Camera club puts the focus on new talent

Hartlepool Camera Club is about to launch beginners’ classes for people wanting to learn more about photography.

Officials have called on people to come forward and find out more about a club which has lots to offer.

And for those who are interested, it can lead on to a world of information on everything from Photoshop and computer use with photography, to digital manipulation.

Six weeks of sessions will start on January 13 at the club’s base, which is in the People Centre in Raby Road.

Chairman Willa Laidler said: “It will look at the basic use of a camera and, after the six weeks, things such as Photoshop.”

The first session has been planned on Wednesday, January 13.

The beginners’ course will start at 6.30pm and newcomers are not expected to sign up as members straight away. They do get a chance to get a feel for the club before deciding if it is right for them.

Willa explained: “We always say to guests ‘have a couple of weeks.’ If they join, they have to pay £15 a year.”

But that’s £15 for a club which has facilities such as the use of a computer suite for digital classes, as well as a projector, a 54in television to project images, and a studio.

The Camera Club boasts more than 70 members who travel from all over the North East.

Willa said: “Some don’t come every week, but we do have members from Blackhall, Trimdon, Horden, Easington Village, Fishburn, Stockton and Eaglescliffe as well as Hartlepool.”

She also explained more about the events held by the club.

“We have competitions and days out. We have trips away sometimes and we do inter-club events and exchanges when we look at each other’s images.”

There’s plenty to look forward to for people who do decide the club is for them. Competitions, guest speaker events, social and practical sessions and studio nights are all planned.

For more details, call (01429) 296371 or visit www.hartlepoolcameraclub.com