Erica Reade, Founding Director

The Camera of the Month Club celebrated its 10-year anniversary in 2024. How did the milestone feel, and what was one of the most memorable moments of the celebration?

CMC’s ten-year milestone was one of the highlights of 2024 for me, and of my photo career so far. I grew up with CMC, so to speak, as a person and as a photographer. I was 31 when I founded the group, and in that decade, I quit my job and started my own photo business, survived a pandemic, and published my first book - and all of these major life moments happened against the fabric of a supportive group of my CMC friends and peers. It’s not an exaggeration to say I’m not sure where I’d be in photography if wasn’t for CMC.

The Ten Year Show itself blew me away, full stop. It solidified our seriousness as a group and our commitment to the wider NYC photography community for at least another decade. I looked around the room several times during that week, at our members, at the work on the walls, at the success of each of our daily events, and thought to myself, ‘We really built something special.” The week was seamless, start to finish, thanks to the hard work of all the Directors, and the faith our members had in us and themselves to take on such a massive week. When we had visions of a show at SohoPhoto gallery in 2023, I don’t think any of us had dreamed the week would turn into the successful, packed-room, high energy week that it was. It was truly incredible.

It brought us closer. Our confidence grew. We brought in photographers that are now new members. We offered feedback, ideas, insight and inspiration to the wider NYC photo community through our Open Critique, Panel and Photo Walk.

Above all, we celebrated the importance of community, which was my goal back in Fall 2014. Photography can feel lonely, the art world can feel exclusionary and I’m really proud that we have spent ten years prioritizing the level of warmth, respect and solidarity our group offers. Our opening reception on 10/10 celebration night was everything I had hoped for and more, and I couldn’t be happier with how 2024 went for CMC

If you could give your younger self a piece of advice at the start of CMC, what would it be?

Don’t be afraid to ask for help and set boundaries. As a fairly amateur photographer at the time, I had a real sense of imposter syndrome for years and I didn’t always speak up for myself or for the direction I wanted the group to take. I wouldn’t change anything as I learned some real lessons about loyalty, friendship and taking forward something that you know is working. If I were to give advice to someone thinking of starting their own artistic group, it would be to set our 2-3 main goals for the group, solidify a team of co-leaders that you trust and admire, and be consistent. Consistency is what has helped us grow over the last decade, and it’s a real asset to any group wanting to attract quality artists.

As we look to 2025, what excites you most about the future of CMC? Any new projects or goals on the horizon?

What excites me most about CMC in 2025 and the future of the group is moving forward with intention. We know what works well now. We also want to keep things fun and fresh, yet remain committed to our core values and rituals. We are always looking out for the needs of our members. While photography is what brings CMC together, it’s the deep sense of community, respect and friendship that CMC offers that make the group as special as it is. It is our thoughtful, firm yet encouraging critiques that bring people back to the table, month after month. It is the photo walks that build fun memories that heighten the sense of camaraderie with our members. It is the annual photo exhibitions that grow our member’s careers and sense of confidence as artists.

Specifically, I am excited to think of a theme for a new Fall show this year, and to continue growing the depth and breadth of our Annual Photo Retreat. I want to be sure we continue to have a membership as diverse as NYC, in both our members and the work we all bring to the table, and I hope we continue to serve our members in a way that is both meaningful for them professionally and personally.

What can we expect from your ‘Beach Lovers’ series this year? Are there any new themes or directions you’re exploring?

That’s a great question as I’m asking myself the same thing! I know that I am not done with the series. In terms of shooting this year, the words I have been hearing, both internally, and during CMC critiques are “get closer.” So, in short, I need to get closer to couples. I want to push myself to talk to some couples more often. I’d also like to be shooting more love and intimacy in public spaces, like parks or the subway when the weather isn’t beach-ready. I’d also like to take Beach Lovers to a couple of portfolio reviews. Longer term, I’d eventually like to make a second edition of my book or a Part II. I’d love to have a few pieces live in a NYC museum permanently. As long as I continue to find joy and inspiration from the series, and bring that sense of love and nostalgia to others with the work, I’m not sure if I’ll ever stop.

Thank you!

Member Spotlight: Erica Reade