ABout The APG

In the APG, it doesn’t matter whether you are a complete beginner or more experienced, we just want you to get involved in what we do. For beginners, we want you to ask lots of questions, because it’s the only way to learn. If you are more experienced, we ask you to share your learning and help those who have only just started out on their photographic journey. Together we can help each other to learn how to use our cameras, learn about post processing and most importantly, learn how to see photographically and make better pictures.

What do we do?

We offer a wide range of different activities for our members, but we draw the line at anything competitive. We firmly believe that photography is an art, not a sport, and the only person you need to compete with is yourself. So everything we do is geared towards helping you become a better photographer. We hold regular fortnightly meetings, training sessions (online) and a programme of outings and workshops. We launched a mentoring programme in 2021 to give members access on a one-to-one basis to the more experienced photographers in the group in order to tap into their knowledge.

Is the APG for you?

If you enjoy competitions, then you might want to look elsewhere, but if you want to improve your photography then read on. Everybody has to start at the bottom in photography and although they say it takes 10,000 hours to become an expert, we believe you can start making images to be proud of much sooner. We welcome photographic newcomers and we also hold out a warm welcome to the more experienced photographers. If you are new to photography, don't be put off by the images you see in this website; who would you prefer to learn from: another newcomer, or someone with bags of experience? We are happy to share our knowledge and we want to see you improve, so don't worry that your images are not up to scratch at the moment; that's why the APG could be just the solution for you.

What does it all cost?

You can come along to two of our meetings free of charge to see what we do before you decide to join the group.

If you decide to join the annual membership of the APG is £50.00 and if you join after 30th June, we reduce the membership fee for the remainder of the year to £25.00.

The Annual Membership Fee entitles you to come to all of our face to face meetings, our online sessions (Monday Livestream and Talking Pictures) and outings.

Our workshops and training sessions are not covered by your membership fee, but we make sure to keep our prices low to encourage you to join us.

FAQs

Do I need to bring a camera with me?

If you have any questions regarding your specific camera, then yes, please bring it along with you for advice. On normal evening sessions you will not need your camera unless specifically stated. We do hold portrait sessions, technical sessions, photographic walks and outings where your cameras will be required. You will be informed ahead of time if they are.

What type of camera do I need?

Any! We are dedicated to helping people improve their photography no matter what camera they decide to use. We have members who use film cameras but in the main digital imaging has taken over. Phone camera, point and shoot or top end professional cameras; they can all take a good image in the right hands. We very much welcome newcomers to photography, even if they have not yet purchased their camera.

How can I keep up to date with the group's activities?

All the group's activities are shown in the 'Latest News' section on our Home page and in the Programme page on this website. Additionally, you can join our Facebook page; this is a closed group that is only open to paid up members. There you can share your images with other members and take part in our regular Photo Challenges.