PROFESSIONAL PHOTOGRAPHERS OF CANADA
PPOC Online Community!
We’ve launched a private, mobile-friendly space just for PPOC members, no noisy social feeds, just real connection.
Chair’s Message to Members
Cheri Kellington MPA A Life Framed in Light and Connection
David McCammon MPA SPA
Canadian Imaging 2026
Ho
Find
J Childs
What’s hanging on your wall?
Alph Leydon MPA
What to read next? Try this.
PPOC Book Review
Jarron Childs MPA
Image by Frank Fenn
Chair’s Message to Members
I am very excited that Canadian Imaging 2026 will be held in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan. SK is my home province and I am eager to welcome you to the “Land of the Living Skies” Saskatoon is well known for its bridges, thriving arts and food scenes and friendly people Not only will you be surrounded by your photography community and inspired by amazing speakers, there will be plenty of opportunities to experience
Indigenous Culture, see the prairie landscapes, celebrate accomplishments and enjoy a fun night hosted by the Prairie
Region.
Conferences don’t organize themselves and I continue to be blown away by the commitment of Mike and his team. This group of hard -working members has, yet again, pulled together to ensure your experience will be second to none.
This issue is an opportunity to introduce you to the incredible talent that awaits your attendance at Canadian Imaging 2026. I look forward to seeing you there!
Gallerie Is published 3 times annually:
Winter
Spring
Autumn
Gallerie is a premier magazine for
professional photographers across
Canada Each issue features awardwinning images editorial information, technical and featured articles, advertising and members services. All photographers are welcome to view the digital version on our website
Cheri Kellington, MPA
Chair
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On our cover: David McCammon MPA
A Life Framed in Light and Connection
David's lens, a world untold,
A quiet man with eyes so bold.
Through his viewfinder, life’s array,
He captures moments, here to stay.
The light that dances on the street,
The shadowed corners where they
meet,
He freezes time with a steady hand,
Each picture more than just a strand.
His camera whispers, “Look and see, ”
The beauty in simplicity.
A laugh, a tear, a fleeting glance,
He holds the world in every chance.
Through city streets or mountain high,
David's eyes see far and wide.
A moment’s truth, a fleeting grace
Captured forever in a space.
Each shot is a story, each frame a song,
The world spins on, but David’s strong.
He finds the light, he seeks the truth,
A photographer of endless youth.
In shadows deep, in sunlight bright,
He chases magic, day and night.
David, with his camera’s eye,
Turns fleeting moments to the sky.
Early Roots: A Camera, a Chest, and a Spark
David’s journey with photography began not in a classroom, but in a cedar chest. Inside, tucked beneath layers of blankets and memory, was a drawer filled with family photographs, moments frozen in time that would eventually melt into David’s heart and never leave.
There was one image in particular: a young David in a lake, joyfully spitting water, captured mid-mischief. That image still hangs in his home, a silent reminder of photography’s emotional gravity “That moment, that emotion, was captured, ” he recalls “I was seeing the effect that photography had on me. ”
This early connection was shaped by his mother, an advocate for the arts who ensured her five sons were exposed to everything from ballet to galleries. Her passion planted a seed that blossomed late in high school when David held a camera for the first time A gnarly stump in the woods became his first subject and the start of a lifelong pursuit.
The Craft of Seeing
David’s first camera, a Fujica ST701, came from his mother on his 18th birthday With no zoom lens or automation, it forced him to
move, to compose, to see. That foundational experience taught him not just technical skills but discipline. “If there was a tree coming out of someone’s head, you only needed to make that mistake once, ” he laughs After dabbling in university and surviving a stint at an asbestos mine (a decision wisely
reversed thanks to a brotherly intervention and David Suzuki), David found his calling and enrolled at Ryerson (now Toronto Metropolitan
University). There, he fell in love with
portraiture, flash experimentation, and the
meditative process of darkroom work. That
education, both formal and experiential, laid the foundation for the decades to come
A Photographer of Curiosity and Collaboration
When you ask David to define his style, he
says simply: “Curious ” That word, modest
but profound, echoes through every
chapter of his career From photographing
strangers at parties to building a national client base, David approaches every image
as an exploration
His product photography work is driven by
dialogue “My first step is always to ask
questions, ” he explains. “What’s the
product? Where is it going? What’s the client’s vision?” He’ll often create loose
mock-ups, sometimes using himself as the
model, before a shoot even begins
But it’s not just process. It’s people.
