#717 January Composition Photo Safari Announced

Posted on December 6, 2011 by admin

We’ve been asked for this so here it is…

In January we are leading a safari to the wilds of architectural delight. Come with your cameras to observe and investigate visual design in different ways.

composition photo safari Otatwa

Join us for the indoor Composition Photo Safari:

• Play with lines and light.

• Get lost in nuances of stone, wood and subtle light.

• Bring an old friend or meet a new friend.

• Challenge old photo patterns and shed new light on your photos.

Composition Photo Safari - Ottawa

Details:

January 22, 2012; 1-3pm

Indoor (warm!) central Ottawa/Gatineau location

$75 + taxes.

#715 ProProgram Social

Posted on December 2, 2011 by admin

Tonight members of the ProProgram met for dinner at Pub Italia (yum) followed by a show and tell session at our studio – OttawaStudioWorks.com. The ProProgram are a group of people jumpstarting their photography. Many are looking to start a photo business part time or full time. Others want to take their photography on a steep learning curve.

The Programmers take photo courses, meet for critique/development sessions, and are required to do some shadowing with established photographers. The program also provides a network for the photographers to grow.

The studio was a little upside down as we put the final touches on our photo studio’s Open House on Saturday.

Overall the evening went well. Programmer’s exchanged ideas, shared photos, traded contacts and offered advice to the rest of the group.

Smiles all around…

Some will be exhibiting their hard work at our Open House. Come to cheer their successes Saturday December 3rd at 7pm – OttawaStudioWorks.com – 160 Preston St!

ProProgram photography course

#707 Our photo blog went on vacation

Posted on November 13, 2011 by admin

Sooo, we just got back from Toronto on a mini vacation – few days of leisure to charge the batteries.

What did we do?

There was some professional development and a few photo worthy items for the photo blog:

• iPad at the ROM

We visited the Royal Ontario Museum where we saw medieval armour, many animals and David Hockney’s iPad/iPhone exhibition that is pushing the art medium forward. The most interesting part of his exhibition for me was to see what people are doing with new technologies.

• Centre Island Visit

We met an old friend for lunch and he suggested going to Centre Island for a walk and coffee. I haven’t been there since maybe 1978 and wasn’t sure what to expect. It was perfect fall weather and as day turned to dusk the whole of Toronto started to light up like our annual fall Night Light Photo Workshop. It was stunning. I’d show you the photos except I didn’t take any (I was with family and friends and had no camera)! I LOVED the spectacle and would love to go back with the sole purpose to shoot.

• Toronto Skyline

I visited the roof top deck of our hotel and saw potential for a stunning series of shots similar to the the variations photo in a recent Exposed! photo newsletter – but, sigh, I didn’t even bring a tripod.

Although I’d love to have shot the spectacle (and found a market for the work) sometimes recognizing the potential and the desire to shoot is a good reminder that I still love what I do. That’s a good sign!

• Baby

I DID bring some basic equipment and took some photos of a very fine subject – our young son and his super mom. We both took some photos while in our hotel. Below is my favourite of the set – photographed by my wife at EXACTLY the right moment.

Harry gets punched on his nose!

We’re back in the office in Ottawa on Monday – with charged batteries.

#705 Student Success! ProProgram photo graduate

Posted on November 9, 2011 by admin

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!

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!

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!

#699 Night Light Photo Workshop Review – ghosts and all

Posted on October 25, 2011 by admin

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!

#698 Fire & Steel Photo Safari – Photograph a Blacksmith

Posted on October 23, 2011 by admin

Last week we confirmed a new safari – the Blacksmith Photo Safari – just west of Ottawa. Test your photo skills to capture the heat, sparks and action of a veteran traditional blacksmith at work.

Blacksmith Photo Safari in the Ottawa Valley

Meet new friends. Learn some photo tips!

We spend two hours with your camera in the working blacksmith shop.

Blacksmith Photo Safari in the Ottawa Valley

What to expect:

This very small group will get access to the blacksmith’s shop to photograph the beauty of fire and sparks. The emphasis is on fun, friends and photographic challenges!

: Blacksmith Photo Safari in the Ottawa Valley

Date: Saturday, November 26, 2011; 1-3pm.

Location: We meet in Carleton Place, 30 minutes from central Ottawa. Car pooling is encouraged!

Cost: $75 + taxes for small sized photo safari.

See more details… Contact us to register!

