Club History
The Wollongong Camera Club has been in continuous operation since 1944.
That said, there were several iterations of the club prior to that date going back to 1898.
The following are excerpts from local newspapers and journals regarding events that shaped our Club as it is today.
Wollongong Camera Club
1898
Thursday 1st September 1898 Illawarra Mercury (Wollongong NSW)
AMATEUR PHOTOGRAPHY
Sir,— Photography, especially for amateurs, has lately advanced by such leaps and bounds that it has taken hold of most of the large inland towns. Why it has not done so in a district such as this, so richly favored with land and seascapes at every turn it is difficult to say. Whichever way one takes a walk, if only of half-a mile, there is to be found a view worth committing to paper. The writer not long ago was looking through an album of Illawarra views and spent over an hour inspecting and taking notes of the localities embraced in the scenes, and was surprised to see how beautiful certain localities, which, seen and passed every day, did not appear to have anything particularly striking as a view, looked after passing through the camera. For instance a "Part of South Coast Scenery" was a view taken off the northern end of the local bathing shed at high tide and embraced the railway line, cutting, rocks, high water and sandy beach to Fairy Creek with the high cliffs as a back ground. Again "Charcoal Creek, Illawarra", was a nice-looking pool somewhere about Unanderra, fringed with overhanging trees and tree palms and a "South Coast Road", embraced Angel's Bridge and the roadway each side of it. Who would think these localities would make a picture having a sale value? Yet when transferred through the camera and properly printed they made beautiful pictures. Now, why cannot we find out and take our own pictures according to our own respective ways and ideas? Cannot a club be formed among the local amateurs and those who are interested in the pastime? Cameras can be purchased from £1 up to £100, and amongst the benefits accruing from membership would be mutual teaching (not necessarily in the dark room, ladies), exchange of ideas, obtaining supplies in bulk and therefore at a cheaper rate, exhibitions of views, making of lantern slides and properly projecting them on screens. The latter should take, well. Imagine an instantaneous snap-shot of yourself steadily walking along or having spill off a bicycle being projected on a screen before yourself and your intimate friends. And again, a very pleasant day's outing could be arranged for the purpose of taking views alone at any of the panoramic localities within easy distance. For those who require a quieter pastime than tennis, cricket, golf, etc., there can be nothing better than being an amateur photographer - commonly called a Kodak fiend. You do not necessarily need the company of others for an enjoyable trip, but, armed with a small camera you can go alone in search of views and snap off a dozen in quick time. But the most interesting part is the developing watching the picture appear from "nothing". A few ladies have signified their intention of going in for cameras, whether a club is formed or not, and in a few days will be seen in Mr A.J. Walker's window several snap-shots showing the evolution of an "amateur".
KODAK
Tuesday 6th September 1898 Illawarra Mercury (Wollongong NSW)
AMATEUR PHOTOGRAPHY
Sir, — I was much pleased to read the delightfully gossipy letter of the gentleman (I assume it is not a lady) who writes as "Kodak" in your issue of the 1st instant I should most particularly like to see a club formed in accordance with "Kodak's" suggestions. Like himself, I am an amateur photographer and cyclist combined. There is really nothing that gives me greater pleasure than to be able to snap the hind quarters of some pig-jawed cow ruminating in a stagnant pool. Miserable and all as she may be, she is wonderfully improved by passing through the camera. The facility for obtaining reflections in water in this district are remarkable, especially after rain. Then combine the fun of developing and the mutual teaching in the dark room. I do not, however, understand "Kodak's" allusion to the ladies under the circumstances. But then I am a married man myself. As I have said, I entirely agree with "Kodak" that there are some lovely spots in and around our city that deserve being perpetuated - for instance the lighthouse, the Port Kembla Harbour, the court-house clock, Mr Wiseman's tower and Fairy Creek.
