Founded in 1947, it’s the oldest camera club in the Lehigh Valley area.

Amazingly, this year will mark the first time the Palmerton Camera Club will be a part of the Palmerton Community Festival.

The organization will set up shop in the bandstand, according to Larry Bulanda, a member of the group.

“I think the Camera Club is the best kept secret in Palmerton,” Bulanda said. “The public is aware of it, but not enough.”

Bulanda said the organization is excited to make its first foray into the festival.

“This is the first time we’re doing this,” he said. “I said, ‘Let’s show ourself at the festival.’ ”

Bulanda said the Palmerton Camera Club is essentially “photographers helping photographers.”

“Our goal is to raise public awareness that we’re here,” said Bulanda, who noted they’re always looking for members. “We’re going to have photos that our members took, we’ll have them on display; a lot of our photos, our members have won various photography contests, so people will get to see the best that our group can do.”

Bulanda said they have about 30-some people who show up at their meetings, ask questions and help you.

“The best thing about it is the people; they’re very friendly, very sociable and very helpful, they’re people that just want to help,” he said. “It’s social, but it’s a learning experience.”

Bulanda described what he believes are the most important traits to being a successful photographer.

“To be a good photographer, you have to know your equipment,” he said. “But more than that, you have to be creative; you have to be cognizant of your surroundings.

The Palmerton Camera Club meets at 7:30 p.m. the fourth Thursday at Holy Trinity Lutheran Church, 502 Lafayette Ave., Palmerton.

Its programs include how-to lectures, hands on model and tabletop photography, travelogues, photo shoots and mini lessons.

An important part of each meeting is the discussion before and after the program, as it’s a chance for people to exchange tips and ideas, as well as for beginners to get advice.

For more information, visit www.palmertoncameraclub.com.