Lightworks has its roots as a college club at Santa Ana College, where a small group of passionate individuals sought to showcase the excellence of our photography program. While initially not heavily involved, my enthusiasm for photography and eagerness to lend a helping hand propelled me to become the club's vice president after the first semester. Within two semesters, I assumed the role of president.
As my time at Santa Ana College concluded, the club transitioned to the next generation. Unfortunately, after one semester, the club disbanded due to key members graduating and pursuing photography beyond the school's confines.
With the blessing of the last class, I revived the spirit of Lightworks by establishing Lightworks Society. Starting as an Instagram account dedicated to featuring and acknowledging local photographers in Orange County, the initiative gained momentum. The pivotal point was the inaugural "Photo Meet Up" on July 14, 2019, where photographers and models collaborated on creative projects. Encouraged by its success, I decided to steer Lightworks Society in the direction of organizing photo meet-ups.
Today, Lightworks Society has exceeded my expectations, with some meet-ups drawing crowds of over 150 individuals coming together to create. It has evolved into a vibrant community where like-minded individuals gather, share their passion, and inspire one another. I look forward to witnessing the continued growth of Lightworks Society as a platform that fosters creativity and connection among photographers and enthusiasts alike.