#895 – Public Participants Chosen for Photo Contest

Posted on January 13, 2013 by admin

Last week we announced a project we have been working on since the fall last year.

In support of the Ottawa Food Bank we are raising money through a Media and Celebrity Photo Contest. We have many loved Ottawa personalities including the Ottawa Citizen’s Peter Simpson, CBC’s climatologist Ian Black, CTV’s News Anchor Graham Richardson, BobFM’s SandySharkey and many more.

Ottawa Food Bank

Two Spots to the Public
We offered two spots in the main contest to the public and invited people to submit a short response as to why they should be in the contest.

The response by email and blog comment was, erm, excellent and we had a tough time choosing the two participants. But in the end we chose two very fun people:

The New Contestants!
Allison Burnett – Professor of a digital marketing course (“Marketing: New Tools & Approaches“) at Carleton University. Allison was excited about the contest as well as including her students as an exercise to help their skills (and help the Food Bank.) Wow!
Danielle Donders – Social media program manager for a big Canadian government department and blogger, mother, photo fan. She loves photography and also talked about the opportunity to help the food bank.

Your response was great! It was a tough choice to select the two spots available.

Why did these two people win the lucky spots? They were both interested in the photo side but both were interested in helping people – the Food Bank and students. Also, they both have the ability to spread the word wide and bring more support to the Food Bank.

Now, because we had such good response, we’d like to add an online-only part of the contest. This will be open to the public.

How to Participate in the Online Contest
People may join us for the launch on January 20th to hear the photo tutorial. There are photo tutorial packages and technical guidelines for the 15 participants of the Media and Celebrity portion of the contest.

We will also be giving out Top Photo Tips to anyone interested (while they last) in the online public contest. People may submit photos to the online contest from January 20th to February 16th. “How to Participate” details will be released at the launch and online January 20th onwards.

The Launch
Sunday, January 20th, 2013; 10-11:30am
Patrick Gordon Framing
160 Elm Street, Ottawa, Ontario – enter off City Centre Ave.

Congratulations to Allison and Danielle!!

#894 Pro Photo Program – Student Success

Posted on January 10, 2013 by admin

Yep, we’ve got another graduate from the ProProgram that we’re cheering!!

I first met Morina Reece on our Natural Light Portraits photo class. She was keen to learn as much as possible about photography and people. She then joined the ProProgram which accelerated her learning – not only from a photo aspect but also from a post processing, business, and client aspect.

But enough from me. Hear what Morina has to say:

“The ProProgram has been a delightful, adventure!! Harry’s mantras of “get it as right as possible in the camera” and “do something different” has guided all my photography work and to some extent my personal and professional life!

The ProProgram offered me technical, creative, and business resources, advice, guidelines and encouragement. Most importantly, it provided me with a network of photographers (friends) who were and still are exceedingly generous with their time, guidance, and support. They cheer, motivate and provide me with much needed honest and critical critiques of all aspects of my photography business, not to say anything of the many fun times we have together!

"Do something different" - © Morina Reece

The ProProgram brought me from a fledgling amateur to a confident, competent photographer. Although I am graduating, the ProProgram will always be a part of my life, building and reinforcing my photography skills and passion for photography.

Thanks Harry and the gang!”

Thanks Morina! I am proud of you!!
Please join us in cheering for Morina’s work and success in photography.

#893 – Ottawa Celebrity and Media Photo Contest to support the Ottawa Food Bank!

Posted on January 8, 2013 by admin

We’re very excited!

This winter Ottawa media and celebrities hone their photo skills to participate in a photo contest and exhibition at Ottawa Studio Works with an auction of the artworks to support the Ottawa Food Bank.

There’s a chance for member(s) of the public to participate with the media and celebrities. Keep reading!

Ottawa Food Bank photo

How it works:

• Event Launch
Sunday, January 20th, 2013; 10-11:30am
Patrick Gordon Framing
160 Elm Street, Ottawa, Ontario – enter off City Centre Ave.

Everybody is welcome to the launch at Patrick Gordon Framing to:
1. Hear their photo challenge and logistics.
2. Pick up their top photo tips sheet.
3. Learn some photo tips in an on-the-spot photo tutorial to help participants produce the best shots possible.
4. Learn how anybody can enter an online version of the contest

“Why I love Ottawa/Gatineau!”
The 15 celebrity and media participants then have until Monday, January 28th to email us up to three photo entries depicting “Why I love Ottawa/Gatineau!” Their photos will be printed, displayed by our sponsors and auctioned at the final exhibition February 23rd at Ottawa Studio Works.

Enter the Public Contest!
To enter the contest. Visit and like this page:
https://www.facebook.com/OttGatLove
… And click on the camera to submit your photo or vote.

So, GET CLICKING!
Enter often.
Vote.
And tell your friends.

You have until February 16th to enter!!

