EUREKA MOMENT
Sep 5th, 2008 by Keith Chaloner
First of all the title of this piece is only sort of relevant; more accurately it should be moments.
Over the last week or so I have been encouraging (badgering even) members to provide images for the revamped gallery. One of those moments occurred when I discovered that quite a few of those I have badgered were unsure about the necessary resizing of images. On the one hand this is not surprising because at a certain age some of us even manage to forget which way to point ourselves to get to the front door; ie a temporary lapse. And again the complexity of the manipulative programs we enjoy (?) is such that even the most mentally agile can absorb but a small proportion. On the other hand I realised that quite a few had not acquired, or absorbed what is a fairly basic and useful technique. In some cases, recently coming to the ‘sport’ explained the deficiency, in others it didn’t.
The next ‘moment’ occurred when I realised that although we have a membership of around 60, only about half of that number exhibit their pictures via points cup and other Club opportunities. Why, I wonder, do many members turn up week after week and only partially engage with Club activity.
You could argue that it’s a nice dry, warm place to go with a lot of jolly nice friendly people, usually pictures to look at and a biscuit and drink half way through. Is that enough? What are we supposed to be doing week after week? We are obviously all different and have differing drives, needs and wants.
Speaking for myself:
My main motivation is to take photographs that please me, and others, and to continue to satisfy my drive to improve what I do. That through a continuous pursuit of learning to get the best out of my equipment and the techniques I have available. This involves constant appraisal of and comparison with the work of others in the Club. Also, discussion about ways of doing things, and, not least of course, the friendships developed along the way.
I have no doubt that the pleasure I derive from photography, and the standard of what I produce, has improved as a direct result of Club membership.
So going back to my second ‘moment’, what about those members who don’t show their pictures but never-the-less turn up week after week? The downside of membership of a Club with such high standards is that it must be intimidating to someone new to the hobby or unsure if their standard is ‘’good enough’.
Our preoccupation with competition (this season even more than before in spite of a working party that recommended a reduction) we have managed to find only one (I think) evening when informal appraisal of images can take place outside of the competitive arena of ‘points cups’ and the like.
So what? It seems to me, maybe we should look at ways of encouraging a wider and more active participation of members who do not bring their work to the Club; thereby denying themselves the opportunity of improving their work and the satisfaction that can come from sharing the company of the images we enjoy week after week. That is of course, if they want to!
I have three suggestions:
One, that we do more to support those members new to the Club and needing help with basics and with encouragement. We should make sure that new members are welcomed and befriended. Maybe guidance on basic techniques posted on the web site would be useful (in a category for ‘techniques’ or ‘hints’). Would anyone like to make a list and perhaps write some? If so, clear concise and to the point.
Second, what about a list of members willing to be called up, or emailed, by those needing some guidance or help with a particular problem?
And lastly, can we provide the means, and a suitable non-competitive environment, so that those who do not normally show their pictures can obtain helpful appraisal and encouragement?
What do you think? Is there a grain of truth in any of the above? Have your say…..
Regards Keith
There is much more than a grain of truth Keith in what you write and how very sensible to use this website as a platform to provide some of the ‘befriending’ and/or ‘help’ that may well be needed. I have often felt that club life is so busy that there is too little time for members to get together and talk about the hobby. The kind of chat that can happen, given the space, can be very helpful. I know that I benefit from conversations that I have with other members though, of necessity, such conversations take place privately outside club meetings. If we could use this website as a forum then words of wisdom could be shared by all who log on to see what is happening and all could join in. It is not a complete substitute for similarly directed in-club activities for obvious reasons but it could be very useful. So let’s start!
I totally agree with the sentiments Keith expresses. I am more than willing to assist other members either via Email, telephone or face to face in any way that I can. I also believe that we should make much more time at club meetings for the basics of our craft, or ,(whatever you care to call it), Converse with and encourage other members particularly new ones. Also to spend a lot less time on poorly judged competitions which can be very off putting to new or potential members. My contact details are readily available from the club handbook. If anyone cares to contact me with questions on any aspect of photography, I will, to the best of my ability, provide answers.
As a relative newcomer and beginner I would endorse the above. I thoroughly enjoyed Peter and Normans evening on mounting and came away with many tips which I will now pass on to my personal assistant (husband!!) to ensure he does it right!!!!!!! Any tips and guidance are always welcome-I could reciprocate by making the tea!