FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT WWPS  (as of 1 July 2026)
Q. What is the purpose of WWPS?
A. Helping members enjoy the art and fun of photography, share knowledge and learn, improve photographic skills, and support the arts and community. Be sure to check the “President’s Message” page of the website: www.WichitaWildlight.org for more information about WWPS and our purpose.

Q. What does “Wildlight” mean in the club’s name?
A. When the club was chartered in 1991, it chose the name “Wichita Wildlight Photographic Society (WWPS)” to recognize our interest in photography (light), the close association of Lawton with the Wichita Mountains National Wildlife Refuge (wild), and the exceptional photo opportunities it provides. Some people mistakenly read our name as “Wild life”, and assume we are only wildlife photographers. But, WWPS is about every kind of photography.

Q. Who attends WWPS meetings and programs?
A. Amateur and professional photographers of all ages and all experience levels who are interested in any aspect of photography.  We even occasionally have visual artists attend because they have so much in common with photographic artists. Everyone is invited including WWPS members and guests.

Q. How many people usually attend meetings and programs?
A. We usually have about 30 people at each meeting. Sometimes there are more depending on the program being presented and people’s availability. We’ve had as many as 90 people at a special program.

Q. Do I have to be a good photographer to be part of WWPS?
A. No, not at all. In fact, one of our primary objectives is to help people learn photography and improve their skills. So, if you don’t know anything, WWPS welcomes you. We teach lessons on photography at every meeting. Our members’ experience levels range from none to retired professionals. We’ve had some people who didn’t even own a camera but were interested in learning about photography so they could make a good decision about what kind of camera to get. We try to teach lessons on photography at various levels so there is something for everyone regardless of experience or knowledge level.

Q. What if I am an experienced photographer? Is there something for me at WWPS?
A. Absolutely. Because we have such a wide range of skill levels in our group, there are other people with skills similar to yours. We always appreciate our experienced friends, because they can help us teach the others. In addition, we try to present programs and teach classes that appeal to all levels of knowledge and skill. As you well know, you never stop learning about photography. The group has a number of professionals and retired professionals, some of whom are world-class photographers. Some are very active in state and national professional photography organizations.

Q. Is there an age limit for being part of WWPS?
A. No, everyone is welcome regardless of age. We’ve had people as young as 10 years old who came to meetings and programs with a parent.

When and where are WWPS meetings?
A. WWPS meets the second Thursday of each month at 6:30 PM. We meet in the Arts for All meeting room in the Old Carnegie Library Building in Lawton at 5^thand B street.  See the website for more information: www.WichitaWildlight.org. See the “Meetings” page, then the “Next Meeting Information” drop-down.

What is a “member” of WWPS?
A. A member is a person who has purchased an Annual Pass to programs which are usually presented in conjunction with a monthly general meeting. Those who help WWPS by purchasing an Annual Pass are showing their exceptional support, involvement, and commitment to the organization and are recognized by being considered official “members”.

Do I have to be a “member” to attend meetings and programs?
A. No, the meetings and many programs are free and open to the public. All those who are not members (annual pass holders) are guests and are welcome to attend meetings and programs. But guests do not get the many extra benefits that Annual Pass holders enjoy.

Q. Can I bring guests to the meetings?
A. We encourage you to bring anyone who is interested in photography. Guests are always very welcome.

Q. Are dues required to attend WWPS meetings and monthly programs?
A. No, WWPS does not collect dues (as of 1 July 2026). You may purchase an “annual pass” to the monthly programs that are presented in conjunction with monthly meetings. If you do not get an Annual Pass, you can still attend meetings and many programs free as a guest, but you won’t have the many extra benefits that members (annual pass holders) are entitled to.

Q. What is an Annual Pass?
A. An Annual Pass provides premium access to “Paid Admission” programs presented by WWPS. This is similar to a “Season Ticket” to concerts, operas, theater performances, or sports team games. An Annual Pass includes more than just admission, it includes many other benefits enjoyed only by Annual Pass holders.

