For most people, joining a group or organization can bring
them joy and fulfilment by gaining some sense of acceptance and belongingness. But
aside from the privilege of being in a group, there are some organizations and
communities that also provide an opportunity for its members to showcase and
improve their talents at the same time.
However, such groups are not always accessible to many
people due to a number of different things. It can either be because these
groups ask their members to pay a premium for membership, or it could be that
such organizations could have some sort of restrictions or there’s also a
possibility that natural challenges such as location and time that’s preventing
people from joining these communities.
Location was also the reason why a certain group of
photographers from the province of Batangas decided to form their own club to
cater to the needs of people with the same hobby as theirs. The group was conceived
by Raymond Guevarra when he realized that there aren’t many groups in Batangas
that provides the opportunity to practice their passion for photography. And
hence, Click Batangas Digital Photography Club was born.
Click Batangas was founded on June 2012 and initially was
created of providing a way for aspiring photographers living in the province –
both professionals and amateurs, to develop their skills and improve their
craft by collaborating with other members of the group. The group was
co-founded by Raymond Baradas, Jeffrey Javina, Victor Jose Luna and his wife
Minky Avel-Luna. This number eventually grew through word of mouth and through
the founding members’ joint effort in promoting the club’s endeavours in
popular social networking site – Facebook.
From the initial 5 founding members, the club’s following
now grew to more than 130 followers on Facebook alone. And from two volunteer
models during their first event, their photo-shoots and photowalks now feature
a number additional models and sizeable increase in the number of
photographers.
Guevara, as well as the other administrators of the group
admit that there were several challenges they had to face in order to keep the
club afloat and functioning during its first few months such as coordination
among members, models and makeup artists and of course the logistics of setting
up a photo-shoot in different areas of Batangas. However, they say that it’s
their dedication to the craft that is continuously pushing them to improve
themselves and the organization to further meet the needs of its members.
At present, Click Batangas Digital Photography Club is open
to anyone with the passion for photography. The only requirement they ask from
people who want to join their organization is that they should regularly attend
the club’s monthly events and of course they should at the very least have a
point and shoot digital camera.
As members of the club, a person will have the opportunity
to collaborate with other photography enthusiasts. The group is open for
questions about photography and will help its members to find gadgets and
accessories they need or want. Their Facebook page also acts as a market place
where people can lend, borrow, sell or buy photography-related things such as
lenses, batteries, reflectors and tripods.
According to its founder, their dream is to expand the group
and build the “Click” brand to
different provinces all over the country (e.g. Click Manila, Click Cavite,
Click Laguna, etc.) and thereby creating a network of communities united with
their passion for photography.
If you have any questions about the group or would want to contact
them for whatever reason, you can drop by their Facebook Page for more
information.
