Shutterbugs refocus photo club

LAKEWOOD RANCH — The Lakewood Ranch Digital Photography Club is taking new aim.

Although the club has been around since 2003, its leaders are hoping to stimulate interest and participation by offering monthly photography themes, which start this month, in addition to lessons in photocomposition and editing.

“Every month, we’re going to have a different theme,” said Bob Swiatek, one of the club’s instructors and board members. “We have members (of all skill levels). Through that, we will all gain some insight.”

This month, participants are being asked to bring four photos of architecture in Lakewood Ranch or of their respective community.

The group’s next meeting will be held at 6:30 p.m., May 19, at Lakewood Ranch Town Hall and is open to photographers of all skill levels and digital camera types.

The first part of the class deals with how to compose and take a good picture, while the other part of the class explores how to correct photos using editing software such as Photoshop CS and Photoshop Elements.

“Not all photos, if they are bad, have to be thrown away,” Swiatek said. “The grandbaby’s first steps — if the flash didn’t go off, what do you do? We teach you how to (fix it).”

Besides the themed photographs, participants also are encouraged to bring in family photos or other images they wish to correct or share, Swiatek said.

“Everybody loves to see pictures of their grandchildren, their children and that vacation,” Swiatek said. “Our hope is we can stimulate them to bring those pictures.”

“A photograph is a moment in time,” he said. “It’s history. You can’t go back to that time, but (a photograph) gives you an accurate record.”

Swiatek and the group’s other board members — Rich Rothstine, Robert Bolcik and Denny Noto — eventually hope to bring in professional and published amateur photographers to share their experience with club members, and they also hope to set up club field trips, Swiatek said.

Contact Pam Eubanks at [email protected].

Lakewood Digital Photography Club
WHEN: Meets at 6:30 p.m., every third Wednesday of the month. The next meeting is May 19.
WHERE: Lakewood Ranch Town Hall, 8175 Lakewood Ranch Blvd.
INFORMATION: 755-1641 or [email protected]