Gallerie PROFESSIONAL PHOTOGRAPHERS OF CANADA
WINTER 2023
Team Canada Images Revealed
Photographing Northern Skies
with Simon Blakesley
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4 MESSAGE from the Chair 6 Team Canada Journey of Discovery: My World 6 13 photographic Cup Experience 16 Stand out from the crowd PPOC Feature Spotlight: 18 Photographing Northern Skies 23 ACCREDITATION 25 That special location 26 Who’s Out there? 29 Profusion Expo 30 What’s Hanging on your wall? 31 Ontario Branches Challenge 32 32 About the Cover
MESSAGE from the Chair Gallerie 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 Gallerie Is published 3 times annually: Winter Spring Autumn
I hope everyone had a wonderful Holiday Season and that you were able to take some time off to rest, relax and enjoy the company of family and friends. Togetherness is important this time of year when the days are short and nights are long. Friendship and fellowship are a huge part of the PPOC, and I have seen so many examples of this over the past year from our members. I am absolutely amazed by the pure talent we have in our PPOC members and Canadian Photographers who are part of Team Canada for the World Photographic Cup! I am proud of the hard work and dedication they have put into their curations, and I anticipate great results when the judging is announced later this year. Congratulations to you all for being selected for Team Canada, and congratulations to those who put their images forward! I have always said that one of the best ways to learn is by submitting for competition and feedback. Put the feedback you received to good use! Gallerie magazine is a labour of love and of which the Leadership Teams within PPOC are all very proud! For several years, its editor was Bruce Allen Hendricks F/PPOC MPA, and he was meticulous in providing wonderful content for our readers. Sadly, Bruce passed away from a short battle with Pancreatic Cancer on December 8, 2023. A member for more than 30 years, Bruce held many roles within the organization. Thank you, Bruce, for your years of dedication to Gallerie and the PPOC. Canadian Imaging is fast approaching, and we are very excited to be heading to Victoria, BC in April. Do you have your ticket yet? I look forward to seeing you there! Thank you to Kari Carter and Jay Childs for another fantastic issue. I look forward to what 2024 will bring!
Subscription PPOC Members and members of our email list receive online issues of Gallerie three times per year. To be added to our email mailing list please contact the PPOC office at (info@ppoc.ca). Advertising One single advertising package will secure your ad space and all three issues for the year Double page space $1575/year Full page outside back cover $1375/year Full page inside cover $1125/year Advertising supplement $1000/year Full page $975/year Half page $630/year Quarter page $400/year PPOC Commercial Partners receive a 20% discount off the above rates. This issue's designers and edtors: Kari Carter and Jayson Childs For inquiries, please email editor@ppoc.ca On our cover: Dee Potter
Happy New Year to everyone! Jennifer Gilbert CPA SPA Chair, National Board Director, Ontario Region
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Team Canada's Dazzling Odyssey in the World Photographic Cup Team Canada unveils a spectacular tapestry of images submitted for the 2024 World Photographic Cup (WPC). This isn't just a competition; it's a visual odyssey, an Olympic-style rendezvous where Canada's photographic prowess takes center stage. But what sets our team apart isn't just the pictures—it's the infectious camaraderie that turns this fierce competition into a celebration of shared passion. Team Canada anxiously awaits for the results of the April 27th awards ceremony to be held in Dallas, Texas. The thrill is not just in the competition but in the shared anticipation of a nation cheering them on. Each image becomes a contender for podium glory, a chance to etch Canada's name on the World Photographic Cup trophy. For all the latest news, please see: www.wpcteamcanada.co
