About the Club

The Bloomington Photography Club of Bloomington, Indiana, consists of photographers of all skill levels from novice to professional. Members range widely in background, age and areas of interest. Membership in the club is open to anyone. Most members use 35mm SLR cameras, with a growing number also using digital cameras. Others use point & shoot, rangefinder, medium format and pinhole cameras. They use various image finishing techniques with a significant number now using computer programs and ink jet printers. However, to find a place in the club, it is not even necessary to own a camera, just to have an interest in photography. Currently, we have about 140 members. Club activities for the following year are planned at a meeting held in November with input and decision making by the entire membership, or at least those that wish to participate. A Board, consisting of about 20 members, makes arrangements for and implements the plan. The Board is headed by a President, Vice-President, Secretary and Treasurer with the remainder of the board members spread throughout various committees. Committes cover Programs & Special Events, Exhibitions, Field Trips, Education, Promotions & Public Relations, and Newsletter & Web site. All members are encouraged to participate.

Mission Statement

The Bloomington Photography Club explores the connection between the eye, the camera, and the spirit, by fostering and encouraging growth of artistic vision and technical knowledge. The Club provides an informal, friendly, and supportive environment for photographers at all levels of ability and with interests in all types of photographic imagery.The Club offers a means for members to share ideas and knowledge with each other and to promote an interest in photography throughout the community, through exhibitions and public events.Club activities offer a means for members to share ideas and knowledge with each other and to promote an interest in photography throughout the community. We hold monthly meetings, host speakers with diverse experiences and skills in photography, promote sharing and critiquing of work and technique, hold exhibitions and workshops and are involved in community projects. Field trips are scheduled throughout the year to provide interesting photo oportunities for members.

Dues

Dues are $25 per year for individuals and participating family members and $10 for full-time students (at least 9 credit hours). Membership is open to anyone with an interest in photography. The club year begins in January and all memberships must be renewed at that time. The fee for new memberships is due at the time of joining the club. While our meetings are open to anyone and everyone is welcome, club membership entitles you to enter images in Photo Shares and club sponsered exhibitions, receive help from Mentors, go on field trips, pay reduced fees for workshops, receive the club newsletter, exhibit images on the club web site and participate in club discount programs. Membership fees and a completed Membership Form should be brought to the club meeting or mailed to: BPC Treasurer c/o Steve Schmaltz 458 Woodville Rd. Mitchell, IN 47446. CLICK HERE for the BPC membership form.

Meetings

The club meets every first Tuesday of the month except in December when there is an Annual Party. The meetings begin at 7 pm and last until 9 or 9:30 pm. Visitors are always welcome.
Meetings are held at the First Presbyterian Church at 6th and Lincoln in Bloomington. This is diagonally NW across the intersection from the Monroe County Public Library parking lot. Parking is in back of the church with access from 7th St. The meeting room is reached by the entrance at the parking lot

In general, meetings begin with announcements, Q&As and a short discussion of the latest information on upcoming events. The final part of the meeting is reserved for the main program that is either a speaker or a themed Photo Share. Tables are available for members to display prints that can be viewed before the meeting and during the break period.

Board meetings are held on the third Tuesday of each month. They begin at 7 pm and are held at 300 W. First St. Parking and entrance at the rear. All members are encouraged to attend.

Don Wood Memorial Award

At the end of each year, one or more members are selected to receive the Don Wood Memorial Award. This award was established in 1996 to remember Don Wood, a member who died that year. Don, who joined the club in 1989, is remembered for his friendliness, supportive and positive regard for the work of other club members, and the seriousness and enthusiasm he felt about his own photography. The award is given to honor members who, themselves, exhibit those qualities that made Don such a valued member of the club.