Re: Survival of the creature know as a 3-D photographer

[P3D Dr. George A. Themelis <DrT-3d@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

Jon Golden writes:

>.....but as I see it (correct me if I am wrong or inaccurate
>on this)...our club....and even the NSA....make little provision to go the
>extra length to make new attendees feel at home. 

This is a general issue in all social clubs and not unique in stereo
photography.  I never felt that this is a problem... even when I attended
the Chicago Stereo Club in 1988 with these older gentlemen sitting in
formal dinner with ties... Same with Detroit.  After attending a couple of 
club meetings I felt like home, knowing almost everybody in the room.
Same for NSA.  First meeting in 1988 did not know any one.  Gradually
I got to know many people and looking forward to meeting them each
year.  I just don't see how NSA or any club can institute something
that will make new members or visitors "feel at home".  3-d people are
a friendly and nice group... that's all that is required.

>So any suggestions anyone has for me, the NSA and all others
>intersted......post them on the list for us to share....

I have a suggestion that is unique in stereo photography:  Stereo
slide competitions in every meeting if possible.  The Detroit club is
thriving because of these competitions.  I drive 6 hours each and
every month mainly because of the competitions.  

Now, I understand that some people feel uncomfortable just hearing the
word "competition".  But those who see it at work every month in Detroit
know that there is nothing to fear... Ordinary people submit mostly
ordinary pictures and every one has fun, including those who do not
submit any pictures.  It is an interesting and learning experience for
everyone, judges, participants and non-participants.

For many people this is a major motivation to get out and TAKE PICTURES.
That what the club is all about:  Motivate people to take stereo pictures.
This is (I assume) a photography and not a collector's club (if it is a
collector's club, then things are different).

The competition is not the only activity featured in Detroit.  In every
meeting there is a program, a social hour and a competition. There is a 
little bit for every one.  But I believe the club is thriving with 
increasing member attendance and participation every year.  Even Bill 
Battle bought a Stereo Realist.  Maybe one day John Vala will get one!  
Members are bringing friends who are getting hooked into 3d.  If that 
was a nice social gathering, let's get together for a cup of coffee and 
talk 3d, I believe the club would be dead by now...  Certainly Jim Motley 
and myself would not be driving all the way from Cleveland for that!
We can talk 3d plenty HERE in photo-3d.  But we cannot reproduce the 
excitement of a live stereo slide competition here in the computer today!

Maybe I am exaggerating... but stereo photography clubs should be 
promoting stereo photography and motivating members to take stereo
pictures.  There are many more camera collector's clubs, almost one
in every major US city.  There are very few stereo clubs in the world.
Stereo photography will survive if young people get hold of stereo
cameras and start taking stereo pictures.  We have plenty of collectors
and plenty of activities for collectors but not enough for stereo 
photographers IN MY OPINION! And note that Jon talked about the
"Survival of the creature known as a 3-D photographer"
                                    ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^

Regards -- George Themelis


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End of PHOTO-3D Digest 1774
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