#617 Art Exhibition Success

Social Documentary Photographer Brings Story of Calcutta Boxers to Ottawa

Close to 100 people squeezed through our studio on Preston Street throughout the evening Saturday night.

They came to see some fine photo art and to learn more about underprivileged female boxers in Calcutta. Guests included people from Ottawa Magazine, Canadian Geographic, Library & Archives Canada, art photography collectors and photo fans.

Photo Art Exhibition - Ottawa photo studio
Photo Art Exhibition – Ottawa photo studio

The event, hosted at Ottawa Studio Works, was part of a one-night exhibit of award-winning social documentary photographer, David Trattles.

David Trattles @ Ottawa Studio Works

David Trattles @ Ottawa Studio Works

Dave has a unique ability to find the extraordinary in the ordinary. But the photos are only one-part of the story. Hearing him speak about his work really reflects the passion he has for his subjects.

Photo Art Exhibition - Ottawa photo studio

Photo Art Exhibition - Ottawa photo studio

Trattles’ show included a 45 minute presentation on his work photographing the “boxing ladies” of Calcutta, a group of young women using boxing to get themselves out of the slums. Trattles spent many months following the women and chronicling their story on traditional film cameras.

Photo Art Exhibition - Ottawa photo studio

Photo Presentation - Ottawa photo studio

Dave’s prints speaks volumes. His story telling adds magic to the still photos. He tells stories no one else is telling.

 Photo Art Exhibition @ Ottawa Studio Works
Photo Art Exhibition @ Ottawa Studio Works

Trattles has over 20 years experience in social documentary photography shooting for a long list of clients including aid agencies, prominent magazines and individual projects.

Art Exhibition - Ottawa photo studio
Photo Art Exhibition @ Ottawa Studio Works

#616 ‘Tis the season

We’ve started shooting the spring/summer season for our art clients.

This spring I have continued a personal project of following streams-creeks-rivers in search of shooting locales. It’s fun, muddy and eye opening. I have spent a couple of weeks exploring by foot without cameras to find new shooting locations. The camera has just started coming out.

For this work I use medium and large format film cameras.

What? Why?

I am printing these guys big and, really, there’s little comparison between any digital slr and a 4×5 slide once it’s blown up big and inspected in fine detail.

Film is more challenging and an important part of the artistic process. Film slows you down and forces more precision. A few hours may produce 5-10 photos with 0-1 stunning success.

Art photography film photography

Art photography film photography

 

#615 Who’s doing what? News from the photo world

Who’s doing what?

Over at OttawaStudioWorks.com we run a very simple blog – no photos, just links to photo websites that are related to fun and interesting things like:

  • local breastfeeding photos
  • behind the scenes video of a Rideau Centre ad shoot
  • interview about the Yukon and Iceland
  • news photo awards
  • Canadian Geographic photo contest winners
  • World Press Photo Exhibit

It’s all there on the blog at OttawaStudioWorks.com

Check regularly.

Send us tips of worthy photo news!

Ottawa photography studio

Ottawa photography studio

#614 This week – Social Documentary Photographer in Ottawa

It’s a big week this week.

David Trattles is descending on Ottawa for his Photojournalism and Social Documentary Photo Workshop and his Photo Exhibition and Print Sale.

Exhibit – One Night Only!:

Saturday May 7th; 8pm. Boxing Ladies Presentation – 9pm

OttawaStudioWorks.com

160 Preston St. Ottawa

© David Trattles - Elvis visits the Yukon

© David Trattles - Elvis visits the Yukon

He’s had a busy month. He returned in the last few days from a month of shooting, exploring and cycling for people stories in India.

But he returned to New York City to photograph for Bike New York (an amazing cycling, social event in the Big Apple).

He arrives in Ottawa this week for his photography classes and exhibit at OttawaStudioWorks.com with fresh stories and new visions.

© David Trattles - Art Photography Exhibition - Boxing Ladies

© David Trattles - Art Photography Exhibition - Boxing Ladies

His photo workshop is always well attended leaving students with new photo ideas and sore smile/laugh muscles (it’s an entertaining class!)

His photo exhibit on Saturday May 7th features work from around the world exploring people’s stories. At 9pm he shows a free presentation of the Boxing Ladies – a collection of work about poor Muslim women looking to create a better life for themselves through boxing.

Guaranteed fun.