Focused On Photography

Editor's note: In the following weeks, you will hear and see images from our students themselves: their thoughts and reflections on the course, their work, and the work of others. Come back often to see what is happening in the Lambton Digital Photography program.


Focused On Photography
By Fera Kennedy

One of the reasons I decided to join the Digital Photography program at Lambton College was because quite blatantly… I can’t draw. Sounds a little silly, but it’s true. However, given all the things I’ve learned in terms of lighting, Photoshop, subject matter, photography (of course) and just art in general, I am now able to begin pursuing all of the crazy concepts and ideas that dare enter my mind. This being my last semester of the DPH program, I am finally able to concentrate on all things me, and what better way to push myself into that chaos than having to produce my own gallery showcasing my photography. This is a pretty big deal for me. I really just want people to get it… you know, like, REALLY get it.

I have thought long and hard about what my niche market is, what inspires me, who I am, what I’m capable of and where I want to go with all of this photography business, and it all comes down to conceptual art. I want to make the viewers’ minds bend a little when observing my photographs. So where does all this reflection leave me? Books of course! The only thing I have on my mind more than photography happens to be literature, and what better way to pursue my dreams and aspirations than to combine myself and my two loves into a sort of ménage-a-trois?

So far, I have made a list of about 15 different perceptions and inspirations of photo compilations and art to create with photography for one of my largest assignments. Last week, I put together an image of an invisible suited man flipping through a book. This week, I began with a floating little girl with a book in hand. Each shoot so far, as well as each to come, requires plenty of planning and organization to render the perfect final product. These photographs I’m creating require knowledge that covers everything I have learned in this program starting from day one (from lighting to just plain old critical thinking). Given the time frame to master all of these works, there is no juncture for do overs or mess-ups of any kind. Although these photographs take massive amounts of time, effort, concentration, problem solving and creativity, I must say it’s truly a labour of love and I wouldn’t prefer to be doing anything else! 

Once I’m finished my series of photographs in the coming weeks, I want each of the images to have the same relation that books have. In a broad sense, I want people to feel mystery, excitement and curiosity... If I do my job correctly, my photographs will tell a story just as well as any best-selling author could. Plainly and simply, I wish one day to be the George Orwell or Oscar Wilde of photography, starting here at Lambton. Those who are interested in my journey as an aspiring photographer can follow me on Facebook at Fera Elise Kennedy Photography. 

Model Arwen does her best to "fly" for concept shoot in the Lambton Digital Photography Studio.
photo by Fera Kennedy

Instructor Dave Chidley assists with model Arwen during "Floating Girl" shoot.
photo by Fera Kennedy

Final conceptual image of "Floating Girl" by Fera Kennedy

International Success

The Sarnia Observer newspaper has our own Bisi Alawode featured in a story about the increase in international students attending Lambton College.   Great story about his journey to Sarnia, and the Lambton College Digital Photography program.

LINK to Article

When Bisi Alawode wed his fiancée Tito this fall, they didn’t only begin their married life together.

They also embarked on that new chapter of their lives in a faraway country.

The newlyweds moved from Lagos, Nigeria – Africa’s largest city with a population of 21 million – to Sarnia with dreams of furthering their educations.

Bisi, who had been working as a photographer, wanted to expand his skills, so he enrolled in the new digital photography program. His wife Tito signed up for the business management program.

“When you leave family for a long distance and you can’t wake up and go talk to them, it can be emotional, but my experience at Lambton College has been wonderful,” Bisi Alwode told an audience gathered at a Cultural Connections session Thursday.

The monthly educational series organized by the Sarnia-Lambton Local Immigration Partnership features guest speakers from a variety of cultures and backgrounds.

On Thursday, Lambton College played host to the December session, highlighting their growing international education department.

This fall, 290 international students attended the college’s Sarnia campus. Another 130 more international students are expected this winter.

The bulk of students come from Nigeria, China and India, noted Chris Slade, dean of the college’s international education department.

“In Lagos, Nigeria, Lambton College is as well-known as Centennial and Humber here,” he said.

The college is now expanding its attraction efforts to South Korea, Ukraine and Russia.

Slade said the goal is to continue growing into a diverse campus, so both domestic and international students can learn from one another.

“You can walk through the hallways and see the conversations, the friendships and the relationships and we’re proud of that,” he said.

First-year business management student Divya Reddy said her Canadian classmates and her homestay family have been welcoming to her.

“They treat you like a family member,” said Reddy, who hails from India. “They teach you about Canadian culture.”

