About us
Facebook | Committee | Affiliations | History
We are a friendly group of people who share an interest in photography. Members have differing levels of ability and all have a desire to learn more and share their knowledge and experience with others.
Picture of the Year 2023/24 Bringing Supper Home by John Law LRPS
Meetings:
The Club meets on Tuesday evenings from 7.30pm - 9.45pm during the season which runs from September to May. Meetings are held at the Victoria Sports and Social Club, Leigh Street, Street BA16 0HB. Doors open at approximately 7.00 pm with the meeting starting at 7.30 pm. The Victoria Club provides a warm social environment for members and has a fully licensed bar. Evenings are split into two halves with a mid-session break of 10-15 minutes when we provide tea, coffee and biscuits. Our meeting room and all facilities are on the ground floor with step-free access.
Why not come along to one of our Club meetings to learn more; there is no obligation to join and you are assured of a warm welcome.
Programme:
We run a varied programme of competitions, speakers, exhibitions, practical evenings and events. You can see details for this season on the Programme page, but here is an overview of the type of activities that we do.
Speakers
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Presentations by external speakers, usually in person and occasionally via Zoom, on a wide range of subjects and genres of photography.
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Talks by members about their areas of interest or expertise and other photography topics.
Competitions
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Competitions for prints and/or digital images are held regularly; have a look at the Galleries and Competition page for more information. Club competitions are judged by external judges. The Club also has 'Battles' with other clubs and enters Western Counties Photographic Federation (WCPF) and Photographic Alliance of Great Britain (PAGB) competitions.
Practical evenings
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Portrait sessions with models and studio lighting, light painting, macro, table top photography etc.
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Critique evenings where members can receive constructive feedback on their images.
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Camera clinics where members can get help and advice with their camera equipment.
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Practical sessions using image editing software, such as Lightroom, Photoshop, Capture One and Affinity Photo.
Events
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Regular 'Bring, Buy and Share' evenings where members can pick up some good bargains on photographic kit.
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Photography exhibitions that provide all members with the opportunity to display their images in a local venue.
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Photoshoot visits to local places and events that offer a range of interesting subjects to photograph.
Membership:
There is an annual fee for membership and a small nightly entrance fee. For more details see the Membership page.
The Club has a lively Facebook page where we share news and latest events and details of informal meet-ups. It also provides users with the chance to exchange ideas and tips on all things photography-related, debate current issues and provide those that want to take part in a vibrant local photographic community an opportunity to do so in a friendly, supportive and safe place.
Our Facebook page is not restricted to members of the Club but we hope that by joining us on Facebook you might be tempted to join us in person on a Club night.
Committee - 2023/24
Our committee is elected each year and for the current season these people are acting in the following roles.
Honorary President | David Titchener ABIPP AMPA |
Honorary Vice President | Ann Cook FRPS FRGS MBFP FBPPA |
Chair | John Law LRPS |
Vice Chair | Carolyn Moore LRPS |
Secretary | David Robinson-Palmer |
Treasurer | Peter Anscombe |
Programme Secretary | Adam Humphrey |
Competition Secretary Digital | Carolyn Moore LRPS |
Competition Secretary Prints | Geoff Corris |
Competition Secretary External | Rose Atkinson ARPS |
Minutes Secretary | Catherine Alexander |
Publicity Officer | Catherine Alexander |
Property Officer | Janet Miles LRPS CPAGB BPE2* AFIAP |
Webmaster | Tony Small |
The Club is run in accordance with the constitution and bye laws and has a number of policies and procedures which can be found here.
Affiliations
Mid Somerset Camera Club is affiliated to the Western Counties Photographic Federation (WCPF). It holds events and inter-club competitions, many of which we take part in.
Through the WCPF, the Club is also affiliated to the Photographic Alliance of Great Britain (PAGB). It organises awards for photographic merit for members of affiliated camera clubs. It also organises inter-Club and inter-Federation competitions.
History
Mid Somerset Camera Club began life in 1974 when workers from the Somerset based Clarks boot and shoe manufacturers came together so that they could purchase camera film in bulk. As a result of this the Street Camera Club was formed.
Meetings were held initially in the Scout Hut, then the Street Library and finally The Street Inn. When the Club moved to the Constitutional Club in Glastonbury it changed its name to The Street and Glastonbury Camera Club.
As the membership increased the Club expanded its horizons and changed its name again to Mid Somerset Camera Club.
Mid Somerset Camera Club has met at several locations over the years, including The Mitre Inn Glastonbury, Tor Sports and Leisure Centre Glastonbury and The Pipers Inn Ashcott and after a short stay at the Pavilion in Shapwick, we moved to our current location at the Victoria Sports and Social Club in Street.
Our Club continues to grow and develop allowing us to expand our range of activities. We seek to retain our existing members and attract new members by providing a varied and stimulating programme of events and to support all who are looking to further their enjoyment of photography and to develop their skills further.