Photographic Clubs

[Alsbits]

I belong to a photographic club in the town I live , I joined via their web site . It's pretty much like this , chat , competitions , showing your photos off , people commenting on them . They meet once a week on a Wednesday and go out on a Sunday to various places to get some shots . I started off by putting on my 3 a day allowance of photos , occasionally asking questions on the forum , mentioning certain things I've seen or read regarding photography . Because of my work commitment and family life , I am , unable to attend any meetings or trips out . The reason for this posting is I've come to the conclusion , that if , you don't attend or go out with them , then you seem to be , let's say " the black sheep of the family " , no one is commenting on my photos , no one is replying to my postings . It annoys me as , if I'm allowed to say , they are mostly " oldies " , with all the time in the world . It's nice to be a member of this forum , as everyone is friendly and everyone comments on photos ( good or bad ) . Thank you alan

[Denis]

The same as any other club Alan, everyone is in competition with each other and if you are viewed as not being up to their standard , then you are largely ignored.

.....human nature at it's best

 

Stick to this 'club'

[Leon]

I started going to a club only lasted a few weeks, the re were 4 groups or cliques I made 2 friends though out of it.... did you c8me across the spray and prey society, or the edit to within an inch of its life club? Nearlt forgot the L lens brigade...

[FUJI]

I have found (I speak as an ancient Oldie here) that clubs of any kind do this, I have come to the conclusion that it is a generational thing......at the top, there is nearly always a founder member as chairman, the committee and Hon Sec who have been ensconced for years because hardly anyone else turns up for the AGM, of, ever want to take their places.

The said Oldies.......they were all young once, like yourself, but they probably joined together, perhaps in the days of film......newcomers with digital thingummies were tolerated but pitied as being lesser mortals......larger clubs split into sections.....Portraits, Still Life, Landscaoe etc......with anyone showing a bit of Arty Farty nonsense always on the edge of things.

The eternal prize winner......the techie bores........the equipment envy........the Anorack, with leather patches on his sleeves, who, insists that only Glass Plate cameras or Rollieflex twin lens thingummies give good results.

Then the Club Judge or Judges ( one of my photographer mates is one ;-) ......... They tend to stick rigidly to the rule of thirds, are sticklers for framing........probably an ex engineer ( sorry Rex;-)

During my years I have been an active member of WV Owners clubs......A Metal a Detecting Club.......History and Archaology Society.....A number of Art Clubs and Groups........Three Amatuer Theatre groups.....endless committees and meetings as a social worker.....ALL had sets of members fitting the profiles above, but relating to relevant, chosen activities.

ALL, suffer from the same or similar problems............and, just like Marmite, you love 'em or hate 'em.

I prefer, being a photographic loner, a camera wearing wanderer, a dreamer, clueless about most of the numbers and detail, but knowing what I like in a finished print or file.

TIPF, is about perfect, so I will stick here.......unless we begin to meet in the Church Hall every other Friday ;-)

FUJI

[Leon]

you mention all those types of things Fuji, ths is not really relevent but, being a car nut when I had my honda I was in a honda owners club, not the dangerous boy racer types (even though there were a couple) over a period of months they all began to annoy me, I eventually got banned then set up my own, my first 5 or 6 members were also banee's from the original, eventually I had over 200 members (mostly banee's ) 

get to the point.... I had no standards, everyone was equal, a few members had a seemingly bottomless pit of cash to modify there cars (one who's dad was a Cambridge lecturer really did have a HUGE budget) I am now friends on facebook with probably 15 members, a few are fellow toggers, tipf is run in a similar way to which I ran my Honda owners club, thats why I am still here.

 

I am a member of 2 or 3 others ill not mention any names but we all like to "talk photography" they are the online version of the strange world of photography clubs...

[THELONGMAN]

20 years ago club photography changed my way of seeing things,very much for the worst, so much so that I ditched the camera for a couple of years until I got my own ideas back and started taking pictures that pleased me. I haven't been near one since. Funnily enough a local club had an exhibition in a National Trust place near here and all the pictures were what I call "Judges" pictures, all in the same vain and boring.

Forum photography is a lot more honest  and most people tell it as it is and will offer a viewpoint on a picture which is usually very helpfully, even to the more experienced photographer.

[ChrisLumix]

The same as any other club Alan, everyone is in competition with each other and if you are viewed as not being up to their standard , then you are largely ignored.

