The Camera Club - Latest NewsThe Camera Club - Latest Newshttps://www.thecameraclub.co.uk/blogTue, 26 May 2026 15:51:13 +0200http://zoho.com/sites/<![CDATA[Coffee and Cameras: An Introduction to John McKenzie]]>https://www.thecameraclub.co.uk/blog/post/coffee-and-cameras-an-introduction-to-john-mckenzie

Saturday 9th May 2026 11am

Coffee and Cameras: An Introduction to John McKenzie


Join us at The Camera Club on Saturday 9th May 2026 at 11am for a very special introduction to photographer John McKenzie.


After having an outstanding exhibition in Gallery 1885, John will return to tell the stories of some of the most iconic musicians to have been in front of his camera.


"Up to the age of twelve I lived in Lambeth Walk, SE11, less than a mile from the Camera Club. We lived above the shop and darkroom of my late father, showbusiness photographer Doug McKenzie. There I earnt my pocket money by mixing the print developers etc. in stainless steel buckets. And growing up surrounded by all things photographic meant that by around age ten, I was able to load film into a Rolleiflex and shoot, process and more-or-less print my own work".


"After a brief spell working in the darkrooms of the Press Association, I joined Doug as soon as he could afford an assistant, and was soon shooting on my own. I quickly established my own clients, particularly in the music industry, working for the major record companies, the related management and PR companies, and the music press of the day. Every image in this exhibition was originally shot as part of a directly commissioned, fee-paying assignment".


"I must have spent hundreds of hours printing in the darkrooms of our expanding print lab, now based in three high street shops in Forest Hill, SE23. Gradually we became one of the largest - and fastest - labs in London. Subsequently based in a large industrial unit just off the Old Kent Road, I took on the role of Production Director - just as we embraced the impact of scanning and digital printing.

Retiring in 2011, I went back to assisting my father, enabling Doug to continue his obsession with photography. Gradually I took over the reins as he became more and more an ‘old friend and honoured guest’ at the events he was expecting to photograph. I have maintained my own love of photography by continuing to shoot for three charities, particularly the Grand Order of Water Rats, a showbusiness charity, founded in 1889. I was invited to become a member in 2014, and now hold the office of ‘Photographer Rat’!


"Four of my favourite images by Doug are included nearby as a tiny sample of his own extensive archive, and of his undoubted expertise. And I hope you enjoy this look at my time as a music industry photographer - it was, as you can probably imagine, great fun.

Thank you for your interest".


John McKenzie
www.johnmckenziegallery.uk

]]>Wed, 06 May 2026 10:47:39 +0000<![CDATA[Gallery 1885 Exhibition: The Ian Greaves Bursary - Announcing the Winners]]>https://www.thecameraclub.co.uk/blog/post/gallery-1885-exhibition-the-ian-greaves-bursary-announcing-the-winnersGallery 1885 10 May - 5 June  2026 Open View: Thursday 14th May @ 7:00PM The Ian Greaves Photographic Bursary supports aspiring photographers in dev ]]>

Gallery 1885

10 May - 5 June  2026

Open View: Thursday 14th May @ 7:00PM


The Ian Greaves Photographic Bursary supports aspiring photographers in developing their craft and pursuing their artistic vision. This year's competition attracted exceptional talent, pushing the boundaries of the medium.


"Photography is not just about capturing a moment, but about preserving a feeling." — Ian Greaves


Join us for a special evening as we reveal the winners of this year's prestigious bursary. The announcement will take place during our Open View of Entrants' Photographs, featuring a curated selection of entries from across the region.

📅 Date: Thursday, 14th May 2026 🕒 Time: 7:00 PM – 9:30 PM] 📍 Location: The 1885 Gallery 🏠 Address: 16 Bowden Street, Kennington, SE11 4DS


What to Expect:

  • The Reveal: Official announcement of the Bursary Winner(s).
  • The Exhibition: Walk through the gallery to view the shortlisted photographs.
  • Community: Meet the entrants, judges, and fellow photography enthusiasts.
  • Refreshments: Complimentary drinks and light refreshments will be served.

