Luminous Landscape Forum
Equipment & Techniques => Beginner's Questions => Topic started by: KevinA on April 16, 2012, 12:16:32 pm
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I'm just curious, do people go to camera clubs anymore.
When I was about 10 years old I joined a club, yes it was full of boring 'ol farts, but they did know a thing or two. There was a huge amount of skill and passion amongst the members.
Plus you would get hands on demos of lighting etc and firsthand guidance. A good club would have expert speakers come to give talks throughout the year and excursion to interesting places. I fear these days people think youtube and the like is a substitute for learning from those that know and can do firsthand. The chance to ask questions is much better than copying a youtube demo.
Plus there was always the competitions between members and other clubs, it would often give you a focus and reason to shoot. You most likely would encounter constructive criticism, mostly opinions were expressed more politely than internet forums.
I seriously would suggest to anyone starting out with photography as a hobby to find a decent lively Camera Club, I always enjoyed it all those years ago, I'm sure new members would be welcomed with open arms.
Kevin.
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I think camera clubs still hold a great deal of value. It would be great to have one in my home town. I know we have enough photographers to make it worthwhile. Hands on is generally the best way of learning. Though I still like to watch YouTube videos first then go out and practice.
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Actually, just out of curiosity I started looking for camera clubs in my area - on the internet. Couldn't find a single one with something a decent homepage which i) contained any valuable information, ii) showed actual photos, or iii) didn't look like it was programed and last time updated in the mid-90s. So in fact, it does look like the few remaining camera clubs - at least in my area - are run by boring ol' farts.
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I first joined a camera club in Chicago in the 1960's when everyone did their own darkroom thing. So most of the discussions were very technical in nature about chemistry and equipment. Competition was very formal with judges brought in from other clubs. Favorable judging was always given to strict traditional values of composition and presentation. Any work submitted that varied from those norms were always downgraded. Work for competitions became very repetitive and boring. Other clubs I joined since then were as much a social gathering, coffee and donuts, as enlightening photographically. I find it much more exciting to follow what's new here on Luminous and join in lively discussions.
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We have a nice photo club here in Baton Rouge, http://www.laphotosociety.com/
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Actually, just out of curiosity I started looking for camera clubs in my area - on the internet. Couldn't find a single one with something a decent homepage which i) contained any valuable information, ii) showed actual photos, or iii) didn't look like it was programed and last time updated in the mid-90s. So in fact, it does look like the few remaining camera clubs - at least in my area - are run by boring ol' farts.
Don't under estimate the value of boring 'ol farts! (bloody hell at 54 i'm in that category now) I know my father-in law is in his 80's has eyesight problems but he still helps newbies at his camera club. It's a good platform to learn some basics, so what if the portrait evenings follow the same old lighting setup. If you are new to it and it's your first hands-on that's just what you need.
Film is having a resurgence at the moment, if any are thinking of giving it ago those boring 'ol farts will be invaluable. Jobo are about to start making processors again!
Computers and online are fine but very insular, it's good to mix with the good and bad eye to eye shoulder to shoulder.
If I stopped making a living from photography I would happily join a club again, I would ditch all my digital for sure and just shoot film and wet print.
Kevin.
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Sure. I didn't mean to imply that ol' farts knowledge is useless. In fact, for the exact reasons you are mentioning I started looking for a club. However, if a camera club is not present at all on these newfangled internets, how do they expect to acquire new members these days?
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Sure. I didn't mean to imply that ol' farts knowledge is useless.
At least we only smell when we fart. And I'm glad that you can find something of ours to use. But your attitude stinks all the time, and I don't think there is any place for it on this forum, and probably not at the photoclub, either.
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What exactly is wrong with my attitude in your opinion? If you really feel so offended by me all the time, that you ask me to leave this forum, then I am really shocked. Maybe it's because English is not my mother tounge, but I tried to point out that I would really like to learn from people with more experience.
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What exactly is wrong with my attitude ...? ...I tried to point out that I would really like to learn from people with more experience.
Why would you call people that you would really like to learn from "old farts?" What is wrong with your attitude is the disdain you show for people with gray hair. The attitude stinks because even though you think we are old farts, you want to use us to your benefit.
I'm 71 years of age and perhaps I should not be offended by your reference to old farts. Perhaps I should just expect it from you.
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First of all, it was Kevin who introduced the term "old farts" in this discussion and so far everybody else seems to have taken it no very seriously. Then, I certainly don't show a disdain for people with gray hair. Hell, my parents aren't much younger than you are! Sorry, but to insinuate that I don't respect people with grey hair from what I have posted on this forum so far is utter nonsense. I'm well aware that most contributors on this forum - including Michael and Jess - are much older than me. Why would I have come here in the first place?
