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Fostering the appreciation & sharing of the photographic arts in the greater Ladysmith, British Columbia area.

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How to submit photos (for members only)

What’s Coming Up!

Photographs from the past in a digital age ~ Ron McBride ~ Tuesday February 27th at 7pm

My journey into the realm of photography commenced with a significant milestone — winning a photography calendar contest, the Hope in Shadows Calendar, in 2011. This achievement not only marked the beginning of my photographic career but also brought a tangible reward of $600. Encouraged by this success, I made a pivotal investment by purchasing my first digital camera, enabling me to embark on a visual exploration of my neighborhood. As I continued to capture moments and scenes, my photographic collection naturally expanded, reaching a point where I felt confident enough to transition into selling my images. The process of commercialization served as an invaluable learning experience, allowing me to quickly discern the preferences of my audience, particularly as a street photographer.

For an extended period, I immersed myself in the captivating world of street photography, honing my craft and refining my understanding of what resonated with viewers. A distinctive aspect of my approach was the innovative presentation of my work – I sold my images embedded between glass, a unique and visually engaging method. Over the years, my photography evolved organically, gradually transcending the boundaries of conventional street photography and transforming into a more artistic expression of my vision and creativity.

Join us, Tuesday, February 27, 2024 at 7:00pm, in Hardwick Hall, High Street at 3rd Avenue in Ladysmith. Everyone welcome. Non-members $5 drop-in fee. LCC invites new members, novice to pro.  www.LadysmithCameraClub.com

Composition – Finding a Focal Point ~ Randy Hall ~ Tuesday January 23rd at 7PM

Photographs from the past in a digital age

Randy Hall is a Vancouver Island photographer specializing in nature photography, whether it is capturing natural settings such as seascapes or forest landscapes or the plants and animals that inhabit this part of British Columbia.  He considers himself a landscape photographer first, but also an opportunistic wildlife photographer.  “My photos are my interpretation of works by a true master… Mother Nature”.

One of the challenges we face as photographers is to create an image that can stand alone, without an explanation from the photographer. Identifying a focal point, or main subject, is step one to reaching that goal. Without a definite focal point, you’re leaving the viewer to their own interpretation. In the case of vistas or some landscape images this may be desired, but most often, we’d like the viewer to see what we see. Sometimes this can be as simple as cropping so tight to the subject, there is no alternative for the viewer. Other times, we may need a little help to draw the attention to the subject as we see it.

There are several ways to make this happen, but I will present some of the methods I use. Considerations that I make before I even set up to press the shutter. I am a believer in the use of post processing where needed, but it’s best to have a plan when you still have the camera in hand…even earlier if possible. As with anything, there are many ways to achieve the same thing, so this is meant more to raise awareness to options, rather than teach you how to reach the final goal.

Join us, Tuesday, January 23, 2024 at 7:00pm, in Hardwick Hall, High Street at 3rd Avenue in Ladysmith. Everyone welcome. Non-members $5 drop-in fee. LCC invites new members, novice to pro.  www.LadysmithCameraClub.com

The Heart of the Photograph ~ David duChemin ~ Tuesday November 28th at 7pm

A compelling photograph is more than visual. It’s visceral. We don’t only see it, we feel it. It’s more than just focusing our lenses, it’s also focusing the attention of those who will experience our photographs. Great gear helps, but what about the other tools? What about juxtaposition and mystery, story, mood, depth, and energy? What about the power of a great moment? And when it comes to gear, is it enough that we have all the tools, like great optics, or should we be developing a sensitivity to the unique ways in which different focal lengths amplify the feeling of a scene when used well?

The Heart of the Photograph is an inspiring video presentation about these very ideas, and it will change the way you make your photographs and reignite the spark if it has cooled off.

Photographer and best-selling author David duChemin has taught this amazing craft on all seven continents, and has appeared on stages for companies like Amazon and Apple to teach the human side of this craft. With over 35 years experience making photographs, his calling is to help photographers make photographs that are more than just sharp and well-exposed. David teaches how to make photographs that light a spark in people, that communicate clearly, that captivate imaginations and grab the attention and hearts of the people who will see them. As an international workshop leader and author of best-selling books like “Within The Frame” and “The Soul of the Camera” (both published in over a dozen languages), he’s taught students this incredible craft on all seven continents. David’s lecture will inspire you to go deeper with your craft and find greater joy—and freedom!—in the exploration of your vision.

