#806 Blog Review – Music Photography Show

We’ve been tweeting, posting and yelling about the Music Photo Exhibition at the photo studio this past weekend.

People kept coming to see the work from 8 fine photographers (see the show posting for bios and photos.) Our event ran at the same time as Italian Week festivities right out the studio door.

So, it was so busy and fun that I, erm, didn’t get around to taking any photos – oops. Thanks to one of the guests for the photo below.

The event brought a lot of attention – so much so that it looks like this will have to be an annual event – stay tuned for a call for artwork and details next winter/spring.

We plan to have some open doors in the next month or so to welcome people into the show.

Thanks to everybody for contributions!

music photo exhibit

guest photo - music photo exhibit

#805 Spring photography in review

The last months have been very fun and full at HarryNowell.com. A bit of a review:

Photography Classes and Safaris 

We had a full schedule this spring with standard courses like Creative Fundamentals + sheep shearing safari and some new sessions with new photo instructors like:

Louise Tanguay and Macro Photography (full and just started!)

Blair Gable and On-Location Lighting – the first workshop filled so quickly we had to offer a second session coming up in July

Our ProProgram students continue to grow and make me smile with their accomplishments!

Urban Compositions Photo Safari

Urban Compositions Photo Safari

Assignment Work

Recently, we’ve had some fun work  including stocks shoots with the government and private schools (photos coming soon), press and event coverage.

Event photography Ottawa

Event photography Ottawa

Artwork

• We hosted Elmwood School’s Art Class exhibition at the photo studio

Watershed was involved in a show at the Cube Gallery and the New Art Festival and some is now hanging at the studio

• We’re just hanging the Music Photo show at Ottawa Studio Works for Saturday’s one night exhibit – six photographers (maybe seven) showing their favourite top acts

Watershed Art Exhibit

Watershed Art Exhibit

Memberships

We launched our online photo membership program this month offering tips, challenges, and critique to some lucky people. Anyone can access learning from their internet connected computer.

It’s been a very fun spring. We’re smiling for the summer fun coming our way!

 

#804 Guest Blog Post from a Photography Class Graduate

A couple of years ago I was lucky to meet Kevin Foisy. His passion for photography had been ignited and he came to us to add fuel to his photo passion.

Kevin took many photography classes based out of our Ottawa studio and eventually graduated from our ProProgram. He progressed well and now works with film photography, high end printing and explores different aspects of photography. He’s come a long way!

Below is Kevin’s photo and description of contemplative photography or Miksang.

Kevin Foisy - photography class graduate

Kevin Foisy - photography class graduate

When I first started my journey into photography, I often struggled with finding interesting subject matter to photograph.  I would look at other people’s work and become inspired, but in my world the opportunities just weren’t there; at least that’s what it seemed.  

The reality is quite different.  There are countless beautiful and interesting photo opportunities all around us; hundreds pass us by each day.  The issue isn’t a lack of opportunities, the issue is that we don’t see them.  With time and practice, we start to see more and more of them, appearing to us out of thin air.  

Our eye becomes tuned to colour, light, texture and form and through this, a magical world presents itself, ripe for capture.  Things that we walk right past each day, begin to stand out.  Whether we’re waiting in a restaurant, walking through a shopping mall, or home preparing a meal, it’s all around us.  

This is the practice of contemplative photography; the art of seeing.  We allow the image to present itself rather than hunting for it. It takes time and practice, but the experience is rewarding.  I carry my camera with me almost everywhere I go so that when something appears, I’m ready to capture it.

This image was captured last night in an Asian restaurant.  A simple picture of nothing, yet an intriguing image.

#803 Photo Blog Reminder! Upcoming Music Exhibition – Saturday, June 16th


Jean Labelle - Music photo exhibition

Jean Labelle - Music photo exhibition - Blackie

Visit us this Saturday as we have some of Ottawa’s finest working photographers presenting their best music photography.

Read photo bios and see more photos.

