#818 Urban Compositions Safari and Online Photo Program

Saturday we launch into the Urban Compositions Photo Safari.

Today I did some last minute scouting. Each time we run this the route changes as the city changes. We are taking the group to some special sites within the city – asian pagoda, hilltop panoramic cityscapes, tunnels and a hidden stretch of downtown whitewater. We’ll be playing with light – natural and artificial and expanding horizons!

Urban compositions photo safari

Urban compositions photo safari

Today we also sent out the latest web based class to our online photo program members. Last month was all about self portraits. This month they are exploring geometry in their favourite subjects. Curious? Join the fun.

online photography course

online photography program - © CKreiss self portrait

Stay tuned…

#809 Photo Newsletter – reader’s local photo.

Last week we sent out our monthly newsletter about  photo adventures close to home. You DON’T need to go to exotic places to get amazing results:
Photo Adventures Close to Home
We asked people to send in photos close to their home and we’re happy to feature Christel’s macro photo submission, below.

Why Christel’s photo? It’s simple, clean and strong. AND it was shot close to home!

Congratulations Christel!

newsletter reader's photo

reader's photo challenge - © Christel P

#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.

#750 Hockey Photography Workshop results

We wrapped up the Pro Hockey Photography Workshop earlier this month.

As usual, the Ottawa 67s game flew by for participants. And there were big smiles.

We have been asked for a second session of this workshop – we are offering a second, condensed, session for up to four lucky people on February 26th, 2011. Details…

A big thanks to the Ottawa 67s for working with us! 

 

Ottawa 67s hockey photography

Ottawa 67s hockey

See results of  the workshop below!

Ottawa hockey photography workshop

Ottawa hockey photography workshop - Marc LaFleur

Ottawa hockey photography workshop

Ottawa hockey photography workshop

Ottawa hockey photography workshop - Barb M

Ottawa hockey photography workshop - Barb M

Ottawa hockey photography workshop - Barb McKenzie

Ottawa hockey photography workshop - Barb McKenzie

Ottawa hockey photography workshop

Ottawa hockey photography workshop

Ottawa hockey photography workshop

Ottawa hockey photography workshop

Ottawa hockey photography workshop

Ottawa hockey photography workshop

Ottawa hockey photography workshop - Marc LaFleur

Ottawa hockey photography workshop - Marc LaFleur

#749 ProProgram Success – Weddings +

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 - Family Portraits

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 - portraits

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

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…

#743 Creative Fundamentals Photo Workshop – Student’s Successes

This week we finished our longest running and most popular course – Creative Fundamentals.

Ottawa Photo Workshop

Ottawa Photo Workshop

It’s popular because we take complicated ideas of f-stops, shutter speeds, iso and their inter-relationship and break them down into understandable concepts. Light bulbs go off and people smile.

Ottawa Photo Class - Willa

Ottawa Photo Class - Willa

Students worked hard through the exercises – I love to see the different ways people interpret the same visual content.

Ottawa Photo Course - Laurie

Ottawa Photo Course - Laurie

Results are shown in the photos of this blog – we held the critique at our photo studio – Ottawa Studio Works.

Ottawa photo class - George

Ottawa Photo Class - George

The next session of Creative Fundamentals is coming up April 25th, 28th, May 2nd.

Ottawa photography class - Adrienne

Ottawa photography class - self portrait - Adrienne

Student’s said:

I now know how to get my photos the way I want. It was fun!

Love the workshop!! Harry you are the best.” … Harry blushes.

Ottawa photo course - Christopher

Ottawa photo course - Christopher

Missed the last one? Don’t miss this one!

Contact us to reserve your spot with a $125 deposit and registration form.

 

#706 Guest Post – Ottawa Valley’s Kevin Foisy on our Photo Blog

Today we have a guest blogger – Kevin Foisy – who is exhibiting “Love Through the Lens” at our photo studio, Ottawa Studio Works, November 25th, 2011.

Kevin writes:

“Become a Better Photographer through Sharing.

We are taught as children to share with others but when it comes to our photos, we sometimes cringe at the thought of it.  A photograph is a reflection of the photographer; by sharing, we expose a part of ourselves that might be a bit uncomfortable.  

“What if they think it’s terrible?”“My work isn’t good enough,” “Other people’s work is so much better.”

These and many other thoughts go through our minds before we take the plunge to start sharing our work on a regular basis.

