The Ōmokoroa Photographic Society is a vibrant, community-focused organisation dedicated to fostering creativity, learning, and connection through the art of photography. Based in the rapidly growing coastal community of Ōmokoroa in the Western Bay of Plenty, the Society provides an inclusive and supportive environment for photographers of all ages, abilities, and experience levels.

Our mission is to inspire and develop photographic skills while strengthening community engagement through visual storytelling. We actively encourage participation from beginners through to advanced photographers, including those using everything from mobile phones to professional mirrorless and DSLR systems. By removing barriers to entry, we ensure photography remains accessible to all.

The Society delivers an annual programme of approximately eleven structured meetings, workshops, and practical sessions. These include hands-on tutorials, guest presentations, and themed photographic challenges designed to expand members’ technical knowledge and creative confidence. Topics range from macro photography and portraiture to black-and-white imagery, light painting, and post-processing using industry-standard software.

Beyond education, the Society plays an active role in the local community. Members regularly contribute photographic coverage of community events, providing high-quality imagery for local organisations, social media platforms, and community publications. This not only showcases the talent within the Society but also helps promote and celebrate the wider Ōmokoroa community.

We are committed to nurturing a positive, welcoming culture where members feel encouraged to experiment, learn, and grow. Collaboration and peer support are central to our ethos, with experienced photographers mentoring those newer to the craft.

The Society also invests in shared resources to support learning, including access to editing software, photographic equipment, and practical tools that members may not otherwise have available. This reinforces our commitment to accessibility and skill development.

By joining Creative Bay of Plenty, the Ōmokoroa Photographic Society seeks to further strengthen its connections within the regional arts network, collaborate with like-minded organisations, and contribute to the cultural richness of the Bay of Plenty. We aim to continue expanding opportunities for creative expression while promoting photography as a powerful medium for storytelling, heritage preservation, and community identity.