“Collaboration is key, ” he says A mantra he
attributes to a former coworker, Sebastian, who used to say, “Two heads are better
than one ” That principle would guide David
through every shoot, from local headshots
to national campaigns
David’s technical insights are legendary. He’s taught thousands of students to
“start with one light, ” a lesson passed down from a quiet studio photographer
who only shot appliances His teaching emphasizes observation over equipment, and intent over volume.
“In the digital age, we can shoot hundreds of frames, ” he says “But I ask my clients:
‘Would you rather have 30 images or 10
strong ones?’ Every one of them says 10 ”
This pursuit of simplicity and clarity is a hallmark of David’s work, whether he’s
creating commercial imagery or
photographing dead flowers in his studio, a recent personal project that explores beauty in decay
A Heart for Service
David’s connection to PPOC spans
more than 30 years He was introduced by fellow Waterloo
photographer David James and quickly discovered what he calls
“the brilliance of the people. ” From
carpooling to regional events to
serving as Ontario Chair, David has immersed himself in nearly every
role the organization offers, gopher, conference chair, judge, mentor.
And always, his service is rooted in relationships “The relationships I made during those positions are more valuable than anything else, ” he says. “Even just visiting with
people after meetings, it was powerful It still is ”
As a judge for both regional and national salons and accreditations,
David’s insight and empathy are
renowned He sees not just the
image but the intent “You're
engaging with the images and the people who made them in a more in-depth way, ” he says. “There are a lot of takeaways from that.”
For all his commercial success, the stories that matter most to David are deeply human. He recalls one session with a family whose young
son was undergoing cancer treatment His father had shaved his head in solidarity. The family was upbeat, determined to celebrate joy
After the shoot, the mother asked David if he could add hair to her son’s image, just for fun
David did a quick mock-up When the boy saw it,
he howled with laughter.
Later, the mother returned to the studio “She told me the cancer was gone, ” David says, his voice catching “We just stood there hugging and crying That moment, it was everything ”
Personal Projects, Personal Growth
Beyond the client work, David’s personal projects are quiet studies in emotional
resonance
His diptychs, first explored in university, offer dual perspectives on a subject.
His “dam creature” series documents a driftwood stump that moved and morphed over
seasons in a local conservation area. And his
most recent series focuses on dying flowers, a tender meditation on impermanence and transformation
“These personal projects are essential, ” he says “They feed your creativity and your growth. ”
Looking Forward, Looking Back
Now in the “silver years” of his career,
David’s passion hasn’t dimmed, it’s only deepened He continues to teach, mentor, and explore. He encourages new PPOC members to stay engaged, stay curious, and stay open. “Don’t expect to be pampered, ” he says with a smile “You have to give to get And if you contribute your individuality, your brilliance, we all benefit ”
When asked which image he’s most proud of, David doesn’t pick a trophywinner Instead, he names a collaborative medical shoot where five creatives came together to craft a complex series of images “That was a pinnacle moment, ” he says. “Everything I’d learned came together But honestly? My whole career has felt like a dream project ”
David McCammon’s photography career is more than a body of w
, and connection His images speak in a language that transcends trends They are gr
This article is lovingly dedicated to Julia (Davids wife) the quiet strength behind the lens and the heart of every success. Her honesty, wisdom, and business savvy guided the path, while her care and compassion lifted clients and family alike From calming nervous brides to shaping the direction of the studio, Julia’s presence was never just supportive, it was essential. This story of art, resilience, and creativi
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David McCammon: A Life Framed in Light and Connection
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How to Find Inspiration for Photography: A Guide
for Creatives
Every photographer has experienced a creative slump, a time when ideas, motivation, or inspiration seemed
elusive. During these challenging times, finding inspiration can sometimes feel like a daunting task.
