First bite out of the Big Apple

Editor's note: The second-year Lambton College Digital Photography students are on a five-day work study visit to New York City.  Follow our daily blog about the adventure.  Each day two students will share their thoughts on the experience.  Please join us as we experience New York City.

Jamie Babcock / Lambton College

Clouds flying beneath the plane just before descending 

to land in Newark, New Jersey on Thursday, 

October 2^nd, 2014.

(Jamie Babcock / Lambton College)

I embarked on a brave new adventure… heading to New York City on an airplane!  The most adventurous thing about it was that it was my first flight.  I have never travelled out of the country this far either!  My first taste of travelling and it was absolutely breathtaking, the view, the hustle and bustle once arriving into the city of Newark, New Jersey and just knowing that I would soon be touching down onto the grounds of a city that holds a lot of history, artistic movements, great landmarks, and so much more. 

Guest speaker Gary Hershorn talking about the

way social media has changed photography in 

Hoboken, New Jersey on Thursday, October 2^nd,

 2014.  (Jamie Babcock / Lambton College)

This afternoon we arrived on an overcast day at Hoboken Pier in Hoboken, New Jersey to see guest speaker: Gary Hershorn.  We gathered around as he spoke about how much social media has changed the face of photography and how we must adapt to the ever changing technologically advanced world.  He was giving us some advice on our shooting techniques and I got this photograph of Elizabeth Bosma out of it!  Just looking at different angles and really paying attention to detail, design and composition; taking the ordinary and making it extraordinary!  Gary lives by these three words; “time, place, and context.”   He suggests we download the app called “Flipboard”.  Flipboard is your personal magazine!  You can discover, collect and hear all the news that you care about.  You can also add your favourite social networks, publications and blogs.  You can check out Gary’s work here: https://www.facebook.com/garyhershornphotography/.  After visiting with Gary, we stopped by Romeo Pizzeria in Hoboken, NJ for a bite to eat after photographing some more of the pier and then we were off to New York City for the first time.

Woman at Sohung Designs at Chelsea Market in Chelsea, 

New York on Thursday, October 2^nd, 2014.

(Jamie Babcock / Lambton College)

Elizabeth Bosma being captured in action at the Hoboken Pier in Hoboken, New Jersey on 

Thursday, October 2^nd, 2014.  (Jamie Babcock / Lambton College)

Raeven Ramirez / Lambton College 

After an entertaining PATH train ride into Chelsea, a district of Manhattan that lies west of the Avenue of Americas and between 34th street and 14th, we walked for many blocks to the High Line Park. This walkway, which was once an inter-city railway, provides the people of Chelsea an alternative to walking on the city streets. The walkway is interwoven between train tracks and native plants. It was dry, well-manicured, and adorned with railcar lounge chairs and theatre seating, which allowed panoramic views of traffic, while being directly juxtaposed with spectacular views of the Hudson river on the other side. A very unique walkway that allows the New Yorkers of Chelsea to take a breather on their walk home. 

Katie shooting  graffiti beneath an over hang at the Highline Park in the Chelsea district in New York City, New York on Thursday, October 2, 2014. (Raeven Ramirez/Lambton College)

Upwards view of Rome Pizzeria in Hoboken, 

New Jersey on Thursday, October 2, 2014  

Raeven Ramirez/Lambton College

From there we took a quick turn around the Chelsea Market. Unfortunately we didn’t get to explore its absolute depth, but the little that we did experience was phenomenal. From the little vinyl booth, to the artisan crafted jewellery, to the exceptionally executed handmade clothing pieces we came across, I quickly noticed that I had never been to a market quite as unique and intriguing as this one. The space itself was riveting and pumped full of life. Whatever the stereotypes say about New York City’s residents being rude, pretentious and over-zealous, those were not prevalent today! The people were certainly dressed as themselves, and unique in all forms, but very forthcoming and welcoming. The one we found the most helpful was Sarah of Aperture gallery.

First, out of respect for the gallery being a gallery, I didn’t take any photos of the space; you’ll just have to visit it yourself! The curator for this gallery was beyond knowledgeable about everything that was in her space. She was very open to sharing; she genuinely was excited that we were there and that we were Canadian (of course!). The gallery show itself was certainly the most intriguing and inspiring event of the day. It was held in a large, open loft space with high ceilings and was very well lit. There is no way to describe the feeling you get when you’re moved, touched and placed in a state of awe by the work of modern day legends. To be surrounded by their pieces allowed our aspiring photographers moments of influence, pushing us towards greatness in hope of one day evoking the same sense of awe in the youth of tomorrow. 

Minimal Chelsea traffic on 22nd and 10th street from The High Line Park in the  Chelsea District, New York, New York on Thursday, October 2, 2014   (Raeven Ramirez/Lambton College) 

It is only the first day…and not even a full one at that, and I am feeling overwhelmed with excitement and a greed for more. Tomorrow is a new dawn filled with a city of un-discovered relics of awe; we’ve been sent here to immerse ourselves within it. 

Our group on the Hoboken, New Jersey shore, with the south Manhattan Skyline behind us.  (photo by Gary Hershorn)

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