What is Photographica and why would I want to go?
Here’s the What:
Photographica is a one-day show celebrating every aspect of analog (film) photography: cameras, daguerreotypes, lenses, cdv & cabinet prints, darkroom equipment, photo postcards, books & magazines, snapshots, accessories, ephemera … you name it. It happens in the Boston, MA area on a Saturday, once a year. In one form or another, at various locations, this will be the 49th year of Photographica.
Here’s the Where & When:
The 2022 show is at Newton North High School (NNHS), 457 Walnut St. in Newton, MA, on Saturday, April 23, 2022. Doors open for Early Birds at 7:00 AM ($20); general admission at 9:00 AM ($5). Dealers close at 4:00 PM; the PHSNE Auction begins at 4:30 PM and goes until all lots are sold.
Click to view the 2022 PHSNE Auction listings.
Click to view the 2022 PHSNE Auction listings.
How do I get there?
Driving: The Mass Pike/I-90 has east- and west-bound offramps at Newton Corner. Once off the ‘Pike, head west on Washington St. for about a mile (follow signs to Newtonville); at the intersection of Washington & Walnut streets, turn left (south) onto Walnut. Newton North High School is about 1/3 mile on the right; turn in and head for the parking lot.
- How much does it cost to park? Nothing.
- How big is the free parking lot? Huge.
Is public transit available?
Yes. MBTA commuter rail (Worcester Line) Saturday schedule. Newtonville is a flag stop and NOT handicapped-accessible. Tell the conductor ahead of time you want to get off at the Newtonville stop. Once on the platform walk west and climb the stairway, then walk south 1/3 mile to NNHS on the west side of Walnut St. Trains in either direction run about every two hours. Check the schedules online.
Two bus routes have Saturday schedules, check them online or use one of the mobile MBTA bus apps. Route 59 runs outbound between Watertown Square and Needham Junction. It’s a 5-minute trip from Watertown Terminal to the Walnut and Clyde St. stop in front of NNHS. Route 553 runs between Roberts (Brandeis University) and Newton Corner, and stops at the intersection of Washington and Walnut streets. It’s a short walk south on Walnut to NNHS.
Why do people attend this show?
Back in the day, Photographica was a traditional hobby trade show. It has evolved into something Show Manager John Dockery refers to as “a yearly Photographic Woodstock Festival (but inside, with restrooms) without all the sex, drugs, and rock ‘n’ roll; at least, not that we know of.”
Photographica is a place to learn about, explore, and share information on any aspect of analog photography. Attendees are curious, interested in learning about the tools, processes, and images created using analog or a combination of digital and analog methods. It’s also a great place to find deals on equipment, images, books, and more.
Photographica began in 1973, and nearly 50 years and 88 shows later, the reason people attend remains the same: the range of items, selection, and pricing are without equal anywhere. If you care about cameras and images, you’ll find yourself surrounded by people who share your interests.
What happens at Photographica?
Photographica is a show for photographic items only. People come to look, learn, buy, sell, and trade camera equipment, images, and ephemera related to photography. It’s not a flea market, so if you’re searching for a tuba, a ’59 hot rod, or some nifty green pot scrubbers, they’re not at Photographica.
However, you might find photographs of a tuba, a ’59 hot rod, or a colorful still-life of green pot scrubbers. The photograph of a ’59 hot rod on a magazine cover launched a PHSNE member’s career.
The image of a tuba, taken by Robert Frank (1924-2019), Political Rally, Chicago, 1956, from his book The Americans, has a current auction estimate of $60,000-$80,000. Keep your eyes open, you never know when a photograph of green pot scrubbers might be worth something.
Courtesy: Jim Chasse, Hot Rod magazine cover; Phillips, Photographs, New York, April 6, 2022, Lot 186.
Who’s attending?
We usually have about 250 attendees, but this year we are expecting 400 to attend. COVID canceled the last two years, so a lot of camera and photo collectors are eager to see what’s at the show.
How many tables?
70+ tables; at least 450 linear feet combined—-one and a half football fields!
What’s on the 70+ tables?
Any cameras, photographs, lenses, books on photography, accessories, or any other items related to photography ever created could be on a table. An attendee once asked John Dockery: “Will there be any Rolleiflexes at Photographica for me to look at?” His response was: “How many dozens would you like to see?”
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- 35mm? Of course!
- Medium format? We’ll have them all.
- Leicas? Absolutely.
- Photo images? At least 10 tables worth.