The good news is that inspiration is all around us and there are countless ways to spark your creativity and help you overcome this challenge and reignite your pass
The world is full of overlooked details that can transform a simple shot into something extraordinary. Whether it’s the play of light on an ordinary surface or the way shadows stretch
across a street at sunset, taking the time to notice these subtleties can provide endless opportunities for compelling images
Here’s a guide to help you reignite your passion and find fresh inspiration for your photograph
1. Observe your world with Fresh Eyes
The world is an amazing and beautiful place and one of the simplest ways to find inspiration is by looking at the world around you with a renewed sense of curiosity. Whether you’re at home, on a walk with your dog, or traveling in a foreign country, everyday scenes offer endless possibilities for compelling photographs Try to adopt a beginner's mindset and avoid taking your environment for granted. While you are exploring the world - change your perspective: Look up at the sky, down at the ground, or focus on the details that are often overlooked A flower growing in a crack in the sidewalk or the texture of rusted metal behind a blade of grass can make for a striking image.
Seek out contrasts in the world and look
for interesting juxtapositions light vs
shadow, old vs. new, nature vs. urban
because these contrasts can create
powerful visual tension in an image.
Experiment with reflections using water,
mirrors, glass, as they can offer
opportunities for creative compositions that you might not initially notice
Sometimes, just changing your routine
or surroundings can reveal new photographic potential, even in places
you’ve passed by a thousand times.
When you start noticing small, ordinary
details, your photography can become
more authentic and interesting,
revealing the beauty that others might
overlook.
xplore the art of other artists
Sometimes, inspiration comes not from our immediate environment but from exploring the work of others Artists of all disciplines, from painters, musicians and sculptors to filmmakers and writers, can offer valuable perspectives that can fuel your creativity. Studying the art of others may rejuvenate old ideas and passions or result in the development of new trains of thought
Your exploration may take you to museums, galleries, used bookstores, theatres, concerts, outdoor exhibitions or a gallery on Instagram
How do the artists you see use and shape the light, composition, emotion, framing, colour, mood and story telling The work of others in different mediums can spark new ideas and techniques that you can incorporate into your own photographic practice. Seeing how others view the world can challenge your own assumptions about what makes an image powerful, and you might find inspiration in a photographer's use of colour or their ability to capture fleeting moments of
Sometimes, the key to reigniting your passion for photography is giving yourself a specific project or challenge. Having a defined goal with a specific time frame can provide structure and motivation, particularly if you're feeling uninspired A personal project could be to create a photo series that is focused on a particular theme, like “reflections, ” or “life in motion. ” The theme you
identified could be documented over a period of time such as a ’30-day challenge’ or throughout the seasons which can lead to a cohesive body of work Whatever your choice of challenge, it can help you stay engaged and push your creativity. Each day is different, and it can allow you to think outside the box and experiment with different styles or techni
different type of challenge
urself to using a single lens or only shooting in black and white Constraints often push your creativity by forcing you to
A change in your environment will expose you to new environmental stimuli. Traveling to new places can be an incredible source of inspiration Traveling doesn’t have to mean going overseas; a weekend trip to a nearby city, a rural escape, or even a day spent in a different neighborhood can expose you to unique subjects, from architecture to people, nature to street scenes. Immersing yourself in unfamiliar
environments challenges your creative instincts and can lead to some of your most authentic and expressive work If traveling isn't always feasible, you can also explore your local surroundings in a more intentional way. Sometimes, revisiting places you’ve seen many times, but with a fresh outlook, can lead to exciting discoveries For example, returning to a familiar park or beach at different times of day can yield varying lighting and weather conditions, each offering new possibilities
Explore New Locations
Sometimes, trying something new or different can be the key to unlocking your creative inspiration
If you’ve been using the same photographic
techniques and styles for a while, or only shooting
one genre of image, consider experimenting with unfamiliar methods or approaches Trying
something new can push you outside your comfort zone and encourage creative
breakthroughs Your experiments may involve trying long exposures which can create a more
dreamlike abstract image, especially when
capturing movement like water, traffic, or crowds
You could experiment with different types of lighting, such as backlighting, low-key lighting, or using artificial light sources like flash or colour
LED panels You could also change up your postprocessing by adjusting colors, adding texture, or
other manipulations which can breathe new life into your work A change in genre may involve a
switch from natural landscapes to urban environments or street photography Each genre
has its own rules, techniques, and challenges, and these can offer you a new and unique perspective on the world Photography is as much
about the process as it is about the final image, so playing with new tools, techniques, or postprocessing styles can open up whole new avenues of creative exploration
. Embrace Your Emotions and
xperiences
ome of the most powerful photography
mes from personal experience and motion. If you're feeling stuck, consider ving into what matters most to you hotography is a deeply personal medium, d your emotions and experiences can ovide a wealth of inspiration
Photography can serve as a powerful medium for self-expression, and capturing
moments that resonate with you personally often translates into compelling images Tell your story - document your travels or your
environment, capture family events or significant life changes, or visualize your day-to-day thoughts - your work can act as a visual diary that resonates with you and
others. Looking inward, reflecting on memories, feelings, or life stages, can open
up new avenues for storytelling through the lens. Photography doesn’t just capture what’s in front of you it can also be a way to express your inner world.
