On February 17, 2026 at 6:00 p.m., Lancaster Photography Association is excited to have Lisa Langell speak to us! We will meet at the Antelope Valley Senior Center and Lisa will join us on Zoom.

We've all heard the "rules" of photography; don't center your subject, never shoot in harsh midday light, always keep your ISO low. But what if breaking those rules could actually lead to some of your most compelling and creative images?

In this refreshing and eye-opening presentation, Lisa Langell challenges conventional thinking and invites you to reimagine what makes a great photograph. She'll walk you thorugh five widely accepted "photography no-no's" that, when used with purpose, can result in dynamic, emotionally powerful, and visually exciting work.

Through real-life examples, Lisa shows how ignoring traditional advice can open the door to fresh and artistic results.

You'll see how bending or breaking the rules with intention can enhance story-telling, strengthen composition, and elevate the mood of your images. This session is designed to inspire you to experiment more freely, step outside your comfort zone, and enjoy a more creative approach to photography.

Zoom Link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/86123736721?pwd=ssNr0IElTdYFwcHKR5yabngyXV4oIz.1

Lancaster Photography Association will be going on a field trip to the Palm Desert area from Thursday, February 19, 2026 to Saturday, February 21, 2026. Please comment at the end of the article to sign up for the field trip.

Kathy Newman will be leading us for the three days. The planned activities will include:

• Thursday 3:00 p.m. - Hotel check-in; 3:30 - Meet at designated location to drive to Borrego Springs to see various Ricardo Breceda sculptures before sunset. Night photography and light painting at 2-3 sculptures.
• Friday - Morning - Meet to caravan to Salvation Mountain, Slab City, Sonny Bono Wildlife Preserve, Later Afternoon-evening - Bombay Beach sunset and night photography.
• Saturday - Morning - Living Desert Zoo - Head home.

There will be a variety of photography opportunities, including wildlife, night photography, lightpainting, zoo, and landmarks. You will need a wide-angle lens for night photography, long lens for the Sonny Bono WIldlife Preserve, and a medium zoom lens for the zoo and other activities. Also a remote trigger or intervalometer and a tripod for night photography.

Bring a chair for sitting, a hat, sunscreen, extra water and snacks.

We are looking at hotels in Indio due to room prices - Options are: Days Inn by Wyndham Indio - $146/night, Motel 5 Indio $117/night, Rodeway Inn near Coachella - $108/night, Budget Inn Motel Indio $64/night. These hotels are all fairly close to each other in Indio.

If you have any questions, call Kathy at 661.317.1884 or email her at kc_newman2001@yahoo.com

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