Starting a photo club

gstaska · Feb 15, 2012

I live in a very rural part of northern Minnesota and have a great area to take pics in. I am by no means a "professional" purely this is a great passionate hobby of mine.
I would like advice on starting a photo club here in my area. I know there Are others that share my interest as well.I've already thought to do a monthly project as well as trying to get in a few different speakers during the year. I want this to be a success and be able to help myself and others grow in this field. Any ideas and or suggestions would be wonderful!

tirediron · Feb 15, 2012

The first thing you'll need is a venue. For small clubs, a member's living room can be sufficient, or a local coffee shop. Some towns have halls that they make available to non-profit groups as do churches. Next is membership. Put a notice in the 'Community Events' area of your local 'paper (usually free) as well as notices in any stores that sell camera equiment. I would also consider local stores and definitely get an on-line presence. Search the term "meet-up group". This is an International network for people wanting to do just this sort of thing. I belong to a very successful photographic meet-up group. Good luck!

DiskoJoe · Feb 15, 2012

I need to find me a crew in my area.

CCericola · Feb 15, 2012

Public Libraries are a good place to find cheap or free meeting rooms. You can advertise your group on Meetup.com

luvmyfamily · Feb 15, 2012

DiskoJoe said:
I need to find me a crew in my area.

I need to find a crew too. I would rather do something like switch houses rather than waste $$$ on renting some place. Kinda like Bunco night.....we all take turns using each others homes.

gstaska · Feb 15, 2012

Thanks, we have the flyer and a monthly meeting place at our local library.
Trying to find out ideas for our meetings.

gstaska · Feb 15, 2012

My other question is membership dues, yes or no? Thoughts on using the money is for funding future guest speakers as well as outings.

KmH · Feb 15, 2012

Maybe this will give you some ideas, but I have never been a member of this club: Central Iowa Camera Club

gsgary · Feb 15, 2012

You will need to attract seasoned photographers to pass on knowledge, as well as beginners, in our club there are different groups, slide, AV,Digital i'm setting up a studio group i have done a few demonstrations and talks and set up portrait shoots got another next week

DigDoug90 · Feb 15, 2012

I need someone to teach me a bit more

I mean I understand the basics such as the exposure triangle (Aperture, ISO, Shutter), Metering, White balance. Right now I have a kit (18-55mm) for my T2i and also a Prime 50mm EF 1.8 II Lens. Just dont know where to start

KmH · Feb 15, 2012

DigDoug90 said:
I need someone to teach me a bit more I mean I understand the basics such as the exposure triangle (Aperture, ISO, Shutter), Metering, White balance. Right now I have a kit (18-55mm) for my T2i and also a Prime 50mm EF 1.8 II Lens. Just dont know where to start

You've got a start, just keep moving ahead.

Here are some other things you will need to know:

Digital Photography Tutorials

and start a study of visual image compostion.