Took the plunge!

[kentlass]

I took the plunge and went to a meeting of my local photography club tonight. Scary to go by myself but it was an interesting evening and the people I met seemed friendly. I can go for a few weeks before I have to decide whether to join or not.

[Reinardina]

Originally Posted by kentlass

I took the plunge and went to a meeting of my local photography club tonight. Scary to go by myself but it was an interesting evening and the people I met seemed friendly. I can go for a few weeks before I have to decide whether to join or not.

Good for you! And lucky you; my 'local' camera club meets in the evenings and in the middle of nowhere. As I have to rely on public transport, it's a no-no for me.

However, I'm starting a beginner's course for Photo Elements later this month and who knows, maybe I'll meet some fellow photographers who live relatively close by.

[Cathus]

Good for you.

We had a couple of ladies join just before Christmas which doubled our female contingent, I hope they're still there at our first meeting this week.

[sdo01]

That's great

Camera clubs are a great way to meet other photographers and pick up new techniques, we have regular appraisals in my club which keeps you thinking.

[ABERS]

Clubs are invaluable when starting out or trying to improve. The face to face part of it makes things so much more agreeable and can be explained in so much more depth in a conversational way.

I think more and more photographers are joining up, our club has recently decided to look at member numbers with perhaps a view to setting a limit. Back in the 80's there was a waiting list to join.

[Lemmiwinks]

Joining a club is something that I keep meaning to do, but fear usually gets the better of me

[ABERS]

Originally Posted by Lemmiwinks

Joining a club is something that I keep meaning to do, but fear usually gets the better of me

Whats to be frightened of?

[Lemmiwinks]

I guess it is the feeling of being out of my depth

[ABERS]

I'm sure you wouldn't be. However that's why you should join. You would quickly realise there is a lot of members wanting to learn and many more willing to help those wanting to learn.

Most clubs have groups of different abilities and groups that cater for different genres. We have a beginners' group, an intermediate/advanced group, a digital group, a studio group and a Natural History group and you will also receive visits from presenters that will show you what photography is all about. Most clubs have a similar set up.

Give it a go.

[Dagwood]

Originally Posted by Lemmiwinks

I guess it is the feeling of being out of my depth

I have to agree with Abers. Our club has recently shown considerable growth and pleasingly a number of ladies now joining. A recent "starter" evening in Photoshop/Elements techniques proved to be invaluable not only for them but for many of the more experienced members who discovered hidden features and techniques they were unaware of.
A nice touch I found is the encouragement from "old" members to get new ones entering competitions and critiques . As soon as a new members work came up a voice would be heard saying " New members work" and the level of helpful advice given would increase to reflect the inexperience of the member. The only problem is they're getting too good, too quick!
My advice? Go for it! You won't regret it and, if it's not for you, you can always stop going. As Abers said you can probably go for a few weeks while you see if you like it before laying out any cash.
Good luck
Dagwood