In the age of smartphones and digital photography, the art of print photography is fading, and with it, a piece of history. This is the story of the Central Photographic Association (CPA) camera club in Belfast, Northern Ireland, and its mission to keep print photography alive. The club, founded in 1906, is the oldest of its kind in the region, but it faces an uphill battle to survive in an era where digital technology reigns supreme. The decline in print photography is not just a loss for the club, but for the preservation of history and cultural heritage. As Vittorio Silvestri, the president of the CPA, puts it, 'We're losing a bit of history' because of the shift towards digital images. The club's membership has dwindled from over 70 to around 30 in four decades, and the younger generation, who have grown up with smartphones, are not joining in the same numbers. While smartphones have made photography more accessible, they have also made it easier to discard printed images. As Silvestri notes, 'Phone images don't have the same quality, the same technology to be able to print well.' The club's photobook, which celebrates its 120th anniversary, is a testament to the importance of print photography. It features two photographs from each member, along with a written history of the images. The book is not just a collection of pictures, but a record of the club's history and a way to preserve the art of print photography. The CPA has also been working with the Public Record Office of Northern Ireland (PRONI) to ensure that the print photos and their histories are preserved for future generations. This is a crucial role, as PRONI's mission is to identify and preserve records of historical, social, and cultural significance. The club's efforts to preserve print photography are not just about the past, but about the future. As Robert Sergeant, a member of the CPA, explains, 'The thing about camera clubs is we still have a strong reliance on the printed material, in that you tend to find that people who have phones and use their phones only for photography don't tend to get that hard copy.' The club is also encouraging young people to join and learn the art of print photography. Silvestri believes that 'there's no better place to learn how to use a camera than a camera club,' where members can be mentored and guided on their photographic journey. The photobook and the club's efforts to preserve print photography are a reminder that in an age of digital technology, it is important to remember the value of printed images and the history they represent. As Sergeant says, 'It's nice to see that printed material. It is something you can throw on the coffee table, and if people come in to the house, it's much easier letting them see something physical than having to drag out a phone and saying, look at this.' The CPA's mission to keep print photography alive is a testament to the power of community and the importance of preserving our cultural heritage. In a world where digital technology is constantly evolving, it is crucial to remember the value of printed images and the history they represent.
