July 7, 2014
Well, here we are turning one! Yes, the newly restarted Digital Photography SIG kicked into drive in 2013. I admit I was nervous. Bringing back a popular SIG is not easy for anyone. I had a few clues about the previous leaders and what they offered. I knew what Charley May, SIG Director at the time, wanted from me. And I understood where I hoped the SIG would go.
Has it met my expectations? Yes, and no. I started with a huge crowd at the first meeting. Then attendence dropped - like a hot potato falling from your scorched hands! I struggled for a bit to find the right path. Most of the information was new, and I was constantly charged about sharing it. This proved to be the wrong direction in October. Okay, so throwing a bunch of technical terms around wasn't the good way.
I learned from watching people who came. I relaxed at the beginning of the year, and put in suggestions. This gave us the room to breathe and learn while having more fun. I've heard that DIY projects, tips from pros, and practice times are all popular. They are definitely more fun than grasping technical stuff you'll never use.
So, where does this leave us? Well, this is what I think. I expected to share information. I did it. I expected to have fun. I've had it - and so have others. I expected to deepen my knowledge. I did it. I expected to try new ideas. We all did it - and with cool results!
In the next year, I hope to bring in more guest speakers. I plan to offer terms that will help you, not slow you down. I think I may look for field trip options where parking will not be such a struggle. I would like to see us have our first gallery. Perhaps we can even find a contest without complicated rules and early deadlines - and no fee. Yes, we grew in the first year. Yes, we will grow more in the next one!
So, come on by. Give us a try! We don't bite; yet, we may take your picture for practice. Look for us at the St.Matthews/Eline branch of the library. We're always open to new attendees, and ones that wish to return.