The CFPC Dispatch: Issue 1
September 2023
Stay in the Loop
Thank you for checking out this first issue of the new Central Florida Photo Club newsletter. I hope everyone stayed safe and experienced minimal impacts from Hurricane Idalia this week.
I figured the best way to start this off is by introducing myself and my vision for Central Florida Photo Club. My name is James Huffstutler. I am a photographer based in Winter Haven, where I live with my wife and two children. I have been interested in photography for almost as long as I can remember, and if you see me out and about, I will usually have a camera around my neck.
Over the past few years, I have seen more and more photography meetups and photowalks happening worldwide. The idea of joining in on these activities was very appealing, and I began looking around for photography groups in Central Florida doing something similar. Unable to find much of anything, I decided I would start planning events myself.
Central Florida Photo Club started with the purpose of hosting events and meeting other photographers in the area. I have since begun to understand its potential to help build and bolster a community of people with a shared passion for photography. I deeply appreciate all the interest and support Central Florida Photo Club has received so far. My goal is for it to continue to be an open, inclusive, and welcoming space to share, collaborate and coordinate with fellow creatives.
I have always found photography to be more fun with friends. If you feel the same way, I hope you consider coming out to an upcoming event.
Local Artist You Should Know
Dena has a knack for capturing beautiful light and emotive scenes. She was kind enough to share a little about herself, her creative journey, and how photography impacts her life. Read what she had to say below:
I’ve long labeled myself as a very indecisive artist with almost ‘too many’ interests. From the time that I could hold a marker, I began seeking out any possible way that I could express myself and my feelings in a creative manner: making elaborate cards for my family member’s birthdays, obsessing over an art kit from Michaels, decorating cookies. As I got older I stepped into creative writing, poetry, graphic design, hand lettering, calligraphy, and of course, photography. The moment I picked up a camera around 12-13 years old it was nearly impossible to put down. Photography held on to become one of the most consistent art mediums throughout my life and is still a big part of my identity now, at 26. It is a form of storytelling and self expression that touches my heart, elicits memories, and makes me feel emotions unlike anything else. I find the power it holds, often accompanied by words, to be so unique and irreplaceable. I aim to not just encapsulate visual beauty with my work, but shoot with an intentionality that reflects back to the viewer the feelings I get when experiencing that moment in real time - it’s also just a heck of a lot of fun! Following what felt like a permanent creative rut, diving back into film has been a really rewarding experience that fanned my little creative flame again and has given me a lot to look forward to when creating art.
For more of her photography, check out her Instagram. Subscribe to her Substack for more engaging and relatable writing.
Here’s the Latest
Thank you to everyone who has come out to our recent meetups. It is always great seeing familiar faces and meeting new photographers.
Analog Corner
Have you ever wanted to add some uncertainty to your photography workflow? Is digital leaving you feeling like your images are just a little too perfect? Do you want to use outdated cameras that are one failed shutter actuation from becoming a pricey paperweight?
Shooting film in the digital age may not make much sense, but things don’t have to make sense to be fun.
Speaking of fun: Have you tried out Lomography’s LomoChrome film stocks? I decided to shoot some LomoChrome Turquoise and Metropolis during our Hollywood Studios meetup last month.
This was my first time shooting any Lomography film, and it was actually a very refreshing experience. Midway through the roll of Turquoise, I realized it was the first time in a while that I was shooting without having a solid idea how the final image was going to look. The uncertainty reminded me of my early days experimenting with film. If you are looking to add adventure to your photography, give a Lomography LomoChrome stock a try.
What Comes Next
September 17, 2023 -Winter Park, FL
We will be in Winter Park on Sunday September 17 for a meetup at Rollins Museum of Art at 12:00 PM followed by a photowalk around downtown Winter Park. Grab your camera, invite your friends, and get ready to have a fun afternoon with fellow photographers. Museum admission is free! Please check out the museum website for parking info and visitor guidelines.
October 22, 2023 - Bonnet Springs Park, Lakeland
More details coming soon.
Odds and Ends
It’s great seeing all your photos from around Central Florida and beyond. On Instagram, consider tagging @centralfloridaphoto or use the hashtag #centralfloridaphotoclub.
Please reach out with any comments or suggestions via email at james@centralflorida.photo.
No content is sponsored unless otherwise noted. If you feel like supporting the Central Florida Photo Club, you can subscribe or check out our available merch here. All subscriptions and merchandise proceeds will directly support the continued growth of Central Florida Photo Club.
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