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08/24/2016 08:30 AMWhen Michael Grabowski was in his 20s, he loved photography. Because it was an expensive hobby, he began photographing weddings to help fund it, but after a number of years in the business, he gave up his hobby. After a 40-year hiatus from photography, Michael’s interest was piqued again when his grandchildren were born.
“How can you not take photographs of your grandchildren? They’re forever changing and have expressions that are just priceless,” says Michael, who has four grandchildren with a fifth due shortly. “They’re our future. How can you not love it and record it?”
Around the time his interest was reignited, Michael saw a posting about the North Haven Camera Club in the newspaper. He decided to go to a meeting and shortly after, he took over as co-president and has been president of the club for the past three years.
“I’ve been retired for nearly two years, so now I put a lot of time into the camera club,” says Michael, who worked in professional sales. “The premise of the club is coming together to learn how to take a better photograph.”
The meetings, which are held on the first and third Tuesday of the month from September to June (the first meeting of the new year is on Tuesday, Sept. 6), have instructors who teach a variety of subjects such as how to use the camera, techniques for getting a better photograph, and some work with software. There are also friendly competitions every month.
“We strongly encourage our members to print their images, because if you just keep them on a computer screen, more than likely you’re the only one who will see them,” says Michael. “The competitions are a great place to show your images and learn from others.”
Seven of the eight subjects for the monthly competitions were chosen after polling members and Michael chose the eighth, which is shooting an image in harsh lighting. The club’s website, northhavencameraclub.com, lists the meeting and competition schedule. The website also features galleries of members’ images.
Michael has seen immense growth in the club over the years. When he joined, there were 19 members who met at North Haven Parks & Recreation, but last season closed with 78 members and the meetings have since been moved to Hope Christian Church, 211 Montowese Avenue.
“It’s been a wonderful experience there,” says Michael, who also volunteers time with the church managing the church’s media. “They use a lot of media during services—slide presentations, graphics—so I put that together for them. I take their ideas...and put it into image or something to display it.”
In addition to seeing the growth of the club over the years, he has also seen growth in the field of photography. When he was photographing weddings, he still used 2 ¼- by 2 ¼-inch negative film. While taking a break from his hobby, photography transitioned to a mostly digital world and Michael has welcomed the transition. He started with a small Olympus 3MP camera, but his arsenal has grown over the years.
“When my grandkids came along, that forced us to get better cameras,” says Michael. “Once I got bitten by the bug to get a better camera, I got bitten hard. I think I owe my wife Kathryn three or four cruises, but she has been very supportive.”
Michael lived in North Haven growing up and has been back in town for the past 15 years. In addition to his volunteer work and spending time with his children and grandchildren, Michael enjoys fishing and boating, though he notes that there isn’t much time for that once the camera club’s year kicks off.
“Once we’re in gear, I’m doing about 30 hours a week for the club and close to that many with the church,” says Michael. “Both are rewarding for different reasons.”
Michael’s favorite part about being involved in the camera club is meeting a diverse group of people who all share a passion for photography. There are people from many different professions coming not only from North Haven, but surrounding towns like East Haven, North Branford, Northford, Woodbridge, Hamden, and Guilford.
“It’s really wonderful because they’ve made new friends that have same passion and interest as they do—that’s been a real wonderful experience right there,” says Michael. “I love the camera club for that reason—bringing people together, people making friends. I hope that remains the core principal.”
For more information on the North Haven Camera Club, visit northhavencameraclub.com.