cdavis7820 Loc: Akron Ohio

I was thinking of joining a photo club. I was wondering what you thoughts were on these clubs.
I've done some research and there are quit a few in the Cleveland/Akron Ohio area.

Chris

rmalarz Loc: Tempe, Arizona

I'd say drop in and visit some during their regular meetings. Get a feeling for what the club offers, requires, etc. Then, make your choice as to which would be enjoyable for you to spend time supporting.
--Bob

gvarner Loc: Central Oregon Coast

Excellent advise. We have only one club here and it's focus is on the art of a photograph and presenting pics for competition. About a third of the members sell photos, are not pros but very advanced. One of the two monthly meetings is used to evaluate photos to send up to the regional group of clubs for competition. The otherwise a program night with various topics. We do field trips from time to time.

rmalarz Loc: Tempe, Arizona

I'm not very big on competitions. I'd prefer more of a master class environment or a club evaluation of photos. The problem with either is how does one assess a winning photo over others? The cute puppy photo wins. The club evaluation tends to become a "I'd have shot it this way" conversation. Neither are of value to someone trying to improve.
--Bob

SharpShooter Loc: NorCal

Chris, here is what I would suggest.
Go to the Photographic Society of America(PSA) website and find all of their member clubs in your area.
Then make a list of them by the largest club first and on down the line.
Then attend one of their meetings to see if you like that club, if not then go on to the next one etc.

I'm suggesting the PSA because they have a National parent organization and are all organized to work well. The structure will help eliminate the Dog and Pony show that you hear so much about that afflicts so many clubs. Plus, most have a heavy Competition schedule which is nationally structured and works very well! If you participate, that will make you better quicker than any other setting or activity.
In years of attending my club meetings, I never heard a discussion about camera gear from anybody or even knew what brand a member used. It was all about photography!!!
Good luck
SS

repleo Loc: Boston

I'm sure it depends on how well the club is run.

I joined my local club last September and have been pretty impressed so far. I have only been able to attend a couple of meetings, but all of the ones I've been to had well over 100 attendees. The club is limited to about 220. They have frequent organized trips and outings including International trips. They hold monthly competitions and critiques and host excellent presentations by guest speakers. The club is well run. Meetings start on time and end on time with a short social / refreshments break, but I would like more time for interaction. As somebody else said - no mention of gear - just photography and having fun.

What surprised me most about the club was that so many of the members were just like me - close to or already retired. I thought old geezer and gal photographers were unique to UHH. Apparently not.

cdavis7820 Loc: Akron Ohio

Good idea I'll do that.
Thanks

DavidPine Loc: Fredericksburg, TX

I belong to half a dozen. I like the clubs and the photographers. Some are better than others.

picsman Loc: Scotland

I belonged to 2 clubs and they are not for me. They seem to do the same things, alternating a visiting speaker or a club competition results evening. Topics can be anything you want or set, which can mean specialists doing only their specialism. There was no training, no need to take your camera, no field trips or just 1. Also they can be cliquey.

I joined a U3A photography group (8 strong) which selects topics and critically but constructively discusses your 3 images and also has some field trips, we meet in each others houses. So no visiting speakers, no 30 members, no cold meeting room, plenty of chat between members and a much more pleasant time.

Robeng Loc: California

Hi Chris,

I joined two photo clubs in my area. It's a great way to meet other photographers and learn new stuff. I recommend visiting the club and see what they have to offer.

Rob

gwong1 Loc: Tampa, FL

Chris, Try this club. http://www.clevelandphoto.org/ One of their founders winters here in Sarasota, and he seems to be a wealth of knowledge. Do not know anything of the actual club, but he constantly talks about how good the club is. Hope this helps. Gary

Collie lover Loc: St. Louis, MO

It depends on the club. Some clubs are very competitive and others have more fun and, although they do have contests, are as serious. Also, what is the purpose of the club? Some clubs exist just to put on photography shows. Others exist to educate.

jerryc41 Loc: Catskill Mts of NY

They're all different, but I would never join one - just from what I've heard here and there. It can be an ego-boosting club for some people. "My camera's better than your camera."

BillA

A club near me requires you to attend two monthly meetings and go on two trips before they will accept your application for membership. This is an outstanding idea. It gives you an idea about what you will be required to do as a member - bring coffee/cookies, help set up chairs, etc. Make a presentation. Best of luck. Hope you find something that meets your needs.

JCam Loc: MD Eastern Shore

Repleo,

Remember it is the "old retired geezers" and ladies, that mostly have the free time to go out, look for and shoot photos for their club's themed competitions. If you are looking for a club to join and learn more about photography, I think I'd chose one of the smaller clubs--perhaps less than 100 members.

If a particular photo is being judged, with the larger clubs you get more opinions, not necessarily advice, and if it is loaded with Pro's, the suggestions may be far above your present understanding and/or equipment level.

My club has about 90 members, most of whom rank in middle "Advanced Amateur" of our three categories--Amateur, Advanced Amateur and Professional--for competitions. We have 40-50 photos submitted for each monthly themed contest, and mostly have a non-member Speaker and photography professional doing the judging; the judge does not know what photo is in which category, not the photographer's name. It is not infrequent to hear a lot of opinions contrary to the judge's. As a non-professional what you want is suggestions for improvement, not strict photo evaluation. In the end, the photo only has to please one person--you.