Taking up photography as a hobby can be very rewarding, especially when you’ve decided to get involved in a community culture that values your artistic expression. After all, isn’t half the fun of photography showing off your best shots? Joining a camera club can instantly insert you into that community culture and there are many different reasons why joining a camera club is a good idea. Let’s explore some of them!

Comradery sparks creativity

It really is true that we can have our best ideas when we’re brainstorming or competing with one another. When you’re placed into a group with likeminded people who are all trying to achieve something with their artistic expression, you automatically want to perform better. When it comes to photography, this can mean several different things.

For example, imagine that you’ve joined a camera club and you’re listening to the discussions of your peers. In between hearing stories of how they captured a really intriguing photo, you look at the images they’ve produced. They’re good; really good. Now you’re wondering if you could do something similar, or perhaps do it in a better way.

It’s natural to have a desire to meet and exceed the expectations of your peers. Being part of a camera club will not only introduce you to new ways of thinking about photography, but it will challenge you to be more creative as well.

It’s a great educational resource

We all have unique experiences in our lives that shape us into the people we are today. That means that each and every member of the camera club is a potential teacher who can share their experiences with you so that you can learn from them.

If you’re curious about how to use certain settings on your camera, you are bound to find someone experienced in using it in your club. If you are wondering just what time of day would be the best for getting one specific kind of shot somewhere around the city, again, someone in the club most likely has some important advice for you.

It’s more than just general advice, too. Being part of a community like a camera club gives you access to the collective knowledge of the group. This means that whenever someone takes photography classes they are likely to share what they’ve learned with you. It should be no surprise that all levels of experience come into the club, ranging from newbies to experts, all who have a great deal to share.

Camera clubs often also have professional photographers as guest speakers. This can give you a wonderful opportunity to learn and ask questions from those who are in the trade.

Make connections to increase your network

Like any social gathering, people are bound to communicate. If you want to take photography seriously enough to try and make money at it, then a camera club is a good place to start expanding your network.

You will likely meet people who have had varying levels of success in becoming professional photographers. Those with the most success can be valuable resources for you to learn the tips and tricks, the do’s and do not’s, of the photography trade. Listen to what they have to say and take notes. Because if your goal matches what they’ve already accomplished, they can practically lay down a road map for you.

This could include which avenues of marketing to pursue (such as social networks, freelance sourcing tools, etc.) because learning the right and wrong ways to promote yourself are vital aspects of earning money from photography. It’s one thing to get your aunt and uncle to hire you to take pictures during their anniversary party; it’s quite another to be approached unsolicited by a client to photograph their gallery opening. Someone else’s proven experience can translate into dollars for you if you learn, listen, and network properly.

Encouragement and growth

Photography can be technical in many respects, but it can also be very subjective. You are likely your own worst critic, since you see all of the mistakes that you’ve made or know about the missed opportunities (if you had just clicked a few more frames before taking down your tripod, you could have captured that amazing light coming through the clouds). It can be very easy when you are just getting started to doubt your capabilities.

It’s important to remember that photography, like any hobby or serious venture, has a learning curve that comes with it. You won’t be perfect every time. You certainly won’t know everything instantly or how to correct mistakes. A camera club will surround you with likeminded individuals who have been there.

They’ve made the mistakes you’re currently making and they can encourage you to push onward. A support system will not only help you get through your self-doubt, but it will also help you grow in your skillset. They’ll help you overcome the hurdles and see that you reach the finish line, whatever that may be.

You might even be able to save a little cash

Be honest, when you decided to take up photography, did you first tally up the cost of the hobby? You might have priced out a certain kind of camera, but beyond that, you likely didn’t realize how much money you would end up spending.

Choosing photography as a hobby can prove to be an expensive decision. The cost of film, data cards, lenses, tripods, and whatever else you need to get the kinds of shots you want all add up quickly. Some camera clubs offer incentives to their members like deep discounts on equipment and software.

Plus, some camera clubs will have social functions at locations where you normally may not be able to go. You might get some cool behind the scenes shots at venues that would otherwise be closed off to you, or at the very least, cost you an expensive ticket and/or pass to gain entry.

While camera clubs are first and foremost about sharing a similar interest, they can also become a valuable way to save some of your hard-earned cash. Why not take advantage of a perk like that?

Photography can feel like a lonely profession or hobby sometimes. Let’s be honest, your spouse, partner or even friends might not get as excited as you about how beautiful the light was yesterday morning. But being amongst other people to share and discuss these things can really help your sense of loneliness. Not to mention spark your creativity and help you possibly even make some new friends.

Photo credits: Kav Dadfar – All rights reserved. No usage without permission.