History. The New Haven Camera Club was established
in 1911. It was a charter member of the American Association of Camera Clubs
that later became the Photographic Society of America.
The early history of the
club is incomplete. Club records have been kept since 1944. The purpose of the
club then, as it is now, was to promote amateur photography in the greater New
Haven area.
In the late 1940's and early 1950's, black and white
printmaking dominated the camera club. With the advent of color slides in 1951,
gradually the focus of the club shifted to color slide photography. Now prints
are again increasing in importance with the advent of digital print making
techniques.
The New Haven Camera Club is recognized as one of the best
camera clubs in the state. Over the years the club has won numerous awards in
photographic competitions sponsored by the Photographic Society of America, the
New England Camera Club Council, and the Connecticut Association of
Photographers, with which the New Haven Camera Club is affiliated.
The club offers programs to instruct and entertain
photographers, regardless of ability level. Competitions allow members to
display their photography, receive awards, and hear constructive criticism.
Small group workshops allow for instruction in various photographic techniques
in an informal setting. Field trips to places with good photographic potential
are held periodically. In 2002 the club’s Internet page went live, followed a few years later by the club's Blog. These sites allow members and potential members to stay current with the activities of the
club and provides links to other photographic organizations.
Through the years, the New Haven Camera Club has
contributed to New Haven's artistic life. It participated in New Haven's
Festival of the Arts, which was held in the late 1950's and early 1960's on the
New Haven Green. In 1988, the club participated in New Haven's 350th Birthday
Celebration, during which the club sponsored a print contest for local
photographers. Recently the club displayed photographs at the New Haven Public
Library.
As people have moved to suburban towns over the years, the
New Haven Camera Club became truly a regional club with members coming from many different parts of the state. Getting together with others who share an interest in photography
has been and continues to be a part of the club. Good friendships develop by
socializing at club meetings, workshops, field trips, at our Holiday Party, and
Annual Awards Banquet.
The New Haven Camera Club is fortunate to have as members
many excellent photographers who are always willing to share their knowledge
with others. It is the members of the club who by their participation,
enthusiasm, and fellowship have sustained the New Haven Camera Club for these
many years.
It always takes a lot of members pitching in to make our club work. The more active and involved members we have, the better our club will be. We are very appreciative to those members whose contributions help our club successful. Thanks!!
It always takes a lot of members pitching in to make our club work. The more active and involved members we have, the better our club will be. We are very appreciative to those members whose contributions help our club successful. Thanks!!
