Why I belong to a Camera Club

As we enter the 25/26 season I will share my reasons for belonging to a Eastern Maine Camera Club.

I personally love the snacks!  But I’ll go a little deeper and brainstorm more of my reasons.  

 Friends with a common interest.  

Outings, trips, and club meetings and working together on our big fund raiser - the fair.

We combine photography with adventure. I have met wonderful friends because of Camera Club.

Challenges. 

 Competitions have pushed me out of my comfort zone - I have had to try photographing subjects and categories I might not have on my own.  The deadlines also helps me stay sorta disciplined.

Feedback and Learning

  I learn from feedback.  Critiques of my photos and others help me understand how others see images.  Did my ‘gut feeling’ the photo gave me stir something in others?  

I have had growth through challenge.

  Competitions have given me goals.  Something concrete to aim for.  Someone - besides my husband - to share my photos with. Photography is my reason to be a lifetime learner.

Recognition and Confidence

Placing or just having others enjoy my work validates my progress.  Sometimes I enter photos I think my gut likes but question.  I want others feedback.

Community and Inspiration

  Seeing speakers/members work has sparked ideas and has broadened my perspective.

For me, belonging to a camera club has been really meaningful because it has connected me with friends who share the same passion.  I’ve learned new techniques, pushed myself in competitions, and been inspired by how others see Maine and beyond.  It’s made photography less solitary and of course-enjoy the snacks.

Thank you for reading. Go out and enjoy photography.

Mary