splinter Loc: UK

I would be interested on hearing from people who have been in a Photographic Club.
What are the benefits of being a member?
I don't consider myself a "geek" in photography I just enjoy it without getting too over loaded with the technical stuff and who has got what equipment.
I also looked at the local club's website and the photographs they are showing are amazingly good. I feel a little overwhemled by that.
Any comments good or bad would give me an idea before I commit.

Deessavy

I have been in my local camera club for about 6years now. I love it. I have learned more by hanging out with my fellow enthusiasts than by attending classes. I am now very active in the running of the club and it is very rewarding. We go on day field trips and 3-5 day long overnight trips. I would recommend checking out all of the clubs near you before deciding. Don't be intimidated by great photography. That's how we all get better.
Doris

oldmalky Loc: West Midlands,England.

I have never been in a camera club but I would imagine it would be far better than being alone,you would be able to get help first hand and it is always better to be shown than read how to do it.

traveler90712 Loc: Lake Worth, Fl.

What could be bad?
Is it a chance to learn?
To improve?
Maybe use some equipment you envy?
Maybe a chance to shoot somewhere you didn't think you could get access to?

There is also a group called meet up that has all sorts of groups and not just photography. You might want to check that out also to see if there is a photo group near you.

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

splinter Loc: UK

Thank you, you have given me food for thought. :-)

traveler90712 Loc: Lake Worth, Fl.

My pleasure, that is what we're here for. Advice, learning, etc.

martinfisherphoto Loc: Lake Placid Florida

I belong to a local club and part of the Fun is every week someone different assigns a photo challenge. This keeps it fresh as your not stuck in your comfort zone and have to branch out a little. We each post our photo for the week and make Friendly comments and or suggestions. Then we meet once a month to cover mostly basic photo material. This month I'm hosting a talk all about DOF. From Fixed to Telephoto lens. It will be hands on as we have a lap top and huge screen TV set up for the meeting. It's a great way to learn and I have found several people to go on photo shoots with. It leads to new friendships with folks that enjoy the same hobby. The biggest plus I found is you will find really talented folks that are better than yourself at different aspects of photography. All you have to do is ask them for info and you learn as much as your willing.

Harvey Loc: Pioneer, CA

Traveler is right - so many benefits in camera clubs - when I bought my first SLR used from a friend he sold it to me on 2 conditions #1 I use it for a while to determine if I realty would like & use it and #2 join a camera club with him to learn how to use it better.
Best advice I ever have been given - 8 yrs of meeting, contests with pro judges, field trips - the list goes on & on.
Great friendships that last forever.
The "Meet Up" that are now popular are also great - I belong to one - Nature & events photographers of Sacramento,CA
Harvey

MtnMan Loc: ID

I joined our local club about a year ago. It has been a delightful learning experience and opportunity to meet great people. All are are always willing to help.

We have presentations, workshops, feedback on prints and projected images, and club photoshoots. All are instructive and fun.

James56 Loc: Nashville, Tennessee

Go for it...most clubs will allow visitors a time or two. Don't let the faboulous work you've seen intimidate you at all. Instead make it a goal. I've been a member of my club 3 years. We meet monthly, so its not like it takes up a large part of my time. But...most clubs offer extra activities you can participate in once you feel comfortable. Clubs give you the opportunity to meet a variety of people with various interest and talent. All willing to share their secrets of "how they got that". Lots of clubs may offer instructional courses at discounts or even for free. My club gives a basic photography course, a 14 week course in all the basics, camera settings, proper exposure, equipment and post processing...and its FREE to club members. We also have guest speakers, photographers from Magazines and Newspapers, people who have successful studios, I've talked with the official photographer of the Grand Ole Opry, and boy what stories he can tell...he is a regular speaker at our meetings. We have people who shoot album covers for the stars. Clubs also offer outtings, we have three groups that regularly do activities. A Nature group(photographing wildlife, flower, birds, etc) An Adventure Group (they go on field trips to various places. They just got back from Cumberland Falls Kentucky on a mission to shoot a rainbow at night called a "moonbow".
And finally a Charity Events Group. They go to charity events such as Muscular dystrophy's walk for the cure. They photographed participants and activities. Some of the photos (if selected) will be used by the charity in their advertisements.
It's a great way to meet people who are interested in photography. You will quickly find out that behind those marvoulous photos, they're just normal people, easy to talk with and willing to help others improve their skills. We have members who just have point and shoots cameras...to members who own photography stores and everything in between. If not for this group, never would I be able to access so much talent and learn what goes on behind the camera. Cost for me and my wife...$30.00 US Dollars per year. Pretty cheap considering all the benefits I get.
So Splinter...find a club close by and give them a visit. I think you'll find it to be a fun time and joyful time.

Link to my club should you want to look it over.
http://www.nashvillephotographyclub.com/

MtnMan Loc: ID

Our club allows unlimited visiting.

Non-members don't get to submit photos for feedback or post on the Facebook page or full access to the WEB page. But otherwise are fully welcome.

nolte1964 Loc: Des Moines, Iowa

you meet people with similar interests, photography is fun with other people, you get feed back, find out information, and can have a lot of fun. Plus think of all the additional resources you will aquire.

joe west Loc: Taylor, Michigan

our there any " money due's " per month or yearly

SharpShooter Loc: NorCal

I have belonged to a PSA(Photoraphic Society of America) club for a couple of years. My photography went to the next level. If you live in a populous area with more than one club, check them all out. Some clubs are heavy into competing, and others heavy into eating. By that I mean some are more social and others more serious, but all do photography. The PSA clubs have rigerous competition schedules and standardized criteria. If you have a choice, pick a club that suits your style or goals or join several if you have the time and want to advance more quickly. Or, if no club is nearby, start your own club.

MtnMan Loc: ID

Our club is a member of the PSA. Images are scored in our meetings and the best ones sent on to PSA.

Some are interested in the scoring for awards, some not. I am one of the nots. All get feedback on how to improve their work.

I don't sense competition with others at all. Each is competing with themselves to improve.