Artistic Alchemy, The Lambton College Art Collective Exhibition

“Sarnia is a jewel in the crown of Ontario.”-  Chris Cook

Wine, hors d’ouvres, and an amazing sense of appreciation for the arts surrounded us as we strolled through the Lawrence House, November 5, for the opening Gala of the second annual arts exhibit, this year titled, Artistic Alchemy Exhibition.

Richard Beland Digital Photography Coordinator, said that when hearing the term ‘Works of Art’, the key word is work because so much time, effort, and emotion go into creating something that the artist can feel is worthy of showing off. There was an amazing array of ceramics, paintings, sketches, and numerous photos.

The winner of the President’s Award went to the very talented Katie Tremblay. Her art was described as not only thought provoking but also on the darker side. One could not help but feel a connection to her riveting work.

Chris Snedden poetically put, “Sarnia has it going on!” So many can agree that the Sarnia area contributes much to the community with the abundance of talent from many different facets. Art is so important these days. It helps us express who we are and to explore a new vision of the

world. “It is one of the biggest contributors and economic driving forces to Canada which brings in billion of dollars (yes with a ‘b’) per year.” Says Chris. We have to realize that art is not simply a visual gem but also an economic boost that involves us all. “This is an environment that nurtures potential, and that is the beauty of the Artistic Alchemy Exhibition”- Explains Chris.

Alastair MacKay, Michael Mansfield, and Brian Vickery with some very generous culinary

management student volunteers provided the hors d’ouvres which included duck, shrimp, rice

Lawrence House on opening night.

balls and more, all resting on a beautiful bed of fresh sprouts; they tasted as scrumptious as

they looked! Enjoying these delicacies was a great reminder that art is not limited to paper,

lenses, or clay but involves food as well!

With a grin, and a deafening applause, that could probably be heard blocks down the street,

Richard Beland made his way to the front of the crowd to thank many people who helped in making this amazing night a terrific success “Its not only a technical college but a college that has a number of applied Arts and we are lucky to have the Lawrence House support us in our creative expression-“- And, “…without making it sound like an award speech-“: I would first like to acknowledge, the Lawrence House for the space to hold this event, Megan O’Neil (founder of one tomato), Judith Morris (College President), Jessica and Mary for donating their Sunday to set up for this special event, Michael and Ryan for the wonderful food, and a very special thanks to Lois Nantais, the ‘force’ behind this event “-and we are indebted to you!” Richard added.

Diano Brainelli and his band.  Photo by David Beaton

The music was fantastic and added to the cultural atmosphere of the event. Diano Brainelli and his band performed excellently. Playing various jazz songs, including jazzed up versions of The Eagles and Pink Floyd! Many people threw away the feeling of embarrassment to dance to their favourite tunes!

The calibration of the music, culinary excellence, artistic pleasantries and brilliant hosts brought this night together and created a cultural experience at the Lawrence House. Many people would agree that the Gala Opening night and the Exhibit was a smash hit!

President's Award Winner Katie Tremblay and Lambton College President Judy Morris.  Photo by David Beaton=

Award winning photograph of NYC windows, by Katie Trembley. 

l-r Richard Beland (Digital Photography Coordinator, Judy Morris (Lambton College President), David Beaton (First Year student), Kaitlyn Eastman (Program Grad),  Photo by Oluwasegun "Bisi" Alawode

Event organizer Lois Nantais speaks at the opening Gala.  Photo by David Beaton

Richard Beland the Digital Photography program co-ordinator speaks during the gala.  Photo by David Beaton

Digital Photography faculty present, l-r Mark Russell, Lorrie Williams, Dave Chidley, Troy Shantz and Richard Beland.  Photo by Glenn Ogilvie / The Sarnia Journal

Nathena Lightheart admires her photograph on the wall.  Photo by Oluwasegun "Bisi" Alawode

Second year photos student, Oluwasegun "Bisi" Alawode and his wife Tito, who is also a Lambton College student enjoying the Gala opening night.   Photo by David Beaton

Some of the student work, hanging at the Lawrence House exhibition.   Photo by David Beaton

First year Digital Photography students enjoying the event, l-r:  Emily Hussey, Kendal Turner, Larryl Ybanez, Sidney Fletcher.   Photo by David Beaton

Alastair MacKay, of the Culinary Management program student volunteers provided the hors d’ouvres  for the Gala event.  Photo by David Beaton

The Culinary Management program volunteers provided the hors d’ouvres  for the Gala event. Photo by David Beaton

 Faculty, Troy Shantz and Mark Russell with Graduate Angelyn Smolders show off their style.  Photo by David Beaton

Holiday Spirit

Christmas With A Smile

Will Laroque, Jessica Dillon and Paige Bertholds lighten
up the studio.  Photo by Elizabeth Bosma

Christmas is a remarkable season, the atmosphere of love sharing and giving makes it one of the most memorable season of the year. As the end of the year approaches many families looks forward to it with eagerness of sharing love, reuniting with relatives and spending quality time together with loved ones. The shopping malls are abuzz, the streets are lighted, the weather is different and everyone beams with smile knowing the holiday is around the corner.

