Algonquin College Photography Program Blog

Movie Night | Annie Leibovitz

2012-02-02T10:44:00.001-05:00

For our second Movie Night this year we will be showing Annie Leibovitz Life Through A Lens. This documentary is about Annie Leibovitz and it follows her career from the very beginning to the present day.

The screening is Monday February 6th at 6:30PM in C131.

Thomas Dagg | Alumni Update

2012-01-29T14:53:00.001-05:00

Image by Thomas Dagg

Here is a great photo from Alumni Thomas Dagg. He was hired by Globe and Mail's Report on Business to photograph Ian Delaney.

Take a look at Thomas' blog to see some more great images.

Help Hélène Update

2012-01-23T10:59:00.001-05:00

Thanks to all the students, staff and faculty who tweeted the Bieb on Thursday. For a follow up to this story check out the links to the two Ottawa Citizen articles over the weekend:

Article: About Hélène Campbell.

Article: Justin Bieber Responds.

One of the articles mentions our First Year Student Kelly Logan quite a bit. She started the movement to tweet Justin Bieber and she also shot the video she is a good friend of Hélène Campbell. Kelly you make us proud, good job on getting the word out there.

For those that do not know about this story or have not signed up to be a organ and tissue donor follow these links:

Check out Hélène story: alungstory.ca

Become an Organ and Tissue Donor online: Service Ontario

Bowie's Wall Of Canvas

2012-01-20T14:46:00.001-05:00

The Second Year students have been printing up a storm in Post-Produciton IV. Producing stretched canvas prints like it is going out of style.

Egg Contest Winners

2012-01-18T09:54:00.005-05:00

2011 © Logan Allmendinger

2011 © Kofi Broughton

2011 © Colin Gaudet

We know all the First Years are eggcited to find out who the winners of the Egg Contest are so here you go:

First Place: Logan Allmendinger

Second Place: Kofi Broughton

Third Place: Colin Gaudet

Congratulations to the winners and all the First Year students for participating, there were some great images. Thanks to all the Second Years for being such great judges.

Help Hélène

2012-01-18T09:12:00.004-05:00

First Year Student Kelly Logan has challenged our students to reach out and lend a hand to others in need.

Her friend Hélène Campbell needs a lung transplant and she want us to lend a hand by tweeting Justin Bieber (@justinbieber) tomorrow, Thursday January 19th from 8AM - 6PM. A example tweet @justinbieber, help save lives and RT #BeAnOrganDonor and include the links beadonor.ca and alungstory.ca.

With Justin Bieber's 16,539,083 followers they hope to raise awareness about organ transplants and donors and hopefully help Hélène and others like her get the help they need. The video above was shot by our own Kelly Logan so watch the video and get involved.

Check out Hélène story: alungstory.ca
Become an Organ and Tissue Donor online: Service Ontario

Movie Night | War Photographer

2012-01-18T07:12:00.004-05:00

Our first Movie Night went over very well it was great to see so many students come out even though the weather was bad.

The screening began with a Ted Talk by David Griffin photo director for National Geographic. Then the main feature was War Photographer, the documentary of photographer James Nachtwey.

Stay tuned for more info on the next movie night.

Instant Film Makes A Comeback

2012-01-15T20:10:00.001-05:00

Here is an interesting article for all you photo hipsters out there, instant film is making a comeback. If you are interested in finding out more about this genre of photography check out the links below.

Fuji Instax
Polaroid Z340
The Impossible Project
Lomography

Creative Edge

2012-01-15T13:36:00.001-05:00

Thanks to First Year Student Sara Boni for sending us the link to this great site, the Creative Edge. It is a monthly paid subscription ($17.99 for students) that gives you access to thousands of books, videos and tutorials on web design, photography, graphic design and more.

Sara also mentioned that many of our recommended course texts are available on the site, a great deal for our students.

Movie Night | War Photographer

2012-01-14T10:21:00.006-05:00

This Tuesday January 17, 2012 at 6:30PM in room C131 we are going to have a screening of War Photographer. This documentary follows the career of photographer James Nachtwey.

In the History of Photography course we touched on Nachtwey very briefly so come out to see the full film and spend sometime with your fellow students and faculty.

Fotoshop By Adobé

2012-01-11T06:43:00.002-05:00

Thanks to Prof. Wrixon for forwarding the link to Fotoshop by Adobé by Jesse Rosten.

Lightroom 4 Beta

2012-01-10T12:42:00.000-05:00

Lightroom 4 BETA preview is available for download from Adobe Labs. For those really keen on Lightroom it is worth a look. We have been playing around with it today and we like what we see.

For those into HTML5, CSS3 and Javascript download the Adobe Edge preview from Adobe Labs. We have been testing this WYSIWYG web builder for a few days and we feel it will be a great fit for our Multimedia class.

GUGGENHEIM | Online Archives

2012-01-10T08:14:00.000-05:00

Guggenheim has now opened up their out of print archives to the public, this is a great art resource online and totally free.

Window Banner | Winter 2012

2012-01-06T15:39:00.008-05:00

We have some new window banners up in the Program.

Stop by to take a look at some of the great student work by Riley Ledgerwood, Brent Richardson, Alex Pomnikow, Jen Quibell and Jordan Skeete-Wilson.

Tuition Rebate

2012-01-06T09:08:00.000-05:00

This is great news for our students 30% off tuition.

For those on OSAP the rebate is automatic for those not receiving OSAP check out this link to find out how to apply.

365 Day Exposure

2012-01-05T09:09:00.001-05:00

Here is a great image by Toronto photographer Michael Chrisman this "long" exposure was 365 days from Jan 1, 2011 to Dec 31, 2011 and it is of the Toronto skyline.

