Local photography clubs

[StevieBee]

Toying with the idea of joining one - have been for a while. The one I'm looking at organises shoots, has a pool of pro-kit stuff (lights, etc) that members can borrow and most outings seem to involve pubs at some point.

But my enthusiasm is dented by the idea of being surrounded people who are members of a local photography club. Photo gear-vests and adenoids.

Anyone have any experience of such things?

[nre]

StevieBee said:

Toying with the idea of joining one - have been for a while. The one I'm looking at organises shoots, has a pool of pro-kit stuff (lights, etc) that members can borrow and most outings seem to involve pubs at some point.

But my enthusiasm is dented by the idea of being surrounded people who are members of a local photography club. Photo gear-vests and adenoids.

Anyone have any experience of such things?

As you'd expect the experience very much depends on the membership. I was a member of my local one for a number of years including about 5 years as the competition secretary. It was quite a large club with a wide variety of interests between the members ensuring an interesting mix of photos on competition nights and some interesting speakers too. A work colleague went to his local one and found it to be dire and so ended up travelling a considerable distance to my local one.

If you have a number in your vicinity check out their websites to get an idea of style and most will offer a few free or cheap visits before you have to join.

[corozin]

Assume nothing and just go to a few meetings. I get a feeling that different clubs will all be different in varying ways. I joined a local club a year ago and the keynotes are :

a) I am amongst the younger members (at age 51!) but that doesn't mean it's unpleasant of unsocial. New members were made very welcome.
b) You'd be surprised at the quality of what other people do, and I've personally found that very inspiring to push on with what is for me a hobby.
c) Many clubs are quite focused on competitions, but don't be discouraged by that. You don't have to enter them.
d) It's a good thing to do through the winter. My club closes through the summer and runs Sept-May.

HTH,
John

[silobass]

corozin said:

Assume nothing and just go to a few meetings. I get a feeling that different clubs will all be different in varying ways. I joined a local club a year ago and the keynotes are :

a) I am amongst the younger members (at age 51!) but that doesn't mean it's unpleasant of unsocial. New members were made very welcome.
b) You'd be surprised at the quality of what other people do, and I've personally found that very inspiring to push on with what is for me a hobby.
c) Many clubs are quite focused on competitions, but don't be discouraged by that. You don't have to enter them.
d) It's a good thing to do through the winter. My club closes through the summer and runs Sept-May.

HTH,
John

Mine's pretty much the same. We meet on a Monday and have speakers most weeks and competition weeks dotted in between. Some of the speakers we have are amazing. We have special interest groups that meet up (Mono, Macro, maybe one other) and people are always organising days out. I was in the Farne Island last month with them for a long weekend. I too bring the average age down quite a bit, I'm 46!

We have a great group of people and new members are always made to feel welcome.

[bakerstreet]

I have been looking at my local Photography society. The way I see it, its really my easiest option to improve my photography. I can watch endless videos on YouTube, but its not a substitute for talking to people face to face.

I have experience of small sports clubs, so I am expecting a lot similarities.

Also, I always welcome the opportunity to try out new kit.