Both Alawode and Reddy have become active in student life at Lambton College. They’ve set up a Facebook page “Lambton College International Students Working Group” to connect students from across the world studying at the college.

Students, like Alawode and Reddy, are an inspiration, Slade noted. They pay higher tuition fees without any government assistance and leave behind families to pursue their careers.

He said the college is trying to build more “global citizens” – people who are adaptable and open-minded – for the workforce.

In many ways, international students embody those characteristics, he noted.

“They’re really an example for us all,” he said.

barbara.simpson@sunmedia.ca

Guest Photographer David Leyes

As the semester comes to a close the Lambton Digital Photography students took a welcome break from completing assignments to be entertained and informed, by celebrated commercial photographer David Leyes.

The guest appearance was one of our on-going speaker series, that the students will be developing into a video resource.

Leyes is a Toronto based, image-maker who has a diverse client base, of actors, celebrities, musicians, fashion, entertainment, advertising and business-world subjects.  

He creates photographs, for local and international clients including, Corus Entertainment; Sony Music; Universal Music; Cosmo TV; Unilever; Rolling Stone; CBC; The Toronto Star; The Globe & Mail; Live Nation and Universal Concerts to name just a few!

The students were exposed to two hours of Leyes' humour, education, advice, stories, background and insight into the professional photography world he lives.  His energetic and spontanious personality helped students understand how he works, and connects with his diverse range of subjects.  

The message to Practice, Practice, Practice was not lost on the Lambton students!

Thanks to David and his family for coming to Sarnia and devoting the time from their busy schedules to allow the Lambton College Digital Photography students to learn from another working professional photographer. 

To see more of David's work visit his website: http://www.davidleyes.com

To find out more about the Lambton Digital Photography program visit the college site:   Lambton College Digital Photography Program

Lambton College Digital Photography students listen to guest speaker David Leyes describe a photo shoot
in a bathroom

Lambton College Digital Photography coordinator Richard Beland listens to guest speaker David Leyes discuss a photo shoot for the band The Bare Naked Ladies

David Leyes image of the Bare Naked Ladies

David Leyes image of Arlene Dickenson, TV personality and entrepreneur, from the Show Dragon's Den

David Leyes image of musician Pete Wentz 

David Leyes image of the Toronto Raptors cheerleaders

David Leyes image of the Canadian musician and actress Sarah Slean

Photographer David Leyes speaks about his work to Lambton College Digital Photography students 

Photographer David Leyes speaks about his work to Lambton College Digital Photography students

Photographer David Leyes speaks about his work to Lambton College Digital Photography students

Photographer David Leyes reacts to being in front of the camera as he speaks about his work to Lambton College Digital Photography students

Students listen intently to David Leyes words of advice

Students listen intently to David Leyes words of advice

Students and faculty join David Leyes for a group photo

Students look through portfolios of David Leyes' images

Shooting Stars

Our students have been very busy as the fall semester comes to a close.   Assignments are plentiful and the experiences diverse.  We believe that the best way to learn is by experience and practice.  So we fill our program with as much shooting as we can.

The students are our shooting stars.   In addition to their projects and assignments our students were fortunate to meet and photograph a Canadian sporting super star this week.  The most celebrated Canadian heavy weight boxer of all time, George Chuvalo made a visit to the Lambton Digital Photography studio for a photo shoot.

Students in faculty Lorrie William's Portrait / Wedding photography class joined Lorrie in a commercial shoot for Active Ears hearing aid specialists featuring Mr. Chuvalo squaring off with owner Christine Feige in some play-boxing.   Our first year students got to witness the fun and action packed photo session.

From photographing a Boxing Star in our studio, to Abstract Design and Composition, to a nature field trip, to a New York City field study, the fall semester has been one exciting creative challenge after another for our shooting stars.

The Lambton Digital Photography Studio was packed for a photo shoot with boxer George Chuvalo

Second year students took an active role in the photo session, taking turns capturing the action

Boxing Legend George Chuvaol play boxes with Christie Feige for the cameras

Faculty Lorrie Williams declares Christine the winner much to George's surprise

Capturing George Chuvalo holding Active Ears hearing aids with company owner Christine Feige

A very patient and gracious guest George Chuvalo was photographed for about an hour and gladly met and chatted with students

Student Kaitlyn Eastman thanks George Chuvalo for visiting Lambton Digital Photography and allowing the students to experience a commercial photo shoot. 

