Bill Hoikala's annual NHCC survey results

on

Thank you to Bill Hoikala for the recent NHCC member survey






Participating in FIELD TRIPS is one of the best ways to get to know other members and learn more about photography. Because of the pandemic, field trip participation has been limited. In past years, however, members have enjoyed trips ranging from week-long trips to Yellowstone NP, multiple-day trips to Amish country or the Maine lighthouses, daytrips to state parks and NYC attractions, to half-day excursions to photograph outdoor sculpture gardens or Yale architecture. This year we have sponsored monthly PHOTO CHALLENGES, where we designate a scenic spot and members visit on their own, take photos, and submit four images for a slide show presentation at one of our meetings or on our YouTube channel. Recent Photo Challenge sites have included Milford’s Gulf Beach, Branford’s Stony Creek, and Stratford’s Boothe Memorial Park.What are some of your favorite LOCAL spots for photography?

Showing responses

  • New York Botanical Gardens CT waterfalls 
  • Simsbury, Wickham Park, Lighthouse New Haven 
  • Elizabeth Park in West Hartford; Pardee Rose Garden in Hamden; almost any shore line such as Hammonassett, West Haven beaches, Milford beaches, Stoney Creek 
  • X 
  • Hammonasset 
  • Gulf Beach in Milford, Woodmont Beach in Milford 
  • I live out of state and only go on field trips when I am in CT to visit family. 
  • * 
  • I'd say beach and garden locales. Besides that any place with beautiful architecture like downtown New Haven & Hartford. 
  • RWA sites Have enjoyed the Photo Challenge designated places 
  • Beaches 
  • prefer not to say
  • Gillette Castle, State parks in general. 
  • life 
  • Beardsley Zoo, NYBG, New haven 
  • Bronx Bot. Gardens, Eliz. Park in the spring, Beaches, Cricket Hill Garden, in May, New Haven Fireworks July 4, various nurseries. 
  • Wickham Park 
  • why
  • Compo Beach Boothe Memorial Park 
  • I don't have a lot of favorite local spots 
  • ]State fairs, parades, Frosty Drew Observatory RI, 
  • Wadsworth Falls and park. Hammonassette Beach; Sleeping Giant Park; Farmington Canal Trail 
  • NYC 
  • CT Waterfalls, Elizabeth Park, Quinnipiac Meadows Preserve, Ripley's Waterfowl Conservancy, Supply Pond, Hartford Skyline at Night, Beardsley Zoo, 
  • NYC -the Highline NYC -Ellis Island Shelton lakes 
  • Lighthouses and waterfalls 
  • Southford falls, Southbury, CT 
  • Hammonasset - a winery - 
  • Water company recreation properties. 
  • Essex,Old Saybrook area 
  • Hammasset 
  • Weir Farm National Historic Site Hammonassett State Park 
  • We can travel OUTSIDE the state. Why limit to only local? 
  • I don't really have a favorite spot, it is wherever I happen to end up when driving around looking for something to photograph 
Another way to improve your photography skills and get to know other members is through WORKSHOPS. Our members have a variety of special skills and often offer to share their techniques with fellow members. This year, these workshops have often taken place via Zoom, but previously they had taken place in the presenter’s home with 3-6 participants. We recently combined with another club to host an iPhoneography workshop for 50 people via zoom. Some other workshops have included flower photography, editing with photoshop & lightroom, and how to improve your judging skills.What workshop topics would you like to see offered at NHCC?
  • iPhone techniques and built in software 
  • More Photoshop and Lightroom workshops 
  • More on judging
  • Night photography (esp since that is one of our assigned subjects. 
  • X 
  • basic photo editing 
  • Action/sports, using natural light 
  • Night and macro photography 
  • Macro 
  • Not sure of best format, but a panel discussion of web display [smugmug, Flickr, Instagram] with pros/cons, costs etc 
  • Cheri did excellent Instagram workshop, need a refresher though 
  • I think I missed a workshop by Paul concerning the judging of images. Not totally sure of everything that judges look for as both positives and negatives to images. 
  • astro 
  • Workshop on how some of the Image Artistry entries are created
  • Macro photography 
  • Composition 
  • Photoshop editing & IPhone photo issues & how various useful apps work 
  • How to prepare for a photoshoot, what to bring, and what not to bring, especially when you have to carry a tripod for any length of time. Panel discussion 
  • Editing with PS. 
  • PORTRAIT LIGHTING 
  • How to add textures to images
  • How to choose a photo tour…there are many out there but unbiased evaluations are rare…this could be done on Zoom via a panel of folks who have been on tours. 
  • More macro photography - still life - street photography - 
  • creative ways with photoshop 
  • No answer 
  • Flash photography 
Speaking of workshops, what special photography skills you would like to impart to your fellow NHCC members?
  • I do not feel confident enough to lead a workshop. 
  • I don't think I have any particular photographic techniques I could lead for a program/workshop 
  • I don't have any special skills. 
  • Leading field trips is what I can do -not photography techniques. 
  • X 
  • photo editing 
  • I’m not that good 
  • iMovie, but small in-home 2-3 people 
  • ? 
  • Historically, I have given talks directed primarily at newer photographers about understanding how the DSLR works along with composition, sharpness, lighting etc. 
  • Patience 
  • ? 
  • …not really a skill but photographers should know how to travel light…you may think you need all your gear on every trip but I’ve found that the less gear you have the more you are forced to be creative…it’s also great for your shoulders and back ! 
  • I am still a beginner and am learning so I have no skills to share. 
  • No answer
  • How to score low on competition night. (Maybe then I’ll have a chance, lol) 



