Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1957-08-25
CAMERA ANGLES
BY A. J. WEDDERBURN
Curator Of Photography

The Smithsonian Institution
In Just a short time now
camera clubs will resume &C
tivities and, as always at this
time Of year. we find our
selves wondering how many
Of last years clubs will re-
open for business as usual.
Each September finds a
new crop starting out with
the best Of intentions. but by
the end Of a year many of
these embryo groups have
fallen by the wayside. And
there are good and sufficient
reasons for this, as we shall
see.
With the thousands Of
camera fans in the Metro
politan Area there is Ger
tainly room for q far greater
number Of clubs. There Is
the hard core Of well-run
groups that have been in bus
iness for many years. But
there is room to spare for at
least two or more clubs in
each section Of the city. as
well as in the suburban areas.
Participation Is Necessary
Lack Of interest in such
groups is not the answer.
We receive hundreds Of calls
each year from citizens who
wish to join a camera club.
Most Of the inquiries come
from people who are looking
for a group in their own sec
ton Of town because they do
not feel like making q long
trip across town. Fact is,
this is the cost many pay to
belong to such an organiza-
ton.
Now Just why is it that the
neighborhood or sectional
groups can't seem to hang
together for any length Of
time? The desire to belong
to such a group is strong
throughout the city and its
environs. The cost is not a
factor. The way we see 1t.
1t boils down to the failure
Of the members to participate
actively in the affairs of a
club once it is under way.
Although important-just
attending the meetings is
not enough. No organization
can run unguided and unat-
tended. Those who wish to
belong to a club should make
a point Of being ready to DO
SOME WORK. 1t is the in
ertia Of those who like to sit
back and let the others do
all the work of running a
camera club that finally kills
most of those that 90 under
Officers Should Change
Each camera group will
need its quota of officers
especially a good program
chairman. These Offices
should pass from the hands
OF one group to a new group
at least once every year. This
policy will not only infuse
new life and ideas into the
clubs activities but will keep
the full burden from falling
on the shoulders of the will
ing few.
Whenever we hear mem
bers of a group crying that
1t is run by a clique we can
accurately diagnose the trou-
BILE as a failure Of the club
members as a whole to pitch
IN and take an active part
in the proceedings. No small
clique can control an organi-
zation unless the member
ship itself is Indifferent and
lazy. So II you want your
camera club to provide all
you want in such a group be
prepared to do your part and
assume a fair share Of the
responsibilities that 20 along
with the fun.
AS we have mentioned
programming is the heart
and soul Of any such group
II the programs are both en-
tertaining and instructive
the members will flock to the
meetings. II not then fewer
and fewer will show up UNI
Til the club falls.
Change Of Pace Needed
It is not enough simply
to line up a different speaker
for each meeting. The speak
ers should be selected with
care not only for ability in
a special field but also for
their flair for putting over an
interesting presentation
Then, too, speakers are not
enough. Club members will
need a far more varied diet
than a succession OF talks, nc
matter how appealing. Pro.
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