What are the extra benefits that Annual Pass holders get?
A. If you purchase an Annual Pass, you get extra privileges, including first priority to guaranteed seating (when seating is limited). You also get to use the WWPS library before and after meetings and programs, check out library books and materials, check out photo equipment, attend some special seminars and workshops free, be eligible for premium-level door prizes when given out at the meetings, go on some club field trips free, use the WWPS work room and equipment, and use available matting/framing materials at no cost.

Q. How much does an Annual Pass cost?
A. An Annual Pass costs $30 per year. That’s a fee of $2.50 per monthly program which is used to help pay for the expenses of  providing the programs). The annual pass is valid only during the fiscal year for which it is purchased (1 July- 30 June) of each year. Members who paid dues between 1 Jan 2026 and 30 June 2026 will receive an annual pass to monthly programs from 1 July 2026 to 30 June 2027.

Q. Do I have to buy an Annual Pass to attend WWPS meetings and monthly programs?
A. No, you may attend monthly meetings as a guest and attend the monthly program. But you will not be eligible for the extra benefits that Annual Pass holders get.

Q. Why does WWPS allow guests to attend some programs at no cost that are also “Paid Admission” events?
WWPS offers the opportunity to pay an admission fee for programs and events as a way to help support the organization. By purchasing an Annual Pass, people demonstrate their commitment to the organization to help keep it going. For their admission fee, they receive special benefits at the program that non-pass holders do not get. But, WWPS allows guests to attend at no charge because we feel a commitment to the community to promote the arts, energize the community about supporting the arts, and educate them about WWPS and Arts for All. While they can attend free, they are also encouraged to donate at the event, though not required, to help pay the program expenses. They also have the opportunity to purchase an Annual Pass.

Is there a special rate for family members?
A. No, the $30 fee for the Annual Pass applies only to the primary member from each family. All others in a family may attend meetings and monthly programs as guests.

Does the Annual Pass provide admission to all WWPS programs?
A. No, the Annual Pass is for the monthly 12 WWPS programs in the current fiscal year. Other special programs, like weekend seminars, special workshops, etc., will be paid-admission events separate from regular monthly programs. Persons who have purchased an Annual Pass may be offered special lower admission fees than guests for these special programs.  Guests can attend by paying an admission fee.

If I purchase an Annual Pass late in the fiscal year, do I have to pay the full cost of an annual pass?
A. No, if a person chooses to purchase an annual pass when joining partially through the year, the cost of the pass will be pro-rated for the months remaining in the fiscal year.

What are the types of membership available?
A. There are only two kinds of attendees at WWPS meetings and programs: Annual Pass holders, called “members”. Everyone else is considered a guest.

Can I attend meetings if I can only come occasionally or don’t wish to pay for an Annual Pass?
A. Yes, absolutely. Attend meetings whenever you can. We have no requirements for meeting attendance. WWPS is a resource for you to enjoy whenever you want to. There is also no requirement to buy an Annual Pass to attend meetings and regular monthly programs, as our meetings are free and open to the public and you can attend as a guest.  Guests are always welcome.

Q. How do I purchase an Annual Pass?
A. See the treasurer or any officer at any monthly WWPS meeting.

Q. Why does WWPS charge a fee for an Annual Pass?
 A. The funds are used to help pay the expenses of presenting the programs. These include speaker’s fees, room rental, handout printing, and miscellaneous facility fees.  Annual Pass fees are also used to support the extra benefits received by Annual pass holders when they attend meetings and programs, such as doorprizes (when offered), library maintenance costs, equipment maintenance, etc.

Will I get a membership card when I buy an Annual Pass?
A. You will receive a membership card at the next meeting after you purchase an Annual Pass. The membership card will state that the card represents your Annual Pass to regular WWPS monthly paid-admission programs during the current fiscal year.

lQ. Do I have to attend every meeting?
A. Come whenever you can. The more you come, the more chances you have to learn and enjoy photography. But everyone has life demands and schedule conflicts. We’d like to see you whenever you are able, but we don’t keep score. It’s really up to you how much you benefit from participating.

Q. When is the next meeting and monthly program?
A. They are always the second Thursday of each month. For more information about the upcoming meeting, see the website: www.WichitaWildlight.org. See the “Meetings” page, then the “Next Meeting Information” drop-down.

