1. Forum
  2. General Discussion | Introductions | Off Topic Forum
  3. Photography General Discussion
  4. Photography club annual charge

Photography club annual charge


9 years 4 months ago #418655 by Justin
Hi PT,

I'm thinking about joining a photography club that is local and they have yearly dues that are $300.  I was wondering is that pretty normal for a photography club?  I asked what that covers and was told admin fee's and a once per year BBQ.  This club meets once per month, but always in public places that are free.  So that $300 seems a little high to me.  Just checking to see what others have to say about it. 


How much does your club charge you?
Very nice to meet you!
Photo Comments
,
9 years 4 months ago #418660 by Joves
Are they even putting out a news letter every month for that? I agree that does sound quite steep for a club that does not even have its own building, or at least some place that they lease. One of the Astronomy Clubs I belonged to was like $50 a year, and we got a news letter, met at a university, and even had refreshments with doughnuts. There is one Meetup group here that seems to do the same thing, and I decided that they were on drugs. To me for a club that has no dedicated place to meet that is way over the value. Besides many photo clubs, and to some extent clubs in general are place where equipment whores meet. We had a couple of those at one astronomy club I was a short timer at, guys who had top of the line gear, but had no clue where anything was in the sky. The one I belonged to the longest had telescope builders, and real astronomers. I suggest you keep looking, or maybe try and start a Meetup Club of your own. 
,
9 years 4 months ago - 9 years 4 months ago #418664 by hghlndr6
That's 5.5X higher than the Boston Camera Club which meets in the same place every week, runs 15 competitions ... both electronic and print ... per year, has an educational program every month, a photo critique meeting every month, a model studio every month, publishes a monthly newsletter, maintains a Web presence, and a bunch of meet-ups all year long.

Keep looking.
www.bobmitchellphoto.com
,
9 years 4 months ago #418668 by effron
Agree with above comments, that's way too much. The local club in my area is I believe fifty a year and that's too much,  and I'm also a loner/snob, so I'm not a member.....:whistle:
Why so serious?
Photo Comments
,
9 years 4 months ago #418671 by garyrhook
Ouch!

The local PPA chapter charges $75 to belong to a professional association; it's not just a club. The monthly meetings include educational lectures and cost you $20 each (as a member). There are 10 of them, plus a Christmas Party (varies in $$). Meets at the local camera store which is air conditioned and has a classroom.

It is unclear if that club is good value. I would keep looking. You could also start your own. The organizer doesn't have to be the content deliverer.
Photo Comments
,
9 years 4 months ago #418673 by Ian Stone
Ouch!  No way.  
Photo Comments
,
9 years 4 months ago #418677 by Shadowfixer1
Local clubs in Atlanta area generally run about $25 per year.
www.betterphoto.com/?ramshots
Photo Comments
,
9 years 4 months ago #418724 by Randy Shaw
For $300, there should be a rolling bag that comes along with it.  
Photo Comments
,
9 years 4 months ago #418807 by Ian Stone

Randy Shaw wrote: For $300, there should be a rolling bag that comes along with it.  



LOL  that makes this membership better sounding
Photo Comments
,
9 years 4 months ago #418838 by Sandy Smith Photos
My club charges me $50 per year.  Also I belong to some Meetup groups that don't charge anything.  $300 is just way to much IMO.  
Photo Comments
,
9 years 4 months ago #418885 by icepics
There's one in a large city that's within an hour of where I live that has dues of I think a couple of hundred or so but they have their own building with wet and digital darkrooms, studios, hold a meeting/event every week, etc. so they have expenses in maintaining the building, bringing in speakers, etc. I think ASMP is more expensive than clubs but it's an organization geared to working photographers and they employ staff and provide professional resources to members, etc.

Most social clubs I know of in my area have dues from maybe $25-50 or so to attend meetings, receive a newsletter, or get benefits like being able to attend an event at a reduced cost as a member. 

Do you know if the club is a registered nonprofit? Depending on what your state requires they may have to turn in a financial report every year so they'd have to account for how they spend $300 per member. I'd find out more about what they offer that justifies their dues because just to attend monthly club meetings that seems awfully high.
Sharon
Photo Comments
,
9 years 4 months ago #419001 by Josh Jofoto

icepics wrote: There's one in a large city that's within an hour of where I live that has dues of I think a couple of hundred or so but they have their own building with wet and digital darkrooms, studios, hold a meeting/event every week, etc. so they have expenses in maintaining the building, bringing in speakers, etc. I think ASMP is more expensive than clubs but it's an organization geared to working photographers and they employ staff and provide professional resources to members, etc.

