I mentioned in an earlier post how joining a photography club can help you improve your skills rather cheaply. In this photography tip post I expand on the types of clubs and how they impact the membership cost and more importantly, how they benefit you.

4 Types of Photography Clubs

Most clubs are not-for-profit organizations and are governed by a board of directors in which board members are also members of the club. Not-for-profit clubs are the focus of this post. That being said, you can really be selective because there are all sorts of not-for-profit clubs out there.

Local Clubs

Local clubs are the most prominent type of club. They are "tied" to a town, county, or small geographic area. Local clubs are where most start out when joining a club for the first time (I did). Local clubs will more than likely have a subset of members that have been together and have known each other for a while and will often be the most knowledgeable members in the club. Out of all the club types, local clubs were affected most by covid since most clubs held competitions, critiques, and meetings in person. As of this posting, most clubs have resumed meeting in person however, the local clubs also took in new members that were outside of the geographic region of the club especially during covid and therefore, a number of clubs elected to not to resume in-person competitions, critiques, and meetings.

The club I'm in remains remote for competitions and critiques and has recently started doing day trips/excursions. Depending upon your comfort level, clubs that are "mostly remote" may be right for you. Some members of the local club I belong to are also members of one or more other local clubs.

Local Club Fees

Most local camera clubs charge an annual fee to cover expenses such as meeting spaces, guest speakers, competitions, and events.

• Small Clubs (Fewer than 50 members) – $20 to $50 per year

• Medium Clubs (50-100 members) – $50 to $100 per year

• Large Clubs (100+ members) – $100 to $200 per year

Some clubs offer discounted rates for students, seniors, or family memberships. Club field trips are usually pay your own way. In addition to the benefits I described in an earlier post, local clubs may also have provide webinars on specific topics like the importance of color, photojournalism, AI, etc.

Clubs Councils

Photography club councils are regional or national organizations that typically serve as umbrella groups for multiple local clubs. They provide support, coordination, and resources to help local clubs thrive.

Club councils often:

1. Provide Educational Resources – They offer workshops, guest speaker events, and training materials for photographers of all skill levels.

2. Facilitate Collaboration – They help different clubs connect, share knowledge, and organize joint activities.

3. Advocate for Photography – Some councils work to promote photography as an art form and provide opportunities for photographers to showcase their work.

4. Offer Judging & Standards – Many councils set judging criteria for competitions and provide certified judges for local club contests.

Often local clubs will already belong to a club council. So by joining a local club, you may get some of the benefits provided by the club council.

Club Council Fees

Councils that offer individual memberships will charge $10 to $100 per year for a basic membership. Premium Memberships (with extra benefits like judging certification or special workshops) may range from $100 to $300 per year.

National Clubs

National clubs are large photography organizations that operate across an entire country, often providing resources, competitions, and networking opportunities for photographers. These clubs typically support both individual photographers and local camera clubs by offering educational programs, exhibitions, and certifications.

Examples of National Camera Clubs & Organizations

• Photographic Society of America (PSA) – USA & International

  • One of the largest photographic organizations, open to both individuals and clubs worldwide.

  • Offers competitions, training, and certification programs.

  • Provides judging standards for many regional and local contests.

• Royal Photographic Society (RPS) – United Kingdom

  • Established in 1853, one of the oldest photographic societies in the world.

  • Offers distinctions (LRPS, ARPS, FRPS) to recognize photography skills.

  • Hosts exhibitions, lectures, and competitions.

• Canadian Association for Photographic Art (CAPA) – Canada

  • National nonprofit that supports individual photographers and local clubs.

  • Organizes national and international competitions.

  • Offers educational workshops and critiques.

National Club Fees

The fees for joining a national camera club vary depending on the organization and membership level. To give you an idea, here’s a breakdown of fees for the Photographic Society of America:

• Individual Membership:

  • Digital Member: $45/year (Basic access, online features)

  • Print Member: $65/year (Includes printed PSA Journal)

  • Senior (Age 72+): $40/year

• Club Membership: $50/year (Allows a local club to participate in PSA competitions)

• Youth Membership (Under 18 or Full-Time Student): $5/year

• Lifetime Membership: $900 (one-time fee) - Includes competitions, educational courses, and distinctions (e.g., PSA Star Ratings).

Specialty Clubs

Specialty clubs are organizations that focus on a specific genre, technique, or type of photography rather than general photography. These clubs attract members who share a common interest in a particular aspect of photography and often offer specialized workshops, competitions, and field trips.

Types of Specialty Camera Clubs

1. Nature & Wildlife Photography Clubs – Focus on capturing landscapes, animals, and conservation photography.

2. Street Photography Clubs – Emphasize candid photography in urban environments.

3. Astrophotography Clubs – Focus on photographing stars, planets, and galaxies.

4. Film Photography Clubs – Dedicated to shooting and developing film.

5. Black & White Photography Clubs – Dedicated to monochrome imagery.

6. Fine Art Photography Clubs – Emphasize artistic expression and gallery exhibitions.

These clubs may operate locally, nationally, or online, and many offer virtual memberships for photographers around the world.

Specialty Club Fees

Fees for specialty camera clubs vary depending on the club’s focus, location, and membership structure. Below is a breakdown of typical costs:

• Annual Membership Fees:

  • Small local clubs: $25 – $75/year

  • Larger or national clubs: $100 – $300/year

• Competition Fees: $5 – $25 per entry

• Field Trips & Workshops: $25 – $200 per event - Clubs may cover topics like wildlife conservation, urban exploration, or studio lighting.

Choosing a Club that Works for You

If you are new to photography or not sure what your favorite genre is then there's a good chance that joining a local club would be your best bet. A good question to ask a local club is how many members they've had over the last 3 years. This will give you a sense of the stability of the club.

If you do have a specific genre that your interested in then it would make sense to check to make sure that it fits where you live and your lifestyle. For example, if you're into astrophotography and you live in NYC, then you'll need to go out of your way to capture Astro-related images.

If you're considering a national club then you'll most certainly be remote for competitions, events, and meetings. There may also be time zone challenges. I happen to really enjoy going out on regular day trips with members of the local club that I belong to. If you feel like 100% remote is for you then a national club might be the club for you. Ask the national club the same question about membership levels the past 3 years.

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