Shepherd Photo Club?

Hmmmm....I've had lots of students ask me in the last year to start a photography club. I've thought about it much and well.... I've decided to give it a try. You see, this is actually the second time I've tried to start a photo club. A number of teachers at school said that they would be interested in one. So, we started one on Flickr. We had several shooting assignments, 3 or 4 posted pictures, and we commented on them. But within a few months it seemed that everyone was too busy to take pictures with any regularity. So, I'm somewhat wary of trying it again (I hate to be disappointed!).
But, what the heck, 'Nothing ventured, nothing gained', right? So, if you would like to be part of the club, the first thing to do is to go to Flickr and create an account. It's easy to do and it's FREE! Next, click the link to join groups. Our group is called "SPS Photography Club". You should search for it by name.
To start with, take one of your favorite photos and upload it to your flickr account. Once you have it there, 'share' it with the 'SPS Photography Club'! Don't worry if you don't see your photo in the group immediately. I have to release it!
I will share one of favorite photos that I shot on my recent trip to Yellowstone National Park this fall. It's a head shot of a coyote. When you see it, you will know you're in the right place! Also,there's also a dozen or so shots there from a year ago when we tried to get the teacher club started. If other students have posted photos there, please take time to comment on them.
Next, I have a photo assignment for you! Assignments are what force us to go out and take pictures - after all that's what the club is for, right? Since many of you might get a new camera for Christmas, you might as well put it to use while everyone is gathered around the Christmas tree. Our assignment is to take a picture of a 'Group'. Now I was thinking of a group of 'people', but it could be a group of anything. Let your creative juices flow! Once you have a picture you like, upload it to flickr and share it with the SPS group.
To help you get started, I have a couple of links to share with you. The first one is to a photography podcast that I listen to (here's the link). It talks about 5 or 6 great ideas to keep in mind when you're taking a picture of a group. The podcast is part of a photography blog called The Digital Story. Take a look at the blog when you get a chance, it has a lot of great resources on it.
If you're looking for some general photography tips to get you started in the right direction, check these 10 tips out. Ok, that's it for now. So, get out there and start shooting!
I will Twitter photography and club info from time to time on my Twitter account. So, join twitter and follow me if you want to keep posted!