Chester County Camera Club History
As early as 1938 photographers were gathering together in Chester County to exchange ideas, discuss techniques and share their enthusiasm for photography. In that year twelve men calling themselves the West Chester Camera Club were meeting in an old garage on Church Street, and another club was meeting in the upstairs room of the Coatesville fire station. Before the Coatesville group disbanded during World War II, the two clubs held competitions for several years.
An obituary notice from the Daily Local News in 1991 credited Herbert Jeeves, along with Bill Yetter, Len Zeidman and Hank Rosenberg, as a founder of the Chester County Camera Club in 1982. Since then, these lovers of photography have gathered in banks, churches, restaurants and community buildings on a regular basis to share information and photographs, to develop their skills, and to enjoy each other's company. It is this caring, supportive philosophy of the members that has made the club so successful over the years.
In addition to its association with the Photographic Society of America and the Delaware Valley Council of Camera Clubs, the Chester County Camera Club (CCCC) has undertaken a variety of special projects over the years:
- 2019: Exhibit at the Henry Gallery at Penn State Great Valley "My Point of View" by Chester County Camera Club Members
- 2017: Penn State Great Valley Speaker Series, April 5, 2017. "Photography as Art, Through the Lenses of Chester County Photographers" presented by Bob Kelly, Betsy Wilson and Fiona Keyes
- 2017: Gallery presentation at the Henry gallery - Penn State Great Valley "Photography as Art, Through the Lenses of Chester County Photographers" exhibit
- 2005/2006: The Club is collaborating with Longwood Gardens for "Longwood Through the Lens, " a photographic exhibition of over 50 images celebrating the Gardens' centennial. The exhibition is open for public viewing at Longwood Gardens from March 13 - April 16, 2006.
- 2003/2004: The Club collaborated with the Chester County Historical Society (CCHS) for an exhibit and book entitled "Chester County Then and Now." Club members were assigned old photographs from the Society's archives to retake in the present day. The finished works were hung side by side with the original photographs in the exhibit and also printed in a CCHS book called "Chester County Then and Now" available at the CCHS and local bookstores.
- 1996: The Club's largest project was an international print competition called "Focus on Longwood." The event was advertised in international horticultural and photographic publications, and 783 prints were submitted for the competition. The Club assembled a three-judge panel of professional photographers to serve on a preliminary panel. The final judging was conducted by well-known British photographer, writer and horticulturist, Derek Fell. The overall winning print was photographed by Chester County Camera Club member Garry Norton.
- past years: Members participate in Photo Fun Day and the Ray O'Day competitions in Philadelphia and the Wilmington International Competition.
There are many opportunities throughout the year for club members to gather informally including club outings and workshops. The last meeting of the year in the end-of-year picnic and awards ceremony where the Club's "Photographer of the Year" is named.