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Camera club celebrates 50 years of helping artists

John Law A white bird is captured in flight. His wings are stretched forwards. He is white aside from his red beak and legs and his black head.John Law

A camera club supporting local photographers of all abilities is celebrating its 50th anniversary.

Mid Somerset Camera Club meets every Tuesday in Street - and has done for decades.

In 1974, workers from Somerset-based shoe manufacturer Clarks came together so that they could purchase camera film in bulk.

The club has since evolved and now runs weekly sessions, exhibitions and competitions.

Andrew Gilbert Four people wearing biker outfits are riding two bikes with boxes. One person each is riding the bike, while another hangs of the side of the box. They are going across a dirt path over fields.Andrew Gilbert

"Through Covid, we ran virtual meetings," said John Law, the club's chairman.

"We provided a useful lifeline to the outside world and our members appreciated the human contact and friendship we provided."

Janet Miles An adult elephant is facing a baby elephant. The baby elephant is lifting its trunk and the adult elephant is looking at the baby.Janet Miles
Maurice Pugh Two butterflies are sitting on the stem of a yellow flower. They have a green and yellow pattern with white dots. The background is blurred.Maurice Pugh

New member Charlotte Cobb joined the club because she wanted to take her photography more seriously.

"I didn't have very much confidence with my skills but I was determined to put in some hard work.

"Janet, my mentor, has helped me no end from the basics of understanding the exposure triangle to making my images competition ready.

"For anyone that is starting out, or wanting to gain further skills, I would highly recommend the mentoring programme."

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Gary Clements A red squirrel is sitting by a body of water looking at an acorn drifting away. The squirrel is mirrored in the water.Gary Clements

Situated as it is near the North Somerset coast, the cities of Bristol and Bath, and the Somerset Levels, the club regularly takes field trips in the area.

Sue Dyson A view of rooftops in a Mediterranean town. The image is distorted by multiple layers on top of each other.Sue Dyson
Colin Whitcombe A White Tailed Eagle is captured catching a fish from the sea. The bird is flying close to the water, his feet are holding a fish. The water is splashing upon impact with the surface.Colin Whitcombe

Adam Humphrey, the club's programme secretary, said: "We aim to provide a learning experience and a social meeting place where like-minded photographers can come together.

"Our research has shown that the social side of club life is a valued part of what it does."

John Law Three blue beach huts are standing in what appears to be an empty plain.John Law
Neil Lazenbury Three wet otters are huddled together among seaweed on the ground. Two of them are looking behind the camera and one is looking to the left of the picture.Neil Lazenbury
Rose Atkinson A view across a forest. The sun is reflecting off the green moss, and a footpath is going away from the photographer.Rose Atkinson

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