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 astonishing to realize that two months have already passed since our reunion on September 5th, 2023, marking the commencement of our dual night “Welcome Back”. Since then, we’ve delved into a myriad of activities: a captivating Photography 101 workshop, an all-inclusive “New Members Orientation,” a lively Show and Tell session, and the inauguration of our In-Person Print & DPI competition (at the Washington Park District Field House).

To the new member, welcome aboard! I deeply hope for you to embrace the same mentorship and camaraderie that shaped my journey when I joined in 2012. To our steadfast members, your essence and commitment are our backbone; it’s your spirit that ensures we continue to seamlessly “click.” As we look ahead, I urge everyone to send their thoughts and prayers for members facing health adversities, anticipating their swift recovery and eventual return to our fold.

It brings me immense joy to report that our committees and service teams are thriving, thanks to the unwavering dedication of our members who have volunteered their valuable time. Your tireless endeavors are sculpting this year into a remarkable success.

On the logistical front, we are diligently preparing for our return to the Washington Park Field House for our in-person meetings. In collaboration with the Chicago Park District supervisor, we are addressing the replacement of our equipment, optimizing the print lab, and reorganizing our storage spaces—all of which were affected by a fire over a year ago. Stay tuned for more updates.

In these challenging times, it’s vital to remain a beacon of positivity. Let’s nurture each other, and passionately document the ever-evolving world around us, forging a legacy for future generations.

Stay inspired and keep capturing!

— Philip Thomas

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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 ]