Hi All and Welcome to N4C for 2009-2010
The President’s message is my first opportunity to write a short essay on
personal photographic history and also share my understanding of N4C and its
role in fostering great photography. The responsibility of carrying on the
heritage of our organization is indeed daunting although the pleasures of
interacting with so many great photographers who are passionate about their
photography and willing to share is inspiring to say the least! Yes, we will
enjoy this year and the challenges that come along.
We’ve enjoyed photography for many years with a variety of cameras, lenses,
different formats both chemistry based and digital, and used many different
techniques in pursuit of our own vision of photography. Our diversity of
experience is one of our strengths and also how we will remain relevant to the
next generation of photographers. I borrowed my first serious camera, an Argus
C3, from my father in the 1960’s and never gave it back. I bought my own SLR
later on, and like you have gone through a succession of equipment choices. I’ve
kept my favorites over time that now decorate a display area in our basement as
I try to keep up with continual changes and improvements in equipment and
technology. My favorite photographic subjects are still life botanicals,
landscapes, and wildlife of various forms.
Fine art photography is a learning process and my interest in N4C and the Des
Moines Camera club is primarily the opportunity to continue this process. I’ve
been a member of the Des Moines Camera Club and N4C since 1982 and have served
in various capacities during that time including service on the board and as an
officer. Participating in different competitions as well as judging different
club and N4C contests are the most beneficial for my learning process. The other
lesson I’ve learned from interactions with fellow photographers is that
individual interests are unique, different, and worthy of respect from the
perspective of the present and future health of N4C.
I continue the tradition of encouraging participation among individuals and
clubs for N4C activities and meetings and introducing the joys of fine art
photography to the next generation of participants and leaders of N4C.
Yes, N4C is “Where names become faces and faces become Friends”
Dwight Tomes, September 2009
History
The "NORTH CENTRAL CAMERA CLUB COUNCIL” had
its inception almost simultaneously in the minds of three men Robert H.
Cochran, M.D., APSA. Omaha, E, Curtis Lugg, Sioux Falls, and Francis A.
Kingsbury, Ponca and Sioux City.
Fate decided that their paths should cross in the Spring of 1955, these three
men sat on the front porch of the Kingsbury home in Ponca Nebraska where their
vision gave birth to the North Central Council of Camera Clubs. From their idea
that evening a tentative organization, created May 30, 1955, combined members of
seven Camera Clubs located in Iowa, Nebraska, Minnesota. and South Dakota.
Summer, Fall, and Winter Seasons were spent in organizational creation of many
of the services still available from the "N-4-C", as the infant was nicknamed.
Meeting at the Joslyn Memorial Art Museum in Omaha, January 22, 1956, resulted
in adopting a Constitution, and in electing the temporary officers to their
permanent positions.
The First Convention, held in Sioux City, lowa, with Francis A. Kingsbury as
General Chairman gave the 123 delegates from the 20 member Clubs such excellent
programs that it is difficult to uphold tradition in the subsequent Conventions,
The now famous "N 4 C, “Where Names become Faces and Paces become Friends" was
originated during this gathering by Francis Kingsbury. The original officers
were re-elected to complete their assignment to build an active and lasting N-4
C.
with
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