I saw a lovely subject today. It was a a poor rough-coated old brown horse. He stood at the edge of a waterhole in Smith Street. His fiery eye was conspicuous by its absence. His neck was arched the wrong way. His head hung beside his knee; and as he stood pensively on the brink of that waterhole I naturally came to the conclusion that the poor waif was contemplating the depth of the water with the ultimate intention of committing suicide. It was a suggestive picture. I ran for my camera. If I only could succeed in obtaining a snapshot, I thought I could start a camera club for myself and obtain undying glory. As I returned towards the spot where I had left him I was pleased to see the horse still there. A thrill of joy — known only to amateur photographers and cyclists — shot unbidden through my heart of hearts. My breast heaved. Alternately I wiped my lens and brow. Alas my pleasure was short-lived — my anticipations were nipped in the bud. The sanitary inspector (Mr Earl) also had found the animal and was snapping him off to the pound. I pleaded with that gentleman. It was no use. I begged him to return that horse for one short hour to his position at the hole. But it was not to be. The sanitary inspector was like pure cold ice. He told me to go away. It was a little but pathetic incident, and I shall carry about the recollection of it until my dying day.
Not only is the beauty of a picture much enhanced by passing through the camera, as stated by 'Kodak'; it is also much enhanced by having a judicious name given to it. For instance, a 'View taken on the northern end of the ladies bathing shed at high tide would be more attractive if it was called "Nereids bathing", or "The bath of Venus" or "Now, ladies" or "Graceful evolutions", or "Not a man near". I only offer this as a suggestion for discussion in the club when it shall have been formed.
I am also inclined to agree with 'Kodak' that a camera at £100 is much better than the £1 article. Now, since this fact has been pointed out to me, I shall obtain a £100 camera when Mr Walker gets in his new stock, which I understand is to be a large one. Then I shall arrange for many a pleasant day's outing. There is really nothing after all in being called a 'Kodak' fiend. People love you all the more. Why, sir, if you only level your 'Kodak' at a lamp post you will have several young ladies hanging around the spot gracefully for hours afterwards. If you have spoiled your negative, what more natural than that you should return for another shot. This is my experience. Watch how the men pull down their waistcoats and push out their necks, as you pedal along with your Gatling-gun 'Kodak' in mid air like a man-of-war entering the battle — the very embodiment of grace itself. They are all inviting you to photograph them. And for this they call us 'Kodak' fiends ! Pshaw ! Perish the thought ! Let us despise the allusion ! Let us form our club at once. Let us arm ourselves with £100 'Kodaks' right off and go forth hand in hand to photograph or to die !
Let us always bear in mind the delightful words of the poet Longfellow, who says:—
Life is real, life is earnest,
And hard graft is not its goal;
Snapshots may be taken daily
At each rippling water-hole.
There's a soft thing, bright and airy,
Out the Unanderra way,
There's a mud hole down at Fairy
Creek — we smell it every day.
Comrades, then, be up and doing;
Get your Kodak on your knees;
Cows and trees and bushes growing
Whisper gently on the breeze.
Whisper gently, only waiting.
To be snapped by such as thou—
Smiling maiden, frowning mountain,
Sparkling fall, or kindly cow.
Take, develop, print them, mount them,
Label them with anxious care,
Then bestow them on your neighbors,
Scatter them with bossy air.
Scatter, till perhaps a brother,
Or a sister dressed in lace.
May look kindly on your picture,
May assume the heart of grace.
And go forward on the cycle
With the ever-spinning throng,
Led by 'Kodak', snapping trifles
For our club at Wollongong.
Then perchance.
Good-bye. Here's my father.
A. B. SHUTTER
Friday 20th December 1907 Page 4 - Illawarra Mercury (Wollongong NSW)
PHOTOGRAPHERS CLUB
At a meeting at the Milo Studios on Tuesday night last it was decided to form a photographers club in Wollongong. After preliminary matters had been fixed up, the meeting was adjourned till early in next month. Great enthusiasm was shown in the meeting, which augurs well for the welfare of the newly-formed club.
Wollongong Camera Club
1914
Tuesday 17th March 1914 Illawarra Mercury (Wollongong NSW)
A meeting of the newly formed Camera Club was held last night, Mr Frank Rose presiding. A sub-committee consisting of Messrs Rose, Tindall and Crook, was appointed to draw up rules and by-laws to be submitted to next meeting. It was decided to hold a competition amongst members, the object selected being a view to include the Wollongong lighthouse. Mr H.P. Crook was appointed secretary to the club.
Friday 3rd April 1914 Illawarra Mercury (Wollongong NSW)
A meeting of members of the newly formed Camera Club was held at the club rooms on Monday night. Mr Frank Rose presiding.
