Photography Club

At the beginning of this year I resolved to make more time for me. Well I have done a wonderful job at that with not much effort on my part. I have started a new craft, scrapbooking as mentioned in my previous post, I've read about a half dozen books so far this year, and done a small amount of sewing on my previously deserted quilting machine. Recently I have decided to expand that "me time" even more.

I am a member of a cat club locally that seems to meet only once in a blue moon now. It used to be once a month. I feel as if I am missing out on companionship and commeraderie with like-minded people, so I took steps to resolve that issue. I looked around online for local groups that might have similar interests to me. I landed upon a local photography club and have decided to join. Now that I have a good quality digital SLR camera (and yes, I do still have an old 35mm film one still with all the goodies), I think I'll fit right in.

It meets twice a month, and it is run by a handful of professional photographers from this area. Even better, it meets only about 12 miles from the house! Dues are cheap but pay for entry into photo contests should I have any interest. The first meeting of each month is the member exhibition night. I hope to get some inspiration from viewing other member's photos. The second meeting of each month is a workshop of sorts (usually free of charge) that is headed up by one of the aforementioned professional phtotographers. A technique is discussed during the meeting and sometimes it is lecture other times it is hands on.

I reviewed the meetings they have had since the beginning of the year and am beyond excited to attend my first workshop. Admittedly I will not be interested in everything, like learning about some fancy and slightly pricey software for photographic websites that sounds like it has a built in shopping cart etc. I don't feel I will make use of that since I have no desire at this point to sell my pictures. Yet others that talk about technique (the next one is about exposure I think) should be quite educational. Unfortunately I just missed a macro photography workshop. That's fine though as I just purchased my first macro lens and am as of yet awaiting its arrival at my door. Can't wait to use it!

Last Friday this group met at Garden of the Gods in the Springs at 5:30 AM (I know, I know, too early) to "shoot the moon". Translated as photograph the full moon hanging low over Garden of the Gods. I wish I could have gone, early time or not, but alas I had to take Kiernan into daycare early for class photos that day. Some of the photos from this were astounding. Ah well, next time I guess. In the meantime, I anxiously await the first meeting of this new group next Monday night, meeting the photographers and viewing their work. Hopefully I can contain my excitement until that time!