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Local camera club provides opportunity to improve photography skills
For over 60 years, the Oakland Camera Club has been dedicated to the art of photography and helping beginners learn the lens.
Formerly known as the Pontiac Photographic Society, Oakland Camera Club is affiliated with the Greater Detroit Camera Club Council, which is made up of 12 clubs including Windsor, Port Huron, Lapeer and Toledo.
Commerce Township resident Joann Snavley is a seasoned photographer and first joined the OCC in 1985 as a recommendation from a friend. She is now one of the more experienced photographers in the group and has acted as vice president for about 12 years running.
One of the things she enjoys most about the Oakland Camera Club is looking at other club member’s work, especially newer members, and helping them learn more about their art.
“A tip for all beginners is to understand and follow three rules — exposure, subject matter and composition,” she said. “You don’t have to learn that right away, this is where critiquing comes into play and skills start to improve.”
The club currently has about 22 members and meets twice a month. There are several parts to each meeting; first is a general discussion about the latest happenings in the world of photography followed by troubleshooting or answering camera-related questions.
After a short social break, members look at photo entries and constructively critique the images.
“A lot of the meeting is core instructional, which helps the makers improve their shot,” said Snavley.
In addition to monthly meetings, the OCC occasionally holds meet ups where members gather at a specified location for the purpose of photography.
As a way to improve one’s camera skills, members then compare images afterwards and take notes from each other’s work.
“One of the things that helps you improve is by looking at other people’s photos,” said Snavley.
Oakland Camera Club along with other clubs in the GDCCC hold competitions not only within