Startting up a camera club

[looneyk]

January 1, 2012 at 11:07 am

Hi all,
I was thinking of starting up a camera club in work. I have put the word out in work and there seems to be a bit of interest so far but it could go belly up yet. I am looking for any help or suggestions as to what to do etc before I go ahead with setting up the club etc. All help or advice is greatly appreciated.

Thanks
Killian

[PD_BARBS]

January 1, 2012 at 2:41 pm

It depends of what you want from the club, but people will come with different expectations. Some tips from my experience.

Try and get people to engage in the club and encourage them to take ownership otherwise you’ll need up picking up all the work.
Define a programme of activities that will keep people engaged and cover a variety of things from knowing how to use the camera, to editing in photoshop, to covering various aspects of photography techniques.
Try and get guest speakers as it always good to generate some interest.
Try and cater for all skill levels, which is a challenge.

Good luck with it

Peter

[Pixelle]

January 1, 2012 at 7:46 pm

Have a look at the websites of other clubs for ideas.
Some have an interesting programme of events which might help.
Good luck.

[looneyk]

January 1, 2012 at 11:06 pm

Thanks guys for replying. Have had a look at some of the camera clubs here to see what they do. Night projects etc look good around Dublin. Want to get people going to see exhibitions and get guest speakers in as well

[bigalguitarpicker]

January 3, 2012 at 7:19 pm

How serious do you want to get? Anyone can organise a group of like-minded people if they wish, and pursue photographic interests, and the very best of luck to them too. If however, you decide to start entering competitions you will need to have your club affiliated to nationally recognised clubs/associations and you could find yourself being told that there is a club in your area already affiliated. Maybe there is an existing club near you that you could join, save yourself a lot of hassle with writing Club Constitution, Mission Statement, all that sort of thing. All the best, whatever you decide.
Alex.

[phillip]

January 3, 2012 at 7:55 pm

i tried and started a club in Bandon , loads and loads of interest but nobody turned up, usual excuse like times didnt suit, i tried everything to suit everyone but no use, best of luck with it

phillip

[looneyk]

February 10, 2012 at 5:52 am

Hi guys,
Yet again, thanks for the replies. Mainly I want us to go out as a group to various locations and event taking pics and help one another with taking pics. None of us are experts but any help we can give each other will be great. Dont want it to be heavy. Just want people to enjoy it.