Why Choose the Orlando Camera Club? (Benefits)
The Orlando Camera Club (OCC) has several options to grow your photography and be an active part of the club. Be forewarned, you may experience more than just photographic growth; you will be inspired and will make some wonderful friends along the way!
Meetings: Regular meetings are held every 2nd and 4th Monday of the month, except May and December where we only have one meeting on the 2nd Monday. The 2nd meeting in September is dedicated to our Annual meeting and banquet. Programs may include world class speakers, educators, workshops, exhibits, and more. Program announcements are made at the start of every meeting, posted in our Facebook group, listed on our website events calendar, and sent via email to give you plenty of opportunities to stay up to date. The 1st Monday of the month is dedicated to our Special Interest Groups (SIGs).
In-Person: In-person meetings are held on the 2nd Monday of every month and where possible we may open a zoom connection for those unable to make the drive to 99 E Marks str. Orlando FL
Zoom: We have been spoiled with outstanding global speakers and thus are now meeting on Zoom on the 4th Monday of the month. To ensure that our Zoom meetings run smoothly, members pre- register for each meeting and receive a log in email. Please make sure you register several days in advance to allow ample time for the email delivery of your link. You will also receive a reminder email with your meeting Log in information a few hours prior to the meeting. If you are unfamiliar with the zoom platform or need assistance, please reach out to any of our board members. We will gladly arrange a time to familiarize you with zoom outside of regular meeting times. You can find the zoom link in our newsletter and on our Facebook events.
Newsletters: Another way to stay up to date is via our electronic newsletter that is published at the beginning of every month and can be accessed right from your inbox. It is also posted on our website’s “About Us” page. To join the newsletter, on the left-hand side of the website you will see “Club Newsletter”. Simply enter your email address in the Email box and click on the GREEN subscribe button.
Competitions: Competition Night is a series of three competitions; Color, Monochrome and Creative. The Color category is split into two groups: Beginner and Advanced. A panel of qualified judges score and critique images submitted. During competition night, each image is presented with its score and live feedback from the judges. Themed competitions are held on even months (Feb, Apr, Jun etc.), with February and August having Open themes. Submissions are expected to be true to the theme and follow the competition rules. The competitions are a great way to improve as a photographer.
Informal Challenges: These are themed challenges to encourage shooting and experimenting with genres and techniques. They run bi-monthly in odd months (Jan, Mar, May etc.). Submissions are open from 1st -14th and member voting runs from 15th through the 22nd.
Special Interest Groups (SIGs): Smaller groups based on a shared interest within photography meet every first Monday of the month. The purpose of these zoom meetings is to discuss selected areas of interest, share ideas, ask questions, and collaborate with peers. These groups have facilitators, but true success is based on member involvement. Groups may change per member request and may include such topics as: landscape, nature, abstract, people, and post-processing. Each group may choose to have additional informal meetups and shoot-outs.
Social Media: Join our Facebook page where we share images and information. We also have a group on Flickr, YouTube channel and tag us on Instagram.
- Facebook – search orlandocameraclub or go to https://www.facebook.com/groups/orlandocameraclub
- Instagram – you can follow @Orlando_camera_club and tag photos you post with #OrlandoCameraClub
- Flickr – Search for group Orlando Camera Club and join or go to https://www.flickr.com/groups/orlandocameraclub/
- YouTube – Search for Orlando Camera Club or go to https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCQg40iCWOMlYVj1wjOhjgyQ
Field trips (shoot-outs): Be on the lookout for emails and Facebook events that share the details of these fun opportunities to socialize and photograph different locations and/or events. Fields trips tend to be half to full day long events to local places to shoot a variety of subjects. Depending on location, some may have additional fees associated. Members are responsible for their own transportation, food, lodging, and expenses.
Volunteer opportunities: Our members are called upon multiple times throughout the year to volunteer at local charitable events. These are wonderful community outreach opportunities and a great way to practice your people and event photography skills. Active OCC members can contact our Community Services director to find out more about which opportunities are available and how to become a volunteer with this group.
Library and resources: We have many resources available in our Member Area of the website. When we meet in person, we also have a well-stocked library and members are encouraged to “check out” books. Library services are only available at in-person meetings.
F3C: As a member of our club, you are automatically a part of the larger coalition of camera clubs in Florida called the Florida Camera Club Council, or the F3C. You will have access to their bounty of resources and may enter any of their digital or print competitions. They also host an annual conference at an additional charge. Visit their website at https://f3c.org/
Board meetings: The OCC board convenes every 3rd Monday of the month via Zoom, except during September and December. Members are always welcome to attend and can contact the Board President for the meeting link. If you are looking to get more involved with the club, consider volunteering on the board!
If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact any of our board members found on the “Contact Us” page under the “About Us” menu.