The answer is simple, it's an emphatic YES! However, there are a few things you should know.

Camera clubs cater to 3 things; photo competitions, monthly field trips and guest speakers. All are extremely helpful in the photographic learning curve and it's an incredible resource when you compare the benefits of the cost to join. 

The photo contests are where the magic begins. Not all images entered in the contest are from the recent field trips, but when they are, you get to see how everyone else visualized, framed and edited their images. I always walk away realizing what I could have done differently. Maybe I should have had a lower camera angle, framed the shot tighter, or shot the birds at 1600 iso instead of 1200. The beauty is you can learn from the program whether you enter the contests or not. Monthly competitions have a Class A for the seasoned photographers and a Class B for beginners. Class B is judged a little differently and doesn't have as much competition. You can choose which class you intend to compete in, and can move up when ready. 

In many cases, the monthly field trips are out of state and provide a wonderful opportunity to get somewhere remote with a group of like minded people. I have always had fun on the adventures and usually return with usable images.  At the bottom is an image I took on a field trip to Yosemite with my club:

Each month a guest speaker will give a presentation to the club. This is a wonderful opportunity to talk to a working pro and ask questions. I learn something each time, even if they shoot in a completely different style of genre.

Being a Wildlife, Nature or Landscape photographer can be lonely at times. Sure it's spellbinding to sit on a ledge on the side of a mountain and photograph Mother Nature at her best, but sometimes, we fail to get the shot because of conditions, lack of preparation or whatever, and it's a lonely drive back to the tent or hotel. The field trips offer a different perspective because there is always a warm meal and great conversations after the shoot whether you get the shot or not. You'll make great friends in the club. My 1st trip to Africa was with a friend I met in the camera club, in fact, I'm going back again this year but this time there are 12 members from the club going. 

I found 1 thing to be challenging. In most cases the judges for the contests are in their 60's or 70's, and I have wondered if these old cats are still living in the 90's. Does winning photo contests mean you will sell images? Are the winning images similar to the images a recent grad in graphic design would choose when putting together an ad campaign? This is something I have struggled to find out. In the end, I realize a great photo taken 60 years ago is still a great photo today. There is no modern replacement for a great story, lighting and composition. 

I would love to hear your experiences with camera clubs and photo contests, please leave a comment. However you choose to proceed, here are some great resources to consider, each having info that can help you. 

https://ppa.com

https://psa-photo.org

https://asmp.org

Good luck and good light to you.

About David Williams: I specialize in African Wildlife and Indigenous People Cultural Photography. See my work at https://www.davidwilliamsphotography.com https://davidwilliams.photoshelter.com/index or Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/david_williams_photography_