What we do

We are a large but friendly Club that welcomes all photographers, whatever their interests and level of experience. Our aim is to encourage every member to develop his or her full photographic potential though our activities, in terms of both art and technique. Despite our name, we rarely talk about cameras – it's the photograph that count! Members' interests cover all photographic genres, from landscape and nature to photojournalism and contemporary photography, using both film and digital cameras. The Club also has an active social life.

The BHCC meets on Tuesday evenings (7.30–9.45 pm) between September and May, as well as additional sessions on some Thursdays: this is our 'winter season'. Our programme includes talks, workshops and competitions – all aimed at improving your photography. If you are already more experienced, perhaps wishing to gain a Royal Photographic Society qualification, we have Club members willing to offer support and advice. We hold occasional events and outings during the summer.

Club members are divided into two groups. The A Group is for experienced photographers who are also familiar with how the Club works. New members, regardless of their photographic skills, are encouraged to join the B (or Entry) Group. The Entry Group aims to develop your photographic skills and familiarise you with the Club, and lets you meet and get to know other members – many of whom will be new to the Club like yourself. The Entry Group has members with widely different levels of photographic ability, from beginners through to people with a lot of experience but who do not want to move to the A Group. For many new members, the Entry Group will be their first opportunity of being able to comment on others’ work and having their own work discussed – but you don’t have to show your photographs until you feel ready to do so. These sessions are friendly and supportive. Members of both groups go to the Tuesday meetings; some of the Thursday sessions are specifically for Entry Group members.

Entry Group members join the A Group when they are familiar with how the Club operates and their photographic ability has reached a good standard. We suggest that new members stay in the Entry Group for at least their first year. However, you can promote yourself to the A Group at any time.

We encourage members to enter images on competition evenings, to have their work assessed by expert commentators from both outside and within the Club. Each photograph is critiqued on its own merits and is not compared with other entries: to develop our skills, we need friendly, constructive feedback about the images we create – which the Club aims to provide. Members are also encouraged to submit entries to external competions and exhibitions – as well as to our regular exhibitions, held in public venues.

Owing to our high profile we are able to attract visiting speakers from around the country to give illustrated talks on all aspects of photography. Speakers have included Magnum photographer Mark Power and Presidents of the Royal Photographic Society.

You will rapidly see an improvement in your photography after joining us!

Download an introductory booklet

This booklet explains in more detail the aims of the Club, how it works and what you can expect when you join.

Joining the Club

Try us out

We invite you to select up to two events from our programme and come along and sample these evenings free of charge. New members are very important to us, and you will find a warm welcome. You do not need to email us in advance of your first visit – just come along and surprise us!

Membership rates

Current annual rates (2011–2012 season) are: £47.00 single, £79.50 couples, £18.00 full-time students, and a very good deal for young members under 18 years of £5. The subscription year is September to August. Renewals are due by 1 September. We offer really good value!

To view and print a membership application form just click here.

Young persons

The Club will accept membership applications from young people as long as they have attained the age of 16 years. Applications from prospective young members who are under 18 years of age on 1 September in the current Club year must be countersigned by their parent or guardian. Once enrolled, the young member must be accompanied by an appropriate adult and remain under their direct supervision during all Club meetings and activities until they attain the age of 18 years.