From prints to pixels, photography has changed greatly since 1933, an evolution reflected in the eight-decade history of the Harrisburg Camera Club.
“The club has morphed a lot,” said Camp Hill resident and group president R. Andrew Hoff. “At one time, it was all dark-room people. Then it evolved into a projector slide club, which focused predominantly on travel. Now, it is all over the map—architectural, abstract, street photography, black and white and creative,” said Hoff.
The group is comprised of non-professionals still learning the hobby and professional photographers eager to share their tips. Some have been published in local, regional and national magazines, and others have taken top awards in various contests around the country.
Hoff’s interest in photography began years ago in the mid-1980s. “One of my friends owned a photo studio and told me I needed to improve my photography skills,” he said. That was the impetus to propel Hoff past the “point and shoot” mode, eventually leading him to serve as an officer of the club.
Camera Club Vice President Randal Lathrop harkens back to childhood to explain how he developed an interest in the hobby. The Carlisle resident said, “I’ve been taking pictures since I was a kid. When I was growing up in the ‘60s, my father was stationed in Germany, and I bought a Kodak Brownie camera at a flea market for a nickel. When we transferred to Hawaii, I took some black and white developing classes.”
Lathrop put photography on hold to attend college and the military, only to pick it back up years later. “I learned about the club when I was browsing for accessories at Carlisle Camera and saw a meeting advertised. I joined that night back in 2007 and have been a member ever since,” he said.
The club has enjoyed steady growth through the years and now boasts about 100 members who meet twice a month from September through April at the Giant Community Room in Camp Hill. During the meetings, attendees are encouraged to enter competitions and submit their best photos to be critiqued—a process that appeals to both new and seasoned photographers alike, according to Hoff.
“We lay them out on the table and form an opinion on them, explaining what makes a photo good and what would make it better,” he said.
Cathy Marone, who has been a member for two years, travels to the meetings from Lewisberry.
“My husband Tom pushed me into it after I purchased my first digital camera,” she said. “He told me I needed to learn to take it off automatic and adjust my speed, exposure and aperture.”
Marone was a bit hesitant to compete the first year, but decided to take the plunge and enter some of her photos the second year. To her surprise, she won third place—a bronze coin—in two of the print competitions, with a picture of an amaryllis and a zebra.
Karen Commings said that entering the digital competitions was a big help in improving her photography. The Linglestown resident, who has been a member for three years, said, “The judges offer useful critiques of your photos; my photography has improved, and I’m having fun doing it.”
In addition to the regular meetings and the competitions that are held throughout the year, the group hosts an annual workshop at Central Penn College. According to Hoff, the one-day event features speakers like Tony Sweet and John Barclay, both Nikon legends, and Ed Heaton, a Tamron professional. “We bring in the highest-level speakers we can afford, and it’s been well received, with participants coming from as far as West Virginia and Philadelphia,” said Hoff.
The club also plans field trips, which are popular. Excursions include a Knoebels Grove outing, a visit to the Strasburg Railroad Museum and a Wildwood Park trip, where seasoned members will mentor those who request guidance.
As part of its public outreach, the club has supported a program called “Photography for Kids.”
“Canon supplied the equipment, and we conducted two one-week camps. Our booth at Artsfest showcased the children’s work, and we conducted a raffle to raise funds, splitting the proceeds between the club and the program,” said Hoff.
More recently, the club provided photography services for Special Olympics, sending six photographers to Messiah College to photograph the athletes in sporting events.
So, if terms like aperture and F-stop freeze you in your tracks, you might be a good candidate for the Harrisburg Camera Club. “We encourage people to attend free to try us out and see if they want to join,” said Hoff.
Club member Marone said she learns a lot at the meetings. “My husband Tom and I enjoy the people, and they are very eager to share their knowledge,” she said.
“My goal is just to make everyone a better photographer—period,” said Hoff.
To learn more about the Harrisburg Camera Club, visit harrisburgcameraclub.com.
