Join A Camera Club

One of the best things you can do to improve your photography is to join your local camera club. Now not all camera clubs are the same so you may want to take some time to travel around to camera clubs in your region and see what fits you.

For example there are camera clubs that cater to the professional and semi-professional crowd. We’ve got one in a neighbouring city that has it’s own extensive darkroom and large studio with backdrops for shooting portraits and even group shots. The Latow Guild in nearby Burlington is such a group.

Then there’s the more amateur-oriented clubs (like the Oakville Camera Club which I belong to) which welcomes newcomers and offers an extensive program of speakers, workshops, outings and even social events.

Finally there’s the club which is more of a gathering of like-minded photographers who actually only meet on the street and wander around shooting photos. The Toronto Film Shooters is typical of this type of club and again I am a member despite there being no membership list or dues or meetings.

No matter which camera club you join you should feel welcome and not overwhelmed. The club meetings should feature speakers and workshops that meet you where you’re at. You should find photographers like yourself at your level of expertise. Most of all your experience should be fun.