Get out there!
Grab your camera and a friend and head out to one of these great opportunities to practice your photography craft.
If you know an event that should be added to this list, please email the RCC website coordinator, [email protected].
Extensive Seasonal Ideas
Redlands Camera Club member Brian Spears maintains an extensive list of photo opportunities in Southern California:
https://www.bspnews.news/new-events
Seasonal Highlights
Desert X
3/8 – 5/11
Coachella, CA
The first Desert X took place in 2017 and included 16 artists who created works for locations from Whitewater Preserve to Coachella. The guiding purposes and principles of Desert X include presenting public exhibitions of art that respond meaningfully to the conditions of desert locations, the environment and indigenous communities; promoting cultural exchange and education programs that foster dialogue and understanding among cultures and communities about shared artistic, historical, and societal issues; and providing an accessible platform for artists from around the world to address ecological, cultural, spiritual, and other existential themes.
Renaissance Pleasure Faire
4/5-5/8
Irwindale, CA
Begun in 1963 in Agoura, near Malibu, to create “living history” for schoolchildren and their families, the Original Renaissance Pleasure Faire has grown into an annual interactive playground and gallery for over 200,000 participants and guests. It has given birth to an industry nationwide and this year is more fun and exciting than ever.
Antelope Valley Poppy Reserve
March thru May
Antelope Valley, CA
Each spring, hills of the Antelope Valley California Poppy Reserve erupts in a beautiful display of colors and scents. The wildflower season generally lasts from as early as mid-February through May, with a variety of wildflowers creating a mosaic of color that changes daily. Check the website for bloom density.
Temecula Valley Rod Run
5/2-3
Temecula, CA
The Temecula Rod Run is famous for our “Friday Night Cruise” where you can see hundreds of classic vehicles from all over the country cruise Old Town Front Street. The City of Temecula locks down Old Town Arch to Arch to allow these classic beauties to run wild. May 5, 5-8pm.
Cinco de Mayo
5/5
Multiple locations
September, Cinco de Mayo celebrates the victory of Mexico over the French in the Battle of Puebla in 1862. More popular now in the US than in Mexico, this holiday has become a celebration of Mexican-American culture. Traditionally, this day is celebrated with parades, festivals, music, dance and Mexican food. For photographers, it’s an opportunity to capture brightly colored pageantry.
Idyllwild Celtic Faire
5/9-11
Idyllwild, CA
Halò and Welcome to the third annual Celtic Faire in the Beautiful Shire of Idyllwild at Camp Emerson. Food vendors, Merchants, Entertainment. Kids 12 and under are FREE.
LA County Fair
5/2-26
Pomona Fair Grounds, CA
Barnyard races, Budweiser Clydesdales, live horse racing, fireworks, entertainment from around the world.
Honoring our Mothers and Mother Earth Pow Wow
5/10
CalPoly Pomona, CA
Honoring Mother Earth and our mothers, this native American pow wow will be alive with music, singing, and dancing. There will also be arts, crafts and food. The event is open to the public and free. Parking is $5.
Fountain Valley Crawfish Festival
5/16-18
Fountain Valley, CA
The Crawfish Festival serves succulent scores of seasoned Cajun crustaceans prepared to mouth-watering perfection in the world’s most giant crawfish pots. But there’s much more to do here than crawfish — savor New Orleans-style dishes like chicory coffee and beignets and dance to Cajun & zydeco tunes.
Framing Nature: A Photo Walk Inspired by Ansel Adams
5/18 ($30)
University California Riverside
A photo walk through the UCR Botanic Gardens, inspired by the legendary photographer Ansel Adams. Begin by viewing iconic examples of Adams’ landscape and nature photography, exploring the composition and exposure techniques he used to capture breathtaking moments in the natural world.
Then, guided by photographer Steffanie A. Padilla, head outdoors to put those techniques into practice. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced photographer, this is a chance to engage creatively with the landscape and capture your own inspired images.
Lost in the Wilderness: Ansel Adams in the 1960s
Now thru 9/28
Riverside, CA
Ansel Adams lost his way. At the summit of his life—renowned, celebrated—came the 1960s: the civil rights movement, counterculture, and chaos. Photography itself changed, rejecting the pieties of tradition and the shackles of Adams’ “Zone System.” The obsessions of sixties photography were ruthless: alienation, deformity, sterility, insanity, sexuality, violence, and obscenity.
