camera buffs set to get extra exposure Want help taking great photographs? Here's your chance to spend time with and learn from some of Australia's best photographers. PT2M2S http://www.smh.com.au/action/externalEmbeddedPlayer?id=d-2wllt 620 349 October 31, 2013 In modern photography, it is an amateur's world. Easy access to digital technology - and social media - means the line between beginner and professional photographers is increasingly blurred. "There seems to be a camera on every device now," says Fairfax photojournalist Wolter Peeters. More people are taking photos than ever before. But while anyone can point and shoot, few have the eye to capture a compelling image. Photographers with little or no experience will have the chance to sharpen their skills and be trained by Herald photographers with the launch of Fairfax Media's Clique Photographers' Association. The program, which is set to begin in January, will give members 10 monthly assignments on themes designed to test their skills in technique, lighting and composition. The winning images will be published in the Herald on the last Friday of the month. It is exposure that will give beginner camera buffs a "glimpse" into the life of professional photojounalists, Peeters says. This is a way that people can have their work reviewed and questions answered. Editing, publishing and posting photos is now a democratic process, he says, embraced by millions who have replaced the family photo album with photo-sharing sites such as Instagram and Flickr. Since launching in 2010, more than 16 billion photographs have been uploaded to Instagram, with 50 images shared every second. Online gallery Flickr, which has 30 million users, allows beginners to rate and browse images. Garry Linnell, director of news media at Fairfax, said: "Clique taps into that mass interest for stirring imagery. It allows the public to have access to our team of highly skilled photographers, learn more about the craft of photography and understand the tremendous work and effort that goes into capturing one perfect moment in time. Some of the Herald's award-winning photographers, including Peeters, Brendan Esposito, Kate Geraghty, Nick Moir and Tamara Dean, will offer workshops and seminars from February to November. "Our goal is to inspire, teach and guide people to be better photographers," says Esposito, who is the Herald's chief photographer and has spent 30 years capturing images for newspapers. A photographer has to be a good communicator. A still photograph, shot well, will allow you to step into that scene and to take the person looking at the picture somewhere special. The art form might be changing but still photography will always stand the test of time. The monthly challenge winner will receive a portfolio review from a Herald photographer. Members will also have access to Canon's Masters Program, with the opportunity to be guided by top Australian photographers Stephen Dupont, Darren Jew and Eugene Tan. Your chance to be published in The Sydney Morning Herald and The Age Monthly challenges Receive feedback on your photos Members benefits and discounts on camera equipment and software from Digital Camera Warehouse, Canon and Adobe Exclusive access to events and workshops Membership cost in 2014: $50 and $25 for Fairfax subscribers Go to smh.com.au/clique