WESTFIELD-Three friends with a passion for photography have set their sights on shining a light on the city – with their cameras.
Brian Grady, Jeff Blood and Demetrios Kanavaros founded the Whip City Photo Club with a simple premise – meet like-minded photo enthusiasts who enjoy sharing their experiences and tricks of the trade.
Jeff Blood, Brian Grady and Demetrios Kanavaros are founders of the Whip City Photo Club.
The next gathering of the group is planned for May 28 from 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., meeting outside of the Hangar Pub and Grill on School Street.
“When we get together it is a lot of storytelling because we enjoy sharing experiences,” said Grady, who has a journalism and film background.
Blood echoed those sentiments.
“Over the years working in video production, I learned techniques from still photographers when I was covering the same events,” said Blood. “They showed me how to anticipate what is going to happen. I found I had more in common with the still guys since you become more disciplined at it.”
For Kanavaros, his “appreciation” for photography started in childhood on excursions with his dad.
“Photo trips with my dad are a fond memory,” said Kanavaros. “Working in his dark room was also a really fun pastime.”
Blood also noted his “passion” for photography started with a father/son moment when he was 17.
“My dad explained the camera basics including f-stops and shutter speeds,” said Blood. “From there I studied lighting and examined photos in National Geographic magazines for angles. Why not steal ideas from the best photographers.”
Each time the club meets, participants are asked to drop a suggestion in a hat and then one topic is drawn.
“We like the fast pace,” said Grady, noting there is no time to Photoshop an image.
Subject topics have ranged from texture, contrast, foliage and motion to urban decay and life in the city. Most participants remain downtown to capture the desired images; however, some may choose to drive around the city to find the one shot that best captures the chosen topic.
“We are all from Westfield and are making a hometown investment in this club,” said Grady. “We think it is important for people to see foot traffic downtown.”
All three men noted that local businesses have been welcoming when they stop in to capture a moment in time representing Westfield.
“We are also capturing the revitalization of downtown,” said Kanavaros.
Participants typically take 60 minutes to find the photos that best fit the subject matter, and then return to the Hangar Pub for lunch and to share their photos. To ensure that everyone can see the images up-close, a laptop is available for screening purposes.
“We welcome all skill levels,” said Blood. “Everyone can learn from each other.”
Kanavaros added that even when several people take a photo of the same image – there is always a new perspective from each photo that shines through.
“There is no judgment made on any of the photos,” said Kanavaros. “We all learn from each other, whether photos are taken with a camera or a cell phone.”
Blood added there are no rules, no dues, “just an informal opportunity to make new friends who share an enthusiasm for photography and want to have some fun exploring Westfield.”
Kanavaros said he would also like to see the group grow.
“Since we are open to all skill levels that sets us apart from other camera clubs,” said Kanavaros.
Grady concurred.
“I want to meet more people who are interested in Westfield and in photography,” said Grady.
Blood also noted that their format of choosing a subject topic on the spot is “an exercise for your brain. It’s not just taking photo shots.”
For persons new to photography, shadowing a more experienced photographer is also welcomed.
“We never know how many people will participate so we encourage those interested to send a comment on our Facebook page,” said Kanavaros.
For more information and to sign up to attend the May 28 gathering, visit the Whip City Photo Club on Facebook.
