Photographic Nightmares

[VivienneJ]

Hi ladies.

I need advice. I recently joined a photography group which was OK at first as we were covering all different subjects.

The main "trainer" is a bit of a flake, however, arriving late then heading off to take other kinds of groups.

After 3 months we just got started on digital camera use - quite different from using my 'phone. Up until now I have been the best picture taker in the group (even winding up in local papers) - now I suddenly found myself being targeted and pointed out as the "girl who probably never listened at school" and laughed at by others in the group (who already have digital cameras). 😳 - only one man could see how uncomfortable I was.

I have a chance to join another group in the New Year. Do you think I should just go for it, or am I being a drama queen !!

The situation reminded me of my school days of being laughed at for doing well and I haven't been sleeping because of it all.

Thanks in advance.

Go to the other group without a backward glance.

Unless, as you leave for the last time you're up to saying "so, who are you going to pick on now?"

Can you do both for a while and see how it goes?

How long has this picking on you been going on? What a load of twats to laugh at someone for not having a digital camera! It's so weird.

Like people should have every piece of equipment just in case they get into that as a hobby later. Triathlon bike, food mixer, deep sea diving kit. 🙄

Thanks.

The picking on me just started - came out of nowhere.

Why would you NOT leave the rude, flakey group?! You owe them nothing. It's a joyful hobby for you, the group is sapping your joy. Leave.

This is a hobby group. It's entirely optional and you go there to enjoy it. There is no need to hang around to be made fun of.
Leave, and leave feedback, too. What a bunch of bullies.

I was thinking why should you be driven out of the group by a bunch of wankers but now I'm thinking @DejaVoodoo is right, you are doing it for your own pleasure.

God no. This is something you're doing for fun. Leave and don't look back!

Fun things should be fun.
It doesn't sound fun anymore.
Also the group leader is a flake.
Time to move on.

Although the suggestion to do two groups for a few weeks is a good one if you're unsure.

Or sounds like this has triggered some painful school memories?

Are there things you wish you could have said or done in school? How would it feel if you were to try them out now?

”Bloody hell, that’s not a nice thing to say”
“Would anyone else like to take a turn at being picked on?”
or
”Good teachers don’t need to belittle or humiliate their students”

Or 'are you always such a cunt Nigel?'

Cameras do bring out the worst in some men. Other people seem to like my pics. But oh God! I've been to camera clubs where I was the only woman. And girl at school photog clubs. All the males are keen on lenses (the longer the better!), shutter speeds, f-numbers, etc, the secrets of developing films, blah blah blah, but can they take a decent picture? NO, but they even lecture me about composition! Rule of thirds, etc. Find a better group.