1.) Why did you decide to start the club? Was there something in particular you felt the club could add to the school?
I started the club for two reasons. The main reason was to create a learning environment to share photographic knowledge through social interaction and events. I wanted to create a place where people could share their love and passion for photography. It’s also a great way to meet others interested in photography. The other reason I started the club was I was asked by faculty to create a photo club. I had been asking students on my own to join me in photo adventures, where we would go out and photograph together. This summer a group of photography students got together a few times to photograph. I feel like this club is an extension of that.

2.) What sort of events has the club participated in so far? What events are coming up for next semester?
We’ve started off well with events. We participated in the MATC Open House. We were asked by the JOBshop to photograph students and faculty for a LinkedIn event. We were able to provide head shots for people to use for their LinkedIn profile photos. We will be participating in the Breakfast With Santa event hosted by the Student Government. We will be photographing children with Santa. We have monthly photo contests. The three top winners have their photos displayed in the case on the fifth floor of the main building downtown. Next semester we will be offering small prizes for winners as well.
Next semester we’re hoping to visit the Domes. We’d like to create a connection with the culinary/baking majors, as well as hair salon majors to work on photographing their work and promoting them, as well as giving us an opportunity to improve our photography in those areas. We’re working on displaying our photographs in Academic Services rooms.

3.) How difficult was the process of getting the club officially created?
The Student Life office was very helpful. They provided me with all the information to set up a club. The Photography department was supportive of a photography club being created. I also asked other faculty questions I had about the process. The hardest part for me was writing the constitution and bylaws. There was a lot I had to look up in order to be able to write it.

4.) How many active participants are in the club? Is there room for more? Is it open to anyone or just photography students?
There are currently 17 students in the club, but there is always room for more people! Anyone is welcome to join. You do not need to be a photography major. The only requirement is you’re interested in photography!

5.) What would someone who joined the club get out of it?
The Photography Club is open to all different skill levels of photographers. We want to share our knowledge with one another. Sometimes the best way to learn is from one another, not necessarily in a classroom. I think that someone who joined would have a place to share their love of photography and also learn about photography. At our last meeting, we had one member teach us a Photoshop technique and we had an alumnus of the Photography program come in and talk to us about what he’s been learning in the industry. I just want everyone to know that you really don’t need to be a photo major to be in our club. We’re welcome to have others join.

6.) What are your meetings like and when do they happen?
Our meetings are currently the third Thursday of the month in room M586 in the downtown Milwaukee campus at 5 p.m. Our next meeting is Dec. 18.