FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (FAQ)
Q: How long has the Tri-City Digital Photography Club (TCDPC) been around?
A. Since November 29th, 2007.
Planning for the new club began in early October 2007 with the first official club meeting being held November 29th, 2007.
Q: Are you the same people as the Tri-City Camera Club (TCCC)?
A: No.
The founders of the Tri-City Digital Photography Club (TCDPC) have never been members of TCCC. The co-founders of TCDPC (Jack and Lee Farrell) considered joining TCCC in the beginning and even attended one meeting, but quickly concluded that a need for a NEW club existed. Currently two former members of TCCC have accepted officer’s positions in the new club. Both individuals left TCCC because that club had not met their needs and expectations.
Membership
Q: Do I have to be a member to attend meetings?
A: No
TCDPC meetings are always open to the public and we welcome drop in visitors. Some activities of TCDPC are for members only, but the presentations and teaching/instruction are all free to the public.
Q: How much are membership dues?
A: $25 for individuals and $40 per family (includes spouse and children)
Q: Why would I want to pay for a membership if I can attend for free?
A: Simply put, membership has privileges.
TCDPC offers monthly photo contests which are open to club members only. While the public is invited to view and vote on club photo contests, submission into the contest and recognition awards must come from paying club members. Many of the club field trips are open to members only since funds are sometimes provided by the club to offset the cost to its members. We believe that the cost of membership is so minimal that visitors will WANT to pay membership fees to help the club provide bigger and better events and offerings.
Competitions
Q: Why are TCDPC competition rules so restrictive?
A: To make you a better photographer!
TCDPC rules are designed to put an emphasis on photography over digital art. We teach and encourage sound photography skills such as composition, lighting, choice of subject matter, etc and then how to take an already technically sound photograph and make it even better through the digital dark room (photo editing software). There is a big difference between being a Photoshop wizard and being a great photographer. Someone who has mastered Photoshop may be able to make just about anything look good with enough manipulation, but we at TCDPC want to teach and create great PHOTOGRAPHERS. Photoshop mastery is wonderful and we will also teach how to master Photoshop editing techniques, however, what’s even better is when Photoshop mastery is combined with taking great photographs to start with!
Q: Will you ever have a competition that allows me to go crazy with things in photo editing?
A: Absolutely.
Once a quarter TCDPC plans to offer two “alternative” editing rules sets. One rules set will be called “Digital Art” and the other rules set will be called “Straight from the Camera.” In “Digital Art” there are very few rules. You can use multiple images combined together, create new shapes and effects with photo editing, and do just about whatever your creative mind can come up with. Pretty much the only rules are the rules to resize your image for submission.
Q: What if I don’t know a lot about photo editing, can I really be competitive in a challenge with Photoshop masters?
A: Of course!
Our standard rules sets (basic and advanced) are designed to allow a photographer to fix minor imperfections in their photo or to enhance the original beauty of the photo a little more. The rules do not allow them to create objects that weren’t there to begin with or do crazy wild things. There are many photographers that can run circles around photoshop wizards by taking a fantastic picture to start with. If their picture is perfect out of the camera, there is no need for photo editing. The editing software can easily become a crutch for those who know they can fix whatever problem they have in on the computer at home. The better photographer will take an excellent photo in the field and won’t need much fix up at all. On top of that, once a quarter, TCDPC will offer a “Straight from the Camera” rules set that allows virtually NO photo editing. This puts even the rank beginner on equal footing at least 4 times a year. Last but not least, let's not forget that we TEACH photo editing techniques in our club meetings so you'll eventually learn to do what the others may already know.
How Can I Help?
Q: What can I do to help TCDPC be a better club?
A: Lots!
First and foremost, we need to get our name out all over town. You can start by printing out and hanging up one of our informational flyers where you work or at your local coffee shop. You can also pick up business cards to hand out to friends and family or to include in gift boxes if you buy someone a new digital camera.
Do you know a photo editing software program well? Consider becoming a Mentor for other club members (see Mentorship Program on this page).
Can you come to meetings early or stay late? We can always use help setting up and tearing down after a meeting. Ask the president if you can help out on the cleaning crew.
We still have club offices open. If you fit the requirements we are looking for, please email or call the president of the club right away!