We hope you are having a fantastic summer filled with golden hour glow and beautiful prairie landscapes!
While the Saskatoon Photography Club is currently on its traditional summer break, that doesn't mean the cameras have stopped clicking. Even though we aren't gathering at the Mayfair United Church on Tuesday nights right now, there is so much happening behind the scenes. From massive celestial events to a milestone anniversary that only happens once a century (well, almost!), your executive team has been busy preparing for our most exciting season yet.
Whether you are lounging at the lake or out hiking with your tripod, here is everything you need to know about what’s happening during the rest of our summer hiatus and how we are going to kick off our 2026-2027 Season in style.
🎂 Our 90th Anniversary: A Milestone Celebration!
It is not every day that a community organization gets to celebrate 90 years of creativity, friendship, and history. Since our founding, the Saskatoon Photography Club has seen the evolution from film and darkrooms to the high-speed mirrorless world of today.
We want YOU to help us celebrate this incredible legacy!
Event Details:
- When: Sunday, September 6, 2026
- Time: 2:30 PM – 5:30 PM
- Where: McClure Place (4025 Taylor St E, Saskatoon)
- Format: Come-and-go celebration
This is going to be a wonderful afternoon to reconnect with old friends and meet new members before our regular meetings resume. We will have displays of our club’s rich history, refreshments, and plenty of "shop talk."
RSVP is required so we can ensure we have enough treats for everyone! Please head over to Eventbrite and search for "Saskatoon Photography Club 90th Anniversary" to grab your free ticket. You can also check our Events Page for more details as we get closer to the date.
Don't miss out on being part of our club’s history: we would love to see you there!
🌌 The Summer Sky Spectacle: Perseids & Eclipses
August is shaping up to be one of the most significant months for astrophotography in years. If you’ve ever wanted to capture a meteor or the magic of the moon, this is your month.
The Perseid Meteor Shower (Peak: August 12–13)
The Perseids are always a highlight, but 2026 is special. The peak coincides with a New Moon (0% illumination). This means the sky will be as dark as possible, providing the perfect canvas for those bright streaks of light.
Tips for shooting the Perseids:
- Get out of the city: Light pollution is your enemy. Head 30-40 minutes outside Saskatoon.
- Use a tripod: You'll need long exposures (15-30 seconds).
- Wide and Fast: Use your widest lens (14mm to 24mm) with the lowest f-stop (f/1.8 or f/2.8).
- Focus on Infinity: Manual focus is a must. Find a bright star and use your digital zoom to ensure it's a sharp point.
A Rare "Double Header" (August 12)
On the very same day as the Perseid peak, there is a Partial Solar Eclipse. While the "total" path is far to the north and east, residents in North America may see a partial obscuration. Keep your solar filters ready for some afternoon shooting before you switch to your star tracker at night!
Partial Lunar Eclipse (August 27–28)
If you missed the solar action, the moon has one more trick up its sleeve. A Partial Lunar Eclipse will occur on the night of August 27 into the morning of August 28 (from approximately 7:55 PM to 1:01 AM).
The moon will pass into Earth’s shadow, creating a subtle but beautiful darkening effect. This is a great opportunity to practice your telephoto techniques. Since the moon is bright, you don't need a high ISO: just a steady tripod and a long lens!
📅 Looking Ahead: The 2026-2027 Season
Mark your calendars! Our regular Tuesday night meetings resume in September at our usual home, the Mayfair United Church.
We are planning a high-energy kickoff for our 91st year, including:
- New Member Orientation: If you are new to the club or thinking about joining, look for our "Info Night" in mid-September. We’ll walk you through how competitions work, how to use the galleries, and how to get the most out of your membership.
- Guest Speakers: We already have a lineup of local and national pros ready to share their secrets.
- Live Shoots: Get ready for hands-on nights where we bring the gear and the models to you!
You can keep an eye on our Club Calendar for the full schedule release later this August.
📸 Important Fall Deadlines
For those who like to plan their shoots in advance, here are the first major deadlines for the upcoming season. Summer is the perfect time to build your portfolio for these categories!
✔ CAPA Nature/Wildlife Competition: October 1, 2026
✔ Fall Club Competition (Theme: "Song Title"): October 9, 2026
✔ Club Photo Review (Theme: "Cityscape"): October 16, 2026
Start thinking about those "Cityscape" shots now: Saskatoon’s riverfront at night is always a winner!
🌻 Summer Fun: A Quick Recap
Before we fully turn our gaze to the fall, let’s take a moment to look back at our summer outings. We had a fantastic time at the Saskatoon Jazz Festival on July 9th, capturing the energy and soul of the musicians under the summer sun.
Earlier in June, a group of us headed out to the Capilano Lookout (June 23). The views were stunning, and it was great to see everyone sharing tips and tricks in the field. These informal "Summer Fun" events are what make our community so special.
Join the Club!
Are you a local photographer looking to take your skills to the next level? We Would Love to Have YOU!
The Saskatoon Photography Club is more than just a place to talk about gear. It’s a community where you can:
- Connect with fellow enthusiasts and professionals.
- Learn through expert-led workshops and clinics.
- Grow your skills through constructive, judged competitions.
- Save money with exclusive discounts at London Drugs and Don's Photo.
Whether you are a total beginner or a seasoned pro, there is a place for you here. Check out our Club Information page to learn more about how to join.
Final Thoughts
The heat might be on, but the photography season is just heating up! Take advantage of the dark skies in August, and don't forget to RSVP for our 90th Anniversary.
We are incredibly proud of the legacy this club has built in Saskatoon, and we can't wait to see what amazing images you capture over the rest of the break. Stay creative, keep your batteries charged, and we will see you in September!
Happy Shooting!
( The Saskatoon Photography Club Team)