While serving as Projected Images co-chairperson last year, I gained an appreciation for how special the Dallas Camera Club is. All of the judges that I worked with commented on the outstanding quality of our images, the professional approach used for our competitions and the club reputation in general. It is an honor to be chosen as your club President for 2008-09. It is also a little overwhelming, since I have only been a member of the club for 2 ½ years. I will do my best to carry on the fine tradition that I have inherited form our Past-Presidents, David Gregory and Bob Sherman, and their predecessors.

A little on my background. I used a film SLR and had a darkroom when young, but shelved the serious pursuit of photography due to time pressures at work. Or, as my wife would say - failure to order my priorities. I never lost my interest in photography and continued snapping pictures with a point and shoot. I retired in 2001 and bought a digital SLR and photo-printer 5 years ago. I am now shooting digital, processing images with Photoshop and pursuing photography with gusto. Some might say obsessively.

I joined the Dallas Camera Club in late 2005 primarily due to the urgings of my sailing companion and fellow club member, Bruce Faust. Not to mention that DCC provided an environment filled with others who share my passion for photography and the opportunity to compare, share, and improve my images.

The monthly competitions have provided a great learning opportunity for me and I assume all our members. However, our success is catching up with us. Last year, we had to reduce the number of prints that could be entered, and now, we must reduce the number of projected images allowed. The large number of images was getting unwieldy. Speaking of prints, I would encourage all members to try their hand in the print competitions. It is most satisfying to hold a well-done print in your hands. If you have not tried printing, I am sure that one of our many print makers will be happy to assist you in getting started.

I would also encourage you to participate in field trips, attend pre-meeting educational talks, attend 3rd Tuesday meeting programs, read the newsletter and Yearbook, and use the website. All these will help you learn and grow as photographers.

On behalf of the board and myself, I would like to welcome our new members. We sincerely solicit all members’ inputs on how to improve the club and its value to its members. If you have any suggestion, please give them to any board member or me.

I look forward to another year of creative photography and camaraderie at DCC.

Frank Richards