Nationally recognized photographer to lead local seminar
By Angela Greiner Contributing Writer

Region - Professional nature and landscape photographer Gary Stanley will be the guest speaker at the Wednesday Jan. 2 Assabet Valley Camera Club (AVCC) meeting. Stanley's visit to the local organization was made possible through a grant from the Cultural Council.

Maureen Mathieson, former AVCC president, explained that she was excited by the opportunity to bring a photographer of Stanley's stature to the group.

"He is a really great photographer … but he is hard to book," Mathieson said.

The AVCC, which was founded in 1985, has over 40 members who meet twice a month to participate in hands-on workshops, photography competitions and guest lectures. The group meets at 7:30 p.m. on the first and third Wednesday of the month at the Senior Center in Hudson.

According to Mathieson, the group is made up of photographers of all ability levels.

"We are a group of amateur photographers with a sense of humor looking to enhance our skills."

The first meeting of every month, the group either features a guest presentation or a technical skill hands-on presentation.

"It is cheaper then attending photography classes," Mathieson said.

This group is geared for nonprofessionals, but there are often one or two professionals kicking around looking for an avenue to experiment with various mediums.

The second meeting of the month is a judged photography competition with all mediums of photography from slides to digital.

"I have been involved with the AVCC for the past 13 years," Mathieson said. "It has improved my skills, giving me an opportunity to meet and socialize with people … and I am a bit competitive."

Bringing Stanley in as a guest presenter was an easy choice for the group, according to Mathieson, who has seen and met him on other occasions.

"Everyone wants to book him for guest presentations because he is such an easygoing person," she said.

Stanley has contributed to numerous book covers, spreads and articles in popular magazines publications including: "Popular Photography," "American Photographer" and "Vivid Light Photography."

Stanley, who is based in New England, has more than 15 years of experience in nature, wildlife and landscape photography.

For more information about Stanley, visit http:// light-chasers.com. For more information about attending this or other AVCC meetings or sponsored events, visit www.assabetvalleycameraclub. org.

The AVCC is a diverse group of people of all ages and the group can offer something for the junior photographer still thumbing through the owner's manual through to the experienced photographer.