Member Benefits & Responsibilities

Darkroomers Membership Benefits

As a member of the Darkroomers Photographic Club, you gain access to a wide range of opportunities to grow, connect, and share your passion for photography. Here’s what your membership includes:

Monthly Print Exhibitions

• Members may submit up to three prints each month for professional critique
• Accepted prints are displayed in the Photographic Arts Building gallery
• Feedback from guest judges helps you refine your craft

Educational Programs

• First Wednesday meetings feature inspiring presentations by guest speakers and educators
• Members-only workshops throughout the year cover lighting, editing, printing, and more
• Access to learning opportunities through SCACC and the Photographic Society of America (PSA)

Photo Walks & Field Trips

• Join local photo walks to explore San Diego’s photogenic spots with fellow members
• Participate in day trips and out-of-town excursions for shared shooting experiences

Member Spotlights

• Fifth Wednesday meetings (when applicable) give members a platform to share personal projects, travel photography, and creative journeys

Community & Networking

• Connect with photographers of all levels—amateurs, professionals, and everything in between
• Build friendships and receive encouragement, support, and inspiration

Exhibition Awards & Recognition

• Opportunities for public recognition and awards through monthly exhibitions
• Eligibility to submit accepted work to other competitions, including SCACC 

SCACC Club Access

• Attend workshops and presentations hosted by SCACC member clubs
• Stay informed about regional photography events and collaborative opportunities

Darkroomers Membership Responsibilities

As a Darkroomers member, you’re part of a non-profit, volunteer-run organization with a mission to promote photographic arts and education. Our parent organization, SCACC, is a registered 501(c)(3), and our charter with the City of San Diego requires us to offer public access to the arts—free of charge and without profit.

To help fulfill that mission, member participation is essential. Everyone is asked to pitch in a few times each year. Here’s what that might look like:

Hosting the Gallery

Every weekend, the Photographic Arts Building opens its doors to the public—free of charge—as part of our mission to make the photographic arts accessible to the community. Each SCACC club takes turns staffing the gallery, and Darkroomers members are typically asked to host two or three times per year.

Hosting is simple, fun, and a great way to:

• Share the work of our talented members with the general public
• Spark conversations about photography
• Promote Darkroomers and other SCACC clubs to potential new members

You don’t need to be an expert—just someone who enjoys photography and wants to help visitors feel welcome. Check the Hosting Guidelines section for everything you need to know.

Workshops, Walks & Lectures

Throughout the year, we offer:

• Photo walks
• Workshops
• Guest lectures

You may be invited to help organize, assist, or lead during one of these events. Don’t worry—you’ll never be asked to do anything without guidance and support.

Building Cleanup

Keeping the Photographic Arts Building clean is a shared responsibility among all SCACC member clubs. Each club takes turns with scheduled cleaning duties, ensuring the space stays welcoming for both members and the public.

In addition to our efforts, SCACC hires a professional cleaning service once per quarter, but it’s up to us—alongside the other clubs—to maintain cleanliness between those visits.

As a Darkroomers member, you may be asked to participate in a group cleanup day once or twice a year. Tasks are simple and usually completed quickly when everyone pitches in. Your help keeps our shared space in great shape!

Meeting Support & Snack Volunteers

At our meetings, we ask members to lend a hand—whether it’s helping clean up, assisting with an event or workshop, or bringing snacks a couple of times a year.

Snack Guidelines

• Spending is typically around $30, but that’s up to you.
• Snacks should be easy to serve and eat—finger foods work best.
• Some popular options include:
  • Cookies, brownies, or chocolates
  • Crackers, cheese, and deli meats
  • Veggies and dip
  • Chips and salsa or guacamole
  • Fresh fruit
  • Shrimp cocktail
  • Pizza or mini sandwiches
  • Juice, soda, or sparkling water

Feeling adventurous? Warm dishes like meatballs or chicken wings are welcome—just bring something to keep them heated.

We have a refrigerator for cold items, and the club supplies napkins, plates, cutlery, bowls, and tablecloths.

By helping out, you’re not just supporting the club—you’re helping build a welcoming, creative space for all of us. Thank you for being part of what makes Darkroomers so special!