New photography exhibit gets viewers up close

The Derby Arts Council is pleased to announce the installation of “Macro/Melange,” an exhibit featuring photographic works by the members of the Wichita Area Camera Club. The exhibit, which opens Jan. 9, 2017, in the Gathering Space Gallery at the Derby Public Library,

Macro photo of a magnolia pod opening
“Magnolia Pod Awakening” by Glenda Webster

features macro and standard photography. Viewers of the exhibit will find themselves reflecting on their interests and asking questions prompted by the photos.

Macro photography, taking close-up photographs of tiny objects, has become a more popular technique with the advent of digital cameras. It presents the photographer with many challenges, as trying to capture the essence of something so tiny and taking that image to a size many hundreds of times larger can be both frustrating and exhilarating.

Members of the Wichita Area Camera Club take great care with their subjects, working to bring focus and deliberation to their photographs.

Photo of a polydamas butterfly
“Polydamas” by Sondra Barry

This often results in the viewer exploring the photograph in ways unfamiliar to them.

Members of the club meet monthly at Douglas Photographic Imaging on the second Tuesday of the month. Each month’s meeting includes a photography assignment challenge. The mission of the club is to educate its members and offer opportunities for each member to improve their skills. Each member is encouraged to seek out photo competitions, group photo shoots and other activities that will stretch them as photographers.

The public is cordially invited to attend a reception honoring the artists 6-7:30 p.m. Feb. 9, 2017, in the Community Room at the Derby Public Library.

Macro photo of a thin slice of strawberry in club soda
“Strawberry Fizz” by Paulette Mattingly

Photographers featured in the show will be on hand to answer questions and discuss their photos and techniques. Call Tami English at 316-788-0760 for more information regarding the exhibit, reception or purchase of photos.