In the world of photography, where artists often work alone, the practice can feel isolating. This sense of seclusion is especially pronounced in bustling cities like New York, where the pace of life can make it difficult to find a supportive community, making it challenging to grow and thrive. Erica Reade, a seasoned photographer and educator, recognized this gap over a decade ago and set out to fill it. Reade is the visionary behind the Camera of the Month Club (CMC), a collective created in 2014 that has created a space that welcomes photographers from all walks of life to engage in exploration, creativity, and connection.
The Origins of Camera of the Month Club
Erica Reade’s journey into photography began as a hobby during her time at a fine arts elementary school and a high school darkroom class. Despite her academic focus on human rights and development, photography remained her creative outlet. After earning her MA in International Affairs from New School University and traveling extensively for work, Erica found her true joy in capturing images around the world and roaming the streets of NYC with her camera.
In 2011, while working as Program Director at Leave Out Violence (LOVE), a not-for-profit awarded for utilizing arts to engage and support teenagers against violence, Erica integrated the arts into group settings with teenagers. This experience inspired her to create a similar supportive and creative community for photographers. She envisioned a club where members could share their work, receive feedback, and grow together. In September 2014, Erica held the first informal meetup for the Camera of the Month Club and a month later, she established Soho Photo Gallery as the home for CMC, which has been thriving ever since.
Monthly Critique Sessions: Judging the Work of Peers
One of the most distinctive features of the Camera of the Month Club is its monthly critique sessions. These sessions provide members with an opportunity to receive constructive feedback on their work from their peers, fostering a collaborative and supportive environment. Reade’s role in these sessions is crucial; her keen eye for detail and deep understanding of photographic principles make her feedback invaluable.
Reade’s approach to critiques is both rigorous and encouraging. She emphasizes the importance of constructive criticism, ensuring that members leave the sessions with actionable insights to improve their work. Her ability to encourage members to share a balance of technical feedback with artistic guidance has made these sessions a cornerstone of CMC’s success. Members often cite Reade’s critiques as a turning point in their photographic journey, highlighting her profound impact on their growth as artists.
The Distinction of Camera of the Month Club
What makes the Camera of the Month Club special is its friendly and supportive atmosphere. Guided by Erica Reade, CMC is known for fostering creativity and helping photographers grow. The club’s monthly critique meetings encourage ongoing learning and improvement.
CMC carefully selects new members to ensure they are truly passionate about photography and eager to be part of the community. Erica and CMC’s board of directors personally review each application, maintaining the club’s high standards and positive reputation. This is at the forefront of CMC’s mission, fostered by its team of volunteer co-directors, which include Carlos Juarbe, Taranita Costales, Ashton Gooding, Charlie Lederer, and Erica.
The club’s annual exhibitions highlight the best work of its members, showcasing their talents and the growth they have achieved through CMC. Erica’s expertise in curating these exhibitions ensures they are cohesive and engaging, solidifying CMC’s significant contribution to the contemporary photography discourse.
Personal Growth and Connection
One of the most compelling aspects of the Camera of the Month Club (CMC) is the personal stories of growth and connection from its members. Many photographers who joined the club feeling isolated and uncertain about their path have found mentorship, friendship, and a renewed passion for their craft.
New members frequently remark on the positive experience of their first meeting and often return. Long-standing members consistently affirm their commitment to the CMC collective, citing the supportive community it fosters. CMC is not merely a group of photographers but a community of friends who celebrate each other’s successes. Some members have maintained their connection with the club despite cross-country moves or extended absences, staying engaged through Zoom and WhatsApp throughout the pandemic and beyond. Friendships formed within CMC have endured for years, extending beyond the club itself, highlighting the deep, personal bonds that have developed within this unique community.
CMC’s 10-Year Anniversary
As CMC’s ten-year anniversary approaches, the club is preparing for a special celebration. From October 8th to the 14th, CMC will host a group exhibition, critique workshops, and other activities at Soho Photo Gallery. These events promise to highlight the achievements of its members, foster deeper connections within the community, and celebrate a decade of creativity and collaboration.
Under Erica Reade’s vision, the club continues to grow and remains focused on fostering creativity, exploration, connection, and community. Her vision, commitment, and expertise have not only significantly broadened the New York City photography community but have also left a lasting legacy. As a pioneer and mentor, Reade’s influence will undoubtedly inspire future generations of photographers, ensuring that CMC remains a beacon of artistic growth and community spirit for years to come.
