Princes Risborough Photographic Society
Photography Club Based in the Chilterns, Buckinghamshire
Established 1964
History
A Brief History of Princes Risborough Photographic Society
The first meeting of the society was held on 2nd December 1963 in a little café, Granny’s Pantry, in the Market Square, Princes Risborough. It was attended by twenty people who had responded to newspaper- advertisements and public notices placed in local shop windows.
A few weeks later a committee was elected to represent the society.
President was – Mr A J Hiff, Chairman – Albert Rigby, Secretary – Reg Waters; and a Treasurer – Patricia Rigby. One of those founder members, Mr Graham Humphries, is still an active member of the society today.
The café soon became too small for the growing membership, so the group moved to St. Mary’s Church Hall. The Hall remained our main venue until 1977 when we moved to the Baptist Church Hall where we still hold our weekly meetings to this day.
In the early days, cameras used roll-film as a media. Most members produced prints or slides and some produced cine film and later AV’s (Audio Visual). Of course, in recent years, digital cameras have come to the forefront and the whole concept of photography changed by a huge step. Digital technology transformed photography allowing processing to take place in the lounge or study to an advanced state.
Producing better images and prints has always been the prime objective of the society, and undoubtedly standards have improved enormously over the years. We have always enjoyed visits and talks from eminent photographers and these, along with regular competitions, instructional and practical hands-on evenings, have helped us to retain a strong and active membership.
Next: Committee