Also, follow the fun on twitter using the contest’s hashtag – #OttGatLove

"Why I love Ottawa/Gatineau" Ottawa Media and Celebrity Photo Contest

• Final Exhibition and Silent Auction
Saturday, February 23rd, 2013; noon to 8:30pm
Ottawa Studio Works
160 Preston St. Ottawa.

Auction
Thanks to our sponsors, participant photos will exhibited at Ottawa Studio Works where they will be auctioned to the highest bidder with proceeds to aid the Ottawa Food Bank. Donations will also be gladly accepted.

People’s Choice Award
The public will have their chance to vote on their favourite photos.

Visit the studio for your chance to meet the media and celebrities throughout the day on Saturday, February 23rd.

Media and Celebrity Participants:
Sandy Sharkey (co-host, Cub and Company, 839 BOB FM)
Stuntman Stu (Majic 100 Radio Host)
Jim Watson (Ottawa Mayor)
David Chernushenko (Ottawa City Councillor)
Peter Simpson (Arts-editor-at-large for The Ottawa Citizen)
Graham Richardson (CTV News Anchor)
Alan Neal (Host of All In A Day, CBC Radio One)
Ian Black (Climatologist, CBC News Ottawa)
Sarah Brown (Ottawa Magazine Editor)
Jane Corbett (Ottawa Magazine Art Director)
Trevor Greenway (reporter – Low Down to Hull and Back News)
Andrea Tomkins (Blogger)
Peter Tilley (Executive Director – Ottawa Food Bank)

Ottawa Magazine

About our Sponsors:
• Artopix – Digital Printer and long time print service provider in Gatineau (Hull).

Artopix.ca

• Patrick Gordon Framing – Custom framing, repair and installation serving fine artists and art dealers.

PatrickGordonFraming.ca

• Dave Andrews – Fine Art Printer. David is humble but provides printing service to high end artists and clients. His prints hang in prestigious galleries across North America.

DaveAndrews.ca

• Ottawa Studio Works – Ottawa Photo Studio on Preston St. and the home of HarryNowell.com for photo exhibitions, portraits and photo classes.

Ottawa Photo Studio

About the Beneficiary of the Event – Ottawa Food Bank

“The Ottawa Food Bank was founded in the basement of the former police station on Waller Street in 1984. Originally intended to be temporary in nature, the Ottawa Food Bank has grown to become a staple food relief organization in the Region. Today, we support 140 emergency food programs that feed approximately 48,000 people per month – 37 per cent of whom are children.

Our mission: To collect and distribute food to Member Agencies serving people in need in the Ottawa area.

Our vision: That no one goes hungry in the Ottawa area.”

Ottawa Food Bank

Come and join the fun! Thanks to all that help to make this work!

#892 – New Ottawa Photo Class: Winter Landscapes!

Posted on January 6, 2013 by admin

You asked and we listened!

We’ve been developing the Winter Landscapes Photo Class for two years based on your requests.

This year we offer Winter Landscapes again to help you:
• take better photos.
• learn to shoot in comfort in winter’s weather!

Ottawa Winter Landscape Photo Workshop

The first session is spent in the classroom looking at:
1. shooting techniques
2. equipment
3. ways to stay warm
4. ideas for winter photo compositions

Two outdoor sessions allow you two chances to try new techniques and tweak systems and ideas with support in the field.

The final critique session allows you to see other participants successes and to learn from everyone’s challenges! The critique is often the most valuable learning tool!

Dates

February 26 – 6-9pm – classroom preparation
March 2 – 7:30-10:30am – shooting
March 3 – 2-5pm – shooting
March 5 – 6-9pm – classroom critique session

Location

Workshop is held in central Ottawa at Ottawa Studio Works and in locations surrounding Ottawa/Gatineau. Shooting locations are specifically selected to provide promising photographic potential at this time of year.

Cost

$350 + applicable taxes

Register or see more details!

Ottawa Winter Landscapes Photo Workshop

#891 Recent Photo Assignments

Posted on January 3, 2013 by admin

I’m a bit behind on posting recent photo assignments and events in Ottawa. Below is a selection from some recent work.

Executive Headshots
In December I prepared for a large portrait session of executive headshots and group shots for a repeat client – my faviurite kind! Smooth sailing – logistics and timing went well.

Executive Portrait - Ottawa

Family Event & Portraits
I photographed a small family gathering honouring a75th birthday milestone. It was a fun family and fun event. It was the type of assignment I love – my only instructions were to capture the spirit and capture of the event. I shot for an hour as dessert and presents were presented. They loved the work (and bought many albums.)

Family Portraits - Ottawa

Event Coverage
Another regular client asked me to cover a series of meetings and a social after. Again, my instructions were to capture the spirit of the events. Fun to shoot and the results made my client smile – which is not always easy to do!!

Event Photography Ottawa

#887 Many thanks to our photo clients and workshop students!

