Many amateur photographers are now joining Facebook Photography Groups as a way of gaining needed photography skills from professional photographers. Image: Birth of a New Day by Kazad.

SOCIAL MEDIA: Aspiring photographers and amateurs are turning to Facebook Photography Groups for photography tutorials to enhance their creativity. Here are the best Facebook Groups for photographers.

BY KAZAD

With the growing number of digital cameras,  many aspiring and amateur photographers are searching for ways to improve their creativity. The increasing number of pricey photography education is forcing many aspiring photographers and amateurs to look for alternatives. One of the places they are turning to is Facebook. Many aspiring photographers are now turning to Facebook photography groups to gain free knowledge about photography.

Photography Tutorials and Photography Tips for beginners

Many Facebook photography groups provide photography tutorials and tips for their members. The tutorials are opportunities for members to learn about photography as well as improve the quality of their work.  Correspondingly, professional photographers use these Facebook groups to provide tutelage for aspiring photographers seeking knowledge. Here are some photography tutorials aspiring photographers may get from several of the Facebook Groups for Photographers:

• Composition
• Camera Settings
• Exposure
•  Lighting
• Camera Lens
• Photo Editing
• F-Stop
• Organizing your photographs
• Rule of Thirds
• Depth of Field

Benefits of Joining Facebook Photography Groups

Relationship with other Photographers

Members are able to build a long-lasting relationship with other photographers by joining these Facebook groups for photographers. The people on your Facebook photography groups are mainly photographers spending their time to spread knowledge and learn about photography. Whether you are a professional or emerging photographer, it is imperative to engage and form relationships with other photographers. Such a relationship could lead to joint photography projects, exhibitions, and even international exchanges.

Learn from Experienced Photographers

Joining any of the Facebook Photography groups is an opportunity to learn from experienced photographers who have a world of experience. It goes without saying that members should pay attention and learn. In addition, they should ask questions and give feedback. Most importantly, use the advice and education they are getting to improve skill and practice.

Gain Knowledge

It is a fact that succeeding as a photographer can be challenging for aspiring photographers. Some areas of challenges for emerging photographers include understanding how to show their works and reaching out to galleries for exhibitions. Many aspiring photographers do not even know how to display their works. These Facebook photography groups provide the opportunity to gain knowledge about all areas of photography. When you share comments on these Facebook groups, you are helping other photographers grow in their professional career. Therefore, it is important to be kind and respectful when communicating and sharing your thoughts.

Grow Your Photography Skill

If you are serious about learning about photography, joining one of these Facebook photography groups can really help you grow. Take the opportunity to bring attention to your work and get new photography opportunities.

Gain Visibility

It is not usual for photographers who met on Facebook Photography Groups to organize joint exhibitions and participate in joint projects. Aside from that, there are other benefits, including seeing beneficial content. The Facebook algorithm is designed to deliver content to groups with high engagement. In order words, you will see relevant information about photography exhibitions, calls for entries, and many exhibition activities. Additionally, the more you and your group post and interact, the more your activities become visible in Facebook newsfeed.

Sense of Camaraderie

In addition to providing needed tutorials, Facebook Photography Groups also provide members with a sense of camaraderie. Members can discuss their works and ideas in ways that enable professional growth. While some of these Facebook photography groups are open, others are closed.

Types of Facebook Groups

Closed Facebook Groups

Closed Facebook Groups means you have to be approved by the group’s admin to become a member. Approval does not take long if you answer all the questions posed correctly.  As for the open group, you just have to click the “Like” button. The Facebook photography groups presented here are just a few of the groups on Facebook that are providing photography tutorials and photography tips for many aspiring photographers and amateurs. Feel free to add more in the comment section.

There are three major types of Facebook Groups. While many are familiar with the Public and Private, the third type is not.

Public Facebook Groups for Photographers

The public Facebook group is the most common of the Facebook groups. It is open to anyone interested in becoming a member.  Activities of members are visible to other members of the group. It is important to keep in mind that anything you post and share will be visible to members of the group.  If you have a Facebook account, they can also see a list of members, admins, and moderators.

A major advantage of a public Facebook group is that members can easily communicate with each other. Their activities are also in the open. This means other members can see your post and what you share. For the administrators, there is no need to manually admit every single new person to the group.

