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.

San Diego YMCA Camera Club

The earliest camera club in San Diego was formed in 1900 and named the San Diego Camera Club. As a matter of interest the San Diego Camera Club was found as a member club of the Photographic Arts Society in 1942. I doubt that this was the 1900 club.

Harold A. Taylor founded the YMCA Camera Club in January 1920. This is the same Harold A. Taylor who helped found the Camera Enthusiasts in 1927. He was involved with the Photographic Arts Society and had a hand in reforming that group into the Southern California Association of Camera Clubs (SCACC) in 1950. He remained active in the member photography clubs of SCACC for the opening years of 1950s.

The San Diego YMCA had their first photographic exhibit in the summer of 1920. About fifty prints that represented the best of the club were hung in the lobby of the YMCA Building.