I can remember when I first started sharing.  I would email a picture out to a few friends here and there.  To my surprise, they were quite kind and offered valuable feedback.  I started to see my work through other people’s eyes, learning that everyone has their own perspective, likes and tastes.  Other people see my work differently than I do and are generally very kind.

With time, I was encouraged to broaden my list of friends and so I scoured through my address book and invited many others.  The more people that I added, the better, fuller, richer the experience became.  It’s one of the things that I really love about photography … the sharing and the feedback. 

Kevin Foisy - recent photo work on the blog

Kevin Foisy - recent photo work

Most of us have stared up in awe at the sprinkled field of twinkling stars that lights a moonless night. In this image, I wanted to capture the sense of spirituality of man and the universe around us, and the idea of these being one, as is claimed by Noetic scientists. The image is titled, “Man and the Universe.” 

“So, how exactly does it make you a better photographer?”

The process of sharing invokes more thinking around the photos you’re sharing.  It encourages you to tell a story about the photo.

Why did I take it?  What does it mean to me?  What do I see in it?

When you share, you are forced to think about these things and that practice makes you better.  Soon, you are thinking about these things before you take the photo instead of after and that leads you to being a better photographer.

As your list grows, you become very aware that what you send out is representative of your work.  Soon, you find yourself striving for better and better images.  You critique your own work with greater detail when you know that many people will view it.  Things that would have passed before, will not pass now … but that’s ok because you’ll find yourself producing better and better images.

There is another bonus!  Your fans will be there when you are ready to step to the next level with shows and print sales.  You now have a following of people that know your work and are excited to see it presented, displayed and celebrated – please visit my upcoming show and print sale at Ottawa Studio Works!

“When my work is good enough, I’ll start sharing it.”  

I have friend that is a pro photographer; he’s been published in many magazines and has been shooting most of his life.  He recently said, “Nobody will want to buy my work.”

You will never feel that your work is good enough!  It doesn’t matter what level you are at.  We always look up at the work of others and feel that our work is less and hence, “Not good enough.”  It’s only through sharing that you will start to realize that your work is good enough.

Kevin Foisy - recent photo work on the blog

Kevin Foisy - recent photo work

The fall colours are warm and vibrant but none that I have seen match the incredible vibrant reds of the burning bush.  While most leaves have settle to the ground, this bush stands out as though it is on fire.  Today, it was further saturated by rain droplets that settled on these fiery leaves.

“So, where do I start?”

There are several ways to start.  The first and easiest is to start with an email list.  Create a group in your email program and add your friends to the list.  It’s a good idea to ask permission first because not everyone wants to receive pictures. 

As you become more confident, grow your list by adding more friends and colleagues.  Ask your friends if they have friends that would like to be on the list.  Before you know it, your list starts getting pretty large.  When the list grows large enough, you could consider using a hosted service like Google Groups, or Yahoo Groups.  I recently switched to GroupSpaces which allows people to sign up to join my list and to also unsubscribe.  This allows the list to “grow in the wild” so to speak.

Facebook is a great way to share your work too.  I have a friend that is an amazing sculptor.  He shares pictures of his work on Facebook and I love seeing what he’s working on.  Your friends will feel the same way about your photos.

Use a blog.  It’s free and it’s simple to setup with with Blogger or WordPress.  These offer a great way to share and to keep a history of your work.  I post my blogs to my website and to blogger.

Kevin Foisy - recent photo work

Kevin Foisy - recent photo work

After a late evening of printing and preparing works for the show later this month, I rose before the sun and headed out to capture the world as the sun rises.  A very cold night resulted in fabulous frost formations.  An hour later, my toes were frozen and fingers numb, but I had captured an exciting sequence of shots. In this shot, long crystals of ice cling to these tiny twigs.  To the passerby, this is a mere coating of frost.  To the close observer, these micro crystals form shapes that resemble a spruce tree.

“But I already share my photos on Flickr.”  

Flickr, Picasa, SmugMug and others offer great places to setup galleries where you can share your work.  Though these are good, my preference is still the ‘photo a week’ type publication where you’re actively reaching out to people.  Having a gallery is great but it doesn’t develop your skills in the same way that a reach-out type activity does.

Now go take your favourite photo from the past week and share it!  Good luck and I hope to see your photos!

________

Thanks Kevin!

Join Kevin’s photo of the week email list.

Visit Kevin’s upcoming exhibition November 25th at Ottawa Studio Works – 160 Preston St, Ottawa!

#705 Student Success! ProProgram photo graduate

Trumpets blare.

