Consett and District Photographic Society
In 1949 the town of Consett was a very different place to that of today. The Consett Iron Company or “The Works” as it was so fondly known was in full production with a workforce of around 6000 this huge complex totally dominated the town and surrounding area. Even the air was red with iron oxide which settled on cars and hedgerows. It was however the year that Consett and District Photographic Society - or The Camera Club was founded. Although recently trawling through the Consett Advertiser's archives it appears that it was originally founded much earlier in 1909, making it one of the oldest clubs in the North East.
Initially created to serve photographers from Consett, the club's reach has expanded to encompass the entire former 'Derwentside council' area after the closure of the Stanley Photo Soc a few years ago. It currently boasts members from Consett, Stanley, Burnopfield, Lanchester, and Slaley together with the original areas.
Over the years the club has met in various venues around the town including The British Legion, The Demi, The Steel Club and even Consett Bowls Club.
Initially created to serve photographers from Consett, the club's reach has expanded to encompass the entire former 'Derwentside council' area after the closure of the Stanley Photo Soc a few years ago. It currently boasts members from Consett, Stanley, Burnopfield, Lanchester, and Slaley together with the original areas.
Over the years the club has met in various venues around the town including The British Legion, The Demi, The Steel Club and even Consett Bowls Club.
The club meet each Monday evening from September to April at Citizens House in the centre of Consett and have 30+ members, men and woman young and old, they pride themselves in being a friendly club and actively encourage new members to get involved.
Monday evenings at the club come in various guises, both guest speakers and CPS members giving talks on all things photographic, some nights are dedicated to certain skills such as Macro or Flash photography. Competitions have always been part of the activities and can be either Print or PDI (projected digital images) and can be either internal club competitions or friendly competitions against other local clubs.
The club are keen to showcase their work and exhibitions have been held across the area including at church halls and the Library and they now have a permanent exhibition inside Citizens House.
Monday evenings at the club come in various guises, both guest speakers and CPS members giving talks on all things photographic, some nights are dedicated to certain skills such as Macro or Flash photography. Competitions have always been part of the activities and can be either Print or PDI (projected digital images) and can be either internal club competitions or friendly competitions against other local clubs.
The club are keen to showcase their work and exhibitions have been held across the area including at church halls and the Library and they now have a permanent exhibition inside Citizens House.
Throughout the year they have assignment days, these are well planned outings and have recently included Edinburgh and Skipton, together with more local locations around Consett and the North East, but wherever they choose there is an assignment most months with a different challenge and images taken are sent to the club for a presentation later in the year.