The Beginning

Editor's note: As our program saw our first graduates and witnessed our first story ending, we now start a new beginning with our largest class yet.  A class of 28 eager new beginnings.  I asked first-year student Cassidy Crowe to reflect on her feelings as the group starts the school year. 

The Beginning

by Cassidy Crowe

Like some or most students graduating high school, I had a perfect plan of what my future looked like.  A short time before my graduation, on the other hand, I didn't see it quite that simply. I guess I should state that I am a type A personality. I structure my life years in advance, and when I do something, I always do it to my full ability. I am an overachiever too, so when planning my post secondary education, I was totally prepared for what was coming my way. So I thought…

As of this time last year, I had accepted a full-ride scholarship to play NCAA Division One basketball at Canisius College in Buffalo, New York. I had dedicated my life to the game, and had finally reached my goal since I was just a little kid— a scholarship to play ball in the States. I finally did it. All my hard work paid off! What I didn't see coming my way was that I would change my mind just months after accepting the offer.

Meanwhile, I had discovered another passion in my life. Photographing people. I realized I found a similar feeling when I had a camera in my hand, compared to when I had a ball in my hand. It just felt right. I started small, just photographing family Christmases, family friends with their little ones, you know, basically any one who asked me to take photos for them. I soon found that more and more people were asking. My skill base was expanding and my photographs became more appealing and I thought to myself: I could turn this into something great.

After a while of thinking to myself, and just months before graduation, I realized that maybe the scholarship wasn't for me. I was ready to commit to my family, spend time with those who I had missed through years of basketball consuming my life. That call was pretty difficult, and the college wasn't very pleased, but I knew in my heart I made the right decision. And then, I went into action. How can I educate myself and pursue my love of photography at the same time?

Little did I know the answer was right in front of me the whole time. Lambton College, my friends!

After doing my research, I soon found that this program was a perfect fit for me. A combination between the instructors, the structure and being close to home, it was barely a question if it was where I needed to be. Like any new experience, nerves and timidness came with the start of the school year. It didn't take long to see that this program is filled with wonderful creative minds that are here to do the same thing that you are. Comforting, and a great place to learn what I love.

I can’t wait to see my future after this program. I know it is setting me up for success in the work field and is armouring me with what I need to distinguish myself from the other photographers in the business. Needless to say, I made the right decision. I am anxious to see the result after these two years, as well as the friends and experiences that come along with it.

Our new students gather together for a group photo in the studio as they get started on their journey together.  photo Dave Chidley

Photo Booth FUNdraiser

The   second  year Digital Photography Students are heading to New York City Tomorrow!! 

But before they  go  please join them TODAY October 1st,  for  some fun and support them as they run a Photo Booth in the Cafeteria.  The idea is to raise some funds to off-set some of the expenses of the photography field-study.  Come have a fun portrait taken and walk away with a print in-hand for only $3.00.  Yes TODAY, Oct. 1st in the cafeteria 11:00 to 1:30.

All staff, faculty and students are welcome to the event, so please spread the word!  Come down as a department and have a group photo taken!  

First Year Bus Trip to Toronto

Big news! The first year students from the Digital Photography program will be able to participate in a bus trip to Toronto on November 7. The trip, in conjunction with the Ceramics courses, is voluntary (not a required element of the History of Photography and Art course) but most students will want to go to see the Royal Ontario Museum, where we hope to have a session with the chief photographer of the ROM about photography of exhibits and shows. There will also be a couple hours to view the museum.

The afternoon stop is at the Art Gallery of Ontario, where there will be two attractions. The first is the Alex Colville exhibition: a retrospective of the recently deceased east coast artist (who will be covered in detail in the History of Photography and Art course). It was this exhibition that spurred us to offer the trip in the first place. Colville’s paintings are Realism, and should inspire photographers.


But there is more. It turns out that at the same time there will be a Michelangelo exhibition containing a few of his sketches. This is the guy who painted the Sistine Chapel ceiling and carved the famous statue of David. This is a fairly small exhibition of 28 of the Master’s sketches and presentation drawings. These sketches are nearly 500 years old!

And to make it even a busier afternoon, the Gallery has other magnificent art to look at including the Group of Seven and Tom Thomson galleries, a photography gallery, and works by Rubens, Degas, Cézanne, Money, Sisley and van Gogh.

The cost of the trip is $90, and this includes a charter bus. It will leave the college at 7:35 am on Friday, Nov. 7 and will return to the college at 8:45 pm. Guests are allowed so you can bring a significant other (or even an insignificant other).

You are generally allowed to take pictures in the ROM, but not in the AGO in the afternoon. Therefore I recommend that you only use a cell phone camera, because they will want to check your camera if you walk into the AGO with it.

The trip is not limited to first year students (I know some second years or grads will complain that they didn’t get a trip in the past). Just make sure that you clear your absence with your instructors. Grads and others are welcome as well. Contact Don McCahill at E209F to get an application form. Make sure you get your payment in by October 24 if you want to come.

