Frequently Asked Questions
It’s the photographer who makes a picture great, not an expensive camera!
Who do I ask if I have a question?
Start with these FAQ’s and the other “Learn More” pages on this website. Feel free to send an e-mail to the Organizer or any Assistant Organizers. Ask the Organizer or an Assistant Organizer at a Meetup. Ask another member.
Equipment
Do I need to have an expensive SLR camera to be a club member or to take good pictures?
No. Many members start off using simple point-and-shoot cameras. Some members continue to use these cameras and never purchase an SLR or DSLR. Some members come to the meetings to learn what camera would be best to purchase.
I shoot film, are there members that also use film who can help me or will I feel out of place?
Our members shoot in all different formats, including film and digital. In addition, our cameras run the gamut from point-and-shoot to 35 mm to medium format, black and white to color to slide, and everything else in between.
Do I need to know how to use my equipment?
Not at all, although we can’t promise that we’ll know how to use it either. Reading your manual, and bringing it with you to Meetups, would be beneficial.
Membership
How can I apply for membership?
First you must join Meetup.com (it's free!). Then you visit the SKCAS Meetup homepage and click “Join Us.” Complete your profile, including profile questions, and then your membership request will be sent to the Organizer for approval.
What can I expect from my membership?
Our meetups are full of information. We focus on different topics and discussions each Meetup, we provide support for almost any direction in photography and the encouragement and motivation to set a plan, achieve your goal and follow your path.
What if I’m a little shy?
Don’t worry, you aren’t the only one. But we’re a very welcoming group, and if you’ll just give us the opportunity, our members will go out of their way to introduce themselves and welcome you. We’re a very friendly, laid-back group. The more advanced photographers in the group are happy to share what they know with those that are just starting out. One of the great things about our group is how willing members are to share what they know with everyone else.
This is my first time attending an event. Will I be the only person who doesn't know anyone?
We often new members at each event, so you probably won't be alone as a first-time visitor! Will you leave the event without meeting anyone or making new friends? Absolutely not!
Why should I pick your group over any other group?
That’s a tough question and in all honesty we aren’t any better than any of the other groups out there. We are just trying to focus in a different direction, by creating a safe haven for amateurs.
How can I get a copy of the membership roster to be able to call other members?
The membership roster is confidential and is not to be provided to anyone outside of SKCAS for any purpose and is only to be used by the membership SKCAS business. On that note, we can provide you with a printed copy upon request.
How Do I Participate?
It's easy to participate in our group. Come to events, send emails, be active on the Message Board, post your photos. Members who have NOT visited our website in over two months will be considered 'inactive' and will be removed.
Experience Level
What is the age and experience level of members?
Membership is open to all age groups, teens through retirees. No experience is necessary – our purpose is to help you learn and improve. Members have film cameras and digital cameras ranging from simple “point and shoots” to “SLR’s and DSLR’s. Some of our members have just started in photography, and there are people at various levels of capability. All of our members are eager to share information, and willing to teach and help new members.
I'm just starting out with photography. Can I still join?
Is this an appropriate club for beginner or novice photographers?
Absolutely! Although our group is aimed at amateur photographers, our current membership is comprised of photographers of all skill levels, from amateur to professional. We strive for an open, learning environment where those with more experience can share their knowledge and we can all share our passion and enthusiasm for the art-form.
Meetings
When and where does SKCAS meet?
SCKAS meets at various times, dates and locations. Visit our Calendar for more information on each individual meetup. Most of our activities are planned for weekends, with some weeknight evenings thrown in as well. Location depends on the purpose of the meetup. Photo shoots and field trips meet on-location. Meet and Greets and Workshops often take place in the meeting rooms of local libraries.
Do you do things beyond meetings? Do you go on field trips or have workshops?
Absolutely! We schedule field trips and workshops based on members’ interest. In addition, any member can plan or sponsor a field trip or a workshop.
I'm interested in joining, but would like to try a Meetup before making a final decision. Is this possible?
Of course! We welcome newcomers to every event except the prepaid ones. If the information regarding a particular event is private, please email the Organizer for details.
What if I can't make a prepaid event?
If you RSVP "Yes" for a prepaid event, unfortunately we cannot provide refunds, because we have committed our personal money to hold or purchase space, equipment or food. Costs get incurred whether or not you attend, and we obtain space, gear, rooms, etc based on the people who have committed with a “Yes” RSVP. Please consider and make absolutely sure before you RSVP “Yes” for these events, because once you have, we cannot refund the event fee.
