1977 - 1987  The idea of a camera club was conceived by Morris Beck, Roy J. O’Nan and Bobi Dimond. After attending a photography workshop together, the three   decided to organize a club dedicated to the purpose of promoting and enjoying photography – The birth of the Kendall Camera Club!

 Who were/are these individuals?

Morris Beck – a physician served as the Club’s first President and Board Director as well as Program and Field Trip Chair.

Roy J. O’Nan – a builder and designer by trade, was one of the club’s most dedicated members. He not only served as President, Director, Secretary and Treasurer, he also served as Clicktique, Newsletter and Advertising Chair.

Bobi Dimond – served as Vice President, Board Director and Program Chair.  She is an award winning fine arts photographer living in Atlanta. Some of her work can be viewed here.

The Club’s first meeting was on June 29, 1976 at the home of Dr. Robert Stempfel. Ten persons attended and planned the future of the club.  The second meeting was held at the King’s Bay Yacht Resort - 36 photographers attended. By year’s end, membership had increased to 68.

Articles of Incorporation were filed on June 23rd, 1977 and the group was officially recognized as the Kendall Camera Cub, Inc.  The Club later became a member of the Photographic Society of America (PSA) and the newsletter carried the seal.

At the end of the Club's first year, President, Morris Beck, wrote: 

" … From a small nucleus of very serious photographers we have now grown to more than 60 members. Within the membership we have found an unexpected amount of fine talent. And, we have seen a sensitivity displayed in your work and critiques that is rare in most camera clubs. But more, drawn by our common interest we have discovered, a warmth and friendship in our group that would be the envy of any organization. …

 “Every artist dips his brush in his own soul, and paints his own nature into his pictures.” ~Henry Ward Beecher


Talent on display …

On the 4th Thursday of the month, in keeping with the goal of enriching its members, the KCC presents local and nationally renowned photographers as guest speakers.

December 8, 2011 - Travel Photography with Dario Endara

Visiting from the Netherlands, Dario will share the do’s and don’ts of travel photography. His passion for travel photography has taken him to more than 30 countries, creating a substantial collection of images of people and places from around the world.

 “I think a photography class should be a requirement in all educational programs because it makes you see the world rather than just look at it.” ~Author Unknown

The Kendall Camera Club is true to the tenet of constant learning. Membership in this exclusive club allows you to participate in diverse classes and workshops – something for all levels and skills.

UPCOMING WORKSHOPS:

January 28th & 29th, 2012 - FLASH - the Potable Sun - with National Geographic Photographer – Raul Touzon

The KCC is privileged to have this nationally acclaimed photographer share his skills with us. Raul Touzon an extremely talented photographer and gifted teacher, has taught seminars and workshops around the world. He will offer a workshop addressing rules of composition, understanding the different sources of light and the creative use of flash. Live models will be provided. See his photography at http://www.touzonphoto.com/

 March 2-4, 2012 - Nature and Stars Weekend at Everglades National Park with Alina Boisjoly

The KCC is also a “members helping members organization”….  Past KCC president, Alina Boisjoly, will be hosting an interactive shooting weekend filled with activities  - from sunrise to star trails ! Make the most of your camera and maximize your creativity by learning alongside your fellow KCC members.

Future Workshops being discussed: Exposure, Studio Photography, Family and Children Portrait Photography, Using your Flash ... and more .

If you have ideas for future workshops or classes, or you want to volunteer to conduct a class, please contact Walter Rojter or Ibis Hillencamp.

“Everyone has a photographic memory, but not everyone has film.” ~Author Unknown



The first Clicktique was held on November 9, 1976. The event was called  “Critique” and 18 people attended. The first category for the competition was “OPEN” and the rules simple:  3 slides or 3 prints; B&W or color; and a print larger than an 8X10.

