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Detailed History of the Ocean Pines Camera Club

First Year (2004-2005):

In 2004, a group of individuals living in Ocean Pines began to meet regularly to share a common interest in photography. Some were new to digital photography while others used film cameras. All were interested in digital photo processing on our computers and at commercial sites. Although the name was selected as the "Ocean Pines Camera Club", we have always welcomed photography enthusiasts from the greater eastern shore area.

Initially, members decided to have two meetings a month during the fall-winter-spring seasons: a Monday morning meeting to share photographs and a Monday evening meeting with speakers. Meetings were held in the Ocean Pines Library. Our first meeting was held on October 8, 2004 in the Ocean Pines Library. Our initial members included Betty Green, Dave and Sally Kohler, Jeri Lipov, Sam and Lisa Schwartz, and Walt Schumacher.

Soon we began inviting professional photographers from the community to speak at our meetings. Joe Reynolds, Webmaster of the Ocean Pines Forum Web site, made this site available to us as a way to share information and photographs. Before long, we grew large enough that we had to meet in the large meeting room at the Library.

As we developed roles, Dave Kohler served as President, Sam Schwartz as Vice President, and Jeri Lipov developed programs and kept the minutes. The schedule included:

In our first year, we ran competitions by submitting photographs to the Ocean Pines Forum Web site and Joe Reynolds found judges for each month’s entry.

Second Year (2005-2006):

In our second year, we continued meeting twice a month, morning and evening. We also set dues at $20/year. This year's schedule included:

Second year Board members included: Dave Kohler (President), Sam Schwartz (Vice President), Betty Green (Treasurer), and Jeri Lipov (Programs). New members included Donald Logan, Roger Lippincott, John Harris, Barbra Rosdahl, Gail Philippi, and Robin Harrison.

Second year accomplishments included:

Third Year (2006-2007):

In the third year, we decided to have only one meeting a month, since attendance at the day time meetings had dropped off. We continued the evening sessions meeting at the Ocean Pines Library. No one volunteered for the Presidency, so Dave Kohler continued as “Acting” President, Betty Green continued as Treasurer, Jeri Lipov continued as Program Chair, and Barbra Rosdahl agreed to work with Jeri Lipov on Competitions & Field Trips. Gail Philippi volunteered to be Secretary and to do PR. We introduced a “tip” of the month and re-introduced monthly contests with assigned topics, again without success. We began offering regular field trips during the year.

We worked with the Art League of Ocean City to develop a basis for photography to be accepted as an equal with other two-dimensional art forms (paintings, collage, etc.). In response, the Art League held its first ever photographs only exhibit in September 2007.

This year's schedule included:

Fourth Year (2007-2008):

The current Board consists of: Walt Shumacher (President), Barbra Rosdahl (First Vice President), Jeri Lipov (Second Vice President for Programs), Steve Franklin (Treasurer), and Gail Philippi (Secretary).

Current and planned meetings for this year include:

Our accomplishments this year, to date, include:

In addition, based on the initial success of last year’s exhibit, the Art League of Ocean City is holding a second photographs only exhibit in July 2008. We also plan to participate in the Ocean Pines Craft Show in August to give members experience selling their work. Walt Schumacher is offering free PhotoShop classes for members. We are also currently developing by-laws and a Web site.