Community in Every Frame

My Photo Opp Experience

Written By: Char Brandis, Photo Opp Volunteer, Committee and Community Member

I can recall the moment photography entered my life – I was around 10 years old, standing at a gas station with my dad when he loaded and handed me his Pentax K1000. "We're heading through the mountains," he said, "and since I'm driving, you're in charge of taking the pictures." After a brief focusing lesson, he entrusted me with the camera, and that was it, I was hooked.

During high school, notorious for being a challenging time, photography became my haven for artistic expression. It began to shape my mindset, encouraging mindfulness, gratitude, and a deeper appreciation for the beauty of life. Darkroom classes and leading the photo club became my refuge, and it’s how I found "my people."

But photography isn't just a means of expressing myself and capturing the world around me; it's a form of community. It's a language that goes beyond words, allowing me to communicate and connect with others who share the same passion.

After college, life took me on a different path, and photography faded into the background for many years until I stumbled upon Photo Opp. It felt like finding a missing piece of myself, filling a void I hadn't realized was there. Each program I attended became a valuable learning experience, helping me grow both personally and professionally in my photography journey. Whether it was learning new technical stuff or seeing things from different angles, Photo Opp played a big role in shaping my ongoing photography journey.

With Photo Opp, I've not only rediscovered my love for photography but also found a supportive community that keeps my creative spark alive. Art, in its various forms, has become a language that unites us—a shared experience that goes beyond words. For people like me, it's a place to connect with others who share a passion for capturing life through the lens.