The Photography club, a recognized organization at The University of Rhode Island, includes photographers of all styles and skill levels.
This is only the club’s second year at the university, but they have worked hard to make a name for themselves on campus. The organization is led by juniors President Jacob Klinger and Treasurer Emile Fernando.
“I am obsessively passionate about photography and it is very important to me that there is a photography club at URI,†Klinger said.
Many of the club’s officers graduated last year, so they have vacant officer positions that they will soon be holding elections for. These positions include vice president, secretary and public relations officer. The club has around 50 members, most of whom are new this year.
Klinger said the hardest part of the club is trying to take care of all of the members, since they currently only have two officers. He said that a camera is not required to join because he doesn’t want to discourage any possible new members. The club is not just a place for experienced photographers, but also for people who are interested in getting into photography. Therefore, there is no required equipment to join the club.
At the club’s weekly meetings, they hold photo prompts where members can share their photographs. They also teach new members how to be a photographer during their workshops. Members will learn to cover all types of photography including digital, landscape and portraits.
Photography Club also collaborates with other organizations, taking pictures for the events they hold. In the past members have helped organizations by taking headshots of members and photo booths.
“As a senate-recognized club it is important to give back to the University, and we do that by working for and with other student organizations, [and] it’s also great way to get involved with other clubs without actually being in them,†Klinger said.
Another club activity they do is go on trips and excursions to places like Beavertail, Newport and Providence.
The club’s goal is to create an environment for both new and experienced photographers. They teach new members the basics of photography, and for the more experienced members it is a place to do what they love with people who share the same interests and to share their photos and receive criticism from their peers.
The club has an Instagram page, @rhodyphotoclub, for people interested in seeing their work. The best way to contact them is their email submission form that can be found on their website under the “Contact Us†tab.
For more information, visit their website at http://www.uriphotographyclub.com/ which includes galleries of the work of some of the members. The club meets every Tuesday at 6 p.m. in the Quinn Hall Auditorium.