“Fire Cat 8175” in memory of James D. Smith
Ken Duquaine
Once again this fall, the East Valley Photo Club (EVPC) will participate in the Community Days held in all three Sun Lakes neighborhoods. Visit our display at Cottonwood/Palo Verde on Oct. 3, IronOaks on Oct. 10, and Sun Lakes Country Club on Oct. 17.
Community Day attendees enjoy stopping at EVPC’s display each fall to admire our display of photos taken by club members. Many are surprised to learn that some great images were taken by novice photographers and others using cell phones. Photos displayed have often been taken at recognizable locations around Arizona. One of the often-heard comments by viewers goes something like this: “Gee, I’ve been there, but my pictures don’t look that great!”
If at times you’ve wondered why some photos that you’ve seen are so much better than the ones you’ve taken of the same subject or pondered just what it is that makes a photo stand out from the rest, the East Valley Photo Club might be just what you’re looking for. Each year we offer a Digital Fundamentals Photography class series that teaches participants how to build a powerful image having a distinctive look that sets it apart. Complete information about the classes will be available at our display at each Community Day and can be obtained by contacting Dan Dragoon at dan.dragoon@yahoo.com.
In addition, this year EVPC will offer Special Interest Group (SIG) sessions each month. These sessions will be small group discussions that will focus on a photography topic or technique that might be of particular interest to a smaller number of members and will offer the opportunity for a free exchange of ideas and approaches as well as a chance to get to meet and interact with other members in an informal social setting.
EVPC is composed of photographers on every level from beginners to advanced. Our membership has a wide range of interests and motivations for taking photos. Members use a variety of equipment to take photos including smartphones, various brands and levels of cameras, and a wide range of programs to process their photos.
Most importantly, our club is about sharing all of those secrets ranging from how to compose a photo effectively to processing the final product. We have monthly speakers who explain in detail how to take and process striking photos, as well as monthly photo competitions by members in which outstanding examples of photos on a wide variety of subjects present a valuable learning experience for our members. Visitors are always welcome at our meetings.
The East Valley Photo Club meets on the first and third Thursdays from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. in the Navajo Room of Sun Lakes Country Club from October through April. For more information about the EVPC and its activities call EVPC President Raul Lopez at 408–209-3114, or email rslopez19@comcast.net, or Past President Ken Duquaine at 248–342-0790 or email kduquaine@hotmail.com, and visit our website at eastvalleyphotoclub.com.