Family Day!

By Mike L'heureux 

Well here it is again, Family Day!!! It’s a holiday that was created by the government of Ontario to give the hard-working people of Ontario a break during the winter months. Also, the holiday gives families a day between New Year’s Day and Easter to reconnect and enjoy time together. Hi I am Mike L’Heureux and I am a second-year Digital Photography Student, and this is my latest blog post.

  

 This is my take on the word “Family”. On October 1, 2015, I started this new phase of my life called retirement. My family had thrown a surprise retirement party for me and it was a great night. There were my friends from work, the theater friends, hobby shop buddies and most important of all my wife, 2 kids and 3 grandkids. All these people in one room made me understand how fortunate I am because they were all more than just friends.

Sunsetting on a great career from Imperial oil taken October 2017. This is what it felt like to retire AHHHH!!

   In this group of friends, we’ve had life experiences together. We all knew of children being born in our families, weddings, graduations and divorces and most sadly, death. At some point in all our lives, we became connected in such a way that I now call them family. I can honestly say that with each person I have come in contact with, I have had an experience that only family can share together.

Bri and Mat the kids. Shot in 2011 by me in London they had completed a 5 k run.

   I can break this into three distinct families. My work family goes back as far as 35 years ago and as most recent as 5 years ago. When you spend almost two thirds of your lifetime working with these individuals you become like family. You spend holidays at work with them instead of with your wife and kids, spend many night shifts at work and tons of weekends. You grow close and exchange stories of what happens in your life as they do with you. You also meet each other’s families and with some you grow closer together.  I have grown very close to four of these friends and they are family.

he Grandkids: Gal,Addie and Rory.Shot in 2014

My theater family at the retirement bash I have known for quite a while as well. It started out with being a stage crew member for a play my son’s theater was preparing. I was blown away by such an open group of people from the folks back stage, to the actors live life with a passion I didn’t know existed. Their high energy and positivity, at first was intimidating but I grew to like it very much. The learning part here for me was to be able to unclench my emotions and return the feelings back to them. I learned it was ok to hug someone; you didn’t have to score a touchdown, score a goal or get a shutout. You were hugged because you are you and they flat out like you. When I decided to go onstage and started to sing and do some minor acting I had gotten so much support from everyone it was amazing. I can’t read music and really couldn’t dance a lick but they were generous with their talents and taught me well. I have several family members from the theater they are more to me than just friends.

My theatre family this is the Nightingale Chorus that I have been a member for awhile.This year they were my volunteer project for this semester.

  The Guys!  Well what can I say; we are all fine scale modellers, who are car nuts and bench race like no one’s business. We all like to tease the hell out each other and solve all the world’s problems according to our terms. But there is nothing I wouldn’t do for my closest friends and the feelings are mutual between us all. Unfortunately, we are going to lose a member of this family. Ben is very ill and is in St Joseph’s hospice. It sucks that there is so little time left for Ben to be with us, but I know I will have lost an older brother when he leaves. This will be a huge loss for me and my friends. 

After the retirement party, I felt rich when I realized I had such a large family.   

Transitioning from worker to student  in theDigital Photography Course  shot in 2015 at the college studio.

I have been attending the Digital Photography since September of 2015 and I have learned many things while here. You not only have to be technically strong, but you need to have a creative passion for what you do in photography. I have 5 instructors that are at the top of their fields in photography, videography and English. They just aren’t technically strong but they have a passion for what they do; also, they care about the ones they teach. As for my classmates, they have skills and talent in abundance; what they are learning now that will put them in the elite as photographers. We come from Canada, India, South Korea and Persia and our ages vary from 19 to 56 years old. I have seen this class not only mature and grow into great photographers, but also have evolved into fantastic people to boot. Over the year as a class we have lost some friends that had to leave, but we have not forgotten them just like you don’t forget family when they leave. During the class trip to New York, they gelled together into friendships and as a collective group rallied around some that have struggled and helped them out.

Gram and the Bucketlisters Shot in our studio last Easter for a school assignment

I know that by now you are thinking “What is that old man babbling on about?” and “What has this got to do with Family Day?” Well, families are made up of individuals that have different strengths and talents that they share amongst themselves to help and support each other and that is what families do.

Some of my Digital Photo Family in class

Now we don’t have to circle the wagons and sit around the camp fire and sing “Kumbaya”. I’m just saying that family doesn’t have to be always related and that also applies to my classmates. And by the way welcome to my family.   JUST SAYIN’     Old Man OUT!!!!  J.  

