January 8, 2003

Camera club captures life through lens

Photographs on display this month at Traverse Area District Library

By LISA PERKINS
Herald staff writer

      The world - as seen through a camera lens - is on display at the Traverse Area District Library. Photographs taken by members of the Traverse Area Camera Club are on exhibit in the library's meeting room throughout the month of January.
      Subjects include everything from overalls hanging on a nail, to sunsets in Leelanau County to pet portraits and raindrops on foliage - each with a unique perspective of the photographer.
      The Traverse Area Camera Club, with more than 90 members, includes photographers at every level, from those just starting out, to professional photographers and everyone in between.
      "I like the club because I like meeting other photographers and seeing other styles," program chairman Duane Dinse said.
      "There is a lot of talent in the club, this exhibit is a good way to show it off and maybe get other people involved," Dinse noted.
      Kay Smith of Traverse City, one of the founding members of the club, said involvement is exactly what the club is about.
      "When we started the group about eight years ago it was an outreach group in the Presbyterian Church, to give people an option that they might enjoy," Smith said.
      The group, who meets each third Thursday of the month at the Presbyterian Church on Westminster Drive in Traverse City, now offers a wide variety of programs for any interested shutterbug.
      "We have speakers on a variety of subjects like black and white photography, pet photography, beginning photography and what to keep in your camera bag. We also have several competitions throughout the year as well as seminars by a nationally known photographer at least every other year," Smith said.
      The club has recently added a digital media group, for those who are interested in learning more about digital photography. This group meets at on the second Saturday of each month.
      "It is a great way to associate with persons who want to learn more about the art of, and techniques involved in, good photography. It also provides a social group of persons with a common interest. For me the club provides all this plus the opportunity for continued improvement," said free-lance photographer Don Basch of Traverse City.
      An exhibit of photos by the Traverse Area Camera Club will be on display in the Traverse Area District Library throughout the month of January. For more information on the club, call Duane Dinse at 275-6400 or Glenn Baja at 947-8278.