CLUB INFORMATION
Q. Where and when does the club meet?
A. The club holds General Membership Meetings once a month at the Manatee Technical College Main Campus, 6305 FL-70, Bradenton, Florida. We meet on the first Monday of the month. When the first Monday is a holiday, we typically meet the following Wednesday. Members are welcome to come to the meeting early to chat and look over the upcoming events. The General Membership Meetings start promptly at 6:30pm. Pre-meeting events may also be available. Check the calendar for more information.
Q. What does is cost to me a member?
A. Membership dues are $55 for a single membership or $75 for a couple’s membership.
Q. Do you offer a part-time resident discount
A. No, we do not offer a discount for part-time residents. We offer many online user groups and other online sessions that are available from any location with an internet connection.
Q. How and when do I renew my membership?
A. All memberships renewed annually based on when you joined. You can renew online and pay by credit card. If you want to send in your renewal, you can remit by check to LWRDPC, P.O. Box 110273, Lakewood Ranch, FL 34211 or you can pay by check or cash at any meeting.
Q. What are the dues used for?
A. We are a non-profit organization and there are no paid officers. Everyone gives their time voluntarily for the good of the club. Membership dues are used for prizes, club equipment such as computers and software that is used during our club training sessions, printing handouts, promotional materials, rental fees for special club meetings, club associations dues and club liability insurance.
Q. Do I have to be a member to attend a meeting?
A. Non-members are allowed to attend one Monthly Membership Meeting at no cost. After that, a guest must become a member to attend additional meetings and enjoy other member benefits.
Q. How do I join?
A. Please join via our website. Simply click JOIN US at the top of this page and follow the instructions.
Q. Do I have to live in Lakewood Ranch to be a member?
A. No, you do not have to live in Lakewood Ranch to become a member. Although, most of our members do live in Lakewood Ranch, we also have members from throughout the Suncoast area and beyond.
Q. What kind of equipment do I need?
A. Any camera will do to start and you will get expert advice when you are ready to upgrade. Members have all types and brands of cameras and mobile phones. You are sure to find someone else who shares your brand of equipment. Members use both PCs and MAC computers for image processing and management, and a variety of editing software. The club provides training in Photoshop and Lightroom.
Q. Do I have to be an experienced photographer to join?
A. No, you do not have to be an experienced photographer to be a part of our club. We welcome all levels of experience as our membership ranges from beginner to professional photographers.
Q. Is this a digital only club?
A. While we are called a digital camera club, any method of capture can be used including digital, film and video. You will find our skills building to be mainly focused around tools and processes in the digital arena.
Q. What do you do at meetings?
A. Our meetings typically include announcements about what things are going on in the area that would be of interest to our members, recognition of member accomplishments, announcements about upcoming field trips or other club activities, and a presentation from a guest speaker that covers a topic that is sure to interest our guests and members. After our ‘Share Your Work’ segment we have a break to allow members to spend time meeting other members.
Q. How do I volunteer to help the club or get on a club committee?
A. Please help out if you can. Simply speak with any board member or sign up here.
Q. How do I get a link to my website or blog added to the Directory section of the webpage?
A. You can update this information in your member profile via the Website field.
FIELD TRIPS
Q. What can I expect from club field trips?
A. We host 1–2 group outings each month, along with quarterly, month-long "on-your-own" field trips to keep you inspired no matter where you are. They’re a great hands-on way to practice techniques from our guest speakers and Foto Focus sessions, explore new locations, or capture entries for our 'Digital Image of the Month' contest.
Q. Is there a fee to participate in a club field trip?
A. Club participation is 100% free. Members simply cover their own individual costs, such as site admission or a bite to eat when we grab a group meal.
Q. Why do I have to sign a liability release form to participate in a club field trip?
A. Our insurance policy keeps both our members and board covered. Because of this, every participant must review and agree to our liability release before joining any activity. You’ll find this quick step in your profile when joining. Liability notice: Please join field trips at your own risk. The Lakewood Ranch Digital Photography Club is not liable for any injury or damage resulting from participation in an event.
Q. Can I bring a guest or family member on a field trip?
A. Outings are reserved strictly for members to satisfy our event guidelines—guests and family members are not able to attend. However, you can add your spouse anytime to your membership at a discounted rate!
Q. I’m new to photography. Will someone be available to help me?
A. Yes! We’ll pair you with a member who uses the same camera system so you can get familiar with your settings and feel confident shooting out in the field.
