On Thursday, May 30, at 7:30 pm, Flagpole Photographers Camera Club is offering a Portrait Photography Workshop with Star Wars characters as the models. The workshop will be in the lower hall of Newtown United Methodist Church, 92 Church Hill Road in Sandy Hook.

Members of the 501st Connecticut Garrison will be posing. This is an organization whose members appear in high quality costumes including Storm Troopers and Darth Vader (www.connsquad.com). The Connecticut squad was established in late 2005, after breaking away from the New England Garrison. Members bring together Star Wars fans by volunteering their time for fundraising and children’s charity events.

The workshop will be a hands-on event where the public is invited to bring their cameras; studio set ups and lighting will be provided.  Camera club members will be available to answer questions. There is no charge, but donations will be accepted for the Sandy Hook First Responders Fund.

On Saturday, June 1, the club will be participating in the Adopt A Cop Picnic Fundraiser at Dickinson Park on Elm Drive. Members will be taking family portraits for a $10 donation. Participants will receive one high resolution image sent to them via email. Come find our table under the pavilion. Availability is weather related.

The final photo competition of the season will occur on Thursday, June 13, at C.H. Booth Library, 25 Main Street. A meeting and the competition will begin at 7:30 pm. The assigned subject is “Reflection.” Members can enter the competition; non-members are welcome for the judging and critiques offered. Guests are welcome at these meetings, free of charge.

Flagpole Photographers is a local non-profit group that enables members to share their images and expertise, to learn and grow in their photography, and to enjoy the camaraderie of fellow photographers. Members are from diverse backgrounds, with photographic skills ranging from beginning novices to professional photographers.

The club’s  season runs annually September through June. Monthly print competitions are generally held at C.H. Booth Library on the third Thursday of the month.

Additionally, the club offers hands-on learning programs  on alternate Thursdays at Newtown United Methodist Church. Program meetings are held on alternate Thursdays at Newtown United Methodist Church. These are “hands on” meetings and members are encouraged to bring their equipment; members generally provide equipment and information as well.

Meetings start at 7:30 pm. Dates, assigned subjects, and programs are included in club schedule online at FlagpolePhotographers.com.

Also, an annual exhibit is presented at the library, where images of the year awards are designated.

Dues are $30 per person or $50 for a family membership. Students may join at no charge.  Many members also participate in community service outreach projects.

For additional information send email to flagpolephotographers@yahoo.com or visit the club’s website.