Woman with hat photographing sunflowers in a summer field using a Canon camera.

Photography Clubs in Cape Town

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Find your people!

Photography is as much about people as it is about pictures. Shooting solo can be satisfying, but the real magic can happen when you share your images, ideas and passion with others. Photography clubs, online communities and competitions offer the chance to learn, grow and connect when fellow artists and individuals. It doesn’t matter if you are picking up a camera for the first time, snapping with your phone, or already comfortable behind the lens, we are confident the community will welcome your enthusiasm! 

Most local neighbourhood clubs across Cape Town and the Western Cape are part of the Photographic Society of South Africa (PSSA), an umbrella body that connects photographers across SA. Through this network, you will find everything from structured monthly meetings to social photo walks and even international recognition opportunities.

If you’re looking for a welcoming space to take your next step, remember that Canvas & Craft Studio also runs creative courses, where new friendships can be formed. Meeting peers in person, through a local club, a workshop or a studio session can make photography an even more rewarding journey.

📸 Photography Clubs in Cape Town & Surrounds

Here are some of the key local clubs, open to the public and welcoming of newcomers:

  1. Cape Town Photographic Society (CTPS) – The oldest club in South Africa (since 1890!). Hybrid meetings and regular exhibitions.

  2. Creative Camera Club – Based in Constantia; monthly in-person gatherings plus digital workshops.

  3. Durbanville Fotografieklub – Meets at Stellenberg High School and hosts regular outings and competitions.

  4. Fish Hoek Photographic Society – Active in the south peninsula with themed competitions.

  5. Helderberg Photographic Society – Based in Somerset West, it is well-known for themed evenings and audio-visual showcases.

  6. Ignite Photographic Club – Great hybrid option with monthly Zoom meetings.

  7. Hermanus Photographic Society – Welcomes Overberg-based photographers.

  8. Kleinmond Kiekieklub – Small, community-focused serving Kleinmond

  9. Paarl Photographic Club – Strong focus on traditional salon entries.

  10. Swartland Fotografieklub – Based in Malmesbury; very active in competitions.

  11. Tafelberg Fotografieklub – Meets in Bellville.

  12. Tygerberg Photographic Society – Based in Durbanville, currently online.

Cape Town Photography Meetup (Meetup.com) – Find upcoming photo walks and informal shoots.

🌍 Online Groups & Digital Communities

Not ready for in-person meetups? Online groups are a great starting point. Online groups and forums are a brilliant way to share your work, ask questions and find second-hand gear.

 

🏆 Local Competitions & Exhibitions

Competitions and exhibitions not only motivate you to try new things, they hold you to task and deadlines and put your work in front of new audiences. Some highlights include:

  • Swartland International Salon – PSSA and FIAP-recognized, welcoming adult and youth entries.

  • PSSA National Competitions – From monthly challenges to national salons and interclub events.

  • Cape Town Photography Festival (Sept 2025) – A major celebration of visual storytelling in the city.

  • Groot Constantia “Celebration of Photography” Exhibition – Hosted in a wine cellar, featuring 21 local clubs.

  • PSSA National Congress 2025 – Hosted by CTPS in Struisbaai; includes photo outings in spectacular natural settings. Make a trip out of it.

If you’re note ready to exhibit, visiting these exhibits shows support for the industry and peers and serve as market research and inspiration.

Why It’s Worth Getting Involved In Photography Clubs

Joining a club, group or competition gives you more than just technical improvement, it can aid you:

  • Learn Faster: Constructive feedback can sharpen your skills fast

     

  • Get Inspired: Group outings are fun and show you new ways of seeing familiar places

     

  • Build Friendships: Meet like-minded peers in clubs, through competitions and days out  and about
  • Show Your Work: Step into exhibitions and gain recognition and confidence!

     

  • Develop Your Creative Identity: Encouraging you to take portraiture, landscapes, experimental shots or anything out of your usual comfort zone will spark growth in your photography

At Canvas & Craft Studio, we believe photography is a shared journey. Our photography workshops are not only about mastering light, composition or editing—they’re about connecting with peers who encourage you to grow.

So, whether you join a neighbourhood club, pop into a local exhibition or start sharing your work online, know this: photography in Cape Town is a community waiting to welcome you. Please chat to us about how you would like to get involved and we can make some recommendations and introductions for you.