Open meeting teaches about photography

By Rex Dolby

Several Van Wert residents accepted the Wassenberg Camera Club’s invitation to attend a free and open meeting January 26 to learn more about using their photography equipment and photography in general. The visitors were divided into two small groups with club members for instruction and discussion. When the sessions closed, several expressed their appreciation for the knowledge gained.

Due to rapidly changing technology, and cost cutting, camera manufacturers no longer print detailed handbooks for their cameras, but supply that information in a quick start form, or on a CD, downloadable pdf files or in the Help menu on the computer. These are not always convenient ways to gain an answer to setting or using your new camera and can be overwhelming. Let us help!

Here’s a suggestion for making your own handy reference booklet.

•    List all the topics and settings you want to cover (such as setting the shutter, lens, flash, timer, ISO, white balance, and the like).

•    Number each topic and setting close to the frequency you will be using them. (Often used will be the lower numbers for example}

•    Take any 8.5×11 sheet of paper and fold it half to form 4 surfaces that are 8.5×5.5.

•    With the fold to your left, number the top surface 1, open the fold and number the left side 2, and the right side 3, and the back side 4.  This will be the page order that your topics and settings you numbered will be printed.  (Pages 4 & 1 on one side, 2 & 3 on the other side.  Space a wider margin on the side next to the fold to avoid not being able to read it if you decide later to have your sheets bound.

•    Copy the desired information, saving each by title and pg. number. The second sheet would have 8 & 5 on one side, and 6 & 7 on the other. Continue this process till you have the information you need printed in the desired order. Use page 1 or your last page to make an index of where the topics and setting can be found.

•    Options to hold your booklet together include:  fasteners, staples, or bound at the printers, who can also trim the pages for you.

The Wassenberg Camera Club’s next meeting will be at 7 p.m. Thursday, February 9, at the Wassenberg Art Center. Food will be the competition theme that evening. Again, visitors are always welcome. Feel free to check it out, this is a great place to learn the ins and outs of almost any type of camera.

Contact the art center at 419.238.6837 or by email: wassenberg@embarqmail.com. 
The Wassenberg Art Center is located at 643 South Washington Street in Van Wert.