Thanks to Professor Dennie Wrixon for this great link.

One Shot Harris

2012-01-05T08:15:00.001-05:00

The Cotton Candy Booth 1945

One of the best books of photographs we have received at the LRC is One Shot Harris a collection of photographs by Charles "Teenie" Harris. Harris was an African-American photographer working in Pittsburgh from the 1930s to the 1970s.

His images are a great document of his community and America during this time. There are images from inside the numbers rackets, portraits of celebrities, street photographs, protests, crime scenes, store fronts and children playing. He received his nickname One Shot from the Pittsburgh Mayor David L Lawrence who was always surprised that Harris would patiently wait for the that one shot at press conferences and it was always great.

The book is by Stanley Crouch an editorial columnist and Jazz critic and it includes a great essay by Professor Deborah Willis. For those who can not make it to the LRC check out the Teenie Harris Archive online from the Carnegie Museum of Art to see all his images.

Alfred Stieglitz | The Key Set

2012-01-04T09:07:00.009-05:00

Georgia O'Keeffe 1918

We recently received at the LRC Alfred Stieglitz | The Key Set a two volume book (over 1000 pages) of some of the nicest reproductions of Stieglitz's work. The book contains a great essay by Sarah Greenough and is based on the exhibition at the National Gallery of Art in Washington Alfred Stieglitz: Known and Unknown.

The Steerage 1907

Stieglitz is considered to be the father of modern photography especially American photography and as such he played an important role in history, bridging the divide between early and modern art photography.

His best known work is The Steerage taken in 1907 which was highly influenced by Picasso. He was and is an interesting person many thought he was an egotistical prick and others thought he was a genius either way he did take some beautiful images which are definitely worth exploring. One of our favourites is the image of his wife Georgia O'Keeffe above.

Holga D

2012-01-03T07:27:00.000-05:00

Here is an interesting concept the Holga D or digital Holga camera. For those that don't know what a Holga is it is an inexpensive plastic film camera that shoots medium format film that is extremely popular among photographers who like the camera because of the light leaks and soft images.

Saikat Biswas an industrial designer has developed a concept for a digital Holga and he wants to develop it as an open-source camera platform. For those interested being part of the development of this camera click this link to find out more.

Thanks to alumni Rémi Thériault for sending us this link, to find out more about the original Holga camera and other like it here are some links: Lomo Holga Store, Lomo Diana Store, Holga Mods, and Holga Inspire.

Polaboy Frame

2011-12-26T07:06:00.001-05:00

Here is a very cool product for those that love polaroid, the Polaboy Frame. It is a large (32x34 in) backlit frame that automatically lights up at night, very cool.

500px Photo Sharing SIte

2011-12-25T13:45:00.002-05:00

Here is a great photo sharing site for photographers 500px:

"500px is a photographic community powered by creative people from all over the world that lets you share and discover inspiring photographs."

Even better this company is based in Toronto, it offers a great blogging platform and beautiful portfolios it also has fewer members than flickr which gives better exposure for those on the site.

Music Licensing For Photographers

2011-12-22T07:12:00.006-05:00

Here is an interesting article from PDN magazine about a wedding photographer who got into a lot of trouble for using copyrighted music in a wedding video he produced and published on Youtube.

Photographers using copyrighted music in slideshows and videos is becoming an all to common practice and one that can lead to being sued. It is funny that photographers seem to get so up in arms about usage rights of their images but many of them turn around and use music they don't have rights to use.

A few years ago we stumbled upon a great site that we recommend to our students, it is a Canadian company (respect!) that licences music specifically for photographers called With Etiquette.

The great thing about the site is that you are supporting up and coming artists and the pricing is very reasonable. Creative people supporting creative people something we should all do more of.

Photoshop Banned In Cosmetics Ads?

2011-12-17T19:54:00.000-05:00

Here is an interesting article from Business Insider about the use or over use of Photoshop in cosmetics ads and how the UK and the US might ban this advertising practise.

Michelle Valberg | Alumni Update

2011-12-15T07:57:00.002-05:00

In the latest issue of Photo News magazine there is an article on Alumni Michelle Valberg and her images of the Arctic.

The article spotlights her solo exhibition at the Canadian Museum of Nature and her third book Arctic Kaleidoscope - The People, Wildlife and Ever-Changing Landscape.

Focused On The Force

2011-12-14T19:05:00.001-05:00

Image By: Cédric Delsaux C3PO and the White Visa, Paris, 2005

Photographer Cédric Delsaux's Dark Lens series brings a galaxy far far away a little closer to earth.

Take a look at these really unique digitally composited images on his site.

Preliminary Portfolio Preview 2011

2011-12-14T09:56:00.003-05:00

The Preliminary Portfolio Interviews went very well again this year it was great to talk to the students about their work and offer some advice. Like always we can't stress enough attention to the details when shooting, editing and printing.

For those that do not know our Second Year Portfolio is based on a theme, each student must come up with their own theme and integrate that into their commercial assignments and their own self-directed images. It was good to see the students starting to refine their theme and their own style through-out their first six portfolio images.

The above video is a small sample of images from all the preliminary portfolios to see all the portfolio images you have to attend our annual Photography Exhibition in the spring, details coming soon.

Sassey Photoz Grand Opening

2011-12-13T17:41:00.003-05:00

We love to hear from our Alumni and here is some great news from 2005 Alumnus Ange Byers. Ange has just opened a new studio in Espanola, Ontario.

We wish her all the best, check out her blog to see some more of her images.

