Student creates club to help put OU life in focus

Ankur Acharya, president of a new photography club on campus, is encouraging fellow photographers to show off work like this shot, which he calls "Nighttime visitors."

By Amanda Benjamin, student writer

International student Ankur Acharya, a graduate computer science major who came to Oakland University from India in the fall, brought with him a strong desire to connect with other people interested in photography.

“I always felt the need of that community around you,” he explained.

After going to the Center for Student Activities (CSA) to learn about how he might answer this need, Acharya has started a new photography club on campus.

Just a few weeks since its inception, Acharya is now in the process of talking to people about what the club will have to offer. Serving as its president, he plans to buy equipment, take quality pictures and cover major events at OU. His goals are to showcase student work and communicate with others in the field.
 
In order to do this, he plans to set up a Web site where the members can discuss photography and have online albums of their pictures. Then students can rate the pictures and compete for awards such as Photographer of the Week or Photographer of the Month.

After spring break, Acharya plans to set up a photography exhibit displaying the club’s work in Oakland Center. Students can see and appreciate the work the club is doing, as well as vote for their favorites, he said.

Acharya also would like to apply for grants from OU for photography trips. Through CSA, he went on a trip to Mexicantown in Detroit and got some really good shots. He said he wants the club to take trips like that.

Acharya said he likes photography because, as the saying goes, “A picture is worth 1,000 words.” His favorite things to photograph are people and plants.

“Flowers are good, but I think it’s the leaves that add life to the picture,” he said.

The club plans to have a meeting before spring break to go over some rules and goals. There will be at least two to three meetings and activities a semester.

Those interested in learning more about the club are encouraged to contact Acharya at aacharya@oakland.edu.