7. Take a break from photography.
Sometimes taking a step back from the camera and computer may, counterintuitively, be just as helpful Do something else that makes you happy, such as reading, listening to music, meditating, exercising, or spending time with friends and family. You can also do something that stimulates your creativity, such as drawing, writing, cooking, or playing an instrument
Taking a break and giving yourself some space can help you regain your passion, enthusiasm, and inspiration for photography so that you return with a refreshed mindset
everywhere, and the key is to stay open, curious, and willing to explore new ideas,
techniques, and perspectives It will often
arrive when you least expect it. Whether you're drawn to the simplicity of everyday scenes, the creativity of other artists, or the emotions within yourself, there’s no shortage of sources for inspiration By engaging with your surroundings, embracing challenges, experimenting with
new techniques, and exploring your
emotions, you can unlock new levels of creativity in your photography practice
Keep shooting, stay curious, and the inspiration will follow
.
Get involved with the photographic
ommunity
eeting new like-minded people - new
hotographers can be one of the most effective
nd direct ways to find inspiration. Engage with
her photographers whether through social
edia, workshops, or photography meetups—can
xpose you to different viewpoints and ideas onstructive feedback and collaboration often ad to new perspectives, and seeing the passion
nd creativity of others can reignite your own
nthusiasm for the craft. A little friendly
ompetition and challenge is a fantastic way to
ep outside your comfort zone and ‘up your
ame’ .
ometimes, just talking about photography with
hers or participating in group shoots can be
nough to help you see your own work in a new
ght. As part of the community with friends who
lk about and share their work, you will
ndoubtedly feel much more connected with your
hotography
In a world where everyone has a camera in their hand, and the internet is flooded with low resolution image captures, how do you stand out from the crowd?
How can you assure potential clients that the work they see on your social media post can be turned into a billboard, a wall mural, a fine art print or an incredible enlargement to be cherished for year's to come?
We encourage professional photographers across Canada to join PPOC. Share your expertise, learn from peers, compete in image salons, earn specialty accreditations and lift your business to a higher standard of credibility
True professionals belong to industry associations in order to continually refine their craft, stay up to date on the latest industry trends and technology and offer an extra level of credibility to their client base Engineers, Marketers, Event Planners, Lawyers, Medical Professionals and yes, Photographers
What’s hanging on your wall?
The Gallerie asked a PPOC member to tell us about a favourite print that hangs on their wall. What it means to them or what is the story or special meaning its holds. in this article, Alph Leydon MPA tells us the story of one of his prints
Officially known as The OCULUS - New York City, NY. I have named my image… ‘THE EAGLE HAS LANDED’ .