The election of officers resulted as follows: President, Mr Frank Rose; Vice Presidents, Messrs A. Brickwood and S.R. Musgrave; Hon.Treasurer, Mr R. Tindall; Hon.Secretary, Mr H.P. Crook; auditors, Messrs E. Allsep and R. Bevan.
It was decided to have a road scene for the next competition.
A code of rules was adopted and membership fee was fixed at 5s per annum. The executive was authorized to draw up a syllabus for the year.
15th April 1915 Page 213 - The Australasian Photographic Review
PROPOSED PHOTOGRAPHIC EXHIBITION AT WOLLONGONG
The Wollongong Photographic Club, a recently formed and enthusiastic body, have under consideration the holding of an amateur photographic and art exhibition at an early date. The camera workers of the district have unanimously promised assistance and the proposal bids fair to be a great success.
The objects of the exhibition are three fold. First and most important, the raising of funds for the Belgian Food Fund, to which the total nett proceeds are to be donated; secondly, to encourage amateurs to come out with their best efforts and show the public what they can do; thirdly, to give camera workers an opportunity of united assistance in one of the most deserving causes the world has ever known — “The cry for bread from Belgium”.
Other bodies have taken such action and the amateur photographers of Australasia are now directly appealed to, to assist in making this initial effort a huge success. Pictures of commercial value, of all sizes, framed or unframed, but in all cases neatly mounted and titled, albums of views, collections of post cards and such other works as may be at the disposal of intending contributors, will be gladly received. Colored enlargements, interesting reproductions of old and historical scenes or buildings, pencil sketches, oil or color work, will all find a ready welcome. No objection whatever will be taken to cash donations, but all pictures or parcels sent must be carriage paid, otherwise the expense may overweigh the benefit derived from the contribution.
Competitive sections are being arranged and the club’s gold medal for best collection of photographic work will be worth competing for. Particulars of competitions will shortly be available. All exhibits (unless otherwise specified) will be sold and the proceeds, as stated, devoted to the Belgian Food Fund. Secretaries of kindred clubs are invited to interest their members in the movement and thus ensure success. Arrangements will be made for all pictures not sold at the exhibition to be sold by auction by a leading city auctioneer. Enquiries and donations will receive prompt acknowledgement from the club secretary, H.P. Crook, Wollongong, N.S.W.
(NOTE: This is a good movement and Mr. Crook is a most enthusiastic worker. The idea will have our hearty support and we hope that workers in other centres will get in touch with the promoter and assist the Wollongong club to carry the scheme through to success. It has been arranged that donations shall be acknowledged in these columns and we understand the date of the exhibition will be some time in June or July. Editor A.P.-R.)
Friday 23rd June 1922 Illawarra Mercury (Wollongong NSW)
Mr C.W. Toobe won the first prize for seniors and Mr R. Tucker the first prize for juniors in connection with the first competition under the auspices of the Wollongong Camera Club.
The next competition closes on July 15th, when prizes will be awarded for ladies and gentlemen. For the former the subject for competition will be a seascape and for the latter an indoor study — portrait or interior view, For juniors under 18 years the subject will be "Stuart Park."
Prizes will be donated by Mr E. Burrows to the value of 10/6 for each of the adult sections, and 5s for the junior section.
Next meeting on June 29th, when lectures will be delivered on selecting the picture and exposure.
The next outing has been arranged for Prince of Wales Birthday (26th) to Bulli Pass.
The committee elected at the last meeting comprises — Mr G.T. Wensor, president; Miss Summerllee, Messrs Hamey and Oyston, vice-presidents; Mr R.B. Dash, secretary and treasurer; Mr Jack Sykes, librarian, together with Messrs Allsep, Harmon and Burrows. Membership for 12 months: Gents 2/6, ladies and juniors 1/6.
Friday 21st July 1922 Illawarra Mercury (Wollongong NSW)
The meeting of the club on Thursday night took the form of a lecture by Mr P. Neeson on his experiences as an amateur photographer.
The club's next competition is set down to close on 5th August; the subject, "Child Study" (portrait of a child or children doing something). The entries will be judged in three sections gents, ladies and juniors (under 18), the entrance fee being 6d per print entered.
All information in respect to membership and competitions can be had from Mr R.B. Dash, the Hon.Secretary, at 165 Crown Street.
15th August 1922 Page 418 - The Australasian Photo-Review
The "The Australasian Photo-Review" are frequently asked for some suggestions as to a program or syllabus for a small Photographic Society and that of the Wollongong Camera Club, recently established in one of the small coastal towns of New South Wales and printed below, will be found of interest to the members of other small societies.
OBJECTS
THe association of photographers for mutual instruction in photographic technique, art principles, demonstration of processes and exchange of ideas.
ANNUAL SUBSCRIPTION
Gentlemen, 2/6; Ladies, 1/6; Juniors (under 18 years), 1/6.
COMMITTEE
President: Mr G.T. Wensor; Vice-Presidents: Miss Summerlee and Messrs. A. Hamey and G. Oyston; Hon.Secretary and Hon.Treasurer: Mr R.B. Dash; Librarian: Mr J. Sykes; together with Messrs. E. Allsep, E.W. Burrows and J. Harman.
MEETINGS
are held on Thursdays as notified at 8pm at Mr Dash's store, 165 Crown Street.
SET COMPETITION
Closed 15th June - Subject: Market Square, Wollongong. Cash prizes: Senior, 10/6; Junior, 5/-; presented by Mr R.B. Dash. Senior won by Mr T.W. Tobe; Junior won by Mr R. Tucker.
DEMONSTRATION
"Flashlight" by Mr A. Hamey, on 15th June 1922.
FIRST OUTING
26th June 1922, to Bulli Pass, Lookout and Loddon Falls.
LECTURE and DEMONSTRATION
"Selecting the Picture" by Mr A. Hamey, on 29th June 1922.
BUSINESS MEETING
to elect Sub-Committees and Judges, 29th June 1922.
LECTURE
"Experiences in Amateur Photography" by Mr P. Neeson, 13th July 1922.
SECOND COMPETITION
Closed 15th July 1933. Subjects: Gentlemen, "Anything Indoor"; Ladies, "Seascape"; Juniors, "Stuart Park". Prizes: Photographic materials to value of 10/6, 10/6 and 5/-, respectively, presented by Mr E.W. Burrow. Gentlemen's won by Mr J. Harman, Ladies won by Miss M. Smithers, Juniors won by Mr R. Tucker.
BUSINESS MEETING and LECTURETTE
"Trimming the Print" by Mr A. Hamey, 20th July 1922.
LECTURES ARRANGED
August 3 - "Exposure and Development" by Mr H.W. McLelland.
August 10 - "Toning" by Mr R.C. Rose.
August 24 - "Gaslight Printing" by Mr G. Oyston.
COMPETITIONS OPEN
(1) For the most correctly exposed negative of Open Landscape delivered to the Hon.Secretary by the morning of 3rd August. Cash prize, 10/6, presented by Mr H.W. McLelland.
(2) Closing 5th August. Subject: "Child Study". To be judged in three sections: Gentlemen, Ladies and Juniors. Cash prizes, 10/6, 10/6 and 5/- respectively, presented by the President (Mr G.T. Wensor).
(3) Closing about December. Subject: "Best Set of Six Pictures of Native Wild Flowers". Conditions of judging to be announced later. Cash prizes of 15/- first, 5/- second, presented by Mr A. Hamey.
Number of members to 12/7/1922: Gentlemen, 19; Ladies, 15; Juniors, 6.
Friday 22nd September 1922 Illawarra Mercury (Wollongong NSW)
The decision of the members of the Wollongong Camera Club to exhibit at the Albury Show was crowned with success. Entries were made in nine sections, and awards obtained in six sections, including four firsts and five seconds.
Following were the successful exhibitors — Portrait study of a child — G.T. Wensor 1 and 2. Home portrait (unretouched) — G.T. Wensor 1 and 2. 12 photographic post cards — G.T. Wensor 1, L. James (Dapto) 2. Flower study — G. Oyston 2. Most effective picture — G.T. Wensor 2. Best example of pictorial photography — G.T. Wensor 1.
