In photography, what you capture depends on the eye behind the lens. But in Colorado Springs, the scenery does much of the work, with landscapes begging to be photographed.

As Colorado’s oldest camera club, the Pikes Peak Camera Club (PPCC) has been preserving moments since 1930. The secret to its longevity lies in its members’ commitment to the club and to the art of photography.

One of those members is Bill Rose, now in his mid-70s, who serves as the club’s webmaster. Like many in PPCC, Rose began taking photos at a young age.

“My parents got me a camera when I was in elementary school,” he said. “Those cameras were fairly inexpensive, but they honed our skills.” 

Books can teach the basics, but Rose says the best education comes from snapping photos—loads of them.

“A lot of photography is just doing it over and over,” Rose said. “My uncle said, ‘The best photography school is taking 100 rolls of film.’”

INSPIRATION IN THE FIELD

Going on location with the club provides practice and stunning subject matter. Recent trips included the Butterfly Pavilion and Denver Botanic Gardens. November’s meeting will feature a sports theme, with a corresponding location to be announced. 

Photo by Gayle Short

One of the group’s favorite events is the Pikes Peak Sunrise Opening. On select days, the City of Colorado Springs opens the Pikes Peak Highway at 5 a.m.—early enough to catch nautical sunrise 30-40 minutes before the sun crests the horizon. The event has become so popular that the city increased it to five times this year. The next date is October 13. 

Because arrangements must be made in advance, those interested should contact the club for details. 

The club’s commitment extends beyond landscapes. For the past 20 years, PPCC members have served as official photographers for the Pikes Peak Challenge, an annual fundraiser for the Brain Injury Alliance of Colorado. They capture hikers at the Barr Trailhead, at the 13-mile summit finish and at points in between.

BUILDING SKILLS AND COMMUNITY

Back indoors, PPCC members gather monthly not only to share their work but to learn from one another. Meetings begin with a casual “fundamental sessions social hour,” where beginners can ask questions and discover how to move beyond automatic settings for more creative control.

“We talk about the club and how to use your camera,” said Rose.

Competitions are another way members learn and grow. Members submit multiple images for anonymous judging by a local professional, often an instructor from UCCS or Colorado College. 

“The judges are pretty gentle,” Rose said. “They’ll say something like, ‘I think it should be cropped differently.’”

Although Rose is the club’s only professional, he emphasized that PPCC is open to everyone. Most members are hobbyists who love capturing beauty one frame at a time. 

Whether chasing trophies, honing skills or forming friendships, photographers of all ages and abilities find a welcoming home at PPCC. 

For more information on the Pikes Peak Camera Club, visit their website at PikesPeakCameraClub.com or call Karen Morris, the club’s president, at 719-377-1500.

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