As a student of Architectural Design and Technology in college, a handful of Architects and Engineers from around the world stood out and influenced me. Spanish architect Santiago Calatrava was one such individual I marvelled at, and was inspired by how he balanced physical scale and visual delicacy in his projects. Often with a good measure of symbolism represented in his work This building epitomizes all of these traits and over the course of several visits to New York City it became a personal challenge of mine to photograph it
AlphLeydonMPA
The Oculus is the centrepiece of The World Trade Center Transportation Hub. Designed by Calatrava and built at a cost of $4 billion, it is symbolic of a bird being released from a child’s hand, inspiring love and hope in the city. Together with other buildings in the district, the Oculus represents the city’s rebirth after the tragic attacks of September 11, 2001 The structure's orientation serves as a lasting reminder, as it’s primary axis is in alignment with the sun’s solar angles on each September 11, from 8:46 am, when the first plane struck, until 10:28 am, when the second tower collapsed. My vision was to capture the totality of this architectural masterwork and present its uniqueness and magnificence framed in its immediate environment. Organizing the shoot and managing conditions to achieve this image presented multiple challenges. Shot from the middle of the road it required the cooperation of police and security personnel The massive scale of the building and close proximity necessitated the use of a very wide-angle lens and required considerable optical corrections in post production. A long exposure on tripod, it was shot at dusk as the ambient light dimmed and the lights of the buildings emerged, revealing a balance of each whilst illuminating the character of the structure and its environment
As I look at the six foot image on my living room wall I’m reminded of why the building exists I remember being stranded in Munich, Germany with global airspace shut down. I also remember standing with my mother on the rooftop observation platform of the World Trade Center, South Tower just months before the catastrophe It was her 70th birthday, May 07, 2001 and she had come from Ireland to celebrate with us in NYC.
The image took home an Excellence and Best in Class in Architecture at PPOC National Image Competition 2023 and subsequently won a World Top 10 in the Commercial Category at World Photographic Cup 2024 The greatest challenges often reap the greatest rewards.
What to read next? Try this.
PPOC Book Review
by Jarron Childs MPA
If you have been involved with any activity long enough, you know there are ebbs and flows to your enthusiasm, creativity and interest. I have been stuck in one of those
malaise states for the past few years A month ago, I broke my clavicle and have been forced to slow down and “do nothing” while it heals I took the opportunity to read some of the books that have been sitting idle on my shelf One of those books was”
The Real Deal; Field Notes from the Life of a Working Photographer” by Joe McNally Firstly, this is NOT a “how to” book, period.
This is a window book: a window into Joe’s story as a photographer, a window into his creative process, a window into his confidences but more importantly into his fears and insecurities.
I have seen Joe in person twice, watched his videos, and read all his books. I can hear Joe’s voice as I read this book His
narrative is unique, humorous and laced with self-depreciating comments that bely some of his insecurities It also has some amazing stories about how some of his iconic images were created, not the technical stuff, but the creative engine that generated the idea
Joe didn’t go to school initially for photography, he went for journalism (writing). Photography was an add on late in his academic career and it hinged on one photo A photographic career was determined early on by one click.
“A successful, random 1/500 of a second, occurring in a sea of other
hundredths of seconds that failed so miserably, opened the gates to a lifetime of pictures ” th
Having said that, his writing is informative but more importantly, it’s fun. It isn’t a lecture, it’s a revelation.
The book is laid out in short chapters that
are singular reads on their own You don’t have to read this book from cover to cover, you can read it as collection of short stories, drawing on Joe’s wisdom and humor to keep you grounded and moving forward That is what this book did for me; it got me moving forward again, dreaming of photos to make, setting some personal goals and challenges. For the first time in a long while, I feel excited about photography
Now I just need this shoulder to heal so I can lift a camera, ha
RideofHope
The 2025 Terry Fox Ride for Hope marked a significant chapter in Canada’s fundraising efforts for cancer research, commemorated the 45th anniversary of Terry Fox’s original Marathon of Hope The National Ride of Hope was a monumental journey spanning approximately 7,000 km across
Canada, from Vancouver to St John’s, undertaken by a peloton of 12 dedicated cyclists led by Terry’s brother, Darrell Fox. This epic cross Canada trek, planned over 32 days, mirrored the spirit of Terry’s own coast‑to‑coast mission and culminated in St John’s, where riders symbolically dipped a prosthetic leg in the Atlantic, just as Terry did in 1980.
