treasure coast photography center
MONTHLY MEETINGS 2026:
TCPC Studio
1109 Soltman Ave, Fort Pierce
- January 8
February 12
March 12
April 9 From The Heart Opening Reception & Awards ceremony at Port St. Lucie Mid Florida Events Center 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm
May 14
June 11
July 9
August 13
September 10
October 8
November 12
December 10 Social time begins at 6:00 PM
Meeting runs from 6:30 PM to 8:30 PM
As always, members are encouraged to bring a mounted print for group discussion and critique.
BEHIND THE LENS:
Susan Nolan
“The most important lesson I learned in photography is that experience is the key to improvement. You can read books and watch videos, but nothing replaces getting out with your camera, exploring the world, and creating images.”
— Susan Nolan
Behind the Lens: Susan Nolan
Susan Nolan was born and raised on Long Island, New York, where she developed an early appreciation for creativity and the arts. She later graduated as an art major, a background that both helped and challenged her as she began pursuing photography. While her artistic education provided a strong foundation in composition, design, and visual expression, she initially struggled to understand how those artistic principles applied to photography. Learning to bridge that gap became an important part of her photographic journey.
A significant turning point came when Susan met a master photographer who was willing to mentor her. Through that experience, she learned one of the most important lessons in photography: experience is the key to improvement. This philosophy continues to guide her work today. She often encourages beginning photographers to get out with their cameras and start shooting, believing that the fastest way to improve is through practice, experimentation, and real-world experience.
Over the years, Susan has participated in photography tours throughout the United States and around the world. These travels have provided countless opportunities to expand her skills, explore new subjects, and develop her creative vision. She strongly believes that travel and exploration are powerful learning tools for photographers and encourages others not to wait until they feel fully prepared. In her view, growth comes from stepping outside one’s comfort zone and learning through experience.
Susan has earned numerous accomplishments throughout her photographic journey, including the distinction of receiving both First Place and Second Place honors in this year’s From The Heart photography competition. These achievements reflect her dedication to the craft and her continued pursuit of excellence.
Today, Susan’s photographic interests are focused on night photography, particularly the challenge and beauty of capturing star trails and the Milky Way. Photography continues to inspire her because there is always something new to learn, new places to discover, and new moments to capture. For Susan, the journey of photography is one of lifelong learning, creativity, and exploration.
UPCOMING EVENTS
SOLD OUT
About Our Contests
Contests are the gateway to the Treasure Coast Photography Center. They are where most members begin—and where real growth takes place.
At TCPC, contests are not about winning.
They are about learning, intention, and continuous improvement.
Each month, you move through a simple, powerful process:
shoot → refine → share → learn → repeat
Monthly Contest — The Core Experience
Our Monthly Contest follows a consistent rhythm designed to build skills:
Opens on the 1st of each month
Discussion Group (first Wednesday, 6:30 PM) for feedback on work-in-progress
Submissions close at 9:00 PM that same evening
Voting follows
Results are shared and discussed at the monthly meeting
This structure encourages intentional shooting, thoughtful refinement, and steady progress.
Expanded Opportunities
F3C Digital Competition — Broaden your perspective beyond TCPC
From The Heart (Juried Competition) — A curated exhibition focused on artistic impact
Why It Matters
Most contests ask, “Is this image good?”
We ask, “What did you learn creating it?”
Our contests help you:
Build technical and creative skills
Develop your photographic voice
Stay consistent and engaged
Grow within a supportive community
Monthly Themes
January – Then and Now
February – Seen From Where I Stand
March – Framed By Nature Or Structure
April – A Place I Will Return To
May – Hands
June – Quiet Moments – A Focus on Eyes
July – Light Before Color (B&W and Monochrome)
August – The Art of Simplicity – Still Life
September – Objects In Motion
October – A Story – Three Images In One Frame
November – What Remains – Weathered Places, Fading Details
December – My World, Within One Square Mile
Learn with Intention. Create with Purpose.
Field Trips
January 10 Fort Pierce Farmer’s Market
February 14 Port St. Lucie River Cruise
March 14 Flagler Museum at Whitehall
April 11 No Field Trip
May 9 No Field Trip
June 13 Palm Beach Zoo
July 11 House of Refuge
September 12 Fort Pierce Skateboard Park
October 10 Jensen Beach Indian Riverside Park
November 14 No Field Trip
December 12 No Field Trip
The images displayed in Masters of Light are used under the principles of fair use for educational and non-commercial purposes. They are presented solely to illustrate the artistic work and provide historical and educational context. All rights to the original images remain with their respective copyright holders. If you are a rights holder and believe your work has been used inappropriately, please contact us and we will address your concerns promptly.
Mission statement
- To provide leadership and support in the Art of Photography.
- To provide continuity in TCPC, Inc. activities of education and culture.
- To increase photographic awareness by disseminating information to TCPC, Inc. members and the community at large.
- To recruit members and the community at large.
- To provide an orderly means of assembly.
- To retain records for use in assisting TCPC, Inc functions.
- To ensure all photographic displays are within the guidelines of acceptable community standards.
From the Heart Juried Photography Exhibition 2026
62 Jim Gallegos Song of the Oars $2,000
19 Les Greenwood Mirror Image $200
From the Heart Juried Photography Awards Animals
25 Sonia Sousa The Forest Whispers, The Eagle Answers $500
01 Anjula Smith Camargue's White Horses $350
12 Kathy Graham Grasshopper $175
15 Lee Sussman He Ain't Heavy...He's My Brother!! $400
From the Heart Juried Photography Awards Flora Landscape
47 Susan Nolan Highlands $500
48 Susan Nolan Swift River $500
30 Anjula Smith Abbaye Notre-Dame deSénanque $350
34 Charles Howse Beverly Beach Sunset $350
From the Heart Juried Photography Awards Open
77 Val Bormanis Water Drop $500
64 Kay Kent Crystal Blue Reflection $250
74 Robbie Sheets Patina and Pears $525
54 Brenda Gutierrez Moreno Acorde $500
From the Heart Juried Photography Awards People
98 Mitch Eiseman AMERICANA $500
92 Mark Smith Colorful Gaze $500
102 Robbie Sheets Bee-utiful Indulgence $350
85 John Hutchins Crab Picker $250
Each year, From the Heart brings together photographers from across the region to showcase their creativity, technical excellence, and passion for visual storytelling. This signature Treasure Coast exhibition has become a beloved tradition—uniting art and philanthropy in a single inspiring event. Over the past thirteen years the Treasure Coast Photography Center, Inc. has donated just over $70,000 in net proceeds from entry fees, sponsorships and donations to Treasure Coast charities.
By entering, exhibiting, or sponsoring this event, photographers and patrons alike contribute directly to sustaining the arts in our community—helping ensure that creativity continues to thrive from the heart of the Treasure Coast.
Be part of the From the Heart Juried Photography Exhibition—where every image tells a story, and every entry makes a difference.
The Treasure Coast Photography Center, Inc is a nonprofit 501c3. From the Heart is our way of giving back to the community by using photography and a juried art show, we raise money for local charities in the treasure coast area. Over the past Thirteen years we have raised over $73,000 that we have given to various charities. Our organization does not retain any funds received, it all goes towards the expenses of the event and then to the charity that is chosen for that year.