Thinking of joining a local camera/photography club

[Wreckdiver]

I've been fully retired for about 18 months now and I've never been so busy; home improvements and the building of a new woodworking workshop. I delayed retiring completely as I loved my job (still love my electronics) but Dyson thought better and dismissed over 1000 of us engineers in 2024. The workshop is almost completed and I now need to spend more time with my camera and "get out more". What I miss most from not working is the company of my ex co-workers and friends; being at home all the time can be very isolating and, at times, depressing. So I am thinking of joining a local camera/photography club, the one in Royal Wootton Bassett looks extremely well organised and run. I would also really like volunteering using my woodworking skills, tools and now new workshop with local groups who could benefit from small jobs they may need doing.

I would imagine that many here on this group are members of clubs (?) Portrait photography and Christmas/birthday/family photo-shoots hiring the local community hall appeals enormously. Just looking for ways to get involved with my local community and making goods use of assets I have available. What do other retirees do?

Just having a moment with my thoughts. Thanks for reading.

[Camera Gent]

Yes, tis great to be free of work after a lifetime of devotion but it can be quiet.
Our local photo club is great. 70 members. One has used his woodworking skills to make stands for photo prints top be displayed in competitions.

Do you have a Men in Sheds in your area? EDIT: you do, they have a facebook page.

[Wreckdiver]

Yes, tis great to be free of work after a lifetime of devotion but it can be quiet.
Our local photo club is great. 70 members. One has used his woodworking skills to make stands for photo prints top be displayed in competitions.

Do you have a Men in Sheds in your area? EDIT: you do, they have a facebook page.

I have heard of Men in Sheds but not looked into it, I will do some research. Cheers 😊

[blackfox]

Having been retired now for 16 years plus , I take photos of birds and wildlife , play games on my I.pad , watch u.tube and to stop getting bored go on online forums and facebook etc and cause as much havoc as my brain allows 😵💫😵💫😵💫😜. It’s a good recipe and keeps me sane allegedly 🫣🤪🫣

[mikero]

The Western Counties Photographic Federation gives a list of camera clubs in its region. I feel it's important to join a strong club which will be more stimulating and push you. Most federations run interclub competitions, so you can look at the results and home in on the most successful clubs (which may not actually be the closest).

I find photography takes up a lot of my spare time now retired. There are club competitions, and club talks which I occasionally give. I'm also External Competition Secretary, which means I'm responsible for selecting images for our club's external competitions, both print and PDI. So after joining a club and settled in, you might consider serving on the committee - they're always keen on finding volunteers. Further, I've worked for and gained several photographic distinctions, and enter competitions nationally. I've no idea how I found time to go to work.

Mike

[Wreckdiver]

Cheers Mike, that’s very encouraging. Thanks for the link also 👍

[Dennis Russ]

Chose the right club and it will do you a Wonder of good.I'm a member of 3 clubs, a judge on the welsh & Bristol circuit, plus I'm a presenter of PDIs & Prints. Mind you, I get Brain Fog on times and find I don't want to do anything. I guess that’s a part of being old. GOOD LUCK!

[Wreckdiver]

Cheers Dennis 😊