Join us!:

Saturday, June 16th; 7pm onwards

OttawaStudioWorks.com; 160 Preston St., Ottawa

Music Show Biran Goldschmeid

Ottawa Music Photography Show ©Brian Goldschmeid - Arkells

#802 Ottawa Rowing Club Photo Feature in Ottawa Magazine

Ottawa Magazine Rowing feature

Ottawa Magazine Rowing feature

Last summer I spent a lot of time at the Ottawa Rowing Club shooting for Ottawa Magazine.

I was a member at the club in 1986 and also rowed at University. My dad rowed for England in the 60s – so the article allowed me to rediscover rowing.

I was joined by Ottawa author Jamieson Findlay to investigate different aspects and people who use the club. Jamie and I also worked on an outdoor hockey article “Discovering Pure Joy on Five Outdoor Rinks.

Last weekend the issue hit the news stands and I smiled as I saw the finished product of our creative work. I’ll be doing a slide show at the club later in June.

Pick up the issue to see the photos, read the article and discover rowing:

Ottawa Magazine

Look for Ottawa Magazine - cover by Photolux/C Lalonde

#801 Photo Memberships @ HarryNowell.com

Our new online photo adventure – an online photo program – launches on Thursday.

We shot the first video for members – includes intro and the first month’s challenge – as possible we will be filming the videos in fun locations – the first video is shot along the Watershed route – it was a trek getting in. We were actually in the creek for the filming of the first session – it’s what was needed to get the shot!

The program helps photographers at all levels:

• overcome photo frustrations

• discover new creative outlets

• see other photographer’s interpretations

• get a chance to feature their photos on our blog

Details:

Intro Memberships run for the summer as we launch a bigger program in the fall.

Cost is $25/month for the summer $75 in total for June July August plus taxes.

Members receive emails, videos, critique, tutorials and photo encouragement all summer.

Join the fun by registering at the bottom of the memberships page.

online photography course

Online photo program

#800 Watershed Exhibition – New Art Festival

On the weekend we offered our largest showing of Watershed to date. We had a booth at the New Art Festival – many people braved the rain over the weekend to see Watershed and the work of many fine artists.

Thanks to everyone for visiting us – we will be showing Watershed (and the medium, large and panoramic formats that captured the work) at venues later this year. Stay tuned!

And stay tuned for the Music Photography Exhibition featuring six fine photographers at Ottawa Studio Works on June 16th.

Thanks to all that helped and Dave Andrews for the photo below!

Watershed Photo Art Exhibition at the New Art Festival - Ottawa

Watershed Photo Art Exhibition at the New Art Festival - Ottawa © DaveAndrews.ca

#799 Exposed! Newsletter – Camera Confidence – Replacing Daniel Alfredson

This past hockey season I was asked to replace Daniel Alfredsson (NHL hockey superstar) in a hockey game.

Sound absurd? Not when you’re under stress.

I’ve seen some stressful situations while working – erm, car engine catching fire on the way to an assignment?!

In this month’s Exposed! photo newsletter we discuss camera confidence, performance anxiety and performing under stress.

 Read the article

What’re your best adverse work related stories? Yes, we’d like to hear!

work related stress

Camera Confidence - working under pressure

#798 Membership Questions

We launched our new adventure – Photo Memberships at HarryNowell.com. We answered some good questions!

Here is a summary:

• “How does the online membership works”

The summer introductory membership session offers regular photo learning content by email and web to help people develop their photo skills online. How? You can access the regular videos, notes, critique, etc at your pace anywhere you have an internet connection.
The best way to improve at photography is to practise regularly!
With constant new challenges, encouragement, critique and support from myself and other members online you’ll be encouraged to try new things that will help your photo skills grow.
Online photography class

Online photography course

• “What will I learn in the introductory three months at $75.00 (which is great).”

Different people will learn different things – unlike a course, membership learning is ongoing and organic – each member’s experience will be unique.

We do not have a set agenda for memberships (stay tuned for courses) but will be urging people to learn new techniques, test their limits, be inspired by others and have the opportunity to make mistakes to create better photos in the long run!

