Photographers share talents, hone skills in club

NEW MADRID, Mo. -- When Christi Ashley bought a new camera, she wanted to learn more about its operation and photography. She found the help she needed in her hometown when she joined the Hart-Stepp House Photo Arts Club.

Formed a little more than a year ago, the group is a blend of area amateur and professional photographers along with those interested in creating their art on canvas with paints or pencils. Together they plan outings or organize workshops to improve their skills.

For Ashley, the workshop offered on depth of field was particularly helpful, she said. She said other workshops for the photographers have concentrated on taking photos at sports events and there was one on wildlife photography.

"I was just starting to use a new camera," Ashley said of why she joined the group. "I'm very new [at photography] and not very confident, so this has been beneficial."

Also beneficial, she said, is the support the group provides to each other and the sharing of information.

The skills she has already picked up have helped her as she photographs her favorite subjects -- her dog and the children at her day care, Ashley said.

John Gilbert, one of the founding members of the Hart-Stepp House Photo Arts Club, said the club caters to anyone from beginners to those with years of experience.

The photographers typically meet monthly. Meetings range from training seminars to video demonstrations to field trips.

"You can hone in skills in photography, learn tips on how to photograph sunrises and sunsets," Gilbert said. "We are planning a workshop on how to process the pictures digitally."

Professional or amateur, there is always something to learn, he said.

"If you have an interest in taking pictures, albeit vacation scenes or family or wildlife, this group has the ability to help you fine tune your photography skills," Gilbert said.

The same is true of those interested in sculpting or painting, he added.

The Hart-Stepp House Photo Arts Club is conducting a membership drive, hoping to bring in members within about a 60-mile radius interested in photography, oil painting, drawing or other art forms.

"We are wanting to add more people in our area so we can have bigger and better showings at the gallery," he said.

The Hart-Stepp House Gallery is in one of New Madrid's oldest homes along the Mississippi riverfront.

The club also promotes and shows the works of others. During March, the Hart-Stepp Gallery will feature the second annual high school art show, with works by New Madrid County high school artists.

In April there will be a display of photographs featuring the Mississippi River by members of the River Region Photography Association of Cape Girardeau.

Membership is $25 a year with application forms available online at the city of New Madrid's website, www.newmadrid.mo.us.