Photography Clubs

Becca · 13th of November 2005 (Sun)

I am considering joining a local photography club, but I'm having a bit of anxiety about it because I'm not a very good photographer. I looked at their website and it appears that a lot of their meetings revolve around competitions, which I definately do not have the talent for (yet!). My main reason for joining would be to learn more about this hobby of mine.

Has anyone else had experience with photography clubs (good or bad) that they could share to help me decide if this is a direction that I want to take?

Thanks!

alfa1six4 · 13th of November 2005 (Sun)

Don't be so critical of yourself, your're probably better than you think! As for the photo club, maybe you could goto one meeting before joining and see if you like it. Most of the photo clubs in my area also seem geared towards competitions and having guest speakers talk($$). I chose to join just a local artists association, which includes mostly painters, sculpters, etc. There's only 3 photographers there, myself included. There's alot you can learn from hanging out with artists that use other types of media. We are also involved with local buisness's and county government buildings where our works can be displayed for the public to see. That's useful to me, because I can get feedback from people that know nothing about photography.

Steve Parr · 13th of November 2005 (Sun)

I'm a member of a local San Diego club.

Once a month, there's a "group shoot" scheduled; we just did one yesterday. It's nice to get out and meet others of a like mind, talk about whatever, and just get out there and shoot. They seem geared more towards actually going out somewhere for a group shoot than attending seminars.

Our club doesn't charge any membership fees or anything, but they do accept donations for maintaining the website.

I think the biggest upside to it is the education that happens. I've only been on three group shoots, and I've learned a tremendous amount about photography, equipment, etc., than I ever would've imagined.

If they charge a membership fee, and it's not exhorbidant, give it a shot. Hell, even enter the competions. If your photos don't win, ask some of the "old timers" why they think you didn't; what can you do to improve? I've yet to run into a photographer who isn't willing to share expertise to help someone else progress.

Give it a shot!

Steve

Pyromaniac · 13th of November 2005 (Sun)

I agree with Steve, give it a shot. Most clubs that charge membership fee's will let you come to a few meetings before they make you pay so you can see if you like the club before shelling out cash. As for entering the competions, aspecially if you don't win you can get some good feedback on why people didn't like it as much as the ones that did win. You just have to remember not to take it personally, odds are that they don't know you very well and it won't be personal on they're part either. So I say what have you got to lose other than maybe a little or your time for going to a few meetings, but you could gain a lot of good knowledge and experiance.

IndyJeff · 13th of November 2005 (Sun)

Becca if you don't consider yourself to be very good with a camera then that is the best reason why you should join a camera club.
If they meet once a month and have a monthly contest look at it this way, you enter and expect to finish dead last. If you do, then you did just what you expected. Now as months go by and your dead last each month it becomes the norm for you. Then one month you place 10th out of 13 members. WOW you have improved. Now each month your goal is to be in the top 10. As time goes by you may score a top 5, then a top 3 and maybe someday you will win one. The point being, each month if you can score higher in the finishing you will be improving.
By not joining you are limiting your exposure to technics and composure to what you already know. That is not learning. In a club you can see other examples and that alone will give you ideas.
Join the club, you won't regret it.

Becca · 13th of November 2005 (Sun)

Thanks everyone for the good advice and encouragement. I have been telling myself all of these same things trying to get the courage to give it a try. They have a meeting tomorrow night and I think I'm going to try to get up there and check it out.

Scottes · 13th of November 2005 (Sun)

I really should do the same, especially since photography in the winter is almost non-existent for me. The knowledge sharing and socialization would probably be a good thing.

Then again I'd never belong to any club that would have me as a member.

bolantej · 13th of November 2005 (Sun)

I agree Becca. it would be worth a try.

JOHN HEPBURN · 26th of September 2006 (Tue)

Quote:

Originally Posted by BeccaNH

I am considering joining a local photography club, but I'm having a bit of anxiety about it because I'm not a very good photographer. I looked at their website and it appears that a lot of their meetings revolve around competitions, which I definately do not have the talent for (yet!). My main reason for joining would be to learn more about this hobby of mine.

Has anyone else had experience with photography clubs (good or bad) that they could share to help me decide if this is a direction that I want to take?

Thanks!

