The San Diego Underwater Photographic Society was formed in 1962 by a group of divers who wished to promote underwater photography. Recently recovered minutes we found the actual first organizational meeting took place on September 28, 1961. The first meeting of the society was called to order by Ron Church at the Diving Locker after their regular film night showing. Ron explained a little about what the purposes are for forming the society: the two main ones being the promotion of underwater photography and the opportunity of interested persons working together by our mutual benefit. Ron then volunteered the services of Bob Kent for President, Bill Decourt for Vice President, Don Goode for Treasurer, and Lyn Palmer for Secretary.

 Taking pictures in the ocean is not a point-and-shoot hobby and there were many obstacles to overcome. The current workhorse, the Nikonos underwater camera, was two years in the future. There were a few Calypso underwater cameras, the product of a little known Frenchman by the name of Cousteau.

The first Underwater Film Festival was held in 1964 and was deemed a modest success. Successive years have produced bigger and better shows, with the quality of today's photography the equal of the best in the world.

The Society meets at Sumner Auditorium at Scripps Institution of Oceanography on the fourth Thursday of each month. These monthly meetings serve as a forum for new ideas and for the continuing education of all members. There is first a slide prelude were members have the opportunity to display their work. Also, we now have a main presentation and a technical talk to update and improve our underwater skills.

The availability of underwater photographic equipment has changed dramatically since the beginning of the Society. Taking good underwater photographs is much easier now than it was for the Society's founders, who also struggled with difficult two hose regulators and inadequate wet suits. Video cameras have proliferated and can now be housed in watertight cases. Electronic imaging may soon replace film. There will always be changes to frustrate the photographer who thinks she or he has finally put together the ultimate equipment package and can now get on with picture taking!

The San Diego Underwater Photographic Society thrives on these technical and artistic advances. The results are often breathtaking. The underwater PHOTO Festival is our opportunity to share the exciting world of underwater photography with the community.