Starting a photo club

[rcd7112]

I live in a gated community inhabited primarily with retired people. there is great interest in "picture taking" since there is an abundance of wild life and vegitation. Many residents buy cameras or their children send them cameras and they don't know how to use them let alone compose a good photograph.
I felt that starting s "club" of some sort might be a good idea but I don"t know how to go about it. Anyone have experience in this area? would like to hear your thoughts.

[Gordon]

I don't think it needs to be too organised. Invite a few people you know are interested, make up some flyers and have a meeting space (a near by coffee shop, or just pick an interesting location to go shoot that is accessible )

Organise some shoots together. Maybe then organise a follow-up to let people share their results. Look at it more as a group of like minded people who take pictures together, chat and share - a group maybe, not a club to start with ?

[rcd7112]

Good information. we can meet at the Country club to get organized and structure meeting content. this will be a very diverse group with some just getting new cameras and some with years of experience.
Most folks I have talked to have a new P&S digital they know nothing about let alone know how to take good photos.
I felt we might get started by asking people to list their equipment, experience, ETC.
Also list phone and email addresses so folks that have questions can ask another member if they would like.
The two local area banks would be agreeable to a small photo exhibit in their lobbies so perhaps folks would get interested in improving their photos with a chance to exhibit them.

[Gordon]

most people seem very shy when it comes to sharing their photos, so be sympathetic to that too. I'd view it firstly as a chance to get together with people with similar interests, share experiences, knowledge etc. Maybe see if you can get some local pros to come talk to you once you get a few people showing up regularly etc.

I'd avoid monthly contests like the plague. I haven't seen much in my life more painful and soul destroying than camera club voting and 'critique'