During a Special Council Presentation in October 2014, Vice Mayor Stephen Shelley recognized the contributions to Homestead made by a fellow friend and colleague Robert Chaplin. Mr. Chaplin is a well-known photographer in the area who manages his own photography studio, R.L. Chaplin Photography, Inc., and is also a former two-time Rotary Club president.
Mr. Chaplin was contacted by the Vice Mayor to teach a photography workshop to members of city staff in order to familiarize them with the basic principles and fundamentals of photography. In light of the recent groundbreaking for the new City Hall, it was Vice Mayor Shelley’s assertion that when historic events such as this are documented for posterity and the public record, the images are meant to stand the test of time and to provide accurate and appropriate depictions of city events held throughout the year and, thus, knowledge of photography was essential to achieve that end. Mr. Chaplin not only agreed to teach a class, but he also offered to waive his normal fee as a way of giving back to his community.
After handing Mr. Chaplin his Certificate of Appreciation, Vice Mayor Shelley said these words.
“This is for your generosity to the staff of the City of Homestead Mayor and Council in teaching the ins and outs of a digital camera, what it means to the historical record of our city, elected officials, and events, and understanding the concept of the photograph. Thank you for not only teaching the course at no charge to the City, but also for making it enjoyable as well as educational. Your photography expertise and volunteerism to the City of Homestead has been unwavering and unsurpassed.”
In conjunction with other local leaders, Mr. Chaplin also spearheaded the creation of a new local camera club, South Florida National Parks Camera Club, Inc., a.k.a. SFNPCC. They recently held their 1st organizational meeting several weeks ago and the first official members’ meeting will be on November 6 at the Everglades National Park from 7-9 p.m. All are welcome to join from novice to advanced. For more information on the camera club, please visit SFNPCC.ORG.