Members of the Albert Lea Lens and Shutter Club will showcase their favorite personal photographs  starting this week in a new exhibit at The Albert Lea Art Center.

The open house will be from 1 to 3 p.m. Oct 23 at 226 W. Clark St. The exhibit runs through Nov. 23.

Lens and Shutter Club president Darcy Sime said each member was allowed to enter two photographs. With no other theme for the exhibit, there will likely be a variety of topics presented.

“This is a representation of what some photographers feel is their best work,” Sime said. “It’s a good opportunity to view how photographers view themselves and their work.”

Sime said the photographers have varied interests. While some like to take photographs of people, others like to photograph architecture or nature.

“You don’t have to take pictures of everything to be a good photographer,” she said.

Sime said the Art Center approached the club about having the show, and the members are looking forward to the exhibit.

The Lens and Shutter Club was formed in Albert Lea in 1988. It is made up of people in all stages of photography — everything from beginners to amateurs to professionals — with careers ranging from homemakers, school teachers, retirees, neighbors, health care providers, business people and farmers.

The club belongs to an umbrella photography group of about 40 camera clubs called the North Central Camera Club Council that covers an 11-state area. Its purpose is to promote and encourage advancement of its members in the knowledge and practice of the science and art of photography.

The club meets at 7 p.m. the third Thursday of each month from September through May in Room 465 at Mayo Clinic Health System in Albert Lea.

Reichel said new members are welcome. Annual dues are $20 for one person or $30 for a family.

Each month, the club’s members compete under a certain theme and then the winners from each month go head-to-head for annual prizes.

The Albert Lea Art Center exhibit will be open from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday.

If you go

What: Lens and Shutter Club exhibit

Where: Albert Lea Art Center, 226 W. Clark St.

When: Oct. 23-Nov. 23; open house 1 to 3 p.m. Oct. 23

Cost: Free