New club brings artistic vision into focus for local shutterbugs
Look over here! Smile! The Shutterbugs of West have created an official hive under the queen bee, photography teacher Chelsea Schinker. This student-led club creates a relaxing environment for students interested in photography to come together and share their art outside of the classroom setting.
Senior Aidan Kropidlowski started the movement to gather fellow photography enthusiasts.
“I was thinking about any clubs that I wanted to join, and I really enjoyed the photography class that I was in and wanted to continue that into second semester,” he said. “So I asked Schinker about starting one, and we worked together to do that.”
The club took time to pick up momentum, but there were numerous students with the drive to get it done.
“There were kids who had wanted to start it for a while; it took some collective minds to get together, get it approved, and to start figuring everything out,” Schinker said.
Schinker wants to incentive joining by sharing her plentiful resources.
“Last meeting we looked at a bunch of old cameras Schinker has and we were able to take home whatever we wanted,” senior Madison Draves, one of the leaders of the club, said. “It was a cool way to learn about some new cameras.”
The club provides Draves another outlet to pursue her passions and work with like-minded individuals.
“The career I’m pursuing involves film and I really enjoy photography,” she said. “I want to meet new people and see the things that people can make.”
Schinker is interested in reaching out to similar clubs across the area in collaboration and exploration.
“There’s a new community dark room space up in Appleton; it was set up in an old church by a non-profit called Photo Opp,” she said. “They're really interested in West’s curriculum, so they might send our club or other photographers at the school to go meet them.”
Schinker facillitates events behind the scenes, but lets students take charge in capturing the action.
“I give them a sheet at the start of the meeting with interesting events coming up, like art shows, or events that need pictures taken, such as Snowblast,” she said. “They’ve been making posters, doing little photography competitions; it’s just a fun way for photographers to come together.”
The club wants to record precious memories in time, but also experience them in the moment. To initiate lasting bonds, shutterbugs create a slideshow of pictures they share with other members.
“You get to see everyone’s passion for photography; it almost renews our vigor to take pictures,” another photography club leader, senior Keegan O’Connor said.“We share photography tips and it provides new perspectives and ways to take photos.”
Schinker wants to emphasize the group aspect of the club and is glad students are taking initiative.
“I hope it becomes something that really allows students to connect with each other as photographers and improve their skills,” Schinker said. “Just to make that community.”
Draves looks to the club as an opportunity for technical and social growth.
“We all communicate and share our thoughts with each other,” she said. “We’re always helping each other and sharing ideas and any inspiration we have for meetings. A lot of us are new so we’re all getting to know each other.”
Kropidlowski encourages others outside of the photography community to check out what the club can offer.
“Even if you’re not super into photography, it’s a good place to learn about it and see if that’s something you’d be interested in,” he said.
Schinker looks forward to the potential of the club and the things they can accomplish.
“It’s just a cool little photography club,” she said. “We meet on Wednesdays, we’re new, and we’re growing.”
by: Addi Isely
Published on March 17, 2023
Oshkosh West Index volume 119 issue VI