Camera buffs shoot for the perfect image at regular meetings.

Genevieve Moyer holds up a black and white photo of a weathered window with a gauzy curtain shredded by the elements.

The desolation of the house is palpable through the window.

Entered in a “competition meeting” of the Bainbridge Island Photo Club, the image – photographer unknown – would be rated by three judges on a scale of one to nine.

A fourth member would offer comments only, touching on depth of field, lighting, composition, impact and presentation among other points.

“I hear the comments and then contrast them with my own thoughts about whether the photo was better horizontal versus vertical or cropped differently,” club member John Petrek says.

Though Petrek finds the comments valuable, “it’s intimidating for the photographer and commentator.”

The sensitivity of both sides for the other defines the character of the group. Founded in 1997, the club is focused on helping photographers of every level develop their talents and share experiences in a supportive atmosphere.

The meetings each second Wednesday of the month alternate between presentations by photographers – such as Joel Sackett, who will talk at the April meeting about portraits – and competitions that challenge members to submit photos for judging and comments.

The combination of stimulation to do better and a panoply of expertise to draw on attracts many, with about 65 members now, and 30-35 present at any meeting.

“Being in a club with competition (meetings) forces you to get out and take new pictures (and) forces you to expand your horizons,” Petrek said. “I always did black and white, so I knew nothing about color theory” until joining the club.

He carries around the list of themes for upcoming competitions in his wallet.

“When driving or out, you’re always thinking,” he said.

Norm Babcock finds the meetings motivating, and inspiring.

“It’s good to be with people better than yourself,” he said. “There are some outstanding experts in the club, and they are totally unselfish and make their knowledge available with a call. You know the answers are there.”

New and inexperienced members are hooked up with a mentor. Even members who took “good snapshots” say they have learned about aspects of photography they didn’t know to think about.

“What I’ve learned about light is, if you don’t get up for sunrise, the light is flat during the day,” said Moyer, the club’s vice president of education programs, a member since the first meeting. “At sunrise or sunset, the light is warmer with better shadows.”

Norm Wooldridge felt his strength was lighting, but realized he didn’t know what good composition – that is, how you place a subject in a photo – looked like.

The group has also helped him begin digital photography, which has rapidly penetrated the photography scene.

Babcock recalls taking a show of hands to see how many club members had a digital camera two years ago, and about 20 percent did. Just last year, asking the same question, about 98 percent owned one, and some were on their second camera.

The club shares its expertise in public classes, which also raise money for equipment such as laptops and projectors.

A class beginning April 12 for four sessions, “Managing Your Digital Photo Shoebox,” teaches the mechanics of taking digital photos, processing and transferring them from camera to computer or other equipment.

In an analysis worthy of Consumer Reports magazine, Moyer says the club has thoroughly tested digital cameras, printers and photo manipulation software to find the best buy at various price ranges to help students make choices.

Although the jury is still out on the virtues of film versus digital, many film users scan in prints to manipulate within digital imaging software for greater control.

“I find you express yourself more (through digital manipulation)” than shipping film off to a lab, Deb Berry said.

Berry joined 18 months ago, a newcomer to photography.

“I was so impressed by the quality of work and by people so enthusiastic about photography,” she said. “And the way the club is organized, you’re not sitting there bored.”

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Take a shot

The Bainbridge Island Photo Club meets at 7 p.m. the second Wednesday of the month at the Bainbridge Commons on Brien Drive. Visitors are welcome to attend for free.

On April 13, island photographer Joel Sackett talks about portraits and his new book.

On May 11 the competition theme is “favorite color.”

Annual membership is $20 for individuals and $30 for couples. The class “Managing Your Digital Photo Shoebox” begins April 12 for four sessions, 7-9 p.m. Tuesdays at Strawberry Hill Park. Cost is $65. For more information on the club or classes, call 855-9316 or see www.biphotoclub.org.