Join us, Tuesday, November 28, 2023 at 7:00pm, in Hardwick Hall, High Street at 3rd Avenue in Ladysmith. Everyone welcome. Non-members $5 drop-in fee. LCC invites new members, novice to pro.  www.LadysmithCameraClub.com

The Photographer as Naturalist ~ Bruce Whittington ~ Tuesday October  24th at 7pm

Bruce is a founding member of the Ladysmith Camera Club. Much of his work celebrates the wonders of the natural world. For seventeen summers he has worked as an onboard naturalist, on ships from 60 to 60,000 tonnes, and this has presented an abundance of wonders to photograph. He is also passionate about the conservation of the natural world.

He is a founder of Habitat Acquisition Trust, a community land trust in Victoria. He also participates in a number of programs where amateurs can contribute meaningful data to the study and conservation of species and habitats. This has come to be called “citizen science”, and this is the theme of his presentation “The Photographer as Naturalist”.

Photographers are observers by nature, but they are often surprised to learn that their observations may add important information to the scientific database, whether it’s in a photograph of a colour-banded bird, a colour anomaly in a forest plant, or the identifying marks on the fluke of a sounding Humpback Whale. Bruce’s presentation will open your eyes to a whole new side of your photography.

Join us, Tuesday, October 24, 2023 at 7:00pm, in Hardwick Hall, High Street at 3rd Avenue in Ladysmith. Everyone welcome. Non-members $5 drop-in fee. LCC invites new members, novice to pro.  www.LadysmithCameraClub.com

Why Black and White? ~ Cole Thompson ~ Tuesday September 26th at 7pm

Yes, the title is “Why Black and White?” but the presentation’s real message is much bigger than B&W…it’s about Vision.

In about 75 minutes, Cole Thompson will make the case that Black and White is the perfect medium for any subject…except for one. Cole will show work from his various portfolios including:

 The Ghosts of Auschwitz-Birkenau, Harbinger, Ceiling Lamps, Moai, Sitting for Portrait, The Lone Man, Negative Intersections, And others

Interspersed between the images Cole will share his photographic philosophies, such as:

Never listen to others, Photographic Celibacy, Coles Rule of Thirds, Equipment is overrated, Vision is the most important tool in my toolbox, And many others!

Cole Thompson is uniquely unqualified to speak on photography.

“I’ve never taken a photography class or a workshop. I don’t have a degree in art. I’ve never worked as a photographer. I don’t have gallery representation. I’m not a Canon Explorer of Light. And I only have three lenses and none of them are primes.

Do I have any qualifications?

Just one…my images. Nothing else matters.”

At the end of his presentation Cole will answer questions and give away a print of The Angel Gabriel.

Join us, Tuesday, September 26, 2023 at 7:00pm, in Hardwick Hall, High Street at 3rd Avenue in Ladysmith. Everyone welcome. Non-members $5 drop-in fee. LCC invites new members, novice to pro.  www.LadysmithCameraClub.com

“The Power of Black and White” ~ Tony Paine ~ Tuesday June 27th at 7pm

I start with a short video explaining the power of B&W and illustrating how I “develop” images. After that I will discuss tips & techniques and current projects. Throughout, I share images old and new from my personal journey to inspire beginners yet inform advanced photographers.

“I am here and I am still strong” they whisper…

My first camera was a 1963 Christmas present – a plastic 120 roll film Brownie”. In high school, I had a Pentax SLR and became the yearbook photographer with a nice darkroom for B&W work – still a favorite medium.

Working with Xerox Research outside Toronto in a materials lab provided a great education in the science of color.

After 2000, Photoshop sparked an interest both for myself and my artist wife Susan and I became interested in digital cameras. Now, the camera digital quality has greatly improved plus software advancements give extensive image editing control (creative and otherwise) with flawless printing. Photoshop is still our favorite software. George DeWolfe and Stephen Johnson’s courses provided the best foundation for my ideas and work.

