By Amalia Kortright, For The Tribune
TRUSSVILLE — Photography lovers in Trussville and the surrounding areas now have a way to share their enthusiasm with others. The Trussville Photography Club was recently started by Trussville resident Mike Gardner as a way for him to share his interests.
“We’re just getting started. I kept looking for a club close around, and I didn’t really know anyone around here who was into photography, so it took me two months of thinking about it to decide to commit and start my own club,” Gardner said.
According to Gardner, each meeting is informational and focuses on a different aspect of photography. The club also takes monthly field trips to scenic locations around the state. They also plan on inviting several guest speakers to their meetings in the future.
“This past Saturday, we went to Perry Lakes Park,” Gardner said. “No one in the group had ever heard of it. It’s in Marion, Alabama. When you get there, it’s like being in a Louisiana Swamp. There are cypress trees and Spanish moss and lily pads and flowers. It’s a pretty cool place.”
The Trussville Photography Club plans on taking a “Covered Bridge Tour” where they will travel from Trussville to Palisades Park in Oenonta and stop to photograph various covered bridges along the way.
Gardner aims for the Trussville Photography Club to be social, as well as educational. He is also looking to start a satellite group for students.
“A lot of clubs are more competitive, but we’re not going to get into the competitive part of it,” Gardner said. “We wanted it to be friendly. We want you to feel welcome when you come in. Relax. We’re all learning here.”
According to Gardner, everyone is welcome to join, and no prior experience is required.
“There are a lot of beginners in this group,” Gardner said. “I’ve been into it for a long time, but there have been technology advancements and [the cameras] just keep getting better and better. It’s still a learning process. We’re just there to help promote photography.”
The Trussville Photography Club charges a year for single members, for families and for students. The club currently meets monthly at the Trussville Public Library, but will be moving to a larger location soon. Anyone interested in joining can e-mail trussvillephotographyclub@gmail.com or join the Facebook group “Trussville Photography Club” for more information.
“Come to the meetings. Everybody is welcome. It’s a very friendly club, we’re very laid back and all questions are welcome,” Gardner said. “I want us to be the best photography club around.”
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