Get focused

Photo enthusiasts have the opportunity to gain knowledge and experience in photography at the Mid Michigan Photography Club’s 3^rd Annual Free Photography Open House, at 6 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 11 at the First Presbyterian Church in downtown Lansing.

“We can’t teach you to be a pro in one night but we can certainly point you in the right direction to improve your knowledge and skills,” said Ron St. Germain, the club’s founder and chairman.

St. Germain is a professional wildlife photographer, instructor of several photography courses in the area and the winner of five professional international awards for photography and outdoor writing. He started the club in 2006, so that local photographers could go somewhere to improve their camera skills in a fast-paced digital world.

“Everything has gone digital, so you have to be your own photographer and your own darkroom to be really good at it,” St. Germain said. “You need to know more about (cameras) than ever before. We have people in our club willing to help and teach anybody interested in photography, and improve their skills.”

Meetings consist of guest speakers, presentations of new technology and discussions about various photo topics. Members are also encouraged to share their own photo presentations, whether they capture sporting events, a trip or random subjects.

“The club does outreach programs, like the seminar, and puts together a gallery show as a club every year,” St. Germain added. “People who never had a chance to display their work get the opportunity.”

The Mid Michigan Photography club meets the first Wednesday of every month at the First Presbyterian Church, and membership is $35 per year. New members are encouraged to attend a meeting to gain a familiarity with the club before officially joining.

“We have a very diverse group within our club from professionals to beginners, but no matter what our member’s experience level is, we all have one thing in common, we love photography,” said Penny Eisfelder, the club’s president.

Prospective members will also have the chance to meet members and learn more about the club at Wednesday’s open house. Attendees can anticipate gaining experience in various photography topics such as camera basics, exposure, equipment and computer basics. Topics are presented in the form of rotating mini-seminars taught by local professional photographers.

There is no registration necessary to attend the free open house. “Just show up and we will take care of you,” said Bryan Renaud, one of the event’s organizers. “We hope to see a lot of photo enthusiast come and take advantage of this great event.” To learn more about the free open house and the Mid Michigan Photography Club, go to www.MMPhotoClub.com.

Mid Michigan Photography Club Open House

6 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 11

First Presbyterian Church

510 W. Ottawa St., Lansing

Free

www.MMPhotoClub.com