A History of the Camera Club of  Hendersonville, NC

The Camera Club of Hendersonville (CCoH) has been in operation for many years – even decades. The earliest proof of the club's existence dates to a Times-News article from 1979 that told of a field trip to the Cradle of Forestry.

Through the years, the mission has remained the same: to improve member photographic efforts and techniques through knowledge sharing and learning from others; inside or outside CCoH. This has been supplemented by participation in:
 

• Themed forums or contests
• Field trips
• Speakers on general and special photo topics
• Formatting and framing demonstrations
• Presentations on hardware and software
• And more

Meetings were held at the Sammy Williams Center for many years.

CCoH has also provided exposure to members through library and Cradle of Forestry hangings and participation with area art galleries.

Over the years there has been more than one debate and approach to participation in forums by members; "judging" and the proper number of images per person per forum. Maximum participation could entail as many as 16 images – 4 each for B&W prints, color prints, slides, and digital.  At one point CCoH displayed a poster to be used as a guide for judges to help discern between "too easy" and "too critical." Today, emphasis is placed on how the image might be improved and submissions are limited to 3 or 4, with an order of preference to be provided by the submitter.

Photography has changed substantially since 1979. Print and slide competitions designed for film cameras were gradually replaced  by digital cameras, post-processing software and digital projectors. Of paramount importance in this period of our history was the introduction of these new technologies to our members. To be expected, some did not give up the old film techniques easily. There was a period when the club was divided into "purist" film shooters and digital "renegades" who had no misgivings about altering what they’d shot with software. This produced a different type of creativity in some ways. Thus, CCoH introduced its members to digital cameras and post-processing software of varying types via presentations from its own members, knowledgeable members from other clubs, and renowned professional photographic speakers. Gradually, the prints and slide projectors were replaced by digital submissions and presentations. Separate groups were organized to help photographers improve their skills. 

Photographers also change. The neophyte who joins to find out how to use a point-and-shoot camera to take better pictures of the kids and pets has different goals than an individuals who seeks success in juried competitions. CCoH strives to accommodate the entire range of skills and desires for all members.