Encouragement for Potential new members

[GordonS]

Can I ask members to post their views and thoughts about why they joined the  camera club, what they expected and what they have got out of it. Can I also ask what you felt your level of expertise was when you joined and if your level of expertise has improved.

[Steve]

For what it's worth...

It's a shame that one bad Camera Club experience has had such an negative effect on someone's aspirations! I've been a member of Mid Calder Camera Club since 1986. I took a couple of courses in photography at West Lothian College in the past few years. Where did I learn more about photography? At the club!

In the past two years the Club the has evolved into what I think a Camera Club/ Photographic Club should be. Is it about pictures rather than cameras? Emphatically, NO!

Where, in one room, can you find out about Lighting, Composition, Filters, Exposure, Portraiture, Landscape, Still Life and Macro Photography? Where can you find people who will gladly pass on their knowledge? Where can complete beginners get one to one tuition from professionals? Not in a college classroom, that's for sure.

One of the major advantages of a Club like Mid Calder is that we can identify photo taking opportunities where through practical experience members can brush up their skills in a safe environment - practical criticism is always offered, and advice is given freely, and you only have to look at the "Journal" page of the web site to see what we've been up to.

I joined the Club to improve my skills, though I never did master the theory of Hyper-focal focusing, and without the confidence that I gained through the Club I would probably not have had the nerve to go to College. As I gained experience  I was able to pass on my skills, whatever they may be, to new members. What effect that had I cannot say, but I know that my photography has improved because other members were willing to pass their experience and advice on to me.

Club or College? No contest. If you want to get a certificate or some other qualification, go to College. But if you want to learn about photography join a Club, and ours is one of the best.

Steve

[otooleg]

George here.

Agree with Steve totally. When I joined the club, I at first thought that it was a little stuffy and need refreshing with new ideas. However I have to admire the way the club management have adopted to new approaches and ideas to enhance the way the club embraces new members.

I believe that a Camera Club should encourage skills transfer and learning - you are never to old to learn and even the professionals can learn and be encouraged by the enthusiasm of new members.

A camera club is not only about taking pictures and sharing knowledge but also comradeship - it isn't just about competitions.
If I can help any new member, or existing member for that matter, I am the better individual for it.

[Linda]

I have to say I was very nervous before I approached the club about joining.  I had heard many a tale similar to the one the person from Seafield related, which didn't help.

However I feel I have learned a lot in my short time with the club and I know there is always someone I can ask if there is something in particular I want to know, either in person or via email or this forum.

Joining the club was the right decision for me.

[Grahamg]

For me personally, I have only joined in the last few months, but I have been made to feel very welcome. 

I think that the programme offers a good variety of sessions covering many aspects of photography, and I am impressed with the opportunities that the club can provide for members to learn new skills, and perhaps have their work seen by many more than just in the club room. 

I have and will continue to recommend the club to others as somewhere where they can meet others with a similar interest, and where they can get the chance to develop their skills. 

[Dougie]

Hi All,
      Like a lot of us, I started out with a camera and wondering about the next step, I went through the night-class route, learned a lot. That's in the last twenty years. You sort of learn by your mistakes as you go along after that. (Thank God for Digital) 
Then I joined Mid Calder last September, and I have learned a lot more form everyone in the club in that short time. It's relaxed and someone will know the answer to your questions!
For instance, the Studio night by George and Willie was well presented, I enjoyed that night. I hope there will be more themed nights like that in the future.
Yes, some clubs can be stuffy and elitist, but thats where we're different, we encourage photography, there's nothing like the thrill of taking an amazing shot, and seeing the final print,  and I've seen some amazing work in the short time I've been a member.
So, tell the guy to come along, learn from us, we all started at one time.
           Cheerz
               Dougie

[jimgreid]

Well I have no idea when I joined Mid Calder (late 80's?) but I needed to improve my photgraphy after a few years of fiddling with my Canon AE1 Program. After I joined the club there was no end of good advice, good ideas and lots of fun. The only problem then was a lack of numbers. Oh! and Gordon beating everyone (whats changed?). I stopped around 2003/04 due to a number of reasons mainly health and family but also lost a wee bit of enthusiasm.

However, the purchase of my digital SLR really got my enthusiasm back and I am really glad I rejoined.

The club has changed dramatically since I was last there especially the enthusiasm levels. I'm still learning and Gordon is still taking competition photos but it been great all the same.

And, the most important thing, we can still go for a pint to discuss those dodgy judges.

Jim