**We love Photography and Vermont! All ages, abilities, and skill levels are welcome, even beginners!**
**Participants only need an interest in photography and a desire to improve their skills or help others.**
Join similarly creative and passionate individuals who love Vermont and seek opportunities to show off this beautiful state. Our members range from novices to professional photographers, each bringing different perspectives, experiences, and knowledge.
**Together, we gain photography experience, enjoy Vermont's uniqueness, and best of all, make new friends!**
We offer beginner and advanced meetups at least once a month to expand member knowledge, talk and share stories, photograph unique locations, catch dramatic sunsets or sunrises, mountain views, architecture, or events in cities and towns close to Burlington and throughout Northern and Central Vermont.
During and after each event, you're welcome to (optionally) post your photos to social media and photo-sharing sites.
Some events wrap up over food or drink at a local restaurant, with discussions recounting the day, sharing photos, (optional) constructive critique, and exchanging photography tips and knowledge.
**We encourage anyone with an interest in photography to join and will welcome you regardless of your skill level or equipment.**
Since everyone starts with an inexpensive camera or one that was already at their disposal, any type of camera is welcomed *with open arms and without judgment*...even camera phones and pocket-cams!
**Our group's organizer and leader:**
The group is led by [Vermont Photo Tours](https://www.vtphototours.com/) founder and Instructor, [Steve Mermelstein](https://stevemermelstein.com/) and is a marriage of Steve’s passion for photography with his love for Vermont. Steve’s award-winning photography has appeared in magazines, newspapers, calendars, ads, and websites. In 2013 and 2014, Samsung USA named Steve one of the Top 50 US Photographers and contracted him as a Samsung Imagelogger.
**About RSVPs:**
When you RSVP "Yes" to an event please follow through with your commitment to attend. If you can't make it, please change your RSVP to "No" at least 48 hours prior to the event. "No Shows" hurt the trustworthiness of the group and can disrupt our plans. If it's a limited attendance event, it could also prevent other Members that can attend from RSVPing "Yes" or not correctly moving members on the waitlist to attending! We understand if emergencies and last-minute situations happen, but please be diligent in your RSVP status. Thank you!