Most camera clubs have contests and do judging. To see one that does not, and what a camera club really should be, go to: http://fhphotoclub.org. The Fountain Hills, AZ club encourages beginners to join.

tlc · 27th of September 2006 (Wed)

you'd be surprised how much you can learn from hanging around people who are more advanced. having someone explain your question in person vs. getting info off a board like this, can really help you.

WxGuesser · 27th of September 2006 (Wed)

You gotta start somewhere... i'm sure you'll make some friends and they'd probably be more than willing to take you under your wing.... i wonder if there are any clubs in my town?

tweatherred · 27th of September 2006 (Wed)

It you don't think you have talent, read this:

http://www.radiantvista.com/archive/articles/1/

I agree with the others who think getting into a club is a good idea; I have not found a club near me to join and am not sure if I have the time, but would like to do so myself.

tlc · 27th of September 2006 (Wed)

Quote:

Originally Posted by tweatherred

It you don't think you have talent, read this:

http://www.radiantvista.com/archive/articles/1/

I agree with the others who think getting into a club is a good idea; I have not found a club near me to join and am not sure if I have the time, but would like to do so myself.

wow. that was an excellent story!

13th of November 2005 (Sun)	#1
Becca Lady in Red Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: Glendale, Arizona Posts: 7,097 IMAGE EDITING OK	Photography Clubs I am considering joining a local photography club, but I'm having a bit of anxiety about it because I'm not a very good photographer. I looked at their website and it appears that a lot of their meetings revolve around competitions, which I definately do not have the talent for (yet!). My main reason for joining would be to learn more about this hobby of mine. Has anyone else had experience with photography clubs (good or bad) that they could share to help me decide if this is a direction that I want to take? Thanks! __________________ Becca "The world is a book, and those who do not travel read only one page." ~ Saint Augustine *Gear List*

13th of November 2005 (Sun)	#2
alfa1six4 Member Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: Newnan, GA USA Posts: 397 IMAGE EDITING OK	Re: Photography Clubs Don't be so critical of yourself, your're probably better than you think! As for the photo club, maybe you could goto one meeting before joining and see if you like it. Most of the photo clubs in my area also seem geared towards competitions and having guest speakers talk($$). I chose to join just a local artists association, which includes mostly painters, sculpters, etc. There's only 3 photographers there, myself included. There's alot you can learn from hanging out with artists that use other types of media. We are also involved with local buisness's and county government buildings where our works can be displayed for the public to see. That's useful to me, because I can get feedback from people that know nothing about photography. __________________ Gary C. Canon EOS 20D My Smugmug

13th of November 2005 (Sun)	#3
Steve Parr should have taken his own advice Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: San Diego, CA Posts: 6,593 IMAGE EDITING OK	Re: Photography Clubs I'm a member of a local San Diego club. Once a month, there's a "group shoot" scheduled; we just did one yesterday. It's nice to get out and meet others of a like mind, talk about whatever, and just get out there and shoot. They seem geared more towards actually going out somewhere for a group shoot than attending seminars. Our club doesn't charge any membership fees or anything, but they do accept donations for maintaining the website. I think the biggest upside to it is the education that happens. I've only been on three group shoots, and I've learned a tremendous amount about photography, equipment, etc., than I ever would've imagined. If they charge a membership fee, and it's not exhorbidant, give it a shot. Hell, even enter the competions. If your photos don't win, ask some of the "old timers" why they think you didn't; what can you do to improve? I've yet to run into a photographer who isn't willing to share expertise to help someone else progress. Give it a shot! Steve

13th of November 2005 (Sun)	#4
Pyromaniac Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Mt Washington in Cincinnati, Oh Posts: 538 IMAGE EDITING OK	Re: Photography Clubs I agree with Steve, give it a shot. Most clubs that charge membership fee's will let you come to a few meetings before they make you pay so you can see if you like the club before shelling out cash. As for entering the competions, aspecially if you don't win you can get some good feedback on why people didn't like it as much as the ones that did win. You just have to remember not to take it personally, odds are that they don't know you very well and it won't be personal on they're part either. So I say what have you got to lose other than maybe a little or your time for going to a few meetings, but you could gain a lot of good knowledge and experiance.

