Joining a photography club

ST Colin

ST Colin

Messages
252
Edit My Images
Yes
Hi,

I'm sure many on here are part of a local photography club. It's something I'm thinking of starting.

Can anyone tell me of their experiences? Has it helped you improve? What benefits have you got from it, any negatives?

Thanks in advance for any replies

Colin
 
I think joining my local camera club last year was the best thing I ever did. They are nice and friendly and helpful and I have learnt loads from going. I have started entering competions, I now have other photographers to go shooting with, we have modelling nights so I get to use studio lighting. I honestly couldn't give you a negative about it.

Having said that though, I accept that it's not going to be for everyone so just go along for a week or 2 and give it a try.
 
Thanks Rob. The next difficulty is picking the right club, I'm aware of quite a few around Belfast here.

I think I'll definitely give one a go, I have seriously neglected the camera recently and it might be the best way to get back into it again.
 
i joined the summer club and my experience so far is great there constantly doing projects
before i joined i was a little nervous but i wanted to improve my photography i felt it was lacking inspiration and also to help me get the better pics and so far so good

im really pleased with my work and have got some great images through the help of them

i have also met some very nice people and one is lending me a lens £400 worth and i have only been in the club for a few months

give it a go you will enjoy it
 
ST Colin said:
Thanks Rob. The next difficulty is picking the right club, I'm aware of quite a few around Belfast here.
Click to expand...
My advice would be to look at the club's websites to get a view of how active they are and call their president and ask them what the process is for new members coming along. See how friendly and welcoming they are.
 
I joined mine a couple of weeks ago. I was really nervous at first, didn't know what to expect on the night, what the people would be like etc...

Turned out to be a really great bunch of people, with a lot of experience I can draw from to help strengthen my images.

It's also got me thinking more about my images and I'm looking forward to taking part in the club competitions.
 
another good alternative to a photo club (very different to a 'camera club' imo, but I could be wrong...) is to find your local strobist group - most do regular group shoots, with a good following of models, and friendly photographers of a wide range of skill levels... great if you're into lighting photography or fashion/portrait work.

some flickr groups exist around the country that often specialise more in street and landscape photography too.

both of the above will be less 'formally' organised than a 'proper' photo club, be more anarchistic and on the fly, and won't have their own resources (though often will have members with studios or similar) - whatever you prefer really
 
Thanks for all the advice folks.

I'd love to try my hand at studio work, and work with people. I have contacted one of the clubs via email, i'll see what comes of it. Entering into competitions is something I think I'd enjoy.
 
I'm looking around as some locally too at the moment, they seem very varied about what's on offer and some places seem a little... well... political
 
ST Colin said:
Hi,

I'm sure many on here are part of a local photography club. It's something I'm thinking of starting.

Can anyone tell me of their experiences? Has it helped you improve? What benefits have you got from it, any negatives?

Thanks in advance for any replies

Colin
Click to expand...
You say Starting ? what about your local club
http://www.belfastphotosociety.co.uk/
 
Some years ago when I firsted started out in photography, I went along to my local camera club with a view to joining.

I found them very cliquey, narrow minded and unwelcoming. Needless to say, when nothing changed or improved after a few visits, I declined to join, and I've been doing my own thing ever since, having been thoroughly put off by the experience.
 
I have to say this was my experience when I lived down South too, it was a case of all the old boys together and anyone who tried to do something different was outcast. Needless to say I didn't join that club either.

Scarecrow said:
Some years ago when I firsted started out in photography, I went along to my local camera club with a view to joining.

I found them very cliquey, narrow minded and unwelcoming. Needless to say, when nothing changed or improved after a few visits, I declined to join, and I've been doing my own thing ever since, having been thoroughly put off by the experience.
Click to expand...
 
its the best way to see and be seen
watch and listen...plagiarise if you may but work towards understanding of composition, lighting, and processing
and when to bin..
i was in a club for many years and found it useful and socially good...we met in a hotel reception room and so did a lot of discussion after meetings in the bar

west cornwall camera club 1985-2000
 
Hairyduck said:
I have to say this was my experience when I lived down South too, it was a case of all the old boys together and anyone who tried to do something different was outcast. Needless to say I didn't join that club either.
Click to expand...


Back in the 1960s this was my experience in York....Never considered it ever again......On the other hand I'm not a "clubable person.......I have done fairly well without it:lol:
 
Get yourself along to a local club and check it out - if you feel uncomfortable, then just don't go back - there may be other clubs in your area.

A couple of years ago I went along to a local'ish club that has a very good reputation. There was a massive membership - most of which were in their "latter years". The standard of the work was extremely high and I felt that I wouldn't fit in, so I didn't bother going back.

I then found a club nearer to home with generally a younger membership with levels ranging from complete novices theough to seasoned pro's. I've now been going for 2 years and have found it [mostly] rewarding in terms of learning stuff, meeting like-minded people and having opportunities to try out things like studio lighting workshops. OK, some of the evenings can cover stuff you already know, but a refresher is always handy. I find the comps both challenging and inspiring - they certainly give me a much needed kick up the backside to shoot different subjects.

Good luck and let us know how you get on.

Cheers
Gary
 
One of the main things that I get from my club is talking to the other members about photography. Other than forums (in which I mainly lurk) I have few other people with whom it goes further than 'ooh, that's a nice picture'.

If you have a choice, find out what they are all about to see which will suit you best. A lot are quite old fashioned so be prepared for that. However, that in itself can be interesting if you've never ventured down the slide/print route.

As already mentioned, if you get involved, it's a great place to network, and find out about lectures, guest speakers, competitions etc. and most clubs organise trips out with the members so if you're self conscious about being out alone that's a good opportunity to go to places you might not otherwise venture to.

The club competitions give you something to aim towards and the critique from judges is generally constructive.

The only warning I would give is sit on your hands at AGM meetings or you could get a job. I was trainee competition secretary after 4 months. ;)
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top