New Members - FAQ
1. Why join Leicester Forest Photographic Society?
For over 55 years Leicester Forest Photographic Society has been a place where photographers can socially meet and share their passion for photography. Help is available to develop the photography of all members, no matter what level, through talks, competitions, studio group and members support evenings.
2. Where does the club meet?
Normal meetings take place at the Braunstone Civic Centre in Leicester, with some meetings in January and during summer on Zoom.
3. When does the club meet?
The main club night is on Thursday evenings, mostly for talks and competitions. We also meet on Monday evenings for members' support and the studio group. The main programme runs from September to May but we have monthly events from June to August.
4. How can I become a Member? / How much does it cost?
Go to Membership for details of membership, how to register and subscription fee.
5. Can I see what the club is like before I join?
You are welcome to attend two events free of charge. Use the Contact Us form at the top right to let us know and we will contact you to arrange for you to attend.
6. Does the club have an active Facebook Page?
The club has a lively Facebook page. You can share images, ask for feedback, photographic advice, join in the weekly challenge and more. Full or Associate membership of LFPS is not required to join the Facebook page, which currently has over 200 members. https://www.facebook.com/groups/LeicesterForestPS
7. Will joining the club help progress my photography?
We encourage all members, no matter what level, to develop their photography. Members support evenings are where we meet to discuss camera techniques, editing in software and photographic composition. Advice is always on hand from the experienced photographers in the club. Competitions, for some, are a good motivation for development, and there are opportunities to enter competitions at club, regional, national and international level.
8. Do you have a beginner’s section?
Each year new members join our club. We have members' support evenings to support members with a range of experience. Senior members are always happy to answer questions either directly or through Facebook. In addition, many of the competitions are grouped by experience.
9. I’ve looked at the gallery and I don’t think I’m good enough to come to the club.
As you might expect, the gallery is the club’s showcase, and comprises members best work. Some of these photographers have decades of experience. We all have to start somewhere and there is room for everyone to feel comfortable with their photographic work. Generally, we find people progress quickly, with many producing excellent images after two to three years membership.
10. Do I need a high-end camera to join the club?
Absolutely not! Within the club, members have a wide range of equipment, from basic, (including mobile devices), to advanced.
11. I already know about photography, so is it worth joining?
The club has a number of nationally and internationally recognised photographers who can help you to take your photography to the next level. Through the club’s membership of the Photographic Alliance of Great Britain (PAGB), you will have the opportunity to have your work formally recognised. There are also opportunities to participate in regional and national competitions.
12. Can I gain recognition for my photographic work?
There are a number of organisations where individuals can apply to have their work formally recognised at different levels. There are quite a few members who have already gained these awards and will be able to advise and guide you through the processes. Members have awards from RPS, PAGB, FIAP and BPE.
13. What do the guest speakers talk about?
Due to the size of the club we are able to invite some of the best photographers and speakers from around the UK. Many not only show their fantastic images but also share their stories and techniques on how the images were created. We always endeavour to produce a fresh and varied programme each year, which is published on our web site.
14. How do competitions work?
The club holds regular competitions throughout the season. Typically, there are two each month, which are normally judged by an experienced invited judge from another club. Many of the competitions are grouped by ability and experience. Some competitions are open, with others having a set theme. See the club programme for the available competitions. The club also enters regional and national competitions. Some members choose to enter national and international competitions independently.
15. Will I be required to enter competitions?
There is no requirement for any member of the club to enter the competitions. Some members come along purely to enjoy the show of a set of great images in a competition.
16. Does the club have a studio?
For those members interested in studio photography the club owns a great deal of studio equipment which is set up in the main hall at the Braunstone Civic Centre, once per month, for a studio evening. There is enough space to have two or three setups, so that each photographer has plenty of shooting time. The range of models is varied so that all styles can be practised. Professional models are often used and members attending are required to share the modest cost.
