I realise this is probably not news to those who are already active Flickr users, but a few weeks ago I decided to try and make some more time to improve my photography. Not exactly easy for me to get any free time these days but, since photography has a role to play in my work, it is of more than casual interest to me.
So I did some Google searches for Camera clubs in my area only to find… very little. From what I did see either they have chosen to conduct their activities completely offline, or they had really basic/old websites with little activity. There were a few exceptions, but none that I could find close enough to where I live that I would attend regularly.
So I went to my (languishing) Flickr account, changed it to a Pro version and proceeded to load some photos from the hundreds I have stored on my Mac. I also checked in on the resources of my Twitter network and found a few folks with an interest in photography there too. Luckily enough there were a few Flickr events coming up that I could get to, two in Belfast and one in Dublin, it seems there has been a bit of a dearth of them lately but things are now looking up.
Now I’m a veteran of two Flickr meetups, both hugely enjoyable and both very inspirational in getting me out with the prime directive of improving my photography, what’s not to like.
In a post-shoot discussion over lunch in the Kitchen Bar I mentioned that I thought Flickr is the contemporary evolution of the ‘Camera Club’, Phil thought that made sense too and Photography definitely is booming on the web, as opposed to being notable by it’s absence in the real world. I’m sure there are still active clubs, I just found it difficult to locate them.
Just like Twitter, Flickr is now becoming mildly addictive, an easy achievement to someone already addicted for many years to creating images. Yep, Photography is my drug of choice and Flickr is my dealer.
The second meet-up was in Dublin, fantastic day out, thanks to our fearless leader for the day Shauneen and the rest of the photographers who turned up; Caitriona, John, Darren, 73 Man, Phil, Nathalie, Alexia, Debs, Will, Bob, and Claire. A separate post is required for that one I think.
Having thought some more on the whole phenomenon I think we should now be officially recognised as Phoblographers.
{ 10 comments }
Trish,
Thanks for contacting me and for commenting. I was wondering where all the camera clubs had gone, some casual searching on the web turned up very little – but it’s good to know some are still on the go. May have to check them out again. Will take a look at your Deviant Art site too when I get the time.
Thanks.
Davy, came across your site through a trail from twitter… err… somehow… breaking to make a mug of tea has made me forget how I got here, however I enjoyed reading your articles and in particular this one. I am a member of The City of Belfast Photographic Society a teeny tiny little club and I always liken the members to being like the Dads Army of the photography world in Belfast but they are a great bunch of people. For someone like myself who has been self taught joining the club 2 years ago was a great benefit being able to learn about studio lighting and set ups etc., taking part in monthly competitions and the buzz of seeing your print take one of the top slots and go through to the NI round was amazing. Some of our younger members enjoy online sites for our photography and I am trying to encourage more members to think about putting their work on their own websites or something like Flickr or Deviant Art.
Anyways I just wanted to say hi and glad you are taking more of an interest in your photography I will add my link to Deviant Art incase you fancy having a nosy.
Cheers
Trish
http://shutterbugette.deviantart.com/
I have to admit the same – I’ve had more interaction with people I’ve met online than those I met at the club (outside of the regular meetings). Part of it is because there are more “leaders” online because the population is larger. At a club there’s a committee and ‘the old guys’ and I guess people are intimidated into not organising things. That’s one reason I’m organising a photowalk for June 8th
Wow! looks like you win the prize for most considered comment on me blog
Thanks for taking the time on such a thoughtful reply.
Totally agree that camera clubs ought to be in a position to benefit greatly form even modest engagement in current Social sharing activities, surprising that they are so poorly represented on the web. Even more so by the fact that photographers are, by their nature, usually gadget freaks too.
I’ve no doubt there are wonderful photographers in some of the local clubs, just found it hard to find ‘em. I did think the ‘meta’ photo organisations would have had some sort of online database of member clubs, but again not easy to find any useful resources.
Oddly though, I have had more ‘real-world’ contact with photographers from the past few Flickr meets than in the last few years from any offline activities! So Flickr is really working for me – and across the whole of Ireland. I would never have had the pleasure of meeting the Dublin photographers if not for Flickr.
I would even consider expanding my physical contacts on Flickr across UK too, it’s not that expensive to get there, if so inclined.
Saw a Flickr London meet organised by some folks who took the train from St. Pancreas station to Paris for a special night-time photography shoot – dusk til dawn style. I like that idea. I would really love to get to Cork too, the cheap flight idea that Phil is musing over sounds great. I spent a lot of time travelling around Ireland and I still think it’s one of the most beautiful places to take photographs, there’s a lot of places I still want to visit.
I have not ruled out contacting my local camera clubs, but there’s the rub – in our ‘time-poor’ society those not visible on the web make it harder, and less likely, to find them. Ya can’t Google offline organisations!
Cheers.
I think most camera clubs have a very bad online presence. Until I joined Mallow Camera Club they didn’t even have a website. Now they’re running a WordPress blog there and are the envy of some other clubs! There’s an opening there for some enterprising business. Unfortunately clubs don’t have much money so it might not be very lucrative.
Anyway, I fear that many of the members of camera clubs around the country are probably not very aware of the online world. When I gave a presentation of “educational sites” a few weeks ago, not many people had actually heard of Flickr! Clubs struggle to come up with original material when it’s already done for them online but they don’t know it! It baffled me when someone repeatedly asked for more tutorials and learning sessions. All this stuff was online on Flickr and blogs!
A great thing about clubs is the social aspect of meeting a group of people every week or fortnight. All the photos on Flickr might be inspiring but when you see the amazing images taken by a guy sitting next to you in a cold hall it’s really motivating.
Of course, Flickr is full of those who are familiar with the online world and that includes everyone who reads this. You live and breath this stuff every day. You twitter and blog and organise meets but there’s a disadvantaged offline world that don’t know about all this stuff. It’s an exclusive club I’m afraid, and missing out on a huge wealth of photographic talent.
As I started to ramble there a bit, here’s a summary – camera clubs and Flickr are separate entities. Don’t make the mistake of living in one without at least experiencing the other.
*phew*
I know what you mean. I’ve had an account for a long time, but only upgraded to Pro a while ago, still figuring it out. Useful for making a name for yourself across the Flickrverse/web, I know some pro shooters who use it as their portfolio. It will help in improving traffic to your blog, but hard to say by how much.
Best thing from it for me so far has been meeting all these new folks who are big into Photography.
Cheers.
I have to say I need to spend more time with Flickr, I still dont know what the hype is all about, I dont use it for my webpage and have learnt very little from it.
Am I missing something here???
Hi Davey! Lovely to meet you and get to ogle your fab flash equipment!
I totally agree that Flickr is the new camera club! I’ve learned so much through it and have found some fab, inspiring photographers.
I had a brilliant time at the photomeet, would definitely do it again – maybe a trip up north next time?
Thanks Phil, really need to be blogging a lot more – Curse you Twitter!
Hope to make it Sat, hope the weather improves though.
Good job on the new post.
See you on Sat?
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