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For those photography enthusiasts who want to share their images, but might be a bit shy of being criticized, you might want to consider joining the Sanders County Photography Enthusiasts, headed by Brittany Riddle of Plains.

Riddle started the Facebook photo organization more than a year ago, but in January, she decided to add the "52-Week Challenge Group," where hobby photographers can display their work and discuss it without any fears of disparagement. She presently has 116 members in the Sanders County Photography Enthusiasts club, but the participation is around 60 each week for the challenge group.

"The goal of the enthusiasts page was to try to connect people in the area that enjoy photography and gain inspiration from one another," said Riddle, who started as an amateur photographer at a young age when her grandfather taught her on a film-based camera.

Riddle said anyone can become a member and it's free, although the person would have to be on Facebook and have the Internet. She has 116 members in the Sanders County Photography Enthusiasts club and several people are participating in the Challenge Group, which she said will run all year. Each week brings a new photo challenge, said Riddle. Only the members will be able to view the challenge group photos.

"The goal of the 52-Week Challenge Group started as a way for me to challenge myself with the new year. I wanted to share the challenge with others in hopes to inspire others to be more creative in their lives as well," said Riddle. Riddle took photo classes in college that involved film and darkroom work, as well as digital. She said she has called herself a photographer only for about three years by taking pictures for other people. However, the challenge is open to anyone, not just photographers. She said people don't need "fancy cameras" to join. "I know getting into photography can be intimidating with all the gear and equipment. I wanted this to be accessible to everyone."

Each week's photo challenge begins on Monday by taking a picture of the challenge subject in a creative way, according to Riddle. She's come up with a variety of challenge categories, such as photographing fruit, shooting from high and low angles, silhouettes, patterns, books, trees, and a person's favorite outfit. Riddle said the photos entered have been very diverse. "Everyone has a different take on what to do and it's amazing to see members really going out of their way to meet the challenge," she said.

"I never wanted it to be a contest. I want members to feel inspired not intimidated," she said. "I hope they get inspiration and encouragement from others and learn to see things from new perspectives." The challenge group has had a wide variety of photographs – people's homes, landscapes, and even baby pineapples in Hawaii.

Those wishing for more information about the Sanders County Photography Enthusiasts can go to Riddle's email at [email protected] or go to the Facebook club at http://www.facebook.com/scphotoenthusiast.