Nguyen Li’s passion for photography has inspired the establishment of Stanislaus State’s first photography club. Li seeks to connect photographers, filmmakers and creatives alike. 

Li (junior, Business Administration) has had a progressing hobby for photography. He filed chartering paperwork in early March of the spring 2022 semester.

Li’s inspiration comes from previous groups such as Modesto Camera Club. There, he learned the basics of photography. The best takeaway from his experience is having fun.

“Based on my experiences in the club, I thought it was really fun,” Li said.

He wanted to bring the same energy to a club at Stan State. motivating him to take initiative. But he found himself in a predicament. How does a non-arts major connect with other photographers at Stan State? College campuses are a great wealth of resources, especially in creating new resources. Then he found an interesting discovery. In over 50 years of its establishment, Stanislaus State has never formed a photography club.

Li expressed how early on in his hobby, he felt alone in his practice. Also, there is a presence of students involved in the same interest, but do not have a way to collaborate.

“I’ve talked to some students. They want to participate in this. They want to build that community,” Jose Navarro (graduate, Counselor Education) said. 

“I think Stan State definitely needs a photography club. It actually shocked me to learn that there has never been a photography club in the entire history of Stan State,” said Carly Esteaff (senior, Communication Studies.

The photography club is not reserved for photographers. Li wants this to be a way for creatives to connect. Stan State, considered a commuter college, has the potential of leaving creative students disengaged. A club is a way for them to connect gives them a sense of purpose in what they are studying.

“Whether you have a brand new camera or just using your phone, it is such a great common interest that so many people can enjoy,” Esteaff added.

Studying remotely has affected students during the pandemic. Exiting pandemic, students are looking to engage more and find opportunities. This is where the photography club comes at a great time. A place to be creatively free. It is a domain for creatives to network and can build a community of people who share the same vision and inspiration. 

“If you’re interested in photography, join,” Li said.
Club activities began in early April, and meetings are not mandatory, but they will be having activities starting in early April. If you have any questions about the club or would like to join, you can email Nguyen Li at [email protected].