Toronto Photography Meetup Group

With 2010 a memory I thought I would throw out an impression from the past year. Now this is just a perception, not a criticism, as I can't say if this is an actual fact or just how it seems to me. So put away the Bics.

It seems to me that there were less events in 2010 than in 2009, and many of those events that did take place in 2010 seemed to be repeats of events from the past. I have not gone back and counted each year's events, but does anyone else have this perception? I remember a lot of street shooting events, events with specific lens or camera or medium requirements, night events, educational events and more variety in events in 2009.

It seemed like we had months in 2010 with only one or two events (not counting socials). And many events seemed to be the "annual" or "traditional" return to previous locations (which is not bad, but is that all?). This is not to take away from the organizers who made the effort to put together events and be there, and to the members who posted and lead ad hocs. And I do recognize that there were unique events in 2010, just few and far between.

Anyway, just putting it out there. It is just a perception, and perception is not necessarily reality.

Daryl

You're probably right. Please note that the 'official' events are organized by folks here on their own time, it's all volunteer time, and same with folks who organize ad-hoc events.

Plus there are only a finite number of things that one can do in Toronto before things start repeating themselves.

If anybody wants to have an event at such and such a place, the ad-hoc section is always there for these kind of events. Doesn't need to be setup from lxdesign, timras, sue, or the other organizers.

I hardly setup anything, it's a choice of mine. Call it more of an active interest in TPMG early on (or more like years ago) to the point now I hardly participate in this and just take care of the day-to-day stuff on the forum where required - other things are keeping me busy now.

I have been in TPMG since January 2007, and I am willing to agree with the sentiment, with some comments.

1. New organizers usually bring fresh event ideas, of which some are hit or miss. For example, As an example, Cavalcade of lights was in 2009 a frankly crappy photographic event, but the organizer proposed it as a good idea, and in good faith. Same with wintercity (the dramatic play on stilts). Frankly, Nathan Philips Square gets crowded and altogether is not an enjoyable experience. Organizers are occasionally changed out as some are not able to committ, and others prove themselves with ad hocs to be capable.

2. Over time, TPMG as an organization has discovered what works and what doesn't.

3. Repeat events of what works provide opportunities for new members, as there is always an influx of new members.

4. Its always difficult to keep long standing members interested in any organization. In my photographic endeavours I've grown, including things like also joining the Beach Photo Club.

5. I have tried to organize some ad hoc events, but they do involve travelling outside the bubbles of Queen, and Bloor Streets.

6. Do you have any event ideas that an organizer or other member can help flesh out into a new event?

7. In my own endeavours, I've discovered what photographically I'm good at. I want to expand further, perhaps more model studio photography.

8. Officially, each official organizer is responsible for organizing one event per month.

Unfortunately you will be seeing less of me in the upcoming year, as I will be stepping up my role at the Beach Photo Club, and it will most likely consume most of my free time aside from my other pursuits. I will still be a contributing organizer to TPMG, just not as frequently.

If I remember correctly - this same topic was hashed out by another member a couple of years ago, unfortunately its been archived so I can't show you - but it basically asked the same sorts of questions.

I am wholeheartedly in agreement in admiration for the efforts and leadership of the organizers and as I mentioned I don't want to take away from their contributions in anyway.


Agree completely. I was hoping that by raising this discussion it may get people thinking and perhaps encourage some of the members to try some ad hocs.

Daryl

Chris I'm not sure I agree with #2 I see somethings that were well supported by the members in 2008 and 2009 but not having much interest to the 2010 membership, I suspect that there is shift interests of the membership.

Is #8 official or just your suggestion? Either way perhaps we should put out a call for some new organizers to supplement and fill in for any of the current organizers that may be too busy with other things.

Thanks for the thoughtful reply.




True. And many of the existing members enjoy repeats of the events. I have enjoyed the last two years going to the Barrens, and look forward to doing it again in 2011 (Thanks Tim). But it is nice if the familiar is balanced by the new. And while sometimes the new doesn't turn out to be a winner, some of them will become the regular events of the future.


Yes, people change, needs change, and organizations change.


Yes you have and far more successfully then I. Your Road Trip ad hocs this year were very popular. My first attempts were not very well received, but I learned a few things. Like don't try events on long weekends. And TPMGers don't like to get up early!
And you are right about the need to consider that many members like to stay within the Toronto borders where they can use transit.


Yes, and I am going to try again to organize some ad hocs this year. I don't intend to just point fingers from the side lines. If I think we need more events, then I am going to contribute in some small way to having more events.


Sounds like something that a lot of members would be interested in doing if "someone" set up an ad hoc (everyone is looking your way).


Really. Did not know that was a requirement.

Daryl

Funny, neither did I! I believe that it was a suggestion, but when it comes right down to it, it's hard to do.

I have very few ideas these days for what would interest people, and I feel like I have photographed just about every neighbourhood in Toronto several times over! I'm always looking for suggestions on what to set up, and have tried a few times to come up with original ideas. And they don't always work!

I am glad that other members are taking the initiative to post events in the Ad-Hoc section, and hope that they continue to do so.

Keep the suggestions coming!!! It's always great to get your input.

I found the difference in 2010 over previous years was that there were a fair number of outings that were scheduled over weekends or were out of town. That's just a personal observation though, and clearly my own problem to work around.

well, hogtown ain't no paris and photography ain't no barn dancing

there you go