Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

• What sort of equipment do I need?

Any type of camera whether digital or film will do.  The majority of our members now shoot mostly digital on a range of cameras from camera phones, compact cameras through to professional level interchangeable lens system cameras.  To get the most out of your digital images you’ll probably want to download them onto a Windows or Mac PC or laptop and and the majority of us use one or more of the Adobe Photoshop family of image processing software (Photoshop Elements, Photoshop or Lightroom).

• Do you need to be an experienced photographer to join BMBCC?

Not at all.  We have all abilities in the club from beginners to skilled workers and professionals.  But we all have to start off at the beginning and joining a camera club is a great way to learn! Although, like most camera clubs, we can’t offer a detailed photographic tuition course, we do hold a number of instructional evenings and workshops through the year and our more experienced members are always happy to help you.  This year we are delighted that one of our members, Cheryl Hamer LRPS , has kindly agreed to run some a heavily discounted special 2-day Beginners Workshop for club members! Entering competitions is an easy and invaluable way to get feedback on your work from experienced and impartial judges.

• Where and When do you meet?
  

We meet at 7:30 PM most Fridays from early September to the end of April in the upstairs room of St Annes’ Church Hall, Dale Street, Menai Bridge LL59 5AH.  Check out the PROGRAMME and DIRECTIONS pages for more details of when and where we meet.

• How much does it cost to come along to a meeting and join the club?
  

There’s a weekly attendance fee of £1.50 per person for members, £2.00 for visitors, which covers the cost of the room hire and coffee, tea and biccies at the break.  You can come along for 3 meetings before deciding whether you want to join us when you’ll pay an annual subscription.  Amongst other things this covers the costs of hiring judges and visiting lecturers, insurance and purchasing and maintaining the club’s equipment.  See the JOIN US page for details of our annual subscriptions.

• Do I have to enter competitions?

Only if you want to.  A number of members either don’t enter competitions or only occasionally.  However you can enter Digital Projected Image (PDI) competitions very easily at no additional cost and they are a great way to improve your photography.  You can find out more on the COMPETITIONS pages.

• Do I need to be a member to come on one of the club walks?

No, non-members are more than welcome to join us on our monthly walks.  Its a great way to meet other members, get help with your photography and discover some fantastic locations.  Have a look at our WALKS page for details of up and coming walks.

• I’m still not sure if its for me?

Why not email or call one of the Committee members on our CONTACT US page who should be able to answer any other questions or concerns you may have.  Also visit our flickr group to see latest work by a number of our members and remember you can come along to 2 meetings before deciding to join us.

• Where can I get help with my photography?
  

The best place to start is by talking to other club members and especially those members who have volunteered to act as MENTORS to help other members.  We also run Beginner’s Workshops and self-help Special Interest Groups.  You can also visit our visit our flickr and facebook group sites to upload your images and post questions.  Also check out our DOWNLOADS page for useful information and the LINKS page has links to lots of other useful and informative websites.  

• What do all the letters mean that I see after some judges and photographers names?
  

A number of photographers work to gain Photographic Distinctions for achievements in photography either by entering images for assessment to the various societies such as the PAGB (Photographic Alliance of Great Britain) and RPS (The Royal Photographic Society) or by getting images accepted into National and International Exhibitions such the BPE (British Photographic Exhibitions).  We have a useful Guide to Distinctions on our DOWNLOADS page and if you’re interested in Distinctions why not have a word on a club evening with Dave Flitcroft APAGB DPAGB EFIAP BPE2*