  • I am currently on the NHCC Board. 
  • I am already on the board - I can lead field trips just about anywhere. Usually do a dry run to be sure of the location details. - I can host a workshop but not lead the workshop - More than happy to judge at other local CC With my current role on the Board, it would be hard to be an inside judge 
  • X 
  • Programs - Travel, Composites Workshops - basic photoshop, composites 
  • * 
  • Public Information -Welcome flyer -Survey -newspaper publicity - not much this year w/ Covid 
  • Need help with ways to reach younger, more diverse target audiences 
  • Treasurer 
  • Same board position that held last year 
  • It depends on whether it is a zoom function based on the pandemic situation. 
  • I would love to contribute more, but my skill level is so average that I would have nothing to offer other than support the rest of the club. 
  • At some point I’d be interested in helping to lead a field trip…the challenge right now is that Covid is such a wildcard with different restrictions by locality and different protocols day by day.my own view is that NHCC should start with 2hr workshops at its home base and see how those go. 
  • I HOPE TO MAKE AN IN PERSON MEETING OR EVENT! 
  • On trips committee 
  • Sorry, my health is running interference with volunteering right now.

What would make the NHCC better? 

  • I suggest a mentoring program. I see many beginner photographers do not improve as time goes on. Some more experienced members that have special skills, for example: Photoshop, Lightroom, monochrome, creative images. If there was a list of these members with their special talent, the beginners could call on them for help. I think that we should do more to encourage beginner photograpers.......to help them to improve. 
  • I would love to see more members, particularly younger people who would keep us up with the times. 
  • Combine with other local CCs for speakers who might be expensive. Not sure how to arrange that - More publicity 
  • more participation by members. Many people pay their dues but do not enter competitions, do not attend meetings and field trips. We should encourage our members to participate more fully. 
  • If we could return to regular in-person meetings and events -- this is what attracted me to join NHCC 
  • If you go to in person meeting, still continue with the zoom meeting included. We do this type of meeting in Florida. 
  • Diversity. 
  • Increase efforts to enlist younger, more diverse membership 
  • Program to help develop newer photographers. 
  • ??? 
  • Although this a tough subject to solve, judging (in this and other clubs) has been a "hope for the best" situation. Sometimes you get lucky when a knowledgeable person is available and sometimes you get the bottom of the barrel from the club supplying the judges because they are the only people who volunteered. I think members would give more credibility to scores if there was a stable of judges outside of other clubs with impressive credentials (i.e. camera book authors, camera store owners, professors from schools that teach photography etc.) to contact. 
  • I think that NHCC is doing a pretty good job in our difficult times 
  • Continue the good work and fine leadership 
  • FIND A REPLACEMENT FOR PHOTO CONTEST PRO. 
  • I think the Club is doing a great job. 
  • Getting back to in person meetings for workshops. Zoom isn’t great but it can do a fine job for competition nights as Paul Peterson has shown 
  • Nothing. You’re doing a great job. 
  • Increase membership 
  • Stop focusing on covid. Trust your members. Be a real club. 
  • Actually "listen" and "discuss" what members have to say. 
    • Yes, that is why Bill H has been sending out this survey annually.

