Essex Photo Club Hosting Exhibit in Caldwell

This month, “The Essex Photo Club presents …” will be on display in the Gene and Kathryn Collerd Local History Resource Room at the Caldwell Library, 268 Bloomfield Ave., Caldwell. The group show consists of photography by some of the club’s members. Open to the public, the Essex Photo Club (www.essexphotoclub.com) offers workshops, tours, seminars and competitions.

Patch spoke with Howard Knauer, president of the Essex Photo Club, and resident of West Orange, about the show, traveling for photo-ops and digital versus conventional photography.

Is this an annual exhibit?

This it the third year or fourth year that we’ve been doing this. Club members provide some images and then we just hang them. It’s a great way for the public to learn about our club.

How often does the club meet?

The photo club meets the first and third Thursdays of each month; September through May, at the  on Academy Road. One meeting is usually a learning program and the other is a monthly competition. We bring in judges from the NJ Federation of Camera Clubs.

Do you judge photos for other clubs?

Yes, just within the state. And last summer, I judged for the Ringwood Manor Arts Association, which is held every July and August.

Are you a full-time photographer?

No. We have one member who is a full-time photographer, though we have a few that would like to be.

How many members are in the club?

We have about 35 to 40 members right now. We get about 30 people at each meeting, depending on the topic. We’ve grown a little bit this year, partly due to increased advertising.

What are common subjects for members in the group?

Generally, we have a nature and a pictorial category for each competition, but it’s broad. A lot of our members go on trips, specifically for photo workshops and photo opportunities. I’ve been to Monument Valley, which is a nice way to spend four days with, or without, a camera. Other top spots for members include Florida or any of the National Parks, one member went to Iceland, though no one went to Antarctica yet.

Do you carry your camera 24/7?

No. Too big, too heavy, too much equipment!

What kind of camera do members typically use?

Most people use single lens reflex cameras — only the casual beginner will use a point and shoot. Although, hey, I use a point-and-shoot if I go to a family gathering — they’re fairly good. Just not for shooting a bird in flight at eight frames a second!

Do members use digital, or do some use film?

We still have one or two members that are still doing slides. We’re one of the few clubs that still maintains prints, as opposed to just digital projection. In the past three years, we’ve gone from prints and slides to 85% digital projection. But almost everyone has crossed over.

What’s favorite subject to shoot?

Favorite is not always accessible. I enjoy birds, because where wildlife is concerned they’re probably the most accessible. You can go to Florida and there are tons of birds, plus they’re not as fearful as they are here so I can get within 10 feet of them. Plan to go in the winter and it’s a nice trip all around!

But the most fun I ever had was at Animals of Montana in Bozeman, a wildlife farm which caters to photographers and videographers. A tiger charged towards me down a snow-covered hill while I just clicked away. It was pretty cool. There were eight of us on the trip, and we were huddled up in one position as the trainer and his assistant tossed chickens in the snow to entice the tigers to run and get the meat. You know, it was a lot of fun, but it was still a tiger and there were no barriers or protection between us. That was the most fun, but as I said, not the most accessible thing.

Digital vs. conventional photography?

Digital is cheaper You can go away for a week and take 15,000 photographs and you don’t have to pay to get them all developed. But then again, using digital, you can go away for a week and come home and find your equipment obsolete. 

What’s next for the club?

We’re planning to run a photographic scavenger hunt for non-members in May. Prizes may include a $100 gift certificate to Unique Photo on Route 46 and secondary prizes, such as free and half-price memberships to the club.

FIVE FACTS:

Age: 63

Medium: photography

Professional or Amateur: amateur

Training: Self-taught; various workshops; taught courses at Montclair Adult Education

Style: I don’t want you walking by my photos — whether it’s the color, the subject, the action, I want to make you feel like you’re standing there — feeling the same thing I did when I took the picture.