With about 40 members the West Kootenay Camera Club has a load of talent to go around, and the members are continually looking to learn more.
In their most recent competition the club called upon four expert judges to go over entries in categories including Nature; Human Interest; Photojournalism; Creative Images; Flowers; Open; Portraits; Architecture and Still Life.
The photos were amassed and displayed at the Kootenay Gallery starting on Friday night, June 1.
The exhibit had originally been slated to run a total of three days, but as it turned out the club, and the public, got a bonus with the photos to be on display right through to June 9.
The show will then move south for a three day run in Trail from June 22-24 at the Waneta Mall.
The club is an ideal environment for anyone interested in photography, whatever level they may be at. For instance, Vi Madrigga, creator of the first and second place submissions has only been at it for six years. It goes to show how quickly an enthusiast can progress.
A person can also get some great photos without necessarily breaking the bank on gear.
Member Calvin Him says you don't need a $10,000 camera to get great photos. What does help is a certain amount of sensitivity and the ability to know a great subject when you see it. With patience, persistence and some pointers from those in the know... large strides may be made.
The club's past president Eileen Henschell says about 98 per cent of the credit for a prize winning photograph goes to the photographer.
It's often said, 'the more the merrier,' and that's certainly the case with the West Kootenay Camera Club. Anyone with an interest is warmly welcomed to join in the fun and the learning.
They've got a website at www.westkootenaycameraclub.com