Category Archives: Past events

September 2022 – Richard Martin

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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

2019 – Michelle Valberg

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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

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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.

2017 – Dave Brosha

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The Life, Adventure  – in this inspiring talk, Dave will present images from his travels/adventures from around the world, including not only far-flung destinations like Egypt, Nepal, Greenland, but also from adventures within Canada, including the High Arctic.  Rather than just being a travel slideshow, Dave will discuss topics like “why do we explore?”, “the ethics of travel photography”, and how you can find adventure within your own local area.

The Light, Fantastic  – In this talk focused on the art of portraiture, will discuss why you should not only understand all kinds of light, but embrace shifting conditions, as well – even light conditions that some might shy away from.  But more than simply a talk on light, this talk aims to look deeper into what portraiture is and why it is so important. 

Tones of Grace/Place – Dave is the founder and editor of both Tones of Grace and Tones of Place, online communities of black and white portrait and landscape photography enthusiasts.  In this talk, Dave will discuss the art and craft of B+W nature and portrait photography including discussions on composition, minimalism, tones, contrast, and learning from the masters.

Family Matters – A lot of serious photographers shudder at the mention of family portraiture.  In this talk, Dave will explain why he went from being completely adverse to the concept of family photography to making it one of the cornerstones of what he captures.  

2016 – David duChemin

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The Vision-Driven Photographer

David begins the day with an inspiring discussion of his photographs, and his journey as a photographer, before talking about the role of photographic vision and what it means to recognize, explore, and develop the way we see. 

Light, Lines, and Moments

Vision is important, but it needs to be expressed: how well we do that depends not on how well we use the buttons and dials on the camera, but on how well we use our raw materials: light, lines, and moments. This discussion about composition and storytelling will free you from the so-called rules and encourage you to take a new look at the visual language.

Making the Image – Creativity and the Camera

Photographs are made, not taken, and this session is a candid talk about the creative process and the way we build a photograph.

Vision and Voice – The Digital Darkroom

There are three images that go into the final photograph – the one the photographer envisions, the one she makes with her camera, and the one that gets refined in the digital darkroom. How well we do the latter two determines how close that final image expresses the first. Join David as he walks us through his vision-driven workflow. 

A few images from our 2016 Event

2014 – Andre Gallant

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The day’s program:

8:30 – 9:30 AM: Registration

Morning Program
9:30 – 10:30 AM: Expressive Photography
10:30 – 10:45 AM: Coffee Break
Door Prizes to be awarded
10:45 – 12:00 PM: Around the World in Pictures

12:00 – 1:30 PM: Lunch Break
(delegates responsible for their own lunch)

Afternoon Program
1:30 PM – 2:30 PM: Inspiration
2:30 – 2:45 PM: Coffee Break
Door Prizes to be awarded
2:45 – 4:30 PM: Photographing People
4:30 PM: Volunteer draw for André Gallant Workshop

Our 2014 Supporters:

  • Assiniboine Zoo
  • Bardal Funeral Home
  • Carey Lauder Photography
  • Computech
  • Don’s Photo
  • FortWhyte Alive
  • Henry’s School of Imaging
  • Manitoba Camera Club
  • Manitoba Foto Friends
  • McNally Robinson
  • Oak Hammock Marsh
  • Photo Central
  • Photo Life Magazine
  • Ricoh Imaging Canada
  • Wawanesa
  • Winnipeg Art Gallery
  • Winnipeg South Photo Club