First off...Happy 2024 everyone. May all your dreams come true.
Secondly...main reason for posting here: I'm wondering what, broadly speaking, drives people to join camera clubs/societies? Is it a social 'thing'? Is it a desire to learn from others? Is it to enter competitions? Is it having access to guest speakers? Is it the chance to enjoy days out with like minded people?
I'm obviously tempted to say it's a combination of all of these things (and probably more) but I suspect the initial driver might be just one particular reason.
From what I've managed to find out, many clubs/societies are practically driven by a huge competitive wing - competitions throughout the year and inter-club competitions etc. I've not an issue here but I do wonder if a lot of folk, who would like to join a club, find it all a bit daunting. I'm sure that there are lots of folk out in the 'clicker-world' would would love to meet up with like-minded people to talk photography, learn from others, share info, maybe have a couple of competitions a year (who judges?), and not lose sight of the fact that it's an enjoyable social event. A small beverage at a local hostelry afterwards just wraps things up nicely...perhaps.
Y'see, what I'm thinking is there must be lots of 'togs who just don't want the big competitive thing but, as I say, there seem to be a heck of a lot of clubs who devote a huge chunk of the year to just that: comp, comp, comp. Or am I completely wrong? I just feel that a regular(ish) meetup with like minded folk to chat, learn, share and have a bit of fun (no tomfoolery obviously!) and a pint afterwards might just be the answer. Yea, I know...horses for courses. Any thoughts from you lovely folk out there? Just wondered...
Secondly...main reason for posting here: I'm wondering what, broadly speaking, drives people to join camera clubs/societies? Is it a social 'thing'? Is it a desire to learn from others? Is it to enter competitions? Is it having access to guest speakers? Is it the chance to enjoy days out with like minded people?
I'm obviously tempted to say it's a combination of all of these things (and probably more) but I suspect the initial driver might be just one particular reason.
From what I've managed to find out, many clubs/societies are practically driven by a huge competitive wing - competitions throughout the year and inter-club competitions etc. I've not an issue here but I do wonder if a lot of folk, who would like to join a club, find it all a bit daunting. I'm sure that there are lots of folk out in the 'clicker-world' would would love to meet up with like-minded people to talk photography, learn from others, share info, maybe have a couple of competitions a year (who judges?), and not lose sight of the fact that it's an enjoyable social event. A small beverage at a local hostelry afterwards just wraps things up nicely...perhaps.
Y'see, what I'm thinking is there must be lots of 'togs who just don't want the big competitive thing but, as I say, there seem to be a heck of a lot of clubs who devote a huge chunk of the year to just that: comp, comp, comp. Or am I completely wrong? I just feel that a regular(ish) meetup with like minded folk to chat, learn, share and have a bit of fun (no tomfoolery obviously!) and a pint afterwards might just be the answer. Yea, I know...horses for courses. Any thoughts from you lovely folk out there? Just wondered...
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