Club History

The Washington Park Camera Club (WPCC) was organized in 1955 and received its Charter in 1961. It is one of Chicago’s oldest and one of two predominantly African-American camera clubs in the Chicago Area Camera Clubs Association (CACCA). The club is also a member of the Photographic Society of America (PSA).

WPCC provides a forum where those who are interested in photography can meet, learn and explore different aspects of the art and increase their knowledge of this fascinating science.

Throughout the club year, WPCC offers critiques, workshops, and competitions, field trips and events with guest photographers and lecturers on various subjects relating to the art.

The club enters it’s work in monthly and annual CACCA international competitions and art fairs and has been recognized as an organization with a sense of pride and satisfaction.

The Executive Committee (2023 – 2025)

Charter Members

April 4, 1961

Joseph Collymore
I. L. Simmons
Harry MacDonald
James Avery
Henry A. Martin
Augustus J. Kinslow
Robert F. Dowdell
Thomas Bill

Committees

The Washington Park Camera Club’s committees are formed at the discretion of the President, who establishes both standing and ad‑hoc committees as needed. Once convened, each committee selects its own chair at its first meeting, and on an annual basis the committee’s chair, membership, and continued necessity are reviewed to ensure they remain aligned with the club’s goals. (see more at WPCC Constitution & By-Laws)

Competition –
- Print
- Digital Projected Images
Historical & Archive
Membership
Newsletter
Paparazzi
Peer Mentorship
Programs & Events

Join a committee and be a part of the action, helping to drive the Washington Park Camera Club forward! Everyone has something valuable to contribute, and by signing up, you’ll have the opportunity to share your skills, ideas, and passion for photography. Whether you’re interested in organizing events, supporting competitions, or enhancing member experiences, there’s a committee for you. Sign up today and make an impact!

Click here to signup for a Committee: Committee Sign Up

Competition

Chairperson: TBD
Members: TBD

The Competition Committee stands drives the spirit of excellence and creativity within our photographic community. Its primary responsibilities encompass the orchestration and administration of our monthly and annual competitions, with particular emphasis on the Print and Digitally Projected Image (DPI) subcommittees.

Print Competitions Subcommittee

Organizes in-person competitions held on the Tuesday before the second Saturday of each month, aligning with the CACCA print competition schedule.
Evaluates physical, mounted prints, embracing a broad spectrum from small to large sizes in both color and monochrome image formats.

DPI Competitions Subcommittee

Facilitates competitions that can be either in-person or virtual, also scheduled for the Tuesday before the second Saturday of each month, in harmony with the CACCA DPI competition calendar.
Judges digital images, showcasing them in vibrant color and intricate monochrome formats.

Beyond the monthly competitions, the Competition Committee also plays an instrumental role in:

Managing the prestigious End-of-the-Year Print and DPI competition, a testament to the culmination of our club’s yearly endeavors.
Scheduling skilled and experienced judges for every WPCC competition, ensuring a fair and enlightening evaluation process.
Training dedicated WPCC members, equipping them with the knowledge and expertise to judge not only internal competitions but also external ones, encompassing sister clubs and the broader CACCA community.
Synchronizing our monthly involvement in the Print and DPI competitions with the Chicago Area Camera Club Association (CACCA), reinforcing our commitment to photographic excellence.
Actively coaching and mentoring WPCC members, nurturing their growth to become esteemed judges for both print and DPI image competitions.

Historical & Archive

Chairperson: TBD
Members: TBD

The [New] Historical & Archive Committee is dedicated to safeguarding, preserving, and celebrating the Washington Park Camera Club’s legacy. By meticulously documenting member contributions, iconic photographs, pivotal events, publications, and milestones, the committee ensures the club’s rich heritage is both honored and accessible. Its work not only immortalizes the achievements and evolution of the club for future generations but also amplifies its presence and impact within the broader community.

Membership

Chairperson: TBD
Members: TBD

The Washington Park Camera Club’s Membership Committee is like the friendly neighbor who’s always there to give newcomers a hearty welcome. They’re on top of all things membership, scooping up applications from the club’s websites, shout-outs from current members, and those cool promo ads they run. Once someone decides to join in on the fun, the committee adds them to the Club Directory, which gets a refresh and is shared every month.