International Student Oluwasegun "Bisi" Alawode poses with George Chuvalo who was familiar with Lagos Nigeria, Bisi's home. 

Angela Smolders looks more serious about boxing than George Chuvalo 

Nathena Lightheart lines up a shot during an abstract Design and Composition exercise

Jessica Dillon and Alexa Coupland get down low during an abstract Design and Composition exercise

Casting shadows during an abstract Design and Composition exercise

Christina Duizer and Elizabeth Bosma line up creative angles during an abstract Design and Composition exercise

The Wedding Photography / Portrait class take advantage of the fall colours for a location shooting exercise with a Bride and Groom

Open House - from many corners

Along with our Nathena and Katie our First Year Student Ambassadors, faculty members: Don McCahill, Troy Shantz and myself (Richard Beland) hosted of gleaming procession of eager and enthusiastic potential students and parents during the Open House this past Saturday. 

We had folks come to visit our faculty and facilities (The Photography Studio) from many corners of Ontario including but not limited to Owen Sound, Stouffville, Kitchener/Waterloo, Windsor and St. Thomas. In fact, there were so many people to speak to us during our Open House session we didn't wrap up until 3:00 (rather than the official ending time an hour earlier).

Many, many thanks to everyone at Lambton College who put forth such a tremendous effort in organizing the day. Further to this, it's important that all of you who came by to visit know how very grateful we are for your time. We hope to see you in September!

Sincerely,

Richard Beland
Instructor/Coordinator
Digital Photography Program
Lambton College

NYC Field Study Trip Video

Troy Shantz of the Lambton Digital Photography faculty produced this exciting video from the second year students' Field Study trip to New York City.   The trip was a great experience packed with learning.  Enjoy!

Lambton College Arts Collective Show

Lambton Digital Photography students and their work are being featured in the College Arts Collective show at the historic Lawrence House gallery in downtown Sarnia.  

For the month of November, the Lawrence House is showcasing artwork from students and faculty from the Digital Photography Program, Special Interest Photography, Ceramics, Watercolour, and Drawing.  Winners from the College’s brand new Permanent Art Collection Competition are featured.

Hundreds of guests attended an invite-only Gala opening on October 30th and the exhibit opened to the public on First Friday, November 1st.  

The Arts Collective show and the two openings have been a great success and plans are in the works to make this an annual event.  The gallery at Lawrence House is open Wednesday through Friday 11:00 am – 6:00 pm, and Saturday and Sunday 11:00 am – 4:00 pm. 

The images produced by the Digital Photography students look fantastic in the gallery and the everyone involved did themselves proud.

Thanks to everyone involved in the project!   

-photos by Natalie Bravo

Viewing student work at the Lawrence House gallery.

First-year student Alawode "Bisi" Oluwasegun, second-year student Angela Smolders and Program Co-ordinator Richard Beland

Faculty David Chidley (left) and Richard Beland (right) listen to Sarnia Mayor and competition judge Mike Bradley 

Lambton Digital Photography second-year students and faculty in attendance at the Gala Opening at Lawrence House

Permanent Arts Collections Contest category winners
 l-r Lorraine Kraayenbrink, Sarah Di Donato and Spencer  Drake with their awards including the Best in Show award for Sarah Di Donato

First Scholarship Winner

Don McCahill, Instructor, Mary Miller, Second Year Digital Photography Student, and Richard Beland, Co-ordinator, Digital Photography

The first Geri Freeborn Memorial Scholarship was awarded to Mary Miller at the Lambton College Awards Luncheon on Tuesday, November 5. This $500 scholarship is available to a first year Digital Photography student with good academic standing, mature student status, and whose efforts and work have helped advance the program.

Geri Freeborn was a mature student in the first class to attend the new Digital Photography program when in launched in 2012. Early in the second semester, Geri was tragically killed in an automobile accident. Instructors in the Digital Photography program established a fund in her name to commemorate her enthusiastic participation in Photography. (According to the college definition, a mature student is anyone over the age of 25. Students need not apply for the scholarship. All students who qualify are considered.)

As well as the Scholarship, the fund finances two other awards, open to all students. These are competitive awards, presented at the end of the spring term, and are entirely based on the photographic work that students do over the course of their year. Separate categories apply for both first and second year students. The first year award, presented to the student with the best composite score in the various categories, wins a $200 scholarship towards second year tuition. (Spencer Drake was the first winner of this award last spring.)

The second year winner will receive a $300 cash award. This award will be issued for the first time in April, 2014.