January Meeting

At our January meeting we had 30 members and 9 (1st and 2nd time) guests or a total of 39 in attendance, which produced a record attendance. Mandy, Mattie, David and Bruce became members since the December meeting.

Our photographs will remain at the library in Stuart through February and will be delivered to members at the March 5th meeting. A nice time was had at the Christmas party, held at Sammy and Carolyn’s home. A very nice gift from the members was given to Sammy, Nellie and I at the party. Thanks so much from all of us.

Once a year we evaluate our club by members and guests completing an evaluation survey as our quality control measure. A copy of the survey was distributed and everyone asked to complete and return at the next meeting. A copy is attached if you failed to receive one. No need to sign unless you just want to. One item, not on the form, is to see if members would prefer to continue meeting on the main floor or do we want to move to the basement (some say they hear better in basement). If one does not plan to attend the February meeting, comments can be forwarded to me and I will include your input in our evaluation. In March, I will go over the results of the survey and members will vote on any changes some may suggest. Thanks to Nelson, we corrected the spelling of “brochure”. I will blame that on spell check, even though I should have known better.
Our annual election will also take place in March.

The folks that made a significant contribution to our club were awarded our “Certificate of Appreciation”. Also, 2007 member ID cards were distributed.

Information on submitting photos for the Appalachian Mountain Photography Competition 2007 was distributed.

A very nice program on studio photography was presented by Fergie, Lamont, and Alma. Thanks to them as well as our great in-house models.

Next month our club’s monthly competition will be on “portraits”. Yes, guests are invited to participate. Only 8x10s in 11x14 mats will be eligible to be retained at Homestead until the following month even though you may win using a different size print, the photo was in a frame, or a photo was without a mat. A maximum of 8 winners will be made.

Next month we are trying to get a photographer to expand the studio photography theme by going over tips on our posing the subjects. Both Lamont and Fergie will be out of town and I have asked Ed Conner, studio photographer in Fieldale to judge the portraits and speak on tips in posing his subjects. Bring your camera again.

P.S. Some of you may have read the Martinsville Bulletin’s competition on the best photos of scenic spots in Martinsville and Henry County. Pick up a copy of the Bulletin if interested with a deadline of 2/14. Rules are listed. No mats or frames, just up to 3 photos. I can deliver your photographs to the Bulletin if you have them ready for me at the meeting on the 5th.