        

  

        

Digital Photography - A Career You'll Love

Sweat and Tears

By Christina Watts

We are just beginning the final semester of our digital photography program, and it is quite a bitter-sweet feeling. The sweet: four months from now, we will have completed the mountain of assignments, presentations, tests, and exams required of us to complete the program. We will be festooning our flags proudly upon the summit, knowing that we made it and that the climb is finally over. No more homework stress, no more all-nighters, no more image challenge jitters, no more sweat and tears. The bitter: we will no longer be spending as much time with our teachers and fellow classmates with whom we have grown so close to over the past two years. We will no longer have access to the photography lab that has helped us hone our photography skills, and the place where we have spent most of our time learning. 

Instructor David Chidley uses an egg to teach Lambton Digital Photography students about creative lighting during one of the first classes of the last semester on January 12, 2016 in the Digital Photography Studio at Lambton College in Sarnia, Ontario. (Christina Watts)

I imagine having to go out into the real world will be bitter for some and sweet for others, but a mix for most. During the first three semesters, we have learned the essential photography skills that we need for the real world. The final semester appears to be a time where we will be chiselled into our final product through some fine-tuning and finishing touches. We will be learning about establishing businesses, creating a social media presence, and producing portfolios that will, we hope, impress when we are turned out into the masses. One of our final projects, and one of our biggest, will be a self-co-ordinated gallery. What an amazing experience to send us off with into the real world. Having a gallery show where we can display our work, our talents, and our efforts to the crowds: This is me! This is what I have worked so hard for! 

Students busy at work in the Digital Photography Studio at Lambton College on Monday, January 23, 2016 in Sarnia, Ontario.  Being hands-on in the studio is a large part of the curriculum of the Digital Photography Program. (Christina Watts)

I cannot say enough about the professors we have in our program. Our professors, five in all, know us all by name, know our styles, know our strengths and our weaknesses. Them knowing us so well has been an essential component to our success and what makes each of us feel like a superstar in our program. And even though our professors are all superstars in their own field, they are all down-to-earth, incredibly kind people that I feel privileged just to have known, let alone learned from—how lucky am I?

A photo illustrating stop-motion photography, which is taught in the first semester in the Digital Photography Program at Lambton College in Sarnia, Ontario. (Christina Watts)

The final semester will fly by I’m sure, as we still have the steepest last quarter of that summit to conquer, but I will cherish the time I have left and try to slow it down just a bit if I can. And I know when I’m finished I will look back at the two years I spent in the Digital Photography Program and feel so proud that I was a part of it. And hopefully, the last semester will be the best one yet!

A photo from a commercial food shoot.  Commercial shooting is taught in all semesters of the Digital Photography Program at Lambton College in Sarnia, Ontario. (Christina Watts)

Toronto in 5 Hours, A Photographic Tour

Hello, I am Raspal Singh I am a second year Digital Photography International Student at Lambton College, Sarnia. 

In our third semester at Lambton College, we needed to submit photographs for two of our subjects Journalism Photography and Pop culture. As part of our program, my photography class went on the trip to New York city, USA. I was unable to join the group on this trip as the US embassy refused to approve my visa request. 

So I was here in Sarnia completing the assignments on my own. During that same week I got an email from One of our program committee supporters and owner of Photo Tour Trekkers company, James Cowie.  James offered me a wonderful opportunity to assist the trip he is hosting from London (ON) to Toronto (ON) an offer I couldn't resist.

So I joined the group in London and the photo adventure began. I met many like-minded people on this trip who wanted to explore the city from another perspective. For some people, it was their first ever Toronto visit and I could just see the joy of the moment in their eyes. I cannot believe I took 700 RAW photographs within 2.5 hours in Toronto downtown. 

I am going to share some of the photographs and will be adding more as I edit them on my blog.
And again I would like to thank, James Cowie and Photo Tour Trekkers for the incredible trip experience. James you are very talented and easy to talk to a person. I enjoyed sharing my thoughts about photography and also gained a fabulous trick of photography on the trip. You are blessed with true soul, which is calm and full of positive vibes towards everyone's success. Looking forward to seeing you again.

Editor's Note James Cowie is a member of the Lambton College Digital Photography Program Advisory Committee representing the industry. 

The Journey, Photo by Raspal Singh

Architectural abstraction, Photo by Raspal Singh

City life, Photo by Raspal Singh

Great Sky, Photo by Raspal Singh

Photo Tour Trekker!
Photo by Raspal Singh

Photographers everywhere, Photo by Raspal Singh

James Cowie giving directions, Photo by Raspal Singh

Watching the street activity.  Photo by Raspal Singh

Phone Booth or Cell Phone? Photo by Raspal Singh

Toronto by night, Photo by Raspal Singh

Photo Winners!

