Rhiwbina Camera Club in the frame

Local club profile

Rhiwbina Camera Club (RCC) was established in the village in 1958, and is now in its 68th year.  One member's research shows it is the second oldest club in Rhiwbina, after the Recreation Club and, it is believed, it is one of the oldest photography clubs in Wales.

All photographers are welcomed, regardless of experience or equipment used - just a shared interest in photography is needed. Some members are complete beginners, while others are highly experienced. Their chosen subjects range from portraits and close-ups to nature/wildlife, landscapes and street photography. Club members use a wide variety of equipment, from smart phones to modern mirrorless digital cameras, even film and darkroom.

Ben Ward, chairman and secretary of the RCC said: "By gathering together we see types of photo we wouldn’t choose ourselves and we learn, improve our own skills, and explore new avenues for our art. We are not in competition with each other but share our experience (success and failures) to help each other improve our photography skills.

"We can all improve, but it is nice to see beginners pick up the skills to take better photos as they progress in their photographic journeys.

"I have been taking photography seriously for 30 years but, from my own experience, I can say that my photography has improved enormously since I became a club member in 2018. The shared experience of the members rubs off on us all, and feedback on someone else’s photo is just as valuable as feedback on your own".

Other members agreed: "Getting an expert judge to critique photos really helps everyone to improve their photographic technique". "I wanted to get into photography and the club has helped to deepen my commitment, it is a great place to share experiences and expertise". "I can see my photography has improved so much since I joined the club".

Like many other clubs, RCC went through a difficult time after the Covid-19 pandemic, with a diminished membership, but this is now picking up.

Ben added "As we move forward, we want more people in the north Cardiff area learn to enjoy photography and see us as an avenue to facilitating that. Every new member brings new experiences to the club and this enriches the club".

Affiliated with the Welsh Photographic Federation, there are annual friendly competitions with other camera clubs in South Wales.

The club also has a range of events including speakers, practical workshops and club nights and is a regular attraction at the Rhiwbina Summer Festival.

The club meets every other Friday at 7.30pm (September - July) in Rhiwbina Memorial Hall, CF14 6HL.