I consider myself an artist – not wedded to exact reproduction – but more devoted to telling stories or capturing unique perspectives.

Join us, Tuesday, June 27, 2023 at 7:00pm, in Hardwick Hall, High Street at 3rd Avenue in Ladysmith. Everyone welcome. Non-members $5 drop-in fee. LCC invites new members, novice to pro.  www.LadysmithCameraClub.com

“Having Fun with Photo Compositing” ~ Doug Currie ~ Tuesday May 23rd at 7pm

Doug, a fellow club member, will present some of his photo composites, show some equipment he is using, as well as give a demonstration using Photoshop to recreate one of his images. Hopefully, everyone will feel free to discuss and ask questions, and perhaps some may be inspired to give it a try with some of their own photos.

Composite photos combine elements from two or more different photos, to create one final photo, and, the photo is not intended to fool the viewer; it shows something impossible that has been made to seem ‘realistic’ when done properly. This is very different from when Photoshop is used to make ‘deceptive composites’ which are passed off as real.

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Retired from an engineering background in 2015, Doug’s days are often spent exploring landscape photography shoots, especially living on Vancouver Island with its unlimited beauty.

“Every once in a while I like to have fun with my photos…that’s where the composites come in. My approach…or philosophy, is to make an image that’s very obviously photoshopped or a ‘fantastical’ composite image”

Join us, Tuesday, May 23, 2023 at 7:00pm, in Hardwick Hall, High Street at 3rd Avenue in Ladysmith. Everyone welcome. Non-members $5 drop-in fee. LCC invites new members, novice to pro.  www.LadysmithCameraClub.com

Cim MacDonald at the Chemainus Festival Theatre Gift Shop in May

The Gift Shop is open from 10 am Daily.

“The Stories Told with Street Photography” ~ Pat Haugen ~ Tuesday April 25th at 7 pm

“The Stories Told with Street Photography” Pat will present the equipment used, the approach to capturing a suitable photograph and then go through a series of images which tell a story from watching the interactions of people in urban environments. From the images presented hopefully you will see the fun in observing and recording people in locations near home and try it for yourself.

“Possibly letting me know what my future interest was to be when I took my first photo at around 7 years old with a box camera…a lovely crooked photo of the neighbour’s house. Since that time, I have always had a camera of some description to capture the world around me. Now retired, photography occupies any day it is not raining. I am an eclectic photographer who is unable to take portrait type photos of people but I have found a people niche…watching the interactions of people in the urban environment looking for photos which tell a story.”

Join us, Tuesday, April 25, 2023 at 7:00pm, in Hardwick Hall, High Street at 3rd Avenue in Ladysmith. Everyone welcome. Non-members $5 drop-in fee. LCC invites new members, novice to pro.  www.LadysmithCameraClub.com

“An Emphasis on Focus” ~ Brian Argyle ~ Tuesday March 28th at 7pm

Shoot Mode, Focus, Metering and Drive Modes are all intertwined; therefore, it is necessary to talk about all of them as they relate to one another.  As an example, in Burst (Continuous) drive mode, if the aperture is set too small, many cameras will not refocus during the burst, even if the Focus Mode is set to Continuous—so you end up with a lot of out-of-focus shots.

To ensure you get as many shots as possible with the subject in tack sharp focus, you need to be aware of the optimum settings for each as they apply to the subject you are shooting.  These settings vary for Landscape, Portrait, Wildlife, Sports and so forth.  Hopefully everyone will join in discussion during the presentation and come away with something new to try out, or at least think about when you are out shooting…

Also, Brian will touch on the RAW processing software he uses such as Lightroom, Photoshop, Topaz AI and Portrait Pro plus the Apps he uses for planning shots: PhotoPills, Astropheric, Tide Clock and Windy.

