What is the Phoenix Park Camera Club and how did we begin?
Welcome.
My name is Trevor Archibald and for approximately the past 7 years I have been teaching classes in Digital Photography at several Melbourne community centres inclucing the Phoenix Park Neighbourhood House.
These short courses have grown from an initial 3 sessions of 2.5 hours each to the current format of 5 x 2.5 hours. For more details about what is covered in these short courses, Click Here.
While I have always felt that every student will master at least some of the materials, I have often thought that it would be nice to have a venue to expand or recap on the topics covered during the lessons. Apart from offering “advanced” classes, which sometimes sound daunting, there was only the option of repeating the same modules for a second or third time. Indeed a number of my students have actually done this over the years, often coinciding with an upgrade to a more advanced or newer model camera.
Some time ago, one of my more enthusiastic students proposed that perhaps we could form a photography group which would meet on a regular basis. This would offer a venue for exchange of ideas as well as a social aspect that would allow people to indulge in their creative hobby in the company of others. Thus, the Phoenix Park Photography Group was born in 2010.
Our start has been slow and informal with several meetings at the Neighbourhood House and outings to the Melbourne Botanical Gardens and St Kilda. Attendance has been patchy but a few core members are beginning to emerge.
Who can join?
Membership is open to all but the primary focus of the club is on digital photography. Although we would not discourage film camera owners from participating, there are no plans to at this point to offer traditional film and paper darkroom facilities.
Initial membership has been drawn largely from those who have attended the digital photography short courses and Phoenix Park or Cheltenham. This is however by no means a pre-requisite.
It should be noted though, that the club is not intended to be a substitute for attending the short courses run at the community centres. While you may get help and advice by talking to other club members on an informal basis this is not the recommended way of learning about your camera if you are really starting out as a beginner.
Completion of the 12.5 hour short course is encouraged in order to help you to participate fully in club outings and activities
Completion of the 12.5 hour short course is encouraged in order to help you to participate fully in club outings and activities
How do I get involved?
Is there any cost?
At present there are no membership fees or ongoing costs. However, most non-profit groups using the Neighbourhood House pay a small contribution for room and facility hire - to cover such incidentals as heating, hot water, coffee and tea, photocopying, etc. For our monthly meetings at the Neighbourhood House we ask for a $2 donation.
Where do we meet and when?
Club meetings are held at the Phoenix Park Neighbourhood House, 22 Rob Roy Road, East Malvern 3145. The Neighbourhood House can be contacted on (03) 9530 4397 between 10.00am and 3.30pm Monday – Thursday, or 9.00am to 12noon Friday. Click Here for more information..
We usually get together at the Neighbourhood House on the first Thursday of each month at 7pm. We also endeavour to organise one outing or excursion between each evening meeting possibly based on a specific location or theme.