I thought I made it clear with my last reply that I would really like to learn some old-school techniques because I admire the skills of experienced -- read 'old' if you will -- photographers.
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[quote author link=topic=65854.msg521710#msg521710 date=1334699703]
What exactly is wrong with my attitude in your opinion? If you really feel so offended by me all the time, that you ask me to leave this forum, then I am really shocked. Maybe it's because English is not my mother tounge, but I tried to point out that I would really like to learn from people with more experience.
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Nothing wrong with your attitude that I can see and I'm a boring ol' fart. I could send you to sleep with why I think the TLR Rolleiflex is the best canera ever made. :-))
The problem with internet forums is you don't know what tone of voice a post is writen in or what tone of voice anyone will read it in. Which is another example of why going to meet people with a common interest face to face is better than doing it alone at home (I'm still talking about camera clubs).
Good luck with your search for a club.
Kevin.
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Why would you call people that you would really like to learn from "old farts?" What is wrong with your attitude is the disdain you show for people with gray hair. The attitude stinks because even though you think we are old farts, you want to use us to your benefit.
I'm 71 years of age and perhaps I should not be offended by your reference to old farts. Perhaps I should just expect it from you.
Steady on Walter, he is just using a bit of banter. My Dad 92 would laugh his head off if you called him a boring Ol" fart.
Keep it friendly.
Kevin.
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Several years ago I joined a local camera club thinking that it might be a motivator for me, as I tend to go through periods where my interest in creating pictures has dissolved. Unfortunately, it turned out to be an environment that was not useful for me; the main (endless focus) was on competitions, a pastime that I have no interest in. I had no intention of going on field trips, if only because I don't want to be part of a group of people with cameras jockeying around for "the best shot". The quality of the presentations that I attended was pretty spotty, so that had limited value. Bottom line is that it didn't work for me, but most of the members seemed pretty pleased and involved. As is often said on LL, "horses for courses".
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Nothing wrong with your attitude that I can see and I'm a boring ol' fart. I could send you to sleep with why I think the TLR Rolleiflex is the best canera ever made. :-))
The problem with internet forums is you don't know what tone of voice a post is writen in or what tone of voice anyone will read it in. Which is another example of why going to meet people with a common interest face to face is better than doing it alone at home (I'm still talking about camera clubs).
Good luck with your search for a club.
Kevin.
+1...except it is the KoniOmegaflex TLR that takes the honors in that category. :D
Tom Frerichs
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I'm 71 years of age and perhaps I should not be offended by your reference to old farts. Perhaps I should just expect it from you.
Calm down, Walter - whatever insult you imagine has been directed at you, it ain't really there.
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..Unfortunately, it turned out to be an environment that was not useful for me; the main (endless focus) was on competitions, a pastime that I have no interest in. I had no intention of going on field trips, if only because I don't want to be part of a group of people with cameras jockeying around for "the best shot"..
I found the same at my one, only and last attempt at joining a club.
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Calm down, Walter - whatever insult you imagine has been directed at you, it ain't really there.
I don't imagine anything was directed at me personally. However you can't deny that the OP and the first responder referenced the older people with something of a negative stereotype, unless it was meant as a term of respect or endearment. But denying that calling older people "old farts" has negative implications is a bit of a stretch.
I am also quite calm.
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I am also quite calm.
...and you certainly aren't boring! ;D
William
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Camera clubs are excellent. They are friendly (mostly) and are a great way of seeing other peoples stuff and learning a lot. Just be wary of entering competitions. Once you go down that road it opens up a big can of worms. Just remember, its only one persons views, such views vary a great deal, theres good and bad views some excellent and supportive, some very uninformed and plain wrong. Dont get upset if you do poorly or get someone explaining your picture which is so wrong its laughable (oops i sound like thats happened to me) just take it on the chin and learn. Oh and dont assume the person making comment knows more than you about photography because they have taken pics for the last 1 billion years or have a letter after their name. They may know more they may not. Its a lottery.
I love my camera club. But why so many bald people? lol.
Mick
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The Camera clubs in the Toronto area are overflowing. Some have a waiting list and have placed limits on how many can join. The halls they rent can only accommodate so many people. This is due to the popularity of digital and the fact that even simple point and shoot cameras can be used. Of course many have purchased the cheaper DSLR's. And this is where most new people begin.
You have to remember they are made up of volunteers and there is a lot of work involved to do simple seminars, shows, or competitions. We have forty volunteers in my club. In my experience, the advanced set of photographers in any club (they break down into groups of beginners, intermediate and advanced), approach the pro level. Freeman Patterson, the great Canadian photographer, said as much and he came from the Toronto guild club.
