Members of Langley Camera Club are taking it to the street this year, as they present their 13th annual Fraser Valley Invitational photography contest on Saturday, May 5.
Or, or more accurately, they’re taking it from, of, on and around the street.
The theme of this year’s exhibit and competition can be summed up in that one word. But how competitors choose to interpret it will be the fun part, said Dennis Ducklow, past president and 10-year member of the club.
Each year, the Fraser Valley Invitational (FVI) exhibits the work of top amateur photographers from across the Lower Mainland. This year, 12 camera clubs will submit 10 photos each (all by different photographers) to compete for the most accumulated points for their depiction of ‘street photography’.
Clubs from West Vancouver to Chilliwack will vie for the top spot by racking up the most points. Meanwhile the photographers of the three highest scoring images will also earn individual awards for their winning entries.
“The theme is open to interpretation. We always want to encourage creativity and to push the limits,” Ducklow said.
If participants stray too far, well, that will be reflected in their scores.
Those decisions will be made by a panel of three judges — unbiased experts, who are not members of any of the clubs, he explained.
In addition to the 120 competing images, audiences can take in a display of 100 additional photos taken by Langley Camera Club members. There will also be vendor displays, musical entertainment, door prizes and refreshments — served cocktail party style — during the intermission.
The 125-member strong camera club, which celebrated its 50th anniversary last year, is open to anyone with an interest in photography, said Ducklow. Members range from professionals who are looking for a bit of inspiration, to newbies who have just bought a camera and don’t know how to use it.
The vast majority of members, however, are amateurs, looking for tips to improve their work, he said.
The club meets every Wednesday at Fort Langley Community Hall, for discussions or to begin an outing. Every fourth week, the executive meets.
“It’s a busy club,” Ducklow said.
A slide show of the 2011 FVI can be viewed at the Langley Camera Club’s website at langleycameraclub.com.
Tickets, which can be purchased from the club’s website, are $15 in advance or $18 at the door.
The Chief Sepass theatre, part of the Langley Fine Arts School, is a large theatre where every seat has an excellent view. The evening begins at 7:30 p.m. (arrival by 7 p.m. is suggested) and will end at about 10 p.m.
For further information, please contact Ducklow at doubleexposure@me.com.