PNagy wrote:
Jer wrote:
Meredith Images wrote:
I have to disagree. I think a club is a great way to learn. And you do see other people's work in competitions and/or more informal "how did you do that" nights (which a couple of my clubs do). Before joining a club I was a "snapshooter" like many beginners. By listening to more experienced photographers, you learn the "rules" (rule of thirds; nice bokeh background, etc.)-- yes rules are made to be broken but if you don't learn what makes a good photo to begin with, you won't know how to let your creative side out either. I also look around the web at other sites, but a club also gives you the opportunity to meet others and share some fun times out photographing.
Actually, I don't think you disagree with me. Reread what I said. They can serve a good purpose. The problem is that there are so many out there that aren't very good. But it really depends what you can get out of them.
I actually have a few friends (very informal group) that post photos in our facebook group. They are all advanced photographers and we really push each other without having to push each other.
You seem to find a club that fits your needs ... that's great. Good luck.
Jer wrote:
No, I avoid them. Look at earlier commends. I think they hurt creativity. Too often they seem talk about the tech side. They seem to be amateurs who won't listen the advice of pros. This is the only amateur site I'm on and I find too many people won't listen to the pros or the more experienced photographers. That becomes very frustrating since most of the experienced photographers really want to help others so they don't go through the learning curve we had to.
The clubs may be fine for beginning photographers to help answer questions but so is this site. But it never hurts to see other people's photos. However, you can find outstanding photos on the net by goggling "top photo", "best photos" etc on the net. I do it all the time. To improve you need to constantly see what others are doing. Looking at photos teach you more about vision than a discussion of cameras, raw vs jpeg, lens or other tech stuff. Those are the tools for your vision.
No, I avoid them. Look at earlier commends. I th... (
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I have to disagree. I think a club is a great way ... (
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quote=Meredith Images I have to disagree. I think... (
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I belong to the Baytown Camera Club. The members are anything from serious enthusiasts, to seasoned pros making their living through photography, to photographic artists. The group sponsors photography contests and group shooting opportunities. There are even some gigs that allow the possibility of making some money. I find being a member a positive experience with no reservations.
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Is that baytown as in Baytown, Texas?
Hi DK: Yes, that's the way it is with both my camera clubs. If they don't want to go on a field trip, they don't pay. Usually with my RCC one, we usually carpool to certain areas. We'll meet at a local restaurant and then go from there. With the Riverside camera club I'm in, since we are going to the San Diego Safari Animal Park, we'll take a bus down there, so the cost will be around $25.00 which mainly goes to the bus driver. Makes for a nice drive down there with good conversation with fellow club members.
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