Photo meetup groups shift what is often a purely solitary pursuit into a community social experience. And since Toronto is brimming with amateur and professional photography talent it's no secret that photo meetup groups are thriving here. Regardless of their specific spin, photo meetup groups encourage image-makers of all ages and skill levels to network and socialize, improve their skills and capture the city's architecture, people, landscapes and street life.

Here are 5 photo meetup groups in Toronto worth checking out.

Toronto Photo Walks
Every second Saturday these popular walks are held in various neighborhoods around the city, rain or shine. Organizers aim to accommodate the mixed interests of the group's members with a range of locations featuring architecture, graffiti, wildlife and people. The group occasionally ventures outside city limits to explore smaller cities and rural wildlife. Toronto Photo Walks has held over 100 events and recently celebrated its four-year anniversary.

Instameet
This relatively new meetup group is centred around, you guessed it, Instagram photography. Meetups are held monthly on weekends, with ad hoc mini-meets held in between. Though smartphone cameras rule in this group, DSLR and point-and-shoot cameras are most welcome. Recent Instameets have taken place at the Harbourfront ice rink and Ripley's Aquarium.

Toronto Photography Meetup Group
This group focuses on developing the skills of its members through organized studio shoots, free photo walks, and print swap critiques. The group has an average of three events per month held in various locations in the city. The Toronto Photography Meetup Group splits the cost of studio shoots among participating members. The group's active online forum has discussions on technique, gear and mentoring opportunities.

500px Meetup
Toronto's favourite photography startup hosts occasional photography meetups for its members and those curious about the 500px website. The informal meetups encourage members to put a face to a username and shoot in neighbourhoods around the city. 500px meetups are currently on hiatus for the winter and will resume in the coming months.

Flickr Meetup
Toronto members of this globally popular photo sharing site have been organizing monthly meetups since 2005. Primarily a social get-together for Flickr users, Toronto's monthly Flickr meetup is typically held in a pub or restaurant. Shooting happens informally, and group members skew toward the baby-boomer demographic.

What did I miss? Give props to your favourite Toronto photo meetup group in the comments below.

Writing by Emily Baillie. Photo by Tyler in the blogTO Flickr pool