Join us, Tuesday, March 28, 2023 at 7:00pm, in Hardwick Hall, High Street at 3rd Avenue in Ladysmith. Everyone welcome. Non-members $5 drop-in fee. LCC invites new members, novice to pro.  www.LadysmithCameraClub.com

“Creating Emotion in Your Photography” ~ Cim Macdonald ~ Tuesday January 24th at 7pm

Join us for something different, Tuesday, January 24, 2023 at 7:00pm, in Hardwick Hall, High Street at 3rd Avenue in Ladysmith. Everyone welcome. Non-members $5 drop-in fee. LCC invites new members, novice to pro. www.LadysmithCameraClub.com

“Chasing Whimsy” ~ Andrea Black ~ Tuesday November 22nd at 7pm

Andrea Black is the creative mind behind Chasing Whimsy Portrait Art, specializing in Fairy Portraits. Through a combination of studio photography and digital art processing she allows her clients to find themselves in whimsical, impossible scenes while providing a magical and fun experience. Andrea will give us a glimpse into the history of Chasing Whimsy, explain her editing process and share her love (obsession?) of Photoshop and the incredible magic that can be created with this amazing tool. She hopes to inspire you to try something new as you see the realm of possibility Photoshop can offer, from simple, subtle enhancements to full on whimsy! 

Join us for something different, Tuesday, November 22, 2022 at 7:00pm, in Hardwick Hall, High Street at 3rd Avenue in Ladysmith. Everyone welcome. Non-members $5 drop-in fee. LCC invites new members, novice to pro. www.LadysmithCameraClub.com

“Documenting the Back Country of Vancouver Island” ~ Bryn Tassell ~ Tuesday October 25th at 7pm

Bryn spends time exploring and documenting lesser seen locations around BC primarily in remote wilderness areas on Vancouver Island. Having spent all his life on Vancouver Island he has grown to realize the amazing place we get to call home. Over the years of exploring remote coastlines, mountains, forests and even deep caves he wanted to share some of these lesser seen locations with others and started documenting his trips with a camera. He will be sharing a number of images and experiences from a selection of some of these locations and trips over the years.

Tuesday, October 25, 2022 at 7:00pm, in Hardwick Hall, High Street at 3rd Avenue in Ladysmith. Everyone welcome. Non-members $5 drop-in fee. LCC invites new members, novice to pro. www.LadysmithCameraClub.com

Aspects of Portraiture Lighting ~ Bob Vanderford ~ Tuesday September 27 at 7pm

Bob Vanderford received his first camera at seventeen and immediately acquired an underwater housing unit for it and a love for underwater photography. Years later, in the current digital era, Bob discovered that his true passion is portraiture. Bob is known for artistically created portraits of athletes and pets using a myriad of post-production techniques and styles. He has been internationally published in various magazines as well as having had his portraits become Book Covers for two fiction novels.

Bob has spoken to our club previously on photographing pets. In this presentation he has chosen to demonstrate several aspects of off camera lighting with photographing people. The following will be some of the lighting techniques: low light ISO management, one light, 2 lights, rim & back lighting, Gelled lighting, three-point lighting, Paramount lighting, Rembrandt lighting, Shutter drag, Natural light plus fill and Dramatic Lighting. He will also briefly touch on posing, and some of my perils of pet photography

Tuesday, September 27, 2018 at 7:00pm, in Hardwick Hall, High Street at 3rd Avenue in Ladysmith. Everyone welcome. Non-members $5 drop-in fee. LCC invites new members, novice to pro. www.LadysmithCameraClub.com

“An Approach to the Monumental World of Photography” ~ Neil Fatin ~ Tuesday June 28th at 7pm

Muri Beach

Neil is an award winning photographer.  His subject matter varies widely and is largely dictated by what catches his eye.  He has dabbled in this art form for years to varying degrees, transitioning from a dark room and chemicals to the modern platform of the digital camera and computer software.  His approach to his art form has remained the same since it is only the journey of the captured image (digital negative) to the analogue print that has changed by the advances in photography.

In his presentation, Neil will share his vision from when he clicks the shutter to the inner vision of what he wants to bring out in the final image to share with the viewer through software manipulation.

Folkloric Dancer

Tuesday, June 28th, 2022 at 7:00pm, in Hardwick Hall, High Street at 3rd Avenue in Ladysmith. Everyone welcome. Non-members $5 drop-in fee. LCC invites new members, novice to pro. Ladysmith Camera Club meetings follow BC Ministry of Health protocols for indoor meetings.