13th of November 2005 (Sun)	#5
IndyJeff Senior Member Join Date: Oct 2003 Location: Indianapolis, IN Posts: 1,891	Re: Photography Clubs Becca if you don't consider yourself to be very good with a camera then that is the best reason why you should join a camera club. If they meet once a month and have a monthly contest look at it this way, you enter and expect to finish dead last. If you do, then you did just what you expected. Now as months go by and your dead last each month it becomes the norm for you. Then one month you place 10th out of 13 members. WOW you have improved. Now each month your goal is to be in the top 10. As time goes by you may score a top 5, then a top 3 and maybe someday you will win one. The point being, each month if you can score higher in the finishing you will be improving. By not joining you are limiting your exposure to technics and composure to what you already know. That is not learning. In a club you can see other examples and that alone will give you ideas. Join the club, you won't regret it. __________________ On shooting sports...If you see it happen then you didn't get it.

13th of November 2005 (Sun)	#6
Becca Lady in Red Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: Glendale, Arizona Posts: 7,097 IMAGE EDITING OK	Re: Photography Clubs Thanks everyone for the good advice and encouragement. I have been telling myself all of these same things trying to get the courage to give it a try. They have a meeting tomorrow night and I think I'm going to try to get up there and check it out. __________________ Becca "The world is a book, and those who do not travel read only one page." ~ Saint Augustine *Gear List*

13th of November 2005 (Sun)	#7
Scottes Trigger Man - POTN Retired Join Date: Nov 2003 Location: A Little North Of Boston, MA, USA Posts: 12,838	Re: Photography Clubs I really should do the same, especially since photography in the winter is almost non-existent for me. The knowledge sharing and socialization would probably be a good thing. Then again I'd never belong to any club that would have me as a member. __________________ You can take my 100-400 L away when you pry it from my cold, dead fingers. Scottes' Rum Pages - Rum Reviews And Info Finally, I have a Gallery! Follower of Fidget - Joined the cult of HAMSTTR©

13th of November 2005 (Sun)	#8
bolantej Goldmember Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: CAlifornia Posts: 3,774 IMAGE EDITING OK	Re: Photography Clubs I agree Becca. it would be worth a try.

27th of September 2006 (Wed)	#10
tlc Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: a texan living in london! Posts: 1,743	Re: Photography Clubs you'd be surprised how much you can learn from hanging around people who are more advanced. having someone explain your question in person vs. getting info off a board like this, can really help you.

27th of September 2006 (Wed)	#11
WxGuesser Member Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: Vacaville, Ca Posts: 630 IMAGE EDITING OK	Re: Photography Clubs You gotta start somewhere... i'm sure you'll make some friends and they'd probably be more than willing to take you under your wing.... i wonder if there are any clubs in my town? __________________ Canon 350D \| EF 17-40 f4 L \| EF 50 f1.8 \| "Kit Lens" \| EF 70-200 f2.8 L on order \| Sigma 70-300 APO DG Macro \| EF 1.4x II L Don't sweat the petty things and don't pet the sweaty things.

27th of September 2006 (Wed)	#12
tweatherred Member Join Date: May 2005 Location: Augusta, GA Posts: 476 IMAGE EDITING OK	Re: Photography Clubs It you don't think you have talent, read this: http://www.radiantvista.com/archive/articles/1/ I agree with the others who think getting into a club is a good idea; I have not found a club near me to join and am not sure if I have the time, but would like to do so myself. __________________ Gear List

Thread Tools
Show Printable Version Email this Page
Display Modes
Linear Mode Switch to Hybrid Mode Switch to Threaded Mode

Similar Threads
Thread	Thread Starter	Forum	Replies	Last Post
Any photography clubs in Vancouver?	breakdown	The POTN Lounge	13	30th of December 2011 (Fri) 23:39
photography clubs in NY ?	euthyphronic	The POTN Lounge	0	2nd of July 2007 (Mon) 22:16
Photo clubs?	2005GLI	The POTN Lounge	2	27th of September 2006 (Wed) 14:24
I would like to try my hand at shooting clubs, how do I get into it?	i2iSTUDIOS	General Photography Talk	2	31st of January 2006 (Tue) 09:05
Camera Clubs	acidhouse	General Photography Talk	7	28th of May 2005 (Sat) 06:14