About Us
History
Our Club has been in existence for almost 55 years now. We have one current member who can recall joining the Photographic Society – as it was then called – around 1955. In those early days the meeting place moved around depending on what was available. One venue was the local Cottage Hospital. [ the consultant was a club member ! ]
Membership was drawn mainly from the business community and there were few women members. Was it that women did not enjoy the art of photography or was it seen as “a man’s hobby?” . Fortunately times have changed and our club now enjoys the company of many talented female photographers.
As you might guess in the 50’s images were mainly b & w. A 10 X 8 print mounted on a 12 X 15″ board was the minimum size for a competition entry !! Little wonder that darkroom skills were high on the agenda.
As with digital technology today the introduction of colour slides in those early days again required new skills to be learned. To see images displayed on a large screen was a big step forward. Slide competitions were then introduced. This was followed by SLR camera which really opened up photography – interchangeable lenses; zoom lenses; auto-focus; macro; wide-angle etc. Amazing how photographers take on board dramatic changes and just adapt and perfect.
For some years now the Club has met in the seafront Regent Hotel where facilities are spacious and comfortable. Members provide a weekly slide-show during the summer months for the benefit of hotel guests who greatly appreciate the stunning scenes of Oban, Mull & Iona, Inveraray and Glencoe and beyond.
Fifty-five years on and the Club is in fine heart with over 40 members, men and women from all walks of life. The introduction of digital technology has brought new enthusiasm to photography and the general public are keen to learn digital. Oban Photographic Club caters for a wide range of subjects. If you are prepared to look and listen you will learn what makes a good image – colour, composition, contrast,
subject, sharpness etc. and be able to fine-tune your skills. We have visiting professional photographers as guest speakers and judges. Much can be learned from these top of the range players in the art of photography.
Our aim is to continue to promote the art of photography for the enjoyment of anyone who shows interest.
As with digital technology today the introduction of colour slides in those early days again required new skills to be learned. To see images displayed on a large screen was a big step forward. Slide competitions were then introduced. This was followed by the SLR camera which really opened up photography -interchangeable lenses; zoom lenses; auto focus; macro; wide angle etc. Amazing isn’t it how photographers take on board dramatic changes and just adapt and perfect.
For some years now the Club has met in the seafront Regent Hotel where facilities are spacious and comfortable. Members provide a weekly ‘ slide ‘ show during the summer months for the benefit of hotel guests who greatly appreciate the stunning scenes of Oban, Mull & Iona, Inveraray and Glencoe and beyond.
Our guest-speakers and competition judges are professional photographers in their own right – learn from the top names in photography. Mixing with amateur beginners to amateur/semi-professional. Enjoy the company of like-minded enthusiasts every Monday evening from October to March in the Regent Hotel, Oban. We meet at 7.30pm.
Competitions provide an opportunity to have your work appraised in a constructive and friendly way – attractive trophies are awarded for winners in the various competitions held throughout the winter session.
Oban’s is a long established Camera Club. We are digitally up to speed in all aspects – learn from fellow enthusiasts.
Membership Subscriptions
Full Member £35.00 per annum.
Concessions £25.00
Non-Members per night – £3.00 including tea.
See the full Club Constitution document.