When I – a single parent – retired almost 15 years ago, my grown-up children were worried about how my sunset years would be spent. They knew I had taken family snapshots over the years but by any stretch of the imagination I could not call myself a photographer!
My children hit upon the idea to give me as a retirement gift a one-year membership to the RA Photo Club. It was in 1998 or 1999. I have never looked back since. Photography soon became an obsession as a group of wonderful and dedicated photographers welcomed me into the Club. Through their kindness, dedication and guidance as well as inspiring workshops of Freeman Patterson, the late Nancy Rotenberg and other professionals I am pleased today to call myself an amateur photographer.
Several knowledgeable members of the Club, when I joined, extended the hand of friendship and slowly over the years became good friends and – I say this with humility – today consider them now a part of my extended family!
Although I am now neither living in Ottawa nor a member of the Club, those very precious past bonds have left their mark. I have cherished memories of club meetings, nature outings, slide showcases and audio-visual shows, judging nights, workshops, etc.
As its 75th anniversary celebrations get under way, I wish the RA Photo Club’s old and new members many, many years of “sweet light and happy shooting.”
May your f-stops and shutter-speeds always be in sync!
Suresh Mehta
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