- Large format? Speed Graphics, Crown Graphics, 4×5, 5×7, 8×10 and larger. You can bet on it.
- Antique and collectible cameras? Yes.
- Brass lenses and red bellows? There will be some there.
- Old box cameras that I can use to make pinhole cameras for practically nothing? Hundreds of them.
- Photography books? How-to as well as artist’s monographs? No problem.
- Alternative photographic processes? Got it covered.
- Digital? There will be some digital cameras and other electronic items. It’s not the focus of the show, however.
Who’s behind those 70+ tables?
We have an assortment of amazing show dealers who are very knowledgeable and have been at this for a long time, from all over the world. Many are acknowledged authorities on the items they sell and stand behind. They will show you and teach you as well as answer your questions. We got rid of the jerk dealers decades ago.
How do I pay for things?
Bring a supply of cash money, you’ll be glad you did. ATMs are not onsite, though there are some in the area. Dealers prefer cash. There is WiFi available at NNHS, so some dealers may be using online payment systems. The Dollar Table is strictly cash.
Is there an admission charge?
Yes. General admission at 9:00 AM is a whopping $5.00. The same price it’s been for most of the past 88 shows. No inflation here. If you want to be an Early Bird (7:00 AM), admission will cost $20.
What about free admission?
Yes. Students with an in-date ID from high school, college or graduate school are FREE. Teachers of photography classes (with ID) are FREE. Active military are FREE with ID. PHSNE members are FREE.
What’s PHSNE?
PHSNE is the abbreviation of Waltham-based Photographic Historical Society of New England, Inc. PHSNE is a non-profit 501(c)(3) educational society which sponsors Photographica. Check out the PHSNE website at phsne.org for more information and updates on Photographica and the PHSNE Auction.
Food onsite?
The show is in the school’s cafeteria and there are vending machines available. There are lots of eateries within walking distance. Your attendee ticket is good for re-admittance to the show. Once refreshed, better get back to the show for more specialized training and equipment gathering.
We’ll have the usual day-long complementary coffee. Is it Starbucks? No, but it’s better than most donut shops. Plus, there will be complementary cake and ice cream until it runs out. Serving begins around 1:00 PM as always. Yes, there is a Starbucks within walking distance.
What’s the Dollar Table? I hear it’s special and shouldn’t be missed?
Imagine piles of photographic items heaped on top of tables, a kind of rummage sale; then imagine a somewhat refined and dignified rugby scrum at those tables. All items are $1.00. It starts at 11:00 AM. Play nice in the rugby scrum, and remember to share, people!
Is there going to be an auction after the show ends at 4:00 PM?
Yes. Over 100 photo-related lots will be auctioned off in the same location. The auction starts at 4:30 PM. We’ll be done by 7:00 PM. The list of items to be auctioned will be posted on the PHSNE website at phsne.org/photographica around 2 weeks prior to the show.
Can attendees bring items to sell at Photographica?
Yes. But there are rules, see below:
- You must be able to carry the items in with you.
- The items for sale must be photo items.
- You are allowed to ask dealers only if they are interested in buying the cameras that Uncle Hermie and Aunt Bee left you.
- You cannot approach other attendees.
- You cannot act like a clown or be a pain to anyone.
Who should come to Photographica?
- Anyone who knows the smell of photo fixer in the morning, or would like to learn what photo fixer smells like in the morning.
- Anyone who likes photography.
- Anyone who likes images.
- Anyone who likes history.
- We don’t care who you are. If you want to learn more about photography, you’re okay with us.
Who shouldn’t come to Photographica?
- Anyone who’s in a big rush to see and learn everything there is to know about photography in an hour. If you’re into this, you’re probably going to spend a long time at Photographica. Plan on spending most of the day.
- Anyone who doesn’t play nice with others.
- Anyone looking to buy an actual tuba, ’59 hot rod, or pack of green plastic pot scrubbers.
Health Concerns
- Will masks be mandated? Not unless the city of Newton, the state of Massachusetts, or the CDC changes the current rules.
- Can I wear a mask? Yes. You can wear a bubble suit; it’s up to you.
- The school is fully accessible.
A Final Comment
Photographica is fun! Really. There are so many things to see, discover, touch (with permission), and learn about. The Dollar Table chaos is fun to watch; the ice cream and cake is a break for everyone, and the PHSNE Auction offers both high and low humor, along with some really great deals. Join us on April 23rd!
