Starting a new photographic society or camera club requires clear objectives, organizational skills, and a lot of time and effort. However, if you cannot find an existing organization that suits you, or which satisfies particular requirements, starting a new one may be a solution.

Before doing anything, sit down and make some plans. Take time to clarify your objectives and improve the plans to a point where you feel you can explain and justify the ideas to others. Try to answer questions such as:

• What are you trying to achieve with a new club?
• How would a new club differ from those already established?
• Where would the club be centred, and from what area would members be accepted?
• Would a new club cater for beginners, experienced amateurs or all photographers?
• Where would a new club meet? - accommodation can be a problem.
• Do you know of like-minded people willing to support the establishment of a new club?