The principles of the camera had been know for many centuries, and camera pictures have been made since the late Renaissance.  The camera obscura was the predecessor of the photographic camera, but without the light-sensitive film or plate. Portable versions were widely used by landscape artists, both professional and amateur, up until the invention of chemical photography in the 1830s.

Thomas Wedgwood was the first person to attempt to record the camera image by sensitising paper or leather with silver nitrate shortly before 1800. However, he found no way de-sensitising the prepared paper/leather, and he kept his images hidden from light. 

It was chemical procedures that enabled permanent photographs, and these procedures were invented almost simultaneously by four different people in three different countries: Joseph Nicéphore Niépce (France), Louis Daguerre (France), Henry F. Talbot (England), and, Hurcules Florence (Brazil).  Between them, they produced permanent images on metal plates coated with bitumen or a mixture of chalk and silver, or onto paper using negatives to make positive photographs.  The processes involved using a concoction of dangerous chemicals.  Although gaining popularity, photography was still far beyond the reach of the masses.

Early cameras were heavy and cumbersome, and images were often taken using glass plates.  However, cameras were soon to become more portable and easier to use.  

The Eastman Kodak was launched in 1888 along with the slogan 'You press the button, we do the rest'.  In 1901, the first mass produced camera - the Kodak Brownie - entered the market, enabling virtually anyone to take photographs.

With the introduction of 35mm film, quality improved, and in 1925 the Leica 35mm camera was introduced, paving the way for a more compact camera.

Over the decades, vast technological developments in photography have been made.  Colour film, automatic focus and digital cameras have achieved popularity and enabled everyone to enjoy photography.

Photography gained huge popularity as a hobby, and on the 31st of July 1888, a meeting was convened at the Glee Club in Cliffe, Lewes, by Mr JG Braden, with a view of establishing a photographic society in the town.  On the 4th of September 1888, with Mr Braden as its President, Lewes Camera Club was formed as a set of rules and regulations governing the society were adopted, and a healthy 40-strong membership began their first season.  The Camera Club held it's first ever annual exhibition in October 1889 at the Concert Hall in Lewes.  The club has moved to various locations in the town over the years, and today we are a thriving and enthusiastic group, with a wide range of photographic styles and interests.