Q. How will I know if a meeting or program  is cancelled?
A. See the homepage of the website: www.WichitaWildlight.org. See the “Meetings” page, then the “Next Meeting Information” drop-down. Cancellations, though rare, are posted as soon as a decision is made, but could be just before a meeting if the situation warrants (e.g. power outage). Always check the website just before coming to the meeting/program. We will also send an email to all members (and guests we have contact information for) as soon as we know an event must be cancelled.

Q. What is the program that will follow the next meeting?
A. See the homepage of the website: www.WichitaWildlight.org . See the “Meetings” page, then the “Next Meeting Information” drop-down.

Q. How can I find out what programs are planned in the future.
A. Go to the website: www.WichitaWildlight.org , and click on the “Meetings” page and select “Meetings and Programs Schedule from the drop-down menu.

Q. Do I have to have a current membership card to check out materials from the library?
A. Yes.

Q. Can I check out materials at my first meeting if I pay for an Annual Pass?
A. No, you cannot check out library materials or equipment until your second meeting when your membership card is issued to you.

Q. When can I check out or return materials from the library?
A. Checkout is done only at meetings which are held on the second Thursday of each month. Return can be done at any time by dropping the item in our 24-hour drop box located in the garage door of the house at 323 NW 35th St., one block north of Comanche County Hospital on 35th street. “WWPS” is printed on the mailbox lid, so you’ll know you have the right house.

Q. What if I miss the meeting at which I was planning to turn in a library item?
A. Do not wait until the next meeting. Remember other people may be waiting for the item. If you miss the next meeting also, then they’ll have to wait another month. That’s not fair to everyone else. Instead drop the item in our 24-hour drop box located in the garage door of the house at 323 NW 35th St., one block north of Comanche County Hospital on 35th street. “WWPS” is printed on the mailbox lid, so you’ll know you have the right house.

Q. What equipment is available for members to borrow?
A. WWPS loans equipment to members (Annual Pass holders), including: Three complete studio light kits (Alien Bee, Novatron, and an LED Studio Light Kit) with 3 lights each, light stands, and umbrellas; a light meter; camera tripod; monopods; background stands; several backgrounds; Canon and Nikon external Flash units; on-camera flash diffusers; 18-inch soft box with stand; large soft boxes of various sizes; ring flash; umbrellas; a digital camera sensor cleaner; a table-top light tent kit for small item photography, and more. New items are being added all the time.

Q. Who can check out equipment?
A. Only those who have a membership card and have purchased an Annual Pass to meetings and programs for the current fiscal Year (1 July – 30 June), and are considered official members may check out equipment.

Q. For how long can equipment be checked out?
A. Equipment is loaned for 10 days and must be checked in by contacting a WWPS officer.

Q. How do I arrange to check out equipment?
A. The preferred method is to check out equipment at a meeting by asking one of the club officers. A limited amount of checkout can be done between meetings by contacting a WWPS officer.

Q. How and when do I return equipment that I borrowed?
A. Check in of equipment is done between meetings by contacting a WWPS officer. Do not wait until the next meeting to check in equipment, unless directed to do so by the equipment manager. Equipment is due 10 days after checkout.

Q. How often can I check out equipment?
A. Occasionally. When the frequency or length of use gives the impression that the equipment is being used primarily to make money for the user, then our status as a non-profit could be questioned. We have to be careful of appearances of impropriety and limit use of the equipment by any one person to OCCASIONAL USE ONLY.

Q. Can I use WWPS equipment in a business or in a money-making photo project?
A. WWPS is a not-for-profit organization because of the “educational” nature of our organization. We encourage WWPS members to use the equipment to learn and improve their skills, but not to run a business. Philosophically, learning occurs when doing photography work for hire. So, it’s permissible to use WWPS equipment in a money-making activity if the primary purpose is learning the craft. But when, the frequency of use gives the impression that the equipment is being used primarily to make money for the user, then our status as a non-profit could be questioned. We must avoid the appearance of impropriety and limit use of the equipment by any one person to OCCASIONAL USE ONLY.

