Capturing Group: SOMD Photography Earns First Grant And Inspires A Revival Of Tangible Reminiscences

LEXINGTON PARK, Md. — In just some brief months, SOMD Photography has gone from a small gathering of inventive minds to a rising power within the native arts scene. Now, the group has one thing huge to have fun — their first-ever grant, a $5,000 award from the St. Mary’s County Arts Council, made doable with help from the Maryland State Arts Council.

The grant is greater than a monetary increase — it’s a logo of validation for a bunch that has been lively solely since June 6 but has already made waves throughout Southern Maryland by means of neighborhood occasions, workshops and real ardour for inventive connection.

“We want to go back to people having photo albums, to pictures being special,” stated Brian Haislip, one of many group’s founders. “Photography isn’t just about snapping moments — it’s about making memories you can hold in your hands.”

That perception types the guts of the group’s latest initiative: a print workshop designed to show members tips on how to professionally print their photographs, put together them for gallery presentation and rediscover the enjoyment of tangible imagery in a digital world.

The undertaking goals to empower each seasoned photographers and first-timers. The workshops can even function a bridge for aspiring artists to get their work into galleries — a primary for a lot of within the area.

“This grant allows us to reach the community through photography in a new way,” Haislip stated. “You don’t need to be a professional photographer to join our events or the SOMD Photography team. We want people to come out, learn and find joy in creativity.”

Their current Transformers occasion, held earlier this fall, was certainly one of their most profitable neighborhood engagements up to now — mixing hands-on actions, inventive exploration and connection. For many attendees, it was their first introduction to the artwork of images as storytelling.

Since forming, SOMD Photography has turn into a grassroots success story, proving that artwork can deliver individuals collectively in highly effective methods. Their development displays a broader motion in Southern Maryland, one supported by native arts councils and fueled by residents who need to hold creativity alive on the neighborhood degree.

The $5,000 operations grant will assist with extra than simply supplies and house — it can give the group the inspiration to construct one thing lasting: a house for native creatives to be taught, collaborate and exhibit.

Looking forward, SOMD Photography has plans to broaden their programming into 2026 with extra workshops, exhibitions and outreach tasks that make artwork accessible to everybody.

“We’ve only been active since June 6, and already, we’re making waves,” Haislip stated. “This is just the beginning. When people come together for art, incredible things happen.”

Get Involved With SOMD Photography

To be taught extra about upcoming workshops and occasions, or to hitch SOMD Photography, comply with them on social media. Whether you’re a seasoned photographer or simply love capturing moments in your cellphone, everyone seems to be welcome to be a part of this rising inventive neighborhood.

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