Tattoo Dreams, by James D. Smith
Ken Duquaine
Do you enjoy taking pictures and sharing them with friends or on social media? Are there times when taking a photo of a compelling subject that you’ve wondered how you might make this photo better than your typical snapshot? If you answered yes to either of those questions, you are precisely the person this article is intended to reach.
The Sun Lakes Camera Club (SLCC) is a collection of folks from all walks of life who have one thing in common: We like to take pictures. When it comes to photography, our members represent all skill levels, from beginner to advanced. I’ve sometimes been asked by prospective members what sort of equipment is needed to join our club. The answer is, “You already have it.” You do own a phone, right? The photos taken by our members come from cell phone cameras, as well as from cameras sporting the latest technology, and everything in between. Wonderful photos are no more taken by people who own great cameras than wonderful meals are prepared by ladies who own great ovens. It’s the guy or gal behind the camera or in front of the oven who creates the wonderful result.
So, what makes a good photo? When two people take a picture of the same subject, why is one a compelling photo and the other a mere snapshot? Providing answers to those kinds of questions is part of SLCC’s mission. Each month at our general meetings, presentations are given by photographers who have expertise in various areas of photography. In these presentations, techniques, planning, composition, types of light, processing photos effectively, and a host of other subjects are discussed in detail.
Helping aspiring photographers to improve their skills has always been central to our philosophy, and members are always willing to share their knowledge with other members. And for those who are interested, a Digital Photography Fundamentals class series is offered each year, which presents a number of topics in detail with a wealth of examples that can be invaluable for those looking to take their photos to the next level.
And, finally, one of the most rewarding experiences our club offers is meeting new people and spending time with like-minded folks who share your love of photography. Many opportunities exist to take photos at various locations with other members and to learn from each other through these shared experiences.
We welcome interested guests and prospective members at all of our meetings, so please consider joining us.
The Sun Lakes Camera Club meets on the second and fourth Thursdays from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. in the Lecture Hall of the Cottonwood Country Club from October through April. For more information about the SLCC and its activities, call SLCC President Ken Duquaine at 248-342-0790 or email [email protected], or contact past President Samantha Rose Palmatier at 907-727-0334 or [email protected], and visit our website at www.sunlakescameraclub.com.