Welcome to the Darlington Association of Photographers site

 Following in the path of the late 19th century Linked Ring and the early 20th century Photo-Secessionists, Alfred Stieglitz, Edward Weston, Eduard J Steichen and company, this group, following the disbandment of the Darlington Art Centre and Media group was founded to promote fine Art Photography by way of exhibition and salon in the 21st Century.

The Darlington Association of Photographers comprises individual members highly motivate in pursuing scholarly aspects of photography in new and innovative ways. Some members come from traditional photographic routes and have embraced both historical and modern techniques in creative ways, whilst others have emerged from fine art disciplines. Membership is open to those who desire to take their work into new and exciting realms, pushing forward the synergy of art and science, crossing new frontiers and demolishing barriers of mediocrity and complacency. The group is a printing group where the print is held in highest regard thus a high standard of print. printing is required from each member. Projected images are not an alternative to the print.

The main meeting of the Association is a monthly print critique where each member brings a long a finished mounted print for pen critique by the assembled members. The work is to carry no name or identification, the author may declare the work after members have had their say. Additional meetings of an informal nature are held weekly where members can relax and enjoy friendly chatter and print discussion over coffee in a social and non-competitive environment. At these weekly meetings members have the opportunity of showing work-in-progress for comment.

The group does not support camera club style competitions of any form, and as such no competitions are organised. However, the Group works towards a high profile exhibition each year where members mounted and framed prints are displayed in selected galleries. Commercial aspects of print sales are left to the individual author and the gallery concerned. The exhibitions are primarily to showcase members work in a serious professional environment. Any work for inclusion in Exhibitions should/must have been subjected to the groups critique process.

Membership is by invitation, sponsorship and unanimous election. Invited potential members should bring along a port folio of recent work by means of introduction and demonstrate a flair for creative photography and fine art printing. Once elected an Annual membership fee and ad-hoc meeting fee is required.