2024 WPC Team Canada, Wedding Open - Rabih Madi CPA, Laval QC
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2024 WPC Team Canada, Reportage - Mike Houghton CPA, Kelowna BC
Team Canada 2024 Images Revealed
2024 WPC Team Canada, Sports Michael Winsor, St. Johns NL
2024 WPC Team Canada, Reportage Curtis Jones, St. Johns NL
2024 WPC Team Canada, Portrait Natural Rosalind Guder, Richmond Hill ON
2024 WPC Team Canada, Sports Jacquie Matechuk MPA, Cochrane AB
Team Canada 2024 Images Revealed
2024 WPC Team Canada, Wedding Open Sean LeBlanc, Calgary AB 2024 WPC Team Canada, Wildlife Michelle Valberg, Ottawa ON
2024 WPC Team Canada, Portrait Illustrative Diane Hanna CPA, Whistler BC
2024 WPC Team Canada, Landscape Jenny Wong, Calgary AB 2024 WPC Team Canada, Commercial Alph Leydon MPA, Woodbridge ON
Team Canada 2024 Images Revealed
2024 WPC Team Canada, Portrait Illustrative Renee Robyn, Edmonton AB
2024 WPC Team Canada, Commercial Louis-Phillip Provost, Gatineau QC
2024 WPC Team Canada, Wildlife Jacquie Matechuk MPA, Cochrane AB
2024 WPC Team Canada, Wedding Documentary Railene Hooper CPA, Edmonton AB
2024 WPC Team Canada, Reportage Craig Minielly, Vancouver BC
Team Canada 2024 Images Revealed
2024 WPC Team Canada, Commercial Kathryn McGarvey, North Vancouver BC
2024 WPC Team Canada, Portrait Illustrative Claude Brazeau MPA, Orleans ON
2024 WPC Team Canada, Ilustration Kari Carter, St. Albert AB
2024 WPC Team Canada, Wedding Open Rabih Madi CPA, Laval QC
Team Canada 2024 Images Revealed
2024 WPC Team Canada, Sports Kristian Bogner, Deadman Flats AB 2024 WPC Team Canada, Wedding Open Kelly VanderBeek, Canmore AB
2024 WPC Team Canada, Wedding Documentary Sean LeBlanc, Calgary AB
2024 WPC Team Canada, Portrait Illustrative Diane Hanna CPA, Whistler BC
2024 WPC Team Canada, Wildlife Glen Strickey, Charlottetwon PE
Team Canada 2024 Images Revealed
2024 WPC Team Canada, Landscape Paul Wright MPA, Whistler BC
2024 WPC Team Canada, Portrait Illustrative Renee Robyn, Edmonton AB
2024 WPC Team Canada, Portrait Natural Diane Hanna CPA, Whistler BC
2024 WPC Team Canada, Landscape Evan Will, Edmonton AB
2024 WPC Team Canada, Portrait Natural Cassandra Jones CPA, Grande Prairie AB
Journey of Discovery: My World photographic Cup Experience By Kari Carter, 2024 Team Canada Member In the world of photography, there are moments that transcend the mere click of a shutter, moments that encapsulate emotions, stories, and realities. My journey with the World Photographic Cup (WPC) has been one of these profound experiences, and I feel compelled to share. It's a story of passion, growth, and the invaluable support of the WPC team. Submitting an image to the World Photographic Cup was a momentous decision for me. As a photographer, I had always believed in the power of visuals to tell a story, and I hoped that my image could convey a message that resonated with people around the world. Little did I know that this decision would lead me on an exhilarating journey filled with unexpected surprises.
The initial step of submitting my image, titled "Fabricated Beauty," was nerve-wracking as it’s hard to put your personal art out there, but I’m so glad I did. My image symbolizes the intricate layers of expectations placed upon women in our society. Portraying the unspoken pressures to conform to societal standards of beauty, youth, and decorum. It reflects the struggles faced by women to balance the expectations with their true selves, sometimes resorting to a facade of inauthenticity.
What came next was nothing short of a whirlwind. Three rounds of intense scrutiny followed, and each step along the way was exhilarating. The WPC curators, a dedicated team of volunteers, proved to be instrumental in my journey. Their feedback and suggestions were not only insightful but also incredibly helpful. They saw potential in my image that I had not yet realized. The curators were patient, supportive, and genuinely committed to helping me improve my image. It wasn't about competition; it was about bringing out the best in each artist, regardless of their experience or reputation. It was about fostering growth and creativity.
