St Andrews Photographic Society is a vibrant and active photographic club with many members living in St Andrews and the Northeast of Fife, as well as further afield.
The Society normally meets on Wednesday evenings, from late September until the end of March at 7:30 p.m. in the Art Club rooms (Argyle Street, St Andrews, KY16 9BP), located behind the West Port Printers.
The club welcomes photographers of all abilities, and includes beginners as well as some members who have many years experience. Several members of our group exhibit their work and have won awards locally, nationally and internationally. We take pride in being a friendly and welcoming group and we are very pleased to welcome new members, irrespective of their photographic experience.
Activities at meetings include:
Guest speakers talking on various aspects of photography, usually with a presentation of projected images or prints, and sometimes with an audio-visual presentation. Occasionally speakers will give demonstrations of photographic methods and techniques, both traditional and digital.
Competitions for prints and projected images, both within the Society and with other clubs, including:
- Internal Competitions. All members are eligible to enter the Internal Competitions but entry is optional and no one should feel under any pressure to enter. Inexperienced members may elect to be judged in the “beginners” class. Trophies are awarded annually to the overall winners of the Society competitions.
- External Competitions against other clubs. A selection panel decides the Society entries to these competitions and normally consists of the President, Vice-President and the Competition Secretaries.
- National and International Competitions. Details of these are announced by the External Competition Secretary.
- Image Critiques. These are opportunities for members to bring their images (prints or projected images), for discussion and informal comment by other members. Such meetings are normally led by one or more experienced members.
- Workshops: The Society occasionally arranges workshops and demonstrations of specific skills covering topics such as basics of photography, print mounting, studio work, digital imaging and other requested subjects. These evenings may also include short presentations by individual members.
- Displays of successful entries from national and international competitions.
External Photographic Events: Field trips and outings to places of photographic interest are organized, usually between May and August. Suggestions from members for places to visit are always welcome.
Tuition: Since the regular meetings do not usually allow much time for tuition, separate workshops on specific topics are arranged from time to time, usually at a different venue. New members are encouraged to participate and to suggest topics that meet their needs and interests.
Expert Advice: Among the Society’s membership are experienced photographers having knowledge on many photographic topics. These include the taking of photographs in varying conditions, composition, the use of different cameras and lenses and modern digital techniques. Members seeking guidance on any aspect of photographic skills, the attaining of photographic honours, or the type of equipment to buy should initially approach a committee member for advice on whom to consult.
Annual Exhibition: Each autumn or spring, venue permitting, the Society organises a public exhibition of members’ prints.
Annual General Meeting: Held at the last meeting of the season at the end of March, to review the Society’s progress and financial accounts, elect the Committee, appoint an Independent Examiner for the accounts and deal with issues raised by members. The AGM is followed by the annual prize-giving when the winners in the Society’s competitions receive their trophies.