The Camera Club of New York is one of the city's oldest art organizations, existing as a home for photographers to display, create, discuss and learn about photography since 1884. These days, CCNY continues to house lectures, exhibitions and residences, offer studio rentals, darkroom and digital facilities, and continue to pursue their commitment to photographic education and practice.

Landscape with Houses (Dutchess County, NY) #1 by James Casebere

CCNY's Annual National Photography Competition is now open for entries, but only through next Monday, April 19th! With the purchase of a $40 membership to the club, there is no additional fee to enter the competition. Photographers can submit up to six images from a cohesive body of work, and the first place selection will receive a $500 cash prize. Each photographer will have the honor of having their work reviewed by James Casebere, whose striking and oftentimes haunting images include large-scale photographs of complexly constructed housing models. Several of these works are currently hanging on the second floor of the Whitney Museum as part of the 2010 Whitney Biennial, and can be seen as you step off the elevator. A bold and seemingly cheery palette couple with cinematic lightning to at first suggest that Casebere is capturing bucolic afternoons in the suburbs, but upon closer glance, the streets are eerily abandoned and windows shuttered.

Casabere will select applicants to be featured in an exhibition at the CCNY gallery in the summer of 2010 and winners will be featured on the CCNY website. Head over the competition website for full details, and to learn more about juror, James Casebere.