Calvin University Students Launched Photography Club

The new student-run organization hosted its inaugural photo walk through downtown Grand Rapids this September.

Updated on Sept. 28, 2026 in Photography

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Calvin University students recently established a photography club, providing a dedicated space for peers to cultivate their creative skills through local photo walks. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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Co-founded by students Cam Lubberts and Paige Chapel, a new photography club at Calvin University held its first photo walk event on September 12, 2026. The group serves as a community for students to share their work and refine their creative passion.

Why it matters

The club was established to build a dedicated space for students to express their passion for photography. By providing a platform for feedback and community, the group helps students cultivate their skills outside of the classroom.

The club, which meets on Thursdays, utilizes Instagram for weekly photo submissions and feedback. Organizers have scheduled a photo competition for October with a single winner to be named.

The players

Cam Lubberts

Cam Lubberts is a student co-founder of the Calvin University photography club.

Paige Chapel

Paige Chapel is a student co-founder of the newly formed photography club at Calvin University.

Calvin University

Calvin University is a private Christian liberal arts university located in Grand Rapids, Michigan.

The details

Members participate in guided photo walks, including a recent outing to the Art Prize event in downtown Grand Rapids. The organization utilizes social media as a central hub for student photo submissions and peer-to-peer engagement.

Timeline

  1. The club held its inaugural photo walk event on September 12, 2026.

  2. A club-wide photo competition is scheduled to take place in October 2026.

  3. The organization intends to apply for official student status in the spring semester of 2027.

Culture Shift

The formation of this club reflects a broader trend of student-led arts communities utilizing major local cultural anchors as classrooms. The group follows the established tradition of public artistic engagement exemplified by the Art Prize event in downtown Grand Rapids.

Students at the university can participate in weekly meetings and recurring events throughout the academic year. Those interested in joining the community can follow the club's Instagram account to submit photos and receive feedback.

The takeaway

Starting a specialized club allows students to build lasting creative networks beyond their formal academic coursework. Students interested in photography should prioritize consistent practice and peer feedback as a primary method for skill development.

Further reading

For more information on local creative groups, visit the Photography section.

Source note: This article includes information reported by Calvin University Chimes.

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