Saturday Photographers
It’s a lot more fun in nice company!
Tampere Photographic Society (Tampereen Valokuvausseura, TVS for short) has close to 400 members of all skill levels and ages. Our purpose is to bring together photography enthusiasts in Tampere and its surrounding areas, and to support our members in developing their photography skills.
We run many interesting activities, such as meetups with various themes and photography courses. You will meet like-minded people, and find great company for shooting sessions and for learning more about photography.
We have a studio that members can use for a reasonable hourly rate, and you can make studio reservations after you’ve taken the introductory course. For film photographers, a darkroom is available, and reservations likewise require attending an introduction session.
TVS is a member of the Finnish Camera Club Association.
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Activities in English
Thus far, the Society’s activities have been in Finnish. As the number of our non-Finnish-speaking members grows, we are introducing events in English for those who do not yet feel comfortable participating in Finnish-only events.
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Becoming a member
If you are aspiring to become a member, you should have some sort of camera gear. Nothing fancy or expensive is required, but we recommend having something more than just your phone.
The membership fee for a regular member in 2025 is €50, and €40 for a young member. You are considered a young member until the end of the year in which you turn 29.
The membership fee can also be paid using an employee benefit (Epassi, Smartum, Edenred), provided that you have first received the membership fee invoice. Read more in Finnish=>
Becoming a member is easy—just fill in the form here=>
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Group leader
My name is Martti Ala-Rantala, and I go by the nickname “Mara.” I’ve been with the Society for about 5 years. I shoot a variety of subjects: nature, events, TFCD, fantasy, light art… I mostly shoot with Canon R6 Mk II, and sometimes resort to my trusty old 5D Mk III.
I will be running Saturday Photographers group in English.
Here’s my contact information:
Phone: 040 542 8850
Email: valokuvausseura (a) ala-rantala.com
IG: instamara666
First meeting 10.1.2026
One of our long-running formats is LaKu (short for lauantaikuvaajat, “Saturday Photographers”), a relaxed meetup on a Saturday once a month, built around a photographic theme.
Since this format has worked very well for many years, we will launch a similar activity in English. The first LaKu event in English will take place on January 10, 2026.
We will sit together for a cup of coffee and bun (a very Finnish custom!) to get to know each other a bit and discuss your expectations for the kind of events you would find interesting. Afterwards, we will do a photo walk in Tampere city center.
Please register via this link=>
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Photo: Ritva Järvinen
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Second meeting
The next meeting is already being planned and will be announced soon.