.....human nature at it's best

 

Stick to this 'club'

 

I agree, about sticking to this club! However, I'm not sure the "rejection" has anything to do with not being "up to standard", more about their misguided sense that socialising (regular attendance, going out on trips, etc) is what matters and that if you don't, you are "not conforming". Non-conformists are the most persecuted people in all walks of life...

Edited December 11, 2014 by ChrisLumix

[Korky]

I attempted to start a little Photographic Society (sounds so much better than Camera Club, don't you think?) here at Sunnyside Meadows a couple of years ago, but Matron wasn't having any of it after what happened at the first meeting.

 

We gathered in the games room after lunch, where Albert Clap gave us a fascinating 60 minute presentation entitled 'Size Does Matter'. It was all about sensors and how they can actually have an effect on how a photographer is judged by his peers. We all resolved to go large as soon as possible.

 

After tea and crumpets, it was time for the highlight (a little photographic pun there) of the afternoon and our model, Sandra Clap (Albert's daughter) was already getting her kit off before the tea things had been taken away. Off came her duffle coat and wellies and underneath she was wearing a fabulous red satin basque and black stockings.

 

Sandra sat at the front of the stage and began to strike a few artistic poses while we all got a bit excited and one or two lenses got a bit steamed. Tommy Dukinfield was getting all sweaty in the armpit department and had to go to his room for a quick roll-on. At least that's what he told us - he still looked sweaty when he came back down.

 

It got to 4 o'clock and all was going well. Sandra was now naked except for a pair of killer heels and Barry Barber had persuaded her to take up a very sleazy pose bent over the table where we play Scrabble. Barry was lay on the floor for improved POV (he was muttering something about a beaver, but I'm not sure why as the wildlife competition hadn't even been discussed) and was just about to pop in his third memory card of the afternoon, when in walked Matron.

 

Photography isn't mentioned much at Sunnyside these days.

 

Korky 

[ChrisLumix]

[Leon]

always the hypocrite....  I'm off to a camera club tonight that specialises in portraiture...... a Burlesque dancer is booked and I'v been told to take my camera!!

 

 

 

wish me luck!

[Korky]

a Burlesque dancer is booked and I'v been told to take my camera!!

 

Take heed of what happened to me!

 

Korky

[FUJI]

I've just received, on good authority, the news, that Korky has been confined to the bedroom with rubber sheets because Matron was told that he had persuaded Clarice Clapp ( the more mature photographic model who advertises in a local phone booth) that he had negatives of her taken as she pole danced at the Tripe Cutter's Club a few years back.

It turns out that he had invited Clarice to see how things developed in his .....Dark Room.....she felt reassured because she was used to red lights. When Matron and the caretaker unlocked Korky's room, all they could see was was a pair of figures moving underneath a Council Counterpane. Korky was hauled out feet first, protesting that his enlarger hadn't warmed up enough.

The room with a Rubber sheets should quickly bring him down....

Clarice Clapp was sent packing into the night........as she briskly walked away, she had a slight smile on her face.........Korky's exposure had been spot on.....she had been quite taken by his flashing.

FUJI

[Alsbits]

Well a lot of different views , at the end of the day I'm happy here , thanks , everyone

[ChrisLumix]

Hahaha - I can almost see Korky standing over you, dictating that, Fuji!

[kev7d]

I have pondered joining a local club. I even made contact via email. I don't feel comfortable about it for some reason. Irrational really. I shoud snap out of it and give it a try. You never know.

[Leon]

I've just received, on good authority, the news, that Korky has been confined to the bedroom with rubber sheets because Matron was told that he had persuaded Clarice Clapp ( the more mature photographic model who advertises in a local phone booth) that he had negatives of her taken as she pole danced at the Tripe Cutter's Club a few years back.

It turns out that he had invited Clarice to see how things developed in his .....Dark Room.....she felt reassured because she was used to red lights. When Matron and the caretaker unlocked Korky's room, all they could see was was a pair of figures moving underneath a Council Counterpane. Korky was hauled out feet first, protesting that his enlarger hadn't warmed up enough.

The room with a Rubber sheets should quickly bring him down....

Clarice Clapp was sent packing into the night........as she briskly walked away, she had a slight smile on her face.........Korky's exposure had been spot on.....she had been quite taken by his flashing.

FUJI

I certainly hop Clarice's last name was not Starling..... if so she may have brought along Photographer Lecter!  she spant manty many hours studying him a few years back...

