Image Makers

Club Meeting Schedule 2024-25

  Zoom Meetings, Mondays, 6:30 pm

  • 2024 – Sept 12, Oct 10, Nov 14, Dec 12

  • 2025 – Jan 16, Feb 13, Mar 13, Apr 10, Apr 14, May 8

  In-person Meeting, East Troy Library, Graydon Avenue

  • 2025 – Jan 20 – Joint meeting with East Troy Viewfinders(Judge Wisconsin Print Circuit) 

  • Contact Gerry Emmerich for Zoom link and detailed schedule:   oakopening@gmail.com

Club History

The Image Makers Camera Club has been a cornerstone of the photographic community for over 50 years. Established in 1971, the club began as the Waukesha Camera Club, with its initial meetings held at Carroll College. By March 1973, the club joined the prestigious Photographic Society of America (PSA), reflecting its commitment to fostering photographic excellence and community engagement.

In 1974, the club adopted its current name, the Image Makers Camera Club, through official by-laws. Over the decades, the club has met in various locations across the Milwaukee, Brookfield, Pewaukee, Oconomowoc, and Waukesha areas, adapting to the evolving needs of its members and the broader photographic community.

In 1984, the club became a charter member of the Wisconsin Area Camera Clubs Organization (WACCO), further cementing its role in the regional photography scene. The advent of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 prompted the club to pivot to virtual meetings via Zoom, ensuring the continuity of its activities and fostering a sense of community among members during challenging times.

Club Activities

The Image Makers Camera Club offers various activities to inspire and challenge photographers of all skill levels. Members can participate in the Wisconsin Print Circuit and the Wisconsin PSA Clubs Showcase, providing platforms to share and receive feedback on their work.

In both slide and digital formats, the club actively engages in the PSA Interclub Competition across various categories, including Nature, Pictorial, Photojournalism, Photo Travel, and Pictorial prints. These competitions highlight club members' talents and foster a spirit of friendly competition and continuous learning.

In addition to competitions, the club hosts regular member presentations and photo critiques, offering valuable insights and opportunities for skill development. The monthly "Bring Your Own Images" (BYOIs) sessions encourage members to share their work and explore diverse photographic subjects.

The Image Makers Camera Club proudly hosts international exhibitions, including the North Star Circuit, Wisconsin Circuit, and the Image Makers International Exhibition. These events attract photographers worldwide and showcase a wide range of styles and perspectives.

Club Service Activities

Service to the community is a fundamental aspect of the Image Makers Camera Club's mission. The club contributes photography to The Nature Conservancy-Wisconsin Chapter and the Ice Age Park and Trail Foundation calendars, helping to raise awareness and support for these important organizations.

In 2010, the club's dedication to service was recognized with the PSA Club Service Award, a testament to its ongoing commitment to excellence and community engagement. The club also provides judging services for numerous PSA interclub competitions, sharing its expertise and fostering a spirit of collaboration within the broader photographic community.

Club Officials 2024-25

A dedicated team of officials leads the Image Makers Camera Club for the 2024-25 term:

  • Zoom Meeting Coordinator: Steve Heraly

  • PSA Interclub Representative: Gerry Emmerich

  • Club President: Gerry Emmerich

Under their leadership, the club continues to thrive, providing a welcoming and supportive environment for photographers to learn, grow, and share their passion for photography.

As the Image Makers Camera Club looks to the future, it remains committed to fostering a vibrant photographic community, celebrating the art and craft of photography, and contributing to the rich tapestry of visual storytelling.