20 years of photography, friendship, learning and shared experiences
This year, St Austell Camera Club is celebrating a very special milestone — 20 years since the club was founded. To mark this wonderful occasion, we will be celebrating together on Thursday 3 September 2026, with our members, special guests and supporters.
Over those two decades, photography has changed enormously. From the days of film and traditional cameras to today’s sophisticated digital cameras, mirrorless systems, smartphones and ever-evolving editing technology, the world of photography has moved forward at an incredible pace. And throughout it all, St Austell Camera Club has continued to evolve alongside it.
What has never changed, however, is our enthusiasm for photography and our enjoyment of sharing it with others.
Over the years, we have welcomed photographers of all abilities, from those just discovering the joy of taking photographs to experienced members looking to develop their skills further. One of the most rewarding things about being part of the club is watching members grow in confidence, experiment with new ideas and techniques, and see their photography progress.
We are proud to encourage new photographers and to provide a friendly environment where there is always something new to learn. Whether it is understanding your camera, improving composition, exploring creative techniques or discovering the possibilities of digital editing, there is always another opportunity to develop.
Our programme has also evolved over the years, bringing a wide variety of experiences to our members. We enjoy welcoming guest presenters who share their knowledge, inspiration and experiences with us, as well as practical workshops where members can get hands-on and put new ideas into practice.
And photography isn’t always about sitting indoors looking at images!
During the summer months, we enjoy day trips and outings, giving members the chance to explore new places, photograph different subjects and, perhaps most importantly, enjoy a day together. These outings often provide some of the best opportunities for members to get to know one another away from the usual club night.
Then, as the year draws to a close, we come together for our Christmas meal. It is another opportunity to put the cameras down for an evening and simply enjoy each other’s company — although the competitive spirit certainly doesn’t disappear! Our Christmas celebrations include a fun-filled quiz, bringing plenty of laughter, friendly rivalry and a chance to discover just how much — or how little — we know outside the world of photography!
More Than Just a Photography Club
Because after 20 years, we know that St Austell Camera Club is about much more than photography.
It is about friendships, encouragement, laughter, learning from one another and sharing a common interest. It is about celebrating each other’s successes, helping when someone is struggling with a new technique, discovering new places together and enjoying the creativity that photography brings into our lives.
Technology may have changed dramatically over the past 20 years, but the reason people join a camera club remains remarkably simple — to share a passion with like-minded people.
Thank You to Our Supporters
A successful community club doesn’t exist in isolation, and we are incredibly grateful to the local businesses, organisations and individuals who have supported St Austell Camera Club over the years. Their generosity has helped us to continue running the club, organise events and activities, and provide opportunities for our members to enjoy and develop their photography.
We would like to extend our sincere thanks to:
- British Lithium & Imerys
- St Austell Brewery
- Clemens Camera
- Booker
- Prima Bakery
- Steve Jennings
- St John’s Methodist Church
Their support means a great deal to us, and we are proud to have such wonderful local businesses, organisations and individuals behind our club.
Looking to the Future
As we celebrate our 20th anniversary, we look back with pride at how far the club has come and at all the members, past and present, who have helped make it what it is today.
And while we celebrate our history, we’re also looking forward to the future — welcoming new photographers, embracing new technology, learning new skills and, most importantly, continuing to enjoy photography together.
20 years on, St Austell Camera Club is still about capturing moments — but it’s also about making memories.
Here’s to the next 20 years!
If you are interested in photography and would like to join us, contact us here >>>