The natural landscape is overlooked and frequently taken for granted, but Citrus’ new Nature Optics photography club plans to change that for students.
Nature Optics focuses on viewing the natural world through a different lens — a DSLR. Club advisor Dr. Rick Brown hopes that students will learn to “artistically express what we see in nature.”
Brown, who is a photographer, said he pushed for the creation of the club. He said students usually come to professors with ideas for new clubs, but he wanted to share his photography knowledge with students.
“I enjoy the craft and it’s a hobby that I take seriously,” Brown said. “I figured it’d make sense to sort of pass it on to students.”
Brown said in an email that he announced his idea for the club to his classes because he wanted to create awareness and interest in the idea.
Club president Michael Jacobs said he also has a passion to help students feel comfortable with photography.
“I want to get people active taking pictures, learning how to take pictures.”
Jacobs, a psychology major, said people may feel uncomfortable capturing the perfect shot, but he wants to grow their confidence.
Jacobs said the club’s focus on nature is important because “we have nature all around,” and “we take that for granted.”
He said he hopes students in the club will use photography to discover natural beauty.
Brown said a student does not need a fancy camera to join Nature Optics. He said he encourages members to use the tools they have. He also said he is “fully aware there’s an existing photography club so we don’t want to step on anybody’s toes.”
“You can take great pictures with a cellphone” Brown said. “It’s not about high tech pictures. It’s not about the fast equipment.”
Brown said he wants students to get a feel for photography to see if they enjoy it before investing in equipment.
Meetings are planned to include photo critiques as well as discussions of basic camera use and photo techniques.
Field trips are planned so students can photograph nature outside of campus.
Brown said the club will not only improve members’ appreciation of nature, but give them a new perspective.
“You’re learning how to look at things differently because when you become a photographer you definitely learn to see things differently,” ” Brown said. “You see things that other people don’t see.”
Nature Optics meets at 2:30 p.m. every other Tuesday in LB 101. Their next meeting is Nov. 20.