Perhaps, the major upside is the lack of decorum that may result from insufficient supervision. Since anyone is allowed to join and freely make comment, it is possible for things to spin out of control

Private and Visible Facebook Groups for photographers

The major difference between public and Private Facebook groups is that Private Facebook groups are guided by strict regulations. To start with, not everyone can become a member, and secondly, members have to be manually approved by the administrator.

The activities of the group are only visible to members of Private Facebook groups. Although the group comes up in searches, only members are privy to the group’s activities. However, anyone on Facebook can see the administrator and moderators.

Private and Hidden Facebook Groups for photographers

Well, these Facebook groups are deeply hidden from everyone but members. They do not show up in searches and you must know a member to be invited to join the group.  I have not discussed any of the private and hidden Facebook groups here because I personally do not know any.

The Best Photography Groups on Facebook

1. Fine Art Photography-Public Group

Facebook Groups for Photography

The  Fine Art Photography Group is strictly for photographers into fine art photography. As the admin clearly states, this Facebook photography group is not a place for photographers interested in street photography, wildlife/animal or insect photography, wedding photography, or even model photography. It is strictly a Fine Art Photography Group and this is clear from all the images on the group’s page. Photographers interested in other forms of photography can join other Facebook photography groups.  Images that do not conform to the group’s ideas are deleted. Quality is important for this group. Therefore, if you submit substandard images, they will be deleted.

This Facebook photography group is not a place for photographers interested in street photography, wildlife/animal or insect photography, wedding photography, or even model photography

2. Abstract Photography -Public Group

The  Abstract Photography Group is not a group for anyone who does not understand what abstract photography is all about. Abstract photographs are devoid of manipulation but emphasize form, color, and curves capable of  eliciting ‘strong reactions from the human perceptual system.’  Of course, the group provides the opportunity for members to learn about abstract photography from the amazing examples on the group’s Facebook page.

If you are planning to become a member of Abstract Photography, the first place to start is to go to the group’s Facebook page. Look at the works of other members and decide if you want to join.  As the group admin points out, the Abstract Photography Group ” is not a digital art group”, consequently, ” excessive use of visual effects (twirl, blur, etc.) and filters are not welcome.” While color correction and reframing are tolerated, you cannot go overboard. Your photographs must conform to the group’s rules. Photographs that are non-abstract or have gone through excessive digital manipulation will be deleted without prior warning.

3. Architectural Photography (AP)-Closed Group

Architectural Photography Group is one of the best Facebook Photography Groups on architectural photography. The objective of the group is to provide members with the opportunity to appreciate the works of famous architectural photographers as well as learn from them. This group is strictly about architecture photography and there are some astounding photographs of different aspects of architecture on the group’s Facebook page. Looking through the images, it is clear that Architecture photography is a creative endeavor.

The objective of the group is to provide members with the opportunity to appreciate the works of celebrated architectural photographers as well as learn from them

4. Nature Photography– Public Group

The Nature Photography Group is for nature photographers and people who love viewing pictures of landscapes, wild animals, or plants. So, members can only post high-quality pictures of landscapes, wild animals, and plants. Members can post 5 images per day. Photographs that do not conform to the group’s rules are deleted. Although the Nature Photography Group is just one of the few Facebook groups for Photographers on nature, it has done exceptionally well. It is one of the biggest platforms for professional and enthusiastic photographers.  All members of the Nature Photography Group must follow the group’s rules and regulations. It is against the rule to post images of dogs, cats, livestock, or any kind of pets.

5.Creative Photography Group-Public Group

The Creative Photography Group is for people who love photography. Membership is open to amateur and professional photographers from different corners of the globe. The only criterion is a ‘passion for photography.’ In addition to individual photographers promoting their work, this Facebook Photography group also provides opportunities for members to promote the work of other photographers. Not many Facebook Photography Groups allow you to do this.  Members may also add their friends to the group.

Vintage African American Photography Closed Group

For those who love period photography, the Vintage African American Photography group is the group to join. One of the most popular Facebook photography groups, this group was very restrictive when it started. As a member, you could only post black and white photographs, vintage images, or pictures. However, a lot has changed over time. As the popularity of the group grew, members were allowed to post recent photographs, videos, and images associated with the black experience.  Many of the photographs on the Facebook group page reveal different aspects of African American history, including fashion, style, and education. A note of caution: Some of the images touch on aspects of the African American experience that people what to forget.

