Created for students that love photography, the Murray State Photo Club is a great way to make friendships and embrace an artistic passion. Cintia Segovia Figueroa, assistant professor of art, created the club because she saw students eager to get out of the isolation of Covid-19 and form friendships with people that had the same interests. And the best part is that anyone can join regardless of their experience with photography. “Everyone is welcoming and happy to share what they know about image making. We embrace diversity in every form, because that way we can learn from each other,” professor Segovia Figueroa says. One of the main aspects of the club is having fun! They organizes many activities, all focusing on making new friends and sharing their love of photography.
During their time in the club, students learn about different kinds of photography and how to set up photoshoots. Last semester, the students went to Land Between the Lakes and took pictures of elk and bison. Professor Segovia Figueroa says that one of the club members’ favorite events is always telescope night, where they take pictures of planets and stars using telescopes as a lens. “This club is a good way to learn other skills like problem solving and how to plan an effective photoshoot,” she says. “Students explore different types of photography, like portraits, lighting, nature and astrophotography.” For Halloween and Valentine’s Day, they plan to set up a booth with lights for visitors to get their photos taken. There will also be buttons for sale that the students designed and pressed. All profits will go towards their travel and exhibitions.
Photography is everywhere. Most people have cameras on their phones that they use everyday. These students are learning how to communicate through photography in ways that will help them later in life. It’s a medium that is accessible for everyone and joins people from many different backgrounds and interests. Professor Segovia Figueroa explains that photography is one of the most important forms of communication in media and around the world. “A photograph has the power to change minds with the right message and skillset. Learning how to communicate effectively is a quality that every graduate should have in the workplace.”
If you would like to join the photography club, contact professor Segovia Figueroa at csegoviafigueroa@murraystate.edu, or find the club on Instagram (@msu_photoclub)!
College of humanities and fine arts 