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.
Passion’s Call by Spencer Drake
Some people go their whole lives never discovering what they
are passionate about, but some lucky few discover their passion. I am one of
the lucky ones. My passion is photography.
I actually discovered my passion a mere three years ago, and
it was in quite the unconventional way. But before I tell you how I came about discovering
it, let me tell you about what I thought I wanted to do while I was growing up.
From as far back as I can remember, I had always wanted to
do something that dealt with wild animals. When I was very young, I wanted to
be a naturalist, (some one who studies nature). Then, when I studied biology
more, I wanted to be a Zoologist. As I prepared to apply to university, I decided
I wanted to specialize in Animal behaviour. Unfortunately, I was not accepted
into the programs I applied to, so I decided to work for a few years to save
money and decide on what I wanted to do with my life. Not being accepted was a
blessing in disguise because had I been accepted I would never have discovered
my passion for photography.
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The Jungnokwon Bamboo Garden in Damyang, South Korea has
more bamboo than anywhere else in Korea. It had an enchantingly peaceful
atmosphere with the sun filtering through the bamboo boughs high above, casting
everything in an emerald light. Photo by Spencer Drake
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It was quite a fluke that I discovered my passion for
photography. After two years of working, I decided to pick up a point-and-shoot
camera because it was on sale at my workplace. It broke within a week. So I
returned it and tried again. Again, it broke within a week. So I returned it
and decided to get a better quality camera. After extensive research, I decided
to by a Nikon D3100. From the first time I pressed the shutter button and heard
the satisfying click of the shutter, I knew this was what I wanted to do for
the rest of my life and I was willing to pour my heart and soul into making it
happen.
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Ta Prohm, an ancient Buddhist temple and university,
located in Angkor, just outside of Siem Reap, Cambodia. Ta Prohm has merged
with the surrounding jungle. Giant trees, like this one, grow out of many of
the temples. Photo by Spencer Drake |
I devoured any photography book and magazine I could get my
hands on. After a few months of doing this, I realized that I needed formal
training. I knew there was more information than I could find in books. I
needed guidance. So I looked high and low at schools offering photography
programs and came across Lambton College’s Digital Photography Program. It
really caught my eye because not only was it going to be a brand new innovative
program with small class sizes, but it was also going to have an illustrious
photographer, Richard Beland, as program director.
Once I visited campus and talked to Don McCahill, one of the
professors in the program, I was convinced that this was the program for me. I
can say with 100% confidence that it was the best decision I have ever made.
Starting the course I knew that, being the first students ever,
we would become very close with each other as well as the professors. I was
right on both counts; not only do I consider my professors mentors not just
teachers, but that we, as a class, have become a family, quirks and all.
Over the course of the last two years, I have learned an
unbelievably vast amount about photography. My photographic skills have
improved exponentially and I’ve had the amazing opportunity to travel to South
Korea, Cambodia and Thailand with my brothers as well as to New York with my
class. Because I learned so much about photography, I was able to produce high
quality images that I am proud to call my own.
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In Buddhist scripture, everyone has the
potential to become a Buddha. This enlightened state of Buddhahood is when one
becomes free from suffering and becomes the embodiment of loving-kindness,
wisdom and compassion. These statues adorn the Buddhist temple on the island
Koh Phayam in Thailand. Photo by Spencer Drake |
Thank you to every one of my teachers for not only teaching
me invaluable skills but also for supporting me in my passion. Thanks to you, I
am that much more prepared for the hard work ahead of me once I graduate. I
will be forever grateful and will never forget all you’ve done for me.
Thank you for stopping by today. Here are some of my photos
that I hope you enjoy.
If you wish to see more of my work or follow my personal
blog (that I will be updating as often as I can) please check out my website,
http://www.spencerdrake.ca
If you’d like to follow me on social media, please check out
the links to my social media on my website.
