What to do with my photography club?

Question

Hi, i really need help.

My school has put me in charge of the school's photographic society, which is falling apart/collapsing because of poor leadership back then. The club was a strong club from 1979-1999.

Now, under my leadership, my school is giving the club a last chance to prove it's role in the school. However, i am faced with half of the members who are not even interested in photography.(they were forced to join us) How do I revive this club, run it efficiently and at the same time instill interest into the members?

Please help me, I do not want the club to collapse under my leadership. Thanks in advance

Answer 1

I agree, ask local photographers to come and speak about their special areas of photography. Newspapers, portrait studios and specialized shooters like wildlife and macro photographers are generally happy to talk to young students about their work. Keep it to no more than 30-40 minutes.

I guess one point to stress is make these and other student sessions fun. That generally means planning. No one wants to waste time sitting around when you are trying to set something up. If you need a screen to project images or access to a computer with a DVD drive in the multi media room make sure you have it available when you need it.

I always have found young photographers normally need a little direction with their work. The great thing about photography is that it's so personal. What I like and what you like are two different things...but I can still learn to understand what another photographer is trying to communicate to me with their work.

I would suggest a shooting challenge each meeting. If your have a portrait photographer speak....ask the club to try making a self portrait. I have seen some really creative photos on this subject. Or maybe dedicate a shoot of 12 photos or what ever the number of frames in a disposable camera to a specific color. Each member pick a color and try and find that color in everyday things.
How about asking them to photograph their pets or their neighbor's pet. Give themes like "Old".....old what? People? Cars? Clothes? Tools? Let them choose. Try shooting something that moves....people running, sports,.....trains passing by...trees blowing in the wind.....but you have to make the subject appear to be moving. You can also try ideas like photograph Love, Hurt, Future......I take the approach that a word is worth a 1000 pictures.

You might get a little help from the art instructor on composition and design . The same "rules" generally apply to painting as photography.

You might then post the club's work on a club generated web site and share them with the world. At the end of each semester you could have a show and give recognition to those who attempt to improve their skills.

I'm sorry to hear that some of the members were forced to join. That doesn't bode well but you sound like you have a little fire in your soul. If you can get the club members to understand the freedom photography offers you might just be able to save the club.

I started shooting pictures two weeks before my freshman year in high school. I just found the entire process so much fun that I spent entire night in the darkroom making print after print. I would print for so long the tips of my fingers would be stained brown with chemicals. I still remember the first photo I ever saw appearing in a developer tray.......it was like magic. I've shot almost every day since. All through high school...all through college and now as a pro for the past 30 years.

I wish you the best. Good Luck.

Answer 2

You could have an outing to the zoo or park, to take images, then at the next meeting have everyone bring their prints to discuss what works and what doesn't. Get your photography teach involved or a local photographer to come and talk about their profession.

I agree about trying to get a show going. Have a theme for the show, local interests would probably get the best crowd.

See what other schools are doing. Get in touch with their directors and perhaps have a joint meeting or have a competition between the two clubs.

Just remember to have fun and love photography!

Hope this helps a little.

Answer 3

First and foremost, you're going to want to set a direction for the club. A 'Mission Statement' so to speak. Next, you may want to see some sort of activities for these people.

Some activities can be to take pictures of events at teh school, or at games etc. You can even see about getting local businesses to sponsor a contest by giving prizes. Contests can be judged by other students or just by a team of noninterested parties.

Lastly, get other students interested by making your photography something to be looked up to, something ot be revered. Getting a local gallery topost the best pictures of the year is a great way to get 'publicity' for your club. Also get with the Yearbook or School Paper and offer your member's photos for publication.

Just a few ideas.

Answer 4

Try Trick Photography Special Effects - http://tinyurl.com/rthqCCkaCf

Answer 5

have a show featuring your photographs with a reception
invite a photographer to speak to the club about how his/her career
go on some field trips to take interesting photographs, then have that show and reception
see a photo exhibit at a museum for inspiration