March 2023 – Marsel van Oosten
Author Archives: Manitoba Photo Events
April 2022 – Viktoria Haack
September 2022 – Richard Martin
THE PHOTOGRAPHER’S EYE
This seminar is for photographers who want to move beyond the technical aspects of photography and better understand why skills such as visual awareness and design are key to making a good photograph. The following topics will be included in the seminar.
THE INTUITIVE EYE
At a time of rapid technological advancement in equipment, one thing still
remains true. The most valuable decisions a photographer can make are
those concerned with the image itself—the reasons for making them and
ultimately their final appearance. Although equipment is essential to help
realize the photographer’s ideas and perception, the development of such
skills as visual awareness and design are key to making a good photograph.
This presentation will offer an insight into the methods, actions, or processes
involved in making them
THE VALUE OF PLAY
Play is at the very heart of creativity and an excellent means to stimulate our
minds. Without question, a playful attitude is fundamental to creative
thinking. Speaking from experience, the greatest breakthroughs in my
photography have been achieved during times of playfulness. It is the perfect
tool for allowing experimentation and change. Seriousness inhibits the
creative flow, while playing around allows us to be more relaxed, with fewer
concerns for rules, making mistakes and being practical. Children are
naturally creative because they know how to play and have fun.
ANONYMOUS, THE HUMAN ELEMENT IN PHOTOGRAPHY
The biggest challenge when including people as an element in our
compositions is to confidently reveal that hidden, intangible ‘element’ that
lies beneath. This involves having compassion and understanding for your
subject and most importantly suspending judgement.
The practice is a combined process using instinct and technique. It’s about
everything working together. The combination of elements in the frame, the
surrounding context of the subject, and how they interact with their
surroundings. In addition, the definitive gesture leading up to that precise
moment in time when the shutter is released. Allow for spontaneity in your
image making and above all trust your visual instincts.
From Richard’s website:
A long-time contributor to Photo Life magazine, Richard pursues photography as a medium of visual expression. He is best known for his unique vision with a personal style characterized by a strong sense of composition, colour and the use of light. His work combines an architectural love of geometry, pattern and texture with a painter’s sensitivity to colour, light and composition.
Well known for sharing his enthusiasm, creative vision and passion for the medium, Richard has inspired participants with his annual photography and visual design workshops in his native Kingston, Ontario since 1990. He also conducts workshops, tours, and seminars around the world, including Cuba, Mexico, Sicily, Venice, Tuscany, Provence, Ireland, and Morocco.
Instagram RICHARD.MARTIN.PHOTO
For more information, visit richardmartinphoto.com
Event Supporters
Image
Saturday Presentation
BEHIND MOTHER by Marsel van Oosten
DATE: Saturday, September 25, 2023 – 9:00 AM to 4:30 pm
LOCATION: Martial-Caron Auditorium – St. Boniface University
Snacks and lunch will be provided
Topics to be covered during the presentation:
Marsel will share anecdotes ,behind the scene images and videos from his latest book MOTHER, This large-format photography book showcase Marsel’s award-winning images from Africa, North America, Asia and Europe.
MOTHER is a personal visual ode to Mother Earth and a celebration of her incredible biodiversity.
From Marsel’s website:
Taking photographs began as a way for Marsel to escape from life in the fast lane. After a trip to Tanzania, however, things started to get more serious. Close encounters with the animals of the Serengeti fueled his passion for wildlife photography, which soon became his specialty. Five years later, Van Oosten took the plunge and swapped his established advertising career for the precarious life of a nature photographer, a move that demands unyielding devotion and commitment.
Marsel’s images are famed for his mastery of composition, lighting, color and perspective. In his work he tries to simplify, to get rid of the extraneous: simplicity is the ultimate sophistication. In addition to winning the overall titles Wildlife Photographer of the Year, Travel Photographer of the Year and International Nature Photographer of the year (2x), his awards include First Prize in the European Wildlife Photographer of the Year, First Prize in Nature’s Best International Photography Awards, two First Prizes in the Travel Photographer of the Year and several awards in the Wildlife Photographer of the Year.
His images are featured in galleries and museums, are used worldwide in advertising and design, and he is a regular contributor to National Geographic.
When Marsel is not traveling, he lives in South Africa, with producer and videographer Daniella Sibbing. Together they run specialized nature photography tours for all experience levels to exciting destinations worldwide.
For more information, visit squiver.com
Instagram Marsel van Oosten
Winnipeg South Photo Club
Winnipeg South Photo Club, Inc. (WSPC) was an idea born from a casual conversation in a local camera store, “Camera Craft”, in 1981. That conversation led to action with Jim Roy and Evelyn Keele agreeing to take lead roles in forming a club. The Winnipeg South Photo Club (WSPC) was incorporated as a nonprofit organization in 1983 to provide an opportunity for persons interested in photography to meet on a regular basis. Those first years established a winning presentation format with club members treated to a variety of professional, highly respected photographers who were guest speakers willing to give freely of their time. In November 1988, Bill Bremner and Don Berthman were recognized with Lifetime Honorary Membership for their on-going support for WSPC. The main principle established from the very first meeting can best be summarized as “We are photography enthusiasts in a photography club, not a camera club.” Our emphasis and interest is in improving and share our photography. In support of that principle, executives, both past and present, create “an educational and recreational program that benefits the members” in a friendly, non-competitive environment. Although WSPC has never had internal competitions, club members do participate in competitions sponsored by other clubs and organizations.
