Since its start just over a year ago, the Moose Mountain Photography Club has welcomed photographers and aspiring photographers from throughout southeastern Saskatchewan.
“Even if you don't have a camera, you're welcome to become a member of the club,” says co-founder Will Sinclair of Kenosee Lake. “Our club isn't about prestige, gear, or having an edge over other photographers. It's about developing your eye and sharing a love of photography.”
“Our members are a diverse group who shoot with everything from iPhones to point-and-shoots to professional equipment. They take snapshots, portraits, wildlife, landscapes and pictures of people. Our goal as a club is to keep it interesting and to keep growing and learning as photographers.”
“Neither Suzanne (Pearson, of Arcola)-who started the club with me-or I wanted to be part of a group that discussed minutes from previous meetings, treasurer's reports, and business,” adds Sinclair. “Instead, we wanted a club that was almost completely about photography and photography-related topics.”
“We wanted to learn, share, teach and enjoy photos as a community of photography enthusiasts.”
Pearson agrees. “Will and I were both members of a photography club in Estevan. When that folded, we came up with the idea of starting a club in this area. Much to our surprise, over 20 people came out to our first meeting last spring, from Arcola, Carlyle, Corning, Kennedy, Kenosee Lake, Kisbey, Manor, Redvers, Wawota and White Bear.”
“We were absolutely thrilled when 23 photographers showed up for our first meeting,” adds Sinclair. “We were so caught up in the first meeting, that we actually forgot to take a photo for the newspaper!”
“We're a diverse group,” he adds. “We're people of all ages and we all have different perspectives and how we view things as photographers. But that's what keeps it really interesting and we all learn from each other.”
“We're all at different levels,” says Sinclair. “We all started someplace and we all learn from each other.”
Sinclair's enthusiasm is evident. The club's meetings are informal, and at this season's first meeting, members get a chance to view and critique a slide-based DVD created by Sinclair, “Master Class in Digital Photography Basics ror Beginners: Your Guide to Better Photography,” which will be produced for sale on its completion. At the October 6 gathering at Kenosee's Mother Teresa Centre, members also remember last season's field trips and brainstorm ideas for this year's shoots, which then segues into a discussion about how to capture the perfect wildlife shot.
Member Pat Butler of Kenosee Lake says, “You shoot 50 pictures and one will be the perfect shot. That's the lovely thing about digital, but you have to be patient when you're taking pictures of wildlife and birds.”
“I use a 600 mm lense when I take those photos, but there are still surprises when you blow them up,” she adds. “I took a picture of a snowflake once and when I enlarged it, there was another, smaller, snowflake I hadn't even noticed.”
Both Sinclair-who has been “taking photos for 40 years” and member and veteran photographer Kim Lamontagne of Wawota informally answer inquiries regarding almost all aspects of equipment-including the what, where, why, and when to buy.
Lamontagne, who shoots “anything and everything” says “Lenses are so much money that you need to think about what you're shooting-you don't want to duplicate what you already have. But at the same time, you get what you pay for.”
Known for her stunning shots of the prairie skies, Lamontagne-along with Sinclair- also shares her expertise regarding canvas sales.
The group also discusses aspects of iPhone photography, photo apps, travel gear, books for photographers, new equipment and gadgets and also touches on tips and tricks for shooting in snow.
“We've got a wealth of knowledge in this group and I have to stress that we all have something to offer and there's no hierarchy, just because someone's been doing photography for a longer period of time or have pro gear, or whatever,” says Sinclair.
“Everyone has something to offer and all of our members are valued.”
Both Sinclair and Pearson paid tribute to Moose mountain Photohraphy Club member, Arrden Wikberg, who passed away this year.
“We remember Arden,” says Sinclair. “She was a great photographer and a great person. We'll miss her dearly.”
“She was a very talented photographer,” adds Pearson. “Her enthusiasm and knowledge will be very much missed by all of us.”
Wikberg's work and the work of her fellow members can be found on the group's website: www.moosemountainphotographyclub.weebly.com
“We also submit our work to The Observer for a weekly feature called 'Through the Lense,' and we can show our photos to the group at our monthly meetings,” says Sinclair. “But only if someone wants to.”
“There are assignments,” says Pearson. “And it's good to get out of our comfort zones and try and challenge ourselves as photographers and think outside the box, but at the same time, there's no pressure.”
Pat Cann of Arcola says the club “is great. I learn a lot and from the beginning, it's been a good group of people. Kudos to Will and Suzanne for starting the club. I've always been interested in photography. I learn a lot here and it's a great way to meet other people with the same interest.”
“We're just here because we're a bunch of people who love to take pictures,” says Sinclair. “We're just a gathering of people with the same interest. If we spark some great conversations about photography or if we learn something new, well, then we've achieved our goal.”
