#547 This week: Canadian Geographic + Photos with Santa

Two especially fun events are coming up this week at HarryNowell.com:

Canadian Geographic asked me to assist in judging their Heritage Treasures of Parks Canada Photo Contest. Three of us spending the day choosing from a wide selection of amazing photos.

• We will be photographing dogs, cats and other pets with their humans and Santa this Saturday at the Aylmer SPCA starting at 11am. It’s a very fun and furry day of shooting. A couple of years ago we even had a hamster come to visit Santa! All money goes to help the shelter and wonderful dogs like Biscuit, our wonder dog, who came to us from the shelter.

dog photo

Biscuit - our wonderdog from the Aylmer SPCA

SPCA Santa dog photo

SPCA Santa & dog photo

#545 Assignment Spotlight

Recently, I provided headshots for an up and coming actor at OttawaStudioWorks.com and in the field. She’s a go getter and has had some initial success in her field.

Working with her was fun – she delivered what I needed to produce photos to make her shine. It’s nice when an assignment is so smooth!

We will likely not get the next post up until Sunday… Stay tuned – we’ll be back with an update and photos on our next blog post.

#544 Student Success

We have another graduate from our ProProgram – photo and related business courses based in Ottawa.

Hagen Hohn recently completed the year long program after finishing photo classes, shadowing placements with other photographers and a series of critique and goal setting sessions.

With Harry’s training and guidance, I’ve learned everything I need to know to start and grow a photography business: 2hphotography.ca.

I have launched the business specializing in high end and exotic cars and other passions such as gardening, in a more exclusive market niche.

This is a long journey and I plan on enjoying every step of the way. The ProProgram gave me the start, the rest is time, effort and practice.”

Congratulations Hagen!

Ottawa ProProgram Photo Course Graduate - Hagen Hohn

Ottawa ProProgram Photo Course Graduate - Hagen Hohn

Ottawa ProProgram photo course graduate - Hagen Hohn

Ottawa ProProgram Photo Course Graduate - Hagen Hohn

#543 Photo Course Reviews

Last week we presented Photography for Communications Professionals and the Creative Business Seminar. Both courses are regular classes in November and target specific photographers:

  • people working in communications looking to improve their photo skills and their resumés
  • creative people looking to start or improve their business skills

Students spoke:

Excellent! I’ve learned exactly what I wanted to achieve.” JC; PCP

Engaging and interesting. Practical and very useful information.” BC; PCP

Inspiring as usual – thanks!” JB; CBS

Brainstorming exercise gave me great ideas, thought stimulating.” MD; CBS

Thanks to all the participants and Alain Simard for his photo, below:

Creative Business Seminar - Ottawa

Creative Business Seminar - Ottawa

#542 He’s back…

We’ve just confirmed David Trattles will be back in May, 2011 to host his workshop – “Photojournalism and Social Documentary Photography.”

David Trattles

David Trattles

This is one of our most popular workshops.

Why? David is an amazing photographer who does things differently:

• “The course was great. Dave just further proved that there are no rules to photography. I was very intrigued by his shooting technique.

Everything I have ever read said avoid the ‘hail mary’ shot. Use the view finder and be very careful framing your image. Dave seems to have shot blind so  much that he a great sense of the picture he will capture knowing the angles of his camera.

He had me laughing all weekend. Too many great stories. It was well worth the time and I am glad I took it.

Photojournalism and Social Docementary Photography Course - Ottawa

Photojournalism and Social Docementary Photography Course - Ottawa

Dave has traveled the world shooting for varied clients and personal projects. He brings a wealth of expertise to Ottawa for the photo course. We are very lucky to have him teach through HarryNowell.com – this is a unique photo experience!

Interested in his workshop? Contact Harry@HarryNowell.com to reserve your spot.

#541 Photography for Communications Professionals

Wednesday we are teaching Photography for Communications Professionals. It’s a fun session that challenges people to shoot in challenging situations!! Events, portraits, press conferences with tricky lighting, unpredictable agendas are covered.

Missed this session? Don’t worry! We run this often as a Custom Photo Course for government departments looking to train staff to get better workplace imagery

Event Photography - Ottawa

Event Photography - Ottawa

#540 New Ottawa Photo Blog

In the last six months we have mentioned a development project we have been working on. Ottawa Studio Works is now in operation with its own site and photography blog.

Ottawa Studio Works Development

Ottawa Studio Works Development

The photography studio has been taking shape this fall after a summer of major renovations. We are using our new studio for:
• studio based shoots
• meeting clients
• teaching our workshops
• showcasing artwork
• we are also renting the studio to other photographers in Ottawa and to people wishing an on demand gallery space to promote their own work

The photo studio is a well lit space of 11’x24′ with excellent exposure from Little Italy’s Preston St in central Ottawa. The studio is supported by office spaces, bathroom, change room & kitchenette.

OttawaStudioWorks.com is maintaining its own text based blog to feature photo and arts events throughout Ottawa. Each Friday we feature “Friday’s Photographer Roundup” showcasing different photographer’s work.

We will be officially launching the space in the new year with an Open House. Stay tuned and let us know if you would like to receive an invitation to the grand opening!

new photo studio - OttawaStudioWorks.com

new photo studio - OttawaStudioWorks.com


#539 Night Light Photo Course – review

We finished the Night Light Photo Workshop last week. I smiled when I saw the results.

We had two nights of shooting and encountered fire-breathing dragons, wild night magic and ghosts. Very, very fun. See some student’s work, below. Thanks to France, Al & Alain for sharing!

What participants said:

  • “Harry provides real time feedback and guidance making course time more useful and yields better learning experience.”
  • “This is the workshop that gave me the best results – photos I am very proud of. It also taught me about new and fun techniques.”
  • “Worth all the time and cost.”

The workshop was full. But we are teaching Night Light Custom Course to a father daughter photo team this weekend – always a possibility for all the courses we teach.

Night Light Photo Workshop

Night Light Photo Workshop

Night Light Photo Workshop

Night Light Photo Workshop

Night Light Photo Workshop

Night Light Photo Workshop

#538 Arts resources

We have two arts resources for you this week.

• The first is a THANK-YOU to one of our web sponsors DaveAndrews.ca. He is a master printer with many high profile clients. Dave’s prints hang in galleries across North America. Need the finest prints possible? Visit DaveAndrews.ca.

He is working on some very large, film based prints for us right now.

DaveAndrews.ca Ottawa printer

DaveAndrews.ca Ottawa printer

• Second resource is a reminder of Artpreneur put on by the Entrepreneurship Centre this Thursday. I will be facilitating a panel discussion – I just spoke to the organizers and there are only a few spots left. The event is billed as:

for artists of all mediums and skill levels, from professionals to weekend crafters, to learn the business of art from the experts themselves. Attendees will have the chance to ask questions to expert panel members on a variety of topics including; grants and financing, arts associations, and general business information. They will also hear the Top 10 Social Media tips from DNA 11’s Adrian Salamunovic … A great list of keynotes, networking opportunities and round table talks.