(Photo courtesy of Cascade Camera Club)
The Cascade Camera Club announces the release of a 224-page coffee table book, The Spirit of Central Oregon.
During the pandemic year of 2020, the Cascade Camera Club was concerned about remaining in existence. The former president, Bob Bush, suggested we make a book from a year’s worth of images of Central Oregon to keep members involved. This started as a fun exercise for a small editing committee composed of Ric Ergenbright, Bev Murphy, Ralph Delamarter, Dan Schafer and Robert Agli. The idea of collating just a year’s work was quickly abandoned in order to take advantage of the rich and diverse archival collections of the members in order to make a more complete story. As the images were submitted the realization became obvious that the club had the makings of something special, and the book evolved into a community-based tribute to Central Oregon.
The blend of different styles and subject choices worked in an unexpectedly pleasant and impactful way to convey a collective pride and meaningful visual insight of what The Spirit of Central Oregon meant. Members increasingly bought into the idea and came to think of the book as a grand way to celebrate the club’s 75th anniversary. With over 1,000 images the issue was not about sufficient art but how to organize and pare down the images in a coherent manner.
The book committee knew they had a winner once they saw early digital proofs but now came the even more difficult task of how to fund a 224 page coffee table book. A Kickstarter campaign was launched but without significant investors the club would not reach its goals. Thankfully, both Visit Central Oregon and Eagle Wealth Management partnered with the club to help make the book a reality.
Ultimately 43 photographers of the 90 club members were involved in the book. They represent both amateur and professional shooters of all levels and their contributions to this book will provide all Central Oregonians with a truly memorable keepsake.