The SE Photography Club aims to open the world of photography to all students no matter their experience level.
Club members meet every Friday from 12:30 to 1:30 p.m. in room SE05 1706. They start off by opening the floor for students to share any photos they took using the principles they learned in the previous meeting.
The first meeting of the semester focused on basic camera knowledge, and the second revolved around perspective.
SE student Mark-Collin Cocauthrey shared photos he took while in Dallas. He’s been a part of the club for two years and said he never realized all the work that goes into a great photo that tells a story such as the rule of thirds, aperture or ISO.
“The photo is supposed to make you think of something or feel something,” he said. “A photo of a cat can make you see this or that. It’s supposed to train your brain.”
After being in the club since he’s been at TCC, he keeps returning because of the community he has experienced among the other members and for the art.
He admires the bravery of his peers for following their passions and their ability to make photos out of anything.
“One of the photography members takes photos of exclusively animals, and every single time he’s always got something different to show,” he said. “Whether it be a cat, whether it be a rooster, whether it be a pelican, he’s always got something. He’s very brave.”
Club president Trang Duong said she also keeps returning to the club for the community. When she joined in January 2025, Duong wasn’t looking to become president, but with the support of the club adviser, English instructor Geoffrey Saari, she took the position.
“We have professor Saari, who is really nice. He helps me out whenever I need because I’m not good at English,” she said.
Saari has been the adviser for the club since it was first created 14 years ago. He has seen a range of students come in with varying levels of experience and gear. From students taking pictures with their phone to students coming in with fancy gear but not understanding how to use it, Saari said everyone has room to improve and grow.
“A lot of students only have cell phones, which is fine because cell phone photos are tremendous these days,” he said. “But they have the desire to learn more about photography and using a DSLR and stuff.”
Through fundraisers in previous years, the club was able to buy a few cameras that members of the club can check out if they wish to try out a more professional camera. The club also tries to take at least three field trips a semester to practice what they learn in the club.
They are planning to take a future trip to the Dallas Museum of Art and also visit nearby parks.
“It’s just so students can make friends with people that share their likes and things and have fun,” Saari said. “And if they can learn other things on the way in this club, that’s good. I’m happy if they just have fun.”
