The Camera Club of New York
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Since 1884, The Camera Club of New York has been the place where people have turned to in their quest to explore the medium of photography. Even though the Club was initially created by well-to-do 'gentlemen' photography enthusiasts who sought a refuge from the mass popularization of the medium in the 1880's, it later became quite progressive in its acceptance of new ideas and new approaches to the medium. Indeed, in 1887, only four years after its inception, the Club accepted its first woman as a member, Miss Elizabeth A. Slade.
Over the years the Club would be the launching pad for revolutionary new approaches to photography and would nurture many photographers who would later become giants in the field. Alfred Stieglitz used the Club as a forum and venue to convince a still skeptical public that photography was an art worthy of comparison to painting. Later, as the medium matured, the Club would again be the place where the new 'straight' approach to photography would emerge. Paul Strand, who joined the Camera Club at 17, was introduced to a camera at the Club that had a right-angle viewfinder, allowing one to photograph people unawares. Strand's use of this camera produced some of his most memorable images on the streets of New York, including Blind Woman and Wall Street.
The Camera Club was also an important place to hear about new advances in photography. For instance, X-Ray photography was demonstrated there in 1898 and the autochrome process, an early form of color photography, was demonstrated there in 1909. In 1930 Willard Morgan first introduced the new Leica camera to Club members. Among the important lectures held at the Club were Aero Photography by Edward Steichen in 1921 and The Life and Work of Eugene Atget by Berenice Abbott in 1931. Later, Richard Avedon lectured on fashion Photography in 1949. See the Chronology of Events for a more comprehensive listing.
Today, the Camera Club continues to function as an important resource for those who seek out a venue and platform for photography. The club offers classes in basic camera and darkroom skills, which help to nurture and create new pioneers of photography and workspaces for both established and emerging photographers. Lectures and exhibits are also an important part of the club1s program. Recently such important photographers as Eugene Richards, Nigel Perry, Duane Michaels, Andreas Serrano and Eddie Adams have exhibited and lectured here.
The Camera Club of New York is located at 853 Broadway.
