Are you curious about photography but not sure where to start? Do you already snap photos on your phone and want to take your skills to the next level? Or maybe you're a seasoned shutterbug looking for a creative, supportive space to share and grow? The Milton Area Photography Society (MaPS) may be just what you're looking for!
About the Photography Society
Originally founded in 2023 at a different library by a passionate staff member and a community of photo enthusiasts, the Milton Area Photography Society (MAPS) found its new home at the Milton Library in 2025, bringing its love of photography, artistic curiosity, and warm community spirit with it.
Join the Community
Whether you're brand new to photography or simply looking to connect with like-minded creatives, the Milton Area Photography Society (MAPS) is a welcoming space to grow your skills and feed your passion. Currently meeting on the first Tuesday of each month at 6.:00 PM, they will be shifting their meetings to the second Tuesday starting in January 2026.
Check out some of their great work below, followed by an interview we had with the current MAPS coordinator, Walter F. Croft.
A Conversation with Walter F. Croft, Volunteer Coordinator
We recently caught up with one of the Society’s founding members and current coordinator to learn more about the heart behind the lens.
Can you tell us a bit about how you got started with photography?
"Two things: First, I had an uncle who was the family photographer, and at family gatherings, vacations, and road trips, he'd capture the memorable moments of my extended family on film.
Second, I received a journalism scholarship to Pensacola State College, and while on the student newspaper I learned photojournalism, dark room techniques, and creating enlargements, in addition to strengthening my writing and storytelling skills. The camera was the first technology that truly inspired me. It's a time machine, capturing moments of history that we revisit when we look at an image. Gazing at photographs creates emotions, revisits memories, and establishes connections in a shared story."
What inspired you to start the monthly photo society meetup, and how has it evolved over time?
"The primary reason, even higher than our discussions of photography, inspirations, composition, tips and tricks, and techniques, is an underlying purpose to build community -- to build an in-person community where strangers with a common artistic interest can share creativity, bring our inspirations, and learn from one another.
I can't take sole credit for this group. It started in 2023 with meetings at a different venue through the tireless efforts of another individual who really is the soul of the group. Coincidentally, at the same time I was planning to start a group too, so we joined our energies to build this amazing photography community. We endeavored to ensure that there are no barriers to being involved in this group. Therefore, there are no membership fees, no experience expected, no entrance exams, or other formalities. It's powered by volunteering and extreme enthusiasm, which continues to grow over time."
What kind of photographers typically attend the meetup—are they mostly beginners, hobbyists, or professionals?
"We're primarily hobbyists, with a few professionals. Most of our hobbyists are beginners or intermediate in their photographic journey who are eager to constantly learn. Among the group, there are interests spanning from portraits, landscapes, street photography, abstract photography, macro photography, film photography, studio photography, natural light photography, lomographers, etc."
What does a typical meetup look like? Can you walk us through a session?
"Our meetings are casual and welcoming to all. You can bring your camera, phone, or not. The primary goal is building a community of artistically-minded photogs and enthusiasts. We typically begin with a Photo Critique of photos that are submitted by the photographers. We abide by "gentle critique" rules where we have guiding principles to offer encouragement and constructive suggestions about improving the submitted photos. It's definitely not an artistic critique that would typically be done in a formal academic setting.
Then we typically have a guest speaker who will discuss a photographic topic. Some of the past speakers have presented topics on composition, the history of photography, finding your reason why, telling photographic stories with the three components of photography: aperture, shutter speed, and ISO, and inspiring your individual creativity.
After that, time and weather permitting, we'll go outside of the Milton Library to practice using our equipment, share tips and techniques, and socialize. Taking intentional photos is important to improving, and being able to practice together in a safe space is integral.
At some meetings, we've had show-and-tell where individuals have brought some cool old film cameras, poster-sized professional prints, and even set up indoor still life scenes for the photogs to practice taking photos."
Have there been any particularly memorable moments or standout photos that came out of the group?
"Look at the fantastic photos in this blog post! I'm constantly amazed at the wonderful photos shared by the group. These few merely scratch the surface in showcasing the creativity of the talented individuals who are involved in this community. There's more to see at our meetings, so that's an invitation for anyone to join us! We'd love to see what you've been taking pictures of and learn about your creative journey."
What advice would you give someone who’s interested in photography but feels intimidated to share their work or join a group?
"Be courageous and share what inspires you about the world. Apply that attitude on your photographic journey and the subjects you like to take pictures of. Share your art with others because being in a community creates inspiration in a unique way that can then be channeled when you're out alone taking pictures. Because it's art, there are no wrong answers. We're all human, and each of us has felt intimidated on occasion. Self-criticism is natural, but don't let it discourage you from your creative possibilities. Courage is the first step in any journey, whether it's an artistic endeavor or growing a volunteer-led community or an interpersonal relationship. And if there are some people whose opinions are intimidating, then let it go. Simply choose to not accept their opinions because the opinion of others does not define who you are. You're in a welcoming community with this group."
What’s one piece of gear or tool you always bring with you—no matter the shoot?
"I always have a hand-held light meter. The readings you get from an in-camera light meter are reflected light from your subject, whereas with a hand-held light meter you get ambient light. It will help you improve your photographs by understanding how settings influenced by reflected light metering and ambient light metering are very different.
Besides that, I bring a sense of spontaneity and improvisation. You can't plan or prepare for everything and there will always be something out of your control. A forecasted sunny day could turn out to be cloudy when you have a shoot or a photo walk. Be open to making adjustments to how you approach taking photographs. The key is understanding what you're trying to say when you take photographs. With that in mind, you'll be fine and continue to learn and improve. Don't let external and self-imposed internal pressures overcome your artistic desires. A community like this is here to encourage you. Gain inspiration from the community and remember that as you're out practicing your art through photography."
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