“Finding Beauty and Significance in the Ordinary” ~ Rick Lawrence ~ Tuesday May 24th at 7pm

Rick Lawrence is a photographer who lives in Mill Bay in the Cowichan Valley, Vancouver Island, BC.  He is best known for his abstract and minimalist photographs taken in urban environments in which explores the relationships between line, shape and colour, aiming to produce images that have been pared down to their fundamental or essential elements.  When observing the world around him, he often senses that what he is moved to photograph is a subconscious reminder of a thing seen or experienced before, providing a gateway to hidden memories. Consequently, many images convey emotional and symbolic qualities that he is drawn to.  

Rick will discuss his approach to taking and processing both colour and black and white photographs.  He will show examples of both his continued interest in urban abstract photography and of more recent projects in the natural world and rural settings.  In both cases he will talk about the importance of developing and improving one’s ability to notice and pay close attention to things in ordinary places.

Tuesday, May 24th, 2022 at 7:00pm, in Hardwick Hall, High Street at 3rd Avenue in Ladysmith. Everyone welcome. Non-members $5 drop-in fee. LCC invites new members, novice to pro. Ladysmith Camera Club meetings follow BC Ministry of Health protocols for indoor meetings.

“Magician to Successful Nature Photographer” ~ Ariann Black ~ Tuesday April 26th at 7pm

Ariann’s talk will present how to go from never taking a photo to selling photographs world wide.

Ariann has spent her life traveling as one of the top magicians in the world. She is an award-winning performer, her accolades include several Magician of the year awards and Female Magician of the decade. She spent most of her career as a Magician performing on the Las Vegas strip in major review shows or as an opening act for comedians.

In the past three years she’s been honing her photography skills by taking photos wherever she goes in that short period of time Ariann has managed to have photos picked up by Apple for their shot on iPhone promotion, plus Parks Canada and National Geographic for various online promotions. Her photographs have been purchased and hang in the homes of the rich and famous including an action movie star talk show host and executive producer for Seinfeld. The national wildlife Federation has used her photographs for their Christmas cards.

Ariann‘s love of nature and her ability to see the magic in the world around her is making her one of the most sought after up-and-coming photographers. Her photographs have garnered praise from around the world. Her favorite quote about one of her photographs was…  “As an individual, you influence. As an influence, you are an individual.”

Tuesday, April 26th, 2022 at 7:00pm, in Hardwick Hall, High Street at 3rd Avenue in Ladysmith. Everyone welcome. Non-members $5 drop-in fee. LCC invites new members, novice to pro. Ladysmith Camera Club meetings follow BC Ministry of Health protocols for indoor meetings.

“Travel Photography ~ Far and Wide” ~ Laura McGlone ~ Tuesday March 22nd at 7pm

Laura will discuss travel photography:  planning (and NOT planning) photographs when traveling, looking for “human landscapes,” connecting various compositional techniques, and using her favourite lens (the 16-35mm wide angle).  Hopefully, she will inspire all of us to get back on the road or close to home, cameras in hand!

Cuba or Butchart’s Gardens

Laura McGlone is a Canadian photographer whose passion is to capture and share the natural and human beauty of the world. Her artistic journey has led her to the jungles of Borneo, Tibetan monasteries high in the remote Himalaya, the Sahara dunes, the Andaman Islands, and beyond. Laura has travelled to over 45 countries, has lived in four, and speaks and has taught Japanese language and culture.  

Laura’s photographs have been published in Shutterbug Magazine and The Chicago Sun Times, among others. Five of her images have won Bronze awards in the International Aperture Awards competition. Her work has been featured in numerous solo and group exhibitions, festivals, markets, and art shows in Canada and the USA.  Her extensive and varied work can be viewed at www.lauramcglone.com.

Tuesday, March 22nd, 2022 at 7:00pm, in Hardwick Hall, High Street at 3rd Avenue in Ladysmith. Everyone welcome. Non-members $5 drop-in fee. LCC invites new members, novice to pro. Ladysmith Camera Club meetings follow BC Ministry of Health protocols for indoor meetings.

“Capturing the Universe: An introduction to Astrophotography” ~ Chris Boar and Tony Puerzer ~ Tuesday February 22nd at 7pm

Using traditional landscape photography as a “departure point” they will explain how to craft long-exposure images of the night sky. As part of their presentation they will describe gear and techniques they use.