]]>Wed, 29 Apr 2026 18:54:11 +0000<![CDATA[Urban Portrait Pod - April 2026]]>https://www.thecameraclub.co.uk/blog/post/urban-portrait-pod-april-18This month’s Urban Portrait Pod takes us into the vibrant streets of Chinatown, with a possible extension into Covent Garden if time allows. The aim of ]]>

Turning Chinatown’s chaos into cinematic urban portraiture

© Monica A. Walker

This month’s Urban Portrait Pod takes us into the vibrant streets of Chinatown, with a possible extension into Covent Garden if time allows.

The aim of this session is to move beyond tourist photography and explore how the energy of the city can become a compelling backdrop for lifestyle portraiture. We will focus on working with available light in busy urban environments, using the textures, colours, and movement of the city to shape our images.

Participants are welcome to bring flash or additional lighting if they wish to experiment, but this is not required.

If we are able to source TFP models, then one will join us for the session. If not, we will work collaboratively and photograph one another, so please come prepared to step in front of the camera as well as behind it.

When: Saturday, 18 April 2026
Meeting point: Outside Costa Coffee, Leicester Square Odeon
Time: 10:30 am till 12:30 or 13:00. 



Scan the QR code to join our Urban/Studio pod WhatsApp group .

]]>Sun, 12 Apr 2026 10:45:31 +0000<![CDATA[Master Your Film Camera: Selection & Maintenance Masterclass]]>https://www.thecameraclub.co.uk/blog/post/master-your-film-camera-selection-maintenance-masterclass-with-alex-falk

Monday 13th April 2026 7pm

Join us for an essential evening with one of the UK's foremost authorities on vintage film equipment.

The Talk
Whether you're just stepping back into analogue photography or looking to upgrade your kit, choosing the right film camera can feel overwhelming. With countless models, conditions, and price points to navigate, how do you ensure you're investing wisely?

In this practical, no-nonsense session, you'll learn:

  • How to identify cameras that match your photographic style and budget

  • What to inspect before purchasing (and what red flags to avoid)

  • Essential maintenance routines to keep your camera shooting for decades

  • Common pitfalls that trip up even experienced collectors

  • When to repair vs. when to replace

About Our Speaker
Mr. Falk is the owner of Mr. Cad, widely recognised as the UK's leading expert in vintage photographic equipment. With years of hands-on experience sourcing, evaluating, and servicing vintage equipment, Mr. Falk brings rare insight into what makes a camera truly worth investing in—and what looks good on paper but fails in practice.

🔗 Learn more: www.mrcad.co.uk

Event Details
The Exp Group (Analogue Photography Interest Group)
Gallery 1885, Monday 13th April 2026 7pm
Procuring & Maintaining the Right Film Camera
Mr. Alex Falk, Owner of Mr. Cad
Lecture with Q&A

Who Should Attend?
  • Film photography beginners seeking guidance on their first camera purchase

  • Enthusiasts wanting to expand their collection intelligently

  • Anyone frustrated by unreliable vintage gear

  • Collectors interested in professional assessment techniques

  • Don't miss this opportunity to learn from the person many in the UK community trust with their most valuable camera investments.


Spaces may be limited, reserve your spot early below.
Mastering Your Film Camera with Alex Falk
]]>Wed, 08 Apr 2026 13:01:55 +0000<![CDATA[Gallery 1885 Exhibition: John McKenzie]]>https://www.thecameraclub.co.uk/blog/post/gallery-1885-exhibition-john-mckenzieGallery 1885 13th April - 8th May Open View:  16th April @ 7:00PM An Introduction to John McKenzie Up to the age of twelve I lived in Lambeth Walk, ]]>

Icons & Bygones: Music Legends

Gallery 1885

13th April - 8th May

Open View:  16th April @ 7:00PM



An Introduction to John McKenzie

Up to the age of twelve I lived in Lambeth Walk, SE11, less than a mile from the Camera Club. We lived above the shop and darkroom of my late father, showbusiness photographer Doug McKenzie. There I earnt my pocket money by mixing the print developers etc. in stainless steel buckets. And growing up surrounded by all things photographic meant that by around age ten, I was able to load film into a Rolleiflex and shoot, process and more-or-less print my own work.


