Flagpole Photographers Camera Club will kick off this month’s programming with a free, hands-on presentation exploring the art of character portraiture on Thursday, October 8, at 7:30 pm. The program will be at Newtown Senior Center, 8 Simpson Street.

Club member and presenter Sandy Schill will lead participants through the creative process behind character portrait photography, beginning with a brief discussion of techniques for using light to create dramatic, atmospheric scenes that complement and enhance a model’s costume.

Following the presentation, attendees will have the opportunity to put those techniques into practice at hands-on stations. Participants can experiment with colored gels, lighting modifiers, and intentional shadows while exploring ways to create distinctive and compelling character portraits.

The program is free and open to photographers of all experience levels. Those planning to attend are encouraged to bring their cameras or smartphones and join in the hands-on portion of the evening.

The club will continue its October programming with its monthly competition night on Thursday, October 22. The event will be offered both online and in person at Newtown Senior Center. Members will share and compete with their photographs in five categories: Nature, Open Color, Open Monochrome, Assigned Subject, and Monthly Challenge.

October’s Assigned Subject is Color Stories, inviting photographers to explore how color can convey mood, atmosphere, relationships, and meaning. The Monthly Challenge theme is Landscape.

The evening will begin with social time at 7 pm, followed by the competition at 7:30. Non-members are welcome to attend, enjoy the photography, and meet members of 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.