One of the key features of WSPC since its inception, is the hosting of image reviews in members’ homes. This is an opportunity for members to receive constructive feedback on images, discover new ideas for photography and socialize with other members. WSPC has remained true to its roots as a small and friendly club. At the same time, it has grown into a diverse and respected club with photographers from novice to professional levels – all sharing their passion for photography. For more information, visit www.winnipegsouthphotoclub.ca
Manitoba Foto Friends
The Manitoba Foto Friends are photographers of all ages, skill levels and walks of life. Regardless what category your photographic obsession falls under they’ve got you covered. Founded in October of 2011, they were a small group of friends who loved to “Celebrate the Joy of Photography” and that has since become their motto. They created an online meeting place where they share images, organize events and learn from each other along the way. Their current membership is around 250 photographers and they are a registered not-for-profit group. They accept donations to fund activities and pay for the small costs they have to keep the group running, but all funds collected go back into the group. In addition to their online community, the Friends meet once a month socially, gather at least as often for workshops and group shoots, and are a wonderful group of supportive and friendly people. If you are just starting out in photography and want to learn or are a seasoned pro and can help others grow in the field, www.manitobafotofriends.ca is the place for you!
Manitoba Camera Club
One of Canada’s oldest camera clubs, the Manitoba Camera Club has been a part of the Winnipeg photography community for over 75 years. The Manitoba Camera Club meets every Tuesday evening from September through April. Meetings start at 7:30 pm and are held in the Winnipeg Foundation Auditorium at Lions Place, 610 Portage Ave in Winnipeg. The Manitoba Camera Club has a varied program including field trips, guest speakers and hands on instruction. The monthly competitions are very popular and are a great way to get feedback on your photography. Members of the Manitoba Camera Club are all photography and camera enthusiasts, with experience ranging from the novice level to professional. For more information, come attend a meeting in person, or visit the club online at
www.manitobacameraclub.com
2019 – Michelle Valberg
Wild Creatures, Extreme Conditions
As a globally recognized adventure and wildlife photographer, Michelle Valberg’s constant quest to capture the beautiful and unique has taken her to all corners of the world. She has built a reputation for capturing unnoticed details that change our perception and the implausible vast landscapes that alter our perspective.
This presentation will provide participants with illuminating behind the scenes stories of Michelle’s amazing adventures. She will enlighten and ignite our senses through her majestic landscapes and provocative animal portraiture.
Creativity in Motion
Whether being up close and personal with grizzly bears or swimming in Arctic waters with narwhal, Michelle has broken boundaries, soared in nature and responded with action.
She believes her next great shot will likely exist outside of her comfort zone. She will challenge us to look beyond, to reach our full creative potential and become better connected to the natural world.
Revealing the Soul Within
Taking portraits of people in a remote community in the Arctic or a tiny village in Africa -recording lives and honouring humanity in a way that speaks universally – reignites Michelle’s creative energy. These images reveal so much more. They are compelling and interesting. This presentation will take you on a portrait journey and will discuss ways how we can all reveal the soul within.
Photography and Philanthropy
In giving you receive. A tireless philanthropist, Michelle co-founded Project North in 2009, a not-for-profit organization committed to delivering education and sports-based opportunities to youth in Canada’s Arctic. Remarkably, in less than 10 years, Project North has delivered over one million dollars in sporting equipment and educational opportunities to Canada’s northern communities.
Michelle donates her time and her work to numerous charities, public institutions and to her country. With this presentation and through conversation, Michelle hopes to inspire others to do the same with their photography.
Adventure and Wildlife Photographer Michelle Valberg
Website: www.michellevalberg.com
From Michelle’s website:
For 30 years Michelle Valberg has photographed wildlife and landscapes with the intention of regenerating simple beauty into a deeper reflection of humanity. Michelle’s portrayals of the natural world aim to draw viewers toward inner contemplation, based on the idea that building awareness and educating others through nature photography can inspire people to be better stewards of the natural world. By developing a deeper understanding of the interconnections between people, animals, and the environment, she believes that others can be motivated to take action in their local communities and beyond.
Michelle is a Canadian Nikon Ambassador and the first Canadian Geographic Photographer-in-Residence. She is a fellow of the Royal Canadian Geographic Society and the prestigious Explorer’s Club in NYC.
Images from the Presentation
Some images from the workshop.
2018 – Paul Zizka
The Power of the Human Element in Landscape Photography: The addition of people in landscape scenes has exploded in recent years, both in his own work and in the photography community as a whole. In this talk, Paul explores the reasons why he choose to include the human element in his own landscape work through several examples.
A Method to the Madness: The Importance of a Field Workflow in Landscape Photography: The term workflow in photography almost always prompts people to think about post-processing, but is there value to having a proper workflow during image capture as well? In this presentation he breaks down how he approaches a scene in the field in a way to keep the process methodical, efficient and enjoyable.
Lessons in Adventure Photography: Paul has spent a good part of the last 10 years shooting adventure in the Canadian Rockies but also in the high latitudes. In this talk, he shares a few stories behind the images, and offer a few tips for fellow adventure shooters.
Shooting Stars: A Zooming Introduction to Astrophotography: In this last talk he takes on the bold proposition of providing a whirlwind introduction to nighttime photography, from focusing and composing in the dark, to settings, to touching on specific topics such as northern lights, the Milky Way and star trails.
Manitoba Photo Events 