Congratulations to Lambton College Digital Photography second-year student Gina Robertson and  graduate Angela Smolders who are both winners in the Fall Foto Fest photography contest.

Gina's winning entry was awarded the Grand Prize "Best in Show" by the judging panel!  The photograph entitled "The Last Alpha" was also a winner in the College year-end student competition in April.

The Grand Prize for the Fall Foto Fest contest is a tour package on Photo Tour Trekkers Holland/Amsterdam Photo Tour in May 2017.


Fall Foto Fest, held in Bayfield is a two-day gathering of over 150 photographers from across the region drawing participants from Michigan to Ottawa.  Workshops, speakers, classes, and demonstrations, in addition to the contest fill the weekend of "learning" and social fun.

Angela Smolders entry "La Tradicion" was awarded Honorable Mention in the People Category.

Lambton Digital Photography faculty members Dave Chidley and John Densky were workshop instructors at this year's event.   Nancy McRae a Nursing Program faculty member (and photography student) was also one of the team of workshop instructors.


More on the event and the full list of winners can be viewed on the Photo Tour Trekkers website:


http://phototourtrekkers.com/tours/bayfield-fall-foto-fest-october-2016/



Congratulations!!

Grand Prize Winner - Best in Show "The Last Alpha" by Gina Robertson

"La Tradicion" by Angela Smolders - Honorable Mention in the People Category.

The Photographers' Experience

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

Blog Day 7 by Jesse Martens and Bryce Ottewell

New York was an experience of a lifetime. The trip was full of stories and adventures.  Having to wake up the next day bright eyed and bushy tailed after a long day of walking just felt right because we were all looking forward to the next day of adventure.      

We visited landmarks like The Rockefeller Center, Brooklyn Bridge, Liberty Island, Ellis Island, Central Park, Times Square, Coney Island and many more. We also visited many museums including Aperture, Public Private Secret exhibition at the International Center of Photography, MoMA (Museum of Modern Art) and the 9/11 Memorial Museum. 

These places had effects on everyone around.  Rushing ahead of others to get a photo first, getting so absorbed by a spot where a great photo would be produced, they would be left behind to catch up.  Even talking to people on the street and hearing their stories gave our pictures even more meaning.

We had a blast as we experienced the beauty of New York through the lens.  

The Photographers had this to say about New York:

Seth Meyers- New York was everything I imagined it would be.

Bryce Ottewell- New York was a great experience that helped me to practice and hone my skills.

Sarah Barry- New York was an experience that gave me the opportunity to explore, and expand my portfolio.

Christina Watts- New York was an experience I will tuck away and reminisce about for years to come.

Dana Sorenson- New York was an experience I’ll never forget

Elizabeth Hunt- New York was a captivating urban center enchanted by light and shadows.

Emily Nutson- New York was a great place to practice my street photography and attempt to emulate the greats, such as Vivian Maier.

Eric Davison-

Gina Robertson- New York was an over stimulation of all of my senses, leaving me with an adrenaline hangover.

Jesse Martens- New York was a great opportunity to practice my street photography.

Jessica Datema- New York was an incredible experience, with a ton of diversity and gorgeous sights to see.

John Hoseok Seo- New York was a huge photography studio which led me to the world of real lights and shadows.

Nicole Bowles- New York was amazing to see and to experience new things.

Nikki Gee- New York was one of the best experiences I have been on!

Nikoo- Former student Nikoo surprised the group by meeting us in her new home of NYC.

Roxanne Monterio- New York was a fantastic experience and I would do it all over again.

David Chidley- I told the students to "Go Away" and they did, and we all had a fantastic experience!

Richard Beland- New York a grand success.

Highlights and Memories

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 students will share their thoughts on the experience. Please join us as we experience New York City 

By Elizabeth Hunt and Christina Watts

The five days spent in the busy bustling city of New York are behind us, but the memories will live on in our hearts and in our photographs. As we return to our lives here at Lambton College, we can’t help but reminisce about our time spent in the big city.

In a city that never sleeps, we found it difficult to make it home before the street lights came on. By night we explored new and exciting locations and pushed our creative and technical limits to capture the nightlife.

Everywhere we turned, the culture of New York City surrounded us. We were engulfed by it. Subway rides presented performances by musicians and engaging conversations with locals. Walks to galleries and museums lead to witnessing street performers attempting death-defying stunts or simply playing an instrument.

Throughout our travels, we were engrossed in the architecture, some of which was over 200 years old! From the older, Georgian style of St. Paul’s Chapel to the new, modern Oculus Station, the beauty of every new building we passed was enchanting. 

