For three decades, photographers from across Northumberland County have gathered to share their passion, learn from one another and capture the people, places and moments that make the community unique.
In September 2026, the Northumberland Photography Club (NPC) celebrates its 30th anniversary — a milestone that traces back to a small gathering of 16 photography enthusiasts in April 1996.
That first meeting was held at St. Mark’s Church in Port Hope, where the group discussed the idea of creating a local photography club. Five months later, in September 1996, the first official meeting of the Northumberland Shutterbugs was held.
The organization became the Northumberland Photography Club in 2005.
One of those original founding photographers, Mary Talbot, remains an active member of the club three decades later.
Over the past 30 years, the club has evolved alongside the rapidly changing world of photography.
A constitution was adopted, a website was created, and the club launched its newsletter, The Monitor. Members and visiting photographers have delivered presentations, monthly outings have provided opportunities to learn and socialize, and the club has expanded its community outreach through workshops and exhibitions in both Port Hope and Cobourg.
More recently, the Art Gallery of Northumberland featured a full exhibition showcasing the work of NPC photographers.
One of the club’s most memorable events came in November 2007, when the NPC hosted internationally acclaimed photographer Freeman Patterson for a major presentation titled The Call of Creativity in Cobourg.
The event drew a sold-out audience of 350 people, while an exhibition of Patterson’s work was also presented at the Art Gallery of Northumberland.
But while technology, cameras and photographic techniques have changed dramatically since 1996, the club’s purpose remains much the same — bringing people together through photography.
Monthly meetings are held on the first Monday of each month from September through June at the Salvation Army Community Centre in Cobourg.
Meetings feature guest speakers as well as slideshows of members’ photographs from club outings, personal adventures, photographer’s choice submissions and monthly themed challenges.
Speakers share their photographs, videos, techniques, equipment and editing knowledge, while discussing everything from storytelling to the creative process and, most importantly, their passion for photography.
The club’s photo outings provide another opportunity for members to learn from one another while building friendships and connections throughout the community.
The range of photographic interests is broad, including fine art, architecture, events, landscapes, nature, portraits, street photography, travel and much more.
When a member’s image is selected for presentation, they are encouraged to talk about how the photograph was made, giving others an opportunity to learn not only from the finished image but from the photographer’s creative process.
The club has also embraced today’s digital world. Members regularly share their work through the NPC Facebook account, while a monthly Zoom group provides another opportunity to discuss submitted photographs, offer suggestions and explore editing techniques.
That online group is led by founding member Mary Talbot.
The Northumberland Photography Club’s 30-year history is ultimately a story about the people who have volunteered their time and energy to keep the organization moving forward.
The club credits its past and present members who have taken on leadership and organizational roles, helping NPC adapt to new members, new technology and the ever-changing world of social media.
Three decades after 16 people first gathered in Port Hope to discuss the possibility of creating a photography club, the Northumberland Photography Club continues to provide a place where photographers of every skill level and interest can learn, create and share.
And after 30 years, the invitation remains simple:
Everyone is welcome.
The next club meeting date is
Monday September 14, at 7 p.m.
Salvation Army,
59 Ballantine St,
Cobourg
Author: Pete Fisher
Has been a photojournalist for over 30-years and have been honoured to win numerous awards for photography and writing over the years. Best selling author for the book Highway of Heroes - True Patriot Love