Friday 7th March 1924 Illawarra Mercury (Wollongong NSW) - Page 5
The Wollongong Camera Club has arranged a lecture and practical demonstration of flashlight photography on Tuesday next at 8 pm, at Harlow's Kodak Store. The lecture has been arranged through the courtesy of Kodak Proprietary Limited, to be delivered by Mr W. von der Velden, who is an experienced lecturer and an expert of foremost reputation . The club invites any one interested to attend the lecture.
Friday 7th March 1924 Illawarra Mercury (Wollongong NSW) - Page 13
A very interesting lecture and demonstration on Flashlight and Silhouette Photography was given at Harlow's Kodak Store on Tuesday evening last by Mr van der Veldon, by the courtesy of Messrs. Kodak Ltd. of Sydney. The lecturer explained the various processes used in making pictures by artificial light, from the earliest experiments to the present up to date methods. A number of exposures were made and the results demonstrated to a large and appreciative audience.
At the closure of the lecture Mr H.W. McLelland, the president of the Wollongong Camera Club, moved a hearty vote of thanks to Mr van der Veldon, which was supported by Mr P. Neesan and carried with enthusiasm by all present, who evidently keenly enjoyed an instructive evening's entertainment by an acknowledged expert.
Friday 13th June 1930 Illawarra Mercury (Wollongong NSW)
The Wollongong Camera Club, under supervision of Mr Neison, visited Wollongong Harbour. The members of the Club spent an enjoyable afternoon, taking pictures of the lighthouse and the surroundings. The Club decided to spend their next afternoon at Mt. Kembla.
15th April 1924 Page 206 - The Australasian Photo-Review
WOLLONGONG CAMERA CLUB
A lecture illustrated by practical demonstrations on Flashlight Photography was given at the Wollongong Camera Club by Mr. W. van der Velden, of the Kodak staff, on 11th March, before the largest audience that has so far attended the Club meetings.
The subject was first briefly outlined in its historical and chemical aspects. The processes employed by the professional photographer were then described and the methods specially devised for the amateur dealt with in detail.
Flash lamps and explosive powders of different kinds were exhibited and a practical demonstration given with Eastman Flash Sheets. A silhouette portrait and a semi-silhouette were taken of members in the audience, finishing the demonstration by making a straightout flashlight portrait of the Club’s President seated at the table. Reproductions of prints from the negatives are shown below.
A 3a Kodak and a No. 2 Box Brownie were used to make the pictures, all of which turned out very well. The films were developed by Mr. E.S. Harlow, the local “Kodak” dealer and exhibited before the meeting closed.
Considerable enthusiasm was displayed and a number of questions to the lecturer concluded an interesting evening.
Wollongong District Camera Club
1941
December 1941 Page 462 - The Australasian Photo-Review
WOLLONGONG DISTRICT CAMERA CLUB
At its first meeting the Club had nineteen foundation members. Its policy is to encourage the average “snapshotter” along that picture-making road that will finally lead him to the proud occupation of a full-page of the A.P.-R. The Club intends struggling hard to attain its own dark-room and fittings. Two fine cups have been donated for a pointscore competition.
Messrs. T. Johnson-Lord, President (Port Kembla 193), or A. Chambers (Port Kembla 260) will be pleased to give further particulars.
9th January 1942 Page 9 - Illawarra Mercury (Wollongong NSW)
CAMERA - ITIS
Returning to print after the Xmas season, the Wollongong District Camera Club thanks its friends and well wishers for their greetings and wishes them in turn a New Year full of good subjects and peace in which to photograph them.
It is hoped that the next announcement will specify the time and place for our second field day and also further details re the current monthly competition.
16th January 1942 Illawarra Mercury (Wollongong NSW)
CAMERA - ITIS
Further doings of the Wollongong District Camera Club.
Members might please note that the next meeting is dated the 22nd inst., and that the next subject scheduled for the monthly competition series is 'Men at Work', for which there will be no excuse for a plurality of entries per member. Prints were a bit disappointing for the January competition — we all found a landscape in these military times, somewhat difficult to find. The coastline is obviously an 'area' and the foothills and the camps thereon are equally debarred.
New and intending members are reminded that only current negatives can be used for the production of competition prints, beginners and shutter-blinkers of long standing are placed on an even footing thereby. Your committee will welcome suggestions re a field day, for the reasons already mentioned, cameras cannot wander adlib as in the dear, dead days apparently beyond recall.