Joining a club

[AndCity]

There is a local photography club I have thought about joining but I discovered DPS instead. Is it worth me joining this local club, will I gain anything? (Probably, yes, I know the answer really!) And can I be tempted on their photographic days out when I think mulling around on my own looking for shots is more fun?

The other thing that concerns me, is will they look down at me because I have a bridge camera (Panasonic Lumix FZ18)? (You know how some people can be...)

Anyone a member of a club with advice please?

[cbpix]

Originally Posted by AndCity

There is a local photography club I have thought about joining but I discovered DPS instead. Is it worth me joining this local club, will I gain anything? (Probably, yes, I know the answer really!) And can I be tempted on their photographic days out when I think mulling around on my own looking for shots is more fun?

The other thing that concerns me, is will they look down at me because I have a bridge camera (Panasonic Lumix FZ18)? (You know how some people can be...)

Anyone a member of a club with advice please?

I belong to a national organization as well as a local club, and from my experience people will not look down on you because of your camera gear as long as you are serious and show that you want to learn serious photography. Of course there are always a few who have pro gear that look down on everyone not using a pro full frame blah, blah, blah, but they are the exception rather than the rule.

The advantage of joining a club is that they usually do other things besides going on outings. For example, there are usually educational programs put on at the meetings and competitions, where you have a chance to ask questions.

Another thing you can do though is look around for a photo walk group that is local. They are usually less formal, but not necessarily less educational.

[AndCity]

Sound advice cb, thank you.

[mseigafuse]

I joined a local camera club/photographic society about 8 months ago and it has been good. There are monthly contests, weekly programs (some educational, some entertainment) and an annual conference with professional presenters, models, etc. There are also group photo expeditions and the like. It is good for community and some of the educational sessions are very good. Many of the topics are also covered to some extent on the DPS blog and forum, but for me repetition is good and some things come across better in person. I have not observed any snobbery at the one I joined.

[Quo Fan]

My fiance and I joined a local club, and it was fantastic. We met twice a month, one meeting was competition, divided into categories and skill level, and the other meeting was either a lesson on some aspect of photography, a session on a special shooting technique, or a travel log of one member's photos.

I learned some good stuff, and also being a member of a camera club, we got discounts on other things, like a weekend seminar with the Rocky Mountain School of Photography.

[Xoc]

I recently joined a club and I guess it is a great way to get more out of your hobby. My personal experience is that most of the members are more concerned with how you take your pictures instead of with what equipment. A great way to meet people with the same interest and improve your skills

Got for it!

[Jim Bryant]

You can always learn something at camera clubs, it nuthing else, make new friends and be with folks who share the same interest.

[windrider86]

I belong to several and get something out of each one. My fav is one out of Colorado Springs that i hardly ever get to attend meeting sbecause its 150 miles away but when i do, they are so worth the trip.
There are times you'll be helping someone else out and there will be times someone will be helping you with something. Isnt that what it's all about?
So, in my opniion yes they are worth it and then some!