Join the Club
This lively club encourages and inspires its members
When was the club founded?
In 2004, it was a merger of two clubs – Huddersfield Photographic Society and Huddersfield Camera Circle.
What does your club offer new members?
We welcome new members of all skill levels. Our syllabus includes opportunities for club members to show their work, as well as workshops on learning techniques. We offer mentoring on a one-to- one basis on specific topics if required. Back-to-basics sessions are run as needed.
Describe a typical club meeting
We assemble from 7.30pm and set out the room for a prompt start. Some members go to the licensed bar downstairs to get a drink. Members tick an attendance sheet on the way in so we can keep tabs on who’s attending. Committee members look out for anyone appearing for the first time to ensure that they are introduced to the president and made to feel welcome. The meeting starts promptly at 8pm usually with a brief set of relevant notices. Any new visitors are welcomed. The subject matter for the evening is introduced, and if a guest speaker or judge is in attendance then they will be introduced. At around halfway through the meeting there is a coffee/tea break and an opportunity to socialise. The meetings conclude around 10pm with thanks for all who have contributed to the evening.
Do you invite guest speakers?
Yes – this is a regular event. We invite good photographers in their field to show their work and explain their techniques. We have had Paul Berriff, Tony Worobiec, and KT Allen.
What are the most popular photographic genres among your members?
Our members photograph a wide range of subjects. We have a strength in images involving people.
Do members compete in regional or national competitions?
Yes. We encourage (and subsidise) entry to the regional annual competition run by the Yorkshire Photographic Union, take part in the West Yorkshire digital image interclub group, and encourage members to enter salons in the region and nationally such as the British Photographic Exhibition and FIAP or PSA salons.
How many members do you have?
Around 50- 60.
Are any residential outings planned?
We organise evening and day outings, as well as studio sessions.
Do you have any funny stories about the club?
The constituent clubs that merged in 2004 were a result of a split which occurred in 1938. At the time the club was called the Huddersfield Naturalist Photographic and Antiquarian Society that had the nickname ‘Ants and Nats’.
What are the club’s goals for the future?
In general, we would like to remain relevant and keep a lively membership by constantly teaching and learning new photographic techniques. Specifically, we would like to see an increase in the number of members achieving photographic merit awards.