Geofw Loc: Thornton Cleveleys UK

I am thinking about joining a local photography club, "The Lakeland Shooters".
Hopefully to help me learn more and to get me out meeting other photographers in the area.

1) Are there any other fellow Hogger's members of this club?
2) Would it be beneficial joining a photography club?

Mac Loc: Pittsburgh, Philadelphia now Hernando Co. Fl.

I can't hep you with the specific club you asked about, but each club has it's own personality. Some clubs are "My gear is better than your gear" type clubs, or "I have more gear than you do" clubs. Some clubs are very competitive, others are not. The club I belong to here on the Gulf Coast "The West Pasco Shutterbugs" if very friendly and laid back and the members are supportive and helpful. Unfortunately there is no way to tell in advance. The best thing would be to attend a few meeting to get a feel for it first then, if you are comfortable, join.

the hiker Loc: San Diego

I think that anytime you are part of a group that's shares the same interest it is good and it offers a chance to learn new things.My only concern would be how active they are and weather they get out to shoot different types of photos at diff. places or do they just meet a couple times a month and share infor.Do they organize trips;do they hold contests;do they get speakers to talk about diff.subjects and is there a fee for membership?

Photographer Jim Loc: Rio Vista, CA

Mac's comments above are accurate and sound. The only way to tell if a club suits your needs and personality is to attend a few meetings as a visitor and see what you think.

In general, photo clubs can be a great experience. They often offer guest speakers and presentations, field trips, critique sessions, casual in house competitions, or access to regional competitions (participation is voluntary, of course), and maybe most importantly camaraderie with other photographers.

Look at it this way. If you go a few times and don't like it, fine. You don't join. On the other hand, not going and checking it out may mean missing out on an experience that you truly enjoy and benefit from being a part of. Hopefully the club will be all you are hoping it will be, and more.

Geofw Loc: Thornton Cleveleys UK

Thank you for the quick reply Mac,
Looking at their website on Meetup.com it looks like they do not hold what I would call regular set meetings,The club description says,
'The club holds regular photo shoots and outings, workshops, and critiques in a friendly, supportive environment."
I think I will go along and check it out.
Geoff

Geofw Loc: Thornton Cleveleys UK

Thanks for the reply Hiker,

I think I will contact them to see if it is ok to go to their next meeting and take it from there.

Geoff

Geofw Loc: Thornton Cleveleys UK

Hi Jim,
Thanks for the reply.
I agree with you comments, if I don't go I may be missing out, so whats to loose by going.
Geoff

SharpShooter Loc: NorCal

Geof, like most, I can't comment on your club.
It's too bad that there are clubs that are egocentric, but I'm sure there are lots!
Personally, I'm partial to the clubs sanctioned by the Photographic Society of America(PPA). Not because they can't have problems, but because they all operate on the same formula, not that of one member of the controlling click in the club. If you participate, they are competition heavy, but for me nothing will raise you photographic bar as quickly or as high as competitions!! But that's just me. They do have a level playing field.
I'm sure there are many other fine unsanctioned clubs out there(I might join one) but they would definately be more hit and miss(I think). Good luck. ;-)
SS
PS: to possibly find a PPA club, check their website, they are international with hundreds of clubs!

G Brown Loc: Sunny Bognor Regis West Sussex UK

a club is only as good as you make of it. ie ask the questions and see the results.
Most clubs belong to an association of photography and often support you through their 'professional qualification' processes if you wish to go in that direction. More difficult to do it from the outside on your own.
Clubs also have guest speakers that encourage you in areas that you may never otherwise look at.
Clubs often run competitions in a league system so that you can enter in a level appropriate to your skills and get constructive comments and advice from outside judges - a fantastic way of learning.
There are also clubs full of elderly people who just want a night out looking at beautiful pictures. Often they bring their knitting and run a tombola....! Run away fast!

Knowing the lakes, there will be several clubs available Windermere, Keswick or even Kendal. I would 'visit' several (email their chairman for an invitation....) look at their website for their programme of events and guest speakers (topics as you may not recognise names) and see where their main thrust of images lie. One near me seems overly religious whereas others are more eclectic.

If you are very new I would take your pictures in to the club and ask members to look and advise. You will soon find the people with useful knowledge and those that are 'clubby' it is a much nicer way of getting help than seemingly not getting any better up in the competitions. But still put your best work forward to get outside advice too.
Our club is about £50 a year for a twice monthly programme so be sure that you like it.
Have fun and good luck.....If you cannot take great shots in the Lakes you would be buggered with my little South Downs...

Mac Loc: Pittsburgh, Philadelphia now Hernando Co. Fl.

:thumbup: :thumbup: :thumbup:

billnikon Loc: Pennsylvania/Ohio/Florida/Maui/Oregon/Vermont

When ever I go to Wakodahatchee here in Florida on a Saturday or Sunday the camera clubs arrive. They seem to have so much fun I may actually have to join one of them. Several come up to me and ask me questions about my equipment or technical question. They all have tripods and I use none. They are so friendly and seem to enjoy themselves so much I am really tempted. And I am not a joiner type person but these people are infectious.

John N Loc: HP14 3QF Stokenchurch, UK

This depends on two main factors.

1) How well the club adopts new members.
2) How well you adapt to the club.

It's my experience you'll get more out of it if you're seen to be making an effort. Some clubs are very open, others more like a closed clique, some are vibrant and go ahead whilst others are stuck in the dark ages. I've detailed my own experiences in a post on here previously and got valuable advice from hoggers that have been a help.

Most clubs (over here anyway) will offer a few weeks or a month 'free' membership by way of a trial. You've got nothing to lose by taking such an offer up if it's available.

martinfisherphoto Loc: Lake Placid Florida

They have some Great outings with models. You have to pitch in $ for the models but worth the money. Good group of photographers

jerryc41 Loc: Catskill Mts of NY

It's the people that make the club. You can have good people or annoying, self-important people. Go to a couple of meetings and see what the club is like.

Uuglypher Loc: South Dakota (East River)

Jim's comments are spot-on.
Bottom line? To NOT visit the club's meetings may well be depriving you of an experience that could have a long-term positive impact on your photography. It makes no sense NOT to give it a look-see!

Dave