Need to know
Frequently asked questions
A few useful answers about joining the club, meetings, equipment, competitions and what to expect.
We meet on Tuesday evenings at 7.30pm, with a mixture of in-person meetings at Poldrate Mill and online meetings via Zoom.
1.Getting started
Do I need to be an expert photographer?
No. You may never have taken a photo in your life but want to start. Our emphasis is on fun, support and learning, so complete beginners are very welcome.
Do I need my own camera?
Actually, no. Mobile phones are absolutely fine — in fact they are capable of far more than many dedicated cameras. If you are thinking of buying a camera, ask members for opinions first: there is a wide range of experience and equipment in the club, and advice is free.
Should I bring my camera every week?
Only if you want to. You will not normally need it, except on some practical nights when we are trying something that requires a camera. We will let members know in advance.
Is there an age limit?
If you are under 16, you would be very welcome, but we would ask that you are accompanied by a responsible adult.
2.What happens at the club?
So what happens?
We have talks on photographic themes, competitions and challenges, look at photographs together, and run practical sessions — sometimes covering complex technical matters such as remembering to take the lens cap off.
Do I have to enter competitions? I’m not good enough!
Nobody has to enter, but the more the merrier. The point is to learn and improve. Judges’ comments can be useful, but competition photography is only one small part of photography. The important thing is to learn, enjoy your photography and have fun.
What’s a typical meeting like?
We meet from September through to March on Tuesdays, usually from 7.30pm until about 9.30pm. Members’ and practical nights are generally held at Poldrate Mill, while competitions and guest speakers are often on Zoom. In-person and online meetings are clearly shown in the programme.
3.Cameras, film and printing
Can I use an old film camera?
Yes. A few camera-club photographers still use film cameras. The club no longer supports wet processing because of the practical and health-and-safety considerations around chemicals, but if you want to use an analogue camera and film, there is absolutely a place here for you.
What about computers and software?
Whether you use a phone, compact camera, DSLR or mirrorless camera, you will probably store and edit photographs on a computer or other device. The club has a computer with software for displaying and editing images, and photo-editing and cataloguing software regularly features in talks and practical sessions.
Do you print your pictures?
Some members love prints; others prefer digital images. Most club photography is now shown as Digital Projected Images (DPI), displayed from a computer through a digital projector. Digital images are also easy to share online.
4.Membership
What does it cost?
Membership is £55 for the season. You can pay £55 in full, or £30 initially and £25 in December.
Where and when do you meet?
We meet at 7.30pm on Tuesday evenings. Our programme is a mixture of in-person meetings at Poldrate Mill in Haddington and online meetings via Zoom.
Can I visit before joining?
Absolutely. You are very welcome to come along to a club evening as a visitor before deciding whether you would like to join. If you would like to check anything first, contact us and we will be happy to help.
Still have a question?
We’d be happy to help
If you can’t find the answer you’re looking for, please get in touch. We’re friendly and always glad to hear from you.
(c) Valerie Stuart