Category: Fun

SPAO Photowalk

RUMMAGE by Steven Severn

The School of Photographic Arts: Ottawa (SPAO) has created a public art project around its location near Preston Street. They call it the SPAO Photo Walk and describe it in detail here. Each image (like the example shown above) is mounted on the side of a building in a donated space with a QR code that links to a description of the piece and the artist.

The map below shows the location of the works as of March 2024. Click on a star to see the image at that location.

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A special “Thank You” to Riek Van Den Berg and Doreen Barnes for their help with this map.

This event/outing is not part of the Kanata Seniors Centre Club operations and is not sanctioned by the City of Ottawa.  Information is for interested parties.

Past / Future Portrait Sessions

Participants at Past Portrait Session Having Fun

A group of camera club members offered to take portraits of the Senior Centre members in 2015 and again in 2017. It was a very popular and well-attended activity. Janet Baigent has indicated the general membership is interested in holding another portrait session if there is sufficient interest among camera club members.

A room has been reserved either Friday 26 January, or Wednesday, 31 January, to meet, discuss, plan, learn about your expectations, level of participation, and to have fun. Everyone is welcome. You may bring your camera, lights, and backgrounds if you have them. (The date to be discussed.)

In 2015 a group of us got together for 3 sessions and took portraits of ourselves before opening up to the general Senior Centre members.

This video is an example of the setup and fun we had working together:

In 2017 there was no warm-up. The photographers who participated were:

  • Ian Bartlett
  • Frank Dugal
  • Anne Jones
  • Amy Lo
  • Pat Newton
  • Sue Carey
  • Barrie Nichols

The session was advertized. There were different areas in the room. Photographers were welcome to use Pat Newton’s camera and backdrop because his camera was set up with a slave light to work with his camera and background.

Frank Dugal brought in lights and a backdrop and coached photographers to use a manual setting using their own camera.

Anne, Amy, and Sue had their own backdrops and lights.

The photographer was responsible for editing, touch-up and sending the client, via email, four or so of the best portraits.

Also, there were many camera club members, who helped with set up, welcoming people, arranging lights, taking photos, and cleaning up.

This video is the culmination of the 2017 workshop:

This PowerPoint Presentation is an example of the organization, and things to consider.

Sue Carey

Low dpi problems?

When I emailed Dave Blazek, the creator of the very funny Loose Parts comic for permission to post it to our blog, he replied:

Thanks for asking. I shutter to think what would’ve happened if you didn’t.

LOL

Winter Project Challenge

Favorite Activity-PHOTOGRAPHY!! by Ron Pierce

Winter is soon upon us and for interested Club members a special challenge. Starting in December and till the end of April seek out and take pictures that represent your individual winter experiences. There are no set topics, but as an example:

  • December – December/Christmas celebrations
    • Submit by December 30th
  • January – The Beginning
    • The dead of winter things
    • Winter reflections
    • Epiphany, Hannukah
    • Robbie Burns
    • Submit by January 27th
  • February – The end of the Beginning
    • Valentines/things red
    • Cold days – Hot Nights
    • Submit by February 24th
  • March – The Beginning of the End
    • Saint Patrick’s Day, green things
    • Melting Snow/Ice patterns
    • Maple Syrup!
    • Submit by April 7th
  • April – THE END (We hope)
    • Ready to Grow
    • winter tires/potholes, garden sales
    • Easter things
    • New Beginnings
    • Submit by April 28th

Again, these are examples to get your thoughts going. We each experience winter in different ways and the images you submit should reflect your unique experience. It could be a good one. Or a bad one. (Potholes anyone?)


When selecting an image for submission, think that you are writing a newsletter with one image for each month. Submit on the same dates as the regular monthly assignments. Select one image that is your story and submit it as:

  • Winter challenge December by <your name>.jpg

Catherine Easton is a STAR!

Cathine Easton, who puts together our slideshows every month, is a STAR!

She recently emailed me to say:

I sent my Cardinal photo to CBC TV weather guy Ian Black because he has a “fun weather photo” file where he shows a couple of seasonal photos sent to him by viewers each night on his CBC TV Weather segment each night at 6pm & 10 pm.

RIVALS by Catherine Easton

Well, I got an email from Ian Black today & he said he was showing the photo this evening.  It was on the 6pm news & will be shown again on the 10 pm-11 pm TV News. 

I think I’m allowed to grin. 

Way to go Catherine!

Volunteer Photographers

Manordale Woodvale Community Association (MWCA)  is planning a 60th Anniversary Celebration and is looking for volunteers.

On Saturday, May 28th, they will be holding a family event at Manordale Park (68 Knoxdale Road), from 2-11 pm, starting with a Shriner’s parade through the community followed by a family BBQ, with games and activities for kids, accompanied by live entertainment and a licensed bar.  

They are looking for volunteer photographers to capture the event. 

If you’re interested in helping out, please contact:

Charlene Hickman
613.297.7284
cshosein@hotmail.com