[Graham]

I was in a 'Photographic Society' in the 80's. Not fair to judge all based on one but, never again. Sadly, such organisations, I also have been in modelling clubs(plastic military models nothing for Korky to get excited about!) have been much the same.

I don't know why but the same characters inhabit all clubs I have been in. Not the same people but the same attitudes. I suppose that includes me and mine too.

I think you have to be the type who will fit in to get anything out of a camera club. From experience, I am not sure all the mutual creeping around other members to try and engratiate yourself upon the old guard is getting on in photography though.

Horses for courses I suppose. There must be good clubs out there and if you find one, treasure it.

[Thunderer]

I belong to a photographic club in the town I live , I joined via their web site . It's pretty much like this , chat , competitions , showing your photos off , people commenting on them . They meet once a week on a Wednesday and go out on a Sunday to various places to get some shots . I started off by putting on my 3 a day allowance of photos , occasionally asking questions on the forum , mentioning certain things I've seen or read regarding photography . Because of my work commitment and family life , I am , unable to attend any meetings or trips out . The reason for this posting is I've come to the conclusion , that if , you don't attend or go out with them , then you seem to be , let's say " the black sheep of the family " , no one is commenting on my photos , no one is replying to my postings . It annoys me as , if I'm allowed to say , they are mostly " oldies " , with all the time in the world . It's nice to be a member of this forum , as everyone is friendly and everyone comments on photos ( good or bad ) . Thank you alan

Sorry for late reply.

Actually, actually going to meetings does not mean you will not be ignored.

I joined one a few months ago and I go most weeks. The most meaningful conversation I have had was about sitting in the wrong ie someone else's, place.

Even winning both the print and DPI beginners' monthly comp. has not made me worthy of inclusion. But on reflection they possibly didn't connect my name with anyone they recognise.

But I have paid my subs and shall keep on attending.

A couple of lectures were OK. The last one was about how to improve your photography to which the answeres are to have a go at PAGB accreditations and use photoshop layers creatively! As an aside I was surprised, when the successful accreditation collections were shown that at least two photos were in all three collections ( I can't say panels of pictures because there was no theme or thread running through them but rather collections of unconnected images.)

Jeff

[Alsbits]

After reading everyones posts there seems to be a mixture of likes and dislikes . Like i stated in my original post im unable to attend any meetings or days out . I joined online because its my local photographic club and i can associate their pictures and hopefully they can of mine . Ive looked back at various comments made on the site and who attended and there is definitely a small collection of members who go to everything and comment on everything . I have come to the conclusion that its their loss not mine . I had a similar experience on ephotozine with a member being rude and abusive on his comments on my photgraphs , i complained and he was struck off . Its all too sad as im sure in general photopraphers are very nice people .

[kev7d]

There will be good and bad clubs. Same with everything in life really. This is a very friendly forum, but I bet we could all name other forums where everyone is constantly ripping in to each other. There will always be better examples and weaker examples of clubs and forums.

[Thunderer]

There will be good and bad clubs. Same with everything in life really. This is a very friendly forum, but I bet we could all name other forums where everyone is constantly ripping in to each other. There will always be better examples and weaker examples of clubs and forums.

Serious question.

Can someone point me in the direction of one of these aggressive forums please? I am interested to see if the problem is hostility, point scoring, oneupmanship etc rather than blunt but honest critiques. I have been on forums where every image was "awesome" which was not true or useful. I would have no problem with robust exchanges of view as long as there was no agenda behind comments.

I am reluctant to offer critiques in case I upset people although critical comments ( on other forums ) about my work are usually ok and helpful.

Jeff

[ChrisLumix]

Serious question.

Can someone point me in the direction of one of these aggressive forums please? I am interested to see if the problem is hostility, point scoring, oneupmanship etc rather than blunt but honest critiques. I have been on forums where every image was "awesome" which was not true or useful. I would have no problem with robust exchanges of view as long as there was no agenda behind comments.

I am reluctant to offer critiques in case I upset people although critical comments ( on other forums ) about my work are usually ok and helpful.

Jeff

 

I'd much rather have constructive criticism advising how to improve a shot, than either praise (if insincere) or even worse, have no-one leave any feedback whatever.

Edited December 22, 2014 by ChrisLumix

[JHFoto]

At my camera club I won last years Beginners competition, I am now in the intermediate group a completely different ball park and at least I have not come last this year.