Flagpole Photographers Camera Club will kick off its 2026-27 season with an ice cream social and a special program exploring the art of color photography on Thursday, September 10 at Newtown Senior Center, 8 Simpson Street.

The evening will begin at 7 pm with ice cream and conversation, followed by a presentation on mastering color in the field.

Participants will explore how color influences composition, mood, and storytelling, including how complementary, analogous, and monochromatic color schemes can guide the viewer’s eye and create visual balance. The program will also examine the interplay of warm and cool light and how color contrast can add depth, dimension, and emotional impact to an image.

Following the presentation, attendees will have an opportunity to put these concepts into practice at hands-on stations designed to bring color theory to life. A camera or smartphone with a standard prime, zoom, or macro lens is recommended for those who would like to participate, but equipment is not required.

The program is free and open to everyone, regardless of photography experience.

The club will then hold its first monthly competition night of the new season on Thursday, September 24. Members will present images in five categories: Nature, Open Color, Open Monochrome, Assigned Subject, and Monthly Challenge. September’s Assigned Subject is Patriotic, while the Monthly Challenge theme is Backlighting.

The September 24 competition will be offered both in person at the senior center and online. Social time begins at 7, with the competition beginning at 7:30 pm. The public is welcome to attend and learn more about the club.

Flagpole Photographers is a nonprofit camera club committed to nurturing creativity and building community among photographers of all experience levels. Meetings and events are free and open to the public. Members also enjoy additional opportunities, including workshops, field trips, competitions, and annual exhibitions. Learn more at flagpolephotographers.com.