DPS in Profile

DURHAM has had a thriving group of keen photographers for well over a century. The first camera club was founded in Victorian times. Since then the camera enthusiasts have embraced changes in technology that have seen the introduction of smaller cameras, colour photography, auto - exposure and automatic focus.

Now, members of Durham Photographic Society are still well abreast of present day advances brought about by the computer revolution. The digital age has opened up exciting new prospects for image making.

The high impact images that hit you between the eyes - in magazines, posters, newspapers and on TV  are within the grasp of anyone with a flair for creating artistic pictures.

Of course we have experienced members who are still masters of traditional photography, some of them supreme darkroom craftsmen. Their pedigree can be traced back to the first Durham City Camera Club, Founded in 1892 and the more recent Durham Photographic Society, set up after the Second World War in1947.

But many of our members have also mastered new technology and are happy to pass on their skills to newcomers - and also to listen to fresh ideas from new age photographers.

As a member of Durham Photographic Society you are assured of the widest possible audience for your picture making. We hold regular competitions and non - competitive picture discussion sessions. In addition, our annual exhibition is held in Durham Cathedral during the summer months when visitors from all over the world are able to see our members work.

Durham Photographic Society has been at the sharp end of picture making in the North East for many years. The society has won regional competitions and represented the Northern Counties in national contests on many occasions.

Recently members pooled their skills to produce their own Millennium contribution - a book of old and new scenes in the city entitled DURHAM THEN AND NOW. The book illustrates many of the dramatic changes that have taken place in the city over the past half century.

As an active group of photographers, our members enjoy a varied programme of talks, demonstrations and photographic projects. Landscape, portraiture, documentary, architecture, sport, nature and travel are just a few of the subjects. Black & white or colour, slides or prints, darkroom or digital; the full range of output media is frequently on show at our meetings and exhibitions. Equipment in use varies widely; home made pin-hole camera's, medium format, 5x4 and of course the almost universal 35mm SLR. Advice is freely given if required - whatever the photographic topic, chances are, there's an expert in Durham Photographic Society.

Regardless of the level of expertise, or the equipment in use, our aim is to enjoy photography in the company of like minded individuals. Why not join other enthusiasts in an exciting hobby, which is constantly opening up new opportunities for creativity in the world of visual arts.

A warm welcome awaits visitors and new members.