Made In America 1900 to 1950

2011-12-10T17:54:00.001-05:00

Thanks to First Year Student David Laferriere for sending us this info, the National Gallery of Canada's photographic show Made In America 1900-1950 is now on until April 1, 2012.

This show showcases the work of photographers Edward Steichen, Clarence H. White, Paul Strand, Margaret Bourke-White, Weegee and many more.

For those that enjoyed our History of Photography course this is a chance to see first hand many of the images we discussed in class.

Preliminary Portfolio Interviews 2011

2011-12-07T09:02:00.003-05:00

This video is of our Second Year Students in their Preliminary Portfolios interviews before Christmas Break.

This time lapse is comprised of 3700 still images shot every ten seconds from 9AM to 6PM on day two of the portfolio interviews.

The Preliminary Portfolio is comprised of six portfolio pieces Environmental Portrait, Architecture, Food, Self-Portrait and two Self-Directed images. These images will make up their Final Portfolio along with six others due in April.

Preliminary Portfolio 2011

2011-12-04T08:27:00.006-05:00

Here is our Second Year Students finishing up their Preliminary Portfolios. Our camera recorded for 8 hours from 8AM - 4PM the day the portfolio was due, congrats to all Second Years on completing their Prelim.

The Preliminary Portfolio Interviews start on Monday so stay tuned for highlights from their portfolios.

Pub Night 2011

2011-11-21T12:07:00.003-05:00

The Photography Pub Night is tomorrow Tuesday November 22, 2011 (9PM) at The Heart & Crown, 347 Preston St.. Everyone needs a break so I hope all of our students get out, relax, drink responsibly and help raise money for the end of year Photography Exhibition.

You can only purchase tickets in advance from student reps Taylor Grant and David Hassar for five dollars so get yours today!!

The Holga Addiction

2011-11-21T09:56:00.000-05:00

For those that have never heard of the Holga check out this article by Peter Balkwill, reprinted in the Ottawa Citizen this weekend.

It talks about this light leaking plastic film camera that get so many photographers addicted.

Stop Motion Multimedia I 2011

2011-11-16T13:04:00.002-05:00

Every year in the Program our second year students start their study of motion with an assignment we call Digital Flipbook. The students must shoot a minimum of 30 still images and using Adobe Flash create a stop motion video.

Much like Eadweard J. Muybridge's early motion studies help paved the way to early motion pictures we use this assignment to get the students excited about motion capture.

Below are some of their motion experiments.

Rory Watson Stop Motion

Jennifer Woodley Stop Motion

Riley Ledgerwood

Jordan Skeete-Wilson

Marwencol

2011-11-15T19:11:00.006-05:00

Here is an interesting movie about photographer Mark Hogancamp who uses photography as therapy.

He has created a fictional world populated by GI Joe figures he calls Marwencol, which he photographs. Check out the Marwencol website to find out more about Mark and his amazing fictional world.

Thanks to first year student Kristopher Laplante for letting us know about this great film, we now have it on order at the LRC.

Food Styling Book

2011-11-09T22:33:00.001-05:00

We have recently received the book, Food Styling: The Art of Preparing Food for the Camera by Delores Custer at the LRC. For those interested in pursing a career in Food Photography, Styling or for those shooting their food assignment this is a great resource.

Take a look at this video of Delores Custer at one of her workshops.

Have a listen to this interview with Delores Custer on American Public Media too, her interview starts 14:45 minutes into the show.

Check out her website for more info, to all our students this book is now on order at the LRC.

Abelardo Morell Book & Documentary

2011-11-09T22:13:00.004-05:00

One of the very first photographers we look at in our History of Photography course is Abelardo Morell, we are very please to have his book Camera Obscura at the LRC.

This book has some of the most visually interesting images we have ever seen.

We are also please to have a documentary about Abelardo Morell, Shadow of the House, at the LRC.

This documentary looks at Morell's creative process and follows him on his journey back home to Cuba for the first time since he escaped.

Bernd and Hilla Becher

2011-11-09T21:47:00.001-05:00

We recently received a large selection of books by Bernd and Hilla Becher at the LRC. The Becher's are considered to be two of the most influential photographers and artist of the last half century.

They are best know for their photographic typologies "the study or systematic classification of types that have characteristics or traits in common". They basically photographed the same types of structures again and again under the same lighting conditions and distance and they created beautiful bodies of work.

X-Rite Colour Challenge

2011-11-07T06:17:00.000-05:00

Click here to take the Online Colour Challenge by x-rite, it will let you know how colour deficient or efficient you really are.

As all our students know x-rite is colour profiling system we use here in the Program from colour checkers to colour calibrators, we love the munki!!

Dear Photograph

2011-11-04T14:57:00.001-04:00

Here is an interesting site Dear Photograph it showcases photographs of old photographs taken in the exact same place.

The images uploaded by the users are quite interesting and touching take a look.

The 2011 Grange Prize

2011-11-04T14:14:00.001-04:00

Thanks to Professor Angie Dunn for sending us this link about the 2011 Grange Prize winner, Gauri Gill.

The Grange Prize has two Canadian photographers square off against two International photographers, this year from India.

The is awards $50,000 to the winning photographer and the images are on display at the AGO in Toronto from August 30 to November 27.

Window Banner | Rory Watson - LRC

2011-10-24T21:27:00.003-04:00

When you are walking over to the N building take a look at LRC windows and you will see a 6' by 6' print by 2nd Year Student Rory Watson.

On behalf of the Students, Staff and Faculty here in the Program we would like to thank the Staff at the LRC for allowing us to use one of their windows to display some of our amazing student work.

Stay tuned for more great images to come!!

Start Gallery

2011-10-21T08:24:00.001-04:00

Here is an interesting link for students that want a bit more exposure, Start Gallery is a student run company that sells original artwork by Canadian students.

