What does becoming a Camera Club member mean to you? Ruth David, batch 2010 answers:
“My 13 month probationary period at the Camera Club of the Philippines is the longest probationary period I have ever experienced so far. (My probationary employment period at Meralco only lasted for six (6) months and the organizations I joined in College only lasted weeks).
However, I realized that those 13 months were not really that long. It was just enough for me to get familiarized with the rules of the Club, meet the Lifetime Members, the Officers, as well as the Master Photographers, get to know them better and learn some tricks from them.
That period also allowed me to get closer with my co-Probees, to work with them on the projects of the Club, to socialize with one another and to form a bond that makes us more like a family. It will be our most memorable period in the Club, I think.
The 13 monthly contests as well as the 4 OTS that I joined honed my skills as a photographer. It was always a delight to see spectacular photos from the members every month. I feel so lucky to be able to even get close to such artists of the craft. Every month is a challenge for me to be able to submit a decent set of pictures that would merit the nod of the judges. I feel so fortunate indeed to have been included in the 2010 calendar and to have garnered a medal for 100% qualifier in the OTS category. If only for those, I think the 13 months as a Probee was all worth it.
Becoming a member of the CCP is sweeter knowing that you indeed worked hard for it. It feels so good to be welcomed by the members and the Masters into their fold. It’s like being welcomed home after a long journey.”
Note: Ruth David was sponsored by lifetime member Bobby Paterno.
Source: Viewfinder Year ’82. Author: Ruth David.