FAIRHOPE, Alabama—The Eastern Shore Camera Club had its first meeting in a small gallery space in January 2010. Seven people attended.

The club now has monthly meetings that draw upwards of 35 people, 97 Flickr group members, 202 people who receive its email newsletter, and over 400 followers on its Facebook page.  

Founded by professional photographer Stephen Savage and Kim Matthews, the community created by the club through meetings, outings, photo sharing, contests, plus a wide range of educational opportunities and fellowship, has become an essential gathering place for Eastern Shore photographers at all levels of experience.  

 “I was a student of his and we became friends,” said Matthews, referring to Savage, who teaches photography classes in the area. “Mobile, Foley and Pensacola all have camera clubs.  There wasn't anything like that for photographers on the Eastern Shore, so we decided to start one.  We have members from all of the area clubs that attend our meetings and vice versa.  I think it has been a good thing for all of the area camera clubs.”

At its 6:30 meeting this Thursday night, March 14, at Room 319 in the John L. Borom Center at Faulkner State Community College in Fairhope, the club will hear from guest photographer Jon Hague, review the results of a member survey, recognize the club’s Festival of Flowers photo contest winners, and make plans for some upcoming events.

“I am a member because I enjoy participating with other people who also have a love of photography,” Sherry Stimpson Frost said. “We share ideas, we share skills, we encourage and help those who want to learn, we learn ourselves, we have group photo shoots and group trips, and we do good things for other people.  It’s a win-win group of enthusiasts who love what they are doing with a camera.”

Savage, who offers local photography classes, said Matthews has helped build the camera club and is one of the main reason it keeps going so effectively.

“If you're a parent who wants to take better photographs of your kids at a soccer game, you want to improve your composition skills, you want to know some tips about using Photoshop, you want to know what ‘that button on my camera does,’ or my personal favorite ‘what went wrong here?’ someone in our group can answer your questions,” Matthews says. “This group has a tremendous amount of talent, and our photographers are enthusiastic about sharing what they know.  If you go on one of our field trips or group events you can work beside and learn from some of the best photographers in our area.”

Savage’s upcoming classes include Digital Photography Now, scheduled for the Eastern Shore Art Center in Fairhope from April 2 to May 7, 6 p.m. to 8:30 p.m., and an Advanced Class from April 3 to May 8 at Courtyard 311 in Fairhope.

“I’ve been a member of the club for about a year,” Lori Stover said. “I really enjoy all of the guest speakers with their knowledge of skills and what they share with us.   You don’t have to be a ‘pro’ in order to attend this club.”

For more information about the club, photography classes and upcoming outings: info@escamera.org, escamera.org, the club’s Facebook page, or Savage at 251-401-0008.