FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
WHAT DO CAMERA CLUBS DO?
Camera Clubs provide an environment in which people with an interest in photography as a hobby can meet to learn techniques, discuss photography in general and compete in competitions with other photographers.
WHAT DOES THE CLUB PROGRAMME CONSIST OF?
A variety of lectures, talks, practical demonstrations (now usually on digital imaging) and competitions of different types.
DOES THE CLUB ACCEPT COMPLETE BEGINNERS?
We accept members of ALL standards from complete beginners to professionals. A camera club is an excellent place for novices to learn. We were all beginners once!
HOW WILL THE CLUB HELP MY PHOTOGRAPHY?
A great deal can be learnt from the judge's comments on competition evenings, and many lectures include information of how photographs were taken. Now digital imaging is commonplace, there are instruction evenings specifically on this topic. Additionally, occasional workshops are run by some members to pass on knowledge on picture taking and presentation.
CAN I TRY BEFORE I JOIN?
Yes, prospective members can come along to up to 3 meetings as a guest after which you are expected to join. Only fully paid up members can enter the competitions.
DO I NEED A GOOD CAMERA TO JOIN?
No, any camera will do to start with, although as your expertise grows you may find a simple camera will limit your creativity. Many of our members use an SLR (Single Lens Reflex) camera with interchangeable lenses, as these have been proven over time to offer the most adaptable and productive type. However, many shots taken on a simple camera in automatic mode have been successful in competitions.
IF I NEED HELP WITH PHOTOGRAPHY, CAN THE CLUB HELP ME?
Within the club membership you will find many people who have considerable experience in practically every field of photography and you will find that they are only too willing to help or give advice.
DO I HAVE TO BE A CERTAIN STANDARD TO ENTER COMPETITIONS?
We have a 'beginners' level and an 'advanced' level. In the internal competitions the main objective is to appreciate other peoples work, learn from the informed comments from the judges and to have fun. After all, the judging is only one person's opinion and after a while you get to know that the judge is ALWAYS wrong unless of course your picture has won!
HOW DO COMPETITIONS WORK?
An aggregate competition consists of prints and digitally projected images which are given marks, as befits their merit, by a judge. The total scores over 3 rounds throughout the year are added together to determine the class winners for that year.
There are other competitions where either the subject matter or style of photograph is part of the rules, such as the "Set Subject" competition. Full details are in the club programme.
DO YOU ACCEPT WORK PREPARED ON A COMPUTER?
Yes, many club members are now working with computers and digital cameras. This is now a generally accepted format in photographic societies.
There are some members who still work conventionally using "wet" processing. All pictures are treated equally in competitions as long as the picture is all your own work.
DO YOU HAVE MANY WOMEN MEMBERS?
Approximately 1/3 of our members are women. Some of the best photographers in the club are women and you can see some of their work in the galleries. Please do not be put off.
HAVE YOU ANY OTHER QUESTIONS?
If you need further information, please use our contact page.