Photography Clubs...

Does anyone here participate in any kind of photography club, whether it be school, community, whatever? I've been thinking about getting involved in a group over the summer when I'll be home, but I'm not sure if it will be worth the trouble. It seems like most of the groups that I've found online in my area just get together and chat and have a judging every month, and maybe go out on a group shoot every once in a blue moon. Is that pretty normal for these groups? Plus, it seems like these groups have a lot of older members, and I'm not sure a young punk like me would fit in too well, and to be honest, the pics I saw from one group weren't all that great. Okay, now I'm just stammering on...What do you all think? I don't really have any friends who are into photography, so that's not an option...Maybe I just need new friends.

Not only am I a member of one, that's where I met my fiance: http://www.berkscamera.org

I've been trying to get them to put a forum up on the site and even volunteered to set it up but I never got any feedback.

The sad thing is though that most of the members are quite old (as in well past retirement) and when they go I don't know that there will be a club anymore. $80 per year gets you access to a darkroom, matte room and a full studio so it's served me well for years.

Google photo clubs, photo clubs in "your area", or something along those lines.
I have done that, and found a few in my area. Some have websites, some don't.

Photography clubs are a good thing, but I'd recommend a few things before you go.
Don't go in with high expectations.

Look around, odds are there at least two in any given area. Here in Salt Lake, there are two, plus one in Ogden.

Attend a few meetings to get a good feel for the group, make sure you are compatibale, socially as well as photographically.

Photo clubs aren't for everyone, but you should at least try it for a while.

Good Luck!

Brian

Yep, at school. Nikon Samurai #8 MJS is my teacher and the club sponsor, and Young Shooter (trying to samurai him) is also a member.

THIS is my photography club! :D

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Originally Posted by kellybean

THIS is my photography club! :D

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I'm with Kelly on this one. I do wish that I had a group in my area that I could hang out with and learn from. And who knows, maybe teach some people a few things too. I think that the right group of people getting together and sharing what they know would be a great asset to have. I don't know of any groups in my area, but if I hear of one, I will be sure to check it out.

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Originally Posted by kellybean

THIS is my photography club! :D

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Same here. I was in the local camera club for awhile and my experiences were similar to that of DownByFive's. Couple of excellent shooters there, but I get more out of this group. Give a local club a shot (hey, a pun!) and see what you think. I'm sure they'll let you join them as a guest for a couple of meetings to see what it's all about.

I LOVE ALL OF YOU TOO! And do consider this a photo club, a virtual one, I guess.
But...
There is something to be said for doing all this in person.
As much as I may have sounded as, in my last post, that clubs aren't all that.
If I could find a club or group that fit my photographic needs, I'd be there in about 1/250th of a second... :D
Good Luck!!
Brian

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Originally Posted by DownByFive

Does anyone here participate in any kind of photography club, whether it be school, community, whatever? I've been thinking about getting involved in a group over the summer when I'll be home, but I'm not sure if it will be worth the trouble. It seems like most of the groups that I've found online in my area just get together and chat and have a judging every month, and maybe go out on a group shoot every once in a blue moon. Is that pretty normal for these groups? Plus, it seems like these groups have a lot of older members, and I'm not sure a young punk like me would fit in too well, and to be honest, the pics I saw from one group weren't all that great. Okay, now I'm just stammering on...What do you all think? I don't really have any friends who are into photography, so that's not an option...Maybe I just need new friends.

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Maybe! Then again, you may want to start your own photography club. That's what a buddy of mine and I are considering doing here. See if the local paper will run a community events ad for you (those are usually free). If nothing else, buy a small ad, put out some flyers and see what comes of it.

I think there is something to be said for face-to-face interaction. It helps generate excitement among the members. If nothing else, you may be able to turn them onto PR, which is like a college education in photography, with really awesome professors and tudors!

Good Luck with that Robert!
I have considered doing that too, with a college buddy of mine.
But it never happened...
:(
No Worries though.
Brian

The photography club here on my university campus is very explicit about being film only...Jerks. I'd start my own club here, but I'm graduating in two months, so I really don't care...I'm sure I could start a club in my hometown this summer though, since I'm pretty sure there isn't one. But who knows...

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Originally Posted by DownByFive

The photography club here on my university campus is very explicit about being film only...Jerks. I'd start my own club here, but I'm graduating in two months, so I really don't care...I'm sure I could start a club in my hometown this summer though, since I'm pretty sure there isn't one. But who knows...

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Go for it!

Do it!

And may the Force be with you!

There are links to some of the bigger clubs, in the links section: http://www.photographyreview.com/HTL_96crx.aspx

If anyone wants me to add a link for their club, let me know. I'm thinking maybe I should break this into two catergories:

1) Clubs and organizations

2) Professional organizations

What do you guys think?

Also, one of the benefits of clubs and organizations is you get to meet face-to-face with other photographers, at regular intervals. Some people really benefit from that. For others, it doesn't matter.

Often, clubs also have regular, orgnaized competitions, critiques, awards, and certifications. Those are also things that some people really appreciate and benefit from. A lot of the learning and socialization can be done here. But it's not the same. Some people need something more official, and some people enjoy more personal contact than you can get on the Web.

We could have more get-togethers. If you want contact with other photographers, organize it! You never know who's looking at the site. If you organize, plan, and announce far enough in advance, you will get other people to participate. The main issue is how much structure are you looking for in your association with other photographers. Clubs and associations are for people who want formal relationships and certifications. Otherwise, this site should provide pretty much all the same things as a club.

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Originally Posted by Photo-John

There are links to some of the bigger clubs, in the links section: http://www.photographyreview.com/HTL_96crx.aspx

If anyone wants me to add a link for their club, let me know. I'm thinking maybe I should break this into two catergories:

1) Clubs and organizations

2) Professional organizations

What do you guys think?

Also, one of the benefits of clubs and organizations is you get to meet face-to-face with other photographers, at regular intervals. Some people really benefit from that. For others, it doesn't matter.

Often, clubs also have regular, orgnaized competitions, critiques, awards, and certifications. Those are also things that some people really appreciate and benefit from. A lot of the learning and socialization can be done here. But it's not the same. Some people need something more official, and some people enjoy more personal contact than you can get on the Web.

We could have more get-togethers. If you want contact with other photographers, organize it! You never know who's looking at the site. If you organize, plan, and announce far enough in advance, you will get other people to participate. The main issue is how much structure are you looking for in your association with other photographers. Clubs and associations are for people who want formal relationships and certifications. Otherwise, this site should provide pretty much all the same things as a club.

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I'll second that!

I'm not looking for a formal organization so much as having other photographers to interface with. Face to face. To have outings, photogatherings, etc. To discuss cameras, films, filters, tripods, techniques, etc. Basically, the same thing I get here, only face to face. I haven't been able to make a photogathering (yet) and the offer of free room and board hasn't enticed anyone to come visit NC (yet).

And if I start a photography club, I'll definitely point them all to PR!!!

[QUOTE=DownByFive]The photography club here on my university campus is very explicit about being film only...Jerks.QUOTE]

Don't Knock Film Boy!
:rolleyes: :D :p ;)
Good Luck!
Brian