HISTORY
Knox Photographic Society Since the club was initially formed in 1974 there have been many changes. The 60s and 70s were a real heyday of photography, new photographic products, home movie films, a large emphasis on slides, the darkroom, and the introduction of color printing. KPS had its own video (film) group and often showed movies at club meetings. Membership went up and down over the next 20-30 years. KPS dropped to almost extinction around the mid 80s. However by 2000, camera clubs including KPS were beginning to feel the effects of the Digital revolution. Over the last 5 years KPS has grown to its largest membership ever. The club had to make some changes to keep up. It changed its meeting place from the Boronia Stadium to Boronia West Primary School. It had to update its constitution to comply with new Incorporated Bodies legislation, and it needed to purchase new equipment to implement the newer technologies.
In 2005 and 2006 the club through Rob Sloane, Fred Stewart and Ron Cork was successful in applying to the Knox council for grants which initially enabled them to purchase a computer, a data projector, a sound system, a monitor calibrator and a scanner, plus assorted software especially for education.
In 2003 Ron Cork set up the first KPS stand alone website “kps.org.au” and went on to revamp the VAPS website and has been webmaster of both for the past 7 years. The website has been a major contributor to marketing and operation of KPS.
KPS has taken an active role in the photography movement in the state, especially with VAPS. Over the years many members have served on the VAPS committee, e.g. Ron Davis, Marcia Brown, Rob Sloane, Ron Cork, Lyn Sloane, Heidi Weid, Chris Cronin, and Barrie Attwood. KPS also facilitated the VAPS National in 2003, 2004, 2005, and 2006. Over the past few years KPS is proud of the members that have gained awards at State, National, International and Professional level. E.g. Rob Sloane SSVAPS, SSAPS, Lyn Sloane SSVAPS, Peter English SSVAPS, Karen Lewis LAPS, AAPS, Louise Wolfers, LAPS, Robert Johnston LAPS, Heather Runting (Professional Awards), David Burren (Professional), Julie Bird, and Ron Cork.
Paul Burke who has served on the KPS committee for many years and acted in the role of club librarian and historian received his 30 year badge from VAPS and has been made a Life Member of KPS, joining the elite few, Cliff and Carol Claxton, Blu and Peter Cheong, Kate and Keith Treasure, Jean and Horace Pritchard, and Ron Davis.
Recently the club activities have included outings, weekends away/ educational camps (e.g. Buller, Baw Baw, and Kilcunda), photographic tours (Japan and China), Club exhibitions at The Hut Ferntree Gully, and Karwarra Native Garden at Mt Dandenong. KPS always participates in the VAPS annual interclub, and is well represented at the Muster.
Recently member Ian Patterson introduced “KPS Introduction to Photography” classes. These have been highly successful especially in promoting KPS to the public as well as generating an income to facilitate new and more advanced educational programs for members.
Recent Presidents: Rob Sloane, Barrie Attwood, David Wallace, Ron Cork, Sheryle Griffith, and Alfred Zommers. Recent Secretaries: Barrie Attwood, David Wallace, Fred Stewart, Val Moss, Julie Bird, Elaine Craig. Recent Treasurers: Lyn Sloane, Susanne Walsh.
The aims for the next 5 years: To maintain steady growth especially in benefits to members. To maintain help and support to new members in their photography and to increase the support to members at a more advanced level to enable the club overall to increase the quality of its artistic work.
