Statement of Vision and Purpose
The Salem Digital Photo Club exists for the purpose of promoting a community of photographers as well as photographers in our community. Our vision is to see Photographers developing relationships, improving in their craft, and sharing the benefits of photography with the community at large. As such our five priorities move us to this end.
Priority One:
The Salem Digital Photography group values regular activities and opportunities to shoot. Our group believes that regularly scheduled opportunities to photograph a variety of subject matter broadens personal skills and perpetuates growth and enthusiasm in all members. Our group believes improvement happens through practice, more so than discussion. As such, we draw our organizers from a broad spectrum of photographic interests. It is common during the summer months, for our group to offer one or more shooting opportunities each week.
Priority Two:
The Salem Digital Photography group values contributing to our community. Our group strives to be an active and influential part of our community at large. As such, we will seek out opportunities to offer the service of photography in a manner to bless or encourage members of our community who may be honored by the service, or otherwise unable to purchase photographic services. It is common for our group to have 2 or more humanitarian events each year.
Priority Three:
The Salem Digital Photography group values learning; specifically providing opportunities for photographic education for our members. Our group operates on the belief that every member has something to teach, and something to learn. We welcome members who are new to photography. We promote a community where all members are teachers as well as students and photographic knowledge and experience is freely shared and discussed. We believe that there must be a forum for honest critique that promotes and stimulates creativity and improvement in our craft, we encourage members to give honest and encouraging critique when sharing photos in digital and print form. As such, our group offers regular workshops by members or guests with particular skills that would benefit the club members. Additionally, our group partners with larger photographic organizations with the intent of providing broader opportunities for our members.
Priority Four:
The Salem Digital Photography group values the opportunity for friendships based on the shared love of photography. Our group believes that friendships are a vital part of life and enjoying shared activity. We believe that activities and events should be a great time of fun and sharing while photographing. As such, the primary opportunity for sharing our work, meeting other members, and developing friendships is our monthly meeting.
Priority Five:
The Salem Digital Photography group values the opportunity for network among professional photographers and non-professionals photographers alike. We believe that our group is a place for professional photographers, beginners, and all levels in between. While many photographers simply enjoy the craft itself, we recognize that a growing number of photographers are interested in learning about having a photography business whether it be simply selling photos or offering comprehensive photographic services. We believe that a healthy part of our group is providing the opportunity to network among other photographers for the purpose of seeking help, collaboration, or advice. We do not see this as an obligatory part of membership; however we encourage our membership to be open with their experience as well as respectful of the time and wishes of persons who do make a living from photography. We encourage any members with special photographic skills or knowledge to consider offering a presentation that would benefit the entire group.