Thanks to Professor Andrew Balfour for sending us this link.

Matt Usherwood | Alumni Update

2011-10-11T12:42:00.000-04:00

Mike Peluso by Matt Usherwood (OTTAWA SUN)

Alumni Matt Usherwood has been very busy since graduating in May 2011. He has been doing freelance work for the Ottawa Sun covering everything from the recent provincial elections, football games, charity events, fashion shows and political demonstrations.

This up and coming photographer is definitely making a name for himself as a photo-journalist, take a look at today's cover of the Ottawa Sun to see the above image.

Ryan McCosham Show | Fire

2011-10-06T09:25:00.001-04:00

Our own Ryan McCosham (a.k.a Ryan McAwesome) is having another show this time at the Shanghai Restaurant.

The opening night is tonight, October 6th, and the show runs till October 30th.

Rémi Thériault | Alumni Update

2011-10-06T07:43:00.001-04:00

Image © Rémi Thériault 2010

We love hearing great news from our Alumni, and this is one that we were especially pleased to hear about. Alumni Rémi Thériault was recently published in Canadian Geographic magazine, the article talks about culture in the Capital.

Take a look at Remi's blog to find out more and see some great photos!!

MOVE | Rick Mereki

2011-10-05T21:03:00.000-04:00

This great little film was made by filmmaker Rick Mereki.

Thanks to second student Jennifer Woodley for sending us this link especially as our second year students are soon getting into motion capture.

Algonquin Times Article | Window Banner

2011-10-05T08:16:00.000-04:00

In the recent issue of the Algonquin Times our own Kaleigh Middelkoop, Second Year Photography Student, is featured in an article about the Window Banner.

Pick up the current issue of the Algonquin Times and read the article on page 24.

Brian McNally | Alumni Update

2011-10-03T19:34:00.001-04:00

Alumni Brian McNally is featured in an article in current issue of the Algonquin Times.

In the article McNally talks about working freelance and working in the Ottawa Police Department's Forensic Identification Section.

Read the article to find out more about working as a photographer in the ever changing world of photography.

Ryan Enn Hughes - The 360 Project

2011-09-29T06:58:00.001-04:00

Thanks to Denine for sending us this link, Ryan Enn Hughes has finished his 48 Nikon D700 shoot The 360 Project.

2011-09-25T14:10:00.000-04:00

Thanks to Nancy Boughner for sending us the link to this great article by photographer Colby Brown, Google+: The Survival Guide for a Photographer’s Paradise.

The article lays out the basics of how this new social network, Google+, works and how a photographer can harness it for their own benefit.

A great read for both the novice and professional photographer!!

Smoke and Fire Show Tonight

2011-09-23T12:45:00.001-04:00

Alumni Alex Lukey and Ryan McCosham's, Smoke and Fire show is tonight and tomorrow afternoon.

The show tonight, Friday September 23rd, runs from 7-10PM, and tomorrow, Saturday September 24th, from 12-5PM at 77 5th Ave.. So stop by to see some great images!!

Your New Student Reps 2011-2012

2011-09-16T08:18:00.000-04:00

Say hello to your Student Reps for 2011-2012:

Student Reps 2nd Year:

Taylor Grant and Dave Hassar

Student Reps 1st Year:

Caitlin MacKinnon and Maggie Jacques

8"x10" Sensor

2011-09-13T19:18:00.000-04:00

Thanks to Second Year Student Yannick Lalonde-Woods for sending us this interesting bit of photo gear news, the worlds largest camera sensor 8"x10" of pixel goodness.

Photographer, Mitchell Feinberg, who owns this mammoth sensor shoots for Vogue, Louis Vuitton, Bulgari and Yves Saint Laurent.

Astronomy Photographer of the Year 2011

2011-09-12T16:24:00.002-04:00

Here some of the winning photos from Astronomy Photographer of the Year 2011 contest which is hosted by the Royal Observatory Greenwich and Sky at Night Magazine.

The Window Banner - Cava

2011-09-07T12:27:00.000-04:00

Amanda Cava is a 2011 graduate of the Photography Program. This Alumni wasted no time getting into the industry she currently works at one of the hottest studios in town, Photolux Studios.

Amanda's amazing talents will be put to good use photographing weddings, portraits and whatever else life throws at her. Check out her blog to see more great images.

Sidewalk Stories - Ottawa Magzine

2011-09-07T11:35:00.001-04:00

This month in Ottawa Magazine's Annual Shopping Edition there is a photoessay written by Laura Byrne Paquet and photographed by Program Alumni Brooke Charlebois and Matt Usherwood.

To see some more great photos by these two up and coming photographers check our their sites Brooke Charlebois and Matt Usherwood and pick up the latest copy of Ottawa Magazine.

The Window Banner - Middelkoop

2011-09-01T20:46:00.001-04:00

Image © Kaleigh Middelkoop 2011

Kaleigh Middelkoop, Second Year Photography Student, is an aspiring photographer from Newfoundland who moved to Ottawa to follow her dreams by attending Algonquin College for Photography.

In 2010 she had a winning image in the Junior Visual Arts division of the Newfoundland & Labrador Arts and Letters Awards. She has a strong interest in portraiture and fashion photography, as she thinks that a photograph is one of the most natural and gratifying forms of expression.

Kaleigh believes that every image is an opportunity to tell a story or convey an emotion and is willing to go that extra mile to get the image she has in mind. She hopes to pursue portraiture and create beautiful and striking images that capture the essence of the subject.