The culture of giving Christmas cards has evolved from just mere words to customized cards that sometimes is adorned with a beautiful family portrait. How beautiful is it to send loving and wonderful messages to people with a beautiful family portrait on the card.

On Saturday, November 29th 2014, we teamed up with Goodwill on Wellington Street Sarnia to photograph several families. Our mission was clear, to put a smile on people’s faces by making beautiful photographs and offering families quality prints all at no cost to them.

Student and faculty set up lights and a backdrop for the photography shoot.  Photo by Elizabeth Bosma

Will Laroque manages the digital workflow.  Photo by Oluwasegun Alawode

We arrived at Goodwill around 11am to set up our lights and backdrop with a team of enthusiastic photographers with the assistance of some faculty members, who with their expertise were inspired to put smiles on the people faces. We had our strategy all marked out and everyone was well aware of their responsibility so as to achieve an efficient workflow.

Smile! Photo by Oluwasegun Alawode

Different families started arriving at about noon, and we immediately set out with the task of the day. At the end of each session each family was provided with a CD of images and a few beautiful print. The joy on their faces as they received this print was priceless. 

We are glad that with our cameras we were able to make a worthy contribution in the Sarnia Lambton community in this Christmas season.

A team-effort to make it a special experience for everyone.  Photo by Elizabeth Bosma 

Smiles on both sides of the photography session. Photo by Oluwasegun Alawode

Halloween Fun

By Laura McLean

First year digital photography students go all out for Halloween fun.

It all started with the Chicken! 

Our Friday morning class begins at 8:30 with Erica Kelly.  She’s a great instructor and always ready to join in some fun.  As a treat we got her a screaming rubber chicken. 

She loved it!  If anyone has Erica for English you know she loves games with sounds.  This particular morning we now have “Hubert” and with each screech someone has the answer to the question posted to the board.

This was just the start to our fun filled Halloween day.

Emily Hussey, Kendal Turner and Laura Mclean joined forces to set out in search for signatures on their hand crafted t-shirts.  Dressed as the popular social media icons, Pinterest, Twitter and Facebook they searched the halls for willing facility and students.  Along the way they encountered others who were in the spirit too – Batman, SlenderMan, SuperMan, a spider, a guy with glowing eyes and a few more.

Besides these three, Sarah Scheible came 
dressedto impress in her favorite comic book 
hero, Captain America and Dave Chidley as the infamous Grey Card… ooohhhh, awwww.

The day was filled with fun!  A lot of sugar and treats were devoured.   A nice reprieve from our prior week where all our minds were set on whether or not we’d pass our midterms.

Holidays are going to be making a big appearance I’m beginning to think as there is talk about our class creating the 12 days of Christmas all with a photography theme.

Exposing the Sarnia harbour

By Jodi Tamminga

Kali Courtis lines up a shot, photo by Sarah Scheible

It was a bright, clear, sunny September morning. We started it off as an eager group of First Year Students at Paddy’s, excited and ready to start our “on-location” shooting class at the harbour. With a lesson on Metering under out belts, we burst through the back doors, ready for action. It wasn’t long before we were practicing proper light metering and achieving correct exposures. This on-location class was a great experience for us all, as we learned a lot in relation to our cameras.

We were put into small groups, with each group having one incident meter. We spent our class time experimenting with different exposures, shutter speeds, and ISOs. It was a great experience, and we were all learning how to better understand our cameras.

 Leading lines of building and dock, photo by Sarah Scheible

We were nearing the end of our class time, and some students had already slipped on back to the college. A few stragglers were wandering near the end of the harbour, taking the final pictures of the trip. We were squeezing in as much shooting time as we possibly could, before heading off to English class. The photo opportunities were endless, but there was one by which everyone was intrigued; the Griffon, a Coast Guard Light Ice-breaker. We snapped many pictures of this magnificent boat, it was enthralling; a photography student’s dream. Little did we know, our dream was about to become an even better reality.

Detail, abstraction of a rusty chain. Photo by Emily Hussey

Amongst ourselves, we had decided that it was just about time to start heading back to  chool, as much as we wished we could stay all day. As we were planning our departure, the crew of THE boat were calling to us, offering us a tour. What could we say? Of course we would like a tour!

We followed our leaders Karyna Lortie and Chris Steeves all around the huge boat, as they told us the functions and features of the boat. Karyna gave us explanations to different parts of the boat as we went along. It was very fascinating to see the different parts and areas of a ship. This coast guard ship was amazing! We were given a fantastic tour of the boat, and its decks. It was interesting for us to see what life is like within the walls of the Griffon; everything from sleeping quarters and washing machines to the kitchen and living space. We ended our tour with a visit to Captain Ronald Gallant. It was certainly a great experience to meet the captain of such a large boat. He gave us a brief talk on what the boat does, and how it functions. Karyna brought out some photo boards that she created from some of their trips. We loved being able to see the photos of the crew in action.

