For more than 110 years the Bolton camera Club has been bringing enthusiasts together who enjoy their photography. But this does not mean that we are stuck in the past. Most of our members enjoy digital photography today, although we still value film. We also take an active interest in audio-visual productions with an AV competition each year.
Our monthly competitions cover prints of course, but also include our members' digital projected images. We also have themed competitions several times a year to encourage our members to develop particular skills. We are currently developing a 'buddy' scheme where more knowledgable members can transfer their skills to others, thereby developing members' interests and building fellowship. Open evenings and informal workshops also help members upgrade their knowledge and abilities in the latest techniques.
In recent months we have moved from our previously somewhat cramped meeting room to a new, downstairs venue at the Trinity Methodist Church, Tonge Fold. This has full access on the level and enables us to welcome people whatever their mobility.
Our emphasis is on bringing people together in a friendly atmosphere to find out more about their field of interest by sharing techniques, submitting images to critical assessment by experts, looking at the work of others and enjoying photographic assignments together.
Have a look round our website to see something of our activities and work, although the best way to discover what we are about would be to drop into one of our meetings on a Thursday evening and meet us (see under 'About Us' above). You would be made very welcome.
There is a members' area to the website of course, where we share our thoughts and have access to material about the running of the Club. Who knows, you may be able to help us with that before long. Meanwhile, enjoy your visit, and if you have any comments or questions please email us at
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When the Octagon Theatre needed a photographer to take images at the rehearsals of their current production, 'The Hired Man', they approached the Bolton Camera Club. Ray Jefferson, the Vice President, was pleased to help out, and the results may be seen in the programme for the play. David Ricardo-Pearce is shown at left refreshing his lines.
The Bolton Camera Club is delighted to announce that its member, Mike Williamson (seen left) has been successful in having one of his photographs selected to become a billboard size mural at the Royal Bolton Hospital restaurant. Following a competition run by the Trust, Mike's image 'Early Morning Snow Over Bolton' was selected to become the major photograph to brighten up the Minerva restaurant. Commenting on the win, Mike said "I am absolutely delighted. It is a local scene that is full of interest and I hope it will be a talking point. People using the restaurant are often going through difficult times so conversation and distraction can help". Also in the competition, Mike secured third place with another image 'Walking Up Winter Hill'.
Camera Club member Brian White has won first place in the recent photographic competition run by the Bolton News entitled 'My Bolton'. The competition was for pictures taken during April 2010 depicting aspects of Bolton life. Brian saw the opportunity to make an image of a sunset over Rivington Pike, exploiting the recent ash clouds which have been passing over from Iceland. That was easier to think about than do - and it took three visits to Brian's chosen spot on the Anglezarke moor before he captured the right image. The result was a glowing, moody sunset which was published in the Bolton News on 15th May 2010. Well done Brian!