After a brief spell working in the darkrooms of the Press Association, I joined Doug as soon as he could afford an assistant, and was soon shooting on my own. I quickly established my own clients, particularly in the music industry, working for the major record companies, the related management and PR companies, and the music press of the day. Every image in this exhibition was originally shot as part of a directly commissioned, fee-paying assignment.


I must have spent hundreds of hours printing in the darkrooms of our expanding print lab, now based in three high street shops in Forest Hill, SE23. Gradually we became one of the largest - and fastest - labs in London. Subsequently based in a large industrial unit just off the Old Kent Road, I took on the role of Production Director - just as we embraced the impact of scanning and digital printing.

Retiring in 2011, I went back to assisting my father, enabling Doug to continue his obsession with photography. Gradually I took over the reins as he became more and more an ‘old friend and honoured guest’ at the events he was expecting to photograph. I have maintained my own love of photography by continuing to shoot for three charities, particularly the Grand Order of Water Rats, a showbusiness charity, founded in 1889. I was invited to become a member in 2014, and now hold the office of ‘Photographer Rat’!


Four of my favourite images by Doug are included nearby as a tiny sample of his own extensive archive, and of his undoubted expertise. And I hope you enjoy this look at my time as a music industry photographer - it was, as you can probably imagine, great fun.

Thank you for your interest.

John McKenzie
www.johnmckenziegallery.uk


]]>Mon, 06 Apr 2026 10:21:12 +0000<![CDATA[Gallery 1885 Exhibition: EXP Group - The Slow Shutter]]>https://www.thecameraclub.co.uk/blog/post/the-portrait-group-26th-march-20261Gallery 1885 16th March -10th April, 2026 Open View: Thursday 19th March @ 7:00PM This exhibition is not merely a display of images; it is a celebration ]]>

Gallery 1885

16th March -10th April, 2026

Open View: Thursday 19th March @ 7:00PM


This exhibition is not merely a display of images; it is a celebration of patience, planning, and the profound joy of slowing down. From careful framing to darkroom rituals, each piece tells a story of time well spent. Watch images emerge in the developer, master dodging and burning under the safelight, and control contrast through chemistry. Witness cyanotypes' ethereal blues, salt printing's delicate tonalities, and platinum prints' majestic depth alongside silver gelatin—handcrafted artifacts demanding connection between artist, light, and paper.
]]>Wed, 25 Mar 2026 13:16:41 +0000<![CDATA[The Portrait Group : 26th March 2026]]>https://www.thecameraclub.co.uk/blog/post/the-portrait-group-26th-march-2026
© Felix Hall Close

Get your cameras ready for The Portrait Group.


The Portrait Group is a studio lead workshop offering members and non-members to learn about studio portrait photography.

Whether you are new or experienced with taking studio portraits, this is the workshop for you.


The Portrait Group Dates:


Thursday 16th April 2026 - 7pm - 9pm

Thursday 21st May 2026 - 7pm - 9pm


Please Note: Non-members are welcome to join one workshop by paying £40.

After this membership would need to be attained to participate in future workshops.


More information can be found below;

The Portrait Group


The Portrait Group | Thursday 26th March 2026 7pm - 9pm


]]>Wed, 25 Mar 2026 13:16:41 +0000<![CDATA[Coffee and Cameras: Lomo Daylight Tank Demo At The Camera Club]]>https://www.thecameraclub.co.uk/blog/post/coffee-and-cameras-lomo-daylight-tank-demo-at-the-camera-club

Join us this March for our Coffee & Cameras, and see the Lomography Daylight Tank in action! 


We'll show you how this nifty bit of kit works and give you a demo on how to load your film in the tank. 

There will be two kits on hand and you'll get the chance to process your own roll of B&W film. 