In the intro memberships we will be sending out emails with videos, notes, photos, etc. that you can watch any time. Generally we will be sending:
1. an introductory email to set up the month’s theme
2. the month’s challenge with tips, ideas to try (+ encouragement)
3. follow-up, with requests for photos to share with the online group
4. critique
Memberships are ongoing with new challenges and content every month.

• “What happens  after the intro summer memberships?  Will they also be $25 per month?”

There are two other phases to our online sessions:
Stage 2 Full Online Membership
Fall
We will be refining the memberships program with newer and more streamlined software offering a better experience for members.
We will offer a different cost structure – by the month or year. The $25 per month rate is the introductory rate!
Stage 3 Online Courses
Fall
We will be offering some of our traditional courses via the internet. Courses are finite – ie an 8 week session.
Online photography memberships

Online photo membership

• “What if I miss a week of the membership?”

No problem! For the memberships you participate as you can. You can pick up wherever you like

• “I am a beginner/advanced photographer. Is the membership right for me?”

Memberships challenge people at whatever level they are! We will be encouraging people to try new things and to do things differently! People grow at their own speed and will learn different elements based on their experiences!

Join us for the summer introductory memberships! It’s only $75 for the summer (plus tax).

#797 Music Show Brewing at the Photo Studio

We are pulling everything together for the “Welcome the Ottawa Music Festivals Show of Music Photography.

That’s a mouthful.

We have rounded up some of Ottawa’s finest and most celebrated working photographers to show off some of their finest music work at Ottawa Studio Works in central Ottawa.

Dave Navarro (Jane's Addiction)

Dave Navarro (Jane's Addiction) - © Sandy Sharkey

Details:

Saturday, June 16th; 7pm onwards

OttawaStudioWorks.com; 160 Preston St., Ottawa

Music Show - Freestyle Photography

Music Show - © Freestyle Photography

Who’s presenting work?

It looks like the list will include:

André Ringuette / Freestyle Photography – is the owner and Chief Photographer of Freestyle Photography; Official photographers of the Ottawa Senators and Scotiabank Place. As SBP photographer, he has photographed every band who has ever played in this venue since it was first opened in 1996.

Brian Goldschmeid – has been shooting for 20 years. Music is one of his favourite things to shoot. He has shot for Avril, Nettwerk records, EMI, Sony, The Ottawa Citizen, Bluesfest, Jazzfest, Folkfest, Winnipeg Folk Festival, Westfest, Molson, CBC and has had photos in many publications. He was also the Barrymores in house photographer for 5 years.

Music Show - © Brian Goldschmeid

Music Show - © Brian Goldschmeid

Harry Nowell – is owner and photographer at OttawaStudioWorks – covered Bluesfest, Jazzfest for over ten years. Has a wide base of clients including Canadian Geographic, CBC, numerous government agencies, magazines and private clients. His stock work sells world wide and he has been teaching photo workshops and safaris for 12 years.

Hearts And Mines

Hearts And Mines - © Scott Martin

Sandy Sharkey can be heard weekday mornings on the ‘Cub and Company’ radio show on 939 BOB FM.  Her passion for music and animals has found a whole new outlet, behind the lens of a camera – with thanks to the amazing Michelle Valberg for starting it all, and instructor Harry Nowell for not laughing at my thousands of questions!

Scott Martin / SpotLight Ottawa –  I have been photographing live music at every opportunity. I have spent the last few years photographing the Big Money Shot competition in Ottawa, documenting some of the great up and coming bands our city has to offer for Spotlightottawa.com.

Steve Gerecke – Ottawa Citizen Freelance Photographer and shooter of many music festivals.

Jean Labelle – is a freelance photographer who has photographed music festivals for Front Page Media.

Kathy Roussel – shoots music, weddings and portraits.

Blind Boys of Alabama

Blind Boys of Alabama - © HarryNowell.com

Join us!:

Saturday, June 16th; 7pm onwards

OttawaStudioWorks.com; 160 Preston St., Ottawa