Des Plaines Downtown Library. Image courtesy of Jerry Hug.
The Des Plaines Camera Club (DPCC) is rooted in hobbyists, community learning, and the evolution of photography itself. The club was founded on June 23, 1952, by a group of local residents who shared a passion for photography.
At the time, photography was still very much a film-based, hands-on craft. Members would work with 35mm cameras, medium format cameras, and darkrooms. Clubs like DPCC served as a primary way to learn techniques, since there was no internet or YouTube. Knowledge sharing happened through in-person critiques, demonstrations, and slide shows. The purpose was simple: to encourage learning, creativity, and mutual support among photographers.
Over the decades, the club became a long-standing part of the Chicagoland photography community. It is now considered one of the older camera clubs in northern Illinois. The club joined larger organizations like the Chicago Area Camera Club (CACCA) and the Photographic Society of America (PSA). These affiliations allowed members to compete in interclub competitions, gain exposure beyond the local level, and connect with broader photographic trends and standards.
Like most camera clubs, DPCC has evolved as photography has changed. No longer using film and darkrooms, members now practice their craft using digital cameras and software. Despite the technology changes, the core mission has stayed consistent:
• Learning from one another
• Internal critiques
• Bi-monthly club competitions
• Top images advance to CACCA interclub competitions
• Improving photographic skills
• Providing a creative outlet
Today, the Des Plaines Camera Club continues to operate as an inclusive, educational photography group. The club meets twice monthly from September to May. Meetings are a mixture of in-person and Zoom, where Zoom allows us to bring in instructors from across the country. In-person meetings are held at a Park District facility or the Des Plaines Library. The club is open to all skill levels and welcomes beginners to advanced photographers. It offers a mix of competitions, instruction, study groups, and community interaction.
Over the years, the club has partnered with the Des Plaines Park District to photograph portraits for Father-Daughter Dances, Mother-Daughter Teas, and the September Fall Fest. Each year, the club photographs the decorated Halloween Houses throughout Des Plaines, and member photos of the winning houses are published in the Journal & Topics newspapers. The club participates in the Des Plaines 4th of July Parade, and is a four-time winner of the Best Non-Musical Entry.
Our September 14 meeting will be at the History Center.
A Reception and Artist Talk for this exhibit
will be on Thursday, October 22, 5:30–8:00p.
The reception is free, but we appreciate an RSVP at
Contact@desplaineshistory.org.
Thank You!