New Westminster Photography Club

Each NWPC meeting is a little different. Meetings start at 7:30PM unless otherwise posted. But many people arrive a little early to have some social time. Meetings run on average until 9PM. We pride ourselves on our open, informal and friendly atmosphere -- at NWPC you actually get to know the other members! This doesn't always happen in clubs with 100+ members and which follow formal meeting protocols.

Meetings are often a mix of content, but there are some common "things" we do at meetings:

• "Member's Night": This is where members will bring in a photo or two for group critiquing (don't worry, we're friendly!). This helps you learn the strengths in your images, as well as get ideas and suggestions for improving them -- all opinions are helpful, you don't have to be an "old pro" to have an idea! Unless otherwise posted we typically review all media types: digital entries, slides and prints. Sometimes there is a "theme" (usually to bring images from a previous outing if you have them), other times the choice is up to the member.
• "Competition Night": The club enters number of invitational competitions during the year. On "competition nights", members bring in their candidate images and the club picks the entries to be submitted to the competition. (One of the benefits of being a smaller club, if you submit something, there's a good chance it will get chosen as a club entry!)
• "Workshop Night": this is where a speaker (a member or an outside guest) talks about a specific technique that can be practiced during the meeting. For these kinds of meetings, members bring their camera equipment to the meeting.
• "Seminar Night": these meetings will have one or more speakers who will talk in-depth about a photography related subject.

We usually have a short 15 minute break about halfway through the meeting for some cookies and coffee (guests don't have to pay!) to stretch your legs, your mind, and to socialize a little with other members.

Another type of learning opportunity are our "Members teaching Members" talks. These are for members who want to share a particular topic of interest to them with the rest of the club. It doesn't have to be long, even 5 minutes is enough to give you a chance to share (if you're shy). This gives you a chance at speaking to the club in an informal manner without the stress of having to prepare a lot of material. You can just talk, or illustrate your points with Powerpoint, prints, digital images or whatever visual aides you want to use.) Contact the program director if you have a short talk you want to give.

The main presentations are on a wide variety of topics including:

• specific techniques - such as macro abstracts,
• suggestions for particular subject areas - such as shooting wild flowers
• less technical photography related talks - for example, last year we had a city archivist give a talk about the role of photography in local community history, showing us photos of New West from the late 1800's

We strive for a mix of topic material so that all experience levels and formats (digital or film) can find something of interest.

Allen Bargen will present the CAPA Program "In Search of a Better Photograph". Allen is an excellent photographer and speaker. This will be a full evening of information, images and inspiration - do not miss it.

Our monthly member sharing night - whether you are a new or long-time member, feel free to participate. We will also have a short visit from award-winning photographer, Gabor Gasztonyi.

In Preparation:

• Send one or two images, sized 1024x768 (max vertical 768) to photos@nwphoto.org before February 26 (27th at the absolute latest if you miss the deadline).
• Send one or two images, sized 1024x768 (max vertical 768) to photos@nwphoto.org before February 26 (27th at the absolute latest if you miss the deadline).

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Agenda: (subject to change)

• Member Sharing
• In-club digital competition
• Guest speaker (Gabor Gasztonyi): Mr. Gasztonyi will talk briefly about his book of images from the Downtown Eastside of Vancouver "A Room in the City" and about his upcoming exhibitions.

This is going to be a fun "panel discussion" night with a twist. Panelists (2 or 3 a side) and interesting but possibly controversial photo-related topics will be randomly drawn. Debates will be time-limited. You might be surprised at what opinions and knowledge you and others hold! Panelists will also draw from a selection of fun photo toys old and new to test their (and your) photographic knowledge. Don't worry - it doesn't count for marks or points and no one has to go it alone! This is sure to be an interesting and entertaining evening.