Over the past two years the New Haven Camera Club, like many other community organizations, has been challenged to establish member safety protocols while maintaining club services.  Utilizing ‘Zoom’ has enabled us to provide programs and conduct competitions.  The curtailed in-person contact has been frustrating but it has certain advantages related to weather, allowing our out-of-state members can participate more fully, better speakers since travel costs are not incurred. Some thing to consider...• Beneficial for our out-of-state members.• Inclement weather would not be an issue.• We can book out-of-state speakers (without travel costs).• Obtaining judges for competitions could be easier.• Some presentations are better suited to the Zoom format.Other issues to be considered are:  the availability of the meeting site, safety protocols, etc. Some board members considered a hybrid approach. As photographers, our reputation for flexibility is imperative.What are your thoughts?

  • I support a hybrid approach. 
  • zoom on line 
  • in person as long as Covod-Protocols are in place including masking and proof of vaccinations. 
  • hybrid approach
  • This is a tough issue. I would love to see us meet in person in our new space. But perhaps a hybrid structure would be best. Have zoom programs in the winter. 
  • We would still need to follow our guideline of zoom if the infection rate is 5% or more. Safety is very important and this virus is not going away. 
  • In person meetings! With Covid safety in mind, with Covid protocols in place (masking and proof of vaccinations). 
  • It seems very clear what direction the club is headed for this coming season based on the wording here. The proper protocol for questionnaires, or so I understand, is to pose questions in a neutral format when soliciting input. In this question, instead of offering the pros and cons of both Zoom and In-Person meetings, you just list the pros of Zoom and the cons ("issues") of In-Person meetings. I’m so disappointed. I think many of our board members, because of their long history with the club, have forgotten what it's like to be a new member. Yes, of course, there’s much to learn from a Zoom presentation. And they have their place. But members could just as easily get wonderful instruction off the internet. They choose a camera club so they can meet other photographers. Ask questions. Find out where they went or how they set up their shots. Meet people. Interact. You can’t do that on Zoom. Zoom is essentially a single conversation medium, one subject at a time, with the vast majority of people just listening. Contrast that with in-person meetings where (at breaks) there can be numerous conversations by numerous people on numerous topics at the same time. For new members, there is no better learning experience. I personally could not have learned as much as I have without rubbing elbows with all the wonderful photographers in our club. The great disappointment in all of this is that there were (and are) ways to accommodate all the members for in-person meetings without imposing universal mandates and requirements that, quite frankly, don't exist anywhere else (proof of vaccine and booster – and at the last in-person meeting, masks and social distancing). It seems board members are unable to recognize that some members find these mandates excessive and, more concerning, personally intrusive - which they are. So finding a compromise to accommodate all members was either never considered or never materialized. (You just need to separate those who want the tightened restrictions from those that don’t want it using red stickers and green stickers to denote preference – each sitting in their own spaces.) Folks, we are all capable of taking care of ourselves. You never gave me that option. Not even an End of Year Banquet so I could actually meet some of the new faces. I’m so disappointed. I wish you all the best. I had a very rewarding five years with everyone. Phil 
  • I would like to see a mix of in-person and zoom. 
  • I want to meet in person and do not attend Zoom 
  • I agree with the benefit of Zoom for out of state members, such as myself. It also offers up the opportunity to have a wider choice of speakers. 
  • Continue Zoom meetings. Most of our members are older. There continue to be new Covid variants and this is safer 
  • Like Zom for programs. Not so much for competitions. 
  • Covid has been a thorny issue for most local orgs. Competitions are quite efficient via Zoom, Paul P could use a web-savvy assistant as backup. Lisa has recruited excellent presenter lineup; using Zoom to occasionally reduce travel costs seems logical...The Photo Challenges have been a huge help. 
  • Zoom 
  • I would like the monthly competitions to be in person. I would like interaction with other club members, especially being a new member. 
  • programs online, comps in person 
  • Would be ideal to have option of live & zoom meeting 
