Tag: announcements

Lots To Be Thankful For

With our Canadian Thanksgiving more than a month in the past and our American friends’ Thanksgiving last week as I write this, it’s a reminder that there is plenty to be thankful for in our world. And in the Owen Sound Camera Club’s world, there is something special to be thankful for. Let me explain.

Over the past couple of years or so the OSCC has grown dramatically. That alone is something to be thankful for. Within the membership body we have found a number of new friends to learn from, to teach, and to just enjoy each other’s company. But there has been one special group of people who have been friends to the camera club that we are especially grateful to have a relationship with, and that’s the folks at Foto Art.

For the last 7 years Foto Art has been kind enough to open up their back room, previously occupied by portrait photographer Charles van den Ouden. When we were offered the back room of a camera store as a place to hold our meetings we couldn’t think of a better place.

However, with time comes change. As I mentioned above, the Owen Sound Camera Club has grown, and as happy as that makes us collectively, sadly we have outgrown the space at Foto Art. We have relocated to the New Life Centre, formerly known as Timothy Christian School. Our friendship with Foto Art will surely continue and on behalf of the OSCC, I would like to say a big Thank You to Peter Ciokan and all the staff who have been a great help to the club over the years. The use of the store for our meetings will certainly be remembered in our history and we are truly grateful for it.

Greg McMillan,

OSCC President

A Great Start to the Season

All I can say is “Wow!” Last night was the first meeting of the 2014-15 season and boy, did we have a crowd on hand. Some folks had to stand (we apologize, and thank you for sticking it out) and I don’t recall that ever happening before.

First of all I’d like to say a big “Thank you” to all of those who were in attendance. We had most of last year’s membership body on hand as well as a host of new faces, some of whom are now new members. That is awesome! I’d like to see the membership grow more… because apparently, the numbers were quite a bit larger in the 70s, so the challenge has been accepted!

The theme for this meeting was “High Key – Low Key” and some folks found it a little challenging while others had a good grasp of the concept. But that’s what the club is all about – learning. I admit, it wasn’t the easiest of themes, but sometimes facing a challenge in photography is the best way to master the concept presented. The theme for October’s meeting is “Silhouettes” and shouldn’t be as difficult to master, but might challenge one’s creativity, mine included.

Something new that was introduced to the club was the idea of implementing mobile photography into the club’s curriculum. There are literally millions upon millions of people globally practicing this type of work, although most of them for more social reasons than for the art of the craft. We’ll see over time how, and if, mobile photography fits into the OSCC culture.

Well, that’s about it for now. This left-brained chap can’t recall every detail of the meeting but I’ve been able to jot down some of the highlights. If you’re reading this and are within a reasonable geographical distance of Owen Sound, by all means, you are welcome to attend our next meeting on Tuesday, October 14 at 7pm.

Oh, one last thing. Tom Jenks, a member for the past seven or so years and a Past President, announced last night that he will be relocating out of the area and will not be renewing his membership. Tom has graced us over the last couple of years with presentations from trips to Africa and Antarctica and the photos he shared with us were truly amazing. We wish Tom the best is his future endeavours and continued success in his photographic ventures. Thank you Tom for your company, your wit, your wisdom, and your wonderful imagery. We hope to see you someday down the road.

Greg McMillan,

President of the Owen Sound Camera Club