We would like to send out a huge thank you to the crew and captain of the ship for providing us with such an amazing experience! We really appreciate your kindness and willingness to show us around. Thank you!

As an added bonus, photojournalist Glenn Ogilvie of the Sarnia Journal Newspaper, found us making images, and made a great shot of the class "Viewfinders" featuring Emily Hussey getting down low for a unique angle featured on the front page!

And that folks, is the story of our trip to the harbour!

Reflections, lines and strong Colour contrast are featured in a shot of Great Lakes freighter.  Photo by Jodi Tamminga

Details in the Shape and Form of a Great Lakes freighter.  Photo by Jodi Tamminga

Strong graphic lines featured in a shot of a Great Lakes freighter and grain elevators.  Photo by Jodi Tamminga

Circles, textures on the deck of ship.  Photo by Jodi Tamminga

Andrea Ochoa-Pineda looks for a shot at the harbour.  Photo by Laura McLean

Josiah Tobey lines up his shot at the Sarnia harbour.  Photo by Mack Feltz

Vivid colour contrast on a blue sky day at the Sarnia harbour.  Photo by Jodi Tamminga

Faculty Richard Beland (left) talks with Karyna Lortie and Chris Steeves, crew members of the Griffon, a Canadian Coast Guard light Ice-breaker, docked in the Sarnia Harbour.  Photo by Laura McLean 

The work is never done, as a crew member illustrates on the Griffon, a Canadian Coast Guard
light Ice-breaker, docked in the Sarnia Harbour.  Photo by Laura McLean 

Larryl Ybanez smiles as she enjoys the view from the deck of the
Griffon, a Canadian Coast Guard light Ice-breaker, docked in the Sarnia Harbour.  Photo by Laura McLean 

Faculty/Coordinator Richard Beland puts his artistic eyes to good use on the Griffon, a Canadian Coast Guard light Ice-breaker, docked in the Sarnia Harbour.  Photo by Emily Hussey

The class, and Emily Hussey featured on the front page of the Sarnia Journal Newspaper.  Photographed by staff Photojournalist Glenn Ogilvie

After a fantastic tour, some of the class pose with crew member Karyna Lortie on the gang plank of the Griffon, a Canadian Coast Guard light Ice-breaker, docked in the Sarnia Harbour.  Photo by Larryl Ybanez 

Professor and Coordinator Richard Beland Annoucement

Richard Beland, Professor and
Coordinator of Lambton
Digital Photography

It is with great pleasure that I announce Richard Beland as the successful candidate for the position of Professor and Coordinator of the Digital Photography program.  Richard holds an Honours diploma in Advanced Photography Studies from Fanshawe College and has over 20 years experience as a Rock and Roll Photographer.  Richard was instrumental in designing and launching Lambton’s unique Digital Photography program based on his knowledge and experience in the industry.  With his help, a talented team of photographer specialists were assembled to rollout this creative program with a difference. Threaded throughout the program, students learn the entrepreneurial skills necessary to become an independent photographer.  The rich and varied backgrounds of the Digital Photography faculty provide the backdrop for lessons in success and failure in the industry. By the time students graduate, they will have held their own photography exhibit, honed their photography and journalism skills, and had an opportunity to photograph a celebrity or two.

Richard’s diverse career has enabled him to travel internationally and photograph over 3,000 live performances including U2, The Rolling Stones, Bruce Springsteen, David Bowie and Madonna.  He has provided promotional and publicity photography for dozens of musical acts including James Brown, The Tragically Hip, Leahy, Johnny Reid and Jason McCoy and conducted portrait sittings with many cultural icons such as Coldplay, Iggy Pop, Nickelback, the Black Eyed Peas, Interpol, Green Day, the Beastie Boys and sports figures like Mike Weir, Martin Brodeur and Chris Bosh.   

Richard has been the official tour photographer for Bryan Adams, Jann Arden, Blue Rodeo, Frankie Valli, and Canadian Idol.  He has supplied architectural and special event photography for numerous facilities and global corporations.  His photography has been published in major national and international publications and shown in 15 group and solo photography exhibits.  He has been nominated for a Juno Award and 2 Canadian Country Music Awards in the category of ‘Album Design of the Year’.

Please join me in congratulating Richard.  You can view Richard’s photos on his website www.richardbeland.com or on the talent website www.rockpaperphoto.com 

Yvonne Clarke, MBA  Associate Dean

School of Business and Creative Design

Aerosmith, Photo by Richard Beland ©

Buck65, Photo by Richard Beland ©

Jason McCoy, Photo by Richard Beland ©

Leahy, Photo by Richard Beland ©

Rolling Stones, Photo by Richard Beland ©

Ron Sexsmith, Photo by Richard Beland ©

The Tragically Hip, Photo by Richard Beland ©

Tony Bennett, Photo by Richard Beland ©