Julien Sonzogni is totally “geek” and keen on technology; Michèle Drago, accustomed to film, wanted to know everything about digital; Martine Barreaud wanted to learn how to save her family slides; Régis Mouton, a former printer, wanted to explore a new space of expression; Nadine Goupille wanted to go further than travel photos…
Everyone with their expectations, defined or not, decided one day to open the door of the Saintonge Camera Photo Club, created in 1969 and chaired by Jean-Claude Pricart. The association, hosted at the Maison des Associations, is known for its video section, but has a very active photo section, which equals the “videographers” in terms of membership. Everyone shares half of the club’s 50 members. And if Covid-19 had brought the cold to the Camera Photo Club, the president is delighted with a new enthusiasm around Régis Mouton, the former printer, who has become the association’s photo referent.
Collective outings
Joining the association only eight years ago, he welcomes each new photographer, novice or seasoned, during individual sessions which allow them to acquire or reinforce the basics of framing, light, and playing with depth of field. , mastery of photo software.
An accelerated launch pad before integrating the collective work and exchanges of these lovers of beautiful images. In this context, the smartphone is banned. The photographer’s best friend is… the camera. A truism that no longer becomes one as there are so many images of these small, highly efficient devices, whose ancestor was called the telephone.
Julien Sonzogni, the “geek”, says he “spends more time on retouching than on the photo itself”. Martine Barreaud claims it: “Now I can make a slideshow. » Everyone moves forward with their desires and the club’s proposals. The calendar of activities is dense with weekly meetings which alternate between technical workshops, thematic photo meetings; an analysis of photos taken during collective outings on the theme. Recent topics include floods and Saintes at night. There are also improvement workshops. “Have fun” remains the watchword of the Camera Photo Club.
The association is also asked to cover events such as recently the Saintes Triathlon or the Royan Society Film Festival. Or the Thénac literary festival. It shoots a lot sometimes. “4,000 photos”, estimates Julien Sonzogni, for the Triathlon. Each performance is an opportunity to put yourself to the test, in real time and collectively. “It’s interesting for beginners. »
The Camera Photo club recently exhibited its photos at Les Gonds. The subject was local artists and craftsmen… 3,500 photos at the start to narrow down to just a few dozen. That’s the game.
Contact: Saintonge photo club camera on 05 46 74 21 21. Blog on behalf of the club. 36 euros the contribution.
