Relevance of camera clubs and the internet

[francois]

[Zuiko]

Re: Relevance of camera clubs and the internet


I think it's a matter of personal preference and practicality. Some get a very great deal out of club membership, just ask Graham from Rainham about the Barking Photographic Society. The RPS, too, can be very rewarding. Shirley will tell you she's received tremendous encouragement and support within the RPS during the last few years, leading to her gaining first her LRPS and then her ARPS. That's some achievement! Both get something extra from this forum, which is why they are active members.

I can understand you not wanting to drive 45 minutes to the nearest club and this forum can provide as much involvement as you're likely to need, if you wish.

I keep toying with the idea of joining a local club. Problem is, one meets on a Friday, which is my wife's art group night and the other on a Tuesday, which is her night-out-with-the-girls. One of us has to be at home with our daughter....

I have recently joined the RPS, though, primarily to work towards the 'L' distinction. If you wish to participate, however, there is much more to the RPS than just the distictions, with a pretty full program of activities. For instance, I see that they recently ran a workshop on photographing professional Flamenco dancers, something I would love to do if they repeat it.

I think it's great that there is so much choice of ways in which to be actively involved with photography, on the Internet or face to face at a club.

[wanderer]

[francois]

[francois]

Re: Relevance of camera clubs and the internet

The only downside is the club struggles to get new young members.

Do you mean under 20?

[Zuiko]

Re: Relevance of camera clubs and the internet

Do you mean under 20?

For most camera clubs that would be more like under 50.

[francois]

Re: Relevance of camera clubs and the internet

I was wondering about the meaning of young

As it turns out, I am moving near Northampton in July or August and there is a camera club meeting in a village hall that looks to be under 30mn drive. So I'll probably give it a go.

[Zuiko]

Re: Relevance of camera clubs and the internet

As it turns out, I am moving near Northampton in July or August

Wife's decision, of course!

[francois]

Re: Relevance of camera clubs and the internet

Nah... worse... son starting year 7 in top school so we have to be within driving or bus distance, and son takes priority (according to wife of course). However, wife leading the search for new home

[Zuiko]

Re: Relevance of camera clubs and the internet

Nah... worse... son starting year 7 in top school so we have to be within driving or bus distance, and son takes proprity (according to wife of course). However, wife leading the search for new home

Ah, I understand, our daughter is in year 7 this year. I'm sure you'll agree with whatever choice of home your wife makes.

[francois]

Re: Relevance of camera clubs and the internet

Yes, particularly since I exaggerate a bit. Major decisions have always been taken with both agreeing on the course of action.

[Zuiko]

Re: Relevance of camera clubs and the internet

Yes, particularly since I exaggerate a bit. Major decisions have always been taken with both agreeing on the course of action.

But it's fun to play the hard-done-by and slightly subjugated husband, isn't it.

I like to blame my lack of an E-5 on my wife, but she says I can have one whenever I think our budget will stand it. So in reality it is me that won't let me have one!

[francois]

Re: Relevance of camera clubs and the internet

Same here. The camera budget has to come last after kids, mortgage, cost of living...

Saying that, with both E-3 and E-620 and 6 or 7 E-System lenses, I don't really feel hard-done by!

[Zuiko]

Re: Relevance of camera clubs and the internet

Same here. The camera budget has to come last after kids, mortgage, cost of living...

Saying that, with both E-3 and E-620 and 6 or 7 E-System lenses, I don't really feel hard-done by!

If the E-5 hadn't come out I wouldn't even have thought about changing the E-3. It's human nature to always want more and better, but basically I, too, am happy with what I already have - family included!

[benvendetta]

Re: Relevance of camera clubs and the internet

Absolutely to yiour first remark!!
Some clubs are quite unwelcoming but mine is great and we have attracted quite a few new members in the last year or so. I could not JUST belong to this forum as it deals only with DPI images. For me, and many others the print is is arguably more important. Plus I really like the competition side of club life and the presentatiions that we have. Also finding out about other camera systems - I was blown away with some Canon 5D Mk 2 images at my club tonight. The presenter said it was the best camera that he had ever owned...........
Given the choice of an online 'club' such as this or a 'bricks and mortar' one like mine I would take the latter every time. But of course I can have both and they complement each other very well.