SCoPE - BCcampus Learning + Teaching

I. Top NYC Photo Clubs & Organizations

Whether you are a professional pursuing the highest echelons of art or an enthusiast looking for a tight-knit community, New York's photography organizations can meet your needs.

• Manhattan Miniature Camera Club (MMCC): 

  
  

  It is New York's oldest (founded in 1933) and most prestigious photography organization. Today, it remains a gathering place for high-level photographers while also being a high-level, friendly entry platform for novices and enthusiasts. The club holds monthly photo competitions with different themes and high-quality salons, making it an excellent choice for communicating with talented photographers and honing your skills. MMCC also offers a discounted annual membership for students.

  
  

  • Website: https://www.mmcc-nyc.org

    
    

• Baxter St at the Camera Club of New York (CCNY):

  
  

  The Cutting Edge of Contemporary Art. This organization inherits the long history of the Camera Club of New York and, under the name "Baxter St," focuses on supporting and exhibiting contemporary photographic artists. By providing residency programs, exhibition opportunities, and professional resources, it has become a critical launchpad for emerging artists seeking career breakthroughs and industry recognition.

  
  

  • Website: https://www.baxterst.org/

    
    

• International Center of Photography (ICP): A Global Leader in Photography Education and Exhibitions. ICP is a world-class center that integrates a school, museum, and community. Whether you want to take systematic courses from introductory to master's level or visit top-tier photography exhibitions, ICP is the authoritative choice. Members enjoy exclusive benefits like free exhibition entry and library access.

  
  

  • Website: https://www.icp.org/

    
    

• NYC Street Photography Collective (NYC-SPC): The Hub for Street Photographers. This is a non-profit organization founded by street photographers, for street photographers. It not only provides a close-knit online and offline community but also operates its own physical gallery and darkroom. If you focus on street photography, this is the best home for finding peers, receiving feedback, and showcasing your work.

  
  

  • Website: https://www.nyc-spc.com/

    
    

• Penumbra Foundation: A Sanctuary for Classic and Alternative Processes. If you are fascinated by traditional photographic processes like wet-plate collodion or albumen printing, the Penumbra Foundation is your ideal choice. This non-profit organization offers world-class workshops in classic techniques, an open studio, and artist residency programs, dedicated to preserving and innovating the physical medium of photography.

  
  

  • Website: https://www.penumbrafoundation.org/

    
    

• MoMA Photo Club (#MoMAPhotoClub): A Global Online Project. This is less a traditional membership club and more a global online photography project and community hashtag initiated by the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA). You can interact with enthusiasts worldwide and draw inspiration from MoMA's collection by participating in its social media challenges and online courses.

  
  

  • Related Website: https://www.moma.org/ (Explore their online courses and events here)

    
    

II. Improving Skills & Accessing Resources

Photography Courses & Workshops

• PhotoUno Photography School: Offers clearly structured and comprehensive photography courses, especially suitable for beginners who want to build a solid foundation.

  • Website: https://photouno.com/

• PhotoManhattan: Provides a variety of photography courses, and its unique "Work-Study Program" offers a valuable opportunity for learners on a limited budget.

  • Website: https://photomanhattan.com/

• New York City Photo Safari: Offers a rich variety of themed urban photo tours, allowing you to shoot while walking under professional guidance and exploring classic photo spots.

  • Website: https://newyorkcityphotosafari.com/

• Workshops with Renowned Photographers (e.g., Phil Penman): Follow the personal websites of photographers you admire. They occasionally offer small-group, advanced workshops, which are a great opportunity for exclusive instruction.

  • Phil Penman's Website: https://philpenman.com/

Professional Darkroom & Film Services

• Gowanus Darkroom: Located in Brooklyn, this is a well-equipped public darkroom that offers memberships, classes, and professional film processing services for film enthusiasts.

  • Website: https://www.gowanusdarkroom.com/

• pink folder film house: This is a niche studio specializing in processing motion picture film (like 16mm and 35mm), providing high-quality scanning and color services for independent filmmakers and artists. It is highly regarded in its community.

  • Website: https://www.pinkfolderfilm.house/