Go to Membership for details of membership, how to register and subscription fee.
For over 55 years Leicester Forest Photographic Society has been a place where photographers can socially meet and share their passion for photography. Help is available to develop the photography of all members, no matter what level, through talks, competitions, studio group and members support evenings.
2. Where does the club meet?
Normal meetings take place at the Braunstone Civic Centre in Leicester, with some meetings in January and during summer on Zoom.
3. When does the club meet?
The main club night is on Thursday evenings, mostly for talks and competitions. We also meet on Monday evenings for members' support and the studio group. The main programme runs from September to May but we have monthly events from June to August.
4. How can I become a Member? / How much does it cost?
Go to Membership for details of membership, how to register and subscription fee.
5. Can I see what the club is like before I join?
You are welcome to attend two events free of charge. Use the Contact Us form at the top right to let us know and we will contact you to arrange for you to attend.
6. Does the club have an active Facebook Page?
The club has a lively Facebook page. You can share images, ask for feedback, photographic advice, join in the weekly challenge and more. Full or Associate membership of LFPS is not required to join the Facebook page, which currently has over 200 members. https://www.facebook.com/groups/LeicesterForestPS
7. Will joining the club help progress my photography?
We encourage all members, no matter what level, to develop their photography. Members support evenings are where we meet to discuss camera techniques, editing in software and photographic composition. Advice is always on hand from the experienced photographers in the club. Competitions, for some, are a good motivation for development, and there are opportunities to enter competitions at club, regional, national and international level.
8. Do you have a beginner’s section?
Each year new members join our club. We have members' support evenings to support members with a range of experience. Senior members are always happy to answer questions either directly or through Facebook. In addition, many of the competitions are grouped by experience.
9. I’ve looked at the gallery and I don’t think I’m good enough to come to the club.
As you might expect, the gallery is the club’s showcase, and comprises members best work. Some of these photographers have decades of experience. We all have to start somewhere and there is room for everyone to feel comfortable with their photographic work. Generally, we find people progress quickly, with many producing excellent images after two to three years membership.
10. Do I need a high-end camera to join the club?
Absolutely not! Within the club, members have a wide range of equipment, from basic, (including mobile devices), to advanced.
11. I already know about photography, so is it worth joining?
The club has a number of nationally and internationally recognised photographers who can help you to take your photography to the next level. Through the club’s membership of the Photographic Alliance of Great Britain (PAGB), you will have the opportunity to have your work formally recognised. There are also opportunities to participate in regional and national competitions.
12. Can I gain recognition for my photographic work?
There are a number of organisations where individuals can apply to have their work formally recognised at different levels. There are quite a few members who have already gained these awards and will be able to advise and guide you through the processes. Members have awards from RPS, PAGB, FIAP and BPE.
13. What do the guest speakers talk about?
Due to the size of the club we are able to invite some of the best photographers and speakers from around the UK. Many not only show their fantastic images but also share their stories and techniques on how the images were created. We always endeavour to produce a fresh and varied programme each year, which is published on our web site.
14. How do competitions work?
The club holds regular competitions throughout the season. Typically, there are two each month, which are normally judged by an experienced invited judge from another club. Many of the competitions are grouped by ability and experience. Some competitions are open, with others having a set theme. See the club programme for the available competitions. The club also enters regional and national competitions. Some members choose to enter national and international competitions independently.
15. Will I be required to enter competitions?
There is no requirement for any member of the club to enter the competitions. Some members come along purely to enjoy the show of a set of great images in a competition.
16. Does the club have a studio?
For those members interested in studio photography the club owns a great deal of studio equipment which is set up in the main hall at the Braunstone Civic Centre, once per month, for a studio evening. There is enough space to have two or three setups, so that each photographer has plenty of shooting time. The range of models is varied so that all styles can be practised. Professional models are often used and members attending are required to share the modest cost.
Go to Membership for details of membership, how to register and subscription fee.
