HDP Membership

Membership Information

Thank you for visiting, and your interest in, Hockomock Digital Photographers (HDP). HDP is a small, yet vibrant group of photo enthusiasts, ranging beginner to professional photographers. During the season, the club meets weekly with the goal to improve our photography skills.

Are you thinking of joining HDP? Are you a new member but looking for more information? This is the place to start. After you learn about us, you can open an account and request membership "Create a new User Account and Request Membership" button at the bottom of this page.

A. Due to Covid-19 restrictions, the club ended the last year and will begin the new year meeting virtually on Webex. All members are welcome to join, turn on video, enjoy a beverage, and contribute. The club will continue to adhere to guidelines provide by The Commonwealth of MA during the pandemic.

Regularly, HDP meets Wednesday evenings from 7:30 to 9:00 p.m. in West Bridgewater in the Community Room of the Library at 80 Howard Street. The entrance is at the side of the library.    Our season runs from September to May.  

Q. What photographic experience do I need? What experience do others in the club have?

A. HDP has members of all experience levels from beginner to Advance and welcomes all.

• Beginners are members who are just getting started and learning what a fun and rewarding hobby photography can be.
• Intermediate members have had a camera for periods measured in years and who have a desire to learn and grow their skill.
• Advanced members have spent much of their free time pursuing photography over many years. Most don't make a living through photography but a few would be considered professional.

Q. What does the HDP offer?

A. The club offers a variety of programs targeted to meet the interests of our members. Based on an annual survey of users, the club offers learning opportunities from expert guest lecturers; monthly image study nights; five or 6 intra-club competitions; and local library exhibitions.

Other theme nights provide hands on opportunities including: model night for portraiture practice, still life night, printing and framing, and image processing.

There is an active private group on Facebook. Lastly, there are occasional planned, and spontaneous, local field trips where techniques and tips are shared. Activities are planned in part in response to an annual club survey.

Q. Are there any expectations of me as a new member?

A. There are no expectations of any member other than possessing an interest in photography. We do hope and encourage you to become involved in the various club activities we offer and attend as many meetings as possible. Please feel free to ask any member how they participate.

Q. What kind of a camera do I need?

A. HDP believes photography starts with the eye, not the equipment. Anything that records a digital image is acceptable including mobile phones and tablets. Currently, most members use dSLRs or mirrorless cameras from numerous manufacturers.  There is often robust debate over which is best. No one ever wins.

Photography Critique and Club Competitions

Image Study Night: Image study is an opportunity to improve your photography. Members submit two images in a specific genre to share. Other members may, or may not, offer suggestions or critiques for improvement to help make an image more impactful. Image study can be a learning experience and is helpful for fine-tuning images for competitions.

HDP provides various categories for image study and competitions. Full descriptions are reviewed and provided by the club at the start of the club year.

Membership Dues

Annual dues are a reasonable $40, payable before the first competition in October.