7.  Art of Portrait Photography.Closed Group

The Art of Portrait Photography Group is for those who truly love Portrait Photography. It does not matter if you are a beginner or a professional photographer, you can join as long as you love portrait photography. Although this Facebook group is for photographers who love Portrait Photography, you have to be 18 years and above to join. Members can post candid portraits, weddings, abstract, creative portraits, and street photography as long as they are photographs of people.  They also have the opportunity to ask questions, start friendly debates, and share links. However, there are strict rules guiding membership to this group. It is important to read the rules before joining so you are not dismissed.

8. Minimalist Photography – Public Group

“Less is more.” That is the guiding principle of the Minimalist Photography group. The main objective of this Facebook photography group is to encourage members to pay attention to the subject of a photograph and not the distracting elements and noises. This is not one of those Facebook Photography groups where people post whatever they like. This group has a set standard.

To ensure that everyone follows the tenets of the group, photos must be approved by an admin before they are posted to the timeline. Unapproved images are deleted. There are compelling images on this group’s page to guide would-be members. While some photographs are black and white, others are colored. The only thread connecting them is that they are minimalist and beautiful. Members can post one photo per day, and it must be uploaded directly from the member’s device. This is a strict photography group. Please read the rules before joining.

9. Urban Street Photography-Closed Group

If you are new to Facebook, you cannot join the Urban Street Photography Group. To be a member of this Facebook photography group, you must have a Facebook account that is more than a year old. Alternatively, you will have to be invited by someone who is already an active member of the group. The group is very specific about what it does: ‘This group is to showcase pictures representative of the human condition showing the relationship between people and their surroundings.’  Portraiture, still life, and urban landscape photographs are not allowed in this group because according to the group’s admin “they are not emblematic of Street Photography.” Street Photography according to the group’s admin “is instinctual, unpremeditated, reactive and spontaneous, it is unposed and untagged and most importantly it is candid.”

To be a member of this Facebook photography group, you must have a Facebook account that is more than a year old.

10. Black and White Photography– Closed Group

The focus of this group is to promote Black and White Photography. This Facebook photography group organizes regular competitions to honor members. Every month, the Black and White Photography group organizes an international photo contest to select ‘The 7 Best of Black and White Photography’. To participate, members have to submit their photographs under specific categories. Only B&W or sepia photographs are accepted by this group. Color photos will be removed immediately according to the group’s admin. Managed by Fränki Gustavo and Mar Hache, the Black and White Photography group is open to photographers across the globe. Members may post single photographs and a maximum of 6 photos per day. Albums are rejected. Although there are many Facebook photography groups dedicated to black and white photography, this group is different because it provides photography tutorials and photography tips to members of the group.

11. Wild Bird, Wildlife, Nature Photography (WBWNP).-Public Group

The Wild Bird, Wildlife, Nature Photography Group is perhaps one of the strictest Facebook photography groups. The focus is Wild Bird, Wildlife, and  Nature Photography. Any deviation from that is unacceptable. Even as a nature photographer,  you are prohibited from posting images of nests with visible eggs or nestlings or images resulting from live baiting. All the animals and plants depicted in photographs must be both wild and free. With the standard the group has set for itself, it is not surprising that many of the images on the group’s Facebook page are exceptional. Our advice is that before you join this group, make sure that you read and understand the rules. You break any of them, your images will be deleted. If you persist, you will be blocked from the group. It is as simple as that.

12. Creativity…The Unique Photography Group– Closed Group

Creativity… The Unique Photography Group is open to photographers across the globe. Although there are lots of nature photographs on the group’s Facebook page, members can post all genres of photography: portraiture, still life, landscape, nature, and others. The most important element of the group is creativity. There are notable photographs on the group’s Facebook page indicating its dedication to quality. One of the photographers whose photographs is generating a lot of interest is Pankaj Dutta.

13. PNW Photography– Public Group

The Pacific Northwest Photography (PNW) is dedicated to photographers in the Pacific Northwest. This Facebook photography group encourages members to post their recent images. But more importantly,  there is an inherent sense of camaraderie among members.  This is what new members will enjoy. If a member is having an event, other members will rally around that member to make the event a success.

