Learn Mobile Phone Photography by Joining A Local Photography Club

Hello there, fellow mobile phone photographers!

Are you absolutely loving taking photos with your smartphone, but feel like you're ready for more? Do you ever scroll through your camera roll and think, “I wish I knew how to make these even better?” If that sounds like you, then get ready for some exciting news! It’s time to learn mobile phone photography by joining a local photography club (or society) and discover how they can seriously boost your mobile photography skills!

Photography clubs have been around almost as long as cameras themselves. These groups have historically been a place for photographers to gather and share their passion. But they are not just for those with fancy DSLRs and big lenses.

Today, camera clubs are vibrant communities that welcome all photographers, including those of us who love the convenience and power of our smartphones. In this post, I’ll show you how joining a camera club can be your next smart step in mastering the art of mobile phone photography.

Let's be real, online tutorials and social media groups are great for quick tips and inspiration, but they often fall short when it comes to in-depth, personalized feedback and real human interaction.

Sure, you can get a ton of "likes" on your latest post, but how much does that really help you grow as a photographer? That’s where a camera club comes in!

The Limitations of Online Learning

Online communities can be a good starting point for learning, but they simply can’t replicate the kind of hands-on, interactive learning you get in a real-world group. You can only learn so much from online tutorials.

Human Connection and Inspiration

The primary benefit of a camera club is the amazing opportunity to connect with like-minded individuals in person. Photography can be a solitary activity, but clubs give you a sense of community, networking, and genuine friendship.

A Space for Shared Passion

It's a place where everyone shares a deep passion for photography, creating a truly supportive and encouraging learning environment.

More Than Just Socializing

While having coffee and chatting with fellow photography enthusiasts is a great part of belonging to a club, it’s much more than just socializing. It's about sharing your work, getting honest feedback, and being inspired by others. Clubs provide an excellent outlet for sharing your photographs, instead of letting them languish on your hard drives.

So, what exactly can you gain from joining a camera club? Let's dive in!

Structured Learning and Skill Development

Camera clubs often organize workshops, seminars, and training sessions tailored to photographers of all levels. You can learn about camera techniques, composition principles, post-processing, and so much more. Interactive, hands-on learning is much more effective than passively watching online tutorials. Many clubs also offer structured learning paths and mentorship programs, giving you the guidance you need to grow as a photographer. You’ll learn new skills and techniques that can be immediately applied to your mobile photography.

The Power of Critique and Feedback

Forget those generic "likes" on social media. In a camera club, you'll get constructive, honest feedback from people who truly understand photography. Critiques help you see your photos from a different perspective, identify areas for improvement, and grow from the feedback. This is especially helpful when you're trying new things or when you're not entirely happy with your images, and can help you grow much faster.

Expanding Your Creative Horizons

Camera clubs often host challenges and competitions that encourage you to try genres you may never have considered before. You’ll be exposed to different photography styles and subjects, inspiring you to experiment and break out of creative ruts. You’ll also be motivated to explore new ideas and find inspiration in other members’ work and presentations.

Learning from Guest Speakers

Many clubs invite professional photographers and industry experts to share their knowledge and experiences. These presentations by experienced amateur and professional photographers are excellent for both learning and inspiration.

I certainly understood the power of this earlier in the week, when the photographic society I belong to organized a speaker to discuss double exposures. Our guest speaker kindly travelled some distance to come and give us all some practical advice on how to take these photos.

She was gracious enough to share some of her older work that she wasn’t that proud of, and then showed how she had progressed in the art by showing us some of her most recent work.

We were all blown away with the information we received. This was a new topic for the majority of us, and something not many of us had ever tried. In my opinion, the annual membership I pay to the photographic society to be a member was worth it just for this one event. I came way with additional knowledge I didn’t have prior, and a new skill to add some rather different art to my portfolio.

And... just in case you’re wondering. Yes. You can take double exposures on your smartphone.

Real-World Practice and Field Trips

Clubs regularly organize photo walks and field trips to interesting local spots. These are fantastic opportunities to apply what you've learned and share the experience with fellow photography enthusiasts. You'll visit places you may not have considered on your own, and enhance your portfolio.

As I write this, we are organizing a field trip this weekend to practice the skills we learned from our guest speaker earlier in the week. We organised this trip by giving everyone in the club a chance to vote on Facebook for the day that suits them the most (see the picture below)

Gear, Tips, and Tricks

Club members love to share their knowledge and often offer valuable advice on gear and techniques. You can learn about new equipment, and sometimes even get to borrow or try out gear from other members.

Our society has a range of gear for members to use. Because I’m one of the committee members, this is one of my roles. I am regularly taking note of what goes out the door and checking it off when it comes back in.

