Harold Augustus Taylor

I was looking for the photographer when I began delving into the life of Harold A. Taylor. This is the photographer who founded the Camera Enthusiasts of San Diego in 1927. This is the first photography club to meet in Balboa Park. He was an active participant with Dr. Scott Watson and his Photographic Arts Society. Harold Taylor also assisted in the formation of the current Southern California Association of Camera Clubs in 1949-1950. This organization continues to meet in Balboa Park.

A perusal of his photographic résumé would reveal the following:

• One of the first photographers to have a studio in Yosemite Valley
• Photographic studio in the Hotel del Coronado
• Official photographer for the Hotel de Coronado
• One of the official photographers of the 1915 Panama-California Exposition
• Formation of the Harold A. Taylor & Company
• Founder of the Y.M.C.A. Camera Club of San Diego in 1922
• Owner of “The Camera Store” in Coronado, San Diego
• Taught basic photography at the local high school
• Charter member of the Coronado Camera Club
• Photographic speaker, educator, and innovator

Indeed, I was finding the photographer. I was also discovering the man; and photography was only a part of him. He was so much more than a camera enthusiast. That part of his résumé would begin to round out the whole man.

• Founder of the Coronado Floral Association in 1922. This organization remains extremely active to this day
• Charter member of the San Diego Rotary Club
• Founder of the Coronado Rotary Club.
• Member of the Coronado Planning Commission for 22 years
• Organizer and collected for the Community Chest
• Active with the local Boy Scouts of America
• He felt a civic responsibility to his community and lent a hand where he was needed.

Harold A Taylor was a Rotarian. The Rotary Club has two mottos. The primary motto is "Service Above Self"; its secondary motto is "One profits most who serves best.”

Harold A Taylor was much more than a photographer; he was a man with a profound interest in those around him and in his community. The San Diego and Coronado communities are much richer for him.