Photography Tips: Enhance Your Photography Skills (Cheaply)

I took this photo of a pink camellia on a recent club trip to an arboretum (I don't normally take images of flowers)

Photography Tip: Join a Photography Club

I've discovered that one of the best ways to get better at something is to practice with people who are more skilled than I am. For example, if I want to up my golf game, I play with better golfers. Unfortunately, none of my friends or nearby family are into photography.

About a year and a half ago, I decided to join a local photography club. I'm a bit introverted (more on that another time), so it took a few extra mental therapy sessions to actually go for it. I did a lot of research on local clubs, checking out their websites, activities, and the photos members shared.

It's estimated that there are are between 600 and 700 photography clubs currently active in the United States.

So far, I can say that being part of a photography club has really helped me level up my photography skills in a relatively short amount of time. Here's why:

Competitions

Most clubs have three levels of photographers: B group, A group, and Salon group. As a photographer, you'll need to meet certain criteria to move up from B to A and then to Salon. Usually, this involves submitting a specific number of images to competitions and hitting a minimum score.

Competitions usually happen once a month during the club season, which runs from September to June. Each competition is judged by a qualified judge who isn't part of the club. Good judges will provide constructive feedback on each image.

Joining these competitions is a great way to boost your skills.

Local Travel & Excursions

Some clubs enjoy taking regular trips to nearby cities, parks, or cool spots. On these outings, you get to see what other members are snapping pics of and how they do it. It’s a great way to share ideas and make new friends. Plus, it gets you to try shooting stuff you might not usually consider. You’ll also find out about places and venues you might not know about.

Critiques

Some clubs offer critiques in which a few senior club members critique photos submitted by club members. This is a great way to get direct feedback and a different perspective on your images and also hear feedback on other member's images.

Challenges

Clubs might offer regular challenges centered around a specific theme, like water droplets, leaves, or light painting. Joining in on these challenges really helps you stretch your creative muscles. Plus, you get to check out how other club members tackled the challenge.

Price Point

Club dues are usually paid once a year and are typically under $75. Considering all of this, it's truly an amazing bargain!

Unsure

If you're unsure about joining a photo club, find one that catches your interest and ask if you can check out a critique or competition before committing. A good club will let you sit in on a session or two.

Check out this link to help you get started with your search.