An exhibit at the California Museum of Photography, Ansel Adams’ Fiat Lux project traverses the dark heart of 60s—1963 to 1968, the largest project the photographer ever tackled. Fiat Lux reveals an artist whose photographic coordinates have become unfixed.
San Bernardino County Fair
5/24-6/1
Victorville, CA
Gladiator Challenge, dirt track races, livestock, and carnival fun.
Memorial Day Events
5/26
Multiple locations
A day of remembrance throughout the country. Look for celebrations in almost every municipality.
Photogenic Events in Redlands
Run Through Redlands
March
Every year, runners, walkers and riders (wheelchair) take part in these 5K, 10K and Half-Marathon competitions. The courses wind through beautiful Redlands’ tree-lined streets, past historic homes with breathtaking views of the San Bernardino Mountains. Additional event activities typically include a Kid’s Dash, Runner’s Expo and refreshments.
Redlands Bicycle Classic
April
The Redlands Bicycle Classic is the longest continuous running stage race in American bike racing. From humble beginnings on a Memorial Day weekend in 1985 hosting future stars for the Olympics, Tour de France, and world championships, the Redlands Bicycle Classic has earned its position in history “Where Legends Are Born”.
Redlands Bowl Summer Music Festival
Summer
At 8:00 p.m. every Tuesday and Friday evening during the summer, the Redlands Bowl Summer Music Festival draws thousands to its world-class performances. Since its inception in 1924, the Bowl has been a special place in Redlands for families, friends, and music-lovers of all ages and backgrounds to gather and enjoy its superb programs.
Fourth of July Fireworks
July
All-day activities at Sylvan Park set up this Independence Day celebration. Evening festivities tend to include displays from aircraft and skydivers followed by a ground firework displays and a long session of impressive aerials.
Redlands Firefighters Car Show
May
The heart of historic downtown Redlands provides the perfect backdrop for snapshot of a gorgeous classic car … and the winning recipe for a nostalgia-filled stroll back in time.
Christmas Parade
December
The annual Downtown Redlands Christmas Parade is a magical evening event in Downtown Redlands, with floats, musical performances and a visit from Santa Claus.
Photogenic Places in and near Redlands
Umbrella Alley
Ongoing
Redlands
420 multicolored umbrellas covering the alley.
Lincoln Shrine
Ongoing
Redlands
A memorial and research center dedicated to the memory of Abraham Lincoln, 16th President of the United States of America.
A.K. Smiley Library
Ongoing
Redlands
Established in 1894, A.K. Smiley Public Library has served generations of patrons. See this beautiful, historic building and attractive grounds.
Ed Hales Park
Ongoing
Redlands
A small park with pavilion and stage, sister cities clock, and historic artwork in downtown Redlands.
Kimberly Crest
Ongoing
Redlands
A national historic landmark, the home is a one-of-a-kind example of life during the Gilded Age in Southern California.
University of Redlands
Ongoing
Redlands
Established in 1907, the University of Redlands campus features a palm-lined main street, lush green lawns, and canopy of 100-year-old trees, where colonnaded buildings share space with modern structures.
Murals of Downtown Redlands
Ongoing
Redlands
Hummingbirds, Little Rascals, bandstands, and more. Take a walk around downtown Redlands to view and photograph some 40 works of art decorating the walls of Redlands’ downtown district.
Sculpture Art
Ongoing
Redlands
Steel and glass, sails, clocks, dancing geometric figures, atomic structures. Redlands has a number of sculptures in public places. Aside from the general experience, these pieces provide an exceptional opportunity for capturing some abstract images.
Crystal Cove State Park
Ongoing
Newport Beach
On the beach: rolling surf, sandy beaches, tidepools. Landside: gently sloping hills, and deeply wooded canyons and ridges. A great opportunity to capture the coastal sunset.
Tahquitz and Indian Canyons
Ongoing
Palm Springs
Tahquitz Canyon is one of the most beautiful and culturally sensitive areas of the Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians Reservation. Tahquitz Canyon is home to a spectacular seasonal 60-foot waterfall, rock art, ancient irrigation systems, native wildlife, and plants. Protect yourself with sunscreen and a good hat, and be sure to stay hydrated.
Weekend Farmer’s Markets
Ongoing
various locations
Check out one of the many Farmer’s Markets displaying local fruits, vegetables and more. Nearby options include Redlands, Yucaipa, Ontario and Claremont.
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