Bristol's Photography Opportunities For The Amateur To The Professional.
Posted on: 06 Oct 2017Bristol's Photography Opportunities For The Amateur To The Professional.
From Bristol’s beautiful scenery to its urban landscapes, it's a hive for photographers whether professional or enthusiasts. I’ve been digging down in to the depths to find photography groups that offer the best experiences located in Bristol. There are many opportunities to go out with a camera by yourself and snap some beautiful shots, whether it be of Clifton Suspension Bridge at sunrise or Stokes Croft in the evening, you will always have the opportunity for interesting and attractive photographs.
I have come across a few societies and clubs in Bristol that host various opportunities to help you learn how to become a better photographer, such as the Reflex Camera Club, Bristol Photographic Group and The Bristol Photographic Society. To weigh up the options, I have looked at what they offer, expenses and how it would better benefit the average person looking to become a photographer.
Starting with the Reflex Camera Club which is based near the Centre, in St. Anne's. This club provides opportunities such as practical photography sessions, guest speakers and organised trips. This club also aims to invite all abilities to join and take part in these activities. Members also have access to equipment that they can loan out which is handy for people that can’t afford all the expensive equipment. So students, if the equipment isn't available at university, loan it out here! Annual subscriptions cost £45 plus a fee of £1 at the door for every event you attend.
For more information, please click here.
Bristol Photography Group, a more recent group, started up in 2010 mainly aimed at amateur photographers.
‘It is for people who are interested in taking up photography, novice photographers who want to learn more, avid photographers and anyone in between’
This is for people that want to get involved in doing something they love with like-minded people to gain skills and knowledge. As far as I know, they do not have a regular place in which they hold events and meetings, instead they arrange socials on location; this way of learning can help any level photographer. BPG would be ideal for students that want some more insight and influence from other like-minded people without spending the money!
You can find out more about them, here.
Lastly, I have managed to get in contact with the Bristol Photographic Society who are one of the oldest photographic societies in Bristol. They offer a healthy variety of programmes such as annual photography courses, outings, competitions and specialist groups. Boasting studio facilities and a library, this has definitely stood out from the others. Focusing on all abilities, they also welcome everyone.
“The Bristol Photographic Society has been in existence for well over 100 years, and meets in purpose built premises in Montpelier on a Wednesday evening every week. We have a variety of speakers on different aspects of photography and members’ competitions for both prints and projected images.”- John Hudson, BPS
Annual subscriptions are a bit more dear at £60 with discounted prices for students and additional spouse memberships so this is ideal for people that are more serious about photography.
For more information on memberships, please click here.
I hope this has been somewhat helpful for people who are either new to the city or are interested in photography. Understanding that to travel around with a group of like-minded individuals, old and young, you begin to get creative and challenge yourself. and by working with others, you will not only improve your knowledge but also your creativity. Taking this further, to really know whats best for you as a photographer you must be able to experiment with opportunities available to you and different groups to know which best suits your photography needs.
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Milly is a second year student studying Photography at UWE in Bristol. She's a passionate fashion photographer and blogger; to find out a bit more about her interests, take a look at her photography blog at millyhastingsphotography.weebly.com.
