Welcome to the website of the Photo Club of the European Institutions in Luxembourg (CIEL). The CIEL is part of the Cercle culturel des institutions européennes in Luxembourg. The club welcomes all staff of the European institutions in Luxembourg, members of their families, pensioners and anyone else interested in photography in its many facets, even if they have no connection with the European institutions.
Like all associations, the Photo Club is only as good as its members. That’s why we’d like to help you get to know us better by answering a few questions you might have, so that you’ll want to join us if photography is the right medium for you…
CIEL in 9 questions and answers
1. Who can join CIEL?
All staff of the European institutions, members of their families, pensioners and anyone else interested in photography, even if they have no connection with the European institutions.
Our aim is not for the Club to have more members, but for its members to be as active as possible. An active member is someone who not only attends meetings, but above all submits photographs, takes part in discussions and thus contributes to the life of the club.
2. I’m just starting out… can CIEL do anything for me?
We’ve all started out at some point and there are always things to learn. In fact, with today’s equipment, starting out no longer has much meaning, because everyone can ‘make a success’ of a photo. It’s all a question of eye and sensitivity… and the microprocessors are there to do (almost) everything else, as long as you have something to say or show!
At regular intervals, we offer introductory and advanced courses, as well as specialist courses on a technical subject. But seeing as many photos as possible, talking to the authors, taking photos, showing them and hearing other people’s criticisms is still, in our opinion, the best school of photography.
3. What do you do at CIEL?
We are interested in all aspects of photography. The programme of meetings is drawn up about a month in advance and published on the CIEL website (see Programme). Each month, at least one session is normally devoted to the presentation and criticism of members’ work within the framework of a “free theme”, i.e. with no imposed subject.
Other sessions may be devoted to technical lectures or presentations, the selection of photographs for exhibitions, competitions or events, the presentation of the work of guest photographers, shooting sessions, etc. If you have any ideas for a subject, please let the Committee know (see Contact page).
4. How much does membership cost?
It’s even cheaper than you think!
Membership costs EUR 60 per year. It is valid for one calendar year.
As a member, you are entitled to:
● borrow books and magazines ;
● borrow the club’s sophisticated photographic equipment;
● use the scanner
● use the studio (provided you have taken a studio course beforehand);
● participate in discussions on our WhatsApp group;
● be part of the club’s closed Facebook group;
● share your photos with the photoclub_ciel group on Flickr.
5. Where is CIEL?
It’s never far from you. You’ll find it at the Foyer européen, 10 rue Heinrich Heine in Luxembourg-City. Meetings are held there every Monday from 8pm.
Working groups, for example on studio photography, can meet at regular intervals and members have access to the premises, including the studio. You can book the studio using the online form on the Studio bookings page.
6. How many members are there at CIEL?
Over the last few years, the CIEL has had around 60 members of 22 different nationalities.
7. My French is not so good… Can I speak English?
Traditionally, French was the working language of the club, but over the last few years our meetings have become a mixture of French and English. You can express yourself in the language of your choice and it works very well that way. This is also the case for the courses organised by the club, which are offered in French and English, as required (see Courses page).
8. How can I become a member?
We invite you to come along to one of our weekly meetings to get to know us, see the facilities and get a feel for the atmosphere. If you then want to become a member, you can sign up using the online application form on the Membership page and pay the membership fee.
We hope we’ve answered all your questions and look forward to welcoming you.