Ariane and Matt

2011-09-01T20:16:00.001-04:00

Image © Ariane Pilon 2011

Alumni Ariane Pilon and Matt Paquette were featured at the Cornwall Regional Art Gallery's Photography Exhibition, Ariane won second place for her image above.

Matt and Ariane have also launched their new combined site mattandariane.com, check it out to see some more great images by these two up and coming photographers.

Congratulations to Ariane on the win and Matt and Ariane on the new site.

The Window Banner

2011-09-01T12:21:00.000-04:00

Here is the video of the Faculty and Staff hanging our new Student and Alumni Banner in C125. The Banner is 40 feet long and almost 4 feet high and took 3 hours to print.

To see the final Banner in all its glory stop by the Algonquin main cafeteria and look out the west windows. Also stay tuned for more images going up through-out the school year.

Thomas Leuthard - Collecting Souls

2011-08-31T07:12:00.002-04:00

Photographer Thomas Leuthard has just published his second book about street photography.

The books can be downloaded for free from his site 85mm.ch.

Smoke and Fire Alumni Show

2011-08-26T09:38:00.005-04:00

Alumni Alex Lukey and Ryan McCosham are having a show, Smoke and Fire.

The show is Friday September 23rd (7-10PM), and Saturday September 24th (12-5PM) at 77 5th Ave..

Geoffrey Ferguson - Emerging Photographer

2011-08-22T08:07:00.005-04:00

Second Year student Geoffrey Ferguson has been published in Photolife Magazine's Emerging Photographers Competition.

Congrats to Geoff on getting published!!

The Peregrine Glove

2011-08-22T07:56:00.002-04:00

Here is a cool piece of gear, the Peregrin Glove, originally designed for gaming but a smart photog saw some possibilities for editing in Photoshop.

Click here to read the article from the Canadian Women Photographers Network on how the glove performed while using Photoshop.

Live Today | Jordan Wiens

2011-08-19T08:21:00.002-04:00

Student Jordan Wiens and his friend Keith Lanctot, have released their second trailer for their documentary, Live Today, about children battling cancer at Ronald McDonald House and Rogers House for Kids. Take a look at the trailer above and visit the links below to show your support.

Live Today - Facebook | Twitter

Valberg - Great Boys of Fire 2012

2011-07-29T13:52:00.002-04:00

Alumni and Advisory Committee member Michelle Valberg is once again working on the Great Boys of Fire 2012 calendar to raise funds for the Queensway-Carleton Hospital's Care Grows West Campaign.

Check out this link to see some hot pics.

Bill Cunningham New York

2011-07-27T14:03:00.001-04:00

July 27 and 28th at the Bytowne Cinema in Ottawa the film Bill Cunningham New York is playing. This documentary is about Bill Cunningham author and photographer for the New York Times On The Street column.

Thanks to alumni Josh Reyes for giving us the low down on this great flick. To see some great work check out Josh's blogs RP fashion | portrait | beauty, RP everyday and his collaborative work on The Kingship Project.

2D Photography | Rube Goldberg Machine

2011-07-18T11:40:00.003-04:00

Here is a cool video of a Rube Goldberg machine by David Dvir and his team at 2D Photography. Second in command at 2D Photography is Kevin Luc a Program Alumni.

This video was sent to us by another Alumni Carol-Ann McColgan.

iPhone SLR Lens Mount

2011-07-11T07:24:00.001-04:00

Here is another unique product from Photojojo the iPhone SLR lens mount, weird and cool at the same time.

You can buy the The iPhone 4 SLR Mount at the Photojojo Store!

The Negative Effect Trailer

2011-07-08T14:18:00.000-04:00

The Negative Effect is film about a group of youngsters from Kuala Lumpur fascinated about film and lomography.

It is very interesting and great to once again see a resurgence in film photography many of our students have the same fascination for the medium.

ONE LIFE | Photography Competition

2011-07-08T14:05:00.003-04:00

The One Life Photography Competition is open to all photographers and is looking for images that "illuminate your perspective" of the world.

There is quite a few nice prizes and of course world recognition, the competition is presented by PDN and Artist Wanted.

Plushtography Lens Pillows

2011-07-06T11:28:00.002-04:00

These are very cute, felt and fleece lens pillows from Plushtography, click the link to check them out.

feature shoot

2011-07-06T10:47:00.002-04:00

Here is a very cool site that "features" work from up and coming photographers and established photogs, feature shoot.

This site has great images, informative article, interviews and great resources.

Instagram Photoshop Actions

2011-07-06T10:36:00.001-04:00

Having used Instagram for quite some time now we were pleased to find out that there is now a set of Photoshop Actions to mimic the cool photo effects from Instagram.

Click here to download the free Actions from Daniel Box.

Daniel Milnor: Storytelling Series

2011-07-03T08:32:00.000-04:00

Here is an inspirational video from photographer Daniel Milnor about slowing down, shooting film and telling a story with images.

For all our Students who are on break and our Grads looking for a creative outlet this video will give you some inspiration.

Nikon Bob | Revamped Nikon Canada Website

2011-06-29T11:36:00.000-04:00

Nikon launches a revamped Nikon Canada website, this new site will have all the same features as the Nikon USA site. The complete site update will be finished in a few weeks.

Billy the Kid Nabs $2.3 Million

2011-06-29T10:59:00.003-04:00

The only known photograph of Billy the Kid sold at Brian Lebel's Old West Show & Auction for $2.3 million dollars. The tintype photo above was taken in 1879 or early 1880.

Want to find out how to create your own tintypes click here. Also check out some modern tintypes done by image maker Shin Sugino.

The Lytro Camera

2011-06-26T13:08:00.000-04:00

Here is something the Faculty and Staff in the Program are eager to test, the Lytro Light Field Camera. Why, well the camera allows you to choose the focus after you take the picture, to find out more about the science behind the camera click here.

