Behind the lens
Students and adults, men and women, beginners and professionals all come together twice a month to share a common interest — photography.
The new Trussville Photography Club is one of only a handful of photo clubs in Alabama and the second in the Birmingham area. Unlike most clubs, Trussville’s club aims to focus on education more than competition, said Mike Gardner, club president and founder.
“Everybody is really excited about this club being here. Everybody has had a hobby taking pictures. You enjoy being around people doing what you do,” Gardner said. “A lot of people have told me that they’re glad to see this club here. They’re wanting to learn more about how to use their camera. They’ve got this really nice camera but don’t know how to use it and want to learn how.”
That’s exactly what October’s club meeting was about, when Gardner and others lead a Q&A about better understanding dials, buttons and switches on Nikon and Canon cameras.
Club meetings are on the second Tuesday of each month and are designed as learning opportunities. In August — the first meeting as an incorporated club — the group learned how to make a lightbox for $27. In September, they welcomed Parastoo “Paris” Farzad, director of the Birmingham School of Photography, as a guest speaker.
Tina Houser, a beginner photographer, quickly jumped into a leadership role with the club. She said she is excited by the club’s diversity and teaching opportunities.
“Being a new photographer, I can only learn so much from watching YouTube videos and the internet,” Houser said, who has become the club’s vice president for communications. “We’re always welcome to bring our cameras. We have lots of experience in the room … No question is stupid.”
In addition to the classes, the club organizes a monthly field trip on the third Saturday. The trips began in July with 10 individuals traveling to Perry Lake Park in Marion. The group more than doubled to 24 when they met for a photo excursion at Sloss Furnace in Birmingham in August, and then a night shoot at Railroad Park last month.
On Oct. 15, the group visited Old Baker Farm in Harpersville, a common spot for photographers and families, especially in the fall. Attendees had the opportunity to capture the old barn, animals, corn and soy bean fields, pumpkin patch and the cotton fields prior to the Cotton Pickin’ Celebration, which was held the following week.
Houser said he loves seeing the different shots from the field trips, which are often shared on the club’s Facebook group, Instagram account and website.
“It’s amazing to me, because it shows how different each person is. Even though you’re looking at the same thing how you can come out with different photos,” he said.
The club also has helped new Trussville residents get connected.
“I feel God provided this group of likeminded photographers at just the right time for me, and I’m looking forward to opportunities to connect and share our passion for photography,” said Kevin Wheeler, who recently moved to Trussville from Louisiana.
Others, such as Mary Georgeson, said they like the camaraderie of other hobbyists who share their interest in photography.
“I’ve learned how much fun it is to hang out with people who love photography and don’t get angry because you’re taking too long to get a good photo,” Georgeson said.
Club member Ginger Hollingsworth agreed.
“I’m glad I found this group of people who encourage one another and like to celebrate a good shot,” she said.
Several club members have brought along their children who are interested in photography — something Gardner and Houser, who is also the club’s youth director, hope to foster into a youth program, possibly with assistance from local schools.
Annual membership fees for the club are $15 per student, $25 per adult or $35 per family. Membership forms, member photo galleries and club meeting programs and field trips schedules through May are available online at TrussvillePhotographyClub.com.