With no dues to pay, and no strict agendas, the Lake County Parks Photography Club keeps growing.
During each of the monthly meetings — which are held February to November at the Deep River Park Visitor Center in Hobart — photography fans from novices to the very skilled gather to discuss ideas, learn about contests and other events, go on shoots together and exhibit their work inside the Historic Grist Mill in the spring.
“From beginners to pros, you have an encyclopedia of knowledge in this room,” club president Bob Conrad of Valparaiso said at a recent meeting. “Our mission is to share with each other our knowledge of photography, no matter what level we are at.”
After retirement from a local steel mill 10 years ago, Conrad decided to focus on his hobby of photography. He is a member of four photo clubs, as well as president of the Lake County Parks Photography Club.
His interest in photography was piqued years ago when he was serving with the Navy. Slides archived in his home include travels to Rome, Africa and the Mediterranean.
After Lake County Parks Photography Club founder Joanna Shearer died in January, Conrad took over at the helm.
The August topic of conversation was “Manual Monitor Calibration,” presented by Larry Brown of Valparaiso. Using a Power Point presentation, Brown also fielded questions from the audience.
The topic of adjusting a computer screen’s monitor to culminate in successful photo printout may seem daunting to those who do not print their images at home, but it actually is easy to understand, according to Brown. The photographer must properly use the editing software, consider the office lighting, correctly tilt of monitor and calibrate the printer.
“What you see on your monitor may not be exactly what you get from your printer,” Brown said. He gave audience members a handout with various websites listed to assist them.
Beverly and Tom Zmigrocki of Griffith, do not have equipment to print out their photos but plan to purchase it in the near future. They took notes during Brown’s discussion, knowing that when they are in the market to start the at-home photo printing, they would be ready.
“All topics presented by the photo club are relevant (to us). “We’ve gained quite a lot since joining the group six years ago,” Tom said. “At first, we knew hardly anything, but now I’m getting more confident about using my camera.”
Although she enjoys photography, Beverly said she will stay in the novice stage awhile.
“I’m still using my little point-and-shoot camera,” she added, with a laugh. “It will just take me a little longer to get to another level.”
Dennis Gray of Hobart has been sharing with club members for four years.
“This (photo club) has met my expectations, and then some,” he said. “This is a safe environment, relaxing, open, and I’ve met new friends. And the show-and-tell is so interesting.”
Former Lake County Parks Department employee Sandra Basala attends monthly meetings, saying the atmosphere at the get-togethers is always relaxing and non-threatening.
“It’s comprised of those just starting all the way to professionals, but everyone is more than willing to share information and ideas,” she said. “People are welcoming and friendly, and I always learn something.”
Discussion topics during this year have included lighting and posing when taking studio portraits, painting with light, night photography and editing programs such as Photoshop. Upcoming topics include “Water-Related” (sailboats, powerboats, swimmers) in September, “Storms” in October and “Photographer’s Choice” in November.
For more information about the Lake County Parks Photography Club: 219-769-7275.
Sue Ellen Ross is a freelance reporter for the Post-Tribune.
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