In late 2008, several regulars of the Guelph Photographer’s Club got together to discuss having more than just a monthly social meeting at the pub with like minded people interested in photography. The group talked about organizing formal meeting, scheduled outings, presentations, speakers and competitions. It was determined that funding from membership fees would be required to support this type of activity. Peter Kelly, Alan Norsworthy, Doug England, Scott Hattle and John Quin were some of the founding members.

Guelph Photographer’s Guild was established in May 2009. The Guild’s goal is to connect photographers at all levels and provide a fun and informative venue for furthering their talent and interests.

The Guild has been active since its beginning. Its first Photo Exhibit was displayed at Guelph Little Theatre in 2009. Later in September, the Guild was invited to be ‘Official Photographers’ during the City Hall Grand Opening. Photographs of this day can be seen on the internet on ‘Flickr”.

For two years the Guild was involved with ‘Help-Portrait’ . “Help-Portrait is a community of photographers coming together across the world to use their photography skills to give back to their local community. This is about GIVING the pictures, not taking them.”

Members have taken part in Scott Kelby’s ‘Worldwide Photo Walk’, Art on the Street, and Studio Tour at Dublin Street United Church. There was also a critique group.

In 2013 the Guild had a major display of work by members at the Guelph Civic Museum. You can still see some of the images on our Guilds web site.

The display of Guild member photographs at the Studio Tour and Guelph’s Civic Museum was a way of promoting photography as an art form.

In 2015, two of our Guild members had work accepted in “Remembering in Flanders Fields” art exhibit at the Guelph Civic Museum.

In 2017 the Guild joined the Greater Toronto Council of Camera Clubs (GTCCC). This organization has changed its name to Ontario Council of Camera Clubs (OCCC). It mandate is to provide support and resources to member clubs in order to facilitate the advancement of photographic art to individual clubs.