Posted on December 17, 2012 by admin

2012 will soon hand off to 2013.

We are working on a slower schedule for the next couple of weeks aand the photo blog is taking some time off. Ahhhh!

Christmas photo - HoHoHo

So, I’d like to say a few thank-yous and shout outs for the year.

Family
First, I’d like to thank family. At times I work whacky hours – evenings, weekends and sometimes late into the night to prepare files for clients. Thanks for the support.

Photo Students
Second, I’d like to send a shout-out to students of our photo workshops. It can be scary to pick up a camera and test yourself. I’ve seen many of you flourish and succeed in photography and life. You make me smile!

ProProgram and Online
Third, I’d like to thank our ProProgram students on Online Photo Class students – they have put a lot on the line to accelerate their photography. They’ve worked hard to pull together photo, people and business skills. I am cheering for you!

Photo Clients
Fourthly, I’d like to thank all of our clients – photo assignment clients, workshop clients, editorial clients and people that purchase our art work, photo cards, studio rentals, etc.

Every dollar you spend helps support our business and family.

Thank-YOU!

SPCA Santa and pet shoot 2012

This photo blog will be taking a break over the second half of December. Come back in January for three posts a week of photo news fun and tips.

If you need us over the holiday break we will be open for:
• Workshop registrations (you can also register online for many of our offerings on the specific workshop pages.)
• Last minute gifts – prints, gift certificates, workshops, greeting cards
• Work requests.
• Information.

Please contact us as you need. Between Christmas and New Year we will be on a slower response schedule.

HoHoHo!!

#886 Review – Photo Workshop in Victoria

Posted on December 14, 2012 by admin

Night Light Photo Workshop - Victoria © Jonathan Adams

It’s been almost a mont since I went to Victoria’s Luz Gallery to present our Night Light Photography Workshop – time to show off some of the work from the photo course.

I spent almost a week in Victoria to bring the Night Light Photography Class to people on the west coast.

Night Light Photo Workshop - Victoria © Andrew F

My hosts were wonderful supporting the workshop. Many thanks to Quinton, Diana, Molly and Brian for making the class run so smoothly.

Students discovered the magic light available to patient photographers at twilight. We saw ghosts, speeding lights, magnificent skies and urban artworks painted with light.

Night Light Photo Workshop - Victoria © Herb L

I met new friends and discovered an old one from many years ago.

Students work glowed with the magic of the lights – they should be proud! What do you think?

Anybody have any Christmas light photos they’d like to see on our blog? If you send them to us, we’ll put some up.

Night Light Photo Workshop - Victoria © Eveline B

#885 Online Photo Class update

Posted on December 11, 2012 by admin

We’ve launched into December’s online photo course. It’s a tough challenge this month because the parameters are so wide.

It’s a creative rather than technical challenge built around the festivities happening in December.

Online members are asked to interpret their festive fun…

… which is hard. Technical challenges are often easier because I can give recipes for silhouettes, motion, etc. Creative challenges tax a different part of the brain!

The online photo students are up to it, though. They’re good at testing new ideas and trying new things. And their photos show it!

online photo workshop - sIlhouette challenge - © Willa Mason

Other upcoming photo workshops to help you get better pictures are coming up if you like to learn in a live group setting in central Ottawa.

In January we offer the Glass Blowing Photo Safari – it’s a hot assignment in a cold month with enough to challenge beginner and pro!

Ottawa glass blowing photo safari!

Want to figure out the fundamentals? (Ahem… many, many people could use a refresher or intro to the building blocks of photography.) Creative Fundamentals is your ticket to advanced shooting.

Natural Light Portraits comes up in in January, also, with creative and technical tips for better people pictures and an intro to flash.

Are you missing hockey this season? Want an opportunity to shoot pro hockey on the ice the Senators use? Experience shooting a live pro event with our Shooting Pro Hockey Photo Course. Gets you close to the ice and sharpens your skills. A classic workshop.

March Break Photo Camp and Workshop

And we now have a March Break photo camp and program for 8-12 year olds. The week long day camp introduces pre-teens to the world of photography. They get to learn to shoot, admire art in a gallery and see the magic of a photo developing before their eyes in a darkroom!

This spring and summer we’re lucky to have Louise Tanguay back to teach Macro and other courses. Stay tuned for the fun!

#884 Dogs

Posted on December 9, 2012 by admin

I spent Sunday at the West Quebec SPCA.

SPCA pet photo with Santa

Dogs and cats woofed and purred for the camera and their humans donated over $1200 to support the ‘no-kill’ shelter. We raised more money through our Open House.

Thanks to one of our ProProgram students, Morina, who did some shooting as part of her program. She learned lots from the portrait session. Her photo workshops have started paying off!

And all the dogs and cats thank all of those who helped.

Thank-you!!

SPCA Pet photos with Santa