Editorial January 2026

January has something special about it. The new year still lies untouched before us, linked to the old question: What do we want to keep, what do we want to start anew?

Firstly, a look back. We were delighted to receive so much positive feedback on Photo Antiquaria 166. A good magazine is like a colourful bouquet: something for everyone, yet all of a piece. This is precisely the strength of our PA. It thrives on the diversity of its topics, the depth of its research and the commitment of its authors. Our heartfelt thanks go to all those who contribute.

In everything we do, one thing remains unshakeable. The club thrives on personal encounters. Regional meetings, annual meetings and direct dialogue are and will remain the heart of our community.

That is why I am particularly pleased to draw attention to our workshops on wet plate photography: The first date (20-22 March) is almost fully booked, only one place is still available. There is still capacity for the second date (17-19 April), but don't hesitate too long. Register at workshops.club-daguerre.de.

With the Edition Club Daguerre, we are also opening a new chapter. Out-of-print specialist literature is being made accessible again with the authorisation of the authors and supplemented by modern full-text searches. Wolfgang Huller's "Efka and Futura" and Harald Goergens ' "Vredeborch" are the first publications.

Speaking of Goergens. Our first virtual members' get-together is scheduled for 7 March, and he has agreed to host this kick-off event. Anyone who reads his book in advance will take away all the more, as Goergens will also tell the stories that didn't make it into the printed version. Not a stiff lecture, but a fireside chat with questions from the audience and room for digressions. One hour is planned. If the round remains lively, it can last longer. Whether this format proves successful remains to be seen. If we don't try it out, we'll never know.

You can find out more about the edition and the virtual meeting in this issue.

At the same time, preparations for our annual meeting in Mannheim are already in full swing. We can look forward to an exciting and varied programme and hope for lively participation. You will find more details in the next issue of Photo Antiquaria.

The club lives through its members. Register for a workshop, attend a regional meeting, write an article for the PA, join the virtual meeting. And if the new format is well received, we would be delighted to hear from members who would like to present something themselves in the future. The technical hurdles are low. All you need is a computer or tablet with a camera and a stable internet connection.

Here's to a good 2026.

With best regards

Klaus Herrmann
Chairman of the Club Daguerre e.V.