Don McCahill -- Instructor: History of Photography and Art

Apple and CDW computer deals

Further to our earlier post about Mac / Apple education pricing, Lambton College has a partner Apple Store, with some special deals above and beyond the regular Educational discounts.

As well there is an agreement between Lambton and CDW computers for you to get college pricing on computers / software / tablets etc.

So if you are a Lambton student / faculty looking for computer equipment check out the links on your mylambton page.

 www.mylambton.ca  > Service Departments > mobile learning > student support > resources

The thread will bring you to the following Store information. 

Purchases made through the links are for personal use only.  

The End

Editor's note: One more in our series of student blog entries.  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.

The End 
by Sarah DiDonato

Well we are here at the end of our journey together, and I have to say I am so sad to see everyone off. I still remember the first day walking in to the studio and sitting down at one of the tables.  We sat in a circle and Richard introduced himself to us. I was so scared to be back as a student.  I’ve never really done well with school and being in the working force for so long I was a little afraid, but little did I know how amazing these last two years would be and how close we would all become; none of us knew that we would end up becoming a little family.

Sarah (on the right) with some of the
 students from our very first class, during field study in NYC.
photo by Richard Beland

Being the first group to go through this new program at Lambton has been challenging, but we have not let that get us down. We have all done some amazing and unforgettable work. The studio was like our second home. As I said before, school has never been very easy for me, and finding friends has been equally hard. But since day one, everyone was so welcoming, friendly and supportive, it makes me humbled that I was lucky enough to have such wonderful people in my classes.

Now to our teachers: our teachers are so amazing! They are so educated, supportive and compassionate. They would help us any way they could. They pushed us to be better and to make sure we came out of this program ready for real life challenges and they showed us how important it is to be professional at all times. I came in to this program never having touched a DLSR camera before, and now I have a piece of my work forever in Lambton College Art archives. I am so blessed to have had this opportunity to be part of the first round of people through this program and to have had such amazing teachers.

I am so proud to see all my classmates become the amazing photographers we are today.  I’ve enjoyed seeing how much we have all excelled. The work we have all put out is incredible. You can tell there is so much passion, emotion and hard work put in to everyone’s pictures. I can’t wait to see what the future holds for us all. It has been a pleasure working with such wonderful teachers and classmates. I wish you all the best for a bright future!

In the Spot Light

Editor's note: One more in our series of student blog entries.  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.

By Kaitlyn Eastman

When I was thinking about this blog post, a ton of ideas came to mind. As my mind raced through so many ideas, I figured I could sit here and tell you all about how this course has changed my life in the best of ways, how our teachers (more like mentors) have taught and inspired us, but then I thought why not let a first year student tell you her thoughts and experiences. So, I decided to put a first year Digital Photography student in the spotlight!

            Our teachers have always taught us to pay attention to detail: never freeze a moment in time without thinking about what you want the outcome to be. They’ve taught us about composition and quality; they’ve taught us how to store emotion and feeling inside a frame. As I’ve come to really start searching for meaning, composition, lighting, and details in everything I look at, I’ve come to admire a lot of photographers and their work.  

I’m in my fourth semester of the Digital Photography program, and the first years are in their second semester. We have been able to view one another’s works of art. The first year who specifically got my attention was Cheyann. I’ve come to admire her attention to detail, her subject matter and also her compositions.

Photo by Cheyann Howard

          Cheyann Howard is a first- year Digital Photography student. Recently, I’ve had the privilege of sitting down with her and getting to know her. Cheyann is 20-years old and a student here at Lambton College from Exeter, Ontario. She found her love for photography when she was around 13 years old. She saved up all her babysitting money for just over 2 years in order to purchase her first point-and-shoot camera. A few years later, in grades 10-12, she took a number of communications technology classes, from animation to photography. When asked how she felt about the Digital Photography program she said, “ I love this program!” 


            When I asked Cheyann what she has learnt so far about the program, without hesitation she said, “One of the biggest things I have learned in the program is how to control light. Over the last several months I have improved both my studio lighting as well as natural light. A great deal of these improvements have come from learning the basic equivalent exposures, sunny 16 rule, as well as how to properly use a light meter.”  After she is done school, Cheyann wants to run and manage her own photography studio, specializing in weddings, new life and family portraiture.

Photo by Cheyann Howard

            While I was talking with her, Cheyann said something that stayed with me: “Choosing Lambton was an easy decision for me, due to the fact I felt so much at home”. I can completely relate! The DPH program is a home away from home and I’m so thankful to have learnt so much from this program and to have a great support system from faculty and my classmates. Being in my last year, it’s bitter sweet, but seeing students like Cheyann (and others) grow because of the program makes it so exciting!

Cheyann’s photography adventure is to be continued…

To all first years as Ernst Haas said;
“There is only you and your camera. The limitations in your photography are in yourself, for what we see is what we are.”

I wish you the best of luck in your photography journey!

Here are a few of Cheyann’s photographs for you to view and admire.

Photo by Cheyann Howard

Photo by Cheyann Howard

Photo by Cheyann Howard

The journey from Lagos to Lambton

After a quiet summer on the blog you will now start to see regular updates on what is happening in the Lambton College Digital Photography program.

