2018 Lucie Awards Honoree: Camera Club of the Philippines, Spotlight Award

Founded on August 19, 1928, Camera Club of the Philippines is among the oldest photographic societies for hobbyists and professionals in Asia. It is possibly the oldest in Southeast Asia.

There were eight founders: Manuel R. Cartagena, a photography entrepreneur who initiated the group; Bonifacio S. Araullo, a bank executive; Luis Guzman, a professional photographer; Miguel Heras, a lawyer from a shipping family; Juan Mencarini, a linguist; Vicente Mills, a government official at the Bureau of Lands; Federico Montes, a printer or lithographer; and Jose M. Ocampo, a broker.

They built a darkroom for members to use, initiated out of town and studio shoots, discussed equipment, and critiqued their work. They entered foreign contests and won distinctions at the Kodak International Salon in the 1930s.

Club membership today reaches over 150 men and women united by a love for fine photography and the desire to make lifetime friendships.

The Club is an ambassador for Philippine tourism and supports environmental sustainability. It strongly advocates heritage conservation and creative innovation, teaches photography, publishes photo books as well as an internationally awarded newsletter, and exhibits worldwide. Assisting beneficiaries and fielding emergency response teams are part of its social commitment.

From a small group of gentlemen passionate about their cameras the Club has transformed into a significant institution contributing to the growth of photography.