About Us

The Gaithersburg Camera Club primarily serves upper Montgomery County, though members come from all over.  The club is meant for camera enthusiasts of varying skills and interests.  Our goal is to help you become a better photographer and give you a place to meet others who share your passion for photography.  Our programs and activities provide information and instruction for all skill levels.

The club meets twice each month from September through May.  The meetings are held on the second Monday of each month and on the fourth Monday of each month at Parker Hall in the Asbury Retirement Village near Lake Forest Mall.  In the event that one of these days falls on a holiday, please refer to the calendar on this site for the schedule.  All meetings begin at 7:00 p.m.  In the event of snow, the meeting will be cancelled if Montgomery County Schools have closed.

The first meeting of each month features a guest speaker, followed by a question and answer session, and refreshments.  Check the newsletter on the website for information on the upcoming speakers and topics. (Directions to Competition and General Meetings).

The 2nd meeting each month consists of digital projection and print competitions, with critiques from the judge.  Members may submit images to be judged in either novice, intermediate or advanced divisions.  Points awarded to winning entries count toward the club’s Photographer of the Year Award for each competition class.  Members may also participate in club-sanctioned area-wide competitions (like the Montgomery County Fair) to earn additional points towards individual merit awards.  For more detailed information on how to enter your work in the monthly competitions, refer to the Competition Rules.

There are also some special events each year.  Our Exhibit Chairman arranges an exhibit of our members’ work at a local venue, such as Kentland’s Mansion or Gaithersburg City Hall.  In December, club members and guests enjoy a holiday party, and in June, the club holds its Annual Awards Banquet, when end-of-year competition and special recognition awards are presented.  

Regular email announcements keep members apprised of photography-related classes, workshops, exhibits, competitions, and other events in the Washington D.C. Metro area.

During the year, we also offer short seminars and workshops on specific topics, as well as local field trips so that you can practice your photography under differing conditions of light and season.  Nikon and Canon user groups also meet from time to time.

A link to the club's By-Laws document.

Annual membership dues are as follows:

The club year runs from July 1 through June 30.  Persons joining the club for the first time between January and June will pay half of the annual dues.   We appreciate your interest in the club.

 

Visitors are welcome to attend any meeting as our guest to learn more about the club prior to joining. Please Contact Us for questions, comments.