Readers are invited to join Flagpole Photographers Camera Club as it kicks off 2025 with an informative program, “Taking Your Photography to the Next Level,” on Thursday, January 9, from 7:30 to 9 pm. The program will be at Newtown Senior Center, 8 Simpson Street, and online.

Attendees will learn how to navigate lighting challenges, select the right focusing options, and pick the ideal lenses for their photography. A hands-on session will follow, providing an opportunity to apply these tips. Participants are encouraged to bring their cameras or phones along.

Then on Thursday, January 23, the club will host its monthly competition night, featuring members’ works in categories such as Nature, Open Color, Open Monochrome, Assigned Subject, and Monthly Challenge. The January theme for the competition is Forced Perspective, with the monthly challenge focusing on Negative Space.

This event will also take place at the senior center and online, beginning at 7:30 pm, with social time starting at 7.

Flagpole Photographers Camera Club is a local nonprofit organization that offers a welcoming space for photographers of all skill levels — from beginners to professionals — to share their work, learn, and connect with others. There is no fee to attend meetings or competitions, and new members are always welcome.

Members can enter monthly competitions, participate in workshops, attend field trips, engage in community programs, and showcase their work in annual exhibits.

For more information about the club, including meeting dates, a calendar of events, member galleries, workshop details, and how to become a member, visit FlagpolePhotographers.com.