Commit to a new hobby with Melton Mowbray Photographic Society

This year the society enters its 69th year with a strong and growing membership of over 60 keen amateur photographers ranging from 16-years- old upwards.

The society aims to promote enjoyment, advancement and inclusion in photography and meets every Friday evening from September 2 until the end of April, at 7.15pm, at the Samworth Centre.

As a relatively new member myself, I have found the society a very friendly, welcoming group of people who are very happy to share their expertise as well as encouraging new members to take part in competitions and events.

Whether you’re a complete beginner, keen improver or experienced enthusiast, you’ll find a great deal at our society for you.

The society embraces the full spectrum of subject matter, but with a real emphasis on education, quality speakers and encouraging participation from everyone.

The programme for this year includes a varied set of external speakers, competitions and members evenings with plenty of opportunities to use your camera.

Two years ago we introduced an intermediate as well as an advanced category for our competitions.

The aim was to encourage new members to take part and get the opportunity to receive feedback on their photography without being intimidated by being up against the more experienced photographers.

This has proved to be very successful and on a few occasions our external judges have said that the intermediate images would have given the advanced group a run for their money. We already have a number of people that have moved from the intermediate group into the advanced one.

Our external speakers also provide an opportunity to learn and advance our skills. This year we have speakers covering wildlife, smart phone photography, photo restoration and landscape photography to name just a few.

We also have some fun along the way with a Christmas quiz evening and a fun competition called ‘Follow that.’ This year we are also looking to arrange a couple of Saturday workshops that will give us the opportunity for some hands-on learning.

If anyone is interested in coming along and joining us, feel free to come along to one our meetings including the first meeting on September 2 where we will introduce the programme for the year. New joiners are able to take advantage of a special offer of first year membership for just £24, which is great value at less than £1 per meeting.

l Visit www.meltonphotographic.co.uk or search Melton Mowbray Photographic Society on Facebook.

l The Melton Times is encouraging budding photographers throughout the borough to send in their photos which will featured in future editions. If you have a stunning image you would like to share with other Melton Times readers please send it (as a JPEG) with some details of where and when it was taken, plus why you like the picture so much, and send it to [email protected]