Most social clubs I know of in my area have dues from maybe $25-50 or so to attend meetings, receive a newsletter, or get benefits like being able to attend an event at a reduced cost as a member. 

Do you know if the club is a registered nonprofit? Depending on what your state requires they may have to turn in a financial report every year so they'd have to account for how they spend $300 per member. I'd find out more about what they offer that justifies their dues because just to attend monthly club meetings that seems awfully high.



That sounds like a great club with some nice amenities.  
Canon 7D | Canon EF-S 18-55 IS | Canon EF 50mm f/1.4 | Canon EF 85mm f/1.8 | Canon EF 100mm f/2.8 macro | CanonEF 17-40 f/4 L | 70-200 f/4 L | 580 EX II
,
9 years 4 months ago #419025 by Screamin Scott
My local club charges around $25, but that is only to participate in competitions.... Attending meetings were at no cost...
Scott Ditzel Photography

www.flickr.com/photos/screaminscott/
Photo Comments
,
9 years 4 months ago #419048 by Glen Mosley
I'd pass, seems like a lot to be asking for just a year membership
Photo Comments
,
9 years 4 months ago #419291 by J Hemingway
Pass on that one.  Just to much for club fee's if you ask me
Photo Comments
,

  1. Forum
  2. General Discussion | Introductions | Off Topic Forum
  3. Photography General Discussion
  4. Photography club annual charge

817.3K

241K

  • Facebook

    817,251 / Likes

  • Twitter

    241,000 / Followers

  • Google+

    1,620,816 / Followers

Show Me...

Visit 4wdtlak Forum
Saal

Latest Reviews

Olympus Pen E-P7 Review

The Olympus Pen E-P7 is an affordable micro four thirds mirrorless camera with 4K video capabilities, a 20.3MP sensor, and 121 focus points, making it a solid entry-level camera for beginners.

May 13, 2024
Panasonic G9 II Review

The Panasonic G9 II is a 25.2-megapixel micro four thirds camera with numerous features that make it punch out of its weight class, like 779 AF points, 5.8K video, and weather sealing.

May 10, 2024
Fujifilm XT5 Review

The Fujifilm XT5 is a 40MP mirrorless camera capable of 6.2K video at 30p. With those specs, it’s an ideal choice for photographers needing a camera to pull double duty for imaging and video.

Apr 25, 2024
Canon EOS R100 Review

The Canon EOS R100 is an entry-level mirrorless camera introduced in 2023. But just because it’s an entry-level camera doesn’t mean it’s a bare-bones camera. Find out why in this review!

Apr 22, 2024
More Articles
Ikan

Forum Top Posters

Sponsored Imageimages/stories/ad_agency/2/1552465945.pngSponsored Imageimages/ads/holdfast-banner3.jpg
Sponsored ImageSponsored Image

Latest Articles

Best Intermediate Camera for 2024: 3 Top Options

Upgrade your kit in 2024 with the best intermediate camera on the market! The question is, what camera fits the bill? We’ve got three top options for you to choose from in this buyer’s guide.

May 15, 2024
The Best Photography Jobs in 2024

The best photography jobs right now are a mix of tried-and-true gigs like wedding photography and new jobs highlighting AI’s capabilities, travel, and videography.

May 15, 2024
Olympus Pen E-P7 Review

The Olympus Pen E-P7 is an affordable micro four thirds mirrorless camera with 4K video capabilities, a 20.3MP sensor, and 121 focus points, making it a solid entry-level camera for beginners.

May 13, 2024
Five Things to Do This Year to Improve Your Photography Business

Starting a photography business is one thing; sustaining your business over a long period of time is another. Use the tips in this professional photography guide to build something with longevity!

May 13, 2024
Panasonic G9 II Review

The Panasonic G9 II is a 25.2-megapixel micro four thirds camera with numerous features that make it punch out of its weight class, like 779 AF points, 5.8K video, and weather sealing.

May 10, 2024
Cinematic Photography: How to Create Still Images That Tell a Story

Cinematic photography is an interesting genre that combines photographic and videographic skills along with effective storytelling techniques. The result? Highly impactful images!

May 09, 2024
Newborn Photography: Essential Tips for Capturing Precious Moments

Newborn photography requires skill, the right gear, and a lot of patience. This beginner’s guide discusses critical topics that will help you be more prepared for before, during, and after the shoot.

May 08, 2024
Fill the Frame: An Easy Photography Technique With Lots of Impact

To fill the frame means to expand the footprint of the subject in your shot. Get in close, zoom in, crop the image, or use other techniques to bring the subject to the forefront.

May 06, 2024
More Articles