Classes start in just a few days.  The faculty has been preparing and all met yesterday to discuss and plan for an exciting new year.  We are eager to get going!

We were very pleased to see our Oluwasegun Alawode, or as we know him "Bisi" featured in the newest edition of the Sarnia This Week newspaper. http://eedition.sarniathisweek.com/doc/Sarnia-This-Week/swpr_28-08-2014_/2014082701/    Bisi will be starting in the second year of our program next week.

Bisi is a talented and friendly student who has made a big impression around the school and community.

Here is the article, please have a read and visit Bisi's Facebook page to see more of his images:

www.facebook.com/photo.by.bc

Mac Education pricing

Well it's summer and our first ever group of students have moved on after a successful initial completion of the Lambton Digital Photography program.  We wish them well and most certainly will be in touch!  Don't be strangers.

September isn't too far away and we will have a new class of first years!  The registration numbers are looking great, so we will see you soon.

For those who are looking for their Mac laptops for the program, you may not be aware that Apple has special education pricing that you are eligible for.

You can purchase your equipment anywhere, and we are certainly happy if you support a local business, but you might also want to take a look at the Apple offers.

We are not endorsing this or any vendor, but simply making you aware of the option if it interests you.

LINK to Back to School Offer from Apple

Front Page photo

Angela Smolders who just graduated from the Lambton College Digital Photography program has her photography featured in today's National Post newspaper.  You will find her photos on the Front page and page 3!  As well as additional images on their website (link below).

The images are of members from the Lev Tahor Jewish sect, who have been in the national news over allegations of child neglect.  While in Guatemala Angela spotted individuals who appeared to be those who fled from Canada and photographed them in the small village where they have relocated.

Angela showed great photojournalistic instincts that led to the national newspaper following her lead and assigning two reporters to investigate the story that accompanies the images.

Great work by our Dean's Honour list grad! Way to go!

An interesting twist is that both Lambton faculty Dave Chidley's Canadian Press images, and Lambton student Angela Smolder's exclusive images appear with the article.

Link to the Online Story and Additional Photos

Our First Graduates

It was a memorable day as the Digital Photography program had our very first graduates receive their diplomas at Lambton College's 47th Convocation on June 14th, 2014.

Our initial two years has been an exciting time as we have had endless "firsts" as the program developed and grew.  From breaking in our brand-new studio, to the New York City field study, the learning experience has been unforgettable.

We are proud to see our ground-breaking initial class make it through.  Ten students made it to the end of their two-year program education and we wish them all the best in their future endeavours.

Convocation was an exciting milestone as four of the students were in attendance to receive their honours.  Included in the grads was the very first student to register for the program, Mary Miller.

Our first registered student Mary Miller stops under the lights, mid-stage to pose for a photo with her Diploma

Joining Mary on stage to receive their diplomas were Spencer Drake, Karah Schultz and Angela Smolders.

Spencer Drake who was involved in many extra curricular activities at the school including the Students' Administrative Council gets a hug from Lambton College President Judith Morris. 

Our first Graduates, l-r Karah Shultz, Mary Miller, Spencer Drake, Angela Smolders

Angela Smolders was recognized with a Dean's Award for her academic standing in the program.

Faculty Dave Chidley, Mark Russell and Program Coordinator Richard Beland were in attendance to participate in the Convocation and congratulate our grads!

Great job!

Our first Graduates, l-r Spencer Drake, Coordinator Richard Beland, Mary Miller, Angela Smolders, Karah Shultz and faculty Dave Chidley

Lambton Digital Photography featured in Sarnia Journal newspaper

The Sarnia Journal newspaper, this week published a feature article on the Lambton College Digital Photography Image Challenge.  The feature and images were also posted on their website virtual newspaper, and a Gallery of the 12 winning images can be found in the Photos section of the website.  

The article is very complimentary to the quality of the images our students produced.  Thanks, to the Journal for recognizing our students and their work! 

Link to Virtual Newspaper

Sarnia Journal Website

Two-page feature article with photos from the Lambton College Digital Photography Image Challenge. 

Image Challenge Awards presentation event

The Lambton College Image Challenge awards were presented at a fun gathering of students and faculty at Paddy Flaherty's Pub on April 22nd.

Winners were announced and received their awards, and everyone got to relax just a little, as the semester comes to a close.  Here are a few photos of the festivities and our overall winners.

Thanks to everyone involved from the judges, sponsors, faculty and of course the students for making the competition such a tremendous success.

Students applaud one of the winners.  Photo by Joan Elliott

Students gathered for the presentation of Image Challenge awards.  Photo by Joan Elliott 

Faculty Dave Chidley (left) and Richard Beland present one of the category winning awards to Nathena Lightheart.  Photo by Joan Elliott

Dave Chidley watches as Richard Beland shows a keepsake photo composition of thousands of individual images taken by the second year students before presenting a copy to each of them.   Photo by Joan Elliott

The Overall Image Competition - Geri Freeborn Memorial Award Winners:
Kaityn Eastman, Second Year and Christina Duizer, First Year (on the right).    Photo by Joan Elliott