History

Our club was founded in 1980 as Cumbria Constabulary Camera Club.  In addition there was also a Penrith Natural History and Photographic Society which folded in 1987. Membership of the Constabulary Club expanded to embrace both ex-members of the Photographic Society and members of the public, eventually becoming Penrith and District Camera Club (PDCC).

In the early days the Club was a traditional Camera Club using film and dark room, however in the last decade technology has evolved rapidly and we have enthusiastically embraced digital technology and software.  We also use Facebook, Twitter and other social media platforms to engage with both new and existing members.

We have a roughly equal number of male and female members, which means there is a wide variety of subject matter, interest and expertise, with some members completely new to photography while others have been taking photos for decades.

In 2016 PDCC co-founded the Northern Photographic & Video Show, in conjunction with Rheged Discovery Centre, which has gone from strength to strength and is the only Photography event of its kind in the North of England.  We also stage a small Annual Exhibition held in Penrith Library.

Groups of members meet regularly to work on photographic distinctions, on personal projects such as portfolios, albums, books and cards, and on audio-visuals which have sound effects, commentary and music and can be played through a laptop and digital projector. The Club made a photographic record of the Penrith built environment, recording the many changes as they happen.  Members also submit their work to many national and international competitions and exhibitions. The Club’s winter season finishes with an Annual Dinner and Trophy Night.