Digital age boosts photo club

Ipswich Photographic Society members Zeta Brown and Kyle Strowe at the Ipswich Community Gallery.

Rob Williams

THE surge of interest in digital photography has seen the membership of a local club grow to almost 100.

Ipswich Photographic Society (IPS) president Wayne McDonnell said digital technology had lowered the cost of cameras and made entering competitions cheaper for members.

Until August 8, IPS members will have their latest work on show at the Ipswich Community Gallery, d'Arcy Doyle Place.

The 60 images carry a range of themes, from portraits and landscapes to travel and nature.

Kyle Strowe, aged 15, is the society's youngest member.

He's keen on wildlife and macro photography.

“I was doing it a couple of years before joining the club, as an interest,” Kyle said.

In his time with IPS, he's learnt how to compose pictures and more about camera settings.

Kyle is considering a career as a photographer.

Eighty-year-old Zeta Brown credits the club with teaching her “everything” about photography.

She said people should join to improve their photos and to look at the work of others.

“It's good to hear what somebody else thinks,” she said.

Mrs Brown, a member of IPS for 21 years, agrees that digital cameras have made the art of photography more popular.

“It's easier. You don't have to waste money getting photos developed and you can throw out what you don't want,” she said.

But there is at least one reason to still use film.

“Black and white's better on film,” she said.

Most of the works on show in the exhibition are for sale.

They can be seen from 10am to 4pm every day.

For more information, phone Mr McDonnell on 0412 160 645.