Peek a Boo, by Sandy Kwas
Ken Duquaine
People take pictures for a multitude of reasons. Some came of age when the smartphone camera made the taking of selfies to share with friends possible and have retained that motivation for taking photos. Others discovered online sites such as Instagram where they could show their photos to a wide audience and perhaps gain recognition for them. Still others combine the love of travel with photography in order to record the places, events, activities, and people they meet as a lasting record of each memorable trip. And, of course, many parents record the activities, growth, and milestones attained by their children, as well as holidays and extended family events, in order to preserve them for posterity.
Along the way, a percentage of the folks from all of these groups become interested in taking their picture taking endeavors to another level. Perhaps they’ve seen photos taken by others that are in some ways similar to their own but for some unknown reason have a certain something that is appealing and makes them stand out as being clearly better than their own.
If you happen to be among those in that percentage looking to find the magic that would make your own photos stand out from the crowd’s, the East Valley Photo Club (EVPC) may be the answer.
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.
One of the important aspects of photography today is what’s called the post-processing of photos. Many people don’t realize that what often makes a truly outstanding photo happens after the photo has been taken. Photos don’t come out of the phone or camera ready for prime time. Post-processing by the photographer after the fact using simple programs and techniques can make all of the difference between Oohs and Aahs from the viewer and a mere ho-hum snapshot.
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 whereby outstanding examples of photos on a wide variety of subjects present a valuable learning experience for our members.
If this resonates with you, why not consider becoming a member of EVPC?
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 President Ken Duquaine at 248-342-0790 or email kduquaine@hotmail.com, or call past President Samantha Rose Palmatier at 907-727-0334 or email totsie1954@yahoo.com, and visit our website at www.eastvalleyphotoclub.com.