Ladysmith Camera Club meetings follow BC Ministry of Health protocols for indoor meetings. Also the presentation will be made available on Zoom.

Tuesday, February 22nd, 2022 at 7:00pm, in Hardwick Hall, High Street at 3rd Avenue in Ladysmith. Everyone welcome. LCC invites new members, novice to pro.

For More Information check the Harbour City Photography Club: photosalon@hcpclub.ca

“High Key/Low Key Photography” ~ Judy Hancock Holland ~ Tuesday January 25th at 7pm

Judy’s presentation will demonstrate High Key Low Key Photography

High key photography is a style of photography that uses unusually bright lighting to reduce or completely blow out dark shadows in the image. High key shots usually lack dark tones and the high key look is generally thought of as positive and upbeat.

Low key photography is a genre of photography consisting of shooting dark-colored scenes by lowering or dimming the “key” or front light illuminating the scene (hence Low-key), and emphasizing natural or artificial light only on specific areas in the frame.

Ladysmith Camera Club meetings follow BC Ministry of Health protocols for indoor meetings.

Tuesday, January 25th, 2022 at 7:00pm, in Hardwick Hall, High Street at 3rd Avenue in Ladysmith. Everyone welcome. Non-members $5 drop-in fee. LCC invites new members, novice to pro.

“Minimalist Photography” ~ Judy Hancock Holland ~ Tuesday October 26th at 7pm

Judy’s presentation will demonstrate Minimalist Photography. It is a powerful medium that aims to convey the “soul” or essence of a subject, whether the subject is a person, an object, a place, or even a feeling. It involves stripping away everything in the image that doesn’t contribute to the essential vision of the photographer. Any camera, even a phone, can be used to create minimalist photographs. The more important part of the equation is seeing deeply into the subject.

Ladysmith Camera Club meetings follow BC Ministry of Health protocols for indoor meetings.

“Night Sky Photography” ~ Chris Boar & Tony Puerzer ~ Tuesday November 23rd at 7pm

“High Speed Water Droplet Photography” ~ Brad Powell ~ Tuesday September 28th at 7pm

This is an great opportunity to see a demonstration of what is involved in high speed photographing of water droplets colliding.

Brad Powell is a long-time resident of beautiful Vancouver Island. He moved to our island paradise with his family wayyyyyy back when Pierre Trudeau was our Prime Minister, the Beatles were still together, and the food was actually really good on the BC Ferries!

Photography is his creative passion. It is not often that he does not have a camera by his side. He tries to get out and explore and photograph as much of his home, the beautiful Vancouver Island, as possible. From our very British Capital, Victoria, at the south end of the Island, all the way up to Port Hardy at the rugged north end, chances are you’ll run into him and his camera and tripod somewhere sometime!

Everyone is welcome. Our regular $ 5 drop in fee has been waved for the last four meetings of the 2021 year for non-members and guests. This is a great opportunity to learn from guest speakers and meet fellow photographers at the Ladysmith Camera Club. Check out our website www.LadysmithCameraClub.com and follow us on Facebook.

The Meeting will follow the BC Ministry of Health Protocols for indoor events. Anyone that may have been exposed to Covid are requested to not attend. Attendees are encouraged to be fully vaccinated and feel free to wear a mask if they would be more comfortable.

Comet Neowise ~ July 17 11pm

Comet Neowise in Cassidy © Bruce Whittington

If have not seen Neowise, it is still visible when it gets dark enough (tonight, you’ll need to wait until around 11 pm). You can find it in the NW sky, below the Big Dipper, fairly close to the horizon. Look for a small narrow triangular-shaped smudge with the thin tip pointing upwards.

Binoculars (if you can keep them steady) will really help. The tail is long enough to almost fill the view in binoculars. A telescope on low power might be OK, but generally, comets work best in binoculars.

You can try taking a picture with a DSLR on a tripod, try 20 or 30 seconds at lowest f/number and ISO 1600 as a starting point. Focusing will be the challenge. If you have Live View on your camera, use it manually to  focus on a star first, then reframe to the comet.