Photo by Greg Cooper

Photo by Greg Cooper

Photo by Greg Cooper

Photo by Greg Cooper

Photo by Greg Cooper

Written by Letitia Grimes

The Ojai Photography Club welcomes Ojai-based photographer and educator, Greg Cooper, as its May presenter. Cooper, Director of Community Outreach for the Humane Society of Ventura County, will bring together volunteering and photography in his presentation, “Volunteerism: Putting Your Photographic Skills to Use in the Community.” The event will take place Tuesday, May 16, at 7:00 p.m. in Help of Ojai’s Kent Hall, 111 W. Santa Ana St., Ojai, CA.

A volunteer for the Humane Society since 1990, Cooper will speak and share images from his long and fulfilling experience in community service. “Giving back to the community that has given me so much has been more rewarding than I could have imagined,” he says. His volunteer work for the shelter has included documenting their animals, staff, facilities, and fundraisers such as the annual Santa Paws event. In his current position as their Director of Community Outreach, he acts as a community liaison, coordinates speaking engagements and media briefings, and oversees charitable giving programs.

Cooper’s presentation will cover the multiple ways that photographers can volunteer their time and skills in community groups. “Most non-profits need assistance with their photo (and video) presence online, in print and for fundraising efforts,” he explains, “and most are desperate to have somebody who has these skills.”

In addition to the focus on volunteering, Cooper will present strategies for creating successful pet portraits based on his experience with shelter animals and his own HSVC rescued dog, Biskit.

A native of Ojai, Cooper graduated from Western Kentucky University in 1996 with a double major in photojournalism and anthropology. During his time in junior college, Cooper worked as a staff photographer at the Ojai Valley News in his hometown. Returning to Southern California, he worked at the Ventura County Star as an assistant picture editor. The Columbus (Ohio) Dispatch lured him away to work as their Sunday picture editor. In 2003 Cooper returned once again to Ventura County, this time to pursue his Master’s degree in Photography at Brooks Institute. After graduating in 2004, Cooper was hired as faculty in the Visual Journalism program where he taught until Brooks’ closure in 2016. Cooper continues to work in education as an adjunct instructor for Ventura College and Santa Barbara City College.

Monthly free presentations are part of the Ojai Photography Club’s community service and education outreach. Visitors are always welcome to attend.

The Ojai Photography Club, which is devoted to education, inspiration, and camaraderie, meets on the third Tuesday of each month, February – November. Only members may submit images for review. For additional information please visit: www.ojaiphotoclub.com