Smiles stretch.

We have another graduate from our ProProgram and we would like to celebrate Lou Truss‘ successes on our photo blog.

Lou entered the program with basic skills and aspirations to work as a photographer. Her photos have blossomed and her confidence has bloomed.

Lou Truss - Photo Course graduate!

Lou Truss - Photo Course graduate!

I love seeing the difference in student’s work from beginning of the program to the end. And Lou worked hard through many photo classes and workshops.

See her photos throughout this blog post. Visit her website. Cheer her successes!

Lou says:

 Yay, I have finally completed the Pro Programme which took a little longer than planned!  I guess that’s what makes the Pro Programme so special as it caters for your needs. 

For me, It fitted perfectly around a young child and a husband that travels alot with work.  

The last two years has been an amazing journey.  It has allowed me to do what I love most… take pictures with confidence as well as the knowledge I have picked up on the Pro Programme.  

It’s been an incredible journey – I’ve met some amazingly talented people on the way. 

Lou Truss - Ottawa Photo Course graduate!

Lou Truss - Ottawa Photo Course graduate!

Thank you Harry for opening my eyes and giving me the confidence to follow my dreams.

Thank YOU Lou. We are cheering for you. Please blow your trumpets to congratulate Lou’s successes!

Stay tuned for Lou’s photo exhibition at Ottawa Studio Works in September 2012.

Lou Truss - Ottawa Photo Course graduate!

Lou Truss - Ottawa Photo Course graduate!

#699 Night Light Photo Workshop Review – ghosts and all

Recently we ran our annual Night Light Photo Course in central Ottawa. It’s one of the most fun workshops we offer. This year we were blessed with wet weather that pumped up the reflections and vibrant KAPOW of the photos. We stayed mostly dry shooting from sheltered locations.

This workshop draws some of our biggest smiles – Student photo worlds open wide with new techniques and vibrant lights offered at night.

The course is designed to teach new photo techniques at night and I must say, this the most fun I’ve ever had in a photo workshop.” BM

Learned lots as usual. Your transparent approach and effective teaching methods keep bringing me back for more!” SR

I REALLY REALLY had a wonderful time.” PR

See some student photo below. See some more student work at Barb’s site. She saw ghosts.

Stay tuned for Night Light next year. Can’t wait? We teach this course, anytime, as a Custom Course!

Ottawa Night Light Photo Class

© Barb M - Ottawa Night Light Photo Class

Ottawa Night Light Photo Course

© Theresa H - Ottawa Night Light Photo Course

Ottawa Night Light Photography Class

© Sarah R - Ottawa Night Light Photography Class

 

 

#697 Student Success – new ProProgram graduate

A couple of years ago Sandra Finner contacted me about taking her photography to the next level with the idea of shooting weddings and portraits in Ottawa.

She joined the ProProgram and started working. Developing photo, networking and business skills suitable for photo work is a long process.And Sandra dove in head first.

After completing five of the program’s courses, ‘One-onOne’s’ and some shadowing Sandra is taking bookings for portraits and weddings. She’s smiling, too. She has every reason to be! In the two years since I have met Sandra her work has blossomed. I am proud of her.

What does Sandra say?

As a recent graduate from the Harry Nowell Pro Program I wanted to take time to congratulate you on offering such a well designed program that has helped advance my photography faster than it would have taken in a larger, more formal classroom.

student success! - Sandra Finner Wedding Photography

student success! - Sandra Finner Wedding Photography

 The people I’ve met and the contacts I’ve made while in the Pro Program have absolutely helped me be a better photographer. This program not only teaches technique but by mentoring each photographer on an individual basis with one-on-one sessions, you help us understand our strengths & weaknesses and focus on areas that need attention.

student success! - Sandra Finner Wedding Photography

student success! - Sandra Finner Wedding Photography

The variety of courses offered, whether it be shooting with and developing film, night, studio & natural light photography, understanding flash photography or learning unconventional shooting techniques [in the David Trattle’s course] have all helped me learn how to progress from a casual picture taker to doing professional work that my customers have been excited about.

Thanks Harry for being so generous with your time and knowledge and introducing me to the Ottawa photography community. I’ve thoroughly enjoyed all my time learning from you and I feel confident that my business will continue to move forward which was my goal.

student success! - Sandra Finner Wedding Photography

student success! - Sandra Finner Wedding Photography

I look forward to meeting the new students at the regular social events and following along with their successes as well.

Join us in cheering for Sandra!