Kensington Market Festival of Lights (Solstice Party) I (Craig) plan to go down to Kensington Market for their Festival of Lights on Monday December 21. There is a parade through the streets that starts at 6pm (bring a lantern and join in, or just stand back and take photos) that ends at Bellvue Square on Augusta St. for a ritual burning in of the new year.

If anyone is interested in joining me for this, Craig.

I have attended the past two years and found lots of interesting photo opportunities. Here is a link to information on this year`s festival

A field trip to the "Wings of Paradise" Butterfly Conservatory in Cambridge, Ontario for a great photographic opportunity. Presenting at this time, "Flight of White - A Snowfall of Butterflies!".

As the title above suggests there will be lots to photograph. Not just butterflies but, plants, bugs and birds too. Don't forget to visit the "Butterfly Nursery" and perhaps witness a new beginning.

Tips for this fieldtrip:

• The Conservatory temperature ranges from 24°C (75°F) to 28 ºC (82°F) with high humidity. Please dress in layers. You will want to check your coat and winter wear before entering the Conservatory.
• Upon entering your camera lenses will fog. Cleaning cloths are recommended but we suggest you simply leave your camera to acclimate, this takes about 20 to 30 minutes. Remember simply wiping lenses may not be sufficient as all of the optics and the CCD of your camera will fog too. It is best just to wait.
• Acclimation of cameras and lenses in sealed zip lock bags is recommended.
• Warming cameras and lenses with dry heat (like a warming bean bag) can greatly shorten this acclimation time period.
• Travel light as heavy bags quickly become an impedance and padded bags will slow the acclimation period of your cameras and lenses for hours. My un-used lenses were still cool when I left the conservatory.
• Light in the conservatory for photography is not ideal. You will need to raise your ISO, use your "brightest" lense (low f-number) and a monopod. Telephoto lenses (over 200mm) will not be very useful with the available light and no tripod. Remember at 200mm your shutter speed needs to be over 1/200th of a second. Consider using flash as well.
• Bring a handkerchief to dab your forehead. I perspired so much I started to be come concerned for my equipment.
• Bring fluids (preferably water) to replenish yourself after your visit.
• Get $1.00 off per admission with this coupon.