Framed: Geelong Camera Club members, David Rendle, Heather Prince, Brien Cohn, Frank Kennedy and Ken Organ.
By John Van Klaveren
PHOTOGRAPHY has em-erged from the darkroom into the light of a digital revolution – and Geelong Camera Club is zooming in on the action.
President Heather Prince said the club had experienced a resurgence in digital photography interest.
Geelong Camera Club is no flash in the pan. Members have been meeting for more than 120 years, making it the oldest club on mainland Australia.
The advent of digital cameras has only put a bright future in the frame.
“Digital photography lends itself to much wider use and puts photography into the hands of people who might not otherwise have afforded it,” Heather explained.
“Cameras and the cost of photography have come down a lot and people are finding ways to enjoy the art beyond simply the family or holiday snaps.”
Heather painted a portrait of photography as an art form as well as a record.
The club held regular competition nights for members who gained exposure for their work, she said.
“The club offers lots of avenues to learn more about photography, find new information and share tips and advice.
“Being digital, members can try something as weird and wonderful as they like and if doesn’t work then they simply press delete.
“There used to be a mystique around film photography. It’s almost a pity it has gone in a way but the essential art of photography has not changed.
“The same elements are still there – all that’s changed is the method of capture and processing.”
With the shutterbug biting more people, Heather said the social side of photography should not be underestimated.
“Our members transcend age barriers, gender and background and just enjoy getting together with likeminded people.
“Some of our members work in the industry but most are amateurs who have become extremely competent.”
Heather said the club offered an interesting and varied program including guest speakers, competitions, practical sessions and weekend outings.
The club also ran special interest groups focussing on areas like Photoshop and multimedia.
Heather said the club had a big dry-mounting press available for members to produce large display prints, a library, a studio with its own lighting equipment and backdrops and a darkroom.
She advised anyone wanting more information to visit the club website at geelongcameraclub.org.au.
