By Sheri Goldsmith May

I retired in 2009 from the (now) University of Minnesota Child Development Center. I joined UMRA in 2010, joined the Photo Club soon after, and served a three-year term on the UMRA Board.

The first thing I want to say about the Photo Club is that we have fun! We come together the second Tuesday of each month for a 90-minute presentation and discussion of our photography. Please rest assured that whatever your skill level, your skills will exceed mine! There is room for everybody, including me. 

A story behind every picture

Why does this work? We each submit pictures that are important to us, relevant to the monthly theme or favorites “just because.” We get to hear the story behind many pictures, and that is what makes the experience special. For example, I often submit pictures of bugs, like spiders. The significance of my latest spider picture is that I found it in the women’s restroom of the recently renovated and most expensive hotel on the island of Kauai ($1,200.00/night). My spider was large!

The second thing I want to say about the UMRA Photo Club is that the members have many interests that are reflected in their photography. Also, the sessions are very interactive, and full of laughter. For example, members travel to parts of the world with different cultures; the questions, and answers, are fascinating. Members also take pictures of local life, which always prompts the comment, “I didn’t know THAT was there.”

If you’re looking for an opportunity to explore your photographic interests, hone your photographic skills, and hear what other retirees are up to, this is a great place to be. We meet on the second Tuesday of most months at the St. Anthony Library in St. Anthony. Some members arrive early to eat lunch at the Great Dragon Buffet. Meetings start at 12:30 and end at 2 p.m. Parking is free.

Condensed from a presentation made at the March 26, 2024, UMRA luncheon.