FAQ-Page


APPW-FAQ Page


As a new or renewing member of APPW (Adventure Photography and Photo Walks) I have put together a little FAQ page to answer most of your questions.

Q: Who is the Organizer of this group?

A: My name is J. Scott Kelly (Scott). I am a native of West Palm Beach, Fl and grew up on Singer Island and the Juno Beach/Jupiter area. I have been and currently remain a full time professional photographer and have owned Island Images Professional Photography Studio, Inc since November 1985. I graduated with an honors degree in photographic technology from Florida Institute of Technology in June 1985. I have been with my sweetheart (Karen) since 1980 and we married in 1987. We have had the blessing of a wonderful  daughter place into our lives in 1998. We moved to the Vero Beach area in March 2008 to find a slower pace in life and I have been educating photographers via seminars and workshops as well as leading photographic walks and tours since then. I don’t take life to seriously although my CLOSE friends think I’m wound a bit tight…. (ADHD). I love what I do and want to continue learning, while sharing my experiences and knowledge with others. I’m pretty much an open book…I could go on, but I also tend to ramble, just tell me to shut up…(nicely)!


Q: How can you get in touch with me?

A: Our photography group(s) can reach me by email at adventurephotography(AT)hotmail.com or by phone at 772.643.6994


Q: Do you charge a registration fee for your photography groups and WHY?

A: Yes, the annual registration fee to be apart of the group is currently $60.00 ANNUALLY from July 1st thru June 30st.

I personally do not wish to organize a HUGH group and I find that by charging a small yearly registration fee (as all Professional Photography Clubs do) the membership tend to encompass serious photographic enthusiasts that aren’t looking to take advantage of someone generosity of time and talent. Organizing an active photography group takes a lot of time and travel from my schedule, business and family as well as expenses of running a group throughout the year. I also believe that with smaller groups, members have a better chance to participate in events and have a few questions answered by the organizer without competing with a large crowd.


Q: What does the annual registration fees cover?

A: ANNUAL REGISTRATION: Affords the members to attend the monthly outings, critiques and socials, participate in the MPC (Monthly Photo Challenge), at least 15-20% discount on all workshops. Also as a member of APPW you are invited to register and compete in multiple statewide photography competitions by becoming a member of the FCCC (Florida Camera Club Council).



Q: What are the benefits of being with Adventure Photography and Photo Walks?

A: Just a few list of benefits are…

  • Monthly Morning Coffee and Photo Speak
  • Monthly Member Social and Critique Events
  • Registration in the FCCC (Florida Camera Club Council) which allows you to compete on a state level for accolades and ribbons at least 3 times per year.
  • FREE Photo Walks – at LEAST ONE and at times, two times per month
  • Opportunities for Unique Out-of-Town Photographic Day Tours
  • Longer Weekend or week tours are also scheduled
  • MORE LEARNING WORKSHOP OPPORTUNITIES!
  • At LEAST 15-20% discount on most workshops scheduled 
 
 
Q: Where can I get information on how to join the group?
 
A: Here is the link: ADVENTURE PHOTOGRAPHY JOIN


Q: How often does APPW gather and where will the gatherings be held?

A: For our APPW members, will gather twice a month on a regular basis, one meeting for a photo walk in the general local area. The day or evening for the photo walks will rotate throughout the months to accommodate both our retired members and the 9-5ers. Our meeting for the social, critique and sharing of our work will be held at The Barefoot Cafes' private room, located in Historic Downtown Vero Beach Fl. These meetings will be held on the SECOND THURSDAY of the month. We also hold a monthly coffee chat meeting at local coffee shops

As far as critiques, I find it necessary for photographers to share with one another and get feedback on their work form not only their peers but from a professional or seasoned photographer in the art. I also believe that critiques are VERY IMPORTANT so that photographers can learn and grow in their art by being challenged to look at their images from a different perspective and not necessarily from an emotional attachment to the subject or some other aspect of their image(s). PRO members will also be invited to partake in additional special photo walks and gatherings throughout the year.

Q: Are members required to take any courses, seminars or workshops from Adventure Photography Workshops?

A: By all means NO, while Adventure Photography Workshops offers many great educational opportunities, there are no advantages or disadvantages to taking any of the workshops that we may offer besides LEARNING something that you might not already be familiar with. The ONLY PRE-REQUISITE to being a member of the group is that you are somewhat familiar with your equipment and that you have a basic grasp of the Fundamentals of photography (the Manual operation of your camera, ISO, Shutter Speeds, and Apertures). While there will be opportunities to ask questions from the organizer and other members during the photo walks, the walks are meant to practice and socialize with our fellow members, but not to be a class in photography. I recommend that you take a “Getting to Know Your Camera” and/or “Fundamentals 101” class from us or by some other means prior to going out in the field.

Our Classes, workshops and other photographic opportunities can be found on our workshop site HERE: ADVENTURE PHOTOGRAPHY WORKSHOPS.COM


Q: Are there opportunities for others who may be qualified in certain areas to conduct workshops, classes or tours?

A: YES! YES! YES! If you, or if you know of someone else that may already be conducting educational programs or might be interested in putting together a class to offer, please contact Scott to meet with them and work them into the schedule! We are always looking for other mentors, educators or just great photographers that might be interested in teaching.


Q: Where are your classes, workshop and seminars held and how large are they?

A: While most of our educational classes are offered in our photographic gallery in Vero Beach, Fl , but on occasion we may travel to another location for a field type workshop. Most of our classes, tours and other educational workshops are offered to only about 8-12 persons to keep the ratio low and allow more of a personal experience and to insure that the quality of the program is maintained.


Q: Are there opportunities to get more involved in the formation and direction for the group?

A: Heck YES! If you have some spare time and just want to help? APPW is always in need of helping hands. As we see where our membership numbers steady, we will organize several committees to help plan and promote our various programs and activities. The committees might include Membership, Marketing and Promotion, Activities, Education, Gallery, Contests and other areas that you might find beneficial. Each committee will have a chairperson and will meet only as needed and much of the work can be done via phone or email.

Compensation? You bet! Depending on how you contribute, benefits may range from free ANNUAL REGISTRATION, as well as free classes and workshops. Contact Scott to learn more and volunteer.


* If there is anything you still have questions about please don't hesitate to contact Scott or one of the Assistant Organizers. If you can think of something that should be added to the FAQ please let us know so it can be added. Thanks for reading and I hope to see you on a Photo Walk SOON!