In their weekly gallery, University of Rhode Island’s Photography Club brought forth the opportunity for artists to showcase their talents on Sept. 26 in Pastore Hall.
Embracing the theme of “light,” students were eager to display their captured moments on screen for their fellow club members, hoping not only to express technique, but to also potentially learn something new in the process.
Presenting everything from concert images to sky compositions, those in Photography Club shared their own personal stories: discussing photo editing styles, photo locations or even just a short account of the image’s backstory.
One artist in particular, first-year Natalie Pelligrini, a film media major, put her photographs of lanterns on display from The Big E Fair in Massachusetts, captivating the attention of her audience. With the use of both natural and artificial light, Pelligrini’s images held a dreamlike quality in their illumination, recording various images of stained glass and Turkish lamps.
“I was inspired by my friend who introduced me to photography,” Pelligrini said. “I’ve only been in the club for two weeks, but everyone is so welcoming.”
First-year Shane Motta brought an equally interesting composition to display, focusing more on capturing the effects of nature on and off campus.
“Being gifted a camera by my sister two years ago, I have wanted to see the different styles of photography ever since,” Motta said. “When I first thought about capturing light, I wanted to figure out what type of day to capitalize on and focus on different sights in nature.”
While this ongoing message of support is highlighted by the students themselves, URI’s Photography Club has only been available to students rather recently. Coming together a little over a year ago, the club was formed after third-year president Bridget Brochu decided that her love for photography should be shared, sending a message out in order to reach similar passionate artists.
There seemed to be an outcry of support ever since, expanding from a close group of friends to a growing community of young, inspired photographers.
“Photography is for everyone,” third-year vice president Liam DiAdamo and third-year secretary Ellis Rienzi said. “It doesn’t matter your skill level or equipment, we just want to share our common interest.”
The following week’s theme was announced by the end of this gallery night, introducing the subject of “colors” in light of the coming fall and changing of the seasons. In choosing an open prompt, one that is still crucial to the fundamental art of photography, this allows the artists the freedom to express themselves.
The Photography Club is in the process of obtaining new rental cameras for those who wish to take their passion for photography and explore new means of obtaining them.
For students interested in joining, meetings are held Thursdays at 4:30 p.m. in Pastore Hall in room 234.