If you are serious about your hobby, consider joining a camera club. Most areas will have at least one camera club and some places will sport several to choose from. There’s bound to be one near to you. There will be groups of people, just like you, with a love and passion for photography. And you can learn from every one of them.

Clubs vary from one to another. Some will have their own premises and resources. Others will rent the facilities. All of them will share your enthusiasm. And all will offer a warm welcome.

Things you can expect include:

- Regular meetings

- Social nights

- Exhibitions

- Competitions

- A photographic library

- Digital imaging resources

- Portrait studio and resources

- Expert speakers

- News, views, tips and advice

- Specialist groups, meetings and outings

- Inter-club associations

- Discounts on purchases and second-hand equipment

- Digital and non-digital darkrooms

All clubs need a subscription to fund their existence and some charge for certain events (for example, meetings). Subscriptions are great value for money. You can learn a great deal from the work of others and most members will be pleased to discuss their techniques with you.

And, there is no better feeling than having someone ask YOU how you managed a certain effect!

Join now. It is really worth it.

Eric Hartwell runs the photography resource site http://www.theshutter.co.uk and the associated discussion forums as well as the regular weblog at http://thephotographysite.blogspot.com

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