14. Street Photography Club-Closed Group

The Street Photography Club is for photographers who are into street photography. Posts that not relate to street photography are deleted. In addition to street photography, members can also post portraits and documentary photography specifically on human interactions. Everyone must submit their best photograph. The best photographs are exhibited on the group’s gallery. As a rule, members have to post directly to the group from a personal device: mobile phone, computer, and laptop. 

15. Expert Photography Group– Closed Group

As a disclaimer, let me say that the Expert Photography Group is one of my favorite Facebook photography groups.  The main purpose of this Facebook group is to help each other grow. Photographers who want to learn or have an interest in learning about photography can join this group. Photography tutorials and photography tips are readily available for members. Before becoming a member, make sure to watch a video that spells out all the rules of the group. The group’s moderators are Josh Dunlop, Zsuzsi Kalcza, and Alyssa Lopez. There are regular photography contests with awards for winners.

16. Photography Review-Public Group

The main objective of the Photography Review group is to provide members with critique and suggestions about their works.  In order to get adequate feedback,  especially from expert photographers,  members have to submit their images. The images should include all the EXIF info and other necessary information. Only images from active members are posted on this group’s page. According to the group’s admin, approval is necessary to allow the group to maintain quality.

17. Analog photography-Public Group

In this era of digital photography, it will seem antithetical that some photographers still into analog photography. Of course, there are many photographers still doing analog photography. In fact, recent data show that analog photography is gradually making a comeback.  The Analog Photography Group is one of the very few Facebook photography groups dedicated to photographers who are still into this type of photography. Every picture on this Facebook photography group page is the result of analog photography. Members can only post self-made analog photos with information about the camera and film used.  If you cannot follow or intend to manipulate the rules, you will be removed from the group.

18. Wetpixel Underwater Photography-Public Group

For photographers and filmmakers interested in underwater adventure, Wetpixel Underwater Photography Group is the group to join. The open group is an important resource for underwater photographers and filmmakers. On the group’s  Facebook page are beautiful underwater photographs and videos.  If you are into underwater photography and filmmaking,  there is so much to learn from this group.

The open group is an important resource for underwater photographers and filmmakers

19. Street photography in the world-Public Group

An important characteristic of street photographers is the ability to observe and capture everyday life. That capacity to capture situations at the most decisive moment is what makes members of the Street Photography in the World Group unique. If you love street photography, this is the Facebook group to join. Many of the images on the group’s page are emotional and passionate. The images of children, men, women, and the elderly captured at the most vulnerable moments tell stories about their lives.  Membership is open to anyone interested in street photography.

20. Photography – Nature, Wildlife, and Landscape. Public Group

If you are a  nature, wildlife, or landscape photographer keen on sharing your photographs, the group to join is Photography – Nature, Wildlife, and Landscape. Created by Charles Slyer in 2012, this Facebook photography group is open to photographers from around the world. In just five years, the group’s Facebook page has become an extremely popular place for aspiring, amateurs, and professional photographers to share their best images of nature, wildlife, and landscapes. On the group’s page, members discuss photography techniques and help each other improve.  But this group is not just for photographers alone: If you enjoy looking at beautiful photographs, you are welcome to join the group. Members have to follow all the rules.

BONUS: Best Facebook Photography Groups

North American Nature Photography Association (NANPA) Group-Open Group

The North American Nature Photography Association (NANPA)  is focused on photography in North America or by North American photographers traveling globally. This Facebook photography group focuses on all aspects of nature photography, including macro, wildlife, landscape, underwater, and night sky photography. Members have the opportunity to discuss photography and ask questions about the art of photography.  Any photograph deviating from the stipulated genre will not be accepted.

Although Global participation is welcome, images must have relevance to North America.  The purpose of the group is to do everything necessary to help NANPA grow. In addition to generating awareness as it relates to nature photography, members can also share photography tips and post outdoor photographs. The group strives to promote relationships among nature photographers regardless of skill or age.

Facebook Photography Groups: Share Your Thoughts

Are you a member of any of these Facebook Photography Groups or any other photography group on Facebook? Tell us about your experience in the comment section. Share your thoughts about the best Facebook Groups for photographers.

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