For anyone involved in UK camera clubs, the acronym PAGB appears regularly. It stands for the Photographic Alliance of Great Britain, the umbrella organisation that coordinates activities for photographic clubs across England, Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland, the Channel Islands and the Isle of Man.
The PAGB exists to coordinate and support the network of photographic clubs and societies throughout the country. It achieves this through 15 geographical federations, each covering a region of the UK. The PAGB organises photographic events, offers services such as Recorded Lectures, and runs its own system of photographic distinctions called Awards for Photographic Merit. It also has cross-representation with the Royal Photographic Society and is a member of FIAP, the International Federation of Photographic Art.
The Alliance is governed by an Executive Committee whose members are elected at the Annual General Meeting each April. This committee oversees the various services and events provided to member clubs through the federations. The PAGB Compendium is a key resource for club secretaries: a single document that references the full website content. The PAGB also produces a fortnightly e-newsletter to keep the photographic community informed.
One of the most visible benefits of PAGB membership is the opportunity to earn its distinctions. Photographers can submit a portfolio of work to be assessed by a panel of experts, gaining recognition for their skill and creativity. The PAGB also coordinates inter-club competitions, national exhibitions, and other events that bring together photographers from different federations. For clubs looking to book external speakers, the Recorded Lectures service provides a library of pre-recorded talks by experienced photographers.
The PAGB was formed to give camera clubs a collective voice and to share resources that individual clubs could not easily provide alone. By federating into regional groups, clubs gain access to a wider pool of judges, speakers, and competition opportunities. The Alliance also acts as a representative body, liaising with national organisations such as the Royal Photographic Society and FIAP. For a new photographer joining their local club, the PAGB offers a path to national recognition. For club officers, it provides a framework for running competitions and events to a consistent standard.
If you are looking to join a camera club, the PAGB website and its federations are a good starting point. Each of the 15 federations maintains a list of member clubs, often with meeting times and locations. We list clubs from all 15 PAGB federations below — search by town or postcode on the homepage, or browse by federation using the map and links below.
Click a coloured region on the map to find out more, or browse the list below.