The Langley Camera Club was established in 1961, as a group of 10 keen photographers, all slidemakers, meeting in a small room in the basement of the Municipal Hall, sharing images, ideas, and expertise. Two of these originals are still active club members. Fortunately, the venue has improved, and the membership has increased, but the enthusiasm and our mission statement have not changed. Our objectives are "to promote the art and science of photography through activities and programs which encourage greater interest in the sharing of knowledge, and application of photographic principles, and to share our enthusiasm with our community" - and to have fun while doing so! Currently we have a membership of around 50, most of whom are still traditional film photographers, although many, especially the newer members, are working with what we call the "digital revolution in photography " and this is challenging many older members to include this technology in their work. These photographers cover a wide range in age and in expertise - everyone from the point-and-shoot beginners to seasoned professionals with years of experience. All differences melt away in the camaraderie and common passionate quest for making and capturing good images, whether slide, print, or digital. The tastes and interests of our members cover a wonderful range of subjects - Nature, Macro, Weddings, Portraiture, Landscape, Photo-Journalistic, Aerial, Architecture, Abstract, and a host of creative compilations and permutations of these.
We belong to the Langley Arts Council and the Canadian Association for Photographic Art (CAPA). In addition to our support of and participation in community events, we offer audio-visual presentations to groups and organizations in the community for both educational and entertainment purposes. As a club, we compete locally, provincially, nationally, and many members have excelled in a variety of competitions as individuals. We offer educational workshops and field trips, and host special events for both local and out-of-town camera clubs and photographers. The Club organizes the annual Fraser Valley Invitational Slide Competition. A theme is chosen each year, and all Valley clubs are invited to participate. This year we hope to break with tradition, and provide an even greater challenge by including several more clubs from the Greater Vancouver region. The topic for the May, 2005 competition is "Flawed".
Langley Camera Club is actively involved in the community by supporting other groups with our photography. This support has been either entirely donated or offered in exchange for the cost of film and processing. We have donated framed and matted prints to groups for their fund-raising auctions or raffles, and we regularly participate in the several local parades organized by the Langley Arts Council. Our club has provided photographs to the Fort Langley Business Improvement Association, for several of their events, and to the Township of Langley for their website. We have photographed events and provided images for additional groups such as: Langley Beef and Swine 4-H, the Keg Restaurant, Sports Groups, Elementary School Annuals, Heritage and Native Groups. We have had many requests for a Print Exhibition, and are hoping to accomplish this very soon.
The Viewfinder, our monthly newsletter, showcases members' images, articles, and letters, as well as providing information about upcoming events, competitions, and outings. Our website, at www.langleycameraclub.com is great way to find out more about our members, including a gallery of images, and about our club in general, such as contacts, meeting location and events information. Whenever you visit beautiful British Columbia, we hope you include a little time to visit with us, and I know that a member or two would enjoy accompanying you to some of our more photogenic spots around our town.
We look forward to meeting you!