Photographic clubs?

[Matt Green]

A few years ago, a bit before I had an interest in photography I was in my local library and saw on the notice board an advertisement for a local camera club. I didn't pay too much attention at the time but remember how it conjoured up images of jovial photography types musing over exposing for shadows, burnt out highlights and dying batteries just before the pic of a lifetime is just about to be taken etc etc over a few pints at the fortnightly meet up in a local village pub!

Do clubs like this really exist? are you a member of one?

As enjoyable and helpfull these online forums are it must be great to meet up with fellow enthusiasts, make friends and enjoy the odd field trip etc.

Look forward to hearing about your experiances!

Matt

[petrochemist]

I'm a member of the 'North Essex Photographic Workshop'. (website)
We meet every Tuesday night in Clacton (or at a prearranged local venue for field work).
The social aspect is indeed pleasant and the practical exercises are also very useful. (The planed program is on the website)
I've heard that some clubs are very competitive, and members in these can hoard their knowledge to make sure they don't give secrets away - The workshop is very much the opposite where we all try to learn from each other.
Membership also gives the opportunity to exhibit your work without the difficulty of arranging the whole exhibition yourself.

I'm very glad I joined, and with the cost less than a pint a week it's one of the cheaper elements of my Photography!