Royston Photographic Society recently celebrated an unexpected achievement, finishing third at the East Anglian Federation Projected Image Championships. While members were delighted with the result, it reflects a wider story about how the club has evolved in recent years.
Like many groups, we have asked ourselves what a modern camera club should be. Our answer has been simple: photography should bring people together. As a result, we have focused as much on building a welcoming social community as on developing photographic skills.
One example is the transformation of our former Landscape Group into a Social Photography Group. Outings are designed not only around taking pictures but also around conversation, shared learning and, inevitably, coffee. Images are then discussed online afterwards, extending the experience beyond the day itself.
The society also plays an active role within the local community. Members regularly photograph events for local organisations, charities and community groups, often working in challenging conditions and gaining valuable experience while supporting worthwhile causes.
To make photography visible beyond the club room, we hold regular exhibitions behind the checkouts at Tesco in Royston. It may not be a traditional gallery space, but it allows thousands of local people to see members’ work and helps keep photography at the heart of community life.
Our partnership with The Listing, profiling our photographers, has revealed some remarkable stories hidden within our membership. Camera clubs are often far richer in life experience than they at first appear.
Alongside the social side of the club, members continue to develop their photography through speakers, competitions, workshops and constructive critique evenings. Several of the images that helped secure our EAF success benefited directly from ideas shared during these sessions.
The result is a society where photography is more than a hobby. It is a way of learning, making friends, supporting the local community and sharing experiences with others who enjoy the creative challenge of making images.
The club meets every Thursday, 7.45pm, during term time, at Icknield Walk School. Camera club season will finish in early May but a summer programme of activities is about to launch. Any photographers wishing to join can email Andrew Gillborn at andrewgillborn@gmail.com
Details of the society, club nights and membership are available from
Andrew Gillborn andrewgillborn@gmail.com – roystonphotographicsociety.co.uk | FB
