Worksop Photography Club celebrates its 70th birthday this year so applying a bit of nifty arithmetic, will tell you it was founded in 1948. These were the post war years of rationing, austerity and little to be had in the way of recreation, but a small group of 12 like-minded amateur photographers got together and founded the Worksop and District Photographic Society. Doubtless equipped with a diverse collection of pre-war film cameras, their passion for taking pictures, ensured that the club prospered and expanded from its humble beginnings, attracting local enthusiasts to join and get much more from their hobby. This it has continued to do for 70 years and the club still thrives.
In 1955, the North and East Midlands Photographic Federation was formed and Worksop joined around two years later. The club, along with 50 others, is still a member and gains much from the partnership. In turn the North and East Midland Photographic Federation is affiliated to the Photographic Alliance of Great Britain formed in 1930, with the support of the Royal Photographic Society.
Naturally over the years the club, in common with others, has had its ups and downs but perhaps the biggest shake-up came with the birth of digital photography.
Rapid and mind-blowing advances in technology saw the hobby change out of all recognition, film, photographic paper and chemicals being replaced by the computer and incredible software that can achieve results that would have seemed impossible just a few years ago.
So much is now available to help photographers improve their techniques, including a vast choice of online tutorials, photo workshops, themed holidays and webinars. Membership of the N&EMPF and PAGB provides opportunities to further extend the hobby and some club members have gained photographic distinctions such as those organised and run by the Royal Photographic Society and the Photographic Alliance and several have also done well in both British and international exhibitions.
The club offers a varied programme with something of interest for everyone and new members are always welcome so if you think you might be interested please do come along to a couple of meetings (free of charge if you bring a copy of this article) before deciding if you would like to join. No need to worry if you don’t have an expensive camera as excellent pictures can be taken using the most basic equipment and nowadays mobile phones usually incorporate excellent cameras.
Whilst the club does not consider itself to be a photographic school there are many experienced members on hand to help with any queries about equipment, techniques, photo editing and improving your skills.
Worksop Photography Club re-opens for the 2018 – 2019 season at 7.30pm on Wednesday 5th September. The meeting venue is Worksop Cricket and Sports Club, Central Avenue, Worksop S80 1EN, which has ample car parking, wheelchair access and bar facilities.
A full programme of events, fees, contact details and other information are available on the club website, www.worksopphotography.club.