In the age of digital dominance, where smartphones have become the primary tool for capturing memories, a unique and vital tradition is at risk of fading away. The Central Photographic Association (CPA) camera club in Belfast, Northern Ireland, is on a mission to preserve the art of print photography, a medium that is increasingly being overshadowed by the convenience of digital imaging. This is a story of resilience, tradition, and the enduring power of printed images in a rapidly changing world.
The CPA, founded in 1906, has witnessed the ebb and flow of photographic trends. Its president, Vittorio Silvestri, reflects on the changing landscape with a sense of urgency. He laments the decline in print photography, a medium that, in his view, is being lost to the convenience of smartphones. 'We're losing a bit of history,' he says, emphasizing the importance of printed images in capturing and preserving moments. 'Prints are dwindling,' he notes, highlighting the stark contrast between the tangible, physical nature of prints and the ephemeral quality of digital images.
The club's membership, once robust, has dwindled over the decades. Silvestri, a long-standing member, observes that the younger generation, despite having access to advanced camera technology on their smartphones, is not engaging with the club. This raises a deeper question: Are we, as a society, losing the value of printed images? Are we, in essence, losing a part of our history and culture?
The CPA, however, is not just about nostalgia. It is about preserving the past while embracing the future. The club's photobook, a labor of love, is a testament to this. It showcases the work of past and present members, with Silvestri printing 120 photographs, two from each member, to mark the club's 120th anniversary. This book is not just a collection of images; it is a living record of the club's history and a celebration of the art of print photography.
The photobook also serves a practical purpose. By contributing their images, members ensure that their work is preserved for future generations. It is a way of recording history, a way of ensuring that the past is not forgotten. Silvestri, with his passion for print photography, sees this as a crucial role of the club. 'I do think it's important that images are printed for a record purpose,' he says, emphasizing the value of printed images in documenting and preserving our history.
The CPA's commitment to print photography extends beyond the photobook. Members have been contributing print photos to the Public Record Office of Northern Ireland (PRONI), an institution dedicated to preserving records of historical, social, and cultural significance. This ensures that the images, and the stories behind them, are not lost to time. It is a way of ensuring that the past is not just remembered but also preserved.
The club's emphasis on printed images is not just about nostalgia; it is about the value of physical, tangible objects in a digital world. Robert Sergeant, a member of the CPA, echoes Silvestri's sentiments. He appreciates the physicality of printed images, the way they can be displayed and shared, and the way they can be passed down through generations. 'It's nice to see that printed material,' he says, emphasizing the importance of printed images in our lives.
The CPA's efforts to preserve print photography are not in vain. The photobook, the contributions to PRONI, and the club's ongoing commitment to the art of print photography are all testaments to the enduring value of printed images. In a world where digital images are ubiquitous, the CPA is a beacon of hope, a reminder of the importance of preserving our history and culture through the art of print photography.
As we move forward into the future, the CPA's mission serves as a reminder of the importance of preserving our past. It is a call to action, a reminder that we must not let the art of print photography fade away. In doing so, we can ensure that our history is not just remembered but also preserved, and that the value of printed images is not lost to the sands of time.
