NORTH READING — The Merrimack Valley Camera Club presents “Feeling the Joy of Photography,” a collection of photos by Newburyport resident Sandra Emro and other club members at  Flint Memorial Library, 147 Park St., North Reading.

The exhibit runs at the library through Dec. 1 during normal hours, Monday, Tuesday and Thursday from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.; Wednesday, Friday and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Closed Sunday.

In existence for over eight decades, the MVCC’s members comprise beginner photographers just learning how to use their cameras internalize the rules of composition and other aspects of photography through professional photographers who have honed their craft for years and the exhibit organizers encouraged every member to submit photographs to display, especially if it is their first time exhibiting a piece of work.

“It’s a very different experience between showing your work digitally, on social media, to friends and family, and the experience of seeing your image printed, matted, mounted, framed and hanging on the wall for all the world to see,” exhibit organizer and MVCC member Maryellen Stone said.

Emro, a member of MVCC for four years, has lived in Newburyport for 35 years.

She selected her piece, titled, “Iris,” because the flower makes her smile, she said.

“This plant melds both of my passions, gardening and photography. I am an avid gardener, and the iris is my favorite summer flower. I love the variety of colors they offer, but since yellow is a happy color, I chose a yellow iris for this exhibit,” she said .

Emro said she took up photography as a result of, in large part, her gardens.

“I started using photography as a means to document the season, sort of in a photojournalistic manner. Soon I realized how much creativity the camera could offer in garden photography, and expanded my use of the camera beyond documentation. Since then, I’ve taken many photography courses, and now find that I’m allocating more time to enrich my photography hobby than that of gardening,” Emro said.

The MVCC holds photo competitions, hands-on workshops, talks and demonstrations, and regularly scheduled field trips. Visitors, guests and new members are always welcome. The MVCC, which is based in North Andover, Mass., has members hailing from all around the Merrimack Valley, from southern New Hampshire towns such as Sandown, Windham and Pelham, to Newburyport, Haverhill, North Andover, Middleton, and the many towns in between and adjoining.