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

Thank you for stopping by our page.  We are a group that is passionate about photography. We all want to be better photographers and learn the latest techniques so we can produce images we are proud of.  This is a great place to learn,  share knowledge, and make new friends.  We have members that are beginners, intermediate, and professional photographers.  So you will fit right in.

We look forward to meeting you.

— Vanessa 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.

COVID-19

Amid the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, the Washington Park Camera Club has adapted to the times by hosting virtual meetings via Zoom. Whether you’re a current member or a photography enthusiast interested in joining our community, we invite you to join us for our engaging and informative virtual events.

To attend one of our meetings, simply click HERE to learn more about membership and gain access to our virtual gatherings. Don’t let the pandemic hold you back from exploring your passion for photography – join the Washington Park Camera Club today and connect with a community of like-minded individuals.

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 ]