OUR HISTORY
Short History of the Society
The Malta Photographic Society, founded in 1961, has grown from a handful of members meeting in a storeroom at St Augustine’s Priory in Valletta to its present status as the largest national photographic association, with its own headquarters in Valletta and an average membership of over 170.
When Mr. Joseph Sammut, a Valletta-based businessman, gathered a small group of his friends and offered his store as the Society’s first “headquarters,” he never imagined that his initiative would evolve into the mature organization it is today.
Through the efforts of Fr. Celestine Portelli OSA, another founding member, the initial meetings were held at the Priory on Old Bakery Street, Valletta. In the early days, despite challenging conditions, the Society persevered.
In 1966, thanks to the generosity of a dear friend and former President of the Society, Charles A. Herbert, the Society moved to its current location on the same street, just a few hundred meters from the Augustine Priory. This move marked a turning point for the Society, with membership rapidly increasing. Both amateur and professional photographers soon regarded the Society as the primary means of advancing their photography skills. Local photographic firms, agencies, and individuals lent their support by donating impressive trophies for the Society’s various competitions.
The Society’s primary mission is to act as a catalyst, bringing together individuals from all walks of life to exchange their views on their shared passion and to serve as a learning platform for those looking to enhance their photography skills. Additionally, it aims to promote an appreciation for the beauty and artistic value of photography.
Over the years, the MPS has established contact with overseas photography clubs and international bodies, encouraging its members to participate in international exhibitions. The Society’s first international contact was made in 1963 through Trevor Williams, ARPS, a member of the Southampton Camera Club. Strong relationships were forged with not only British clubs but also other European photography clubs. Another significant collaboration was established with the Italian Photographic Federation, resulting in visits by leading Italian photographers to the Islands as part of various judging panels. The Society’s image and reputation continued to grow through affiliations with several International Photographic Federations. The Society’s affiliation with the Federation International d’Art Fotografique (FIAP) opened new horizons, with full membership achieved in 1983, sponsored by the Danish Photographic Federation. In 1986, the Society celebrated its 25th Anniversary with the publication of the first and only photographic journal in Malta. The 30th Anniversary was marked by the publication of the “Malta Photography Yearbook.” For its 50th Anniversary, the Society produced a photography book titled “Celebrating Photography in Malta,” featuring a brief history of Photography in Malta, a summary of the Society’s history, and photographs by its members.
Over these 62 years, the Society has had 12 active presidents, with Stephen Buhagiar currently leading. The Malta Photographic Society has been registered as one of the compliant Voluntary Organizations on the island.
The highlight of the MPS year is the prestigious National Competition and Exhibition of Photography, now in its 58th consecutive edition. The exhibition will feature over two hundred works by MPS members and non-members, displaying the best photographic works from the year. Awards, including Gold, Silver, Bronze, and Honourable Mentions, are presented in various categories, drawing numerous visitors each year.
Recently, the Society refurbished its meeting room with state-of-the-art gallery lighting and audiovisual equipment.
Today, after more than 60 years of dedication and commitment, we, as pioneers, proudly claim that Maltese photography has achieved a high standard on both national and international levels, thanks to the Malta Photographic Society.
Our club meeting year runs from September through the end of June, with weekly meetings held every Thursday at our premises on 137 Old Bakery Street, Valletta. These meetings include structured lectures by club members with advanced knowledge and skills, as well as guest speakers. We also organize internal competitions and social events to motivate our members.
At the heart of our activities are various courses organized throughout the year. The Beginners Course in Photography is particularly popular, designed for individuals with basic photography knowledge seeking to improve their skills. We also offer specialized courses such as Elementary, Intermediate, and Advanced Photo Editing Courses, Photography Basics and Beyond, Understanding and Working with Lightroom, Introduction to Photography for Young Teens, Street Photography Masterclass, Understanding Studio Portraiture, and other topical workshops and seminars tailored to our members’ needs.
The Malta Photographic Society boasts a fascinating collection of vintage photographic equipment, including early wooden bellow cameras that used glass plate negatives, various camera types, flash guns, lenses, filters, and an array of photographic gadgets. These items have been donated by members, both current and past. Additionally, the Society possesses a compelling collection of photographic prints, collected throughout its existence, showcasing Maltese Architecture and National Heritage. Of particular interest is a small collection of glass negative plates, magic lantern slides, a selection of carte de visite, and various collectibles, including past editions of the Society’s newsletters and other MPS publications.
The future of the Malta Photographic Society looks promising, with a growing number of enthusiasts joining as active members, further enriching our photographic community.