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Journey of Disovery: My World photographic Cup Experience The curator’s guidance and encouragement pushed me to explore new horizons within my art. Their small suggestions, when I decided to give them a try, truly had a significant impact on both my image and the message I aimed to convey. They challenged me to see beyond the surface and delve into the depths of storytelling through imagery. Working with the WPC team of volunteers and curators has been an incredible learning experience at every turn. Following their suggestions, I not only grew to love the image that I had initially thought was my favourite, but I also realized that it had transformed into something even more profound. It had become a piece that encapsulated my own growth as a photographer and deepened my understanding of the message I wanted to convey. And then, the moment of elation arrived. My image was chosen, and I became part of a team of amazing photographers from around the country. To say I was blown away would be an understatement. It was an honour beyond words, a validation of my artistic journey, and a reminder of the universal language that photography speaks. My journey with the World Photographic Cup has been an inspiring chapter in my life. It has taught me that art is a continuous process of evolution, and growth is born from collaboration and shared passion. I want to encourage every aspiring photographer out there to take that leap of faith, submit your work, and embark on a journey of discovery. You'll find a community of support and inspiration waiting for you at the World Photographic Cup, where every step along the way is an exciting and transformative experience.
Kari is a member of PPOC AB and is based in St. Albert her photography is focused around Portrait and illustration
For all the latest updates and news, please follow Team Canada at: www.wpcteamcanada.com
77th PPOC
National Image Competition The 2024 National Image Competition is here! The 2024 National Image Competition rules are now available through the PPOC website and an email sent to you Please read the rules carefully as entries that do not conform to the rules will not be judged. Entry deadline – Friday, January 26, 2024 - Remember to account for the time zone difference! *NEW* - Non-Accredited members are eligible to enter this competition but are only eligible for the Non-Accredited Image award.
Entries received by 5 pm EST on Friday, January 12th will be eligible for a $20 discount. To receive the discount, you must use the code 2024PPOCNATEB in the space provided on the entry form*. The code will automatically reduce the price by $20 before you are asked to remit payment. Judging will take place February 10th through 12th. Information about how to view the judging will be shared at a later date. If you are interested in volunteering to assist with the Image Competition please contact the NEC Chair, Tina Weltz, directly at nec@ppoc.ca. We are actively looking for volunteers for the judging days, distribution of press releases, ribbons, technical support and other duties as required. Service merits will be issued. We look forward to another wonderful year of Image Competition and wish all entering the very best!
Stand out from the crowd 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? "The Most Beautiful View is Shared with You" - Railene Hooper CPA
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? "My Kind of Weather" - Glen Strickey
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. "Smoking Hot" Mark Bilash MPA
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. Visit our website and join today. www.ppoc.ca
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"Are we clear for Take-Off"- Ariane Desbiens
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PPOC Feature Spotlight:
Photographing Northern Skies
Dr. Simon Blakesley is the only accredited PPOC member living north of 60oN in Whitehorse, Yukon Territory. As a former member of the Royal Canadian Air Force and Educator, he works hard to combine his two passions - aircraft and photography. His work has been featured prominently in Air North, Yukon's airline communication materials but he has also been published in newspapers and magazines including the Globe and Mail, the Whitehorse Star, Up Here Magazine, Yukon, North of Ordinary, and Skies Magazine. *All images by Simon Blakesley Gallerie Magazine (GM) - Could you describe your background and how you got into photography? Simon Blakesley (SB) - My father was a photographer with the British Royal Navy and he introduced me to photography at a young age. I was his darkroom assistant and would wash his films and prints, dry the developing tanks and tidy up the lab. And I was immediately hooked by the magic of watching that print appear in the pan. Now, I wasn't a good student in school but taking photographs for the yearbook made it more enjoyable and as a teenager, I worked in a camera store, and a one hour photo lab. Now the connection to aviation came when, I joined the Canadian Air Force and became an Aero Engine Technician working on Twin Otter (CC-138) and Hercules (CC-130) aircraft. Fastforwarding to 2005, I began my PhD at the University of British Columbia and routinely commuted from Whitehorse to Vancouver via Air North. After one flight, I dropped off some prints at Air North and a staff member liked them and suggested that I see the marketing team. As it turned out, that staff member was the co-founder, president and aircraft Captain, Joseph Sparling. Since that I time, I have contributed to Yukon's Airline and being part of their team means a lot to me. I have since retired from the education system and now just work on aviation and photography and it's wonderful. I am truly blessed to be working and doing what I love to do.