The evolution of Clicktique …  

It has been called “Critique”, “Clitique” and “Click-tique”. The hyphen was eventually dropped leaving us with the presently used “Clicktique.  In September 1977, a more formal system went into effect.  Entrants were given one point for entering, regardless of the number of slides or prints. Winners received 3 points  for 1^st place, 2 for 2nd and 1 for 3^rd.  Ribbons were given quarterly based upon cumulative points and at the end of the year (spring) the Club hosted an awards banquet for the yearly winners. 

March 1978 -Tips from the Judges

• Learn to title your picture - relate title to content.
• Maintain color harmony within the picture as well as its presentation.
• The mat should make a picture unit.
• Watch backgrounds - is the picture too busy?
• In terms of composition, make sure its not too "Bull's Eye".
• Search for impact!
• Is it artistically moving?

The rules …

The first Clicktique rules were officially written in 1980 detailing how the competition was to be held. Judging was to be done by those members present and scoring done on the basis of three standards: technique, impact and composition. Between 1 -5 points were awarded for each.  Only 3 entries were allowed per person. 

“A” and “B” levels of competition were established. However, unlike today, everyone was automatically assigned to the lesser “B” category. Moving up to level “A” was accomplished in one of three ways: 1) being sponsored by an “A” level photographer in each category, 2) petitioning the board and showing 10 examples of one's work, or 3) placing 1^st, 2^nd or 3^rd in at least 5 Clicktiques during the year in each category.

A “Best Photograph” and “Photographer” was chosen from each category. From these a “Best Photograph of the Year was selected. 

Shown here from left to right: 1988 - 1989 Award Winners:  A.J. Furst, Mary E. Swanson, Ernie del Pino, Mary Lou McCurdy, Tony Abella and Fred Kong

In May 1991, a new scoring system was approved by the Board. Members were asked to bring the usual 2 entries in each category - slides, B&W or color prints.

• Each image was to be judged on its own merit. No previewing.
• "A" and "B" levels were eliminated.
• The scores of 3 judges were totaled and averaged to obtain a final score.
•  Images were scored on a scale of 0 - 100 as follows:

   "Photographer of three Year" - was determined by the points earned.    "Best of Show" - was selected from the top scored images (80 and above) in each category and would receive an extra point.

TODAY …

In the Annual Competitions, the Club has top awards named after and in honor of former members: The Julius Siril Memorial Photographer Award and the Billy Marlow Memorial Nature Award.

The Clicktique continues to be the Kendall Camera Club's signature event. In 2011 the Club gave 17 “Special Recognition” awards along with its Top Awards.

Like the Clicktiques, the Speaker Meetings were a major part of the Club’s activities. Through the years, the event has been called “Speaker’s Meeting”, “Speaker Meetings”, “Speaker Meeting” and “Program”.  Today, the Club has settled on the name “Program Night”.  Regardless of the name, it remains a signature event.

Many renowned photographers graced the Club during its early years: Robert Becker - portrait photographer, Morton Axler -travel photographer and Ray Fisher -photographer of famous people, to name a few. Those who were with the Club during its early years will agree, however, that few speakers were as venerated and loved as Julius Sirilo.

Below is Master Photographer and Kendall Camera Club member - Julius Sirilo. He was described in a newsletter as follows: "Professor Sirilo discussed films and lighting, photo composition, exposure, subjects, cameras, lenses, depth of field, proper camera placement, backgrounds and much more. It never ceases to amaze us how the man's love of photography, profound knowledge of the subject and total dedication continues to make an impact in our community year after year." 

Julius Sirilo is truly "Man of the Year" and for this reason a special award is given in his honor during the Annual End of Year Awards Ceremony. The Kendall Camera Club honors his memory! 

Consistent with the past tradition of excellence …

In 2011, Program Night had presentations by Canon Explorer of Light - Jennifer Wu, National Geographic photographer, Raul Touzon, architectural photographer, Robin Hill, Miami Herald photo-journalist, Charles Trainor - to mention a few.