About Rushcliffe Photographic Society
About us
We meet every Monday evening at 7:30pm from September to June at the Tollerton Methodist Church in Tollerton. Our membership includes enthusiasts of all standards from absolute beginners to more experienced photographers as well as some professionals. Our programme for 2026-27, includes social events, practical and technical evenings, competitions, outings and much more.
Rushcliffe Photographic Society is affiliated to the North and East Midlands Photographic Federation (N&EMPF), and through them to the Photographic Alliance of Great Britain (PAGB).
From its early days in 1978 with just 14 members, the Society has become one of the fastest growing photographic clubs in the East Midlands region. With a membership of around 70 enthusiasts from the Rushcliffe and district area, the Society is now also one of the largest in the Region and fulfils its objective of increasing the appreciation and enjoyment of photography. A growing number of our members have gained distinctions with the Royal Photographic Society and PAGB and have also achieved successes in national and international competitions.
Special Interest Groups
The Rushcliffe Photographic Society committee offers supported activities within a member development structure that enhances our members’ skills and enjoyment of their photography. We now have the following groups:
The Chair's Welcome 2026 - from Andy McDonald
Welcome to the Rushcliffe Photographic Society
I am very pleased to welcome you all to our 2026-27 season, which will be my third and final year as your Chairman.
We are happy that we can continue to meet in the Tollerton Methodist Hall, and we hope to be able to continue meeting there as the Parish Council complete the purchase process. The council already have plans for the building which they are developing in consultation with the hall users. We expect that there could be some disruption once the work commences but we will of course do everything we can to minimise the impact, though it is unlikely that the work would commence this season anyway.
During our new season the club will be offering the usual mix of activities:
- Club competitions, split between projected and prints with external judges.
- Talks across a range of genres, from renowned photographers.
- Instructional Evenings covering a range of techniques and processes.
- Practical and Outdoor Shoot out evenings.
- The Special Interest Groups continue covering the following:
- Monthly Projects
- Monochrome
- Studio
- Photography Development
- Video
- Drones
- We will also be arranging exhibitions in local venues; I encourage all members to submit some pictures as this is a great way to showcase your photography.
Our club has always had a strong ethos of encouraging members to get the most from their photography, regardless of their experience level or the equipment they use. Creating and maintaining such a supportive and welcoming environment takes a great deal of commitment, enthusiasm and hard work. I would like to acknowledge the tremendous efforts of our committee members, who work tirelessly throughout the year to deliver the current season’s programme while also planning and preparing for future seasons. Their dedication ensures that we continue to offer a varied and inspiring range of activities for our members.
I would also like to recognise the many volunteers from across the wider membership who give their time so generously. Whether supporting our special interest groups, organising and setting up exhibitions, managing our online presence and recordings, arranging trips and additional activities, or helping to prepare our meeting facilities (including the essential refreshments!), their contributions are invaluable.
The strength of our club comes from the commitment and enthusiasm of everyone who plays a part, and it is through this collective effort that we continue to provide a friendly, inclusive and inspiring place for photographers of all abilities to learn, share and enjoy their craft.
On a personal note, I would like to thank Trevor Lax, Jezz Richings and Chris Keenan who are stepping down from the committee. But I would also like to thank all of you as the members for your support which is essential to the continued success of our club.
Finally, please remember that the Society exists for the benefit of its members, so I encourage you all to share your thoughts, suggestions and ideas about how we can continue to develop and improve the club. I also hope that, throughout the season, you will take every opportunity to share your photography — whether through entering competitions, submitting work for exhibitions (including N&EMPF), participating in the Special Interest Groups, sharing on our Facebook pages, or contributing to the member-led sessions that take place during the year.
Please feel free to approach me or any of the committee members if you need support, advice, encouragement, or simply a second opinion on your photography.
Andy McDonald ARPS