The Cairo Camera Club is a testament to the country’s flourishing art scene, encouraging photographers to share their work, expertise and love for the art with others who have the same interests.
One of the founders, Emile Ihsan, said the club is for “amateur and professional photographers . interested in [enhancing] their skills.
The club was formed by a group of experienced photographers of different backgrounds who wanted to create a platform to develop their hobby.
Wally Nell from South Africa, Greig Kidman from Australia, Dave Talbot from the United States and Ihsan from Egypt came together in 2006.
The group draws on their own skills and often calls in other experienced artists to provide club members with tips and tricks, and to teach them new techniques through workshops and seminars. Members also share their photographs, build relationships with other artists, and compete in a friendly environment.
“Once you’re a registered member you can participate in the monthly competition, join photography outings and workshops, said Ihsan, who has been a photographer since the 1980s.
With about 90 registered members, the club meets twice monthly. One meeting is an outing and the other a competition. Outings to the zoo and deserts using Bedouins as their muses are just two examples. At the competition meeting, members present their work based on a previously announced theme: blue, after sunset/before sunrise, headshots, light, abstract or manipulated, and religious meaning, to name a few.
Guest speakers instruct members how to capture action and night shots, encouraging people to get out there and practice the art. Their Facebook group page has announcements of future competitions as well as upcoming workshops and outings.
The club has established partnerships with photography clubs around the world, largely thanks to the eclectic mix of its founders. These relationships promote an exchange of photographers, styles and technique. The Cairo Camera Club is planning to send a few of its members to South Africa to tour with photographers from partner clubs in the area.
Membership requires that you own a camera and pay a fee of LE 60 (for Egyptian students), LE 110 for working Egyptians and LE 170 for foreigners. This covers many of the expenses, but trips and lodging are extra.
The club founders are currently looking to acquire ID cards that would grant members entry into certain premises.
For more information, visit the Facebook group The Cairo Camera Club.
