Where to find camera clubs

[chenya]

I have done a search trying to find local camera/photography clubs and can not find any that are close to me. What is the best way to find some? I am looking for one in the Mattoon/Charleston Illinois area. Any help or suggestions would be appreciated.

[bob_r]

Try using this link: http://www.meetup.com/

I found our local camera club through that site.

[Bonish Photo]

Another way to put it out there is to go on your local Craig's List and type in something like "I'm interested in Photography and would love to start a camera club in .....(your area). If interested, please email me so we can start talking about times to meet and days to go out."

Something of that nature might entice some local photographers to give you a call.

If you have a local camera shop, that would probably be the best place to start. Another thought might be to check out the local community colleges, the high schools or adult education programs and hang up a flyer stating that you'd be interested in finding like minded adults who would be interested in talking shop.

I know my family and I used to be really into indoor rock climbing to keep us fit during the cold winter months in Michigan, and the local rock climbing gyms would have message boards that would be filled with notes looking for climbing partners so a single climber could have someone to belay them while climbing

Good luck. And dont disregaurd any of the Forums. I'm not sure if we have any members on OP who are from your area, but check out POTN (Canon's Forum) or Fred Miranda and put a message that you're looking for people from your area.

I see groups setting up big meet and greets all the time on POTN

[chenya]

OK thanks. I will try that. I found several but they are all a good 1 1/2 - 2 hrs one way. Not exactly a good distance when they meet during the week.

[bob_r]

Pat's idea about Craig's list is a great idea. We posted a link to our local web site on the "photo/video" section of CL and had a lot of new members sign up.

[gdietzman]

If there are photo stores in your area, you might want to check with their sales people. Also try asking local wedding/portrait photographers as they should be linked into the photographic community.

[chenya]

Thanks for your suggestions. I have had a ad on craigs list for almost a month now. Guess living in the middle of a corn field doesn't help. I tried meetup but there wasn't anything close on there either. My next option is to try some of the colleges in the area. Anyone gone that route before?