Please email us at click@barnstaplepc.uk if you cannot find an answer to your question.
Our club is community focused, bringing together individuals who are passionate about photography. The club is a member of The Western Counties Photographic Federation and affiliated with the Photographic Alliance of Great Britain (See FAQ further down).
We strive to create a supportive and inclusive community for individuals who share this passion. We have members of all abilities and share our knowledge to help each other improve our photography. We are known as a friendly club and always welcome new members.
Anyone who has an interest in photography, and shares our mission and values, is welcome to join our Club irrespective of background and level of experience. Indeed, we believe that diversity and inclusivity are crucial to our success
Please note that the minimum age for membership is 16 and until a person is 18 they must be accompanied at all times by a responsible adult.
For new members the first night is free so that you can meet us all in person. (note a few evenings are on Zoom only so make sure you choose an evening where we are at our hall - see programme). The charges then start at £25 for half of the winter season, £50 for the full season or £15 for just the Zoom sessions.
For the second year and existing members it is £70 or £15 for just the Zoom Sessions.
We feel we are able to offer a top quality programme by way of charging the membership fees detailed here. The fees will cover a vast range of items from excellent speakers to maintaining and purchasing club equipment and hall rental.
We organise a variety of events throughout the year from September to April. We meet weekly at our clubhouse and events include hosting guest speakers, competitions and a variety of in-house activities which vary from year to year (see our winter programme for further details).
During the summer period there is no set programme but club members do have trips out around this area and these are arranged at short notice taking into account the weather. We also occasionally hold training sessions on Affinity and other software.
Whilst the club is not set up for one to one tuition we have recently introduced a mentoring system where some of our existing members will buddy up to show you the basics to get you started.
We also have a separate Zoom programme (Free of charge) that runs for 4 weeks on different evenings to our club nights for anyone wishing to get to know how their camera better.
Yes of course and we welcome any photographic image taken on any photographic device including 35mm film. Smartphones have some fantastic cameras and can produce amazing images. Last year a black and white competition was won with an image taken on a smartphone.
The Western Counties Photographic Federation (WCPF) was formed in 1932 and is one of fifteen Federations that are affiliated to the Photographic Alliance of Great Britain (PAGB) and ultimately to the FIAP - "Fédération International de l'Art Photographique".
Currently over 100 clubs are in the Federation from across Cornwall, Devon, Somerset, Dorset and South Gloucester as far East as Weymouth, as far North as Stroud and across into Swindon in Wiltshire.
The prime purpose of the WCPF is to encourage the art and practice of photography directly to members and clubs throughout its catchment area, supporting/liaising with other Federations and the PAGB, ensuring local views and interests feature in national debate.
The WCPF is run by an Executive Committee of volunteers (nominated and elected by club delegates), together with co-opted members.
Of course not, this is entirely down to the individual to decide. We do encourage members to enter competitions and you will be given all the necessary support. It is a proven way to get the right experience, feedback and guidance to direct you on your photographic journey.
Many members do not enter the competitions but still enjoy the competitions evenings often judged by an external qualified judge from the WCPF.
Similar to the other answer regarding your first camera, the club is not set up to tutor individuals but your fellow members will be able to help you choose what’s best for you or advise if you already have editing software.
One member also runs workshops separate to our club programme.