Q. How do I find out who are officers, board members, and other key people in WWPS?
A: Go to the website: www.WichitaWildlight.org , hover over “WWPS Information” in the navigation bar, and click on “Officers & Key Members”.

Q. What is the Show and Tell Display?
A. Each meeting will include a “Show and Tell slide show”. Members can email WichitaWildlight@gmail.com a photo they took that they would like to show to the other members.  Sometimes there may be announced an objective of the month and members challenged to photograph something that meets the objective.  Check the website: www.WichitaWildlight.org. Click “WWPS Information”, then the “Show and Tell” drop-down for complete information.

Q. Is there a photo theme for next month?
A. See the homepage of the website: www.WichitaWildlight.org . See the “Meetings” page, then the “Next Meeting Information” drop-down.

Q. Where can I get the forms for model release and copyright release?
A. Go to the website: www.WichitaWildlight.org , and click on the “Forms” page.

Q. Does WWPS have any online materials for learning about photography?
A. Yes, some great articles and tutorials are posted on the website. Go to the website: www.WichitaWildlight.org , and click on the “Resources” page, then “Articles and Tutorials”. There is also a lot of information and links to great articles in the past editions of the WWPS Newsletters.  Click on “Resources”, then “Newsletters”.  In addition, the WWPS Facebook page has lots of information and links for learning. See: www.facebook.com/WWPS.org

Q. How do I contact WWPS?
A. WWPS has an email address that is monitored every day: WichitaWildlight@gmail.com

Q. Is there a FACEBOOK page?
A. Yes, a wonderful one.  See:  www.facebook.com/WWPS.org
How is WWPS involved with Lawton Arts for All

Arts for All is an organization of major art groups in Lawton that was formed in 1977, to collectively foster and fund the arts in our community. WWPS is one of five member groups that comprise the Arts for All organization. Besides WWPS, the groups include the Lawton Philharmonic Orchestra, the Lawton Community Theater, The Pro-musica Choral Society, The Lawton/Ft. Sill Art Council, and the City of Lawton Arts and Humanities Committee. Arts for All is the major source of annual funding for WWPS, so WWPS members and guests volunteer many hours each year to help host several large annual fund-raising events. Without Arts for All’s financial support, WWPS would not be able to provide exceptional programs and services.

Summarize the meaning of terms used in WWPS relating to membership, annual passes, etc.

Member– A person who has purchased an Annual Pass to the monthly programs. Those who help WWPS by purchasing an Annual Pass are showing their exceptional support, involvement, and commitment to the organization and are recognized by being designated as “members”.

Annual Pass– Provides premium access to “Paid Admission” programs presented by WWPS, similar to a “Season Ticket” to concerts, operas, theater performances, or sports team games. An Annual Pass includes more than just admission, it includes many other benefits enjoyed only by Annual Pass holders.

Guests- Any persons attending WWPS events who are not Annual Pass holders. Guests get admission only, not other extra benefits enjoyed by annual pass holders.

Dues: WWPS does not collect dues from members. Instead to help raise funds to support the presentation of programs, WWPS offers the purchase of an Annual Pass to paid-admission events. Annual Pass holders receive preferred admission to paid-admission events and also get other benefits available only to pass holders.

Meeting– A gathering, usually monthly, of members and guests for the purpose of announcing administrative information, coordinating activities, recruiting volunteers, or to conduct official procedures like voting on an issue), etc.

Program- A presentation, class, workshop, or instructional event presented by an instructor, teacher, or guest speaker. Programs are a separate event from meetings, but are often held in conjunction with meetings to simplify scheduling and facility availability.

Paid admission– An event for which WWPS offers the purchase of an annual Pass. An Annual Pass includes more than just admission, it includes many other benefits enjoyed only by Annual Pass holders.

Board of Directors (the Board)- A group of elected officers and appointed members who serve to help plan and direct the activities of WWPS. Meetings of the Board are specially scheduled, usually quarterly. Board meetings occur separately from the monthly General Meeting of members and guests.

 

Revised:  1 July 2026
See:  WichitaWildlight.org . Click on “WWPS INFORMATION” page, then click “FAQ” on the drop-down menu.