Camera Club welcomes new members

The Vernon Camera Club offers a full slate of educational presentations, meet-ups, hands-on workshops and photo walks throughout the year.

For more than a dozen years, the club has been meeting monthly to learn about photographic techniques, various styles (or genres) of photography, types of gear and how to have fun taking better photos together.

New members may join for $25 a person for the full calendar year of 2023.

“Members use their cell phones, point-and-shoots, basic, mid- or pro-level gear. Some are pure beginners and some are retired professionals. None of that matters. We all share a love of photography and each other’s company,” said club president Lisa Burghart.

The club’s activities include speakers’ presentations, photo critiques, in-field meet-ups, photo walks lead by professional photographers and an annual holiday luncheon.

In February, full-time product photographer Rich McGuigan, a Vernon resident, will lead a still-life workshop. Members will have hands-on instruction on creating interesting, well-lighted sets using a variety of items.

Other topics for 2023 will include creatively photographing diners and dives of Sussex County and the art of graphic elements in architectural photography.

Each month, a photo assignment is given and critiqued by the guest speaker. The strengths and weaknesses of the photos are discussed so photographer may improve the next time they face that subject or genre.

“It’s all very educational and helpful in growing members’ technical and creative skills. We all learn how to look more objectively at our work,” said Burghart.

New for 2023 will be two photo walks lead by professional photography instructors at sites in the tri-state area. Making stronger and more compelling compositions will be the focus of the walks.

Each month, visually interesting locations are visited as club meet-ups. They have included local and regional parks, forests, historical sites, arboretums, zoos and museums along with train stations and waterside districts.

The visit to the Space Farms Museum & Zoo remains a highlight because of a private tour led by naturalist and author Lori Space Day.

Friendly competitions are part of the club, with two themed contests each year. They are judged by experienced judges/photographers, and ribbons are awarded.

Members meet at the Vernon Senior Center on the first Tuesday of each month, though some meetings are online because of the speaker’s location. Meetings are recorded for later viewing by members.

For information, send email to vernoncameraclub1@gmail.com.

Photos by members may be seen on the club’s Facebook page at Vernon Camera Club – NJ.