chapjohn Loc: Tigard, Oregon

I have been looking at the many camera clubs in my area and was wondering what elements make a good camera club?

Just Tami Loc: Long Island

People who have cameras, love to use them with a mixed level of talent and a sense of humor

Deetle51 Loc: Grafton ,WV

Nice thing is there is all levels of photographers there and you can learn alot. Plus you have someone to talk with who understands your passion. I just got started but love every meeting. Great info for the asking.

bobmielke Loc: Portland, OR

Try to remember that the gear doesn't make you the best photographer. I'd rather have someone who knows what his/her camera can do than just buy the most expensive stuff. Learn to use what you have first.

MagiQQEyes Loc: Ca

I didnt know there were Camera Clubs, I may be interested in that myself. What do they do?

bobmielke Loc: Portland, OR

They assemble, talk about a hundred different photographic topics, display some of their members captures and discuss them, plan photographic shoots together, have club contests where a topic or theme is assigned, judge the results and discuss the pros and cons of each choice, learn.

Dennis

most camera clubs meet once a month and conduct the types of activities Bob mentioned above. most of them allow non members to attend free 1 or 2 meetings to see what it's all about and decide if they want to join.

mrsbeau

4 years ago when I decided to take my photography more seriously, i gleaned the following 3 best tips from many: to improve, practice, practice, practice; read, read, read; and join a camera club. I am still perhaps not the greatest shooter, but all three have definitely helped vastly. I am very active in my camera club--we have monthly meetings with guest speakers and member photos evaluated by prof. photographers, we have weekend learning workshops and photoshoots. Some advantages of being a club member--you can get access to some places you can't visit individually and on shoots in some "unsavory" places, there's safety in numbers. Plus everyone helps everyone and you learn so much. It's so helpful just to share ideas and helpful hints. Our Club also provides a lot of community service--every January we give a free DSLR beginners workshop at a local library for newbies, and we have a program at a local community center to teach kids (9-12 yrs.) photography. Canon was kind enough to provide cameras and a local photo shop prints the kids' pictures--an amazing way to learn is also by teaching. With the variety of experience levels you'll find in many clubs, it is hard not to learn from each other.

KathyinNH Loc: Kingston, NH

I've belonged to a camera club for 4 years. We're lucky our club meets every week and I love it weekly. We are a very strong club, one of the best in the area and a very competative club as well. We have 2 photo competitions each month, 1 digital and 1 print. Our club is so active we sometimes have trouble getting judges because we have so many entries in our competitions. We usually have about 200 entries in each competition which are run on different nights. I'm sure if you join a club you won't be disappointed. It's the best thing I ever did was joining.

Adubin Loc: Indialantic, Florida

I belong to a excellent camera club in Melbourne, Fl. As result belonging to club, I drastically improve my photography skills and images. I believe we Have grown and been very successful because of the below reasons.
1. We listen to what members want.
2. We offer monthly program related to improving your skills and have competition for advance, and beginners to immediate levels.
3. We have monthly newsletter and a website. www.ccbrevard.com
4. They take monthly field trips around the area and once a year with an all day bus trip.
5. We typical hold a separate workshops on how to use your camera, post processing, developing in skills ie HDR, and much more.
6. We have a fun and friendly club.

Greg Loc: Maryland

I'd rather have someone that buys ME the most expensive stuff, but that ain't gonna happen. So, yeah, what Bob says ;)

Terry Scott Reed Loc: Reading, PA

My local club, the Berks Photographic Society, in Reading, PA, has offered a great experience, if only for the networking aspect. This group holds an annual conference at a local college that draws from a great geographic area and enjoys a good reputation. Meetings are weekly, competitions frequent and include scavenger hunts and themed assignments. The club conducts programs on lighting, photoshop, technique, and other topics. Members run the gamut from newbies to pros, and everyone is eager to help out with questions. Non-profits turn to the club for pro-bono event photography, so the club gives back to the community. This club is one of the few that owns its own building. Members can access an extensive library of photography books, but, best of all (to me), can have access to a darkroom (with lockers for your chemicals), and a studio with props, backdrops, strobes, and a dressing room. There is also a room dedicated to mounting and framing, with a pro mat cutter and other tools. I don't make as many meetings as I would like, but it has been a favorable experience across the board!
I would say, give it a try--give up a year's dues. If you don't get the return you are looking for, simply don't renew, but I'm betting you won't regret it!

davidmac Loc: Corydon,Indiana

+Anyone know of a camera club in or around New Albany, Indana. David (gunerdave2@gmail.com) thank you

Laura'sImages

Find a camera club that you have shared interests, many specialize i.e. portraits, wildlife, etc. Find one that you will have fun with...and that go on field trips. I created a photo group and was president for two years and it is a great way to meet folks with a passion for photography.

lelliclaire

I have belonged to a Camera Club for 32 years!!!!! I have been the President for 10 terms...5 consecutive. Soooo...that tells you something about belonging to a CC! The comradery over the years have been some of my cherished memory's. A week long field trip to the West was one of the best. As a CC member, you compare notes, share experiences, and learn the latest trends and techniques. You can go from a "snap shooter" to a photographer. Of course, I always tell new members, "You will only get out of it what you put into it"!. Here is my local CC website of which I am the web master:
http://psvcameraclub.com/