Sharing information is educational.  There is a plethora of photography information online but there is nothing like a face-to-face discussion.  I have hundreds of links to special techniques and photography information in general.  I’ve learned a lot from those links and continuously refer to them, especially when my attempts at creating art are leaving me frustrated.  I won’t abandon those links.  What I am suggesting is sharing those links with other photographers and receiving new references and approaches in return.  We never stop learning.  Joining a photography club enhances the experience.

I feel my photography has improved since joining a photography club.  Viewing and discussing the photography of others has me seeing in different ways and offers inspiration for new approaches to old subjects.  Post processing is a large part of the meeting agenda.  With member help, I am digging deeper and deeper into the complexities of Photo Shop.  It also helps to have fellow photographers offer constructive criticism.  Criticism is a sometime stinging but necessary evil for the continued development of an artist. 

My latest photography exhibit was at a local library.  There was a lot of enthusiasm.  The interest in fine art prints was encouraging.  I was asked by the librarian to include a photography discussion as a wrapup to the exhibition.  It was a very informal format, primarily answering questions about photography in general with a lot of questions about which camera to buy.     But the most often asked question was “How can we start a photography club?”   Of course, it was assumed that I would be the organizer.  I have never done that.  I queried the organizers of the two clubs to which I belong.  Their suggestion was “Don’t!  It is way too much work.”  It is a lot of work.  I think, however, that it will be worth the effort.  A labor of love it will be.

Both of the clubs that I have joined are organized around Yahoo Groups.  Since membership is wide-spread, it is an effective communication vehicle; a way to share information and plan meetings and social gatherings.  That’s where I chose to start.  I have the Yahoo Group in place.  Now, spreading the word is top priority.  You can access our Llano Photography Club by clicking this link.  I have asked the librarian to help.   She can post information in the library.  She also has contacts at the local newspapers.  I am putting this information here because the attendees at the photography exhibition took my business card.  Maybe they will browse this website and share their enthusiasm with others; inspiring them to join our club.  Meeting in the library conference room will begin as soon as our online membership reaches a reasonable level of interest; say ten members. 

I thoroughly enjoyed the photography discussion at the library and look forward to meeting a socializing with other photographers in our area.  While we are waiting for that to happen, I hope you will share your desires for club activities — photography walks, safaris, art shows.  We will be learning together frin each other.

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