How to be a considerate attendee at a photography meetup
If you’ve never organised one, you may not be aware just how much work is involved in hosting a photography meetup. (Read last week’s post to find out.)
There are a few things you can do to make your host’s life easier and lessen their stress. Remember the organiser simply wants all the attendees to enjoy the day and will be trying their best not to lose anyone.
Before the meetup
Who is going?
The organiser will probably ask for an idea of who is interested in a meetup to get things started. At this stage a firm “no” is much more helpful than a “not sure” or (worse) no reply at all. The organiser won’t be offended that you can’t go, or don’t want to go; all they are interested in is how many people they should plan for.
Closer to the date you may be asked to say definitely if you are going or not. Make sure you reply. It doesn’t matter if you’ve changed your answer.
What do you want to do?
The organiser might ask for ideas for a place or for things to do at the meetup. Try and be as flexible as possible when making suggestions. At the end of the day the organiser is doing all the work and so will make the final choice but if they invite suggestions then give your opinion. Don’t be offended if your ideas aren’t chosen (you can always offer to host the next meetup).
Extra requirements
If you have accessibility or dietary requirements raise your needs at the first opportunity, privately if you prefer. Once you know where the meetup will be do your own research to find out if the location is definitely suitable. If you want to suggest a change of location do it early in the planning stages and offer an alternative.
At the meetup
Cancellations
If you can’t go, let the host know otherwise they will be waiting for you at the start. Don’t be late. If you’re going to be late then make arrangements to catch up with the group at a mid-point rather than making them wait for you.
New people
If you are new and nervous try and go with the attitude that people are going to be pleased to meet you. Nobody will be looking at your camera or judging how you take photos. People go to photo meetups to chat and make new friends first, and to take photos second. If you find yourself awkwardly on your own you can use some easy conversation starters:
have you travelled far today?
how do you find that XYZ camera?
have you been on a meetup before?
what do you enjoy photographing?
If you are neither new nor nervous try and look out for people that might be, and start up a conversation. If you are part of an established group of friends remember that cliques can be intimidating; either bring new people into your group or split the group up for part of the meetup to be more sociable.
Complaints
If something isn’t what you expected don’t complain unless you have paid for the meetup. Volunteer organisers are doing their best. If you don’t like something then offer to organise the next meetup.
Listen for instructions
The organiser will be doing their best not to lose anyone so listen out for key instructions like where to meet for lunch or how long you have until the group will move on.
Have fun
It’s unusual to make your best images when you’re in a group so lower your photography expectations and prioritise having fun.
After the meetup
Share your images
Hopefully there will be a place for everyone to share their photos. This is the best part; seeing what other people saw and getting ideas for new things to try.
Thank the organiser
It’s a big responsibility to host a meetup for busy people; organisers always want everyone to have a great time and they can’t always tell how the day is going. Drop them a line to say thank you and - if you can - offer to organise the next meetup.
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