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GM - Did you know that you are the only accredited PPOC member north of 60o North latitude?
GM - Tell us about aircraft photography, what is it that draws you to that type of photography?
SB - I was floored when I heard that. I didn't know that but all I will say is that I hope there will be more in the future. If I could just mention a few things about becoming accredited, having done a PhD , one of the things you see great value in is the peer review process. Now, I would always send my images to my dad for comment and critique and he would send them back with some edits. But I wanted to go through the PPOC accreditation process for that feedback from my peers. And the feedback was very helpful and I would recommend the process to anyone. And I really have to thank, fellow PPOC member in Prince George, BC - Philomena Hughes she was a great mentor. Her guidance through the process was excellent and she was a really good navigator throughout the entirety of the accreditation system. As with all peer review, you get feedback that was good, bad and ugly, but she helped frame all those pieces together and I am really glad that I went through it. She was really thoughtful and I couldn't have asked for better. I think it has helped me be a better, more conscientious photographer.
SB - Well, part of it is, I don't really know what else I would photograph. But as a photographer for an airline, my scope of photography encompasses more than just aircraft. There is a food or product angle, where I have to think about how can I make food from the flight kitchen look not just like food from a kitchen but specifically from a flight kitchen. So the food dish could be photographed in the nacelle of the aircraft or in the cockpit. I may also be asked to do event photography because Air North is very much involved in the community. My photography has really grown and become a lot more about people over the few years. I photograph flight attendant training, corporate portraits, ramp staff and pilots. because they are the critical element. Nothing in a business will work well or safely without dedicated people, so that has really been worked into what I do over the past few years.
SB - Its interesting because my favourite aircraft photo is a concept, I developed a few years ago. I am always trying to do something different and always trying to improve. So, I had seen other images with light streaks where you can't see the aircraft, just the light streaks against the dark sky. But, I thought, that doesn't really help present an Air North aircraft so how can I get the aircraft captured within the light streaks? So, I discussed the concept of the shot with an aircraft Captain I know well, and he outlined several considerations but he didn't think it would be a problem if those conditions were met. Then I had to look at other variables including the fact that it had to be a new moon so the sky would be dark, there had to be an aircraft actually arriving that night and at a particular end of the runway. And in the shot, just before hand, the northern lights started to appear in the sky. So, the final image has the light streaks against a clear starry night with an illuminated Air North jet frozen in the light streaks. That is probably my favourite shot because there was so much work and thought, over the course of a year, that had to go into creating the image when all the conditions were present.
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GM - Do you have a favourite aircraft photo? How did that image come about?
GM - What lenses/camera do you work with? How do they deal with your weather? SB - I use Nikon, and with that people say that I must like Nikon better than Canon. But I believe the best camera is the one you have with you. I use Nikon because my dad used Nikon and that is just what I grew up with. I have two D850s, a D810, and a suite of lenses from ultra-wide for cockpits out to the 200-500mm for those long-range shots. In the cabin of the aircraft, I often use the 24-120, 70-200, plus a fast portrait lens. I like the D850s because they are like a tank and the batteries last a long time. I can be out on the tarmac for a couple of hours at -30oC and even after I have shot maybe 800 frames, the batteries are still going strong. I have also started working with the Fuji X series including the X-T4 and X-T5 because I am doing more people photography. The D850 is great but it is a big camera that takes big lenses, and it can therefore be intimidating to some. So, when I am chatting with people and I point that camera towards them, their response can be 'Whoa, that’s a big camera'. So, being mindful of that, I have slowly incorporated smaller, more discrete, and less conspicuous cameras for people photography but for aircraft and food, it’s the Nikons. I also like the Fuji's for hiking. They are fun to use and remind me of dad's old Nikon FM's that I grew up with.
