Welcome

Discover the rich history and artistic vision of the Washington Park Camera Club, founded in 1955 as a pioneering community of African American photographers in the Chicago area. As the oldest predominately African American camera club in the region, our members have been capturing life’s precious moments and sharing their passion for the art of photography for over six decades.

We are proud to be a member of the Chicago-Area Camera Club Association and continue to promote excellence in photography through our engaging and informative events, workshops, and competitions. Join us as we continue to celebrate the beauty and diversity of our world through the lens of our cameras.

From the Desk of the Club President

It’s that exciting time of the year again! We’re gearing up for the Washington Park Camera Club 2023-2024 club year, and we’d love for you to be a part of our “Welcome Back” celebrations. Mark your calendars for September 5th and 12th for two nights of pure photography passion.

We’ll be convening at the University of Chicago Arts Incubator, 2nd Floor, from 7:00 pm to 8:30 pm.

If you can’t join in person, no worries!  Both sessions will be accessible via the Club’s Zoom meeting (using our regular Meeting ID and pass code). 

On the agenda for September 5th:

• Meet our fresh Executive Committee.
• Get acquainted with our mission, vision, and pivotal roles for this club year.
• An overview of our various Committees.
• A glimpse into the Club Calendar for September and October 2023.
• And of course, an opportunity to “Socialize & Mingle”. 

For those of you needing to settle your annual dues for 2022-2023, Carol Neal will be at the ready.  Ensure your checks are made payable to “Washington Park Camera Club.

Oh, and if you have your Washington Park Camera Club shirts, we invite you to proudly wear them on both nights. 

Both I and the Executive are looking forward to embracing the new club year with each one of you, be it face-to-face or virtually! Until then, stay inspired and keep capturing!

— Philip Thomas

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Article: WPCC Archive Committee Honored with Prestigious Olmsted Network Award

MILWAUKEE, WI – In recognition of their outstanding efforts on the “South Park: Then and Now” project, the WPCC (Washington Park Camera Club) Archive Committee is set to receive a Certificate of Appreciation at the esteemed Olmsted Network Awards Dinner. The award will be received by Duane Savage.

The dinner, scheduled for Thursday, September 21, 2023, will be a night of festivity and homage from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. Located on the Grohmann Museum Rooftop Terrace at 1000 N Broadway, the evening promises a captivating view of Milwaukee, a testament to the city’s vibrant culture and history.

Guests attending the awards dinner can also expect an enriching tour of the Grohmann Museum. With an entry fee of $75, attendees are guaranteed not only an evening of celebration but also an immersive experience into Wisconsin’s art and history. Those wishing to learn more about the venue can visit Grohmann Museum Rooftop Sculpture Garden.

The awards dinner is a highlight of the Olmsted Network annual conference, a three-day event running from September 20 to 22. Attendees can look forward to various discussions, workshops, and networking opportunities. If you’re keen on joining the WPCC community in celebrating their achievement and attending the dinner, make sure to register via the Olmsted Network Conference website.

WPCC members planning on attending are encouraged to coordinate with Yvonne Cary Carter for seating arrangements. This will ensure that WPCC members can celebrate together, further highlighting the sense of community and camaraderie that has contributed to the success of their archival project.

The “South Park: Then and Now” project has shone a spotlight on Washington Park, Midway Plaisance and Jackson Park, capturing the essence of Milwaukee’s communal spirit and historical growth. The award stands as a testament to WPCC Archive Committee’s dedication to preserving and sharing the city’s and community’s heritage.

Congratulations to the WPCC and the Archive Committee for their invaluable contribution to Milwaukee’s story and for receiving this well-deserved accolade!

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Check Us Out

Washington Park Camera members meet Tuesday nights between during and between the months of September of one year and June of the next (dependent on weather and location availability). Starting time is 7:00 PM at the Washington Park Field House (on 55th and Dr. MLK Drive) and meetings run anywhere from an hour to an hour-and-a-half. The club breaks for the summer but may have organized field trips to various locations during the off-period.

Become a Member

Annual membership is $60 (for the full year). Our meeting agendas include club competitions for prints and digitally projected images, guest speakers, workshops, shoot-and-shows, and photo excursions. The club also participates in photographing select events for the Washington Park District as well as participating with a few local organizations. Members represent a wide range of experience and expertise and are always willing to share information with each other.

Interested in WPCC? — Visit & Join (Virtually)

Due to the 2020-2022 COVID-19 pandemic, Washington Park Camera Club members have been meeting virtually via Zoom. If you aren’t a current member but you are interested in attending one of our meetings (via Zoom) or becoming a member, please click on the “I’m Interested in WPCC” link (above) and submit the membership request form. A member of the club’s executive will connect you.

Return to In-Person Meetings

When we return to in-person meetings and if you’d like to become a member, you may also “walk-in” with your completed membership form to the next meeting. We look forward to meeting you.

Memberships and Affiliations

• Chicago Area Camera Clubs Association (CACCA) [ Website ]
• Photographic Society of America (PSA) [ Website ]
• Chicago Park District: Washington Park [ Website ]