Sidmouth Photographic Club runs four Special Interest Groups (SIGs) which are free for its members to join and are effectively self-funded ‘clubs-within-a-club’, aimed at helping the members focus on their particular areas of interest.
One of these, the Outdoor Special Interest Group, is for lovers of landscape, nature and wildlife photography. The boundaries of what is included in the realm of this SIG are flexible to suit members - everything from macro to astro - and the interpretation of landscape is also broad, including urban settings. Since the group was formed last March, ten daytrips (of varying duration) have taken place, including Lyme Regis, Lower Bruckland Nature Reserve, Fingle Bridge, Seaton Wetlands and Exeter University Sculpture Trail.
The group welcomes all club members, from the beginner or mobile phone user to the more experienced photographer, and aims to provide help and guidance to those seeking to improve their photography, whilst at the same time furthering the social side of the club (most outings are planned to include stops for coffee or a meal).
A key part of the philosophy of this Outdoor SIG is the sharing of activity organisation, hence its members take turns organising their own events throughout the year - usually in “buddy” pairs - and every trip is open to the whole group. Events are well-planned and communicated, to ensure they are safe and provide the expected enjoyment to all participants.
Currently, the Outdoor SIG is 28 strong, which is roughly 50% of the club membership - more, on its own, than the membership of many other camera clubs nationwide! SIG organiser and club Secretary Mike Hawkridge comments: “I’ve been amazed and delighted that this SIG has attracted so much interest within SPC. It clearly demonstrates the appeal of photographing nature, our landscape and all things outdoors in the company of likeminded photographers and friends. Our success is down to all the OSIG members organising our monthly field trip outings - the variety of destinations we visited in 2023 has been outstanding and I look forward to what is in store for 2024 and beyond.”
Images from the trips are featured on this page and more information about the club’s programme of meetings and activities is available on the website sidmouthphotoclub.org
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here