The Photography Club has been named Outstanding Club of the Year.
“The club is very active in the community,” said Ashlyn Mannis, a photography major and secretary of the Photo Club.
Members visit San Jacinto Elementary School each week to show fourth graders how to work a camera and how to develop life skills.
“We’re becoming more of a fixture here at school and in the community,’’ Mannis said.
Last month, club members shot headshots for Amarillo College students and employees who wanted a different picture on their school ID cards. The project raised money for the club.
Mannis said they have been able to insert themselves into AC’s history by getting involved and learning their craft better by setting up photo shoots.
She said anybody can become a member of the club.
The Photo Club meets each second and fourth Thursday of the month.
“It’s as simple as just showing up, honestly,” Mannis said. “You don’t have to be a photographer. You don’t have to have a camera. If you have any sort of interest in photography, then you should come.”
Photography instructor Rene West said the club has been in existence since the 1960s. She also is the faculty adviser of the club. She has been doing the Camera Clubhouse, which is the outreach at San Jacinto Elementary School.
West said she decided to be an adviser for the Photo Club so she could bring the outreach to the club. Since then, she said, much has happened for the club.
West encourages all students to become involved in a club.
“That potential is there for any group to tap into,” she said. “I would encourage them to get active and take responsibility for their education.”
The Photo Club is preparing for professional photographer Timothy Feresten to speak at AC this month. Feresten’s speech will be in the Oak Room on the second floor of the College Union Building.
Don Caviness, a photography major and vice president of the club, said everyone is invited to the speech.
“The Photo Club will have a reception area with coffee, punch and snacks,” Caviness said.
The club also has been active taking photographs for other clubs’ events.
“I would like to let any of the other clubs on campus know that if they have an upcoming event, and if they would like for us to set up a photo booth for their event, to please contact us.”
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