GM - Do you have an image that represents the Yukon? Can you describe why / how it does this for you? SB - Well, obviously, I have a bias about Air North. But, the image for me that represents the Yukon is a photo of an Air North aircraft departing and climbing south out of Whitehorse. It is the bold white Yukon text on the bright orange on the aircraft tail against the mountains in the background. So, that is it for me but not just because of the branding but I think it is also because Air North is a source of pride for Yukoners. The airline was voted favourite airline (*editors note - 2020 Best Airline in Canada by Tripadvisor's Travellers Choice Awards) and many Yukoners have a stake in Air North so its a real source of pride for the community. I think It represents the ruggedness of the Yukon and the enterprising spirit of the people here. I should also mention that Air North is 100 per cent northern owned including the Vuntut Gwitchin First Nation which holds a 49 per cent interest in the airline, and that also comes with its own sense of pride. So, it would be an Air North aircraft departing over the mountains, crisp sky, winter light – that’s what does it for me.
ACCREDITATION It's never too early to start preparing for your next Accreditation submission, be it a new category for you or a re-submission. If you haven't achieved a new Accreditation in a while, make 2024 the year that you challenge yourself and demonstrate your photographic ability further by proving you can deliver above average professional work in a new category.
2024 Submission Deadlines: January 10th March 13th June 5th September 11th November 6th
Congratulations to our recent successful accreditations: 4 2 | E NI Z A G A M | EI R E L L A G | 3 2 0 2 G NI R P S
Brian Ackin ON Travel Illustration Silje Ask AB Feline Portrait Vanessa Berzak ON Children & Infant Portrait Nataliya Bilgen BC Architectural Jonathan Buchner BC Pictorial/Scenic Tim Chin QC Photojournalistic Wedding; Food Lisa Demaline MPA ON Digital Illustration Kerry Frigon AB Animal Portrait Heather Fryer AB Pictorial/Scenic; High Key Portrait Mark Gilchrist PA Product Illustration Nikki Harrison BC Studio Portrait; Fantasy Illustration; Glamour Railene Hooper CPA AB Wedding Formal; Couples Portrait Thomas Hopkins AB Couples Portrait; Environmental Portrait Valerie Horner PA Ornithology/Bird Photography Helene Jones AT Portraiture Soroush Khazraei AB Pictorial/Scenic; Wildlife Chantal Levesque QC Feline Portrait Corrie Lindroos CPA BC Environmental Portrait; Studio Portrait Ashley MacPhee AT Wedding Story Melissa Maher ON Canine/Dog Portrait Gillian Marston ON Animals; Ornithology/Bird Photography; Fine Art/Photo Décor Lois Nuttall MPA ON Food Farid Pirmoradian BC Real Estate Nandini Ramu AB Wedding Story Linda Ryma MPA ON Animals Joaquim Santos ON Corporate Ted Whitecalf PA Portraiture
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PPOC SWAG is Back! The PPOC Store is open. Get your PPOC swag now
*a variety of styles are available however, you must be an Accredited member in order to purchase items bearing the Accreditation Seal.
‘That special location’
Image by Linda Ryma We all have that one location we like to photograph. And photograph repeatedly. At different times of day and different times of the year. It could be because of a particular feature, a view point, the subject matter, the changing light, the way it makes you feel, how it recharges your creativity, relaxes you or inspires you. In this section, we asked PPOC member - Linda Ryma - to describe that location for her. Describing one favourite location to photograph proved to be a real challenge for me. My great grandparents chose Northwestern Ontario when they immigrated from England which means I have a wealth of incredible locations to choose from. So I would have to say that my favourite location is along the shore of Lake Superior (the greatest of the Great Lakes) – from Terrace Bay, Ontario to Split Rock Lighthouse, Minnesota. That’s 446 km with dozens of spectacular photographic opportunities and I live right in the middle. There are waterfalls, lighthouses, rugged cliffs, sandy beaches, rocky beaches and more. You can shoot amazing sunrises, huge waves crashing against rocky cliffs, surfers when we get those huge waves, kite surfers, sailboats and cruise ships. I was not able to come up with one specific location, so I chose a favourite photograph from ONE of my favourite locations. I don’t often shoot minimalist photographs. In fact, I tend to get two or three shots in one image. However, this morning was different. I was at a spot next to a grain elevator. This spot gives you the grain elevator, sometimes a ship loading or unloading, the Sleeping Giant and (my favourite) old dock piles. I don’t know why these old dock piles are so fascinating to me. I suspect that they remain from a grain elevator which exploded back in the 40’s, an event witnessed by my grandfather. I’ve shot many sunrises in this spot but on this morning, for me, it was all about those old dock piles and the lovely pastel colours that Mother Nature produced with this sunrise. I’ve previously entered this image in competition but I was advised to get rid of the rusty old nail. As I look at the original image today, I have to say that I kind of like that rusty old nail so I’ve edited it again and left that nail in.
