Are you a burgeoning student photographer with dreams of displaying your artwork in a Sacramento theatre where photography enthusiasts frequently mingle?

Or do you desire to hone your photographic eye through lectures, workshops, educational programs and field-trips?

You may want to consider a student membership at the Viewpoint Photographic Art Center.

“I always try to increase participation at Viewpoint because it’s such a great organization for extending one’s experience in photography beyond the classroom,” said Patty Felkner, a photography professor at Cosumnes River College.

Located at 2015 J St. in Midtown, the Viewpoint Gallery exhibits photographic charm where professionals, student photographers and photography lovers alike may bond over a myriad of exhibits while enhancing their camera skills.

“I thought this was a good way to get involved with photography and connect to the photography scene in the Sacramento region,” said Roger Vanderplaats, amateur photographer and volunteer docent.

The Viewpoint Student Program is an educational resource and is conducted by John Hernandez, student educator, member photographer and alumni of both CRC and Sacramento City College. Students attending the program receive support, feedback and industry standard information in a semi-professional environment.

“CRC photography has also collaborated with Viewpoint to bring some internationally known photographers to our campus,” Felkner said. “The last one was Rene Beyer who was here last spring with her new book ‘Living on a Dollar a Day.’”

In January 2010, Viewpoint added the “Step Up Gallery,” an exhibition space where members may display their artwork.

Felkner said Holly Renfro, Tracy Hymas and Sylvia Gowrie are three CRC alumnae who had a group show there. Alumna Steph Baxter coordinated a student show there last year.

“The Alchemist’s Vision” is the current featured exhibition of Kerik Kouklis, which highlights his handmade images. Kouklis uses the wet plate collodion process to create one-of-a-kind aluminum and glass images. He is a fine art photographer whose art is displayed at the Ansel Adams Gallery in Yosemite and in other collections in North America and Europe.

“The image is the starting place and printmaking is the language,” according to his artist statement.

Showcased in the Step Up Gallery, is the work of Roberta Bailey titled “Imperfect Perfection: Floral Portraits.” Bailey is a charter member who helped pioneer scanography which uses a flatbed scanner as a medium of photography.  

Her art “honors the wonder and designs of Nature through stunning botanical portraits,” according to her website.

“I love her work,” said Dolores Frank, a member photographer. “I’m going to buy this one here, the Lisianthus.”

Both exhibits may be seen between Nov. 11 and Dec. 9.

The Viewpoint Gallery also offers workshops, field trips, educational programs and lectures to members.

“I’ve given lectures at Viewpoint,” Felkner said. “The last one was on Edward Steichen and Alfred Stieglitz. I also gave a lecture at the Crocker Museum in collaboration with Viewpoint about the photography in Casablanca.”

A student membership costs $20 dollars and includes opportunities to participate in field-trips, members-only exhibits, reduced workshop fees, portfolio reviews and print night. For more information you can visit their website at Viewpointgallery.org or call (916) 441-2341.