Do you have contests and competitions?
No. One of the things that makes our club different from the many other photography clubs in the area is that we do not believe contests and competitions encourage photographers to grow in their skills. As beauty lies in the eye of the beholder, every person has a unique taste and viewpoint. On the other hand, we are planning some “Challenges” to encourage members to try new techniques or photograph subjects and themes they have never tried before. There is no "winning" or "losing" in these Challenges, which allows the individual photographer to free their creativity.
I am not able to attend every Meetup, so is it still worth joining?
Each Meetup stands more or less on its own, and there isn’t any reason why you can’t be selective.
Do you take suggestions for field trip and workshop ideas and locations?
Absolutely! We like to keep things interesting by changing activities and locations, so your ideas are greatly encouraged!
Can I bring a friend?
Absolutely! Please remember to add them to your RSVP. The only events off-limits to guests are the pre-paid events. If you want to bring a friend to a pre-paid event, please ask him or her to join Meetup.com, post a photo, read the About Us pages, and apply for membership in SKCAS Meetup. Once the person is a member, they should RSVP and pay on their own.
Can I bring my kid(s)?
We ask that you refrain from bringing children if they are going to be out of control. Please remember that you are fully responsible for your children and their behavior. You must have your children under control and your direct supervision at all times. We will not condone children running around and causing disturbances. We see no reason to risk our meeting spaces due to your children’s behavior. If you bring your children and their behavior is unacceptable, you will be asked to refrain from bringing them again. Children are not welcome at pre-paid events unless the event detail specifies otherwise.
Please do not abuse this privilege, as it can and will be revoked if necessary.
Can I bring my pet(s)?
Well-socialized dogs are allowed on field trips where permissible. Only well-behaved dogs are allowed (dogs that do not bark incessantly, do not jump all over people or lick them uninvited, and get along well with other strange dogs). You must have your dog under control at all times. This means that either your dog responds to your voice command to come and/or stay, or you keep it on leash. Dogs are not welcome at pre-paid events unless the event detail specifies otherwise.
Please do not abuse this privilege, as it can and will be revoked if necessary.
Website
Can I post my photos to the SKCAS website?
Members are encouraged to display their images on the SKCAS Meetup Website. Any appropriate image is acceptable. Members may have their personal Photo Gallery or Website listed on the website. If you cannot upload images, then your images can be forwarded as e-mail attachments –or- on a CD-ROM or DVD to the Organizer.
Can I post links to other sites that I think would be of interest to other members?
At this time, the Organizer is requesting that you forward links directly to her via Email, and she will be happy to add them to the list. Please include the URL, the name of the site, a brief description of the site, and why you think it would be useful to other members.
Dues
Are there membership dues?
Not until June 1, 2009. However, donations are gratefully accepted.
E-Mails and Mailing List
How many emails will I get?
That completely depends on your preferences. If you are signed up for the mailing list, you will get updates at least once or twice a month, as well as the newsletter once a month. Mailing list e-mails also include announcements about new events. If you RSVP “Yes,” “Maybe,” or you haven’t RSVPed for an event, you will receive emails with specific reminders and updates for each event. So frankly your level of activity within the group regulates the number of emails you will receive. If you have chosen not to be on the mailing list, but you haven’t RSVPed for any events, you will still receive emails from Meetup.com. If you have RSVPed No for events and have chosen not to be on the mailing list, then you might not receive any emails.
I want to get the monthly newsletter, but I don’t want to be on the mailing list. What do I do?
Contact your Organizer so you can have the newsletter emailed to you directly.
I want to send an email out to the whole group, is that possible?
If you want to send an email out to the entire group, you may do so using the Mailing List. However please note that all messages to the Mailing List are moderated, and must have approval of the Organizer before they are sent out. Discussions and chatting are best left to the Message Boards.
How do I leave the mailing list?
Log into Meetup.com. Click on “Account” in the upper right corner. Click on “Membership and Communications.” Find SKCAS in the list of your Meetup groups. Click the far-left radio button to unsubscribe.
How do I join the mailing list?
Repeat the above procedures but click either the center radio button or the far-right radio button, depending on your preference. |
