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!