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Who’s Out there?
Who’s out there to help you, inspire you or motivate you? Photographers, educators, creatives – here are some people you might want to check out online for inspiration, techniques, tips, tricks, etc. The first person you will want to check out is Manpreet Sokhi on his YouTube Channel "Award Winning Images Explained". Manpreet is a Burnaby BC based PPOC photographer and in his videos, he sits down with the artist of the award winning image. He draws his image selections from those that have been recognized in PPOC image salons. In what could be described as a coffee shop atmosphere, Manpreet has a conversation with the creator about the idea or inspiration behind the image as well as the process of creating and editing the image from concept to conclusion. At this time, he has almost 500 subscribers and nearly 20000 views for his videos that have explored award winning images from a diverse range of photographic genera including food, maternity, industrial, composites, children, wildlife and landscapes.
Photo by D. Norton
Daniel Norton is another very interesting industry personality that would definitely be worth checking out on his socials, but especially on his YouTube channels. He is a Manhattan based photographer who also describes himself as "Podcaster, Educator, Coffee Drinker, Lighting Guru, Author, and Gamer". The photography videos on his channel focus not only on photographic and lighting techniques but also the philosophy of being an artist. In his videos, he collaborates with other photographers and models to provide demonstrations and tips on how to get the effect you are trying to achieve in camera. He has also worked with Adorama in a series called 'OnSet', and no matter the series, the viewer learns practical photographic techniques that will benefit their art. What is unique about the videos are that you don't just see the final image, you watch as he builds the lighting to create the final result in a fun and relaxed environment.
A final suggestion for a creator you should follow online is a fun one. 'The Dogist' is a photo-documentary series of dogs from cities around the world by street photographer Elias Weiss Friedman. He has photographed thousands of dogs from New York and around the world, not only for his Instagram, but also his blog, and his two coffee table books. Millions of people around the world follow him on his various social media platforms as he showcases the dogs looking back at them through Friedman's lens. To get the image, Friedman walks up to the person and simply asks if he can photograph their dog. The images have a street photography 'feel' to them, but they showcase the dog so that the image is pretty dramatic. Many of the photoshoots also include a short video clip, where you can watch as he asks the owner about their pet to get some sort of interesting or funny anecdote or story about their dog that reveals a little of the dog's personality.
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Did you know you can become a member of Canada's oldest and most recognized professional photography association for as little as $37.17 monthly (plus tax)?
Apply to join today!
1-888-643-PPOC (7762) info@ppoc.ca ppoc.ca
David and Jennifer managed the PPOC booth on Wednesday
PPOC member Sean LeBlanc presents a talk as a Profoto Ambassador
David and Jennifer talk with attendees to Profusion
The Professional Photographers of Canada (PPOC) attended Canada's largest photo and video event, the Profusion Expo - Pro Imaging Tech Event on November 8-9, 2023 at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre in downtown Toronto. A big thank you to Jennifer Gilbert, David McCammon, Alph J. Leyton, Sharon Verbeek, Jenn Grachow and Dee Potter for managing the PPOC booth and talking with all the established imaging professionals, serious enthusiasts as well as all the up and coming creators who stopped by the space over the two day event. Vistek was the primary sponsor of the event and there were over ninety world class exhibitors showing the latest in photographic and video technology.
