GENERAL INFORMATION

HISTORY

The Dallas Camera Club (DCC) was organized in 1934, starting with 52 print makers meeting twice a month to further their photographic skills. Color slides were added, presumably in the late 1950s. And most recently in 2008 digital photograps have replaced slides. The DCC is a member of the Photographic Society of America (PSA) and the Gulf States Camera Club Council (GSCCC).

The DCC stresses intra-club competition as a learning process. Emphasis is placed on helping the beginner or new member feel at ease, ask questions, learn, and participate.

DCC holds contests and events which make the DCC a very active club: monthly competitions, field trips, workshops, programs of general knowledge and interest, and an annual competition with the Fort Worth Camera Club and our own annual Awards Banquet.

Several club members have become known locally, nationally, and internationally through exhibits, as officers of PSA and GSCCC, and by winning awards in newspaper, magazine, and other competitions.


MEETINGS

The Dallas Camera Club meets on the 1st and 3rd Tuesday each month. The first Tuesday meeting is our competition night. Members turn in projected images and/or prints for the following months competition at this meeting. Projected images and prints from the previous months competition are critiqued by a selected judge. Awards (ribbons) are given for 1st, 2nd, 3rd, and one to three Honorable Mentions depending on the volume of photographs submitted. During the critique, the title is read, and if the image receives high scores by the judge then the members name is also read.


FIELD TRIPS AND SPECIAL EVENTS

Field trips are scheduled through the year to provide photo opportunities and allow club members to socialize and get to know each other better. The DCC sponsors other events to create additional membership interest or provide information and education opportunities. Special slide shows are usually prepared from slides taken on field trips or other selected events.


COMMUNITY SERVICE

The club established a Community Service Committee in 1996 with two purposes in mind: (1) To provide names of possible speakers for community groups that may inquire and (2) To provide the names of individual DCC members who are willing to take images of worthy community projects and events. The Community Service Chair will survey the membership to find those individuals who are willing to participate in either of the above activities before any names are given out.


NEWSLETTER

The club publishes a monthly newsletter, Thru the Lens, which is mailed to all paid members. The newsletter contains articles and information about photography, club activities, programs, and competition results and standings.


DCC ANNUAL AWARD

One member may be chosen each year for the DCC Annual Award given for outstanding service to the club. The selection is by committee, which is appointed and chaired by the President. The recipient is announced at the Annual Awards Banquet at the end of the club year.


ANNUAL AWARDS BANQUET

The DCC holds an Annual Awards Banquet on the first Tuesday of April each year. Awards are given for the Print of the Year (monochrome and color) and Slide of the Year. In addition, awards honor members who place 1st, 2nd, or 3rd in total points earned during the competition year. Several other club awards and the installation of new officers complete this social event.


ANNUAL CHRISTMAS PARTY

In December each year, usually on the second regular Tuesday meeting night, the DCC holds a potluck Christmas Party. Moderately priced gifts are exchanged by way of the "White Elephant" gift exchange.


MEMBERSHIP

The clubs fiscal year is April 1 through March 31. Some camera stores and photograph supply stores give discounts to DCC members. Club dues must be paid before you can compete.

  • Individual membership is $40 per year.
  • Full-time students may join for $20.
  • After October 1, dues are half-price.

Some camera stores and photography supply stores give discounts to DCC members.


MENTORS

A mentoring program was established in 1999 under the guidance of Membership Chair.