Kingston Camera Club (KCC) will be starting its new season on Monday 2 September, and it's looking for new members.

A feast of interesting talks has been planned for KCC's new season programme, consisting of excellent speakers and a chance to show your work in club print and digitally projected image (PDI) competitions and participate in members' evenings.   

Rather than "snap and forget" your photos, KCC welcomes you to join a bunch of friendly club members who have discovered or rediscovered the enjoyment of all aspects of photography.

The first speaker at the opening will be Mike Farley, who will be giving a talk 'On Photography'. 

Farley will speak about why members take photos and how their images are perceived by others.  

It will be a very self-reflective and personal talk, and the hope is that attendees will become better photographers if they think a bit more about the 'why' rather than the 'how'.

Other speakers in September include Annie Healey on 'nature' photography on 16 September, and Viveca Koh, who specialises in fine art urban photographs on 9 September.

Bonnets by Annie Healey

New members who joined last year say how much they enjoy learning useful tips that improve their pictures while being in a social environment with people with similar interests.  

One new member said: "Having an independent judge constructively comment on my images has helped me think more critically about my work.

"This feedback has encouraged me to focus on improving my skills and shifted my mindset from merely "taking a snap" to "creating an image."

The member continued: "What has made my experience even more rewarding is the supportive and friendly nature of Kingston Camera Club members.

"They express genuine interest in images shown in competitions and offer encouragement.

"The sense of community and shared passion for photography has been motivating and enriching. I will be renewing my membership next season."

Wall by Viveka Koh

KCC meets in term time on Monday evenings 7:30pm for 8:00 pm start until 10pm at St Andrew's Church Hall, Church Road.

Meetings are held on the boarder of Richmond so locals are welcome the group say.

It will be holding an exhibition in All Saints Church from starting Tuesday 1 October to Sunday 13 October. 

The exhibition will be open daily from 10am and 4pm, entry is free.

Visitors can chat with members stewarding the exhibition and have a chance to win a print of their favourite image chosen from the prints on display.

The club founded in 1893 has several Special Interest Groups where members concentrate on a particular genre of photography.

It holds ten "monthly" competitions (five for prints and five for projected digital images), which give members the opportunity to display their work at the club, receive constructive criticism from an outside expert, and accumulate points towards awards made at the end of the season.

Find out more on the KCC website.