The cyclists weren’t just riding—they were actively fundraising and surpassed their target of $1 million goal to support cutting-edge cancer research through the Terry Fox Foundation. Along the route, across 10 provinces and 13 major cities, local riders of all levels were invited to join either the full peloton or participate as provincial “Ride A Long” riders, making each day a community celebration of hope and solidarity. Members of the Professional Photographers of Canada volunteered across the country to capture the 2025 Ride for Hope in a series of exiting and emotional images Approximately thirty members of the PPOC joined thousands of people across the country to be part of the Ride for Hope and support Terry Fox’s legacy of supporting life-saving breakthroughs in cancer research These are some of their stories
R
d e o f H o p e 2 0 2 5 T e r r y F o x
Hope: A Photographer's Perspective on the Terry Fox Ride in Thunder Bay Photos and story by Linda Ryma MPA
Thunder Bay holds a powerful place in the story of Terry Fox it's where his Marathon of Hope came to a heartbreaking stop For one local photographer, being part of the Terry Fox Ride for Hope as it arrived in the city wasn’t just another assignment — it was deeply personal
“I was supposed to be along the highway to greet Terry when he came into Thunder Bay all those years ago, ” she recalls. “But the news came over the radio — he had gone to the hospital There was no internet or cell phones back then. We just listened in shock. ”
That moment stayed with her, especially after experiencing cancer twice herself and watching loved ones fight the same battle So when the Ride for Hope
team planned a stop at the Terry Fox Monument, she
felt drawn to witness it camera in hand or not
What she found was an atmosphere filled with emotion “It was overwhelming, ” she says “Darrel, the
lead cyclist, was visibly moved and shared that he wasn’t sure if he’d continue the ride But then he said he’d decided to push forward ”
The event brought together people of all ages with a "Terry story." One woman presented a 45-year-old poster signed by Terry himself A 7-year-old boy donated $1,000 money he raised instead of receiving birthday gifts.
“I was near tears through most of it, ” the photographer admits “But by the end, I felt so grateful to have been even a small part of it ”
Her favourite image from the day? Darrel’s emotional moment at the monument. “You could see everything on his face the journey, the pain, the purpose ”
Accompanied by photos of the young donor, the team riding toward the lookout, and the iconic statue of Terry, her images tell a story not just of a ride, but of a legacy that continues to inspire across generations
Spending five hours alongside the
tracking distance
rugged heights of Cavers Hill, I follo
route Terry Fox ran in 1980 dur
The day began in Nipigon,
brother, shared a quiet momen
stood in this same town decades ear
legendary run. The reunion was brief, but charged with meaning a reflection of memory, loss, and enduring commitment.
From Nipigon, the team crossed the Nipigon River Bridge, a striking modern symbol of connection in a landscape filled with history Their next stop was Kama Hill Lookout, the first major climb of the day. Here, a spontaneous moment unfolded as the team chatted with a highway worker who, by chance, encountered the group His excitement was palpable and a photo with the riders became a highlight of his day. But it was the final leg that left a lasting impression Cavers Hill, a grueling 353-metre ascent over 57 kilometres, tested the endurance of even this seasoned team. While the cyclists have conquered towering peaks in the Rockies, the steep, unrelenting terrain along Lake Superior brought a quiet shift in tone. It's here along this challenging stretch that Terry’s Marathon of Hope came to an end One can imagine the weight of that history settling in as they pushed forward, reflecting not just on the physical challenge, but on Terry’s unimaginable determination.
This wasn’t just a ride It was a tribute — carried out one pedal stroke at a time — across the very ground where hope once ran
When
Fox, Terry’s brother, whose presence br
u
th joy and quiet reflection t
veryone gathered Despite the miles they’d already travelled, the team’s energy was contagious smiling, chatting, and genuinely grateful for the warm welcome
After Alliston, I followed the group to Tecumseth South Public School east of Tottenham A
small group greeted them there, and one person brought a vintage Marathon of Hope t-shirt.
Darrell lit up at the sight of it a tangible piece of history reconnecting past and present.