Networking Opportunities

You'll build relationships that may lead to collaborations and even career opportunities. Club members might recommend you for jobs or share other opportunities, or you may find a mentor to guide you. Start looking now so you can learn mobile phone photography by joining a local photography club.

I have managed to find work shooting weddings with one of the photographers in our club.

Now, you might be thinking, "Okay, this sounds cool, but are camera clubs really for me?" Let’s dispel some common myths here.

Not Just for DSLR Users

Camera clubs are inclusive and welcome photographers of all levels, including those who primarily use smartphones. Many clubs are adapting to the growing popularity of mobile phone photography and are becoming more diverse.

No Experience Required

You absolutely do not have to be a pro to join! Clubs cater to all skill levels, and beginners are always welcome and encouraged.

This week we have just had a young man come along to check out the club because he has just started a photography course at school and is keen to learn.

It's Not All About Competition

While some clubs do have competitions, many are more focused on learning, sharing, and collaboration, especially the "fun clubs". You can always choose a club that aligns with your goals and preferences.

Our club doesn’t hold competitions. If anyone wished to enter their images into competitions, there are plenty of opportunities to do that both online, and via competitions put on by local businesses.

More Than Just Old People

Many clubs are actively trying to attract younger members and embrace new technologies. The goal is to bridge the gap between different generations of photographers and create a more vibrant community.

Affordable and Accessible

Membership fees are usually much less than the cost of gear and software. Many clubs offer incredible value for a very reasonable price. And some clubs, like "fun clubs", are even free!

To be a member of our photographic society it’s only $70.00 a year, and as I said earlier, one guest speaker has made that investment worthwhile for me right at the start of the year.

Okay, you’re convinced! You're ready to jump into the world of local camera clubs. Here are some tips on how to find the perfect fit for you:

Where to Look

Start your search online by looking for local camera clubs in your area. Check out websites like the Photographic Society of your country and local camera stores. Don’t forget to explore Facebook Groups too, as your local club or photographic society is likely to have a Facebook group set up.

What to Consider When Choosing a Club

When looking for a club, consider factors like the club’s culture, meeting schedules, educational philosophy, and the types of activities they offer. Make sure the club aligns with your interests and goals. Look for a community that you feel is supportive, welcoming, and inclusive.

Don’t hesitate to visit a few meetings before joining to get a real feel for the club, and be sure to talk to members and ask questions about the club’s reputation.

Once you’ve joined a club, here are some ways to get the most out of your experience:

Be Active and Engaged

Attend meetings regularly, participate in discussions, and share your work. Jump into photo walks and challenge yourself to try different things.

Be Open to Learning and Growth

Approach each meeting with a willingness to learn new things and improve your photography. Don't be afraid to ask questions or seek help when needed.

Share Your Knowledge and Experience

Sharing your tips and tricks can help others and solidify your own knowledge. Be willing to help new members and contribute to the club.

Be Social and Make Connections

Take the time to meet new people and form friendships. Attend social events to build stronger bonds with your fellow members.

Participate in Competitions

Use contests as a learning opportunity, and don't focus too much on winning. Treat competitions as a challenge to expand your skills and creativity.

Get Involved and Contribute

Help with simple tasks at the meetings and volunteer when you can. You can help the committee by setting out chairs, putting them away, or other small tasks.

What if you can’t find a suitable club near you? Well, why not start your own!

Building a Community From the Ground Up

If you can’t find a club that meets your needs, then it’s time to take the lead and build your own photography community. Connect with like-minded people in your area and gather a group of enthusiasts to begin your club.

Finding a Meeting Space

Look for local community centres, libraries, or even rotating meeting locations in members’ homes. Explore funding options for your new club through local Arts councils or Community Development funds.

We hire a room next to our local library at a cost of $20.00 per hour. We currently meet once a month for two hours, so the room cost ends up only being $40.00 a month.

Starting Small is OK

You can begin with an informal group that meets in a coffee shop and build up from there. Don’t be afraid to start small, and grow your club gradually.

Our club started 4 years ago with 3 members. These days we get an attendance rate of between 30-40 people at our monthly gatherings. This is slowly increasing as the community becomes aware of our activities.

Joining a camera club is one of the best ways to learn mobile phone photography and take your skills to the next level. You’ll gain so much more than just technical knowledge. You’ll find a community, make new friends, and ignite your passion for photography. Camera clubs are an incredibly valuable resource for all photographers, and smartphone users are no exception!

So, what are you waiting for? Learn mobile phone photography by joining a local photography club and start the next exciting step in your photographic journey.

Remember, photography is about enjoying the process and being part of a community that shares your passion!

Now get out there, find a great local club, and start making some amazing photos!