About Us
The Club has been in existence for many years and has a thriving membership of about 90, spanning a wide age range and also wide range of experience and photographic interests.Many of us have fully embraced digital photography but we also do have members who are skilled darkroom workers. The club owns slide and digital projectors and a laptop with Photoshop CS3 for club events.
From September until July we meet (almost) every Monday night (Bank Holidays excepted) upstairs at the Colliton Club, Glyde Path Road, Dorchester. The start time is 7.30pm but you are advised to get here by 7.15pm to be sure of a seat and a chance to read the notice-board, have a chat and help with the setting up. Be aware that parking charges now apply in the adjoining car-park. The finishing time is around 10pm, we have a short break mid-session where you can use the bar of the Colliton Club for coffee or other refreshment.
Starting in September 2010 our Annual subscription is £30.00, less than £1.00 per session.
Club nights comprise of:
Visiting speakers share their particular photographic interests, illustrated by prints and/or projected images. We aim to please and use the information you provide about your interests when the programme is planned.
Our own members show and talk about their work.
Regular competitions. For many members this is the most interesting part of club life and even members who do not enter work turn up in good time to see, what is usually a vibrant and stimulating display of original work.
Meet with other clubs for competitions and sharing photographic enjoyment.
View travelling exhibitions.
Work appreciation, practical activities and demonstrations.
Occasional, very enjoyable, social events.
Participation in the Wessex Battle. An annual competition between most of the clubs in the area, held at the Corn Exchange during November.
We also hold additional Evenings:
We hold Work Appreciation evenings at the Photoshop Sessions on some Fridays at the Colliton Club. Members can discuss work in progress and consider ways of progressing. Dates for these will be advised.
We sometimes go to other clubs for competitions and joint presentations. These may take place on their usual club nights and if so will be in addition to our programme.
Other Activities include:
Regular Exhibitions. Our Exhibition Secretary will give details and ask for submissions well in advance. This is our showcase and everyone is encouraged to participate.
Workshops are arranged according to demand, these include Audio Visual and Using Photoshop. These sessions are usually open to members of the public and other clubs.
Special interest groups, usually informal and in response to need such as producing a club Audio Visual presentations.
WCPF and PAGB competitions and events. We are part of a much larger regional Western Counties Photographic Federation and that in turn is part of a national Photographic Alliance of Great Britain. This is the governing body for most camera clubs in GB. Individuals and clubs can take part in their events throughout the year. Details of these will be announced in the club, your participation is encouraged, full information and links can be found here:- www.wcpf.org.uk/.
In 2008 we entered the FIAP Photography World Cup and were placed 7th. This was an excellent achievement & one we want to build on. Last year we were placed 24th, this was still a good position considering the number of participating clubs.
The club is participating in the (magazine) DSLR User competition Battle of the Clubs. Last year we finished 15th in the country. We won one round & came second in a couple of others. You can read all about it here: www.dslruser.co.uk in the Club Section and keep up to date with our progress on the club website.
NEW One of our club members has a photographic business and there are a number of special offers just for club members. These include use of the studio and a sensor cleaning service.
And we also hold Special Events:
Usually public, where well known photographers are invited to give a presentation. Speakers over the years have included, Heather Angel, Andy Rouse, John Pilkington, Jack Jackson, Guy Edwardes and the late Barrie Thomas. These popular events help to subsidise smaller events exclusively for club members, where cost would otherwise be prohibitive.
Group Outings and Photographic walks. Some of our members have local knowledge of good venues and are prepared to lead groups. Ad hoc walks & events are often arranged between small groups of members so do feel free to get involved.
Club members are often asked to help with photographic events or to take photographs for public events. This is of course voluntary but it does often give access to good photo opportunities. Recent examples, Dorchester Show and Dorchester Festival.
The club regularly supports different charities in a variety of ways such as the Grace Secodary School in the Sudan - www.gracesecondaryschool.com. We also help when a group of children from Chernobyl visit by making sure that they go home with albums full of photographic memories.
Although Dorchester Camera Club is rated among the best in the country (& now the world, its official!) we are always looking out for fresh talent and enjoy giving encouragement and help to those who have just started out.
We are affiliated to the Photographic Alliance of Great Britain (P.A.G.B.) and a member of Western Counties Photographic Federation (W.C.P.F.).
Club Officers:
President: Di Tilsley CPAGB
Vice President: Sid Jones
Chairman: Spike Piddock DPAGB
Vice Chairman: Neil Crick LRPS
Hon. Treasurer: Geoff Wareham
Hon. Secretary: Mary Cantrille FRPS, MPAGB, AFIAP
Programme Secretary: Penny Piddock DPAGB
Internal Competition Secretaries: Margaret Homan Berry LRPS & Jane Lee
External Competition Secretary: Dee Wareham
Digital Organiser: Steve Jones
Exhibition Secretary: Tim Edwards
Web Master: Mia Lewis
Membership and Social Secretary: Helen Jones
Publicity Secretary: Sid Jones
WCPF Representative: John Tilsley ARPS, APAGB