COMMUNITY LENS. The Eau Claire Area Photography Group has more than 18,000 members. It has remained a place of positivity and community for years, and this past summer, it officially brought members together in person. (Submitted photo from summer meetup)

At this point, you know what you’re getting into when you open up Facebook: political ads, a life update post from someone you worked with five years ago and haven’t seen since, memes and puppy videos, and somewhere in all that, a post that has dozens – if not hundreds – of comments where people are arguing with other people they have never met in “real life.” There’s perhaps just one page where none of the usual chaos occurs: Eau Claire Area Photography.

Eau Claire Area Photography (ECAP) has more than 18,000 members. That’s more individuals in one Facebook group than there are residents in the City of Menomonie (16,650, according to 2022 U.S. Census Bureau data). How have they maintained the peace?

For the past eight years, ECAP has firmly stuck to its eight guidelines, which include no harassment; no racism; no political posts; and no sale posts (“Try Craigslist or an E.C. sale page on Facebook”), among others. Those guidelines are enforced by three page administrators, including group founder Jacob Kuehl, Kathy Schmiedeskamp, and Mike Howard.

When Kuehl created the Facebook page in 2016, its aim was to foster positivity, inclusivity, and an appreciation for the beauty around us right here in Eau Claire. It was also made in response to online bullying he had encountered.

“The incredible response tells us that this was much needed in the community.”

JACOB KUEHL

EAU CLAIRE AREA PHOTOGRAPHY GROUP FOUNDER

“ECAP promotes creativity, growth, and connection, welcoming everyone from beginners to experts while maintaining a strict no-harassment policy,” Kuehl said. “The group thrives on member engagement through photo challenges and real-world connections, offering a safe space to explore photography and build meaningful relationships with other members of the community.”

That safe online space broke through the social media fourth wall entirely this past summer, beginning with the first group meetup in June. Though Kuehl does not live in Eau Claire anymore, he is still active in the ECAP page, and came to the event.

First ECAP meetup in June 2024.

Group founder, Jacob Kuehl, returned to Eau Claire for the June meetup.

“ECAP’s sense of community can be felt online. … It was demonstrated as we had the opportunity to meet ‘in person” as a group this past summer,” Schmiedeskamp said. “And you know what? It wasn’t about the cameras. It was truly the chance to meet. And to hear Jacob tell the story of the origins of the group. Many were not aware of the background of the group, but were not surprised to hear this was ‘our story.’ ’

About 50 group members got together for the first-time meetup, and after such a positive experience, Photo Walk events were born. Several more group Photo Walks were held over the summer and are continuing this fall, offering others a chance to connect face-to-face and enjoy the thing that originally brought them together: photography.

“The incredible response tells us that this was much needed in the community,” Kuehl said.

One of ECAP's newest members, Barb Drollinger, showing up to one of the group's public meetups. "I know reaching more members will enrich their lives," ECAP member Kathy W. said. "Just look at the difference it made in Barb Drollinger's life. She met us randomly, saw the fun we were having ... and literally said, 'I need to be part of this group, (it's) what I've been looking for!'"

Several ECAP members discussed what brought them into the group, with most pointing to a desire to meet like-minded people and form connections locally. One member, Mike Schatz, frequently ran into photographers Don Larson and Carla Holstein while each was admiring and photographing the popular River Prairie trails and the bald eagles that call it home.

In the spring of 2023, while Schatz was snapping photos with his iPhone, he began chatting with Larson and Holstein, who were equipped with their own gear. They showed him their cameras and lenses, and even let him take some photos with their cameras. They also encouraged him to join ECAP. That winter, while exploring his interest in photography, Schatz used a Canon Rebel for the first time.

In March, Schatz bought his first mirrorless camera and is now “completely hooked.” “It is so fun to be part of a group that has the same interests,” he said. “After seeing the creativity in our group, I’m amazed at the level of talent. I would recommend any and all, no matter what level you are at, to join our group and take advantage of the companionship and knowledge that they are willing to share.”

River Prairie eagles photographed by Mike Schatz, ECAP member.

ECAP is active daily on its Facebook page, with photographers of all skill levels, interests, and styles sharing their images and applauding one another. If there is any place on the social media platform that purely sparks and fosters positivity for locals, it is here.

Kuehl said he would love to begin connecting with local officials to continue using photography as a community builder and bring more folks together.

As several ECAP members concluded, “You’ll be among friends and be made to feel welcome."

Interested in joining the Eau Claire Area Photographers group? Find them on Facebook.