Blacksmith Photo Safari in the Ottawa Valley

#697 Student Success – new ProProgram graduate

Posted on October 21, 2011 by admin

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

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

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

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!

#696 Photo studio open house – Ottawa Studio Works

Posted on October 18, 2011 by admin

Yep, it’s coming up – we are flinging open our doors to welcome you into our Ottawa studio to celebrate the season, Christmas and other festive holidays, snow, dogs, family, photography or whatever else needs celebrating.

Details:

Ottawa Studio Works

160 Preston St, Ottawa

7pm onwards; Saturday, December 3rd, 2011.

Ottawa Studio Works - photo open house

Join us Saturday, December 3rd form 7pm onwards at Ottawa Studio Works, 160 Preson St, central Ottawa for some fun.

Fun? What kind of fun?

• DJ Ron LaVoie spins some festive tunes

• be seen hob-nobbing with Ottawa’s super cool photo community

• new photo work to ponder

• a chance to buy gifts – workshops, prints, greeting cards, critique sessions, DIY portrait sessions, regular portrait sessions – for friends and family. Remember to buy locally and support your community.

Refreshments will be served.

Fun will be had.

Donations gladly accepted -erm, urged- to support the dogs and, yes, ALL animals including the cats at the Aylmer SPCA. Please bring food or $.

A new project to be exhibited in 2012 will be unveiled at the open house.

Ottawa Studio Works

160 Preston St, Ottawa

7pm onwards; Saturday, December 3rd, 2011.

RSVP appreciated.

Ottawa Studio Works - open house - do it for the dogs

#695 Shoots… and SCORES!!! Ottawa hockey photography workshop

Posted on October 16, 2011 by admin

We’re very happy to announce we’re offering our Pro Hockey Photo Workshop with the Ottawa 67s in 2012 – our fifth year running this fantastic event.

Ottawa 67s hockey

Hockey/photo fans love getting close to the action to photograph the next NHL superstars as the Ottawa 67s take on the Kingston Frontenacs.

Get close to the action with 'Photographing Pro Hockey' - Ottawa photo class

We have arranged privileged access to allow participants of this workshop to shoot from ice level with mainstream media photographers.

We meet a week before the game to cover elements of shooting fast paced indoor hockey including equipment, techniques, and logistics.

Photographing Pro Hockey - Ottawa Photography Class

Photographing Pro Hockey - Ottawa Photo Class

On game day we walk you through shooting to achieve the best results and gain experience shooting fast paced indoor sports.

And finally we meet a third time to review, critique your successes and suggest improvements for future games.

See last year’s workshop.

And 2010’s workshop.

Valerie, one of our first graduates of this course now runs the Ottawa 67s fan blog and has produced two books on the Ottawa 67s.

Photographing Pro Hockey - Ottawa Photo Course

Join us for this chance of a lifetime:

January 28th: hockey prep, 10am-1pm

February 4th: Game Day, noon-6pm (approximately)

February 8th: Review & Critique, 6-9pm

Locations: Ottawa Studio Works and the J Benson Cartage Centre at Lansdowne Park.

Cost – $325 + taxes.

Join us for Photographing Pro Hockey!

#693 Upcoming Photo Classes in Ottawa and Gatineau

Posted on October 11, 2011 by admin

We’ve been updating our workshops and classes. Here’s a selection of what’s brewing:

See all of our upcoming workshops and events.

Night Light – is coming up fast – this weekend. Looks like one (maybe two) spots left.

Night Light Photo Class - Ottawa

Creative Business Seminar – for anyone curious about turning photo into a business. We delve into the kinds of things you won’t find in textbooks. First weekend in November.

Photography for Communications Professionals – Better workplace imagery, this workshop is geared for government and corporate communications departments.

Lightroom Seminar – get your heads wrapped around this industry standard editing software from Adobe. Run by veteran photographer and Lightroom expert, J David Andrews. November 19th.

Creative Fundamentals – our most popular workshop. Everyone can benefit from the fundamentals. January, 2012.

Natural Light Portraits – also very popular. Better people pictures. January, 2012.

To be announced very soon – Photographing Pro Hockey – Jan 28, Feb 4, Feb 8th. We get access to an Ottawa 67s game to shoot alongside media at ice level. Very fun!

Get close to the action - "Photographing pro hockey" photo course - Ottawa

See more workshops, safaris and events.