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FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
How long has the club been running?
Good question. The society was formed on 8th November 1898. We are one of the oldest clubs in Scotland. We celebrated our 120th Anniversary in 2018 with a number of events throughout the year. We kicked off the 120th year with a visit from Charlie Waite at the Adam Smith Theatre - this night was a huge success and was followed by a 3 month exhibition of images of Kirkcaldy from the past, and recreated in 2018. This exhibition was held in Kirkcaldy Galleries which was where we had our clubrooms in 1925.
Do I have to join on my first night
No. At KPS we welcome visitors and allow you 2-3 weeks to see if you feel that we can give you what you need. If you enjoy your visits then we would expect you to join on the 4th week.
You can drop in any Monday and have a chat with us, or indeed listen to the speaker or the judge of the evening. If it is a practical evening you are welcome to join in..
Do I need my own camera?
Initially no, but if you do want to learn about photography it is best to have one. Perhaps you would want to come along for a few weeks and get some advice before making a purchase.
Do I need a very expensive camera?
No. Any camera will do. Most of our members use DSLRs but there are a few who take traditional style photographs, and one or two have compacts.
It is the person who makes the photograph and these days, with the great moves forward in technology, most cameras are capable of great results.
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Are there other complete beginners in your Society?
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We have a wide range of expertise in the club from total beginner to very advanced, experienced members. You are only a beginner at the beginning. Joining us will give you the confidence and experience to increase your skills and begin you photographic journey. Our members are more than happy to share their expertise and knowledge to help you. You will soon be joining in competitions and enjoying the experience. You will also build an entire new social circle.
What are your membership fees?
Our membership fees are reasonable and in keeping with other clubs in the region. For the 2023-2024 season it is £60 for full membership and £50 for concessions (Junior membership fee £25).
Fees can either be made by cheque, cash or bank transfer.
Where are KPS meetings held?
We meet every Monday during the season (September – May) in Hayfield Community Centre, Hayfield Road, Kirkcaldy – KY2 5DG. A map and directions can be found on our website.
We break for the summer from May – September however, we still organise a few trips throughout the summer period.
On club nights we always have a bit of time at the end of the session for tea/coffee and biscuits (provided by Stewart Russell). This gives us the chance to mingle and get to know new members.
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What are the benefits of joining KPS?
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There are many benefits to joining our Society. As a new member you will benefit from the range of experienced speakers we invite every year and also the talks from our more experience members.
We have various evenings where we offer tutorial sessions and you have the chance to speak with other members to develop your skills in camera techniques.
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Joining KPS gives you the opportunity to meet, and socialise with, like-minded photographers and the option to enter the many competitions we hold regularly. By entering both internal and external competitions you gain feedback from experienced judges which will help you improve your photography.
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You will have the opportunity to join various organised club trips. It is much safer to go out and about with your camera equipment if you are in a group. There is also the option of car share making journeys cheaper and more affordable.
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Are there age restrictions for joining KPS?
We welcome anyone 18 years or older who has an interest in photography. Please note that younger members would have to be accompanied by a responsible adult for insurance and security purposes.
Please note that at some of the external events there is the possibility you may see images containing nudity. We as a society do not practice this type of photography but visiting clubs may.
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Can I be on the committee?
We are always looking for new members to participate on the committee, however, we would suggest that you take some time to be a member and get to know how we operate before applying. We hold an AGM at the end of each season and that is when the new committee is formed - at this point you may note your interest.
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What kind of photography do your members do?
Our members interests are wide and varied. We have quite a lot of landscape photographers in the club and a good many nature photographers. However, most of our members try a bit of everything for instance, Street Photography, Portraiture, Wildlife and Sport so you will never be stuck for advice and assistance.
Do you take part in exhibitions?
Yes, the society has an annual exhibition at the end of each season which is normally held in the Community Hub in the Mercat, Kirkcaldy. This is also an internal competition which is judged and certificated. We also have an Open Day at the beginning of the season and our members exhibit work at that point. Some of our members recently exhibited work within the Dom Miguel salon in Kirkcaldy.
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In 2018 the club was 120 years old to celebrate this we hosted a 3 month exhibition entitled 'Kirkcaldy Then and Now'. This was a very successful event which also saw us book out the Adam Smith Theatre where we hosted 'An Evening with Charlie Waite', a renowned landscape photographer. Clubs from across the country attended both events.
Where else can your members work be seen?
We did, at one time, work with McGilvray Printers, Dysart, where some of our members submitted images for inclusion in their calendar. We have an Open weekend in Kirkcaldy Mercat centre every September and an Annual Exhibition in the Mercat centre every April. We also host some smaller exhibitions in the Mercat throughout the year.
Do I have to enter competitions?
No. You only enter competitions if you feel comfortable, however this is a great way to get feedback on your work from visiting judges.
Do you do practical evenings?
Yes, there are practical evenings on the syllabus where existing members will be happy to help new folks. There are also experienced members who offer training sessions.
Do you do trips
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Yes. One of our more experienced landscapers organises club trips on a monthly basis. He will also organise a few trips during the summer recess.
How do I get to the trips?
If you have your own transport we have a dedicated meeting point and time for each trip. We then go to the destination location in convoy.
What if I don't own a car?
Just let us know. There is always someone willing to pick you up and take you to, either the meeting point (where you will be offered a space in a car), or to the location of the shoot.
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Do you have a Facebook page?
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We do, however this is a closed group which is only open to members. Once you have joined the club you can be added to the page if you wish and be able to take part in discussions etc.
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On our website page there is a 'Members Only' section - again once you have joined you will be given a password to enter this section of the site.