Welcome! We are located in Galesburg, Illinois. We are part of the Galesburg Community Arts Center and meet at the GCAC on the 2nd Saturday of the month in January, March, May, July, September and November. In November, we have a Grand Finale Competition. YOU MUST PAY DUES\MAKE A DONATION TO THE GCAC TO BE A COMPETEING MEMBER OF THE GCAC PHOTOGRAPHY CLUB ($25 Year). You may also join as a non-competing member for free. You are also welcome to attend our meetings as a guest.
If you want to become a better photographer, learn more, get and stay inspired, meet others who share your passion, and make new friends, well, nothing beats a camera club (also known as a photography club). The idea of photographers getting together to share tips, techniques, and fellowship stretches back to the early days of photography. In the US, the Boston Camera Club and the Camera Club of New York got their start in the early 1880s. In the UK, the Royal Photographic Society got its start in 1853.
So what happens at a photography club? All kinds of things related to photography. Our club meets bi-monthly (January, March, May, July, September, & November. Some meetings may feature a guest speaker, a competition, image sharing, workshop, photo shoot, or some other photo activity. Our club prioritizes, education, sharing and competitions. There’s a social element to clubs, too. It’s great to hang out with people who share your interest in photography. I’ve made many new friends through my local club. You never know where things will lead.
Some people love club photography competitions and some people hate them. I see them as learning opportunities. As a teacher, I encouraged my students to join camera clubs and participate in critiques and competitions. There are several benefits. First, you’ll get an objective (more or less) appraisal of your work. Your friends and family may tell you that you are great, but a competition – or critique – will point out strengths and weaknesses in your images. It’s invaluable input. You may pick up a few technical tips during the discussion, too. Most importantly for beginners, you’ll learn to evaluate your images and see them as photographs rather than just pictures of things.
Don’t let the prospect of competing intimidate you if you’re a beginner. Everybody has to start somewhere. Many clubs try to level the field a bit by sorting members into groups based on skill level such as beginner, intermediate and advanced. This way new photographers aren’t competing against experienced pros.
Photography is a practice. A good photography club will give you the support and opportunities you need to help develop your practice. You’ll learn, grow and make new friends.