Highlands Camera Club members get together for a meal.
Frank Renault started Highlands Camera Club in 2004 in Abingdon, Virginia.
“I have been interested in photography since I was a teenager, and I belonged to a couple of camera clubs when I lived in Miami. I love this area but missed not having a local camera club, so I decided to try to start one here in Abingdon. In November of 2004 we had our first meeting, and 2005 was our first full year of operation. I made reservations to meet at the Washington County Library on the third Tuesday of each month. The only notice was a note that was put on the library’s bulletin board and a notice in the Bristol Herald Courier which said that a new camera club was opening in Abingdon. I had my fingers crossed and hoped for four or five people to show up. Much to my surprise and delight over a dozen people showed up,” Renault says.
The club now meets at Abingdon Presbyterian Church at 6:30 p.m., on the third Tuesday of the month. There is a different theme for each meeting. At some meetings, they have guest speakers or members teach a workshop, while at other meetings, they share and talk about photos they have taken.
“Most people who join our club already have an interest in photography, and are wanting to expand their knowledge of photography. Interactions with like-minded individuals enables them to improve their photography skills through the opportunity of learning from advanced and professional members.
“The benefits of joining our group include learning how to improve one’s photography through discussion forums, field trips, guest speakers and learning from our advanced members. We provide discussion of photographic principles, composition and lighting, for instance, and provide lessons on software such as Adobe Photoshop Elements, Lightroom, Picasa and Topaz to name a few,” Renault says.
“The benefit for me has been the connection I have made with other camera and photography lovers, the programming and shared knowledge,” Chad Thompson, club member says.
The club is a mix of amateurs and advanced photographers, and they do have speakers that are professionals. They welcome all age groups. At 85, Renault has the honor of being the oldest member. Club members are primarily digital shooters; however, many of them also enjoy film. Most if not all of them also do a lot of phone photography.
The club doesn’t have contests, but they do have monthly photo challenges and an annual photo scavenger hunt.
The club has a yearly photo show at the The Arts Depot, Abingdon, Virginia. This year it’s scheduled for Sept. 27 through Nov. 8.
“We usually have members showing over 100 photographs, most of which are for sale. The Arts Depot has said it is one of their most popular events. We also have two social events, one is our annual picnic, and the other is our Christmas banquet, which last year was held at the Glenrochie Country Club,” Renault says.
Dues are $25 per year and include access to all scheduled meetings, field trips and a private Facebook group. To join, simply go to a meeting, reach out through their Facebook page or send an email to vahighlandscameraclub@gmail.com.
