Located at 905 U.S. Rt​. 66, Moriarty, NM 87035. The cost is $10/person, and includes indoor and outdoor areas. At 11:30am, we will head out to La Hacienda​ for lunch, located at 5 Carl Cannon Ranch Rd, Moriarty, NM 87035​.

Marauder Outing - KIMO Theatre, downtown Albuquerque
2026-03-30 09:30 - 11:30
Monday, March 30, at 9:30-11:00 AM – The KIMO Theatre, an historic landmark on old Route 66, downtown Albuquerque. Located at 423 Central Ave NW, Albuquerque, NM 87102 (5th and Central). Followed by brunch at Lindy’s Diner, just across the street. Parking at the parking garage on 5th Street and Copper, or meter parking in the street.

Speaker for April - Isaac Grant
2026-04-04 14:00 - 16:00 | St Mark’s Episcopal Church, 431 Richmond Place NE, Albuquerque, NM, 87106, United States
Hi – Pablo here. We look forward to seeing you in person !
Date: April 4th (Saturday)
Where: St. Mark’s Episcopal Church, 431 Richmond Pl NE, Albuquerque, NM 87106
Time: 2:00-4:00 PM
Speaker: Isaac Grant (via Zoom with you the audience LIVE at St. Mark’s)
Talk: The ABC’s of Advanced Bird Photography

April ELCC Photo Exhibition and Critique - Zoom Meeting
2026-04-16 19:00 - 21:00
Our Last Exhibition of the Year. Judge Kristen Kabrin on our theme of Horses/Equines

Very Large Array – Star Party 2026
2026-04-18 20:00 - 22:00 | Very Large Array, Old Hwy 60, Magdalena, NM 87825, Magdalena, NM, 87825, United States
VLA Star Party – Spring 2026
Location: Very Large Array (50 miles west of Socorro, NM)
Date: Saturday, April 18, 2026
Time: 8:00 pm – 10:00 pm MDT
Admission: Free (advance tickets required)
Event Overview
Cap off your day at the Very Large Array with an unforgettable night under the stars! The VLA Star Party invites visitors to experience the beauty of the New Mexico night sky at one of the darkest and most spectacular observing locations in the country.
This evening event offers guided stargazing, astronomy activities, and opportunities to learn from experts as the cosmos comes alive overhead.
What to Expect
Night Sky Observing

Telescope viewing hosted by astronomers and experienced volunteers
Explore planets, stars, galaxies, and other celestial objects (weather permitting)

Astronomy Experiences

Learn how astronomers observe the universe across different wavelengths
Ask questions and connect with scientists and astronomy enthusiasts

A Unique Setting

Enjoy stargazing among the iconic VLA antennas
Experience the quiet, dark skies of the Plains of San Agustin

Admission
This event is free and open to the public, but advance tickets are required to manage parking.
VLA members can purchase tickets now, and tickets will be available to the general public starting February 15.[Reserve your free tickets here]

Marauder Outing to Gilman Tunnels, Jemez Valley & Springs, Sandoval County
2026-04-29 09:00 - 12:30
Marauder Outing to Gilman Tunnels, Jemez Valley & Springs, Sandoval County – Wednesday April 29, 2026
Mike McGovern developed this outing plan. The outing will be led by Marauders Mike and Earl Schwers.

Meet at 9:00 AM at the entrance of the tunnels. Look for vehicles parked on side of road. This is before you drive through the tunnels
A one-hour lunch at Jemez Springs at 11:30 AM (Los Ojos Restaurant & Saloon in Jemez Springs, 17596 NM-4, Jemez Springs, NM 87025).
Drive back to Albuquerque about 12:30 PM. Arrive back about 1:45-2:00 pm, depending on where you live.

Photography and Stops: We’ll shoot, from the road, the Guadalupe Box on the south side of the tunnels before entering. These shots include expansive, grande vistas of Guadalupe River headwater and mesa shots to the southeast, and intimate landscape scenes on the southwest slopes of the Box. Additional details have been provided to members via email.

Speaker for May - TBD
2026-05-02 14:00 - 16:00 | St Mark’s Episcopal Church, 431 Richmond Place NE, Albuquerque, NM, 87106, United States
Hi – Pablo here. We look forward to seeing you in person !
Date: May 2nd (Saturday)
Where: St. Mark’s Episcopal Church, 431 Richmond Pl NE, Albuquerque, NM 87106
Time: 2:00-4:00 PM
Speaker: TBD
Talk: TBD

Speaker for May - Gerald Bakker
2026-05-02 14:00 - 16:00
Hi – Pablo here. We look forward to seeing you in person !
Date: May 2nd (Saturday)
Where: St. Mark’s Episcopal Church, 431 Richmond Pl NE, Albuquerque, NM 87106
Time: 2:00-4:00 PM
Speaker: Gerald Bakker (via Zoom with you the audience LIVE at St. Mark’s)
Talk: Color in Imagery

Marauders Outing to the Bio Park Botanical Garden
2026-05-06 09:00 - 11:00
Wednesday, May 6th: 9:00 am-11:00 am – The Albuquerque Bio Park Botanical Garden. Several club members have suggested we reurn to the Botanical Gardens to photograph all the lovely flowers that bloom in early May. At 11:00 am, we will head to RAMONA’S MEXICAN CAFE – located just west of Old Town, at 321 Rio Grande Blvd NW, Albuquerque, NM 87104,

Marauders Outing to Historic Hodgin Hall, UNM Campus
2026-05-20 09:00 - 11:00
Marauder Gary Smith has arranged for us to visit Historic Hodgin Hall for a Marauders photo Outing. Hodgin Hall, is a historic building on the University of New Mexico campus. Completed in 1892, it was the first building constructed on the UNM campus and the university’s only building for almost a decade. The building was remodeled 1n 1908 in its current Pueblo Revival style. It features stepped, asymmetrical massing, stuccoed walls, vigas, and other details characteristic of traditional Pueblo and mission architecture. As one of the first Pueblo Revival buildings in New Mexico, Hodgin Hall helped to establish the style both at the university and regionally. Now housing UNM’s Alumni Center, the building is packed with memorabilia of the University’s history. We suggest you carpool to the outing, if possible. Gary is working on getting some parking passes as well.
The date of the outing is Wednesday, May 20th. Here’s a link to the self-guided tour of the inside of Hodgin: https://www.unmalumni.com/s/1730/images/gid2/editor_documents/2025_walking_tour_brochure_web.pdf
At 11:00 AM, we will leave Hodgin Hall and spend about a half hour photographing other interesting things on campus, such as the Duck Pond, Rose Garden, Alumni Chapel and then have lunch at the Frontier Restaurant.

Portfolio Project Showcase
2026-06-06 14:00 - 16:00 | St Mark’s Episcopal Church, 431 Richmond Place NE, Albuquerque, NM, 87106, United States
Hosts: Maria Baca and Helen Johnson
