The Image Maker
for Ontario Leaders in Photography Education
Volume 2023-3: March 9, 2023
A Message from the O3C President
What a difference a few months can make! It wasn’t that long ago that the O3C’s Executive Board was questioning our future and now we’re reorganizing and rebuilding with several initiatives in the works for the remainder of this season, looking into next season and beyond. Maybe that had something to do with finally climbing out of the COVID doldrums, but whatever it was, we’re excited!
Here’s a partial list of the activities we’re working on:
- Improving and streamlining our communications with member clubs through ‘The Image Maker’ and by becoming more visible to individual members through social media:
- We’ve created a new Facebook Group, so if you’re already a Facebook member, be sure to sign up to share information with other O3C member clubs and your fellow club members.
- We’ve also created an Instagram account, where you can share you photos at #o3cphoto.
- Continuing our very popular judging program, including training new judges.
- Planning to re-introduce the Open Challenge for next season.
- Holding round-table meetings with the member club executive teams. We just held our first one on February 25th. I have no doubt that all attendees came away feeling that it was a very worthwhile way to spend a couple of hours on a Saturday morning sharing their clubs’ experiences on 4 main topics.
- Adding exciting new travel destinations to our Photo Tour Program and scheduling a live 'Travel Day', in April.
- Planning club executive on-line workshop / education days on a variety of subjects, such as governance (bylaws, the need to incorporate as a non-profit), insurance, best practices, etc.
- Working on programs to offer assistance to the clubs in areas such as web, email and competition hosting support.
We’re doing all we can to share our excitement with you and we’ll keep you up-to-date on these initiatives in the coming months. Read all about it in ‘The Image Maker’ and on the O3C Facebook Group.
All the best,
Leif Petersen
Yes, You Matter to the Success of Your Club!
The need for Volunteers: Many hands make light work!
by Bharat Mistry, O3C Past President
As photographers, we all know the value of capturing a moment, freezing it in time, and preserving it for future generations to enjoy. But have you ever considered the value of giving your time to your Camera Club as a volunteer?
It’s a lot easier to say that “Oh, someone else can do it.” But the reality is, if you want to see true change that you and others can benefit from, you have to raise your hand and step in. As someone who has gone through this experience in my Club and also at the O3C over the past 15 years, I can honestly say, the rewards you get back will out weigh the time you invest in the organization.
At first glance, the required roles may seem daunting and overwhelming. Some positions do require a financial or technical background, but the majority of roles are about managing people and activities. With a bit of patience and common sense, anyone (or as a committee) can tackle these tasks with relative ease.
Volunteering for your camera club can provide numerous benefits that extend beyond the joy of capturing stunning images. Firstly, it provides the opportunity to connect with like-minded individuals who share your passion for photography. Through volunteering, you can meet new people, form friendships, and build a community that supports and inspires you and others in the photography journey.
Secondly, volunteering can help you develop new skills and expand your knowledge of the craft. By taking on different roles within the club, such as event planning, marketing, or leading workshops, you can gain valuable experience that can help you grow both personally and professionally. Many clubs have taken the committee approach, so one person does not have to take on the task single handily.
Furthermore, volunteering can give you a sense of purpose and fulfillment. By giving your time and energy to your camera club, you are contributing to a cause that you care about and making a positive impact in your community. This sense of fulfillment can boost your self-esteem, increase your happiness, and even improve your mental health.
Finally, volunteering can also lead to exciting opportunities and new adventures. You may have the chance to participate in photography exhibitions, attend photography workshops, or even travel to new and exciting locations with other members of the club.
In conclusion, volunteering for your camera club is a rewarding experience that offers numerous benefits for both you and the club. It provides the opportunity to connect with others, develop new skills, and make a positive impact in your community. So why not give it a try? You never know what adventures await you when you give your time to something you love.
Speaker Endorsements and Speaker Ratings
Tom Stephens, speakers@o3c.ca
OLIS Speakers' Registry Keeper
Is your club looking ahead to the next season? It seems that many clubs are and you may be looking at the OLIS Speakers' Registry to find speakers. Why should you? Because it'll be a big help. The Registry contains 181 endorsements of 101 speakers across 29 genres of
photography, so it's a great resource. But it needs to be constantly fed by clubs who add or update a review of a recent speaker at your club. All 101 speakers in the Regsitry are there because one or more clubs endorsed them.
And we're looking to make the speaker reviews even more informative by adding a rating system with separate scores on Inspiration, Education, and Entertainment. A sample rating form was recently distributed to all Program Directors listed in OLIS. So far, I've received feedback on this form from only 10 clubs; it's been useful but I'd like more! If your club has not responded, now's the time! And if the survey has gone astray, I'd be happy to send another. Contact me at speakers@o3c.ca.
Thanks in advance.
The Program Chairs' Meeting from February 11
https://olis.o3c.ca/documents/program-meeting-february-11-2023/
Jennifer Shoniker, Education Chair
February 25th Round Table Meeting: Look on OLIS
O3C Upcoming Events
Save the Date! Details coming soon.
What's Up in Other Clubs?
Learn more about Kristopher Andres here www.kristopherandres.com
www.torontocameraclub.com
www.henrys.com
About Us
Email: education@o3c.ca
Website: o3c.ca
Phone: 6133894162
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/o3cfbgroup/