Focus on Sidney Shutterbugs Camera Club
G BY ANNE TEICHROEW, SIDNEY SHUTTERBUGS reat camaraderie, creative photographic inspiration and practical hands-on learning: add these three elements together and you get the Sidney Shutterbugs Camera Club. Ask any Sidney Shutterbug why they are a member and you will get responses as different as the individuals themselves. However, all agree that the club provides a casual, relaxed atmosphere that is inclusive of members’ photography interests and levels.
The Shutterbugs have a diverse membership, from professional photographers having travelled the world capturing its’ essence through photos to hobbyists deriving pleasure from learning the art of photography. This eclectic mix has created a laid back, cooperative group.
The club provides a venue for like-minded people who desire to share new photographic techniques, help others and learn new skills in a non-competitive environment. As well as being informative, meetings are friendly with lots of banter and laughter. Delicious baking provided at break-time also rates highly as a motivator for meeting attendance. Get Involved Scheduled meetings: September to June, first and third Thursday evening of each month at the Mary Winspear Centre. Program varies from guest presentations to handson learning, as well as a show and share component for members to showcase their work. Several digital contests throughout the year are open to all members.
Location Shoots: Monthly location shoots this year included Heritage Acres, Butchart Gardens, Highland Games and Sidney Museum Lego Displays. Lunch afterward at a nearby restaurant or pub provides another opportunity to share photographic tips and experiences with someone invariably having an amusing anecdote to relate about something that happened on their shoot.
Coffee mornings: Informal coffee get-togethers are held Tuesday mornings at a local coffee shop. Meetings take on a life of their own with photographs, ideas, suggestions and shared stories.
Volunteer Work: The club is civic minded and an active supporter of the community. Photographs created by club members hang on the walls of the Mary Winspear Centre, the Shoal Centre for Seniors, and Resthaven Lodge. This year’s volunteer provided photographic services for The Saanich Peninsula Arts and Crafts Society, the Town of Sidney (Canada 150 Celebrations) and the Saanich Peninsula Celebrations Society (a photo booth at Canada Day Celebrations and Breakfast with Santa event). The Sidney Shutterbugs Camera Club welcomes everyone.