History
The Le DéClic Luchaptais photography club was founded in 2015 by its first president, Gérard Daclon, and five other photography enthusiasts. Meetings were held in his kitchen in Luchapt, in southern Vienne. Initially, it was a group of friends who simply wanted to improve their mastery of their cameras and photographic techniques.
As new members joined, it soon became necessary to leave Gérard’s home. A non-profit association was created, enabling the club to move into the Luchapt Town Hall. In recent years, membership has continued to grow, making a larger meeting place necessary.
The former library, renamed the Salle des Associations, was able to accommodate the expanding group. The enthusiasm of the club and the support of the town hall have encouraged improvements to the premises. The installation of a wood-burning stove, double glazing and the planned renovation of the slate roof are good examples of this.
In 2023, due to numerous other commitments, Gérard stepped down as president. However, as an honorary member, he remains a valued supporter of the club. Since then, leadership has passed through two further presidents, each helping to shape the club’s development and growth.
Today, the club continues to evolve as a proactive, educational and interactive environment. It seeks to help, guide and support its members in their pursuit of ever more compelling photographs. The wide variety of subjects and activities undertaken provides enrichment and inspiration for all.
About The Club
Le DéClic Luchaptais is a friendly and welcoming photography club whose members come together from across the local region and bring together several nationalities and a wide range of photographic interests.
The club is open to anyone with an interest in photography, regardless of age, experience or equipment. Whether you are just starting out or have many years of experience, our shared aim is to improve our photographic skills, explore new techniques and enjoy photography in the company of like-minded people.
We meet monthly on a Friday afternoon from 2:00 pm to 5:00 pm at the Salle des Associations, Place du Tilleuls, 86430 Luchapt.
Visitors are always welcome to attend a meeting or join us on one of our monthly outings before deciding whether to become a member. Membership, however, offers the greatest opportunity to benefit from the club’s activities, helping members to develop both their photographic and printing skills. Members are also encouraged and supported in entering competitions and exhibitions, both locally and further afield.
Through workshops, presentations, practical sessions and friendly discussion, the club provides an enjoyable environment in which to learn, share ideas and gain inspiration from others. We also organise one photographic outing each month, giving members the opportunity to practise their skills in different environments and explore new subjects together. Family members and friends are welcome to accompany members on these outings.
In addition, the club holds two public exhibitions each year, one in spring and one in winter, providing an opportunity to engage with the local community and showcase members’ work. Each exhibition also features a themed photography competition, with awards decided both by independent judges and by a public vote.
Members also have access to the club’s high-quality photo printer and can obtain prints up to A3+ size at an affordable cost.
For more information about our activities, programme or location, or if you have any questions, please feel free to contact us.
Membership
Membership costs €20 per year. This contribution helps run the club, maintain the accommodation, and support our activities throughout the year.
There are many benefits to becoming a member, including:
- Participation in monthly themed photo challenges, with group viewing and discussion to help develop skills in composition and technique
- Regular meetings with like-minded photographers in a friendly and supportive environment
- Monthly photographic outings, which may include location visits or practical member workshops such as studio portrait sessions
- Opportunities to take part in themed competitions held during the club’s two annual exhibitions, which are both judged and also voted on by visitors
- The chance to learn and improve your photography through shared feedback and group discussion
New members are always welcome, whatever their level of experience. We aim to offer a friendly, supportive and inclusive environment where everyone can enjoy developing their photography and learning from others.