I dare say, whatever faults you find in camera clubs you will find on this forum. Everyone gets disappointed when they don't win with what they think is a winning shot. I have won or placed in many competitions, yet I recognize that many other entries were as good or better than my winning shot. But in the end, you can learn a lot, have the ability to share your work with people who really care about photography, socialize and make new friends, find new places to shoot, etc. Everyone knows who the good and/or great photographers are, even if they don't win. The most enjoyable thing to me, is when people make a show with their images. Then we see not a few images, but a whole body of work, presented in a cohesive way. Even the beginners can surprise you with their shows, often being very interesting even if their images are not all great. So, give it a try.
JMR
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Camera Cubs are great for learning, what worries me more is people who think they can learn from facebook groups and the accumulation of likes and wows. The compeditive nature of clubs did get to me after a while but I still support them. I did try to write something about the comparison between formal clubs and facebook groups - http://pixmag.ning.com/profiles/blogs/what-photography-noddy-badge-is-best.
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Camera Cubs are great for learning, what worries me more is people who think they can learn from facebook groups and the accumulation of likes and wows. The compeditive nature of clubs did get to me after a while but I still support them. I did try to write something about the comparison between formal clubs and facebook groups - http://pixmag.ning.com/profiles/blogs/what-photography-noddy-badge-is-best.
Hello Luc- good to read another South African here. Are you still writing articles for PIX magazine? Haven't bought the mag in ages.
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Camera Cubs are great for learning, what worries me more is people who think they can learn from facebook groups and the accumulation of likes and wows. The compeditive nature of clubs did get to me after a while but I still support them. I did try to write something about the comparison between formal clubs and facebook groups - http://pixmag.ning.com/profiles/blogs/what-photography-noddy-badge-is-best.
I don't belong to Facebook, so don't know. But I have an idea of what you are talking about. If you ask me, after looking through Flicker, it is not much better. It is true that there is great emphasis on competition in clubs, but you can reduce the emphasis by focusing on other aspects of photography, such as the shows, seminars, member presentations, etc. And there is nothing else out there except workshops.
JMR
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Mac Rumors is now reporting that David Pogue has been told that Apple will produce a significant upgrade to the Mac Pro in late 2013. What this means precisely is unclear.
http://www.macrumors.com/2012/06/11/david-pogue-new-imacs-and-mac-pros-coming-probably-in-2013/
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Interesting. We shall see.
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The St Louis area nature photographers' club alternates monthly lectures on photography technique and on the organisms and ecosystems we photograph. This is a good schedule, because the nature photographers as a group are very interested in their subjects' lives and well-being.
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I've belonged to the same photo club for the last 5 years. At first there was that competition thing, but its tapered off and we don't hold competitions anymore. Still have speakers and workshops and field trips. I'm way ahead of where i would have been without the club. One guy in the club holds workshops on LR, first timers as well as those adopting new versions. Great way to learn software.
Another guy was involved in doing photography for local theatre organization. We're now in charge of taking promo and dress rehearsal pics for each new play. Then we use them to decorate the lobby and have final say on which are used. I've also held 2 shows in town for my own photographs, due to tips from club members.
Club negatives:
a. Often the interests and technical knowledge may not be as specific as specialized knowledge available on the internet.
b. Too many club members have a "i'm here to be entertained" attitude rather than participating in running the club.
Club positives:
a. Developing what are probably life long friends.
b. A lot fewer conflicts than one encounters on internet forums
c. networking with other photographers in your town for friendship and opportunities.
d. Most people in the club are producing better photographs than they did a few years ago. The stimulation of other photographers and their photographs is helping everyone improve. Several people have remarked on this.
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What a great discussion.
I had a very positive experience with the camera club I was part of when living in the UK because the people there were not focussed on what equipment you have (or they have) and what the latest gadget is. They were focussed on the photographer, their vision and techniques, and the photographs, both projected and prints. They were interested in improving their work and learning from each other and the presenters (both good a bad), not comparing equipment.
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I am in a camera club, and it is a worthwhile use of time and energy. There are no generalities that can be applied, because these clubs are small, local, and will reflect the personality of whomever is in charge. That means they could run from dreadful to wonderful -- just like people!
What I like about the club is the interaction with people in the flesh, so to speak. We are social animals, and typing online doesn't really do it for everyone. A group of 20 or 30 individuals all interested in photography is a worthwhile interaction to have.
Our primary focus is on photographic critique. Everyone brings a few prints for the "wall" and they are critiqued in a positive way to enhance learning. How can that be bad? Who doesn't love to show their work? I've been a member for a couple years and it is amazing how much better everyone has become in those two years. I think much has to do with the critique process.
The club also organizes many venues for hanging work. So many in fact, it can drive you nutty trying to keep up with hangings and pickups! But, you can do as many or as few as you like.
If you have one in your area, try it out. If you don't like it, what have you lost?