As our journey becomes a fleeting memory, we will not forget the challenge of capturing the crowds amongst the twinkling lights of Times Square. We will not forget the struggle of navigating the extensive subway system. We will remember the feeling of pride in finding our way in the swarming city and in the moments captured through our viewfinders.

Today we asked each of our students to select a couple of their favorite images from our journey.

A couple walks under a Renaissance sign in Times Square, New York City on Wednesday, October 12, 2016.  (John Hoseok Seo/Lambton College)

A man stares into his cellphone on the subway train in New York City on Sunday, October 16, 2016. (John Hoseok Seo/Lambton College)

Signed padlocks hang from The Brooklyn Bridge in New York City on Thursday, September 13, 2016. (Nicole Bowles/Lambton College)

A white rose indicates the birthday of a victim at the 9/11 Memorial in New York City on Friday, October 14, 2016. (Nicole Bowles/Lambton College)

Richard Beland stands on a subway platform as a train speeds by in New York City on Thursday, October 13, 2016. (Roxanne Monteiro/Lambton College)

A white rose honors the birthday of a lost citizen at the 9/11 Memorial in New York City on Friday, October 14, 2016. (Jessica Datema/Lambton College)

 

The moon illuminates the evening sky in New York City on Thursday, October 13, 2016. (Roxanne Monteiro/Lambton College)

An arch frames a doorway in Queens, New York City on Saturday, October 15, 2016. (Roxanne Monteiro/Lambton College)

A hug on a bench in Coney Island, New York on Saturday, October 15, 2016. (Seth Meyers/Lambton College)

A groom stands with his bride in Central Park, New York City on Sunday, October 16, 2016. (Seth Meyers/Lambton College)

A couple embraces each other in New York City on Friday, October 14, 2016. (Seth Meyers/Lambton College)

The Brooklyn Bridge is silhouetted by the evening sunset in New York City on Thursday, October 13, 2016. (Bryce Ottewell/Lambton College)

Three women prepare to take pictures in Time Square, New York City on Saturday, October 15, 2016.  (Sarah Barry/Lambton College)

A model takes a break during a photo-shoot in Time Square, New York City on Saturday, October 12, 2016. (Sarah Barry/Lambton College)

Unique architecture stands out against a blue sky at the top of The Rockefeller Center in New York City on Wednesday, October 12, 2016. (Nikki Gee/Lambton College)

The Brooklyn Bridge is silhouetted by the evening sunset in New York City on Thursday, October 13, 2016. (Bryce Ottewell/Lambton College)

An intersection below the Roosevelt Island Tram in Manhattan, New York City on Sunday, October 16, 2016. (Jesse Martens/Lambton College)

A fan marvels at the sight of Spiderman in Times Square, New York City on Saturday, October 15, 2016.  (Gina Robertson/Lambton College)

A young boy rides a scooter in Coney Island, New York City on Saturday, October 15, 2016.  (Gina Robertson/Lambton College)

A singer gestures to a group of students while performing Justin Bieber’s “Love Yourself” on a subway train in New York City on Thursday, October 13, 2016. (Dana Sorensen/Lambton College)

The Skyline comes alive with lights in New York City on Thursday, October 13, 2016. (Nikki Gee/Lambton College)

Clouds pass over the Statue of Liberty in New York City on Thursday, October 13, 2016. (Jessica Datema/Lambton College)

Crowds rush by while walking across the Brooklynn Bridge in New York City on Thursday, September 13, 2016. (Elizabeth Hunt/Lambton College)

Musicians play their instruments in Central Park, New York City on Sunday, October 16, 2016. (Elizabeth Hunt/Lambton College)

The American flag waves in the breeze behind the Statue of Liberty in New York City on Thursday, September 13, 2016. (Elizabeth Hunt/Lambton College)

Vehicles pass over the Brooklyn Bridge in New York City on Thursday, October 13, 2016. (Christina Watts/Lambton College)

A building featured on the 1975 Led Zeppelin album “Physical Graffiti” stands tall in New York City on Saturday, October 15, 2016. (Emily Nutson/Lambton College

The Statue of Liberty stands out against a cloudy sky in New York City on Thursday, October 13, 2016. (Dana Sorensen/Lambton College)

A man serenades tourists and locals in Central Park, New York City on Sunday, October 16, 2016. (Bryce Ottewell/Lambton College)

A recent shopper of “Color Full” looks up as something catches her eye in Manhattan, New York City, on Wednesday, Oct 12, 2016. (Jesse Martens/Lambton College)

A man happily poses for a photo on a subway in New York City on Wednesday, October 12, 2016. (Christina Watts/Lambton College)

A woman walks on a subway platform in New York City on Thursday, October 13, 2016. (Christina Watts/Lambton College)