How can I join?

Penrith and District Camera Club membership is open to anyone who lives within a reasonable distance of Penrith and can attend meetings on a regular basis.  If you are thinking of joining just come along to one of our meetings and introduce yourself (though we always keep a lookout for new faces). You are welcome to give us a try for a few weeks before joining (only £3 per visit). At our weekly winter meetings September to April and monthly during the summer see programme page on the website for details. The membership fee is £30 for a full year.

I am an experienced amateur photographer, used to darkroom work and more recently to using and computer processing from an advanced digital SLR camera. What does the Club offer me?

There are a number of members whose photographic career has developed similarly. We all enjoy the Club activities and learn continuously from others in a rapidly-moving scenario. We can attract able photographers to address us, sharing their work and experience. The Club has six approved NCPF judges among its membership, who between them offer much.

I am not able to come every week. Is it still worth joining?

Each evening's event stands more or less on its own, and there is no reason why you should not be selective. Guests and visitors are always welcome, and a small non-member fee covers each evening. If you come more frequently you'll want to join!

I am not enthusiastic about competitions, so what else does the Club offer?

There are informal project groups which cover everything that is (a) photographic and (b) a project. Literally anything goes for more imaginative photographers wanting to pursue their 'own thing' in a relaxed atmosphere with suggestions and help from colleagues.

Currently there are keen groups working on photographic distinctions, audio-visual programmes on an extensive range of subjects, novel ways of presenting images including albums, cards, etc, and photojournalism projects on historic Penrith as well as the projected New Squares retail development (currently suspended but seeking new financial backers).

There are also exhibitions of members' work including an Annual Exhibition staged in Penrith Library. It is planned to develop a more ambitious event where members can show and sell their work.

I don't know anything about digital photography, nor do I have a computer. What can I do in this digital world?

Club members run public workshops entitled 'Introducting Digital Photography' and articles written for the 'Herald' local newspaper called 'Beginner's Guide to Digital Photography'. These are designed to help true beginners. Recent beginners are now participating fully in all Club activities. The Club has a comprehensive range of digital equipment accessible to members (see 'About us') to give people skills and experience.

I find the whole idea of competing with expert entrants to competitions extremely daunting. What is there for me?

We have two print classes, one called 'Club' and the other 'Advanced' for experienced photographers. Beginners have started in Club and progressed quickly. You can start in Club and progress by winning to Advanced, in which any member may compete. Our competition rules are reviewed annually to ensure there is a chance for everyone, rather than a few winning everything. There is no need to enter competitions if you don't want to, and you can enter projected digital images as well as prints.

I have a compact camera and have only taken pictures of family and holidays. Is this not way below what a club expects?

Our club has members of all standards and there is always someone to help and advise. Some joined us as total beginners and were fully participating within weeks. People make good pictures, not expensive cameras!

I have seen the large mounted prints submitted for competitions, and this is way beyond me, so what could I do?

There is no need to produce large prints, nor to print one's own digitally. Prints can be made commercially or by a friend. Mounting is not difficult, and we stage demonstrations of the techniques.

Will I be welcomed if I should join, knowing how clubs often ignore newcomers?

The Club is informal, and everyone goes out of their way to befriend newcomers, and all are more than willing to share their knowledge and level of skills. Members arrange one-to-one sessions to help any member get up to speed or overcome particular problems.