Enriching Lives Through Photography
The Camera Club at Willow Valley is a club for any Resident or Team Member interested in any level of photography. It was founded in 2005 and has enjoyed growth in both membership and in the scope of its activities. There are over 200 members.
The Club provides noncompetitive opportunities for members to take photos, socialize, and grow in their knowledge of photography.
The main objectives of the Club are to enrich lives by encouraging members to have fun taking and sharing photos and by providing many educational opportunities.
Members have a wide range of photographic skills and abilities.
Beginners are especially welcome.
Regular Meetings
Club meetings are held the first Tuesday of each month and are listed in the Weekly Insider and on this website under “Events.” Meetings are not scheduled during our summer break in July and August.
The main feature of the regular meetings is the showing of the monthly challenge photos taken by Club members. Each month a new theme such as Lines and Curves is assigned. Then, during the month, members submit several photos addressing the theme. The photos are assembled into a slideshow, shown at the meeting, and members are given the opportunity to comment on their photos. A typical slideshow has 100–150 photos and lasts about 45 minutes.
It’s always interesting and fun to see how the topic has been interpreted. Sometimes there are beautiful photos, sometimes there are interesting subjects, sometimes titles are the highlight, and sometimes it’s the comments that stand out.
Sometimes, our regular meetings feature guest speakers in place of the challenge.
Since sharing our photos is a large part of the joy of photography, all Willow Valley Residents are welcome to attend the regular, one-hour meeting.
Education
A main focus of the Club is to provide education – for both Club members and for all Willow Valley Residents.
For Club Members
The Education Hour, which usually follows the regular meeting, covers a selected technical subject or a special aspect of photography.
There are photo editing and composition workshops in the fall; special classes throughout the year covering advanced photo editing or very technical subjects; and Special Interest Groups (SIGs) that meet periodically.
A great benefit of membership is the personal, one-to-one help that’s available by sending an E-mail to ccwv1to1@gmail.com or by using the contact form under the “Help” menu. Questions can be at any level such as how to use your camera, why your picture didn’t turn out the way you wanted it, what camera to buy, or how to use photo editing software at any level.
For All Willow Valley Residents
The Club Studio is open once a month to provide all Residents the opportunity to meet with Club representatives and ask advice on any photographic topic. In addition, we’ll scan, edit, and print a few photos or slides.
The club offers 10–12 classes a year, through the Renaissance, that are open to all Residents.
Other Activities
In addition to the monthly challenge, the Club sponsors Photo Shoots at nearby locations, has an annual picnic, and a special “Summer Gala” meeting in September.
The Club and individual members also have on–campus exhibits. An example is the Five Fine Fotos, a rotating monthly display, on the Cultural Center lower level that each month features photos submitted by members.
The Club maintains this website, which includes the monthly challenge pictures photos and the Five Fine Fotos (click on the menu, “Photos”).
Studio
The Club maintains a Studio in apartment B-312 in Lakes Manor. The Studio includes computers with color–calibrated high resolution monitors, printers, scanners, a mat cutter, and other equipment used for Club activities. It is available to members upon request. Ask for a tour of the Studio or a schedule for using it by sending an E-mail to ccwv1to1@gmail.com or by using the contact form under the “Help” menu.
Your Participation
Your level of participation and involvement is up to you. While there are many activities and educational opportunities, member participation varies from simply attending the regular meetings and enjoying the slideshows without submitting any photos to participating in selected activities. Becoming part of the Club leadership is a further commitment opportunity.
For Additional Information
Contact John Comey, President. E-mail him at cameraclubatwv@gmail.com
Membership Application
You can print a Membership Application from the website main menu tab.
Print the application, complete it, and mail it to the Treasurer or bring it to a meeting.