Why I Joined Croydon Camera Club…
By Caroline Avern, Croydon Camera Club member:
I recently got asked why I joined Croydon Camera Club: the obvious answer is that I like taking photos,
but that doesn’t tell the full story.
The truth is that I’ve liked taking photos since I was a child. I guess back then I liked the power it gave
me; how when I had a camera in my hand, I could boss the adults around for the sake of the photo. I
liked how people said I “took a good photo” and at family events my Nan would give me her camera to
take photos for her.
In the beginning, I was using a film camera, so I learnt the hard way to keep fingers, hair and wrist strap
out of the frame. But I was intimidated by more complicated SLR cameras; I didn’t feel I had the skill or
the know-how to use them. However, with the introduction of digital cameras I could see any mistakes
right away and retake the photo. Now I could take as many shots as I liked, well at least until either the
card was full or the battery was dead!
I always thought photography was a solo hobby, until I came across the Croydon Camera Club website
and decided to visit one evening. I joined up there and then! Why? Well, I guess the real reason is that I
no longer wanted to take just “good photos”. I wanted to stop using “auto mode” on my camera, to really
learn about photography and how to let my creative side come through. Joining the club has done this.
Seeing the images others are producing has given me the confidence to try taking different types of
shots that I wouldn’t have attempted before.
I now only use auto mode occasionally and as a result I’ve seen a vast improvement in my photography.
I’m therefore now happy to call myself an amateur photographer, which I never would have before.
So if you want to take better photos or be with other like-minded people; or if like me, you’re the person
who’s too busy taking photos at events to enjoy the action, maybe the “event” you’re missing is Croydon
Camera Club! Whatever the reason check out the club’s website www.croydoncameraclub.org and
come visit us one evening.
I can promise we don’t bite; we do snap but we only snap photos!
Meeting Details for Croydon Camera Club
Where: Shirley Methodist Church Hall, Eldon Avenue, CR0 8SD. If you’re driving, the church has a small car park and there’s ample free on-street parking adjacent. The Hall is approximately 1.5 miles from East Croydon Station as you travel along the A232 heading towards Shirley. Alternatively buses 119, 194, 466, 198 and 130 stop close by.
When: Wednesdays, 7:45 for 8:00pm-10pm between early September and late July, except during the Christmas & Easter breaks. Tea, coffee and biscuits are served at the interval, during each meeting.
All you need do is turn up on an evening which looks good to you – our programme of events, examples of our images and plenty more can be viewed at www.croydoncameraclub.org.uk.
If you’re interested in photography, novice or expert, you’re always welcome. Newcomers may join us for several evenings, at no cost, to see if the club is right for you, before making any longer term commitment. We look forward to seeing you!…