Very cool, this is why we love photography it is constantly evolving.

The Science of Image Stabilization

2011-06-26T12:48:00.001-04:00

Thanks to Bowie for sending us this cool piece of camera gear tech, this is for the true photo geek in all of us.

Even if you are not obsessed with camera gear this is a very informative article, click here to read the full article from Camera Technica.

Canadian Nitrate Film Preservation Centre

2011-06-23T12:14:00.002-04:00

The Library and Archives Canada has opened a new Nitrate Film Preservation Centre in Ottawa.

What is nitrate film you ask? Well nitrate film is what they used to make film stock out of before cellulose acetate or polyester was invented. Nitrate film is extreme combustable so proper storage and handling is required, polyester or cellulose acetate film is safer (that is why some modern film stocks say Safety Film on it).

Click here to read the Ottawa Citizen article and to see Program alumni Carla Kluck, who is a Digital Imaging Technician at Library and Archives Canada, show off the equipment at the new Nitrate Film Preservation Centre.

Graduation 2011

2011-06-22T16:02:00.000-04:00

Congratulations to our 2011 Graduates, from all of the staff and faculty of the Photography Program we wish you all the best in all your future endeavours, make sure to keep in touch.

School of Media & Design Winner 2011

2011-06-22T11:48:00.004-04:00

Brittany McElroy has won the School of Media and Design Award for 2011!!!!

As previously mentioned this award is presented to a graduating student who has demonstrated achievement in leadership in program-related activities, application of learning outcomes for the benefit of others and excellence in reaching the learning outcomes of the program and applying the knowledge to higher levels.

She received her award yesterday, Tuesday June 21, 2011, during the Convocation Ceremonies at the new Ottawa Convention Centre, congratulations Brittany!!

Matt & Ariane

2011-06-14T08:51:00.004-04:00

Ariane Pilon and Matt Paquette, 2011 Graduates, are now engaged!!

From all the Faculty and Staff here in the Program we wish you both all the best and congratulations!!

I do not think you guys will have a problem finding a wedding photographer.

Live Today | Jordan Wiens

2011-06-08T17:21:00.005-04:00

We are always proud of our students in the Program and especially today.

We just got an email from student Jordan Wiens who is working with a friend of his, Keith Lanctot, on a documentary about children battling cancer at Ronald McDonald House and Rogers House for Kids. The trailer for their documentary Live Today is above.

They are attempting to win the Hot 89.9 Royal Bounty and if they do they are donating the $100,000 prize to these two great charities.

We wish Jordan and Keith all the best and for all you reading this post click on the links below and give your support to this great cause.

Live Today - Facebook | Twitter

Anne Geddes App

2011-06-07T08:23:00.011-04:00

Anne Geddes' photography is very unique and beautiful, she is also quite and innovative business person.

Recently a documentary about her new photo series Beginnings was released along with two Apps.

One is a preview of her new book Anne Geddes HD. The other is a game called Anne Geddes MatchUp which is an rather unique way to showcase her work, the game is somewhat addictive too.

Camera and Printer In One

2011-06-07T07:56:00.001-04:00

This is a cool piece of gear the PrintBrush a pocket sized printer and camera.

Marie-Claude Leveille Desjardins Scholarship

2011-05-31T14:00:00.005-04:00

Photo by Mathieu Brunet

Desjardins has awarded a $5000 dollar scholarship to Marie-Claude Leveille a 2011 graduate from the Photography Program. Above is a photo of Marie-Claude and Roger Leduc, president of the Caisse Populaire Val Caron inc. and Governor of the Fondation Desjardins of Ontario.

The scholarship also allowed Marie-Claude to show off her photographic skills as she got to photograph the Tulip Ball which Desjardins also sponsors, part of the Canadian Tulip Festival.

Thanks to Desjardins for such a generous donation and encouraging our students to follow their dreams.

Jamie Beck | Cinemagraphs

2011-05-26T16:09:00.004-04:00

Photographer Jamie Beck has some very cool photographs called Cinemagraphs check out her site to see these amazing images.

She uses animated GIFs to create some very surreal images.

2011 Alumni Images Posted

2011-05-25T09:36:00.001-04:00

The 2011 Alumni images are posted on the Program website click here to take a look.

School of Media & Design Award Nominee 2011

2011-05-25T06:47:00.005-04:00

It gives us great pleasure to announce that Brittany McElroy has been nominated for the School of Media and Design Award 2011.

This award is presented to a graduating student within the School of Media and Design who has demonstrated achievement in leadership in program-related activities, application of learning outcomes for the benefit of others and excellence in reaching the learning outcomes of the program and applying the knowledge to higher levels.

Congratulations to Brittany on the nomination, the winner of this award will be announced at the Graduation Ceremonies on Tuesday June 21, 2011.

Bowie | Contact Correspondent

2011-05-24T08:29:00.002-04:00

Professor Bowie got a chance to stop by some Contact shows over the weekend here are his impressions:

Although time was short, I had a quick walk through the Distillery District, and caught some of the Scotiabank Contact Festival.

Sheila Jonah, La Cloche Mountains, 2010

My first stop was quite by chance, at the Proof Studio Gallery, where I met Photographer and Printer Sheila Jonah. On display are a collection of beautiful images by John Drajewicz, Natalie Drajewicz, and Sheila.

We had a long conversation about digital (and analogue) printing. We have had very similar experiences printing for clients, photographers, and the general public. They are printing on an Epson 9900 printer, which is the 44 inch version of our printers. I would love to have them visit our program when they are in town.

