Our Society
We are a group of people who are passionate about photography. We meet weekly (Thursdays at 8pm) in the Pembroke Hotel, Kilkenny.
Our aim is to serve our members by encouraging development of their photographic skills through education, exhibitions of photographic accomplishments, friendship with others who share a love of photography and to share our talents with individuals and organisations in our community.
The society’s program varies to the needs of the members, but typically it’s a mix of group outings, guest speakers, workshops and internal competitions. KPS is a member of the Irish Photographic Federation (IPF) and the (Irish) Southern Association of Camera Clubs (SACC) and participates in their competitions. Members also compete in international Photographic Salon competitions. Members are encouraged to pursue accreditations in photography from the IPF.
Major Events
KPS Photographer of the Year
Each year we hold a Photographer of the Year (PotY) competition for KPS members. A series of themed competitions, including print and projected, are held and the marks accumulated to find the KPS winning member. The winner receives a PotY trophy and their name is engraved on the KPS perpetual PotY trophy. The competition covers three levels of skill – Novice, Intermediate and Advanced.
Kilkenny Arts Festival Exhibition
In August each year the Society participates in the Kilkenny Arts Festival extravaganza by holding an exhibition of members images as a fringe event.
KPS Transition Year Photography Competition
This is an annual competition for Transition Year students in Kilkenny City, County and surrounding areas. Inaugurated by club member, Donal Byrne, it has grown in popularity over the years.
Other Activities
Society members have also exhibited in Kilkenny Castle with their exhibition ‘Kilkenny War Dead (1914-1918)’. Club members have provided images for the KSPCA annual calendar. More recently the society has been invited by the management of St. Luke’s General Hospital, Kilkenny to provide a permanent exhibition for their arts exhibition area and is currently on display. The society has in the past hosted national photographic competitions in conjunction with the I.P.F. Example of which more recently was the I.P.F Photographer of the Year and I.P.F Nature Photographer of the Year competitions.
Affiliations
The Southern Association of Camera Clubs (SACC) – The Southern Association of Camera Clubs (SACC) is the region of the Irish Photographic Federation (IPF) covering the south of the country from Arklow to Clare
The Irish Photographic Federation (I.P.F) – The Irish Photographic Federation is comprised of photographic clubs throughout the Republic of Ireland. It is governed by a National Council, the members of the Council being elected at the AGM from member clubs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some of the questions that are frequently asked. If you have further questions please contact us through the contact form or email address provided on the website.
Where are you based?
The club meets every Thursday, 8.00 – 10.00pm in the Pembroke Hotel, Patrick Street, Kilkenny. We have a break over the summer while we prepare for our annual exhibition during the Arts Week Festival.
How do I become a member?
Membership is open to those who are 18+. The year starts in September and the annual subscription is due during this month. The AGM of the society also takes place in September.
What does membership cost?
The current subscription is €90 per year, with a reduced rate for seniors (65+), students (18+), and members who are unwaged.
Skills Night – 28th September
The next club meeting will be held in the Pembroke Hotel on Thursday, 28th September. This will be a skills night and our focus will be on “Preparing Images for Competition”
Need More Information
Join us any Thursday in the Pembroke Hotel, contact us using the CONTACT form or email us for more information.