Formerly known as: Jersey Camera Club.

It is believed that the Jersey Camera Club was in existence before the 1939 - 1945 War. In 1940 when the German Occupation commenced, cameras had to be handed in to the Authorities and the banning of meetings saw the temporary demise of the Club.

By 1948 the Club had restarted and the President was R.H. Rawnsley - Gurd. Fifty- four years later the aim of the Club remains the same - to further the interest of the members in all possible facets of photographic art.

To become a member of the Club used to be very formal, it was necessary to be proposed and seconded then approved by the Committee. During the early years the Club was very much a male domain and it was not until 1967 that the first lady held office.

In 1960, under the presidency of Renee Le Vaillant, the members decided on a new venture - their first Exhibition was held at the Assembly Room in St Helier Town Hall. It was not just an exhibition of members work, for the catalogue records images by both local and Guernsey amateur photographers. An amazing 599 slides were received but there were no colour prints, only monochrome. Jersey Tourism Committee donated prizes for the best Jersey Views. Since 1989 the Club Exhibition has become a successful finale for each year's work.

From records the Club seemed to have been quite strong, but in an insular way. One member gained a distinction of the Royal Photographic Society but generally members did not see any benefit in becoming involved with that prestigious company of photographers, possibly because of the Island's geographic isolation.

Every President and Officer has given much to the Club, but Renee Le Vaillant and John Le Boutillier, not only gave many years of service but as fine photographers, encouraged younger members to achieve recognition.

In the early 1960s several slides by Mr L.E. Macready were accepted in Exhibitions, one receiving honourable mention in the 1961 Annual Lantern Slide Competition organized by the Amateur Photographer Magazine. His great interest in Natural History Photography is perpetuated by the yearly L.E. Macready Trophy.

During the 1970s and 80s there was a move to expand the Club's interests outside of the Island. The President at that time, Bob Thurban was instrumental in encouraging the members to join the Royal Photographic Society and so apply for the various Distinctions, as well as sending to National and International Exhibitions. Before long members were showing that their ability in the photographic world was on a par with many clubs of Great Britain. The gaining of any distinction requires not only ability but dedication to reach such a standard of work. At the moment nine members have R.P.S. distinctions.

In the past there was a very active visual group, led by Dave Bishop, Dave Ward and Mike Ginns. The making of the programmes involved not only the taking of many illustrative slides but also combined a commentary and an appropriate musical sound track. These slide shows were very effective and popular viewing with many local Clubs and Associations.

In 1988 Muriel May became the first lady President and in the following years many of Britain's top photographers came to Jersey as judges, and also to show their work. Being able to see such outstanding images was a great inspiration for the Club members.

As a member of the Southern Photographic Federation of Great Britain, Jersey Photographic Club has on two occasions won the prestigious League Championship.

Competition plays a part in every Photographic Club, the value comes in receiving constructive critiques from a knowledgeable judge, allowing every one to improve their work.

Not all members of Jersey Photographic Club wish to follow a competitive way forward and whilst there are opportunities to do this, those who wish to improve their skills simply for themselves, are a major part of the membership.

"If there is a good thing about photography, it is that it can be easily enjoyed." Lord Snowdon