2013-2014 Season Begins

The Berrien Springs Camera Club will open its new season on Wednesday, Sept. 4, at 7 p.m. in the Berrien Springs Community Library at Cass and Union. The club’s season runs from September through June each year, with programs alternating between an informative presentation about some aspect of photography, and a competition open to members.

                The September meeting will be about improving our photography and clarifying policies governing the club’s competitions. Members Tom and Suzanne McDonough will review these and update members on a few changes. Members are also invited to submit up to three digital images, taken this summer, for projection and critique. The critiquing will be a group activity by the other members, nonjudgmental but thinking out loud how each picture might be improved. Anyone who plans to join the club that evening may submit their three images, in jpg format not larger than 1024 x 768, to BerrienSpringsCC@gmail.com.

                Programs for November, January, and March will be announced in later articles, but probably will include a presentation on Photoshop and some that showcase the work of good digital photographers.

                In competition months members can submit up to 10 digitally projected images and up to 10 prints (mounted, at least 5" x 7") for judging. Awards are given for the top projected images and prints. Acceptable topics always include Nature (nothing domesticated or showing evidence of mankind), Portraits, and Open (anything), plus two special topics each month. The special topics for each competition month this year are:

                Oct. 2: Action; Cracks and Crevices

                Dec. 4: Graffiti; Street Art

                Feb. 5: Patterns; Shadows

                Apr. 2: Sky and Things in It; Vents, Grates, and Manhole Utility Covers

                The May 7 meeting is for final judging of the year's acceptances, when 3 judges will select the top 10 projected images and prints of the year, and the June 4 end-of-season meeting will include a potluck meal at 6:30 and a show from the year's acceptances.

                Club officers this year are:

                President–Cheryl Thomas 

                Vice President–Shelly Martinez 

                Treasurer–Rob Shellhamer 

                Coordinator for Judges, Programs, and SWMCCC affiliation–Jim Lynch 

                Publicity–Madeline Johnston 

                Digital Projection–Suzanne and Tom McDonough

                Webmaster—Tim King

 

                The public is welcome to attend and enjoy the competitions. To submit pictures, one must be a member. Other activities are being planned for members, such as outings, exhibits, and publication. Annual membership fees are $5 for students, $15 for other individuals, or $20 per family. Refreshments are served at each meeting.

We sincerely hope YOU will be a regular member of our Berrien Springs Camera Club.