Barb McKenzie approached us a little over a year ago about joining the ProProgram – an intense, part time, self directed photo program that draws on expertise of my photo business of almost 20 years as well as the support of other Programmer graduates and current students.

Barb wanted to pursue weddings and sports. She had a busy year of learning and shadowing with wedding photographers. A year later she is smiling with a new website and a recent showing at a bridal show.

Student Success - Barb McKenzie - Family Portraits

See some of Barb’s work. And hear what she has to say about her experience:

“I got my first DSLR camera for Christmas in 2009.  My husband I were planning on going to Europe for our vacation so I wanted to learn how to take some awesome vacation photos so I started looking for some courses that would help  me achieve those photos.  I came across the Creative Fundamentals course that Harry offered that spring.  Well, that was the start of something bigger for me.

Student Success - Barb McKenzie - portraits

When I came back from my vacation in September I had such a great time and was really pleased with my photos, I decided I really wanted to learn a lot more so I started to investigate different programs offered in photography and I decided on the ProProgram Course offered through Harry.  Two of my ultimate favourite courses included the Hockey Workshop with the Ottawa 67s and the Night Lights Workshop but one great events for me was assisting Harry with the “SPCA Photos with Santa” Fund Raising event in Chelsea.  I had an amazing day taking pictures of dogs, cat’s and a pig named Einstein.  It was an awesome experience.

I was having some major exposure issues and Harry came down to my office at lunch to help me overcome this problem.  After a ½ hour with Harry’s one on one attention I finally overcame my exposure problems.    Another great advantage of the course is having the current and past ProProgrammers to work with.  We often get together for photo excursions, trade advice and expertise.  It’s an amazing group of people.

Student Success - Barb McKenzie - wedding photography

It took me just over 1 year, 40 hours of work experience, 5 workshops and 1,000’s and 1,000’s of photos to officially become a ProProgram Graduate and I’m thrilled at where I have ended up. I look back at the first 15 photos that I gave Harry on our first meeting after joining the ProProgram and I am beyond thrilled at how far I’ve come.  I’ve started my own photography business bphotography.ca and have got to meet some super talented photographers.

Thanks Harry!  It’s been an awesome experience.”

Thanks Barb – we love seeing students succeed! Please visit Barb’s website and send her some cheers…