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Image by Jarron Childs
What’s Hanging on your wall?
We asked a PPOC member to tell us about a favourite print that hangs on their wall. What it means to them? What's the story or special meaning it holds for them? In this article, Jarron Childs of Superior Images and the Northwestern Ontario Branch tells the story of one of his prints.
If you are fortunate enough to have a favourite place in this world, then you are a lucky person.I have had my favourite place for almost fifty years, which sounds like a long time, but feels so much shorter.It’s a place of mental and spiritual rejuvenation, a place of physical relaxation and exertion, and a place of creative exploration and inspiration. It’s a sandy beach on the shores of Lake Superior. The cold water can be punishing and rewarding simultaneously.The vast open water turns into open sky where your thoughts can wander away. I have taken more photos there than I can count, in film, slide, and digital. The photo I have included with this article is one that hangs in my basement rec room. It’s powerful to me because of my emotional attachment to the location, that goes without saying. It’s inspiring to me because it is a place I have practiced and explored my craft of photography without external or internal criticism. I just shoot there, whatever comes to mind, as much or as little as I want. I like this image a great deal because the black and white interferes with your ability to judge the season. “Is the wave a made of snow, or sand? Is it cold or hot? Can I walk to that island? Gosh, the clouds go on forever into the distance!” I am fortunate, fifty years of connection to THE Great Lake and all the wonder, inspiration, and revitalization it can provide. The sauna and bonfires are an added touch too. So much gratitude for my favourite place; so much everything in one image. 30
Want to tell us the story behind a print on your wall, let us know.
Ontario Branches Challenge Dee Potter
The PPOC Ontario Branches Photo Challenge, held in November of last year. The challenge was for members from each branch to create a portfolio of four images around the theme of ‘This is my home”.
Congrats to Central Branch on claiming victory! The Central Ontario branch submission was made up of images submitted by Bob McCloskey, Joe Santos, Dee Potter and Jennifer Gilbert.
Jennifer Gilbert CPA SPA
Thank you to the judging panel, who graciously volunteered their time. The judges were: Shelley Vandervelde MPA (AB); Len Grienke MPA (BC); Bob Hewitt MPA (BC); Kim Downie MPA (MB). A big shout out to all who participated and a hearty thanks to Jarron Childs MPA who brought this challenge to light and created the funky trophy! We're looking forward to running this event again next year
Joe Santos
Bob McCloskey
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About the Cover
PROFESSIONAL PHOTOGRAPHERS OF CANADA (PPOC) is a diversified group of creative artists dedicated to the highest standards in professional imaging. We welcome photographers of all genres to join our community of dedicated professionals. PPOC offers photographers a way to rise to professional status. Educational opportunities, networking, direct member benefits and the ability to earn awards and designations will assist in your potential for growth and economic improvement.
Dee Potter
Capturing the Essence of Toronto's Iconic Flatiron Building: A Photographer's Tale In the heart of Toronto, where the city's pulse meets a historic silhouette, photographer Dee Potter has crafted a visual masterpiece that transcends time and weather. The iconic Gooderham Building, affectionately known as the Flatiron Building, becomes the canvas for Dee's lens, portraying a mesmerizing blend of history, architecture, and the raw beauty of a winter storm. Dee's photographic triumph, titled "Eyes of the Storm," is a testament to the artist's profound connection with the Flatiron Building. Against the ethereal backdrop of Toronto's inaugural snowfall, Dee orchestrates a visual symphony that encapsulates the essence of the old-world charm synonymous with the Flatiron. The juxtaposition of this architectural marvel against the modern cityscape creates a cinematic tableau, evoking a sense of nostalgia and admiration. Dedicated to his craft and armed with a passion for innovation, Dee briefly abandons his beloved Nikon equipment at street level and takes to the skies to realize his vision for this frame. Acquiring an Advanced Drone Pilot Certificate with Transport Canada opened new horizons, allowing Dee to soar above downtown Toronto legally for imaging with his drone. The result? A breathtaking aerial perspective captures the Flatiron's face in all its winter glory, a view unattainable from anywhere else. Every great work of art has challenges, and Dee Potter's "Eyes of the Storm" is no exception. Braving brisk winds and swirling snow, Dee's commitment to safety and precision shines through. Meticulously monitoring wind speeds and navigating the complexities of flying a full-sized drone in an urban environment, Dee's dedication to the craft culminated in a shot defying the elements from which it was conceived. The journey from capturing a moment to creating a masterpiece involves a meticulous post-processing dance, and Dee is a virtuoso in this arena. Armed with immaculate images from a 20-megapixel Hasselblad camera onboard the DJI Mavic 3, Dee's journey through Adobe Lightroom, Photoshop, and Luminar Neo resulted in an image that goes beyond mere representation. Removing wires in Neo, luminosity masking in Photoshop, then perspective adjustments, and nuanced colour grading in Lightroom, showcase Dee's commitment to perfecting his vision of the scene.
