Thanks Steve Irvine!

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©Steve Irvine
For our March meeting, we were treated to a great talk by local potter and photographer, Steve Irvine. In a fine example of converging interests, he uses his skills as a potter to construct one-of-a-kind ceramic pinhole cameras that are both functional and very beautiful.

Pictured here are two of his pinhole camera creations and you can find many more on Steve’s website. Keep in mind they are all equipped with a pinhole and able to produce images with traditional analogue darkroom techniques using light sensitive paper as film – works of art creating works of art!

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©Steve Irvine
Pinhole cameras provide a unique view of the world, and by browsing some of Steve’s images, you’ll get a feel for the creativity his own personal vision brings to his photos. His intuitive approach to pinhole photography is starkly contrasted by the highly technical skillset demanded by his interest in photographing the night sky.

Living up the peninsula, he’s in an area with low light pollution from city lamps and able to take advantage of the darkness with his astronomy know-how, camera skills, and flexible bedtime. Set aside a few hours to browse through his extensive gallery of astrophotography images, ranging from Aurora Borealis, star trails, solar phenomena, and much more.

It’s always a pleasure to be in the audience when he shares his world, and we were fortunate for this return visit. Thanks again to Steve for an inspirational talk as always!

Submitting Images to the Grey Bruce Image Archives

Grey Bruce Image Archives LogoAt our Feb, 2015 meeting, Rob Cotton talked about the Grey Bruce Image Archives and how members can contribute images for the viewing pleasure of future historians. Below you’ll find Rob’s instructions for 3 different ways you can submit images.

Take me to the instructions->

Beginner Photography Lecture Series

In partnership with the Owen Sound Public Library, two of our members (Greg McMillan and Brian Robin) will be presenting a series of talks aimed at beginner photo-enthusiasts. There will be four classes spaced from March 23rd to April 20th aiming to touch on technical and artistic basics, leading into a couple of popular photographic genres.

There are a few more details in the poster below and we’ll post more information on the classes as the dates approach. These classes are FREE and open to everyone, but be sure to preregister with Carolin (cbrooks@owensound.library.on.ca).

Hope to see you there!

Get Snapping Poster

2015 Owen Sound Art Banners – Call for Artists

The Owen Sound Art Banner Project is seeking submissions for 2015. Selected entrees will be printed on banners that hang along the harbour during the summer. It’s a great way to get you work out in the public and a fun project that decorates the city and celebrates the diverse range of artists in the area.

Check out the Art Banner website for more information, including submission guidelines and overall rules. While you’re there, be sure to browse through the 2014 Banners and the 2013 Banners. You’ll find a few representatives from the Camera Club from both years!

Tom Jenks work at Goss Design Studio, Nov 21-29

©Tom Jenks The Goss Design Studio holds an annual show featuring the hand-made jewellery of Sandra Noble Goss and Andrew Goss, as well as the work of a guest artist. This year’s guest artist is our own Tom Jenks. A longtime contributor and member of the camera club, soon to be a past member with his upcoming move to slightly warmer parts (Guelph), most of us are familiar with his travels to Africa (twice) and the Antarctic through his presentations at the Camera Club and his displays at the Full Spectrum Gallery.

Earlier this fall, Tom added Northern Ontario to his travelling resume. His trip coincided with the schedule of the salmon spawning at the Nipigon River near Red Rock. Where there are hordes of salmon, there are eagles, and Tom seized the opportunity to photograph these majestic birds who came looking for an easy meal.

©Tom Jenks

Some of these eagles will be joining works from his past travels in what is sure to be another terrific display spanning three continents. From concept to camera to print to frame to wall, Tom’s shows are always a great representation of the complete photographic process, and an inspiration to any photographer. Be sure to check it out!

ANNUAL OPEN HOUSE

GOSS DESIGN STUDIO
781 2nd Ave West, Owen Sound
Hours: Friday, November 21, 4 – 9 pm
Saturday, November 22 through Saturday, November 29, 10 am – 6 pm

Another New Member Gallery

Electric-MinotaurA recent addition to the club, Gem Webb has uploaded a gallery page featuring a great collection of images. He’s clearly not shy about getting his feet wet or wandering about with flashlights and camera gear after dark! Gem is a skilled computer guy (he’s joined our website team), so be sure to check out his creative ‘fantasy edits’.

Head to his gallery, browse his photos, read more about him, find out how to connect with him on other online platforms, and welcome him to the club!

Tom Jenks Shares Antarctic Journey

Tom Jenks Antarctic-1Once again, Camera Club member Tom Jenks played the role of intrepid explorer. Having already conquered parts of Africa, this time he turned south, way south, and last November he joined the Polar Pioneer vessel on an expedition to the Antarctic peninsula.

We’ve come to expect a visual treat from Tom whenever he returns from abroad, and this is no exception. You can find photos from his journey in the Full Spectrum Gallery at the back of Foto Art until the end of June. Cool off from the summer heat (it’s coming!) by perusing stunning icebergs, chilly penguins, and blubbery seals in a dazzling array of photos you can almost walk into for a dose of refreshing cool.

Tom Jenks Antarctic-2The gallery display will leave you wanting more, and if you come to the next meeting (May 13th, 7pm, back entrance of Foto Art), you’ll be sure to get it! Tom will be presenting a slideshow to the club of his adventures. We’ll get to hear about the somewhat unseasonal weather he encountered, the logistics of photographing in (and even coping with) the harsh environment, encounters with penguins, and other stories behind some of the frosty images.

It promises to be another great night and we hope to see you there!

Composition Talk

Photo of Peter Finnie with camera We had a great evening tonight, with guest speaker Peter Finnie filling us in on the subject of composition. Several of the rules of composition were discussed, complete with clear examples of how and why they were used and also examples of how and why they can be broken. It’s always valuable to get a peak inside the thought process of a creative like Peter, and he’s given us all lots to think about.

After his presentation, he stayed for a very friendly discussion and stressed the importance of photographers valuing their creative works. I expect after tonight, we’ll all be able to add just a little more value.

Much thanks and appreciation go to Peter for the informative and inspirational talk!

You can find out more about Peter below:

Camera Manuals in Electronic Form

When was the last time you read your camera’s manual, if ever? Could you even find it if you needed it? They can be dry, coma-inducing reading, but are often handy as a reference. Especially in the early days of camera ownership when all the buttons are shiny and new or during foggy memory days when you just can’t remember how to change that setting (or if you even have that setting available to change).

Continue being excited by camera manuals