The next stop was Marshview Public School in Bradford, where about 25 people had gathered
One particularly touching moment came when Darrell was presented with a crocheted doll of Terry a heartfelt token of gratitude and remembrance
But it was the final stop, Ransom Park in Richmond Hill, that truly took my breath away. I hadn’t known there was a statue of Terry there, er
Over 100 people had gathered, including the local mayor and MP, all there to honor Terry’s legacy and cheer on the riders. Signs, gifts, stories, and emotion filled the park. I felt everything that day pride in the riders, sorrow for those lost to cancer, and deep admiration for the resilience of the human spirit. As Darrell reminded us, the Marathon of Hope won’t be finished until cancer is cured Until then, the ride and the legacy continues
Riding With Heart: Behind the Lens at the
Terry Fox Ride of Hope
Photos and Story by Carol Connelly
On Canada Day at Ottawa’s LeBreton Flats Park, amidst fireworks, festivities, and national pride, a quieter but no less powerful celebration unfolded:
the Terry Fox Ride of Hope. I had the privilege of photographing this moving tribute to one of Canada’s most enduring heroes not just on the day of the event, but the morning after, as riders
set off with quiet determination
While the lenses of many were trained on politicians and public figures, my attention—and heart were drawn to the riders themselves Their mission? To raise funds and awareness for cancer research, following in the legacy of Terry Fox What struck me most wasn’t their athleticism (though the ride itself is no small feat), but their incredible warmth and unshakable purpose
From the moment I arrived, I was enveloped in a spirit of unity Riders didn’t just show up they showed up for each other. One standout moment was watching Darrell Fox Terry’s brother greet a young rider who was joining the group for the day. Darrell didn’t offer a passing handshake; he made the boy feel like he truly belonged The young man’s eyes lit up, his father visibly moved. It was a quiet, powerful reminder that this event is about more than endurance it’s about connection.
And it wasn’t just Darrell. As I snapped photos of the riders setting off, I was caught off guard by the sheer joy on their faces.
They waved, they smiled at the crowd, at each other, and even at me They didn’t know me, but it didn’t matter. In that moment, we were all part of the same story
The Ride of Hope may center around a physical journey, but what stays with you is the emotional one. These riders gave their time, their energy, and most importantly, their hearts all for a cause that touches nearly every Canadian For me, it wasn’t just a photo assignment It was a front-row seat to the best of humanity.
Rolling with Purpose: A First-Time Glimpse at the Terry Fox Ride of Hope Photos and Story by Margaret Warner
Just 30 minutes from my home in St Claude, Manitoba, I found myself stepping into something completely new joining the Terry Fox Ride of Hope, camera in hand and curiosity in tow I’d never been part of anything like it before, but I knew one thing: this was more than just a bike ride It was a powerf
Wha
Meanwhile, the riders refueled on healthy snacks and swapped stories about the journey so far There was laughter, camaraderie, and that unmistakable buzz of people doing something meaningful together
Then came a moment I’ll never forget. Darrell
Fox yes, Terry’s brother walked over to
introduce himself He shook my hand warmly, thanked me for taking the time to photograph
this stretch of the ride, and launched into a conversation that was both passionate and personal
He spoke about the miles they’d covered, the
celebration planned in Winnipeg later that day, and the incredible progress toward their
fundraising goal His pride was palpable an energy you couldn’t help but feel inspired by
Being there, even briefly, offered a window into a world fueled not just by athletic endurance, but by a collective drive to carry Terry’s legacy
forward. It was more than a ride. It was a movement rolling steadily, with heart, across the Canadian landscape
And I was lucky enough to witness it
the Spirit of Terry Fox Photos and Story by Garry Revesz
I had never been part of a Terry Fox event before, but when the Professional Photographers of Canada (PPOC) offered me the chance to document a stretch of the Terry Fox Ride of Hope through Ontario, I jumped in with both feet and my camera
My mission? To photograph the riders as they made their way from just south of Tecumseh to Richmond Hill, covering about 65 kilometers of open country roads and busy city streets I had a blast mapping out the route, scouting for scenic backdrops, sharp hills, and sweeping views But the real challenge came on the day of the ride: trying to stay ahead of the cyclists after each stop, all while chasing the perfect shot
And yet, amid the logistics and adrenaline, the experience was incredibly rewarding
One moment in particular stood out I had set up along a quiet country road, at the end of a farmhouse driveway. It was a perfect vantage point the riders would crest a hill toward me, framed by open skies and greenery. But it wasn’t just the scene that made it special The family who lived there had come out to watch, and I had the absolute pleasure of meeting Isabelle the 101year-old matriarch of the household She shared how she’d lived in Richmond Hill in 1984 and had seen Terry Fox run by on his Marathon of Hope Her memory of that day added a deeply personal, human touch to an already emotional assignment
After the riders arrived in Richmond Hill, the day wrapped up at Terry Fox Park, where I met and chatted with Darrell Fox, Terry’s brother. He was warm, grounded, and clearly proud of the legacy they continue to build
For me, it was more than a photo shoot. It was a Sunday spent in the company of inspiration, community, and living history a reminder that Terry’s story lives on in every turn of the wheel
Through the Lens of Hope: Capturing the Terry Fox Ride from Vancouver to Kelowna Photos and Story by Stephen Mayhew CPA
When the Terry Fox Ride of Hope set out from Vancouver, I was lucky enough to be right there with my camera, documenting every powerful moment from Day One to Day Two spanning from Vancouver to Manning Park, and then from Manning Park to Kelowna. As someone from British Columbia, and knowing that the Fox family hails from Port Coquitlam, joining this project felt like a meaningful way to give back through one of the most heartfelt volunteer efforts I’ve ever witnessed
From the first push of the pedals, what struck me most was the unwavering determination of the riders This wasn’t just about distance—it was about purpose. Eight team members, each with their own connection to Terry’s story, rode with a shared mission: to carry his legacy forward, one kilometer at a time.
