Photography clubs for beginners

[leaky5]

Are they a good place for beginners, i.e. a 14 year old who wants to learn more on the subject.
I notice the local one to me seems to alternate between competitions and presentations, so I am not sure if he will really learn anything at one.
I am trying to persuade him to read up on the basics of exposure etc. He just wants to get hold of the camera and snap away.

 

[Matt989]

I cant comment on camera clubs but why not let him just snap away?

When I was that age I was into fishing, when I realised there was something I didnt know about i then I read up on it!

I also liked magazines as they were more visual than books - what about a magazine subscription for Christmas?

 

[GerryD]

Hi Leaky5

I joined my local photography club about a month ago. Been into photography about a year and learned loads already. It is based mainly on competitions and presentations.

The idea behind these is a) in the competition to give feed back on photos taken, from more experienced members or guess judges, so the individual can learn more and b) presentations, renowned photographers giving presentation on their work and how they achieve their results. Don't get me wrong they don't give all their techniques, but you can pick up some pointers.

They do run the odd hands on night, which is very good.

If he is serious about then he will learn from all of the different session. Take him along a few times. If he enjoys great, if not I'm sure he'd have picked up a few pointers.

Gerald