  • I really like the Zoom format. Inclement weather is not an issue. Since everyone is already safe in theitr home and not concerned with driving home in the dark, ending meetings a bit later at times should not be an issue. Perhaps that would allow more comments during competitions. 
  • I think that it would be nice if we could have competition meetings in person, when COVID allows. The other monthly could remain on zoom. 
  • Zoom works for viewing and analyzing photos. However I miss the personal interaction of live meetings 
  • Hybrid seems like it would work best depending on the presentation subject and number of members willing to go into a building in close proximity to others. 
  • As for myself living in FL 6 months of the year and being able to utilize Zoom has been essential in staying in touch with NHCC and several other clubs( Milford meet-ups, Photography with Duck) 
  • Hybrid... of 20 meetings ( 10 comp, 10 instructive) maybe meet in person half of each .. or less for comp.. flexibikty now that we know Zoom works. continue the good work and fine leadership. 
  • IN PERSON MEETINGS WITH ZOOM SPEAKERS PROJECTED ON AL LARGE SCREEN. 
  • I like a hybrid approach. I think the zoom approach has allowed more active participation but I also think that in-person contact is important. I'd like to see a flexible, hybrid approach. 
  • Zoom is useful for certain things but it is no substitute for in-person interaction…With zoom you can always take a rain check’ @ the last moment …in person requires commitment. The more we can do together the better. But see Covid issues above…best to start out slow. 
  • Zoom is fine. I didn't realize we allowed out-of-state members...my lady friend could have joined last year. 
    • FYI, the NHCC bylaws do not allow out of state members with two exceptions: for students and for CT residents that move out of state. I would like the board to vote and possibly amend this to allow out of state residents to become members, with the caveat that they cannot compete (which was why the CT resident rule was originally implemented)
  • Waiting for in person meetings 
  • I think this was an exceptional year and many members worked hard to make it a success. It’s like the club was reinvented to continue to thrive. I appreciate all the coordination and the excellent workshops offered. While missing the in-person experience I looked forward to the Zoom meetings. 
  • Hybrid is best
  • Mixed feelings. The zoom meetings and competitions go very well and have the advantages you mentioned, but there’s that missing club atmosphere. Probably the best route is to maintain as is with zoom until the state percentage gets low. 
  • You raised some excellent points, but in person meetings still contribute a great deal to the whole experience. 
  • Hybrid 
  • Let's stick with zoom meetings 
  • To truly be a "club", members must meet to discuss photography, get to know each other and make connections. Your zeal for zoom is dooming the club. 
  • I would love to get back to in person meetings with maybe meeting on zoom for January and February so if there is inclement weather we could still meet.
  • Lisa's comment as an infectious disease specialist with a PhD in Immunology Microbiology and Molecular Genetics and a specialty in vaccines and pathogens (germs). With the state and country no longer worrying about Covid, the board measure from Fall21 that we only meet in person when rates are lower than 5% seems moot. But...we cannot ignore Covid. I have lost so many friends and family and have many others permanently affected by this virus. Currently there are 500 people a day are dying from Covid (in the USA) and I doubt very much that NHCC members would be getting on a plane for a field trip if 500 people a day were dying from plane crashes -- so we cannot ignore the virus. We are a community of people that needs social interactions, we need individual and small group conversations that just cannot do not happen  organically on Zoom. We need field trips and workshops. We should be meeting (safely) in person (with masks on and vaccination/booster) for competitions and workshops and such at the church. It is, however, hard to go back to only local speakers (we do live in snowy New England and even members speakers like Bill and Paul did not want to present in the winter because of the possibility of weather cancellations) and we have been able to get awesome speakers from all around the country (and the globe, we had one recently speaker presenting from Isreal) so I believe that a hybrid approach is best. If we had an unlimited budget to bring in speakers and pay for travel, hotel, and honorarium that would be different, but we are a small club (in 2011 when NHCC turned 100 we had many more members as photo clubs are dwindling all over because of iPhones and the aging out of our members).It is my understanding that the church does have internet, so programs could be projected via Zoom at the church if there are enough people want to attend (and actually attend in person, too work to set it up for six people).