No Booking Necessary 


The Camera Club, 16 Bowden St, London, SE11 4DS


The next Coffee and Cameras is Saturday 28th March 2026 at 11:00 am


Please Note: Non-members are welcome to come to 2 free mornings, but after that we do ask that you either become a member or pay a fee of £10 day rate to attend any socials


More information can be found below;


]]>Sat, 21 Mar 2026 21:49:08 +0000<![CDATA[Urban Portrait Pod - February 2026]]>https://www.thecameraclub.co.uk/blog/post/urban-portrait-pod-february-2026

A photowalk around Barbican Estate, St Pauls and Bazalgette Embankment

© Felix Hall Close / Urban Portrait Pod

Come and join February's Urban Portrait Pod photowalk around the Barbican Estate before walking and exploring the beautiful gardens of St Paul's Catherdral, before ending at Bazalgette Embankment, a new park on the north embankment of the River Thames.

Date: Saturday 21st February 2026
Meeting Point: Barbican Underground Station 
Time: 11 am 
Route: Full walk is about 2 miles

Urban Portrait Pod

Scan the QR code to join our Urban/Studio pod WhatsApp group 

]]>Tue, 10 Feb 2026 16:32:02 +0000<![CDATA[Gallery 1885 Exhibition: From the TCC Archives]]>https://www.thecameraclub.co.uk/blog/post/gallery-1885-exhibition-what-we-chose-to-showWhat We Chose to Show is an exhibition exploring seven decades of photographic history through the covers of the Camera Club Journal, from the 1940s t ]]>

What We Chose to Show 
​The Camera Club Journal Covers 1940s–2010s


What We Chose to Show is an exhibition exploring seven decades of photographic history through the covers of the Camera Club Journal, from the 1940s to the 2010s. Drawn from the Club’s own archive, the exhibition examines how photographers have used this platform to reflect changing social realities, artistic priorities, and technological developments

Rather than presenting a comprehensive survey, the exhibition focuses on a carefully selected group of covers: the images we chose to show. These covers reveal what the Camera Club valued at different moments in time: from post-war industry and street photography to fashion, wildlife, sport, portraiture, still life, and studio work among other styles. Together, they trace shifting ideas about what photography could be, who it was for, and how it should look.

At the heart of the exhibition is the act of selection itself. One of the most striking moments in the Journal’s history is the infamous “X” cover of April 1958, produced when no suitable photographs were submitted by members. In the Journal, the editors explained that the blank cover was intended to highlight the need for members to document club life and contribute images for publication. What began as an absence became a call to action; and today stands as a powerful reminder that photographic history is shaped as much by participation and circumstance as by artistic ambition.


Founded in 1885, The Camera Club has long been a meeting place for professional and amateur photographers. Its Journal functions as a living archive, recording not only photographic trends but also the values, debates, humour, and working practices of its members. Across the decades represented here, visitors will encounter images shaped by post-war optimism, mid-century glamour, emerging youth culture, technological change, and later digital and conceptual experimentation.


This exhibition forms part of the Club’s ongoing commitment to presenting one exhibition each year drawn from its own photographic collection. By returning to the archive and re-presenting it in a contemporary context, What We Chose to Show invites visitors to reflect on how photographic taste evolves and how a community constructs its own visual history.


The exhibition is curated by Gabe Simon and Dr Monica A. Walker.


Special thanks are due to Rod Tidnam, Felix Hall-Close, and Steve Wilbur, who worked behind the scenes to photograph and print the final selection of images for display.


Please, join us for the Open View on 19 February at 7 PM. 

The Exhibition Catalogue


We are delighted to make the catalogue for What We Chose to Show: The Camera Club Journal Covers 1940s–2010s freely available to read here. As the exhibition reflects on the Journal as a historic space of connection through print, it feels fitting to offer this digital version to our members and visitors, accessible in the Club and beyond. A limited printed run has also been produced as a small-format zine for those who would like a physical copy to take home. The digital edition ensures the research and reflections remain widely available, while the printed version honours the tactile, material traditions that shaped the Journal for over a century.

]]>Sat, 31 Jan 2026 15:20:51 +0000