But here’s the cool part: they aren’t just about the paperwork. They’re big on keeping the vibes warm and friendly. Every member gets a birthday shout-out via email and, wait for it, an actual birthday card in the mail! How retro and awesome is that? And if someone’s going through a rough patch, like an illness or a loss, or even celebrating a retirement or special moment, the committee is right there, sending a card or giving a call. It’s clear they’re all about making everyone feel right at home in the Washington Park Camera Club.

Chairperson: TBD
Members: TBD

Paparazzi

Chairperson: TBD
Members: TBD

The Club’s Paparazzi is tasked with overseeing the photographic documentation of both club and community events. In collaboration with the president and the Program Committee, they handle photography requests and coordinate the scheduling of volunteers for event coverage.

Peer Mentorship

Chairperson: TBD
Members: TBD

Are you looking to enhance your photography skills and learn more about your camera’s functions? Our mentor program is just what you need.

Started during the 2020-2021 camera season, our program was developed after many of our members expressed their desire for sessions where they could learn and grow with like-minded individuals. Our first year during the pandemic was a huge success, and we’re excited to offer it again this year!

Our mentors are dedicated to helping you learn more about your camera, including what to focus on, when to shoot, how to set your camera for different scenes, and how to use programs to enhance your photos. All members who want to improve their photography skills are welcome to join.

Click HERE to learn more.

Programs & Events

Chairperson: TBD
Members: TBD

The Program Committee serves as a vital pillar of a camera club. The primary goal of such clubs is to facilitate members’ engagement in activities that bolster their photographic skills. Members are encouraged to share their creative images, hone their abilities with photo sessions featuring live models, animals, landscapes, varied action shots, and evocative street scenes, among others.

The Committee crafts opportunities tailored to these interests. With 2-3 meetings scheduled per month, members can anticipate individual photo challenges set by the committee, team-based photo challenges, local field trips, sessions with external photography experts, and workshops led by fellow members. Additionally, member suggestions for activities are always welcomed and encouraged.

Special Events (Banquet)

Chairperson: TBD
Members: TBD

The Special Events Committee of the Washington Park Camera Club plays a key role in fostering a sense of community and celebration among our members. Tasked with organizing two significant events each year, the Christmas Holiday Banquet and the End-of-Year Banquet, the Banquet Committee ensures that these gatherings are memorable and enjoyable for all participants.

The Christmas Holiday Banquet serves as a festive occasion for members to come together, enjoy each other’s company, and share in the joy of the holiday season. With careful planning and attention to detail, the Banquet Committee works diligently to create an atmosphere of warmth and camaraderie at this event.

The End-of-Year Banquet is an important tradition for the Washington Park Camera Club, as it provides an opportunity to acknowledge and celebrate the outstanding work of our members. During the event, we present awards to those who have demonstrated exceptional skill and creativity in photography over the past year. Additionally, the Photo Display feature allows members to showcase their work to the audience, providing a platform for artistic expression and mutual appreciation.

Both of these events have become integral parts of the WPCC calendar, allowing members to come together, share their passion for photography, and foster connections with one another. The Banquet Committee is proud to contribute to the continued success of these gatherings, ensuring that they remain a highlight of the WPCC experience.

Technology & Equipment

The “Technology and Equipment” committee is at the forefront of the club’s evolution in the digital age. Dedicated to modernizing the club’s technology landscape, they will evaluate and upgrade equipment setups to meet contemporary standards.

Additionally, the committee oversees the setup and maintenance of equipment crucial for the virtual components of in-person events, as well as the judging equipment for on-site competitions.

Liaisons

The Liaisons of the Club stands as a crucial bridge connecting the club with key external entities. This committee diligently nurtures and maintains the relationships with the Washington Park Field House of the Chicago Park District and the University of Chicago Arts Incubator / Arts and Public Life organizations. Recognizing the value of collaboration, they ensure seamless interactions, joint initiatives, and mutual growth between the club and these esteemed institutions. Their work not only strengthens the club’s ties within the broader community but also fosters opportunities for members to engage, learn, and grow through these vital partnerships.

Chicago Park District

Washington Park District – The President
Washington Park Field House –
- Daily – Philip Thomas
- Special Events – Roslyn Armour

Arts & Public Life

Arts Incubator – Sheila Nicholes
Green Line – Sheila Nicholes

Chicago Area Camera Club Association (CACCA) – Vanessa Thomas

Photographic Society of America (PSA) – TBD

Memberships and Affiliations

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


Philip Thomas President	Bonnie DuBose Vice President	Teracita Perkins Secretary	Rennie Ellens Treasurer

Club Organization