Founded in 1939, a year also noted for the outbreak of the Second World War, the RA Photo Club is today one of the largest, best equipped and most active and diversified photo clubs in Canada. Initially serving federal government employees only, its services are now open to all who are interested in photography. Formerly known as the RA Camera Club, its name was changed to RA Photo Club in 1984. Home base is the RA Centre, a major recreational complex located at 2451 Riverside Drive, off Bronson Avenue, Ottawa. Thousands of photography enthusiasts have enjoyed over the years its vigorous program of presentations, outings, workshops and special projects and services. Operation of a self-contained darkroom and studio and more recently audio-visual and digital facilities have provided additional inducement for members to learn and improve photographic skills by active hands-on participation.
Operation of club programs is richly sustained by involving an extraordinarily high proportion of members in executive and group activities. Of some 250 members registered, more than 50 are actively engaged in one or more committees. About one-third of members take part in periodic photo competitions. Many members get involved in one or more special interest groups and activities, with as many as 100 signing up for such popular pursuits as nature, urban or digital photography.
Succeeding years have seen steady progress as club leaders have managed to sustain and expand the scope of photographic activity to serve the ever broadening interests of photo enthusiasts. For many years, club members actively supported other programs of the RA Centre by volunteering to take photos of these activities. An annual "photo blitz" was staged with this objective, so that much of the imagery contained in the centre's periodical RA News was the work of club photographers. Many members have also contributed generously to community projects such as Wildlife Week by providing prints for exhibition.
Widespread interest in the rapid development of digital photography sparked a dramatic increase in club membership from the 100-125 range to 250+ in recent years. Improved communications, especially through a dedicated RA Photo Club web site, has contributed significantly to this expansion. A significant innovation was the formation in 2005-2006 of a new and vibrant Urban Group dedicated to photography in the urban environment. Members of the group got off to an enthusiastic start covering such summer festivals as Dragon Boat Races, Bluesfest, Tulip Festival and the Chamber Music Festival. It is the dedication and passion of RA Photo Club members to all aspects of photography that will continue to make history in the Ottawa region and beyond.
Leadership in club programming has been constantly assured by a succession of able chairpersons and executive committee members, many of whom have maintained club membership over lengthy periods. Chairpersons over the past two decades include:
Corry Berghout (2006-07)
Robert James (2004-05, 2005-06)
Tom Ritchie (2003-04)
Barbara Lapointe (2002-03, 1995-96, and 1985-86)
Brian Fogarty (2001-02)
Peter Roberts (2000-01)
Dave Haggarty (1999-2000 and 1992-93)
Linda Brewer (1998-99)
Guy Lorriman (1997-98)
Catherine Kelly (1996-97)
Bill Rankin (1994-95)
Pam McLennan (1993-94)
Joy Macdonell (1991-92)
Ed Overstreet (1990-91)
Bill Bovey (1989-90)
J-P Jerome (1988-89)
Marjorie Leach (1987-88)
All but two of these are still club members.
Life members honoured for dedicated service to the club include:
