There are quite a few photo groups and clubs around town. Some are well-established, while others have come together within the past few years with the help of sites like Flickr, Instagram, and Meetup.
Meet, mingle, learn, and grow!
The Central Ohio Photo Group
Our mission is to have fun while we develop our photographic skills by sharing ideas with each other. We have presentations at our meetings covering various aspects of photography. We also do several photo shoots a month. We go to great lengths to keep costs down, so people can spend their money on equipment. We do not have dues and operate on donations from members. Keep an eye on the Meetup page for updates.
Meetups: presentation, go shooting
Frequency: a couple times a month
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Columbus Area Photographic Society (CAPS)
Imaging, editing, gadgets, fellowship, and fun…that’s what Central Ohio Photographic Society (COPS) is all about! Photography, like many arts forms, benefits from constant practice, and reflection, and here at COPS we make every effort to help you down that path.
Meetups: meet or go shooting a couple times a month
Search Facebook for the name of the group and request membership.
Columbus Creative Photography Group
We are a community of photographers dedicated to our personal and professional development as artists and artisans. Our members respect the importance of both digital and traditional photographic processes and recognize that in this rapidly growing digital age, creativity is what sets us apart!
Meetups: meet and/or go shooting a couple times a month
Columbus Studio Photography
Get comfortable with studio photography. Typical shoots include four photographers, a professional model, studio costs, all lighting equipment, sets, props and instructor. Each photographer pays $35 to share the costs of a shoot. We also have specialty shoots such as multiple models, body painting, etc. which might carry different prices. Sessions are typically scheduled in Grandview Heights.
The Focus Group
A diverse, curious and enthusiastic group of amateur and pro photographers, founded by Abdi Roble and Bill Nieberding in 1998. We meet monthly and usually have a guest speaker followed by image sharing. We also do photowalks, field trips and exhibits. Non-members are welcome to stop in!
Membership: $30 individual, student $15 (currently discounted 50%).
Meetings: second Friday of the month at the Upper Arlington Municipal Building
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IGers Columbus
This group organizes outings for local Instagrammers. Follow @igerscolumbus to find out more!
Lens & Leaves Camera Club
The Lens and Leaves Camera Club was set up by the metro parks back in the 70’s. It is a nature club mostly meaning our competitions must be nature only unless we specifically say we can have the Hand of Man in our competitions. Nature only means no domestic animals, fences, barns, people, jet trails, cut trees showing the cut etc. We have two competitions every month, one digital and one prints.
Membership: $20/year
Meetings: second Thursday of the month at Blacklick Woods. Non-members welcome to attend!
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Ohio Photographic Adventures
We welcome anyone interested in learning more about photography and improving their photos. Our goal is to learn together and have fun! Most of our events are tours, photo walks, and hikes where we can share ideas, tips, and techniques in an informal setting. Many events will be free, some will have a fee. In-depth classes may also be offered.
Meetups: meetings, classes, and/or shooting a couple times a month
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Professional Photographers of Central Ohio
The Professional Photographers of Central Ohio is an organization affiliated with the Professional Photographers of America. The organization was established to elevate the standards of professional photography, to promote and have good fellowship among its members. It is also to serve Columbus and the surrounding territory with the finest professional photography services possible.
Membership: $25-105/year
Meetings: $15/meeting for non-members, second Monday of the month, at Berwick Manor Restaurant
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Westbridge Camera Club
Learn, share, and sharpen your photographic skills. The club is for photographers of all levels, from beginner to advanced. Twice-monthly meetings alternate between Program Night, dedicated to learning a particular topic, and Competition Night, where members show their work for competition (non-members are welcome to attend, but cannot compete). They also host image discussions, photographic outings, and opportunities to exhibit your work.
Membership: $25/year
Meetings: first & third Wednesdays, September-May, at Griswold Center in Worthington
Did I miss any? Let me know!