Photo By Sgt. Ryan Twist | Marissa Nimetz, a U.S. Naval Station Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, resident, takes a picture...... read more read more
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GUANTANAMO BAY, Cuba - After adjusting the aperture and shutter speed settings on their cameras, they gradually bring their cameras to their faces and look through the viewfinder. The artists aim their cameras toward the object at the other end of the lens. They focus on the scene in front of them and push the button, capturing an unforgettable image and challenging themselves in the process.
Every month, amateur photographers meet in various locations throughout U.S. Naval Station Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, for the photography club, which is open to all Joint Task Force Guantanamo troopers and NAVSTA residents.
“It’s a way for people to learn about photography,” said Theresa A. Weber, club member with experience and time within the group. “Whether you’re an amateur or an expert, it’s open to every type of skill level.”
The last Sunday of every month, the club’s members meet outside the Ocean View picnic area in a group, unless they need an object they cannot bring to the location, said Weber. New members are briefed on the base regulations regarding photography. Then a new photography skill is introduced to all members and everyone practices it, helping those who have questions. Every month the club leaders rotate on who teaches the group. Staff members who have a better knowledge of a scheduled activity to teach the group.
This month’s meeting focused on teaching new members about shutter speed techniques with their single lens reflex cameras. One of the tasks was to use a fast enough shutter speed to capture moving fan blades as if they were still; to stop the motion.
“I’ve been shooting for two years now and learned a few things that I didn’t know before,” said Marissa Nimetz, a GTMO resident. “(I have learned) how to use the shutter priority.”
Nimetz enjoyed the activities held during the photography club, which taught her many new skills. There are always new and different ways to use the camera and she looks forward to the challenges and field trips that are planned throughout the month, she said.
According to Weber, the group selects challenges, which are random activities to keep members sharp during the month. The focused on shutter speed, aperture and manual settings, as well as lighting, and the rule-of-thirds and exchange photos with members every two weeks. She said they also work on how to make objects more artistic and find unique things around the island to photograph. Upon completing a challenge, members upload their images for other group members to review.
“We want the club to remain active,” said Weber. “It’s not very time consuming and you learn something new every time you do it.”
Navy Cmdr. Mike J. Gregonis, director for resource management at the U.S. Naval Hospital Guantanamo Bay, believes he has improved his photography skills during the four months he has attended the meetings.
“When I first started doing this, most of my pictures were blurry,” said Gregonis. “Just listening to the group and taking some of their advice, I’m getting some pretty cool shots down here even though we are limited to where we can go.”
Field trips are scheduled for those interested in exploring and taking pictures of various objects or scenery throughout GTMO. Army Master Sgt. Richard O. Crichton, an assistant engineer assigned to the JTF engineers, said his first time to the club was during a field trip to Camp X-Ray. Having never heard of the photography club at GTMO, his director invited him to tag along.
“The field trip was both interesting and enlightening,” said Crichton. “From what I have seen and experienced at the field trip, there are a wide range of skills in the photography club, from beginners to professionals. As such, I hope to learn and improve as well as share my own knowledge with the members. It’s nice to be around and communicate with others that share the same passion for the photography bug.”
Sports are a popular activity held throughout GTMO, but for those who are not interested in watching people throw or kick a ball around, photography club is an opportunity for Troopers and GTMO residents to learn the art of capturing and preserving an image. If you have any questions or are interested in attending an event send them an email at photographyclub.gtmo@gmail.com.
| Date Taken: | 02.19.2016 |
| Date Posted: | 03.02.2016 10:33 |
| Story ID: | 190823 |
| Location: | GUANTANAMO BAY, CU |
| Web Views: | 109 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
This work, Photography Club: Aim, focus, capture the moment, by SGT Ryan Twist, identified by DVIDS, must comply with the restrictions shown on https://www.dvidshub.net/about/copyright.
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