Photography is a Journey

Early morning sunbeams through the clouds, Ariel Sharon Park

ESRA Camera Club is a community of English speaking photographers 

The ESRA Camera Club renewed its activities after Succot. We are going out for photo shoots to a variety of interesting sites. Most of the outings will be preceded by a preliminary talk to guide the group on how to best exploit the shoot venue. In the days after the shoot, we will ask you to edit your photos and send the best ones for a follow up critiquing session. Sounds simple?

The answer, like everything, is - yes and no. It sounds simple to point your camera and press the shutter button. But if we look below that most superficial level, we can find many interesting things. We need to understand that when you take a photograph, the camera is an extension of yourself. In your photo you display your personal background, your artistic sense, your character and also your skills. You decide if you are satisfied with the composition of the picture in the frame, you choose the subject, you accept the existing light conditions, you decide how close to be to the subject and much more. Any photograph you take is as much about you as it is about the photograph anyone sees.

Photography also has it challenges. Photography has parameters that you sometimes cannot control: such as the light or if someone or something suddenly obscures the subject of your photo at a crucial moment. The weather may influence your results or the angle that you want is not accessible. Photography often has an element of luck and timing. You may have some frustrating moments. However, with good planning, patience and perseverance you will succeed. Photography is both very personal and also very rewarding.

So, if photography is a solo activity, why create a group of people that do photography together? Photography is a journey. That journey is hugely influenced by the people that travel with you. You receive feedback on your work and you learn new techniques and skills from them. Interactions between photographers lead to mutual enrichment. Consequently, we believe that it is important that members meet after a photoshoot and critique each other's work.

The aim of the ECC has been and remains, to create a community of like-minded English-speaking photographers. The emphasis is on community. We enjoy each other's company and learn from each other. We welcome all photographers at any level including beginners and those that use mobile phones. If you have an interest in photography, come join us on our outings.There is something for everyone.

To join our Camera Club, email me at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or call me 052 365 0647.

Gerry Fraser is the coordinator and driving force of the ESRA Camera Club.