Andre Kertesz

The second exhibit was at Jane Corkin Gallery, to see Andre Kertesz.

These works are only from Toronto, between 1978 and 1984, when he was visiting Toronto, just before he died (1985). These are from the Corkin Gallery collection, and many have not been exhibited before. Although some are personal photos, there are some classic Kertesz compositions, and it's interesting to see familiar surroundings through his lens.

For those of you with some time on your hands, try to get to Toronto this week or weekend, and catch some incredible photography, before the Contact show closes.

Ed Burtynsky, Alberta Oil Sands #6

Just a note: if you want to see the Burtynsky show at the ROM, it is on the 4th floor, so you will have to pay the general admission of $20 to get in.

Lynne Cohen Wins Scotiabank Photo Award

2011-05-19T07:39:00.011-04:00

Corporate Office by Lynne Cohen

Artist Lynne Cohen wins the inaugural Soctiabank Photography Award, the prize $50,000 a book deal with Steidl and a curated show at the 2012 Contact Festival.

Lynne Cohen is famous for her artistic interior architecture photos from her series Occupied Territories. Hopefully this will influence some of our students who never seem to be keen on shooting their Architecture Assignments.

Men's Club by Lynne Cohen

#0070 by Lynne Cohen

The Camera Store - Battle At F-Stop Ridge

2011-05-18T10:43:00.002-04:00

The staff at The Camera Store in Calgary Alberta have created this hilarious little clip for the true photo geek in all of us.

Even though you might not be in Calgary check out The Camera Store online. For those darkroom, film and alternative process enthusiasts this store is definitely kicking it old school too.

Canadian Conservation Institute - Doors Open

2011-05-17T08:34:00.005-04:00

Alumni, Advisory Committee Member, Researcher, Aerial Photographer and Author Carl Bigras (seriously take a look at his bio it is quite impressive) has let us know that the Canadian Conservation Institute, where he works, is participating in Doors Open Ottawa.

For those that do not know what Doors Open Ottawa is click the previous link to find out. In a nutshell you get to explore some of Ottawa's unique heritage buildings and find out what goes on inside.

For those that like photography the Canadian Conservation Institute has some unique and very interesting photo gear. The Doors Open Ottawa events runs two days Saturday June 4 and Sunday June 5 2011 check out the list for other buildings participating around Ottawa. The Canadian Conservation Institute is only open on Saturday June 4.

The Bowie Vote Tallied

2011-05-16T07:58:00.003-04:00

The polls have closed and the vote is in the tradition will be kept alive. Besides 3 disgruntled Elvis impersonators who voted no, because Bowie looked so good in that white jump suit, it was landslide victory 129 for the yes side.

So next year at the Exhibition keep a look out for Bowie because if the students raise extra money for the exhibition you never know who he will appear as (I personally hope it is Batman Bowie).

Jen Allison | Contact Correspondent

2011-05-14T16:05:00.001-04:00

In this instalment Contact Correspondent and Alumni Jen Allison takes in a public photo instillation:

Museum of Contemporary Canadian Art – “A Sign in the Northwest Passage” by Kevin Schmidt

Image by Jen Allison

‘A Sign in the Northwest Passage’ is presented as a billboard on The Power Plant’s south façade. This sign documents the artist’s recent project in the Northwest Territories. As described in the Contact Festival guidebook:

“Aided by local guides and workers, the artist erected a large handcrafted cedar sign displaying an ominous text drawn from the Book of Revelations. Describing the decimation of the earth and humankind in vivid detail, it relays a warning that no one seems present to receive. This solitary sign–carrying an urgent message for the masses–references advertising culture and the city, yet is silenced by its surrounding barren landscape. Schmidt deliberately located this project on the ice above major oil reserves, where the potential for devastating exploitation is clearly implied. When the seasonal ice melted, this sign floated away to parts unknown, taking its cataclysmic message with it.”

Image by Jen Allison

After I took my time to read the sign within the image and enjoy the immense print, I sat down and watched how people interacted with the image. It was interesting to see who actually stopped to read the sign. It seemed that those who walk the Harbourfront daily, during their lunch hour, noticed there was a change in the scenery, but didn’t stop to observe the installation. Although there was no indication that this installation was a part of the Contact Festival, it seemed that those who stopped to view the image, were either seeking out this image specifically or were visiting the harbourfront for the first time.

After a few minutes, I noticed a man on a platform drive over to the image. He proceeded to repair various areas on the installation where the paper and/or the plywood behind it were damaged.

Image by Jen Allison

This installation existed behind groupings of small trees with the CN Tower hovering in the distance. This created an ironic backdrop for an apocalyptic message the artist created within the Canadian Arctic.

Presented in partnership with The Power Plant Contemporary Art Gallery

Curated By Gregory Burke & Jon Davies

Jen Allison | Contact Correspondent

2011-05-11T12:00:00.008-04:00

Alumni Jen Allison reviews Contact's Vancouver:

Museum of Contemporary Canadian Art – “Vancouver” by Fred Herzog

Image by Jen Allison

Fred Herzog immigrated to Canada from Germany in 1952 and began documenting the Vancouver cityscape a year later. Herzog was known to favour the working class neighbourhoods and downtown core. He produced a large body of work, which depicted Vancouver during the postwar era. During the spring of 2010 on a visit to Vancouver, I had the chance to view many of Herzog’s images at the Vancouver Art Gallery. He was so talented at capturing the feeling and heartbeat of Vancouver during the 1950’s and 1960’s. The bright and saturated colours, only obtainable from slide film, created a vibrant feeling of activity within the images.