The opening ceremony was especially moving. The speeches were raw and heartfelt, setting the tone for a journey built on resilience and hope I had the chance to connect with Darrell Fox and his brother Fred during those first two days, and getting to know them added another layer of depth to the experience. They weren’t just part of the legacy they were living it
One unforgettable moment? At the end of Day One, after nearly 240 kilometers and close to 10 hours of riding, the team rolled into their first overnight stop exhausted but triumphant. The sense of achievement was palpable, a mix of sweat, smiles, and shared pride
The next morning, I drove ahead of the group and photographed them as if I were embedded in the ride itself I wasn't just an observer anymore I felt like part of the team
That road trip left me completely inspired By the time we reached Kelowna, I wasn’t just thinking about the next photo I was thinking about joining the coast-to-coast leg That’s the power of this ride. It pulls you in, fills you up, and makes you want to keep moving forward.
Lookwho’sJoined
For Danny Truong, photography is more than a craft; it is a calling discovered during his time at Technical Vocational High School. After exploring multimedia and graphic design at General Wolfe, he realized his portfolio lacked one vital piece: photography. With the encouragement of his teacher, Ron Gilfillan, Danny began photographing school events. His first assignment, documenting the carpentry department building beds for those in need, revealed the profound impact of capturing authentic human moments From that point on, he was hooked
Now entering his third year with the Professional Photographers of Canada (PPOC), Danny has already achieved accreditation in Sports Photography. To him, accreditation is more than a credential; it is recognition that he has reached a national professional standard. He is also currently in the process of earning his Special Events Accreditation. Looking ahead, he hopes to expand into Special Events accreditation within two years and earn his CPA designation in the future
Danny thrives on photographing the peak of action, whether it is the suspense of an athlete about to score or the joy of people connecting at an event. He has proudly represented Team Manitoba at Skills Manitoba and Skills Canada, describing the experience as both humbling and transformative.
The PPOC community has played a significant role in Danny’s journey, offering mentorship, feedback, and opportunities that have helped him grow as a photographer Inspired by mentors such as Ron Gilfillan, James Carey Lauder, Bruce Allen Hendricks, and Ian McCausland, Danny continues to push himself creatively.
His advice to new photographers is simple yet powerful: stay humble, learn from mistakes, and keep moving forward with achievable goals.
Abo
The Fall 2025 issue of Gallerie proudly features the work of David McCammon, whose thoughtful and meticulous approach to photography has earned him wide respect within the Professional Photographers of Canada. The striking cover image, crafted by McCammon, demonstrates his unique ability to blend artistry with technical precision—transforming even the smallest and most intricate of subjects into a piece of compelling visual storytelling.
Inside this issue, readers will find an in-depth interview with McCammon that explores not only his creative journey and professional achievements but also the philosophies and practices that continue to inspire his work. His reflections offer valuable insight into the craft of photography and remind us of the power of perspective, patience, and passion in shaping unforgettable images.
This edition of Gallerie celebrates McCammon as a featured member, shining a spotlight on his artistry while continuing the magazine’s mission to honour and share the vision of Canada’s most accomplished photographers
David McCammon MPA SPA
