John N Loc: HP14 3QF Stokenchurch, UK

Sad to say, but our village photography club is dying on its feet. There is about 8 - 10 regulars and sometimes a few others, but it's going nowhere positive fast. Myself I'm considering alternatives. But the local club has benefits, not least it's a short walk from home and it myself and a neighbour can pop into the 'Royal Oak' for a pint and a dram afterwards.

I'm not a great photographer myself, more a snapologist with some half decent equipment that I've yet to really get on top of. It would be true to say I know a lot more than I stop to practise.

At the end of a good presentation on white balance last night (just 8 there) I asked if anyone knew about the Village Community Facebook page. Don't do Facebook was a general reply. So I put a short message up and it has garnered more interest than our previous village show attempts over the past few years combined! I've pretty much suggested that equipment is irrelevant, a phone camera can do wonders these days. So I've ambled on long enough - but here is my question;

If you were in a similar position and wanted to kickstart the club with a new membership intake that might include raw beginners what subjects would you start off with? I'm thinking a 'types of camera' presentation (needs to be short) and a 'key points that might add a twist to whatever you're taking' chat. The hope is that some might go away and think a little more about what they see and return next Autumn invigorated and wanting more.

If this doesn't work I'm probably of myself.

All suggestions most welcome, and if you've been here before and have a presentation that you're prepared to let us use (I can only offer a credit to yourself and this site) it might prove most helpful.

Thank you

John Norris.

jerryc41 Loc: Catskill Mts of NY

Give this a try. There are hundreds of groups in my vicinity, covering all sorts of interests.

http://www.meetup.com/cities/gb/

Mr. Fixit Loc: south Jersey Shore

Hi John, In my opinion The Snapshot is the ultimate photograph. Hang in there because photographers seem to be basically loaners and wonder around this world where their imaginations take them. They don't tend to like share their tricks until they get to know you. That's why this forum is an enigma because they share the wealth of knowledge that they have.

oldtigger Loc: Roanoke Virginia-USA

contrary to what most brits seem to think, clubs have a natural life span and like a cats litter box need shaking out on a regular basis.
Just topping it off with more litter doesn't work, you need a change, all except the royal oak of course.

Ugly Jake Loc: Sub-Rural Vermont

To me, I would show them some Ansel, or another photographer that makes you go "wow", and sell them on the idea that they can do pics like those, too. (Not to that level, but much higher than the unwashed masses, and certainly higher than they currently do.) That's what inspired me, and brought me to the Hog.

jerryc41 Loc: Catskill Mts of NY

You know, if you emphasize the first word in your title, you come up with a totally different group. :D

alamomike47 Loc: San Antonio, Texas

As suggested in an earlier post the camera club I most like is for lack of a better word a drop in club on meetup. Using meetup for a club web page and communication. Actually meeting only 11 times a year as a club.

Big thing is anyone can put together a meetup photo shoot, walk about, or portrait session. It get like minded members together to for a photo shoot in their area of interest.

This does not wear leadership out planning. Leadership only need to set speaker and contest schedule.

Leitz Loc: Solms

Rather than sitting around talking about it, get out and do it! Something like an excursion to Nottingham might be in order (the only Hooter's I'm aware of).

G Brown Loc: Sunny Bognor Regis West Sussex UK

Go to 500px or COOP on Youtube website and look at the inovative pictures people take using phone cameras Gaffertape or Blue Peter style toilet roll holders and Bluetac. Borrow or create your own section and try to get interest on FB by posting pictures and 'how to' as a means of getting pre-retiree's into the club

Good luck

Zero_Equals_Infinity Loc: Canada

There are a ton of possibilities.

Provide a link to Cambridge in Colour - http://www.cambridgeincolour.com

Then prepare a lecture on whatever aspect of photography people need to work on. It could be article on Black and White conversion - http://www.cambridgeincolour.com/tutorials/color-black-white.htm - or it could be something else. The idea is to give people something they can take away which with practice will make them a better photographer.

There are so many resources, and having a club night to learn a new skill is a great way to get people up and going.

Erik_H Loc: Denham Springs, Louisiana

If you're looking for topics for beginners, I would start with the exposure triangle, explaining how shutter speed, ISO and aperture all interact.

sloscheider Loc: Minnesota

Do you have monthly photo challenges? Does your local school district have a Community Education service? If so, get involved by providing several organized photo walks and some informational classes - they do the advertising and then you can stir up more community interest. You could also team up with other clubs like Gardeners, Bird Watchers, antique collectors, etc... by getting the photo club people engage in a calendar project for each companion group.

BHC Loc: Strawberry Valley, JF, USA

Move your meetings to the Royal Oak!

John N Loc: HP14 3QF Stokenchurch, UK

By far and away the best idea so far. Don't know why I didn't think of it myself!

I will be looking at ALL the suggestions made so far and see what response I get from FACEBOOK. Hopefully new life will bring a new direction without alienating the old guard.

I went to another club last night where they had a competition on images shot with a phone or tablet. The judges accepted the limitations of the devices used and scored mainly on content and composition. Amazed at what can be done with these things. Might even take my own tablet out for a walk today.

More suggestions always welcome.

Thanks.

Bobbee

Well you mentioned the pub. Go to the owner and tell him you will draw people in for a meeting what can he do about specials on pints and grub. Post this in your ad. Maybe they will come for the discount and be hooked by the content. Trip specials work too. My clup, FCCP in Florida, runs all kinds of specials with local area business and often big business like Adobe, B&H, etc. You might have to couple with a larger chapter and be a satellite group. That is what mine is. Now our group leader after quite a few years has spawned his own section 'The League of Extraordinary Photographers'. Google it.