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Did you know you can become a member of Canada’s oldest and most recognized professional photography association for as little as $27 monthly (plus tax)? Non-Accredited membership will entitle you to discounted pricing on educational events, access to a peer network upon whose knowledge you can draw, preferred rates with many of our industry partners, critiques of your imagery, and will open the door for you to submit for Accreditation in your chosen photographic field(s). You can even sign up for a Mentor to help you get the most out of your PPOC membership! Once you’ve achieved your Accreditation, you’ll be able to upgrade to full “PPOC Accredited Photographer” membership status, and will be listed on our “Search for a Photographer” feature on our website. You can promote yourself using the PPOC Logo and will also be eligible to vie for prestigious awards in National Image Competition, and to work toward earning the designations of Craftsman of Photographic Arts (CPA), Master of Photographic Arts (MPA), and Service of Photographic Arts (SPA). Are you ready to take your photographic career to the next level? Become recognized as a member of PPOC, stand out from the crowd, and take advantage of the benefits of membership! Create an Aspiring membership profile by following the links to join at www.ppoc.ca, and activate that membership with payment in full online, or by contacting us by phone at (888) 643-PPOC (7762) to set up a convenient monthly payment plan using your VISA or MasterCard. Apply TODAY! https://ppoc.formstack.com/forms/ membership_application_web CONTACT 1-888-643-PPOC (7762) Phone: 519-537-2555 Info@ppoc.ca | www.ppoc.ca MAILING ADDRESS: 209 Light St. Woodstock, ON N4S 6H6 Canada
For Dee, the Flatiron Building isn't just an architectural marvel—it's a profound connection to childhood memories and a testament to the artistic legacy passed down through generations. The journey from childhood enchantment to professional acclaim is beautifully reflected in "Eyes of the Storm," a visual ode to a building that stood as a beacon of fascination since youth. In the pursuit of artistic excellence, Dee acknowledges the influence of masters like Peter Lik and Serge Ramelli. However, Dee's style, described as " urban landscapes in bold realism," is a unique fusion of inspiration and personal evolution. A continuous exploration of rich, dramatic scenes coupled with an authentic portrayal of subjects marks the evolution of Dee's distinctive photographic voice. As 2024 unfolds, Dee anticipates a year of unprecedented artistic exploration. Both professionally and as Chair of PPOC-Ontario TriBranch, Dee is set to lead a series of workshops and photography ventures, including a captivating workshop in Antarctica with renowned nature photographer Daniel Kordan. The commitment to sharing experiences with fellow photographers demonstrates Dee's dedication to fostering a community of creative minds. Dee Potter's "Eyes of the Storm" isn't just a photograph; it's a testament to the indelible connection between an artist and their muse. The Flatiron Building, rendered in breathtaking detail, emerges as a symbol of Toronto's history, artistic inspiration, and Dee's unrivalled ability to capture the soul of a city in a single frame. This photographic masterpiece deserves its place in the annals of visual storytelling, where the artistry of Dee Potter continues to unfold, one captivating image at a time. For more information about Dee Potter Photography, visit www.deepotter.photography and for museum-quality prints of “Eyes of the Storm” or any of his other images, go to www.deepotter.ca.
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