THE Australian Photographic Society launched its 50th anniversary celebrations at the Canberra Southern Cross Club today.

At its annual convention, officially opened by Canberra Citizen of the Year, Chris Peters, past presidents, foundation members and honorary life members of the society were formally recognised and brought on stage.

President of the society, Brian Rope, described himself as a “new chum,” having only joined the APS 36 years ago, but told those present that over the years he had met every past president.

He then introduced a screening of impressive photographic images by members of the society’s current management committee, which ranged in subject matter over many countries, photogenic animals, and humans activities, with an obvious preference, so it seemed, for impressions of Lake Mungo.

To conclude the ceremony, a large troupe of dancers from Amy Fitzpatrick’s DanceCity studio in Hume entertained the delegates with a performance.

The accompanying photographic exhibition of work by Australian Photographic Society members from all over Australia is on show in the Corinna Ballroom and Function Centre of the Canberra Southern Cross Club,  Woden, until September 21.