Image by Jen Allison

The room displaying Herzog’s work at MOCCA was dimly light which highlighted the beautifully framed images printed on glossy paper. The room was full of people wandering and sitting while taking in the sites of Vancouver. Herzog used the natural surroundings to emphasize his subjects meticulously. His work sometimes seems like a painting, reminiscent of Norman Rockwell. I am instantly drawn to any photographic works from the 1950-60’s in a documentary/street style, so I may have a slight bias towards the works of Herzog. The more I view his images, the more I wonder whether he had an influence on Canadian photographer Jeff Wall.

Organized by the National Gallery of Canada and the Museum of Contemporary Canadian Art, Andrea Kunard and Bonnie Rubenstein  Exhibition curators.

Jen Allison | Contact Correspondent

2011-05-10T15:00:00.005-04:00

Alumni Jen Allison reviews Contact's Dynamic Landscapes:

Museum of Contemporary Canadian Art – “Dynamic Landscapes” by Vivane Sassen, Scarlett Hooft Graafland, Olga Chagaoutdinvoa, Dayanita Singh).

The Museum of Contemporary Canadian Art has organized a unique exhibit of four international artists called Dynamic Landscapes. Contact Festival describes the exhibit as ‘the confluence of physical and psychological factors that inform our perception of the world we inhabit’. The images were photographed in Africa, Russia, India and Canada.

Image by Jen Allison

Of the four photographers works, I was equally drawn to two, who couldn’t have photographed in more opposing locations.

First were the images from Vivane Sassen photographed in Africa. Her use of bold and highly saturated colours as well as highly contrasted light draws you into the image instantly. Her portraits depict a duality as to what the subject is revealing. The images were beautifully mounted and printed on a high gloss paper.

The second photographer I was equally drawn to was Scarlett Hooft Graafland, whose images were photographed in the cold village of Nunavut, Canada. Vast landscapes of white and blue with solitary subjects draw you into the image in a much different way than those of Sassen. Graaftand’s sense of humour is very apparent within her images, but equally stresses the seriousness of her concern for the environment and the damaging effects of human interference. The subjects are mainly humorous and whimsical, but the vast landscapes ground you and remind you of the reality of humans effects on the environment. The images were printed on a semi gloss paper and framed in a beautiful natural toned frame.

Image by Jen Allison

The other two photographers at this exhibit were interesting and also from opposing areas of the world. Olga Chagaoutdinova’s photographs and videos are described as an ‘examination of how we construct personal and cultural identities. Interested in globalization after the fall of communism, she investigates how domesticity can be positioned as a microcosm of society. Themes of pain and suffering are evident thought the artist’s practice, alluding to her heritage and traditions within Russian art and literature’. Personally, Chagaoutdinova’s images were aesthetically pleasing, but I felt it difficult to piece together the intention of the theme.

Image by Jen Allison

Dayanita Sing’s nocturnal images are a drastic contrast to those of Chagaoutdinova’s. Singhs images are described as ‘transforming the notcturnal city into a surreal world, where the familiar is concealed by the unknown’. The images were printed on a high gloss paper in a smaller frame, which brought you into the image. All the images were dark, which further emphasized the world of the nocturnal city Singh photographed. The techniques Singh used with artificial colours, steams of light and shadows created a dreamlike feel to the images.

Curated by Bonnie Rubenstein.

Alex Lukey | Alumni Update

2011-05-10T14:32:00.005-04:00

Alumni Alex Lukey is having a show during Chinatown Remixed. He is showing his amazing High Speed Liquid Photographs.

Alex Lukey's Show opens Sunday May 15, 2011 from 2PM-5PM and the Exhibition continues from May 15 - June 15, 2011. The location is del Rosario Financial Services at 838 Somerset St. West, and as the card above says don't forget to knock to enter.

For those that do not know Chinatown Remixed is a month long celebration of art on Somerset St. West in Ottawa, there are art shows, walking tours, street festivals and great photography exhibitions.

Faculty Portrait 2011 | The Outtakes

2011-05-09T22:42:00.002-04:00

Thanks to graduate Josh Reyes for sending us the 2011 Faculty Portrait outtakes, as you should never take yourself to seriously.

For the Faculty shots by graduate Josh Reyes check out the Program website's Faculty Page.

Jen Allison | Contact Correspondent

2011-05-09T21:13:00.012-04:00

Here is Alumni Jen Allison's review of Robert Longo's show at the Contact Festival:

Image by Jen Allison

Robert Longo – Men in Cities

Robert Longo is an American painter and sculptor. Longo became famous in the 1980s for his "Men in the Cities" series, which depicted sharply dressed businessmen writhing in contorted emotion. As the Contact Festival guidebook describes; ‘Longo was influenced by images in the media and iconic films. These photographs were used as a source of material for Longo’s iconic pencil drawings, which showed the body on a white background, depicting the figure without ground. And now, three decades later, the photographs were printed and shown as artworks in their own right’.

Image by Jen Allison

The choice of placing these larger than life images within the busy theatre district in Toronto was brilliant. You yourself become a viewer of the interaction between Longo’s models and other viewers. You could sit and watch people contort themselves to view the twisted models in Longo’s images all day.

Image by Jen Allison

I have always been inspired by Longo’s ‘Men in Cities’ series as I am fascinated by the contortion and movement the models created for Longo. When I read that this series would be a public installation for the festival this year, I was overjoyed. The images are printed on canvas and stretched over a frame, which is then hung on another metal frame. The images line the south side of King Street and create a unique corridor for those walking by. The high contrast and bright blue skies of the prints draw you in and give you the sense that you are on the rooftop, throwing balls and stones at the models, to help influence the unique shapes these models created with their body while Longo photographed them.

More Contact reviews to come, so stay tuned!!