Northern Ireland Camera Club Preserves Print Photography

Vittorio Silvestri, president of the Central Photographic Association (CPA) in Northern Ireland, is working to preserve print photography as membership declines. The Belfast-based camera club, founded in 1906, currently has around 30 members, down from over 70 in decades past. Silvestri notes a shift toward digital submissions in photography competitions and fears a loss of historical record as fewer images are printed.

To commemorate its 120th anniversary, the CPA compiled a photobook featuring contributions from current and former members, alongside written accounts of the images. The club has also historically provided print photos to the Public Record Office of Northern Ireland for preservation.

Both Silvestri and a former chairman, Robert Sergeant, emphasize the value of mentorship within a camera club and the tangible appeal of physical prints. An exhibition of the club’s work is currently on display at Belfast Central Library.